The Kansas Federalist

September 27, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-09-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

Dow soars to near record high
Dow Industrials Hit High for the Year
Wall Street surged higher Tuesday, carrying the Dow Jones industrials to their second-best close ever, as positive economic data further buoyed a growing sense of optimism among investors. The Dow closed just 53 points away from its record high close

Karzai defends war on terror
'Do you forget people jumping off the 80th floor or 70th floor when the planes hit?'
"Terrorism was hurting us way before Iraq or September 11 ... These extremist forces were killing people in Afghanistan for years, closing schools, burning mosques, killing children, uprooting vineyards," Karzai said. "They came to America on September 11, but they were attacking you before September 11 in other parts of the world. We are a witness in Afghanistan. "Do you forget people jumping off the 80th floor or 70th floor when the planes hit them? Can you imagine what it will be for a man or woman to jump from that high?" Karzai asked recalling some of the more shocking scenes from the World Trade Center bombing. "How do we get rid of them? ... Should we wait for them to come and kill us again?"

US Economy Soaring
Consumer Confidence Higher Than Expected...
The New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 104.5 from a revised reading of 100.2. in August. Analysts had expected the index to rise to 103. The reading, the highest since July's 107, followed a big dip in August, when employment worries dragged down consumer sentiment.

Clinton's anger like a 'mountain coming down'
Chris Wallace tells of former president's wrath after being asked about hunt for Osama
"The president was clearly stung by any suggestion that he had not done everything he could to get bin Laden. He attacked right-wingers – accused me of a 'conservative hit job' – and even spun a theory I still don't understand that somehow Fox was trying to cover up the fact that NewsCorp. Chief Rupert Murdoch was supporting his Global Initiative. I still have no idea what set him off."

Condi Rice: Clinton lying about bin Laden
'We were not left a comprehensive strategy to fight al-Qaida'
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday accused Bill Clinton of making "flatly false" claims that the Bush administration didn't lift a finger to stop terrorism before the 9/11 attacks
'Anchor babies' overwhelm hospitals South Texas facility finds 70-80% of births are to illegals
Rising numbers of undocumented immigrants from Mexico and Central America are streaming into Texas to give birth, straining hospitals and costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, health officials say.

White House rebuts interpretation of intel
Discounts N.Y. Times report saying overall terrorism problem worse
A newspaper report that a U.S. intelligence analysis said the Iraq war gave rise to a new generation of Islamic radicals and made the overall terrorism problem worse was "not representative of the complete document," the White House said on Sunday.

Oil prices drop below $60 a barrel
Amid signs of growing petroleum inventories
Oil prices fell below $60 a barrel on Monday amid signs of growing petroleum inventories

US Military Honors Members for Heroism
Pace honors service members for heroism
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, recognized five service members for their contributions to the war on terror, calling them the hope for a peaceful future.

Top Australian cop: Learn English
Commissioner says no excuse for immigrants not to learn language
Police Commissioner Ken Moroney believes there is "no excuse" for migrants who cannot speak English – and has called on ethnic groups to embrace Australian values.

Prison Fellowship program has track record of transforming lives
Supporting Prison Fellowship
Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed a friend-of-the-court brief today in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit in support of a successful Prison Fellowship rehabilitation program being attacked by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. (Editor’s note – Here we go again, the use of the term “separation of Church and State” like it is in the U.S. Constitution. Faith plays an important role in framing our society. We should embrace it even more in our prisons and jails.)

New Yorkers rally for 'illegal' guns
Event mocks idea that gun restrictions would stop crime
"Without it, we have no rights," he said. "Government should not make self-defense a crime. Merely possessing a firearm should not be a crime, and using a firearm in self-defense should not be a crime. The bad guys will always have access to weapons. The police cannot protect everyone, everywhere, all the time. We must allow and encourage the people to be responsible for themselves." (Editor’s note – The framers of the U.S. Constitution placed the ability to bear arms. Perhaps New York City should consider it important as well. Please visit this website to have a greater understanding of the Second Amendment: United States Constitution Amendments - Article II)

Army Special Forces Making Gains in Afghanistan
Afghans Coordinating Efforts to Suppress Extremists
Coalition forces, along with the Afghan government, soldiers and police, are focusing efforts on quelling the recent increases in the level of violence by extremists.

Life Chain Scheduled for October 1 Across North America
Conduct a Life Chain on Oct 1
Annually, on the first Sunday in October, LIFE CHAIN invites the churches in each city and town across North America to stand on a designated local sidewalk and pray for one hour, while holding one of the following approved pro-life sign messages. (Editor’s note – Contact your church to see if they are sponsoring a life chain, if not, volunteer yourself.)

Flat Tax Unveiled in Utah
Utah's New Flat Tax
“Utah residents will be able to choose between paying state income taxes at a rate of 6.98 percent -- down from the previous 7 percent rate -- or a "flat tax" rate of 5.35 percent with no deductions, under a bill approved by lawmakers. The flat-tax option, approved late on Tuesday, will not kick in until the April 15, 2008, filing deadline.” (Editor’s note – Kansas and Missouri should give considerable weight to a flat tax.)

Illegals get free kidney dialysis, hospitals suffer
'They have no way of paying for it, and in 6 months they rack up $750,000'
Between 20 and 25 undocumented immigrants arrive each week for kidney dialysis at Mission Regional Medical Center’s emergency room. (Editor’s note – Soon to be coming to a hospital near you.)

Local/Regional Headlines

Problems Run Deep at JOCO Department of Corrections
Turmoil continues in Johnson County correctional system
For the second time in recent weeks, a Johnson County Department of Corrections official has resigned amid an apparent internal investigation. Press referred questions about the investigation to the Sheriff’s Department, which declined to comment. (Editor’s note – My suggestion is to outsource the programs to the private sector at considerable savings)

Barnett touts competition as the key in the healthcare process
Barnett outlines plan for improving access to health care
Saying his goal is to make sure all Kansans have access to medical care by 2010, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Barnett outlined a plan that includes creating a one-stop shopping center for health insurance.

Crackdown on cameras at gymnastics meet
Officials concerned about pedophiles taking unsavory photographs
Images of children that may be sexually interesting to some people can find their way onto the Internet. People with pedophiliac tendencies could find child gymnastics appealing. This same issue could be a problem for volleyball meets and basketball events that incorporate large numbers of children at one time.

Invitation to Attend Charity Event on October 12th at the Ritz Charles
http://www.missingoffenders.org/.
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. The Oct. 12th Banquet features speakers Beth Holloway Twitty (mother of Natalie Holloway) and Rick Segall of America’s Most Wanted. Seat and table sponsorships available. Call now for a table sponsorship or individual tickets. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133.

Teen's Text Messages Lead Investigators To Sex Offender
Read Full Story
A Shawnee, Kan. mother concerned about her teenage daughter's behavior checked her daughter's cell phone and found some disturbing information. She was seeing a registered sexual predator.

NSPIC Board Member featured on Glenn Beck Show
Tim Miller of Texas EquuSearch will be featured on CNN’s The Glenn Beck Show
Tim Miller and Texas EquuSearch will be discussed on tonight’s Glenn Beck Show. It can be seen on CNN’s Headline News at 7pm, 9pm and 11pm EDT. Tim is in addition a board member of the National Sexual Predator Information Center located in Johnson County, Kansas.

Morrison’s Past Lobbying of Criminal Justice Bills Questioned
new website
An alarming number of second offense felons whose sentences were affected and reduced under legislation Paul Morrison authored and introduced are identified in a new website.

K-State Expert leads the way on Bioterror
On the front lines of bioterror defense
K-State associate vice provost for research and compliance, Dr. Jerry Jaax, is one of the foremost experts in the United States on threats posed by pathogens and infectious diseases. This week in Kansas City, he will speak at the International Symposium on Agroterrorism about protecting the nation’s food supply. (Editor’s note – I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Jaax when I was a KBI special agent. He is indeed a wonderful man and we are very lucky to have him here in the Midwest and working for Kansas State. He is a leader in his profession.)

Surbaugh will continue to raise all types of taxes in Johnson County
Candidates differ on fiscal approaches
"We're obviously going to have to address it (running Johnson County Government) through the mill levy as well as other taxes, sales taxes," Surbaugh said. (Editor’s note – Make no mistake, if we don’t make a changes in the BOCC Chair we are in deep financial trouble in Johnson County)

News-Line Commentary

Please mark your calendars to attend the Kansas Federalist Event at Broadmoor Park in Mission, Kansas on October 14th from 3PM-5PM. Special guests include GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Jim Barnett, Johnson County Chair Candidate Charlotte O’Hara and State Representative Mary Pilcher Cook among others. This event is a good old fashion ice cream social with cake. Bring the kids, play at the park and meet candidates running for office! Being uninformed is not an excuse! It’s free because it my gift to thee!

Currie Myers, Editor – The Kansas Federalist

Contributions

The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates
5427 Johnson Drive, #254
Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

September 27, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-09-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

Dow soars to near record high
Dow Industrials Hit High for the Year
Wall Street surged higher Tuesday, carrying the Dow Jones industrials to their second-best close ever, as positive economic data further buoyed a growing sense of optimism among investors. The Dow closed just 53 points away from its record high close

Karzai defends war on terror
'Do you forget people jumping off the 80th floor or 70th floor when the planes hit?'
"Terrorism was hurting us way before Iraq or September 11 ... These extremist forces were killing people in Afghanistan for years, closing schools, burning mosques, killing children, uprooting vineyards," Karzai said. "They came to America on September 11, but they were attacking you before September 11 in other parts of the world. We are a witness in Afghanistan. "Do you forget people jumping off the 80th floor or 70th floor when the planes hit them? Can you imagine what it will be for a man or woman to jump from that high?" Karzai asked recalling some of the more shocking scenes from the World Trade Center bombing. "How do we get rid of them? ... Should we wait for them to come and kill us again?"

US Economy Soaring
Consumer Confidence Higher Than Expected...
The New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 104.5 from a revised reading of 100.2. in August. Analysts had expected the index to rise to 103. The reading, the highest since July's 107, followed a big dip in August, when employment worries dragged down consumer sentiment.

Clinton's anger like a 'mountain coming down'
Chris Wallace tells of former president's wrath after being asked about hunt for Osama
"The president was clearly stung by any suggestion that he had not done everything he could to get bin Laden. He attacked right-wingers – accused me of a 'conservative hit job' – and even spun a theory I still don't understand that somehow Fox was trying to cover up the fact that NewsCorp. Chief Rupert Murdoch was supporting his Global Initiative. I still have no idea what set him off."

Condi Rice: Clinton lying about bin Laden
'We were not left a comprehensive strategy to fight al-Qaida'
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday accused Bill Clinton of making "flatly false" claims that the Bush administration didn't lift a finger to stop terrorism before the 9/11 attacks
'Anchor babies' overwhelm hospitals South Texas facility finds 70-80% of births are to illegals
Rising numbers of undocumented immigrants from Mexico and Central America are streaming into Texas to give birth, straining hospitals and costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, health officials say.

White House rebuts interpretation of intel
Discounts N.Y. Times report saying overall terrorism problem worse
A newspaper report that a U.S. intelligence analysis said the Iraq war gave rise to a new generation of Islamic radicals and made the overall terrorism problem worse was "not representative of the complete document," the White House said on Sunday.

Oil prices drop below $60 a barrel
Amid signs of growing petroleum inventories
Oil prices fell below $60 a barrel on Monday amid signs of growing petroleum inventories

US Military Honors Members for Heroism
Pace honors service members for heroism
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, recognized five service members for their contributions to the war on terror, calling them the hope for a peaceful future.

Top Australian cop: Learn English
Commissioner says no excuse for immigrants not to learn language
Police Commissioner Ken Moroney believes there is "no excuse" for migrants who cannot speak English – and has called on ethnic groups to embrace Australian values.

Prison Fellowship program has track record of transforming lives
Supporting Prison Fellowship
Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed a friend-of-the-court brief today in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit in support of a successful Prison Fellowship rehabilitation program being attacked by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. (Editor’s note – Here we go again, the use of the term “separation of Church and State” like it is in the U.S. Constitution. Faith plays an important role in framing our society. We should embrace it even more in our prisons and jails.)

New Yorkers rally for 'illegal' guns
Event mocks idea that gun restrictions would stop crime
"Without it, we have no rights," he said. "Government should not make self-defense a crime. Merely possessing a firearm should not be a crime, and using a firearm in self-defense should not be a crime. The bad guys will always have access to weapons. The police cannot protect everyone, everywhere, all the time. We must allow and encourage the people to be responsible for themselves." (Editor’s note – The framers of the U.S. Constitution placed the ability to bear arms. Perhaps New York City should consider it important as well. Please visit this website to have a greater understanding of the Second Amendment: United States Constitution Amendments - Article II)

Army Special Forces Making Gains in Afghanistan
Afghans Coordinating Efforts to Suppress Extremists
Coalition forces, along with the Afghan government, soldiers and police, are focusing efforts on quelling the recent increases in the level of violence by extremists.

Life Chain Scheduled for October 1 Across North America
Conduct a Life Chain on Oct 1
Annually, on the first Sunday in October, LIFE CHAIN invites the churches in each city and town across North America to stand on a designated local sidewalk and pray for one hour, while holding one of the following approved pro-life sign messages. (Editor’s note – Contact your church to see if they are sponsoring a life chain, if not, volunteer yourself.)

Flat Tax Unveiled in Utah
Utah's New Flat Tax
“Utah residents will be able to choose between paying state income taxes at a rate of 6.98 percent -- down from the previous 7 percent rate -- or a "flat tax" rate of 5.35 percent with no deductions, under a bill approved by lawmakers. The flat-tax option, approved late on Tuesday, will not kick in until the April 15, 2008, filing deadline.” (Editor’s note – Kansas and Missouri should give considerable weight to a flat tax.)

Illegals get free kidney dialysis, hospitals suffer
'They have no way of paying for it, and in 6 months they rack up $750,000'
Between 20 and 25 undocumented immigrants arrive each week for kidney dialysis at Mission Regional Medical Center’s emergency room. (Editor’s note – Soon to be coming to a hospital near you.)

Local/Regional Headlines

Problems Run Deep at JOCO Department of Corrections
Turmoil continues in Johnson County correctional system
For the second time in recent weeks, a Johnson County Department of Corrections official has resigned amid an apparent internal investigation. Press referred questions about the investigation to the Sheriff’s Department, which declined to comment. (Editor’s note – My suggestion is to outsource the programs to the private sector at considerable savings)

Barnett touts competition as the key in the healthcare process
Barnett outlines plan for improving access to health care
Saying his goal is to make sure all Kansans have access to medical care by 2010, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Barnett outlined a plan that includes creating a one-stop shopping center for health insurance.

Crackdown on cameras at gymnastics meet
Officials concerned about pedophiles taking unsavory photographs
Images of children that may be sexually interesting to some people can find their way onto the Internet. People with pedophiliac tendencies could find child gymnastics appealing. This same issue could be a problem for volleyball meets and basketball events that incorporate large numbers of children at one time.

Invitation to Attend Charity Event on October 12th at the Ritz Charles
www.missingoffenders.org.
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. The Oct. 12th Banquet features speakers Beth Holloway Twitty (mother of Natalie Holloway) and Rick Segall of America’s Most Wanted. Seat and table sponsorships available. Call now for a table sponsorship or individual tickets. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133.

Teen's Text Messages Lead Investigators To Sex Offender
Read Full Story
A Shawnee, Kan. mother concerned about her teenage daughter's behavior checked her daughter's cell phone and found some disturbing information. She was seeing a registered sexual predator.

NSPIC Board Member featured on Glenn Beck Show
Tim Miller of Texas EquuSearch will be featured on CNN’s The Glenn Beck Show
Tim Miller and Texas EquuSearch will be discussed on tonight’s Glenn Beck Show. It can be seen on CNN’s Headline News at 7pm, 9pm and 11pm EDT. Tim is in addition a board member of the National Sexual Predator Information Center located in Johnson County, Kansas.

Morrison’s Past Lobbying of Criminal Justice Bills Questioned
new website
An alarming number of second offense felons whose sentences were affected and reduced under legislation Paul Morrison authored and introduced are identified in a new website.

K-State Expert leads the way on Bioterror
On the front lines of bioterror defense
K-State associate vice provost for research and compliance, Dr. Jerry Jaax, is one of the foremost experts in the United States on threats posed by pathogens and infectious diseases. This week in Kansas City, he will speak at the International Symposium on Agroterrorism about protecting the nation’s food supply. (Editor’s note – I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Jaax when I was a KBI special agent. He is indeed a wonderful man and we are very lucky to have him here in the Midwest and working for Kansas State. He is a leader in his profession.)

Surbaugh will continue to raise all types of taxes in Johnson County
Candidates differ on fiscal approaches
"We're obviously going to have to address it (running Johnson County Government) through the mill levy as well as other taxes, sales taxes," Surbaugh said. (Editor’s note – Make no mistake, if we don’t make a changes in the BOCC Chair we are in deep financial trouble in Johnson County)

News-Line Commentary

Please mark your calendars to attend the Kansas Federalist Event at Broadmoor Park in Mission, Kansas on October 14th from 3PM-5PM. Special guests include GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Jim Barnett, Johnson County Chair Candidate Charlotte O’Hara and State Representative Mary Pilcher Cook among others. This event is a good old fashion ice cream social with cake. Bring the kids, play at the park and meet candidates running for office! Being uninformed is not an excuse! It’s free because it my gift to thee!

Currie Myers, Editor – The Kansas Federalist

Contributions

The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates
5427 Johnson Drive, #254
Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

September 24, 2006 - Placing Conservative View in the Headlines

2006-09-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

French paper reports bin Laden dead
Unnamed Saudi police sources attribute demise to typhoid fever
Osama bin Laden died within days of contracting typhoid fever in Pakistan last month, according to unnamed Saudi police sources quoted today in the French daily L'Est Republicain.

Young Mother’s baby cut from womb her three other children kidnapped
Woman's fetus apparently cut from womb
The body of a woman who apparently had a fetus cut from her womb was found in a vacant lot, and police said Friday they were searching for her three young children.

Chief: Cop killed because border not defended
But defends policy of not enforcing immigration laws after illegal kills officer
"If the government would fulfill their responsibility of protecting the border, we probably would not be standing here today, said Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt. In addition former judge and current US Congressman Rep. Ted Poe, R-Humble, said the shooting highlighted the need to tighten the borders and beef up enforcement of immigration laws.

'Green flag of Allah will fly over Vatican’
Sheik rejects pope's gestures to Muslims, calls for holy war against 'this little racist'
Islamic Fascist leader says that Christian leaders such as Benedict are "afraid" because they realize Islam is Allah's favorite religion and they are going to hell unless they convert. The Gaza preacher declared the "green flag of Muhammad" would soon be raised over the Vatican.

VeggieTales too Christian for NBC
Network demands edits, creator says it fears kids hearing 'God loves you'
The wildly popular VeggieTales kids videos about vegetables who talk and sing and act out Bible stories are being edited….

Diary shows pope's opposition to Hitler
Pius XI: 'I won't be afraid. I prefer to beg for alms' than to give in to fascists
A 1938 diary written near the end of Pope Pius XI's papacy confirms his opposition to fascism was hardening as the outbreak of World War II grew closer, a historian said Tuesday after examining documents in the Vatican's just-opened secret archives. The diary quoted Pius as saying, "'I won't be afraid. I prefer to beg for alms'" than to give into pressures from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's fascist regime, said French historian Philippe Chenaux.

Pledge to Mexican flag featured at Texas school
Principal says he was pursuing 'diversity,' but wouldn't do it again
The principal of an elementary school instructed his students to stand during the recitation of a pledge to the Mexican flag during a diversity assembly recently, and he's been trying to backtrack ever since.

80,000 violent felons run free on U.S. streets
Congressman says U.S. must turn back effort to weaken law enforcement
The 277-140 vote, according to plan sponsor U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood, R-Ga., affirmed the authority of state and local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws while in the course of their regular duties such as traffic stops and drug arrests.

11 years late, Illinois addresses abortion
Pro-life groups say new rules will allow enforcement of parental notification
The Illinois Supreme Court has announced it has agreed – after 11 years of delays – to develop rules for parental notification of abortions on girls under the age of 18, and pro-life groups say that may "rescue Illinois from its notorious position as the abortion dumping ground of the Midwest."

US Marines deal big blow to Insurgents
‘America’s Battalion’ makes big catch
SAQLAWIYAH, Iraq (Sept. 16, 2006) -- Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment dealt the insurgency a heavy blow in their area of operations

Army recruiting ahead of schedule
Army At War Fills Its RanksThe active Army met its annual recruiting goal ahead of schedule. “We are at war and this sends a signal to our friends that the Army will continue to honor our commitments at home and abroad,” said Secretary of the Army Francis J. Harvey. “It also sends a signal to our enemies and those who oppose freedom, democracy and equal rights."

Local/Regional Headlines

$400,000 Bill into JCCC for Misconduct Investigation
Report on Johnson County college investigation released
A report on an independent investigation at Johnson County Community College recounts a female worker's allegations that the former president sexually harassed her but does not draw any conclusions about what happened. Kansas City lawyer Betsy Badger conducted an independent investigation and her law firm billed the college $377,390 through Sept. 3 for the work. (Editor’s note – Nearly $400,00 bill to investigate and not draw any conclusions, incredible)

Investigation into hazardous materials trucking company identified
Indictments in alleged trucking scheme
The operators of truck driving schools in Kansas City and southern Missouri conspired to help more than 70 Somali and Bosnian immigrants illegally obtain commercial driver’s licenses, federal prosecutors alleged Thursday. Those key defendants included Ernest A. “Mustafa” White, 49, of Kansas City, who owned the Muslim Brothers and Sisters trucking company in the Kansas City area. (Editor’s note – I get very concerned when I see the words Muslim, Mustafa, Somalia, Bosnia, illegal, trucking, and hazardous materials all in the same report.)

WWI Memorial obtains landmark status
Liberty Memorial gains landmark status
Designation as a landmark will offer no further legal protections for the memorial, which already is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But landmark status affirms the memorial’s importance to the nation. (Editor’s note – I like to see very narrow interpretations of landmark status for buildings and grounds, but I believe monuments such as war memorials is an absolute must. Kansas City should be proud of having such an important landmark, especially dedicated to WWI. Go see the memorial and museum when it opens and remember the sacrifices made by those brave soldiers and our citizens during that time of significant trouble.)

Invitation to Attend Charity Event on October 12th at the Ritz Charles
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. The Oct. 12th Banquet features speakers Beth Holloway Twitty (mother of Natalie Holloway) and Rick Segall of America’s Most Wanted. Seat and table sponsorships available. Call now for a table sponsorship or individuals tickets. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133 or visit the NSPIC website at http://www.missingoffenders.org/.

Rose’s remarks deplorable
Pres. Ahmadinejad, meet Sen. O'Connor
Rose editorial states that there is no difference between Iran's hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and recently retired Kansas State Sen. Kay O'Connor. (Editor’s note – There is a reason why the Sun is a failing business. It’s because their front man. Steve Rose, deserves no respect. Rose should publicly apologize to Sen. O’Connor for his deplorable comments. For the record, Kay O’Connor is a warm, respectful, trustworthy, and honorable person who informed the public of her beliefs and how government should play a role in those beliefs. That’s why we elect people to office. Rose’s comments not only are offensive to another American citizen but also are offensive to the very constituency that elected her. Believe it or not, Steve, some people just like open and honest elected officials in office.)

Free condoms to be distributed in University of Missouri’s dorms
University to distribute free condoms in campus bathrooms
The University of Missouri-Columbia, will soon be the first in the Big 12 Conference to distribute free condoms in residential hall bathrooms, school officials said Friday.

Hefty Pay Increase to University President’s Across the Board
Kansas regents raise pay for officials
The Kansas Board of Regents on Thursday gave hefty pay increases to the presidents of the state’s three regional institutions and moderate raises to leaders at its three research universities. University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway will be paid $319,280; Kansas State University President Jon Wefald will be paid $296,400 and Wichita State University President Donald Beggs will get $260,000.

Sebelius Immigration Woes
Barnett Up And Running
Kathleen Sebelius has supported gateway documents like drivers licenses to illegal aliens, supported reduced tuition for illegal aliens and was initially opposed to putting national guard troops on the Southern border.

News-Line Commentary

Please mark your calendars to attend the Kansas Federalist Event at Broadmoor Park in Mission, Kansas on October 14th from 3PM-5PM. Special guests include GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Jim Barnett, Johnson County Chair Candidate Charlotte O’Hara and State Representative Mary Pilcher Cook among others. This event is a good old fashion ice cream social with cake. Bring the kids, play at the park and meet candidates running for office! Being uninformed is not an excuse! It’s free because it my gift to thee!

Currie Myers, Editor – The Kansas Federalist

Contributions

The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates
5427 Johnson Drive, #254
Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

September 20, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-09-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

Treasury payments show effectiveness of tax cuts
FLUSH: US Treasury Sets New 1-Day Tax Receipt Record Of $85.8 Billion...
The U.S. government recorded record-high overall and corporate tax receipts on Sept. 15, which was a quarterly deadline for tax payments, the Treasury said Monday. Total tax receipts were $85.8 billion on Friday, compared with the previous one-day record of $71 billion on Sept. 15 of last year, the Treasury said. Within the overall figure, corporate tax receipts Friday were $71.8 billion, up from $63 billion in September of last year.

At U.N., Chavez calls Bush 'the devil'
'He came here talking as if he were the owner of the world'
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez took his verbal battle with the United States to the floor of the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, calling President Bush "the devil."
(Editor’s note – We are seeing the beginning of a new Axis power and quite frankly the world community is handling it very similarly to the Axis power’s growth of the 1930’s. President Bush must stand tall as the Winston Churchill of our time in order to mitigate this incredible threat)

McCain’s suicidal hand-wringing
More
When you enter a boxing ring, you agree to abide by the rules of boxing. But when you are attacked from behind in a dark alley, you would be a fool to abide by the Marquis of Queensbury rules. If you do, you can end up being a dead fool. Many in the media and in the government that is supposed to protect us have been preoccupied with whether we are being nice enough to the terrorists in our custody.

Islamist: Nun's death linked to anti-Christian sentiments
'She was shot outside the hospital, going to her house '
Gunmen killed an Italian nun at a children's hospital in Mogadishu on Sunday in an attack that drew immediate speculation of links to Muslim anger over the Pope's recent remarks on Islam. (Editor’s note – According to witnesses, the Nun apparently forgave the gunmen for their transgressions before she passed away)

Arab leader: Muslims will rule Jerusalem
Says city will be capital of new Islamic caliphate sooner than thought
Islamic Movement leader Sheikh Raed Salah tells rally of 50,000 in Umm al-Fahm: Jerusalem will be the capital of the new Muslim caliphate sooner than is thought.

The New Street Corner in America
Internet is the new street corner for Web-savvy prostitutes
Many prostitutes tour the country, staying in a motel in or near a city for one to two weeks at a time. Others work out of their homes or for regional sex services that use computers to advertise, land clients and make appointments.

Ted Turner: Iraq war among history's 'dumbest'
Says it ranks with Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, German invasion of Russia
The U.S. invasion of Iraq was among the "dumbest moves of all time" that ranks with the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor and the German invasion of Russia, billionaire philanthropist Ted Turner said on Tuesday. (Editor’s note – An American calling us the same as Japan and Germany is an incredible statement, even if you disagree with why we went into Iraq.)

Border Security First
Senate Reversal: 'It's time to secure the border with Mexico,' Frist says...
"It's time to secure the border with Mexico," Majority Leader Bill Frist said last night before filing the parliamentary motions to force the House-passed bill onto the Senate floor in a final effort to get a major immigration bill on the president's desk before the elections.

Bloomberg has fallen off the deep end
NYC Mayor Suggests Paying Poor...
Poor New Yorkers who make healthy choices - such as staying in school and regularly seeing the doctor - should be rewarded with cash to help break the cycle of poverty, Mayor Michael Bloomberg suggested Monday.

Report: Federal judge declares boating illegal
'Even though this action seems like a horrible pre-April fools joke, it is very serious'
In a rather bizarre ruling that has marine industry officials worried, Judge Robert G. James of the United States District Court, Western Division of Louisiana, has said that it is criminal trespass for the American boating public to boat, fish, or hunt on the Mississippi River and other navigable waters in the US. (Editor’s Note – It a good thing his honor wasn’t around when Lewis and Clark explored the Mississippi. Incredulous judicial ruling!)

Mexican Government Incursions into the US Identified
New Documents Detailing Mexican Government Incursions[Read More...]
Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced that it has obtained records from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) that document 226 incursions by Mexican government personnel into the United States between 1996 and 2005.

Personal responsibilities regarding loans and mortgages
Toxic mortgages and personal responsibility
Mortgage foreclosure rates soared 53 percent in August, compared with a year earlier, and many people who were eager to buy a house with low "teaser" interest rates and creative financing are in trouble. Acton Senior Fellow in Economics Jennifer Roback Morse expects new calls for government oversight of the mortgage industry, which is already highly regulated. A better idea, she suggests, would be for buyers to examine their motives for acquiring real estate with gimmicky loans and take some responsibility for their actions.

Local/Regional Headlines

Sebelius dishonest with ad campaigns
Governor hopes voters will forget
In 2004 Sebelius unsuccessfully advocated raising sales, income and property taxes for public education and also hiking cigarette taxes 50 cents to fund health care initiatives.

Using Children as Sex Slaves in Kansas City
Woman indicted for sex trafficking 3 kids
Bradley J. Schlozman, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Kansas City, Mo., woman was indicted by a federal grand jury as a co-defendant with her boyfriend for participating in child sex trafficking. Today’s charges are the result of the district’s Human Trafficking Initiative.

Invitation to Attend Charity Event on October 12th at the Ritz Charles
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. The Oct. 12th Banquet features speakers Beth Holloway Twitty (mother of Natalie Holloway) and Rick Segall of America’s Most Wanted. Seat and table sponsorships available. Please consider a gift to this great non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133 or visit the NSPIC website at www.missingoffenders.org.

Judges do not want to respond to questionnaires
Conservative group polls judges on issues
The Kansas Judicial Review of Johnson County will use the answers to recommend to voters which judges should be retained. (Editor’s note – How do we, as voters, know whether or not to retain the judges if they are unwilling to answer simple questions, or at least frame their answers in order for the voter to understand their judicial philosophy. Our Federal judicial nominees must do this before the Senate)

Suspect in 1998 murder brought back from Mexico
Man sought in 1998 killing extradited to Sedgwick County
Authorities said Oscar Torres-Chavez, 25, was driving a car filled with fellow gang members when one of the passengers opened fire on 8-year-old Antonio Galvin, who was playing with a puppy outside his home in Wichita.

Gubernatorial Candidate Proposes Solutions to Illegal Immigration Issue
Barnett proposes training to fight illegal immigration
Barnett, a state senator from Emporia, said he would sign an agreement as allowed by a 1997 federal immigration law. It allows federal officials to provide locals with training to detect and combat illegal immigration activities, and Barnett said Kansas must be a good partner with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Fairway want tax increase
Fairway plans tax hike for proposed city hall
Fairway has a plan for financing its new city hall — reshuffle some existing money and implement a tax increase for the next 20 years.

Kansas Agriculture Update
Winter wheat planting in full swing
Winter wheat planting and corn harvest are now in full swing, Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service said Monday. (Editor’s note – Please don’t forgot KC, that our state is largely agrarian based, so let’s pray for a good harvest this year across Kansas)

News-Line Commentary

“Much of the Constitution is remarkably simple and straightforward—certainly as compared to the convoluted reasoning of judges and law professors discussing what is called ‘Constitutional law,’ much of which has no basis in that document... The real question [for judicial nominees] is whether that nominee will follow the law or succumb to the lure of ‘a living constitution,’ ‘evolving standards’ and other lofty words meaning judicial power to reshape the law to suit their own personal preferences.”—Thomas Sowell

Contributions
The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates
5427 Johnson Drive, #254
Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

September 17, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-09-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

Pope Benedict become new target for Islamo-Fascist
Sheikh's judgment comes after pontiff says some Islamic teachings 'evil'
A hardline cleric linked to Somalia's powerful Islamist movement has called for Muslims to "hunt down" and kill Pope Benedict XVI for his controversial comments about Islam.

'Bioethicist': OK to kill babies after they're born
'Animal rights' promoter asserts actual birth makes no difference
An internationally known Princeton "bioethicist" and animal-rights activist says he'd kill disabled babies if it were in the "best interests" of the family, because he sees no distinction in the child's life whether it is born or not, and the world already allows abortion.

SEALs Receive Navy Cross
Two SEALs Receive Posthumous Navy Cross Awards
Special operations forces personnel, so accustomed to operating in the shadows, stepped sadly into the light Sept. 13 as the Navy presented the widows of two SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) killed in Afghanistan with the nation’s second-highest military award for valor.

Ties between elites, child-sex rings 'beyond imagination'
Journalist faces death threats for exposing Mexican politicians, businessmen
A 2004 study by researcher Elena Azaola, which estimated that some 17,000 children under the age of 18 are victims of the sex trade in Mexico, is also based on interviews with minors who managed to escape, as well as visits to establishments where underage girls and boys are forced to work as prostitutes. The number of Mexican politicians and businessmen involved in child pornography and sex rings "would shock us if we knew the real extent of the phenomenon," said activist Lydia Cacho.

Invitation to Attend Charity Event on October 12th at the Ritz Charles
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. The Oct. 12th Banquet features speakers Beth Holloway Twitty (mother of Natalie Holloway) and Rick Segall of America’s Most Wanted. Seat and table sponsorships available. Please consider a gift to this great non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133 or visit the NSPIC website at http://www.missingoffenders.org/.

Teacher gets 30 counts of incest, rape
Man, 45, accused of sexually assaulting 3 young women
The head of the Lowell, Mass., high school math department and prominent chess player was ordered held on $1 million bail Wednesday when he was arraigned on 30 felony rape and incest charges. Wamala is a native of Uganda who became a U.S. citizen after immigrating in 1988 to get his doctorate at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell.

'Peaceful pill' would give patients permanent rest
Australian founder of suicide group promotes plan at conference
An Australian doctor who promotes suicide as a way to die has introduced a new "peaceful pill" plan to advocates at a conference, touting the pill for its accessibility – and legality.

Price of gas continues to fall
GAS PRICES COULD GO TO $1.15 A GALLON?
With fear of supply disruptions ebbing, oil prices began sliding. With oil inventories high, refiners that turn oil into gasoline are expected to cut production. As refiners cut production, oil companies increasingly risk getting stuck with excess oil supplies. There's already anecdotal evidence of oil companies chartering tankers to store excess oil. (Editor’s note: See folks, let the market fix itself. I called it this summer in one of my editorials to let the natural supply and demand market work itself and not have government interference)

Judges could be fired for 'violating rights'
Voters may give citizens' panel power to require accountability
Now comes the newest statement on morals and conservative values from the roughly 800,000 people who live between Nebraska and North Dakota, Minnesota and Wyoming: A South Dakota Judicial Accountability plan that would require judges to follow the Constitution

Robert Novak elaborates on the CIA leak embarrassment
Novak: Armitage's leak
Armitage's silence the next two and one-half years caused intense pain for his colleagues in government and enabled partisan Democrats in Congress to falsely accuse Rove of being my primary source. When Armitage now says he was mute because of special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald's request, that does not explain his silent three months between his claimed first realization that he was the source and Fitzgerald's appointment on Dec. 30. Armitage's tardy self-disclosure is tainted because it is deceptive.

Conservatives are the answer in the upcoming elections
We Need More Conservatives
Government is still too big and it still spends too much. Our taxes and entitlements cry out for reform. Abortion is still legal and euthanasia is gaining acceptance. There is much work to be done. For Americans frustrated with the expansion of government and the erosion of values, even under Republican control, House conservatives have one suggestion: send us reinforcements!

PBS Uses Tax Dollars to Sway Voters
PBS Uses Tax Dollars to Sway Voters
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (PBS)—an organization funded by your tax dollars—is at it again. With Election Day 2006 less then 60 short days away, PBS is producing and airing biased pieces of yellow journalism that insinuate the Bush administration and Republican legislators across the country are engaging in a campaign to deny minorities and poor the right to vote.

Young Mother Killed in Baby’s Abduction
MO Mom's Throat Slashed, Baby Taken
State and federal investigators kept up the search Saturday for a woman who walked into a rural home, told a young mother "I'm here to take your child," then slashed the mother's throat and left with her 1-week-old baby. (Editors note – I am at a loss for words. Please pray for the safety of this young child and for the soul of the young mother)

Intel specialist: Kim Jong-Il in failing health
North Korean leader reported to have difficulty walking
North Korean reclusive leader Kim Jong-Il's health has further deteriorated and he can no longer walk without difficulty due to worsening diabetes, a South Korean lawmaker said.

Local/Regional Headlines

Archbishop has serious concerns for Sebelius’ stances on issues
Bishop asks Catholics to pray for Sebelius to change on abortion
Roman Catholics in northeast Kansas have been asked to pray for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to "reconsider her long held position supporting legalized abortion." The request came from Archbishop Joseph Naumann, of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, in a Sept. 8 column in the diocesan newspaper The Leaven, with a circulation of 52,900. "It is never permissible for a Catholic to support the legalization of the killing of innocent lives by abortion, much less lead the fight for legal abortion," Naumann wrote. The bishops said Catholics may not promote or remain indifferent to choices that are "intrinsically evil," such as abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, same-sex marriage, cloning or embryonic stem cell research.

The main role (of state government) is that we provide a business-friendly atmosphere
Barnett running on pro-business record
“Barnett has been there on a lot of the issues that businesses are concerned about: tort reform and workers' compensation," said Bernie Koch, the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce's vice president for government relations. "The impression I get is he has been strong" in supporting legislation that's important to business. "We need to have a minimum of regulation and common-sense regulation for business,” Barnett added.

Kansas Congressman’s Votes on Security have been problematic
Kansas congressman called soft on terror
During a news conference at his Overland Park campaign headquarters, Chuck Ahner said that Moore, a Democrat from Lenexa, wrongly voted to kill the Patriot Act last year and opposed the death penalty for terrorists. (Editor’s note – Chuck Ahner is a West Point Graduate and former Army officer)

Liberal Judge Nixes Voter ID Law
Judge strikes down Missouri voter ID law
Callahan's ruling bars the photo ID requirement from being enforced. He said the requirement is a particular burden to women and the poor. That's because a separate Missouri law requires those getting or renewing a driver's license to show they are lawfully in the country, generally with a birth certificate or passport. (Editor’s note - This is one of the most outrageous decisions from the judiciary in recent time)

Bonner Springs Republican shows his true colors
Republican supports Democrat as successor
Cox is endorsing Democrat Corey Mohn, saying Mohn’s moderate leadership puts him more in tune with the values of northeast Kansas than Republican Owen Donohoe. (Editors Note – Owen Donohoe is a good and decent man and will be an excellent state representative)

“Kansas cannot give government incentives to illegal immigrants”
Barnett against incentives for illegal immigrants Kansas cannot give government incentives to illegal immigrants, cannot grant them driver's licenses and cannot allow employers to hire them as workers

Fairway Residents take stand against huge bridge
Fairway residents blast, support plan for bridge
"For our sake and yours it is time to take a new approach," Gilbert said. "You must hold public meetings in which citizens are allowed to make alternative proposals for modifying the size of the bridge, and you must attempt to make them work if at all possible. What if you were wrong? What if the impact of this bridge is as overwhelming as most people think it will be and it wasn't absolutely necessary? How will you justify your refusal to address citizen concerns?"

Kansas City is moving closer to Mexico
Operation U-Turn
Kansas City Smart Port, a nonprofit affiliate organization of the Kansas City Area Development Council, is spearheading efforts to put a Mexican customs office - the first ever outside of Mexico - in Kansas City..." Traffic World Special Report

Clear Choices in County Chair Race
County commission chair candidates speak at forum
O'Hara, a real estate agent, owned a construction company. Surbaugh cited 17 years as an elected official and her "passion for the community" as her greatest strengths. (Editor’s note – Let’s see a business owner of a large company or a career politician. I pick the business owner!)

State Agency’s Failings Indicate Sebelius’ Lack of Leadership
SRS: A Failed Agency
Millions in over billing Medicaid, state employees abusing patients, failure to investigate the rape and abuse of children, and falsifying food stamp data are all recent develops with on of the biggest state agencies under Sebelius’ control.

Kansas Legislature – Cut Gas Taxes!
Kansas committee considering gas tax 'buffer' along borders
A proposal to create a tax buffer zone along Kansas' borders with other states drew praise from the owner of a gasoline station and strong objections from some state officials concerned about losing tax revenue. (Editor’s Note – The tax should be cut all across Kansas not just in the buffer zones. Supply and demand folks. Let the market adjust naturally not through government regulation. The more you cut the gas tax the more money people will have in their pocket, which means the more they will drive around and buy things which will stimulant buying)

Liberal Judge to retire
Judge prominent in school finance controversy to retire
A Shawnee County district judge whose ruling ultimately forced Kansas legislators to dramatically boost spending on public schools confirmed Wednesday he will retire next year after more than 30 years on the bench.

News-Line Commentary
By Currie Myers

In a recent debate AG Candidate Paul Morrison made a statement that has just infuriated me personally and it should you too. Morrison, a lawyer and prosecutor and someone whom you would think would be schooled in the United States Constitution said the following: “The founding fathers spent a great deal of time and energy in deciding that church and state should be separate.”

What an outrage! The founding fathers never spend time discussing separation of church and state. In fact, there is no such issue raised in the Constitution concerning the separation of church and state. It’s a myth, propagated by liberals and anti-federalists.

The United State Supreme Court made that decision on their own referring to a remark in a letter made by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802 to answer a letter from them written in October 1801. A copy of the Danbury letter is available here. The Danbury Baptists were a religious minority in Connecticut, and they complained that in their state, the religious liberties they enjoyed were not seen as immutable rights, but as privileges granted by the legislature - as "favors granted." Jefferson's reply did not address their concerns about problems with state establishment of religion - only that on the national level. The letter contains the phrase "wall of separation between church and state," which led to the short-hand for the Establishment Clause that we use today: "Separation of church and state."

For a person attempting to run for the Office of Attorney General, the state’s top law enforcement officer mind you, it is problematic if you fail to understand or have knowelege in the Constitution of our great Country. Finally, I must ask this question: “If one doesn’t understand our Consitution in full, what rights will one not understand when bearing his full weight and authority as an Attorney General?

Contributions

The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates
5427 Johnson Drive, #254
Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

September 13, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-09-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

ACLU Believes Christians are the Real Terrorists
Five years after 9/11, the ACLU considers Christians the terrorists
“They [the Christians] have always crossed the line of separation of church and government,” Cook said. “They believe they answer to a higher power, in my opinion… which is the kind of thinking you had with the people who flew airplanes in the buildings in this country.”

Rules convince another abortionist to quit
Officials reject license renewal request after state reports on problems
Nearly a dozen other abortion businesses in Ohio, California, Alabama and Florida also have been closed recently over similar issues, such as workers without medical licenses performing medical procedures, the misuse of drugs and failures to follow medical protocols during abortions.

Rosie: Radical Christians pose Islam fascist threat
O'Donnell maintains on 'The View': 'We are bombing innocent people in other countries'
Rosie O'Donnell says "radical" Christians in America are just as much of a threat as the followers of radical Islam who piloted hijacked jetliners into New York's Twin Towers and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001

Clinton aide says 9/11 film 'correct'
Producer consulted with military attaché who saw aborted attacks on bin Laden
A former military aide to President Clinton who claims he witnessed several missed opportunities to capture or kill Osama bin Laden says the producer of the ABC miniseries "The Path to 9/11" came to him in frustration after network executives under a heavy barrage of criticism from former administration officials began pressing for changes to the script.

Marines save life of Iraqi Child
America’s Battalion’ makes midnight run to aid seven-year-old Iraqi girl
By Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva, 1st Marine Division“America’s Battalion”
Marines made a midnight run to rush to the aid of a 7-year-old Iraqi girl after she fell from a three-story building Sept. 9. Marines from Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, rushed the girl to Camp Fallujah.

Arizona goes Conservative for Congressional Candidate
Arizona GOP Primary Won by Conservative
A conservative former state lawmaker whose campaign targeted illegal immigration and border security won the GOP primary for an open U.S. House seat, despite a lobbying push by the National Republican Congressional Committee to defeat him.

State-sponsored sterilization programs tell a haunting past
Sterile victims stand up, decry legacy of eugenics
The idea behind eugenics, a concept embraced by Nazi Germany, was to wipe out future poverty, crime and other social ills believed to result from genetic flaws. By sterilizing the "feeble-minded, mentally retarded, insane and epileptic," eugenicists would ensure that undesirable traits would not continue through generations.

Costner blasts 'Death of a President'
Actor says we shouldn't lose 'empathy for maybe the hardest job in the world'
Costner isn't happy with what he's heard about the film. He says, "It's awfully hard if you're his children, his wife, his mother, his dad; there's a certain thing we can't lose as human beings, which is empathy for maybe the hardest job in the world.

Report: Air America to declare bankruptcy
Left-leaning talk network could stay alive under restructuring deal
The left-leaning talk network Air America Radio will announce a major restructuring Friday that is expected to include a bankruptcy filing, according to the website ThinkProgress.org

Local/Regional Headlines

Church members to go to the polls to block the initiative
Foes rally against stem-cell issue
Ex-presidential aspirant Alan Keyes and two clergymen call for the defeat of an amendment on the Missouri ballot

Senator Brownback and the War on Terror
commentary
The terrorists’ ideology reminds us of the threat we face and the just nature of our cause. The relentless nature of the enemy cannot be allowed to make us weary in defending individual liberty and affirming the value and dignity of every individual, regardless of faith or theology

Kansas developing serious long-term budget issues
GOP legislators see budget problems; Sebelius confident
GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Jim Barnett added, "If we do the tax cuts and if we have a governor who will control the growth of state spending, we can make this happen - and have to make it happen."

Racer charged with multiple acts of molestation
Valley Center racer charged with molesting girl
A veteran Wichita-area dirt track stock-car racer appeared in court this week to hear criminal charges that he molested a 15-year-old girl.

Invitation to Attend Charity Event on October 12th at the Ritz Charles
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. The Oct. 12th Banquet features speakers Beth Holloway Twitty (mother of Amanda Holloway) and Rick Segall of America’s Most Wanted. Seat and table sponsorships available. Please consider a gift to this great non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133 or visit the NSPIC website at www.missingoffenders.org.

Lawyer gets Two Year Sentenced for Fraud
Disbarred Overland Park lawyer gets prison term for church thefts
Keith B. Koenigsdorf, 51, of Overland Park also must repay $297,964 to Central United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer of the board of trustees before the church the thefts were discovered in 2004.

Kansas Gubernatorial Candidates Differ on In-State Tuition for Illegal Aliens
Barnett: Illegal immigrants shouldn't pay in-state tuition rates -
Kansas should not allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses or pay cheaper, in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Barnett said Tuesday.

Mission Road Bridge to become 150 foot long giant in Fairway
Some Upset Over New Fairway Bridge Design
A public meeting will be held on the bridge design at 7 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the Sylvester Powell Junior Community Center in Mission.

Commentary of the Week

“Rome fell September 4, 476AD. It was overrun with illegal immigrants: Visigoths, Franks, Anglos, Saxons, Ostrogoths, Burgundians, Lombards, Jutes and Vandals, who at first assimilated and worked as servants, but then came so fast they did not learn the Latin Language or the Roman form of government. Highly trained Roman Legions moving rapidly on their advanced road system were strained fighting conflicts worldwide. Rome had a trade deficit, having outsourced most of its grain production to North Africa, and when Vandals captured that area, Rome did not have the resources to retaliate. Attila the Hun was committing terrorist attacks. The city of Rome was on welfare with citizens being given free bread. One Roman commented: ‘Those who live at the expense of the public funds are more numerous than those who provide them.’ Tax collectors were ‘more terrible than the enemy.’ Gladiators provided violent entertainment in the Coliseum. There was injustice in courts, exposure of unwanted infants, infidelity, immorality and perverted bathhouses. 5th-Century historian Salvian wrote: ‘O Roman people be ashamed... Let nobody think otherwise, the vices of our bad lives have alone conquered us’.” —William Federer

Contributions

The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates 5427 Johnson Drive, #254 Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

September 10, 2006 -Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-09-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

Gulf of Mexico saturated with oil?
Another find preceded this week's major discovery
Chevron's announcement this week that the Jack Field located in the Gulf of Mexico 270 miles southwest of New Orleans may have as much as 15 billion barrels of oil was not the only recent find of oil in the Gulf

Bubba goes Ballistic
Clinton demanding network 'pull the drama' if no changes...
A furious Bill Clinton is warning ABC that its mini-series "The Path to 9/11" grossly misrepresents his pursuit of Osama bin Laden - and he is demanding the network "pull the drama" if changes aren't made.

Harvard’s Dark Side
Harvard dean defends Khatami invitation
Several months ago Harvard came under attack when a professor helped write an article criticizing a so-called "Israel Lobby" for driving foreign policy in Washington to the detriment of U.S. interests. In 2004, Harvard returned a $2.5 million gift to the Divinity School from the president of the United Arab Emirates, after controversy arose over the president's ties to a think tank espousing anti-Semitic ideas.

Pope Condemns New Canadian Law and Gives Warning to Catholic Politicians
Pope assails Canada's laws allowing same-sex marriage and abortion...
Pope Benedict hit out Friday at Canada for allowing same sex marriage and abortion, saying they result from Catholic politicians ignoring the values of their religion. He lamented that Catholic politicians had yielded to "ephemeral social trends and the spurious demands of opinion polls." I hope Kathleen Sebelius and Paul Morrison are paying attention!

San Francisco Police Chief Calls Out Dive-by Media and Judges
http://mfile.akamai.com/12948/wmv/vod.ibsys.com/2006/0728/9591734.300k.asx
I cannot believe this chief is from San Francisco. It’s one of the best police news conferences that I’ve ever seen.

Marine Dogs Working Hard for us in Iraq
Military working dogs share ‘Bastard’ burdenBy Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis, 1st Marine DivisionThe “Betio Bastards” are taking a bite out of insurgents with the help of some four-legged friends.

Local/Regional Headlines

Kline Shows Toughness against Sex Predators
Kline cites record on water rights, sex predators
Kline worked to get “Jessica’s Law” passed this year, increasing sentences for four types of sex crimes against children. Kline in addition, cited the regional cyber crimes task force in Kansas City, a partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to track and capture sex offenders who use the Internet to prey on children. He said 90 predators have been convicted because of this program.

Barnett Successful in Debate against Sebelius
Taxes, schools key in debate
Republican candidate Jim Barnett painted a picture of a state headed toward a budget crisis because of a court-ordered school funding bill it can't afford, overrun by illegal immigrants welcomed by the governor and suffering economic decline due to high taxes.

Wrestling Coach Charged with Child Molestation
Ex-Oak Park coach charged
Clay County authorities on Thursday charged a former volunteer assistant wrestling coach at Oak Park High School with second-degree attempted child molestation, a misdemeanor.

Charitable Contribution: A Gift that Truly Keeps on Giving!
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. Please consider a gift to this great non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133 or visit the NSPIC website at www.missingoffenders.org.

Neighborhood and Human Services Department Started in Olathe
City creates department to focus on neighborhoods
Olathe's model for its neighborhood department is partially based upon what has been done in Seattle for the last 20 years. It created its 85-person, $10 million budget Department that has grown steadily in the last 16 years. Can I ask the people of Olathe one important question? What has happened to the one time conservative city of Olathe? They’re now modeling Seattle of all things.

The President of the United States of America visits Kansas City
President Attends GOP Fundraiser In KC
President George W. Bush stops in Kansas City to attend a private fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Jim Talent. This is a very important race in Missouri. Let’s hope the voters re-elected Sen. Talent.

Illegal’s Running Huge Marijuana Operation in NW Missouri County
Marijuana Charge Filed In Double-Homicide Case
Federal authorities charged Jhanmay Molina-Perez, 27, of Jameson, with growing 1,000 or more marijuana plants The victims (and fellow drug dealers) were identified Friday as 38-year-old Pedro Coralez, of Hialeah, Fla., and 39-year-old Arnaldo Valdes, of Miami. Their bodies were found Wednesday.

KC Star “once again” Suppresses Story
Star Bias-Again
Representatives of the Star said the story was not news regarding Kline endorsement.

Commentary of the Week
By President Ronald Reagan

“Extreme taxation, excessive controls, oppressive government competition with business ... frustrated minorities and forgotten Americans are not the products of free enterprise. They are the residue of centralized bureaucracy, of government by a self-anointed elite.”
Contributions

The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates 5427 Johnson Drive, #254 Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

September 6, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-09-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

Al-Qaida's list of favorite, least favorite Westerners
Latest warning video from terror group names enemies, friends in U.S., Britain
In the latest video from al-Qaida warning of an imminent terrorist attack on the U.S., five specific "Zionist crusader missionaries of hate" are named, while three Westerners, including one American, are actually praised for their efforts toward "peace."

Child Porn Suspect Gets Sentenced
Man sentenced to nearly 20 years for child porn
Steve Perrine will spend about one year in prison for every 800 images of child pornography he had. That's 19 ½ years for some 16,000 pictures and videos of children engaged in sex, stored on five hard drives connected to Perrine's home computer -- the biggest such collection ever uncovered in Wichita.

Charitable Contribution: A Gift that Truly Keeps on Giving!
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. Please consider a gift to this great non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133 or visit the NSPIC website at http://www.missingoffenders.org/.

Grave Robbers wanted to sodomize corpse of popular girl
Cops say grave robbers had sex on their minds...
The woman was "very well-liked, very popular" in Cassville, a Mississippi River town of about 1,100. "The community is very upset," the sheriff said. "They can't believe it."

Contract with America - 2006: The Gingrich Plan
Gingrich: 11 Steps for GOP Victory in November...
House and Senate Republicans can learn from history. They can listen to the American people and return to the center-right populist majority which President Reagan and the Contract with America gave them. The choice is theirs -- and ours. Kudos to Newt for his leadership in trying to set another contract with America!

Crocodile Hunter was a Success
DEATH BY ANIMAL: Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin killed in stingray attack...
I was a big fan of Steve’s. One of the main reasons that I was such a huge fan was that he was an entrepreneur and businessman that developed his love and passion into a profitable and successful business. Our prayers are for his wife and two children.

Michigan Sheriff ready to take on Democrat US Senator
Secure Our Future :: Bouchard Republican for Senate
I had the opportunity as a major county sheriff myself to work with Sheriff Bouchard on many occasions. During our discussions, Mike helped me understand the importance of being a strong leader as the sheriff of a large, populated county. Mike is a strong Federalist-type sheriff and is staring to scare his democratic opponent and one of the current US Senator’s in Michigan. Please check out Mike’s website. Mike and Sheriff Joe Arapao of Maricopa County, Arizona were two sheriffs that I tried to emulate while I was sheriff here in Johnson County. Good luck Mike and God bless! Here is Sheriff Bouchard’s sheriff’s office website as well. Oakland County Sheriffs Department

Britain discovers secret army of well-trained Jihadi terrorists
Intelligence services, police stunned by sweep of schools, mosques in wake of foiled bomb plot
No matter how you slice it, London is daily looking more like "Londonistan." Or perhaps more precisely, as Peter Clarke, head of Scotland Yard's anti-terrorist squad puts it, Britain has become al-Qaida's European headquarters "housing a secret army of thousands of well-trained guerrilla fighters ready to kill in the name of religion." Pay attention America! Don’t let this happen to you!

Romney cuts security for Iranian's visit
Massachusetts governor calls former president 'terrorist'
Governor Mitt Romney declared yesterday he would not allow any state resources to be used to protect a former Iranian president during his visit to the Boston area this weekend, and he sharply criticized Harvard University for inviting Mohammed Khatami to speak on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

NBC’s David Gregory at it again!
REPORTER TO BUSH SPOKESMAN: 'DON'T POINT YOUR FINGER AT ME!'...
A not especially eventful press briefing at the White House today turned rancorous with NBC's David Gregory telling Press Secretary Tony Snow, "Don't point your finger at me," and Snow accusing the newsman of being "rude" and delivering Democratic talking points. To be honest with you Bush should just end the press conference with the liberal media and co direct with the public. The technology exists now to do so!

Faces on the Front
Care packages to Iraq put smiles on Marines’ faces
As the Marines begin the last leg of their deployment, they have a simple message for all those who have supported them with care packages, letters and other correspondence –“thank you.”

Tax cuts are a winner, and the jobs picture proves it
The Dems Never Learn
Tax cuts are a winner. They throw off benefits across the board: capital formation, profitable business, job gains, wage increases, and consumer spending power. I wish more local government leaders would understand economics in a capitalistic democracy.

Schwarzenegger vetoes anti-gay bill
Schwarzenegger vetoes bill to ban anti-gay bias in schools
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday vetoed legislation that would have barred discrimination against gays in public schools

Court decision could open the door to radical tax reform
What Can the Government
Tax experts immediately recognized the far-reaching implications of this decision for other areas of tax law. Tax protesters have long argued that the 16th Amendment does not grant the federal government the power to tax every single receipt that it deems to be income. Yet, in practice, that is what the Internal Revenue Service does.

Real GDP growth up
Economy bad? Sorry, numbers don't add up Last week's report from the Commerce Department that the economy grew by a nearly 3 percent annualized rate (2.9 percent) in the second quarter -- a significant improvement over its earlier 2.5 estimate. That is a very strong growth rate by any criteria, stronger than other industrialized economies and signals the economy is headed for a "soft landing" from its torrid and unsustainable first-quarter pace of 5.6 percent.

Local/Regional Headlines

Barnett wants Tax Cuts
Barnett calls for break in unemployment taxes to boost economy -
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Barnett is calling for a temporary halt to the collection of unemployment taxes paid by employers in Kansas. In addition Barnett has proposed giving tax credits to businesses investing in Kansas to create more private-sector jobs, as well as reducing the state income tax rate and increasing the dependent exemption by $500 to help families.

Kline receives Endorsement from Kansas Troopers
Troopers Endorse Kline
Kline has also been endorsed by 89 of Kansas 104 Sheriffs. The Sheriff's and Trooper's support of Kline could have lot to do with Morrison's support of a law that reduced the sentence for conspiring to kill a cop and attempted premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer by 20%.

Lack of rain, Corps of Engineers figure in problem on Perry Lake and others in Kansas
Lake levels frustrate boaters
Ok folks lets have a quick lesson on why the federal lakes were developed here along the Kansas and Missouri rivers to begin with, shall we? The 1951 flood caused severe economic devastation to the Midwest. In order to prevent a repeat of the flood and in order to mitigate the possibility of swollen tributaries into the Kansas River, the US Army, Corps of Engineers developed and built a series of lakes along the Kansas River, one of those lakes, being Lake Perry. The whole purpose of these federal, flood control lakes was to prevent future flooding. The secondary purpose of the lakes was to provide waters in order to help keep the Kansas River navigable, at least to some extent. Recreation was a tertiary purpose. Please try and remember why we pay our tax dollars!

Jail Official Held on Sex with Inmates Case
Crime & Courts Briefs: Charges filed in Butler County jail sex scandalA Butler County sheriff's official was ordered held on $500,000 bond Wednesday after being charged with two felony counts of having unlawful sexual relations with jail inmates.

Sebelius Makes Another Appointment to the Court
Governor appoints Lynch to court vacancy
Lynch, a principal at the Kansas City, Kan., law firm of Higgins, Lysaught, Tomasic & Lynch, has only 14 years of legal experience and just graduated from law school in 1992. She has been with her current firm since 1998. Before that, she was an associate with the Kansas City, Kan., law firm of Horner & Duckers.

Commentary of the Week
By Samuel Adams

"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest of freedom, go from us in peace. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!"

Contributions The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates 5427 Johnson Drive, #254 Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

Week of September 3, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-09-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

Kidnapped Fox News journalists freed
Steve Centanni: 'We were forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint'
Almost two weeks after their abduction in the Gaza Strip, two kidnapped Fox News journalists were freed today by their captors after reportedly being forced at gunpoint to convert to Islam on video.

Brownback Provides National Leadership on Bioethics Debate
“The 2006 Senate Bioethics Debate”
Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) is one of the pro-life movement's greatest friends and allies in the US Senate. Not only does he vote the right way, but also he pro-actively fights for our cause and strategizes every day on how we can make more progress.

Sex Predator Linked to Murder of Student
Guilty Verdict for Sex Offender Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. in Murder of Dru Sjodin … Next Stop … Death Penalty
Rodriguez, 53, of Crookston, Minn., was charged in the disappearance and death of Sjodin, 22, a University of North Dakota student from Pequot Lakes, Minn.

Charitable Contribution: A Gift that Truly Keeps on Giving!
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. Please consider a gift to this great non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133 or visit the NSPIC website at www.missingoffenders.org.

Plame Out – The Drive By Media Strikes Again
HITCHENS: Plame Out; Ridiculous End To The Scandal That Distracted Washington...
This is one of the biggest embarrassments in media history. The drive-by media attempted to ruin President Bush’s reputation along with our Vice-President. And it cost Scooter Libby his job. The drive by media keep this story going even now after it is reveled that they new the original “leaker” of the story within weeks after the event. Yes, folks the media kept a fabricated story alive over one and a half years. In addition, Colin Powell owes the President an apology, as well.

Mexican flag flies at U.S. post office
Old Glory stamped on in protest by backers of illegal immigration
Backers of illegal immigration at a rally near Los Angeles took down an American flag at a U.S. post office, stamped on it and replaced it with a Mexican flag as police looked on, according to witnesses and a video of the event.

Gasoline prices are falling fast and could keep dropping for months
PAPER: Gas prices could keep falling; 'Closer to $2' by Thanksgiving...
It's good news for consumers and the economy. Continued lower prices "may act like a tax cut" and stimulate spending, says Richard DeKaser, chief economist at National City in Cleveland. He calculates that higher energy prices the first six months cut growth of consumer spending 1 percentage point.

Campus-diversity chief gets big paycheck
To ensure everyone 'fully respected for their individuality and what they represent'
UC Berkeley Chancellor has just announced he's creating the new post of vice chancellor for equity and inclusion -- a job that not only has an impressive title, but an equally impressive salary of between $182,000 and $282,000 a year. Plus an annual operating budget for the office of $4 million. Oh brother! I’m sure public college and universities in the Midwest will soon follow the left coasts lead.

Recent Stem Cell Announcement Untruthful
No stem-cell triumph: Embryos were destroyed
But the lay media weren't the only ones who misunderstood. Nature, the prestigious international journal that published the paper, initially issued a news release that declared the team had made embryonic stem-cell colonies "while leaving the embryo intact." The journal has since issued two "clarifications" and published online the supplemental data showing the embryos were destroyed.

Local/Regional Headlines

State Sen. Jim Barnett, the Republican nominee for governor, announced endorsements Monday by a virtual Who's Who of Kansas Republican politics
GOP unites behind Barnett for governor
The endorsement list included Former US Senator Bob Dole and former Kansas Governor Bill Graves, U.S. Senator’s Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback, U.S. Reps. Todd Tiahrt, Jerry Moran and Jim Ryun, Attorney General Phill Kline, Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh and Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, plus former Govs. John Anderson and William Avery.

Kline gets Endorsement from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce
Kansas Chamber of Commerce endorses Kline for AG
The Kansas Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Republican Attorney General Phill Kline over his Democratic challenger, Johnson County District Attorney Paul Morrison. The chamber, with some 10,000-member businesses, is the state's largest business organization. This is the first time the group's PAC has endorsed a statewide candidate. "Attorney General Kline is a forceful and articulate advocate for a stronger Kansas economy through positive legal reform," Jay Allbaugh, chairman of the chamber's legislative committee, said in a news release announcing the endorsement Thursday.

Fairway residents have lost faith in their elected officials
letter letter
We have seen an unfortunate pattern. Plans are announced that many citizens believe will be detrimental to their quality of life and the future of the city. They attend city meetings to register their disagreement and offer alternatives. They leave convinced no one listened and there will be no modifications, and alarmed by attitudes they see as arrogant and undemocratic.

School Superintendent Salary goes over $200,00 mark
School board extends superintendent’s contract
The school board approved her contract, including an annual salary of $203,277, on Monday. Under the contract, Kaplan is entitled to 30 days of paid vacation each year, in addition to regularly scheduled school holidays. Her contract includes a monthly allowance for Kansas City area travel. The board also approved raises for associate superintendents and the deputy superintendent for operations

Another Tax Increase for Johnson Countians
Heritage Center funding increased OLATHE CITY COUNCIL
Much of the funding for the project will come from a Johnson County sales tax. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farmstead Foundation will provide $978,000.

Founder will teach new courses this fall at Johnson County College
Group investigates reports of the paranormal
Gonzalez will teach a new class at Johnson County Community College this fall, taking class members on investigations and deflating common deceptions with photos and voice recordings. What a great use of the people’s tax money. Not!

Union members should use this occasion to learn where union chiefs spend their hard-earned dues – Happy Labor Day!
Unholy Unions
One hundred top union executives made at least $280,000 annually, not counting benefits. And among them, 93 percent are male. NEA president Reg Weaver made $438,920, plus benefits. At his headquarters, 335 officers and employees scored $100,000 or more, averaging $140,977, before benefits. The typical teacher makes $47,808, NEA calculates. “You are better off representing teachers than being one,” one labor analyst laments.

Commentary of the Week
By Jerry Agar as posted on his website at http://www.kmbz.com/showdj.asp?DJID=25933

“Considering the massive amount of money already taken in by all levels of government, raising taxes is not a solution; it is an admission of failure.”

Short and to the point, Jerry. Well put!

Contributions
The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates
5427 Johnson Drive, #254
Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

Week o August 27th, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlinesf

2006-08-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

The World's New Fascism
Islamic Fascists?
Today’s Islamic fascists share with their Nazi counterparts violence and intimidation as their tactics. And now, as in World War II, free people of all faiths must oppose them. But wisdom begins with a willingness to learn from history and call things by their proper name.

Buchanan: Mexico plots reconquest
In 'State of Emergency,' commentator says today's kids will see death of West
Paints a dim portrait of America's future: "The children born in 2006 will witness in their lifetimes the death of the West."

Record Meth Bust Contributed to Mexican Drug Smuggling
Feds Unearth 'Record-Breaking' Meth Seizure in Georgia Backyard...
Federal officials say the Buford operation appears to be part of a major drug ring that imports and distributes large quantities of meth and cocaine from Mexico by moving it through California and Texas to points throughout the U.S.

Charitable Contribution: A Gift that Truly Keeps on Giving!
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. Please consider a gift to this great non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133 or visit the NSPIC website at www.missingoffenders.org.

Why the Left is Wrong on Crime
The Left and crime: Part II
Do higher rates of imprisonment reduce crime? Is crime a result of poverty, unemployment, and the like? Are alternatives to incarceration more effective in preventing criminals from repeating their crimes? Millions of crime victims pay the price of the left's illusions about crime -- and about themselves.

Teenager held in Dungeon for 8 years as sex slave
The Daily Mail
Victim was ten when she was kidnapped on her way to school and was imprisoned in a tiny pit dug into the floor of her captor’s garage.

Abortion drug available without prescription
Battle shifts to making abortion drug available to teens without prescription
The maker of the morning after pill, along with women's groups and lawmakers, plans to press its success a step further, seeking to make the controversial abortion drug available without prescription to girls 17 and under.

The Split in the Democratic Party
Democrat Lieberman
Pressure is mounting within the Senate Democratic caucus to strip Sen. Joseph Lieberman of senior committee positions if he defeats Democratic nominee Ned Lamont in Connecticut, but Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid is expected to beat that back.

Local/Regional Headlines

Sebelius Running Mate Courts the AFL/CIO
Sebelius running mate asks organized labor to support him
Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' running mate, former Republican Mark Parkinson, asked Kansas AFL-CIO members Friday to give him a chance to prove he's a friend of organized labor, saying he didn't vote right on some labor issues as a legislator.

Naked man exposes himself to children on bus
Naked driver pulls alongside school bus
A man wearing no clothes driving a shiny red Nissan Pathfinder has pulled alongside the same school bus and masturbated while the vehicles were traveling along 75th Street between Delmar Street and Mission Road. Police are investigating reports of possibly a third incident at another location.

Group Turns Records Over to Kansas Attorney General
Kansas schools group releases financial records
Facing one lawsuit and the possibility of another, a group that successfully sued the state to force massive funding increases for public schools made its financial records public Thursday. Schools for Fair Funding Inc., a nonprofit group financed by 19 school districts, spent more than $2.9 million since 1998, the records showed, and more than three-quarters of it went to law firms.

Tax Decrease Planned for Overland Park!
Overland Park OKs budget for 2007
South Overland Park street projects, new public safety employees and a tax decrease are among features of Overland Park’s 2007 budget, approved Monday by the City Council. Kudos to Mayor Carl Gerlach and the OP City Council for representing the people so well!

Kansas Supreme Court Justice Reprimanded over School Finance Issue
Nuss Reprimanded
The KS Comm. on Judicial Qualifications has reprimanded Supreme Court Justice Lawton Nuss for violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Commission found that Nuss violated Canon 1, Canon 2A and Canon 3B(7) when he discussed the school finance case with two State Senators.

Fairway Public Officials Continue to Misrepresent their Constituents
Fairway mayor being disingenuous letter to the editor letter
I am truly at a lost of words regarding the City of Fairway and the total lack of respect their elected officials have for their citizens.

New County Librarian could make nearly $150,000 annually
Board continues librarian search
The Johnson County Library Board last week approved a salary range up to $149,000, a job description and qualifications for the new county librarian to be selected in November. Wow, folk’s life is good at the Johnson County Library!

City Restricts Constitutional Right
Roeland Park toughens restrictions on firearmsRoeland Park passed an ordinance prohibiting firearms, concealed or not, on city property. Police Chief said state legislation led the council to take action.

Gated church compound site of ritualistic sex abuse
Quiet Ozarks county shocked by church sex abuse case
The church's pastor, his wife and her two brothers, who also own the farm, posted bond Monday after county prosecutors filed felony complaints alleging they sexually abused young daughters of church members from 1977 to 2005

Commentary of the Week
By Currie Myers, Publisher

A few moths ago I wrote an editorial called, “Two Mayors and a Bio-Ethical Dilemma”. The link here provides the editorial in full text (Two Mayors and a Bio-Ethical Dilemma) but the crux of the piece discussed the Johnson County BioScience Coalition (JCBC) and the potential that the Stowers Institute could be attempting to bring questionable bioscience activities to Kansas. Those questionable activities could be embryonic stem cell research, SCNT, or cloning. One of the questions I asked in my editorial was if the Co-Chairs of the JCBC have any personal or professional relationship with the Stowers Institute. In further research, the Kansas Federalist has, in fact, found a potential conflict with one of the co-chairs of the JCBC, that being Mayor John St. Clair of Fairway.

Mayor St. Clair formerly represented American Century Investments as a project director and consultant. American Century’s Founder is Jim Stowers, founder of the Stowers Institute. The information is confirmed and verified on the City of Fairway website under the Mayor’s personal information page at www.fairwaykansas.org/mayor.html.

My sincere hope is that Kansas does become a bioscience leader in the United States. There are so many interesting and valuable projects that bioscience research could bring to the world. And Kansas could be that leader. But we must ensure that the mission of that industry does not bring us into conflict with our moral obligations and the bio-ethical dilemmas that occur in our brave new world.

Contributions
The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates
5427 Johnson Drive, #254
Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

Week of August 27, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-08-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

The World's New Fascism
Islamic Fascists?
Today’s Islamic fascists share with their Nazi counterparts violence and intimidation as their tactics. And now, as in World War II, free people of all faiths must oppose them. But wisdom begins with a willingness to learn from history and call things by their proper name.

Buchanan: Mexico plots reconquest
In 'State of Emergency,' commentator says today's kids will see death of West
View paints a dim portrait of America's future: "The children born in 2006 will witness in their lifetimes the death of the West."

Record Meth Bust Contributed to Mexican Drug Operation
Feds Unearth 'Record-Breaking' Meth Seizure in Georgia Backyard...
Federal officials say the Buford operation appears to be part of a major drug ring that imports and distributes large quantities of meth and cocaine from Mexico by moving it through California and Texas to points throughout the U.S.

Charitable Contribution: A Gift that Truly Keeps on Giving!
The National Sexual Predator Information Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to the enforcement of absconders from sexual predator registries across the US. Please consider a gift to this great non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. For further information call 1-866-755-1133 or visit the NSPIC website at http://www.missingoffenders.org/.

Liberals Don't Understand Crime
The Left and crime: Part II
Do higher rates of imprisonment reduce crime? Is crime a result of poverty, unemployment, and the like? Are alternatives to incarceration more effective in preventing criminals from repeating their crimes? Millions of crime victims pay the price of the left's illusions about crime -- and about themselves.

Teenager held in Dungeon for 8 years as sex slave
The Daily Mail
Victim was ten when she was kidnapped on her way to school and was imprisoned in a tiny pit dug into the floor of her captor’s garage.

Abortion drug available without prescription
Battle shifts to making abortion drug available to teens without prescription
The maker of the morning after pill, along with women's groups and lawmakers, plans to press its success a step further, seeking to make the controversial abortion drug available without prescription to girls 17 and under.

The Split in the Democratic Party
Democrat Lieberman
Pressure is mounting within the Senate Democratic caucus to strip Sen. Joseph Lieberman of senior committee positions if he defeats Democratic nominee Ned Lamont in Connecticut, but Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid is expected to beat that back.

Local/Regional Headlines

Sebelius Running Mate Courts the AFL/CIO
Sebelius running mate asks organized labor to support him
Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' running mate, former Republican Mark Parkinson, asked Kansas AFL-CIO members Friday to give him a chance to prove he's a friend of organized labor, saying he didn't vote right on some labor issues as a legislator.

Naked man exposes himself to elementary school children on two different dates
Naked driver pulls alongside school bus
A man wearing no clothes driving a shiny red Nissan Pathfinder has pulled alongside the same school bus and masturbated while the vehicles were traveling along 75th Street between Delmar Street and Mission Road. Police are investigating reports of possibly a third incident at another location.

Attorney General demands group turn over records
Kansas schools group releases financial records
Facing one lawsuit and the possibility of another, a group that successfully sued the state to force massive funding increases for public schools made its financial records public Thursday. Schools for Fair Funding Inc., a nonprofit group financed by 19 school districts, spent more than $2.9 million since 1998, the records showed, and more than three-quarters of it went to law firms.

Tax Decrease Planned for Overland Park!
Overland Park OKs budget for 2007
South Overland Park street projects, new public safety employees and a tax decrease are among features of Overland Park’s 2007 budget, approved Monday by the City Council. Kudos to Mayor Carl Gerlach and the OP City Council for representing the people so well!

Kansas Supreme Court Justice Reprimanded over School Finance Issue
Nuss Reprimanded
The KS Comm. on Judicial Qualifications has reprimanded Supreme Court Justice Lawton Nuss for violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Commission found that Nuss violated Canon 1, Canon 2A and Canon 3B(7) when he discussed the school finance case with two State Senators.

Fairway Public Officials Continue to Misrepresent their Constituents
Fairway mayor being disingenuous letter to the editor letter
I am truly at a lost of words regarding the City of Fairway and the total lack of respect their elected officials have for their citizens.

New County Librarian could make nearly $150,000 annually
Board continues librarian search
The Johnson County Library Board last week approved a salary range up to $149,000, a job description and qualifications for the new county librarian to be selected in November. Wow, folk’s life is good at the Johnson County Library!

City Restricts Constitutional Right
Roeland Park toughens restrictions on firearms
Roeland Park passed an ordinance prohibiting firearms, concealed or not, on city property. Police Chief said state legislation led the council to take action.

Gated church compound site of ritualistic sex abuse
Quiet Ozarks county shocked by church sex abuse case
The church's pastor, his wife and her two brothers, who also own the farm, posted bond Monday after county prosecutors filed felony complaints alleging they sexually abused young daughters of church members from 1977 to 2005

Commentary of the Week
By Currie Myers, Publisher

A few moths ago I wrote an editorial called, “Two Mayors and a Bio-Ethical Dilemma”. The link here provides the editorial in full text (Two Mayors and a Bio-Ethical Dilemma) but the crux of the piece discussed the Johnson County BioScience Coalition (JCBC) and the potential that the Stowers Institute could be attempting to bring questionable bioscience activities to Kansas. Those questionable activities could be embryonic stem cell research, SCNT, or cloning. One of the questions I asked in my editorial was if the Co-Chairs of the JCBC have any personal or professional relationship with the Stowers Institute. In further research, the Kansas Federalist has, in fact, found a potential conflict with one of the co-chairs of the JCBC, that being Mayor John St. Clair of Fairway.

Mayor St. Clair formerly represented American Century Investments as a project director and consultant. American Century’s Founder is Jim Stowers, founder of the Stowers Institute. The information is confirmed and verified on the City of Fairway website under the Mayor’s personal information page at www.fairwaykansas.org/mayor.html.

My sincere hope is that Kansas does become a bioscience leader in the United States. There are so many interesting and valuable projects that bioscience research could bring to the world. And Kansas could be that leader. But we must ensure that the mission of that industry does not bring us into conflict with our moral obligations and the bio-ethical dilemmas that occur in our brave new world.

Contributions
The Kansas Federalist needs your support and contributions. To help keep us on line please consider sending a donation to:

Sheriff Myers & Associates
5427 Johnson Drive, #254
Mission, Kansas 66202

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

Week of August 20, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-08-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

Slain Pastor's Wife Released From Jail on Bond
Mary Winkler, Suspect in Murder of Husband, Out of Jail on $750K Bond
A minister's wife accused of shooting her husband to death after an argument over money was released from jail Tuesday on $750,000 bail. Only in America, can you kill your spouse in front of your children, then take your children and run away from authorities and then have a liberal judge make bond for you!

Terrorists Kidnapped Fox reporters
Steve Centanni, cameraman taken to protest 'American aid' to Israel
JERUSALEM – Palestinian gunmen in the Gaza Strip today kidnapped two Fox News journalists, including reporter Steve Centanni, to protest America's "involvement " in Israel's military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, leaders of the Al Aqsa Martys Brigades terror group told WorldNetDaily. Our thoughts and prayers are with the reporters families.

Faith Liberates Man
keynote address
“Many people think the Church is a church of ‘No,’ Cardinal O’Malley said. “We say ‘No,’ to abortion, to gay marriage, to married priests and to women’s ordination.” Those “no’s” are really affirmations of Christ’s message, of saying “yes to God and to life.” Cardinal O’Malley said that the “Church cannot bend the 10 Commandments to suit modernity or cater to today’s needs.” Instead, the Church’s teachings must be seen as the only way “to live a fully liberated life.”

National Religious Organization Adopts Resolutions on Marriage, Life & More
The 124th Supreme Council Meeting of the Knights of Columbus today [Aug. 3] adopted resolutions on marriage, honoring the gift of life, the Pledge of Allegiance, school choice, decency in the media and on the Internet , and in support of our armed forces. The Knights is a Catholic Lay Men’s Organization in which the Kansas Federalist publisher is a proud member.

Indian premier calls for end to killing of unborn girls
Indian PM calls for end to killing of unborn girls...
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Called on parents in India to stop seeing girls as an economic liability and to end the practice of killing unborn female fetuses.

Minimum Wage Increase is not the Answer, even Spiritually
“The Minimum Wage: A Denial of Freedom and Duty”
Drawing on the work of Abraham Kuyper and from current economic thinking, Jordan Ballor looks at the role the minimum wage plays in society. “The idea that a minimum wage somehow respects human dignity is itself illusory, because an arbitrary ground-floor value is placed on human labor,” Ballor writes.

Local/Regional Headlines

Sheriff’s Office Budget Increases Again, Tax Increase Planned for Johnson Countians
Jail project leads county’s bigger budget
Johnson County commissioners in a 6 to 1 vote approved a $767 million spending plan that includes 46 new sheriff’s deputies who must be trained for a 416-bed jail expansion. Taxes will be increases again in order to pay for the increase in capital and operating costs. Sheriff Denning since entering into office in 2005 has continued to add costs, capital and manpower and is now responsible for two tax increases to the citizens.

National Sexual Predator Information Center Established
Former sheriff takes on sex offenders
Currie Myers, former Johnson County sheriff, says there are approximately 500,000 registered sex offenders nationally. Of those, about 20 percent are absconders, offenders who've moved somewhere else and haven't notified authorities like they're supposed to. The NSPIC is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization that is establishing itself in Johnson County. For more information on the NSPIC there website is http://www.missingoffenders.org/. To give tips on potential absconder offenders call the NSPIC, toll-free at 1-866-755-1133.

Sebelius Replaces Appointee to Supreme Court Nominating Commission After 42 Days
Aug 13
Salina Journal reported the appointment of Janet Juhnke from Salina as a replacement for Carolyn Bird. Governor Sebelius’ press release indicated Juhnke "replaces Carolyn Bird who was unable to serve on the Commission. Upon careful review of statutes and Attorneys’ General opinions regarding the Commission, it has been determined that Bird is unable to serve due to previous service." It’s not clear what this really means, and why this was not checked before the June 30th announcement.

Some decline to sign off on Olathe Schools task force findings
Some decline to sign off on task force findings
"I didn't feel comfortable signing off to say we definitely needed $300 million worth of building projects," said Karin Brownlee, a task force member and state senator. "We need to prioritize first." Resident Arlyn Briggs, also a task force member, said he is concerned about asking taxpayers for more money when the district already has some in reserves. Kudos to Senator Brownlee and Mr. Briggs for their due diligence in representing the tax payers of the Olathe School District!

Sebelius Wrong on Driver’s License Issue – Then and Now
Sebelius: Federal law makes driver's license issue moot
Sebelius endorsed the idea of giving illegal immigrants driver's licenses, arguing that with licenses, those immigrants could register their vehicles and obtain insurance. However recent federal law has ended the debate. Senator Jim Barnett’s Campaign, who is running for Governor as the Republican nominee, replied that if Sebelius had prevailed three years ago with this idea, "No federal agency now would be able to accept a Kansas driver's license as a valid form of identification."

Special Offer - Sheriff Myers & Associates Offers Training
currie@sheriffmyers.com
Interested in training your company or personnel in security issues, homeland defense preparation, risk mitigation techniques, drug education classes, and self-defense classes? Then contact Sheriff Myers & Associates for specialized training and education that meets your specific needs in an affordable package!

Petition would force a vote on whether Fairway must publish staff salaries
Fairway ponders petition, and what to do about it
A recent petition drive to force a vote on the publication of staff salaries is getting the attention of some members of the Fairway City Council. This city council is completely out of touch with the people.

SMSD School budget, tax rate hike, OK’d
School budget, tax rate hike, OK’d
The budget will grow from $266 million last year to $307.4 million, an increase of 15.6 percent. Net expenditures, which include transfers, are expected to be $392.2 million. Nearly a 16% Increase over last year folks! Did your personal income raise 16% this year to cover the increase?

Bond project includes other renovations at technical center
District remodeling Broadmoor Bistro, adding patio
Planned renovations to Broadmoor Technical Center include revamping the bistro dining area and adding a patio to use when the weather is nice. So lets get the straight. SMSD is raising our taxes and in the meantime, they’re revamping their bistro?

Commentary of the Week

School Consolidation
Wayne Godsey, KMBC President And General Manager
Aug. 14, 2006: School Consolidation
Mr. Godsey “hit the nail on the head” regarding how the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision just throws money at the issue and does not fix the problem.

Interested in advertising on the Kansas Federalist? Contact Currie Myers at currie@sheriffmyers.com for details. Please send us email addresses of friends that you believe would be interested in viewing our e-news line!

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

Week of August 13, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-08-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist

National Headlines

UK plot resembles 1995 al-Qaida plan
Liquid explosives, timers part of 'Bojinka,'attempt to bomb 12 airliners over Pacific
The foiled terrorist plot to blow up as many as 10 U.S. airplanes departing the UK using liquid explosives bears striking resemblance to "Operation Bojinka," the failed al-Qaida-financed attack on airliners in 1995 that became a precursor to 9-11, counterterrorism analysts say.

Explosive gel was to be concealed in sports drink
Device triggered with flash from disposable camera
The suspected terror plotters arrested in Britain had planned to conceal their liquid or gel explosives inside a modified sports beverage drink container and trigger the device with the flash from a disposable camera.

Britain facing 'most sustained threat since WWII'
Home secretary warns terrorist attack on UK 'highly likely'
The home secretary said that the end of the cold war had been accompanied by the "reach and impact" of organized crime and international terrorism.

AP, N.Y. Times raising the dead?
News agencies run photographs of 'deceased' who 'appear alive'
Charles Johnson, of the Little Green Footballs blog, said the evidence of digital manipulation of the image was "blatant." His site is known for opening the floodgates on the forged documents about President Bush.

Former Wichita Abortion Clinic Drenched in Blood According to Tests
--WND Exclusive--
We were expecting to find a little bit of blood. We were not expecting to find the amount we found," office manager Brenna Sullenger told WorldNetDaily. "It was horrifying. It covered the walls floor to ceiling.

Internet pushes sexual content right into our homes.
We're not in Kansas anymore
Sexually explicit material finds its way in front of our children and we realize that we're not in Kansas anymore. Actually, even Kansas isn't safe zone anymore. Or Minnesota. Or Georgia.

Iran's smuggling of uranium from African mine
Shipment of bomb-making material from 'closed' Congo site intercepted
Tanzanian customs officials have uncovered an Iranian smuggling operation transporting large quantities of bomb-making uranium from the same mines in the Congo that provided the nuclear material for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima sixty-one years ago today, reports the London Sunday Times.

Reuters Admits to Altering Photo
Reuters pulls doctored photo...
Reuters withdraws photograph of Beirut after Air Force attack after US blogs, photographers point out 'blatant evidence of manipulation

Jews shot in Seattle, But Liberals more angry at Gibson
Jews shot in Seattle, Left angry at Mel Gibson On July 28, 2006, a Muslim entered the building of the Seattle Jewish Federation and shot every Jew he saw, murdering one woman and wounding five others. Yet, on the same day, Mel Gibson was arrested on DUI charges and while intoxicated let loose with anti-Semitic invective at the Jewish police officer that arrested him. Which incident got the most press?

Local/Regional Headlines

Congressman’s Abuse of Franking Privilege
Aug 6
Dennis Moore mailing was prepared, published, and mailed at taxpayer expense" even though Moore has almost $1,000,000 in campaign cash in the bank.

Olathe fees, rates may go up
City fees, rates may go up
The Olathe City Council has yet to put its stamp of approval on the budget, but several departments have proposed the rate and fee increases they believe they'll need next year to make end's meet. In the case of the Parks and Recreation Department, it has to hike fees to get into city pools because as it is now, Olathe loses money on those swimming facilities.

Westwood residents will see taxes increase
Westwood budget includes tax increase
The Westwood City Council has proposed a mill levy of 19.542, up from 16.748 in 2006. A mill equals $1 for every $1,000 in assessed valuation. For a $200,000 home, the proposed mill levy would cause an increase of $64.27, or 16.7 percent, on the tax bill.

Prairie Village council splits over reserve funds
Prairie Village council splits over reserve funds
There’s also about $2 million coming from the city’s fund balance — essentially, the fund is like a savings account — to be used primarily for infrastructure. Vernon said that fund balance is projected to be about $7 million, or 35 percent of all revenue, at the end of 2007. We are not a bank,” council member Wayne Vennard said. “We are not supposed to hold money beyond what is necessary. Kudos to Wayne Vennard for supporting good government

Special Offer - Sheriff Myers & Associates Offers Training
currie@sheriffmyers.com
Interested in training your company or personnel in security issues, homeland defense preparation, risk mitigation techniques, drug education classes, and self-defense classes? Then contact Sheriff Myers & Associates for specialized training and education that meets your specific needs in an affordable package!

Mother of Capital Murder victim, speaks out against Paul Morrison
Speaking Out Against Morrison's Lies
Police Chiefs’ letter backs up Kline's assertions and shows Morrison's accusations to be false.

Leavenworth No Tax Hike Deceiving
Leavenworth commissioners approve $38 million budget
Despite the level property tax rate, residents could pay more because property values used to determine tax bills have increased by an average of 6 percent. Also, the city represents only a portion of a resident’s overall tax bill. This is how government entities raise taxes with raising them!

Naked Smoker Fall of Porch
Naked Shawnee smoker falls off porchShawnee man stepped outside naked for a smoke just before midnight Tuesday, locked himself out accidentally, fell off his porch and broke his ankle, police said. Sorry folks sometimes things are just too funny not to report!

Church petitions for wage increase
Labor group, Catholic Church petition for wage increase
Representatives of labor and the Catholic Church on Wednesday advocated passage of a ballot measure to raise the minimum wage in Missouri. As a Catholic, my church should study supply and demand issues and economics closer. If minimum wage increases are forced upon business and businesses can’t provide enough wages to pay for the increases then the business owner is forced to reduce the number of hours worked or left with a worse scenario, job loss for the employee.

Panel hears complaint against Kansas Supreme Court Justice
Panel hears complaint against Nuss over meeting with senators
Kansas Supreme Court Justice Lawton Nuss repeated his regrets for having a discussion with two senators about pending school finance bills churning in the Legislature, telling the Commission on Judicial Qualifications on Thursday that he learned from his lapse in judgment. A justice can be removed only if the House impeaches and the Senate convicts with a two-thirds majority.

Commentary of the Week
By Sarah Jurcyk, as written in the KC Star

Fairway should listen to residents letter to the editor

I would like to respond to a couple of articles that have been in Neighborhood News (“Fairway residents protest size of planned bridge,” Aug. 2) regarding the Fairway bridge project.

Council member Pete Barham was quoted as saying “We are ready to go. They came late to the table.” The problem is we (residents of Fairway) were never invited to the table. The storm committee may have been working on this project for a couple of years, but the residents did not know that by committing to federal funds we would be obligated to build a bridge to withstand the “100-year flood.”

I attended a meeting in June when the council voted to obligate bonds and proceed with the project, with no residents’ input allowed. The council would not let us voice our objections when we found out that it was obligating Fairway to an overbuilt, unaesthetically pleasing bridge.

The July 27th meeting was the first meeting where the citizens were allowed to talk about the project publicly. The council wanted us to choose the color stone and style of railing, but the residents of Fairway had many questions that the council did not want to answer.

As a resident of Fairway I feel we should have the opportunity to vote on whether we want to go ahead with this or look at other options. I don’t think most Fairway residents have any idea what is about to happen on the corner of Mission Road and Shawnee Mission Parkway if this proposed bridge is built. Mission Hills has opted not to use federal dollars so that it could have control over the look and size of the bridge at Mission and Tomahawk roads. This is not the first time the Fairway City Council has tried to do things “in our best interest” without considering input from its residents. Fairway may be a sleepy little town, but some of us are awake and asking questions.

Kansas Federalist Addendum - Sarah, along with literally half the residents of the town of Fairway, should be proud of their insistence in good government of the people, by the people and for the people. The arrogance of these city leaders, elected officials no less, is astounding.

Interested in advertising on the Kansas Federalist? Contact Currie Myers at currie@sheriffmyers.com for details. Please send us email addresses of friends that you believe would be interested in viewing our e-news line!

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

Week of August 7, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-08-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

News from the Kansas Federalist
www.kansasfederalist.blogspot.com

National Headlines

Renewed Push for Confirmation of Bolton Picks Up Support
Bolton's new backers
Jewish leaders, impressed with Bolton's support of Israel at the UN under a recess appointment, have urged the New Yorkers to back cloture this time. Schumer, praising Bolton's support for Israel, has said another filibuster is "unlikely." Clinton has not stated her current position.

Activist cop threatens, mocks Christians at Promise Keepers Event
Officer orders pro-marriage petitions removed from Promise Keepers event
But as the signatures were being collected, officers of the Sunrise city police department ordered volunteers for Florida4Marriage.org to stop accepting names. "Officers then physically removed the petitions from 'public view' on the table at the exhibitors tent," the council said in a website update of the situation. "Two of the male officers mocked the volunteers by kissing each other after they initially removed all the petitions from the area."

Local/Regional Headlines

Olathe Wants Rate Increase for Utilities
Rate increase is planned for Olathe’s utility bills
Olathe is again proposing rate increases for city utilities. Under City Manager Michael Wilkes’ recommended budget for 2007, storm water, water/sewer, solid waste and recycling bills will go up.

Kansas known as one of the nation's busiest drug corridors
Officials say Kansas becoming crossroads of drug trade
The problem has become even more acute since Sept. 11, 2001, when air traffic regulations become more stringent and drug traffickers turned to ground transportation.

School District wants to Extend Tax
Spring Hill school tax on the ballot
The people of the Spring Hill School District stood up on this one and voted “NO” to another tax increases. Kudos to the grassroots!

Merriam Residents can Expect Higher City Property Tax Bill
Merriam council votes to boost property tax levy
Merriam also anticipates that the cost of providing city services will rise because of growing increases in salaries and benefits of city employees.

Shawnee Approves Property Tax Hike
Council approves levy hike for first time in 13 years
The council was split 4-4, with Mayor Jeff Meyers breaking the tie.

School Board proposal includes a Tax Increase
Taxes rise in Shawnee Mission budget proposal SHAWNEE MISSION SCHOOL BOARD
A mill represents $1 for every $1,000 in assessed valuation. So the owner of a $200,000 home would pay about $47 more in school property taxes than he did last year.

Taxes Rise to Pay for School District’s Soccer Field
Overland Park OKs plan for new soccer field
New playing field, complete with lights and 600 new seats, will be added to the Shawnee Mission School District soccer complex at 95th Street and Nieman Road.

Amnesty Day in Shawnee
City offers Amnesty Day on outstanding warrants
It’s a sad day when Johnson County cities are trying to emulate the left coast by adding liberal enforcement methodologies to their enforcement efforts. What’s next, Group Hug Day! If you break the law expect punishment anything else will only invite additional lawbreaking.

Fairway Residents Angered Over “Unneeded” Bridge Project
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/15167754.htm
Some Fairway residents have launched a campaign against a “highway bridge” on Mission Road. In fact, they want the city to give back all the money it received to pay for it. Two petitions by declaratory judgment have already been filed to fight this bridge project.

Governor appoints Chairman of 'Republicans for Sebelius PAC' Judge
Sebelius Appoints Political Crony to Bench
Mark Braun is still touted as the Chairman of Republicans for Sebelius on her campaign website despite being nominated and appointed as a District Court Judge. Canon 5, of the rules relating to judicial conduct, prohibit judges and nominees for judges from engaging in overt political activity. Braun is currently being featured on Sebelius' campaign website could be violations of Canon 5.

New State Board of Education Member’s Actions Called Galling
Kansas newspaper angry with candidate over flier incident
The Yates Center News believes Shaver has wronged the publication, and in a Wednesday post-election column, called her actions "unethical as well as illegal." Shaver’s actions represented trespassing, copyright infringement and misrepresentation of the publication when she placed campaign materials inside the papers that were delivered to out to the public.

Mission to Consider Another Infringement on Business Owners
Mission to revisit smoking question
Government should stay out of making decisions that is the responsibility of business owners. It’s, once again, a supply and demand issue. If you don’t like places that allow smoking then one shouldn’t patronize that establishment. The council and mayor of Mission should have more important things to consider, like holding the line on taxes and eliminating non-government services.

Shawnee EDC Recognizes Local Businesses
Business awards presented to Shawnee companies
Business Award honorees included 8150 Monticello LLC, Aces & 8’s Sports Bar, Canterbury Academy, Harte-Hanks Shawnee, INTRUST Bank, Mather Enterprises, Perceptive Software Inc., Straub Construction Co., The Goddard School at Shawnee Crossings, The Sweet Life at Rosehill, UMB Bank, Varnum, Armstrong and Deeter, Weaver’s Auto Center, Westar Energy. The Kansas Federalist would like to congratulate these businesses for their entrepreneurial spirit and success!

Special Offer - Sheriff Myers & Associates Offers Training
currie@sheriffmyers.com
Interested in training your company or personnel in security issues, homeland defense preparation, risk mitigation techniques, drug education classes, self-defense classes? Then contact Sheriff Myers & Associates for specialized training and education that meets your specific needs in an affordable package!

Commentary of the Week
Time Passes So Quickly – By Currie Myers

I’ve had a difficult last few months. It has nothing to do with business, religion, or politics. It’s has all to do with being a father. I have been truly blessed with five wonderful children. Our eldest, Ashley, will be 18 soon and will be entering her senior year in high school and that’s the issue that is causing me so much discomfort. It’s not my daughter mind you she is an excellent student/athlete and is so very well grounded. We are very proud of her and of her decisions in life thus far. The problem quite frankly is me. I get the uneasy feeling that this is the last year of having my complete family around me all the time. That it is in many ways the beginning of the end. That first child that is soon to head off to college, then adult life, marriage, children, etc. is here and that the others will follow in time. Perhaps it’s also that has the protector of my family, I feel as if I’m getting out of date, soon to be passed over by another. For other struggling fathers on this issue, I’m sure you feel my pain. For others whom have not experienced yet, I would remind you that Time Passes So Quickly. So take advantage of your kids still being around you. Take those family vacations and go to those school events and ballgames. And do it in the name of our Father!

Interested in advertising on the Kansas Federalist? Contact Currie Myers at currie@sheriffmyers.com for details. Please send us email addresses of friends that you believe would be interested in viewing our e-news line!

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

Week of July 31, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-07-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

www.kansasfederalist.blogspot.com
News from the Kansas Federalist

GLOBAL JIHAD 1 dead, 5 hurt in Seattle terror
Muslim angry 'about Israel,'shoots up Jewish Federation
A 30-year-old Pakistani man, announcing he was a Muslim and angry about Israel, pulled out a gun in the Seattle Jewish Federation today and shot six people, one dead.

In Defense of Life
Stem Cell Politics: Advantage, Republicans
Here, for me, is the bottom line. Republicans have a position that is morally complicated (and hence perhaps a little harder to explain), but politically simple. Democrats have a position that is morally simple, but complicated by their political gyrations. I’d rather be in the position of having patiently and repeatedly to explain my moral position, than in the position of explaining how my political strategy trumps my moral position.

Children should be Protected from Exploitation
Protecting children from pornographers
This law simply makes it illegal for pornographers to use children to line their pockets,” said ADF Senior Legal Counsel David Cortman. “The only people that benefit from pornography are pornographers. This law is narrowly tailored to protect children by preventing pornographers from using kids in the production of pornography. It’s that simple.”

United Nations Continued Assault of US Constitution Standing up to the UN on Guns
UN’s willingness was on display last week at the final session of something called the “United Nations Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.”

SPECIAL OFFER
From the Kansas Federalist
Johnson County Couple Teaches Concealed Carry Course.
kay@everestkc.net
Kay and Bob Curtis of Lenexa are teaching Kansans the safe handling and defensive use of handguns in an 8-hour class, in an interview today by the Kansas Federalist. Approved by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, the course satisfies the requirements for Kansas residents to apply for a Concealed Carry Handgun license. Bob and Kay are experienced firearms instructors, certified by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office and the National Rifle Association. In addition, they are both past directors of the Kansas Sportsmen’s Alliance, working for years to promote Second Amendment rights in the Sunflower State. Contact Kay at the above link for enrollment information!

Far-left liberal blogger, Daily Kos blog places stamp of approval on Kansas Governor Sebelius
Anti-War Left Back's Sebelius
Kos activists are the source of a split in the Democratic Party between the hardcore anti-war, anti-business left and traditional Democrats. Now that Kos has given Sebelius the stamp of approval calling her "a rock star" and saying she is his "favorite for the veep nod in 2008" we can only assume he agrees with her political positions.

Texas Security Operation Reduced Border Crime by at Least 65 Percent
Multi-agency project shuts down activities of drug cartels in 5-county region
Texas Governor Rick Perry announced the completion of Operation Laredo, a multi-agency border security operation to target international criminal enterprises and reduce crime and violence in a five-county region along the Texas-Mexico border. Across the five counties law enforcement officials report a 65 percent to 75 percent reduction in all crimes.

Johnson County Courier Exclusive
Editorial - the War in Lebanon by G.N. BenefieldM...
Recognizing TRUTH is one key to peace throughout the world; acting responsibly to TRUTH is a second key. Israel, the U. S. and its allies on the Global War on Terror are responding to the sources of terrorism. We must do more than say, "I support our Troops." Americans must support them by voting out candidates that support Terrorists indirectly.

Interstate Abortion Bill Clears Senate Senate Passes Interstate Abortion Bill... The Senate voted yesterday to make it a crime to take a pregnant girl across state lines to obtain an abortion without her parents' knowledge, handing a long-sought victory to the Bush administration and abortion opponents.

Fairway to get new City Hall Council opts for a new City Hall It’s amazing how a small city of 3,500 has to build a new city hall in order to provide for all of their new expanding government cities. Welcome to Fairway the east coast of Johnson County. By the way, tax increases coming soon to a Fairway citizen near you! It’s my understanding that there are major issues in Fairway between the elected officials and their constituents. We will watch this one close, folks.

Conservative Coffee Cup Blog Announced SemperFidelis-Are You Faithful to the U.S. Yes, my friends, getting people excited about conservatism can be rewarding. The following article is from one of my best friends and my former partner when we both were state troopers. Enjoy, the spirit of conservatism is growing from sea to shinning sea!

Interested in advertising on the Kansas Federalist? Contact Currie Myers at currie@sheriffmyers.com for details. Please send us email addresses of friends that you believe would be interested in viewing our e-news line!

In God We Trust
Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

Week of July 24, 2006 - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-07-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Week of July 24, 2006 – Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines
www.kansasfederalist.blogspot.com
News from the Kansas Federalist

Hezbollah has WMD Capabilities
Security officials detail updated assessment of terror group's arsenal
Intelligence officials detailed for the Galil Report updated assessments on the Hezbollah threat to Israel, including the possible possession by the Lebanese militia of missiles with warheads capable of carrying chemical and biological weapons.

U.S. Lawmen Outgunned along Mexican Border
Bad guys have superior firepower, can eavesdrop on law enforcement
Sheriff’s deputies and Border Patrol agents facing superior firepower from drug cartels, criminal street gangs and human smugglers based in Mexico? Yes, say law enforcement officials – and the situation is getting worse, not better.

Large JOCO Turnout of Concealed Carry Supporters Apply for Permits
Scores apply to carry weapons in county
Johnson County Sheriff say’s local residents don’t support the idea of concealed carry.

SPECIAL OFFER
From the Kansas Federalist
Johnson County Couple Teaches Concealed Carry Course.
kay@everestkc.net
Kay and Bob Curtis of Lenexa are teaching Kansans the safe handling and defensive use of handguns in an 8-hour class, in an interview today by the Kansas Federalist. Approved by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, the course satisfies the requirements for Kansas residents to apply for a Concealed Carry Handgun license. Bob and Kay are experienced firearms instructors, certified by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office and the National Rifle Association. In addition, they are both past directors of the Kansas Sportsmen’s Alliance, working for years to promote Second Amendment rights in the Sunflower State. Contact Kay at the above link for enrollment information!

Governor Sends Jail Bill to DC
Washington chief wants reimbursement for holding onto 'undocumented' felons
State has imprisoned almost 1,000 felons who also are illegal aliens, and she wants the U.S. to send a check for about $50 million to cover the costs of keeping them.

Kansas Attorney General is Right to Pursue Crime
Wichita Eagle is reporting
When a 12-year-old girl or a 14-year-old girl is pregnant the pregnancy is evidence of a crime. The vast majority of these pregnancies occur as a result of a criminal act, most often pedophilia or incest.

Liberals Want Open Door to Elections, including Felons and Illegal Aliens
Democratic officials challenge Missouri voter ID law
Republicans want accountability and laws in place to limit fraud.

Mission Wants to Raise Taxes
Mission proposes tax hike
Mission residents will likely see a 3-mill property tax increase in the coming year

Leawood Wants to Raise Taxes
Leawood to vote on tax increase
Leawood residents will get to vote in November on a sales tax increase proposed by the city.

Sen. Barack Obama’s Unholy War
Exclusive: Jill Stanek rips senator for refusing to protect aborted babies born alive
Michelle Obama called partial-birth abortion "a legitimate medical procedure," and wouldn't supporters please pay $150 to attend a luncheon for her husband, who would fight against "cynical ploy[s]" to stop it?

Medical Staff Arrested After Katrina Euthanasia’s
3 Arrested in New Orleans Hospital Deaths
“Euthanasia is repugnant to everything we believe as ethical health care providers, and it violates every precept of ethical behavior and the law. It is never permissible under any circumstances," stated Harry Anderson, a spokesman for Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare Corp.

Federal Judge Legislates from the Bench, Again
Court: Missouri must allow inmates to have abortions
Judge Dean Whipple of Kansas City king of judicial overstepping is at it again. This is a legislative matter my friends as well as a moral one.

Gardner Residents in Dispute with City Annexation Plans
Bid to annex rail hub site moves ahead
More than 250 residents filled city hall fighting against huge rail hub. It’s citizens versus city politicians and the local Chamber of Commerce. Play close attention to this one folks.

THE DOWNING OF TWA FLIGHT 800
Exclusive: Jack Cashill hears from informant about '96 phone call referring to crash
NSA confirmation in government cover-up of plans that Ramzi Yousef, mastermind of 1993 World Trade Center attack wanted to blow up a dozen American commercial airliners over the Pacific. In fact, a recent communiqué discovered has now indicated the he just may have succeeded.

Kansas has been forced to refund millions of dollars in federal funds
Federal government investigating SRS over food stamp data
The federal government has begun investigating Sebelius-run state welfare agency over allegations of falsified food stamp data.

Hezbollah Agents Caught Entering Mexican border.
Agents seized at border, while Iranians ID targets to 'end Anglo-Saxon civilization'
James Woolsey, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in February, “that Hezbollah has 29 sensitive sites in the U.S. and the West, which he has been spied out and is ready to attack in order to, quote: 'End Anglo-Saxon civilization."

Conservative Commentary of the Week – Kansas Federalist Favorite Economics Professor States the Facts - Running out of oil?
Walter E. Williams calls for end to environmental restrictions limiting energy production

Interested in advertising on the Kansas Federalist? Contact Currie Myers at currie@sheriffmyers.com for details. Please send us email addresses of friends that you believe would be interested in viewing our e-news line!

Currie Myers, Publisher – Kansas Federalist

Week of July 17, 2006

2006-07-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

Week of July 17, 2006 – Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines
www.kansasfederalist.blogspot.com
News from the Kansas Federalist

Kudos to the Olathe School Board conservatives that championed this tax cut.
School board proposes significant tax decrease
It’s Economics 101 folks. The more money you keep the more you spend and that’s the benefit of tax decreases!

Child rapist among credits for CD raises eyebrows
Prison inmates croon for kids
Is this a sign from our “so-called” brilliant correctional minds of new inmate services?

Crime in our Nation’s Capitol at an all time high.
Nation's Capital Declares Crime Emergency...
Another perfect examples of what happens when liberals try to run a government. Political correctness and victimization = high crime. Right New Orleans?

Venezuelan-owned gas subsidiary to start shutting down stations.
Citgo to stop selling gas to hundreds of U.S. stations
Good riddance Chavez, I wasn’t buying your gas anyway. Competition works in America doesn’t it Amigo!

Further Fairway Fiddlelegook.
What I find interesting in this article is not the bi-line. It is actually paragraph two referencing, Fairway City Council Action. Get this, the city of Fairway is paying a consulting firm nearly $10,000 for the dissemination of information to the community. Read the link and see the incredible misuse of taxpayer money.
Fairway to hold hearing on house
Now that’s government at its best. Mayor, I have an idea. How about putting the information in your monthly newsletter. Wow, my bill for $10,000 will be at city hall shortly!

Hey, Shawnee citizens, are you ready for your tax increases by 3-5 mills?
Budget challenge facing Shawnee
Now does everyone understand the importance of supporting and electing good fiscal conservatives at the local level?

Blue Valley School District replaces current events class with new social activism class, called Community Issues.
District high schools to teach students how to further a cause
BVSD hopes it will encourage students to be active citizens in society after gaining a fuller understanding of government institutions. The new class is not synonymous with activism, nor do the teachers have an agenda, according the school staff. Interesting that they felt they had to add that caveat!

This type of Eco-socialism nearly destroyed the Pacific Northwest Lumber Companies.
8 million acres in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico at stake
Could this ever happen to the vast prairies in Kansas? What would happen to our Kansas Economy is Eco-socialism shut down our Kansas wheat crop or our cattle ranches. Remember folks, Ted Turner, owns now thousands of acres in the Flint Hills.

Why the increase in sexual predators? According to "The Marketing of Evil," Americans have come to tolerate, embrace and even champion many things that would have horrified their parents' generation – from easy divorce and unrestricted abortion-on-demand to extreme body piercing and teaching homosexuality to grade-schoolers.
'Marketing of Evil' author guest on nationally broadcast 'Today's Issues'
Does that mean today's Americans are inherently more morally confused and depraved than previous generations? Of course not. But they have fallen victim to some of the most stunningly brilliant and compelling marketing campaigns in modern history.

Nazis at work today in Mideast?
Book reveals Hitler's connection to radical Islamists
When will the world understand that we are dealing with serious Islamo-Fascism and their willingness to destroy their enemies with extreme prejudice.

Conservative Editorial of the Week
All Things Conservative: Gas Companies Don't Pay Gas taxes
Why is it in America we always have to find some corporation or industry to blame when something happens that we don't like. Start drilling for more oil and developing more refineries. It’s, once again, a global supply and demand issue my friends!

Interested in advertising on the Kansas Federalist? Contact Currie Myers at currie@sheriffmyers.com for details. Please send us email addresses of friends that you believe would be interested in viewing our e-newsline! Spread the word about our weekly e-news and join the grassroots in just saying no to reading liberal newspapers.

In God We Trust
Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist

Week of July 9th - Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

2006-07-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Week of July 9, 2006 – Placing Conservative Views in the Headlines

The Coming of the Brave New World – The Nexus between Education and Labor.
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/secure/cwnetwork/article.php?&ArticleID=822
The goals of the Communist Manifesto and those who signed the Humanist Manifesto are being accomplished even now as we see the merging of education with labor policy—or what many are referring to as corporate fascism. The American Heritage Dictionary defines corporate fascism as “a philosophy or system of government that advocates or exercises dictatorship through the merging of state and business leadership.”

How far can abuse of police powers go?
FLASH: Limbaugh won't be charged over Viagra...
Has police power been corrupted so much in American that we can no longer trust the one’s that are responsible for our protection of rights. When did “gotcha” politics invade law enforcers?

Yet Another Tax Increase Sought by the Sheriff?
Sheriff wants to increase mill levy “again” to pay for his budget
I have literally lost count of all the budget increases that has been requested.

Two Communist Leaders to Meet About the US.
Venezuela's Chavez planning arms-for-oil trip to N. Korea...
Time for Teddy Roosevelt and his big stick diplomacy to make a comeback!

Surveillance Program Assist “Again” in Foiling Plot.
FBI Disrupts New York City Tunnel Plot...
However, the government had to announce the plot earlier than expected due to leaks “again” by the media.

Dennis Moore and the KC Star. Freedom of Speech? No, the Star should be registered as a PAC!
NAACP to honor several Johnson Countians
Moore looks at electronic hospital records
It’s funny how we have a congressman that can’t get anything accomplished for us, but how the Star always seems to find some good print for him around election time. Maybe the next headline will be, “Moore successful in finding restroom at Capitol.”

Al Gore’s continued stumping for global warming.
Global warming blamed for more, worse wildfires
Let’s see. Is it possible that the wildfires are due to eco-propagandists successfully lobbying over the past 30 years to not cut down trees and to not allow for controlled burns?

Wrangling in new tax increases – Play Ball!
Wichita officials lay out their support for the Wranglers
Should Wichita area citizens support tax-funded sports programs, like KC?

The Kansas Supreme Court and their continued constitutional over reaches!
Seeking Legislative Intent?
Free State has prepared some excellent background on our very own Kansas Supreme Court. It is highly recommended reading.

Pope Benedict urged Spain on Saturday to defend traditional values
Pope stresses family values in Spain...
"This is the best way to counter a widespread hedonism which reduces human relations to banality and empties them of their authentic value and beauty," he said, to waves of applause.

Parkland Memorial Hospital plans to bill Mexico and other countries to help cover the costs of health care for indigents.
Dallas hospital plans to bill Mexico for care of indigents...
What's wrong with sending them a bill? We owe it to taxpayers to at least try.

Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist

New Kansas Federalist Format Unveiled

2006-07-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

New Kansas Federalist Format Unveiled
An Editorial Page, as well as, news and information, at least once a week

Kansas Governor gives holiday pay to state employees for a non-holiday.
See link - Extended holiday weekend for state employees comes at price
Is the Governor making the right fiscal decisions or pandering to the unions?

Sheriff of Johnson County believes new concealed gun law is a burden.
See link - Phase 1 of concealed-carry begins today
Is the Sheriff slapping the faces of the legislature and the laws that they pass?

Shawnee Mission School Board votes to follow the laws!
See link - Stricter crime-reporting policy OK’d
So does this mean the schools weren’t following the law and reporting crime. Where has DA Morrison been the last 16 years enforcing the law?

Shawnee Mission School Board finds money for another administrative position.
See link - School board creates new job, then fills it Shawnee mission board of education
Director of Assessment and Testing? Wow, sounds like another $100k job to me!

Another proposed Tax Increase for schools. This time it’s the Spring Hill Schools.
See link – Spring Hill schools tax up for public vote
It’s at four mills now and climbing! That’s over $1,500 per year per household on a $200k house. Remember folks; it’s all starting to add up!

Leawood City officials propose mill levy increase to support golf course.
See link - Leawood nixes golf course levy
I have an idea. How about selling the course to the private sector and concentrating on core government services?

Liberal Governor Corzine of New Jersey wants to raise taxing astronomically.
See link - JERSEY SHUTDOWN: Atlantic City Casinos Ordered to Close...
Will Kansas Governor follow suit if re-elected in Kansas?

Liberals send out positive signals for Hillary in 2008.
See link - CARVILLE: HILLARY CAN WIN...
Are you prepared for a Clinton Redux?

Interested in underwriting the Kansas Federalist or advertising your company. Please contact us via email at currie@sheriffmyers.com for details!

Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist

Independence Day - A Nation of Resolve

2006-06-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

As I sat down to write this weekend about our Independence, I received my daily email from the Patriot Post, dedicated to Federalism at the National level. It was so well written that I wanted to share it with you. I was moved as I hope you will be. Enjoy the 4th and I pray upon you all that you explain the importance to your loved ones of this great day. Perhaps even read this post to your family on the 4th prior to eating, so that they can become more familar on what our country stands for and why we came into being.

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2006
A Nation of Resolve...

Two-hundred-thirty remarkable years have passed since July 4th, 1776—but what lies ahead for our liberty-blessed land? Let us take stock, at this anniversary of our nation's founding, of how we started on our course as a nation, and whether we still possess the character of that free people our Founders envisioned us to be.

Read the Declaration again with a fresh appraisal, and note the measured tones of the stirring words that begin the treatise: "When in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation."

"When...it becomes necessary..." Armed hostilities had commenced on 19 April 1775, at the battles of Lexington and Concord, and a year before asserting American independence, on 5 July 1775, the Continental Congress adopted the Olive Branch Petition, beseeching the British king for a peaceful resolution of the American colonies' grievances. As with tyrants ever, the King declined the proffered peace.

The Founders further remarked on their natural hesitation to act boldly in severing ties to England: "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.—Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States." A second time in this passage, the Declaration signers contended they acted out of necessity.

The Founders described their entreaties to the British government: "In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."

Once more: "We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation..."
It is remarkable, indeed, how our nation's character has changed. Upon deciding that independence was necessary, our Founding Fathers acted decisively. How often these days do we match such resolve?

Postmodern American man, steeped in moral relativism and doubtful of ascertaining truth, is a bundle of eclectic capacities and features—a far cry from the Founders' notion of human nature. They believed that each individual human is created in the image of God, with the stamp of that divine impress best seen in the fact that each of us is a morally choosing being, fully capable of knowing and distinguishing right from wrong.

Our Founding Fathers thus treated liberty of conscience, most particularly in regard to faith, as central to the project of freedom: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..." The Founders believed our lives are not vehicles of pleasure but have moral consequence based on our chosen path of conscience and that government should follow our lead.

So started the American Revolution, with this formal statement: "We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States..."

The signers concluded, "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." The Founders forged the earliest temper of our populace on the anvil of freedom, and we diminish such courage and resolve at our own great peril.

These were men, "heroes and patriots" in Noah Webster's words, intent on founding a country fit for citizens possessed of sturdy virtue, firm determination and sound judgment, and to inculcate within the new land's citizens a resolve for liberty. This is the heritage we celebrate this Independence Day. Let's live up to it.

Currie Myers - Kansas Federalist

Two Mayors and a Bio-Ethical Dilemma

2006-06-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

Johnson County’s Bioscience Role

Are the Fairway and Mission mayors attempting to bring embryonic stem cell, SCNT, or cloning research to Johnson County?

Johnson County was recently showcased as an up-and-coming player in the emerging biosciences field by members of the Johnson County Bioscience Coalition at an international convention held in April. Two Johnson County mayors, coalition co-conveners John St. Clair and Laura McConwell, attended “Bio 2006” April 12-14 in Chicago. Also attending was Andrew Nave, assistant director of the Shawnee Economic Development Council. Their goal was to show off Kansas and, specifically, Johnson County.

The conference provided networking opportunities for the Johnson County Bioscience Coalition, which was formed more than a year ago by St. Clair and McConwell, mayor of Mission. The coalition’s mission is to educate people regarding the Kansas Economic Growth Act and what it could mean for Kansas and Johnson County in the future. Comprising officials from city government, economic development, education and business, the group meets about once every two months. Speakers address a variety of topics related to biosciences.

Speakers have included Angela Kreps, president of the newly formed trade organization KansasBio, and F. Nicholas Franano of Proteon Therapeutics, a privately held biotechnology company developing pharmaceuticals to address the medical needs of patients with vascular disease. About 20 to 30 people attend each meeting, St. Clair said. St. Clair said a primary goal is learning how Johnson County can take advantage of the Kansas Economic Growth Act, which will infuse $580 million into the bioscience sector over the next 10 to 12 years. The act also created the Kansas Bioscience Authority, an independent group of local and national leaders in the areas of technology, science and business. That group is charged with creating an infrastructure to encourage industry growth in the state.

In a January 2000 article in the Kansas City Star the following information was provided about the group:

“The initial work of the group has focused largely on raising awareness about opportunities and challenges that arise when working with biotech ventures. The coalition has brought in speakers and organized visits for its more than 150 participants to learn about such initiatives as the Kansas Economic Growth Act, the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute and the Enterprise Center of Johnson County. Nicholas Franano, who recently raised $19 million for his biotech start-up called Proteon Therapeutics, spoke at the group’s gathering last week. He offered tips and insight for navigating the venture capital industry. With the area’s proximity to such bioscience bright lights as the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, the Kansas University Medical Center and a number of promising start-up companies, the opportunities for Johnson County seemed worthy of exploration as Kansas increased its emphasis on the industry, St. Clair said.”

The Kansas Coalition for Lifesaving Cures is being created in response to a bill introduced last session by state Rep. Mary Pilcher Cook, R-Shawnee, said Marcia Nielsen, assistant vice chancellor for health policy and governmental affairs at the University of Kansas Medical Center. "The bill wasn't even voted on at the committee level," Nielsen said. "But we fully expect it to be reintroduced in 2006." To ensure that Cook's bill or subsequent attempts to criminalize somatic cell nuclear transfer don't become law, Nielsen said, KU Med has joined more than 200 other groups and individuals supporting the new Kansas Coalition. Creation of the coalition won't be formally announced until later this month, she said, but the group already has established a headquarters in Lawrence and hired an executive director, Lori Hutsles. Hutsles, who represented parts of Shawnee and Merriam as a state representative in the early 1990s, said Kansas Coalition's battle against criminalization of somatic cell nuclear transfer, or SCNT, will take a slightly different route than Missouri's. The Missouri Coalition is attempting to collect the 150,000 signatures necessary to place a state constitutional amendment on the November 2006 ballot. The initiative would protect all forms of stem cell research -- including SCNT -- currently allowed by federal law. But the Kansas Constitution does not allow measures to be placed on the ballot by petition, Hutsles said, so the Kansas Coalition will focus on educating lawmakers, who could put a constitutional amendment on the ballot or at least reject bills targeting SCNT.

At the 2006 BioScience Convention in Chicago the Kansas report was filed at the conference. In examining the document (see Kansas Report below) the major funding sources are stated as the Midwest Research Institute ($12 million) and the Biomed Discovery Fund at the Stowers Institute ($50 million).

Read Individual State Reports (PDF files from 67-100 KB in size)

Kansas

The state's economic growth act has provisions for creating Bioscience Development Districts, which could direct a portion of an expected pool of state money topping $500 million to projects a community needs to land a biotech venture.

Some have talked about the possibility of fashioning a district from a corridor running largely along Shawnee Mission Parkway. It might stretch from the Bayer HealthCare complex to the west all the way east to the state line; essentially making it a neighbor of the current Stowers research facilities. The institute's plans for building a second campus in the Kansas City area also have been considered.

The coalition is not committed to creating one of the districts, but that is a future possibility. Organizers want to learn more about what would be involved in such a step. They also have more work to do in identifying how their region can best support and capitalize on the biotech industry.

'We are still evolving into the role this group will have,' St. Clair said.

While specific action steps are not yet clear, the possibilities definitely are intriguing, said Walt Vernon, chairman of the Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce.
Communities such as Fairway, Mission and Prairie Village are limited in that they have few sizable chunks of undeveloped land, Vernon said. While that lessens the chances of attracting a major biotechnology manufacturing operation, an incubator facility providing low-cost lab space and offices for small start-ups might be a possibility.

The questions the Kansas Federalist poses for its readers are the following:

Is there a potential eminent domain issue in these cities based upon better revenue for those respective city governments?

Will the Stowers Institute assist the Johnson County Bioscience Coalition financially in the further development of embryonic, SCNT, or cloning research?

What, if any, professional or business relationships with occur between the mayors of these cities and the funding of these projects in the future?

Will Tax Increment Funding (TIF), or other taxing opportunities be used to support these
programs in Johnson County?

Have the area universities and colleges developed into super businesses? A new type of business that brings enormous tax revenues, personnel, and resources to they’re new venture capital partners?

Citizens in the cities of Northeast Johnson County and Shawnee in particular should contact their respective mayors and get a complete and full understanding on the above questions.

Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist

WMD'S VERIFIED IN IRAQ - JUST RELEASED

2006-06-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

ALERT – FOX NEWS REPORTS

WASHINGTON — The United States has found 500 chemical weapons in Iraq since 2003, and more weapons of mass destruction are likely to be uncovered, two Republican lawmakers said Wednesday.

"We have found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, chemical weapons," Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., said in a quickly called press conference late Wednesday afternoon.

Reading from a declassified portion of a report by the National Ground Intelligence Center, a Defense Department intelligence unit, Santorum said: "Since 2003, coalition forces have recovered approximately 500 weapons munitions which contain degraded mustard or sarin nerve agent. Despite many efforts to locate and destroy Iraq's pre-Gulf War chemical munitions, filled and unfilled pre-Gulf War chemical munitions are assessed to still exist."

• Click here to read the declassified portion of the NGIC report.

"This says weapons have been discovered, more weapons exist and they state that Iraq was not a WMD-free zone, that there are continuing threats from the materials that are or may still be in Iraq," said Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.
Hoekstra said the report, completed in April but only declassified now, shows that "there is still a lot about Iraq that we don't fully understand." Asked why the Bush administration, if it had known about the information since April or earlier, didn't advertise it, Hoekstra conjectured that the president has been forward-looking and concentrating on the development of a secure government in Iraq.

The official said the findings did raise questions about the years of weapons inspections that had not resulted in locating the fairly sizeable stash of chemical weapons. And he noted that it may say something about Hussein's intent and desire. The report does suggest that some of the weapons were likely put on the black market and may have been used outside Iraq.
He also said that the Defense Department statement shortly after the March 2003 invasion saying that "we had all known weapons facilities secured," has proven itself to be untrue.

"It turned out the whole country was an ammo dump," he said, adding that on more than one occasion, a conventional weapons site has been uncovered and chemical weapons have been discovered mixed within them.

"We know it was there, in place, it just wasn't operative when inspectors got there after the war, but we know what the inspectors found from talking with the scientists in Iraq that it could have been cranked up immediately, and that's what Saddam had planned to do if the sanctions against Iraq had halted and they were certainly headed in that direction," said Fred Barnes, editor of The Weekly Standard and a FOX News contributor.

The release of the declassified materials comes as the Senate debates Democratic proposals to create a timetable for U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraq. The debate has had the effect of creating disunity among Democrats, a majority of whom shrunk Wednesday from an amendment proposed by Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts to have troops to be completely withdrawn from Iraq by the middle of next year.

At the same time, congressional Republicans have stayed highly united, rallying around a White House that has seen successes in the last couple weeks, first with the death of terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, then the completion of the formation of Iraq's Cabinet and then the announcement Tuesday that another key Al Qaeda in Iraq leader, "religious emir" Mansour Suleiman Mansour Khalifi al-Mashhadani, or Sheik Mansour, was also killed in a U.S. airstrike.
Santorum pointed out that during Wednesday's debate, several Senate Democrats said that no weapons of mass destruction had been found in Iraq, a claim, he said, that the declassified document proves is untrue.

"This is an incredibly — in my mind — significant finding. The idea that, as my colleagues have repeatedly said in this debate on the other side of the aisle, that there are no weapons of mass destruction, is in fact false," he said.

As a result of this new information, under the aegis of his chairmanship, Hoekstra said he is going to ask for more reporting by the various intelligence agencies about weapons of mass destruction.

"We are working on the declassification of the report. We are going to do a thorough search of what additional reports exist in the intelligence community. And we are going to put additional pressure on the Department of Defense and the folks in Iraq to more fully pursue a complete investigation of what existed in Iraq before the war," Hoekstra said.

FOX News' Jim Angle and Sharon Kehnemui Liss contributed to this report

Kansas Federalist note – Why is just FOX News and Drudge reporting on this new public discovery? In today’s day and age of electronic, fast-breaking news, why hasn’t the mainstream media reported to the people of this country the truth that WMD’s did exist and existed in vast qualities in Iraq.

Will the mainstream media as well as liberals across this country apologize to the United States and to President Bush for calling him a liar? When will we understand that terrorism is a clear and present danger to the United States of America and we must be offensive in our tactics or we will end up fighting terrorism again on our homeland?

Currie Myers – Kansas Federalists

Happy Father's Day Dad!

2006-06-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

In contrast to Steve Rose’s column last week in the Sun explaining to his deceased father about how the area has changed for the worse due to conservatism, I offer my thoughts to my own father whom past away in 1993.

Dad,

I miss you terribly and want you to know that Bernadette and the kids are doing great. You would be proud of them, Dad! The kids are really solid citizens and are involved in their school. They haven’t been a bit of trouble. We teach the golden rule, we pray as a family, and we stress that the kids believe in something more than themselves.

You would be surprised of some of the politics around here however. It’s nothing like Jefferson County where you raised us. We actually have people here that run for office but they don’t tell us what they believe. Some of them never answer questions that are asked of them and they have no principles. They complain all of the time and name call and they run for office as Republicans but they don’t have Republican beliefs. One political group is using the name and picture of President Eisenhower and they say they are just like him. Remember Sheriff Eisenhower of Jefferson County? The sheriff when I was growing up and a cousin to the former President? Remember how strong-willed, disciplined and conservative he was? I really tried to emulate him when I was sheriff here in Johnson County. He sure was a good man!

Taxes are really getting high here Dad. And now as a business owner and entrepreneur I really see the benefit of low taxes and less government regulations. We’ve also had the government really abuse eminent domain. And you wouldn't believe that our country has allowed illegal entry into our country and we deny it’s wrong. It seems more and more we care not for the rule of the law, but for political correctness and political pandering.

Remember when we saw that movie “Coma” together in the 70’s. The movie where they harvested body parts to be used to help others and how you said that one day that will be a reality unless we are strict in our moral courage to prevent such actions. Well it’s happened Dad. We have cloning and embryonic stem cell research and organizations, including our colleges, that promote such activities. And the reason? It would be a great source of revenue to the area.

But even though we have some problems and some obstacles to overcome. And even though the newspapers here might as well be liberal political action committees and registered as such, I see the light. The grassroots, the people that walk the walk and talk the talk, are here and are in significant numbers. They are truly the silent majority that rises up and keeps everything in check. So I’m excited Dad. I’m involved and ready for action and I hope that you’re proud of me for taking a stand and fighting the good and honorable fight.

Thanks again for everything you gave me. For all the opportunities, the love, the discipline and the belief that whatever I would take on I would be successful. Please pray for our family and watch over us. Some day I hope to hold onto your hand and walk the path that you now know is true and righteous!

Your loving Son,

Currie

Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist

Local Taxes Outpacing Inflation - The Downfall to Johnson County

2006-06-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

Some of the elected official’s in Johnson County and their tax and spend philosophy has started to catch up with them. As core government service and infrastructure needs grow, the county and cities, whom have spent valuable taxpayers dollars on non-core government services are started to realize their financial mistakes, or have they? Some local politicians who see the ever- growing budget burden don’t seem to get the big picture. County Chair Annabeth Surbaugh has already committed to seeing county residents get hit with yet another tax increase and the BOCC Commissioner representing Northeast Johnson County, Ed Peterson, has stated publicly that he is not against the “nuclear option” of raising the county’s mill levy to 7 or 8 mills. In any event, perhaps some of these bureaucrats/politicians have forgotten they serve in elected positions.

To get some sense of how much property values and taxes have gone up in the last 10 years, The Kansas City Star tracked the average appraised values and the average tax bills for about 110,000 single-family homes listed on the tax rolls in 1996. In those 10 years, the average appraised value of the homes rose 63 percent, while the average tax bill went up 43 percent. By comparison, Kansas City’s inflation as a measurement of consumer spending increased 22.2 percent for the same period, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

Alan Cobb, executive director of the Kansas chapter of Americans for Prosperity, said he was not surprised that real estate taxes in the county were outpacing inflation. “Unfortunately, it seems that government generally spends twice the rate of inflation,” said Cobb; whose organization opposes tax increases. “School funding in Kansas is well above twice the rate of inflation, especially the last two years, and the state budget is going to be twice the rate of inflation. ”Cobb’s organization wants to limit the growth of local and state budgets, in part, to the rate of inflation in an initiative known at the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR).

Many local politicians and government managers use the excuse that all these tax increases are for core government services. But is it really? The fact is that local and county government has been spending tax monies on non-essential services for years now. It’s really a matter of prioritization and needs versus wants. Not to mention the fact the current tax monies used under the public safety tax that is supposed to be used for capital projects is being diverted in order to fund the county’s operating budget.

TABOR could be a great start in order to prioritize future funding and keep a lid on tax increases in the future. In addition, the TABOR would also allow for population growth in its formula, as well as increases in inflation. Elected officials willing to embrace TABOR should be given special thought in the election booth this August and November. There is no question that a multitude of services is a very nice thing to have in your community. However, those services must be measured against the potential for businesses, both old and new, along with residents, fleeing high cost areas to a more tax friendly oasis on the plains. Perhaps Miami County could learn from the accomplishments and mistakes of Johnson County and be a serious competitor for the wealth that Johnson County once proclaimed.

Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist

Do You Contribute More Than You Consume?

2006-06-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

As Americans we live in the finest country in the world. Freedom’s that others cannot imagine. Capabilities that others cannot fathom. Dreams that others will never realize. When I think of the opportunities that I have had in my life I am humbled by the works of others in allowing it to happen.

First and foremost your opportunities are predicated on faith. I’m not a big believer in luck. Believing in something greater than yourself and not afraid to stand in defense of that faith is of paramount importance. Second is the value of family and friendships. When one stands together there is nothing that you cannot achieve in life. And finally third is morale courage. The ability to stand and argue in defense of your beliefs. Victimization and nay saying is not the mantra of a Federalist. Federalists fight the fight. They do not develop apathy in life. Resolving problems, righting wrongs, and protecting others is a way of life.

You can determine if you are a Federalist or not by one simple question: Do you contribute more than you consume? In your family, do you bring leadership and resolve to your family or are you just a member of the clan? In business, do you strive to find solutions and better performance or do you just complain and wish life were better. In politics, do you stand in the background afraid of taking a side or do you have the moral courage to stand up and fight for what you believe?

The easiest path to take in life is being in the background. Being a part of the crowd and not separating yourself from the pack. The hardest thing to do is be a leader. To be the person that will stand up, defend your beliefs and take the lead in serving your country. The greatest thing about this country is that any one person can be that leader or that series of leaders. You don’t have to be the wealthiest, or even the most powerful. The United States of America is waiting for you. Be a leader, defend your way of life and stand ready to serve your country. Don’t just consume, contribute!

Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist

What Memorial Day Means to Me

2006-05-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

My family’s national heritage goes back to 1670 when John Worland of Charles County, Maryland proved his right to 200 acres of land signed by Charles Calvert, Second Lord Baltimore and Chief Governor of the Province of Maryland. Charles County lies south of Washington D.C., and is on the east side of the Potomac River. The intent and use of the land was tobacco farming. From John, sprang 13 generations of the Worland Family including the Myers family.

In 1776, John Worland II and his sons, John, Robey, Charles, and Henry all took the oath of fidelity to the United States of America and fought in the Revolutionary War. It is an honor to be a Son of the American Revolution. Our family went on to settle in states like Kentucky, New York, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Wyoming, and Montana. In Kansas, our family settled into a little town called Tonganoxie in 1872, where my grandfather, Ray was born to Lynn Currier Myers and Kate Worland. To this day if you look close you can see the L.C. Myers name embossed in brick on one of the buildings downtown, which my great-grandfather owned as a harness shop.

I have been asked why do I write under the name, the Kansas Federalist. In short, the reason that I am a conservative and a federalist is quite simple. It’s in honor of the family that I’m blessed to be a part of. It’s in honor of my family that has fought in every major war since our country was founded. It’s in honor of my forefathers that framed the Constitution, took oaths to protect that Constitution and gave us the opportunity to succeed in a land blessed by Almighty God.

This weekend when the hot dogs are grilling and the chips are eaten. Please spend a quiet moment or two and thank our Founders for the country that has been provided and to the men and women who have fought to preserve it for the rest of us.

My God bless the United States of America.

Currie Myers – The Kansas Federalist

The Continuing Decay of Journalism

2006-05-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

As a child, I distinctly remember my Dad going into town on Sunday’s to get the Kansas City Times. I watched his enjoyment as he would read the paper, sip a cup of coffee and prepare for the day. My Dad worked for the federal government and was interviewed by the paper from time-to-time. Sometimes he was misquoted, but he assumed in general that most of the paper was fact based and truthful. My Dad was not in politics like his son!

I first noticed sensationalism in the media when I was a state trooper. Like my father, it was generally misquotes, so I determined that it was a result of the individual reporter as opposed to a generally conspiracy. As a KBI special agent and as the media point of contact for drug investigations I began to see a broader scope of unreliable reporting and agenda building on the part of media. But still I was not aware of the political side of the print media.

As sheriff, I saw real agenda building on the part of the media. Always looking for conflict within the story as opposed to the news behind the story itself. They are experts at pitting one person against the other. It seems to me that since the 1970’s all journalist are aspiring Woodward’s and Bernstein’s! What people don’t realize, unless you are one, is the intense scrutiny the media has against conservatives. Until I became active in politics, I would never pick up on the story “between the lines”.

As an example, I would like to give you some pause for thought and reinforce my opinion. The Kansas City Star Sunday Edition for this week has literally dozens of stories for the reader. But what is the secret by-line? What is one of the most liberal papers in the US trying to reinforce within those articles and editorials written. Well, I will share with you that information in a snapshot of real journalistic integrity. Just one paper, for one day, in one city.

The Kansas City Star – Sunday Edition – May 21, 2006

“Senate bill reaffirms primacy of the language” The KC Star/Washington Times calls the Republican bill the most controversial.

“Though Iraq Death Drop, Missouri Mourns More” The KC Star cannot even give acceptance to the fact that US death statistics are declining each month in the war. Instead the Star end the article with the following, “So many fresh faces….so many fresh graves…. So many heartbreaks.”

“Delay Movie Premieres” The Star refers to the scandals of Tom Delay (R).

“No Big Love Here” The Star makes light of a statement by US Senator Orrin Hatch (R) of Utah.

“Making Amends” The Star talks positively of US Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D).

“Gore’s Medical Condition” The Star talks positively about Al Gore (D) and his suspected run in 08.

“That Low Down Feeling” The Star speaks of President Bush’s low approval rating.

Article on the “Fence Bill” However, the picture displayed by the Star is one of an illegal alien’s hands on a fence looking into America. The perception looks like he is in jail.

“English – Critics Fear for Non-Speakers” The Star is worried Spanish speakers will be treated poorly in the US.

“Religious Liberals Re-Emerging in US” The Religious Left’s causes: Poverty, Healthcare and eh em, Global Warming.

“Teens Get Short End of New Tax-Cut Deal” The Star and the NY Times are concerned that teenagers from age 14-17 will not get any tax cuts from the Bush Tax-Cut Plan.

“GOP’s Woes Put Ohio on the Fence” The Star fears for the GOP in Ohio?

“The Battlefield for House Rule Grows Bigger” The Star and their old friends the NY Times discusses the perceived new takeover of the Democrats in 08.

“America Misjudged the Clout of the Chameleon” The Star and LA Times (Does the Star ever write their own stuff) explains how the US underestimated al-Qaida.

“Taliban Present a Challenge to NATO Forces” The Star explains how the Taliban are regaining footholds in Afghanistan.

“Combative Factions Form Government” The Star explains the dysfunction of the Iraqi new government.

“A Dysfunctional Police Force” The Star and NY Times explain the ineptness of the new police force in Iraq and how the US Government underestimated the task.

“Middle-Class Iraqis Look for Way Out of Violence-Ridden Country” The Star and NY Times explain how the average Iraqi citizen has had enough and are leaving their country in droves.

“Once Again, The United States Fiddles While the World Burns” The Star’s commentary section educates us all on the Demon US and how we have allowed the world to go to hell in a hand basket in South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe by not being good global brothers. Did I mention the author spend years writing to us from Paris!

Well, that’s it my Kansas Federalist friends. One paper, on one Sunday, in one city. Not one article or editorial to the negative of the Democrat Party. Only the trials and tribulations of Republicans and how the GOP is placing the US on the endangered species list. As I have stated before nearly everything is a supply and demand issue. The Star may indeed supply us with a paper, but we do not need to demand it!

Currie Myers – The Kansas Federalist

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act is a Mistake in Waiting

2006-05-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

Robert Rector of the Heritage Foundation just recently finished a study showing the long term effects if the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (CIRA, S.2611) is passed by the US Senate. This bill if passed could have a devatising impact on our country if passed. The following information highlights Rector's arguments:

If enacted, CIRA would be the most dramatic change in immigration law in 80 years, allowing an estimated 103 million persons to legally immigrate to the U.S. over the next 20 years—fully one-third of the current population of the United States.

Much attention has been given to the fact that the bill grants amnesty to some 10 million illegal immigrants. Little or no attention has been given to the fact that the bill would quintuple the rate of legal immigration into the United States, raising, over time, the inflow of legal immigrants from around one million per year to over five million per year. The impact of this increase in legal immigration dwarfs the magnitude of the amnesty provisions.

In contrast to the 103 million immigrants permitted under CIRA, current law allows 19 million legal immigrants over the next twenty years. Relative to current law, then, CIRA would add an extra 84 million legal immigrants to the nation’s population.

The figure of 103 million legal immigrants is a reasonable estimate of the actual immigration inflow under the bill and not the maximum number that would be legally permitted to enter. The maximum number that could legally enter would be almost 200 million over twenty years—over 180 million more legal immigrants than current law permits.

Immigration Status
To understand the provisions of CIRA, largely based on a compromise by Senators Chuck Hagel (R–Nebraska) and Mel Martinez (R–Florida), it is useful to distinguish between the three legal statuses that a legal immigrant might hold:

Temporary Status: Persons in this category enter the U.S. temporarily and are required to leave after a period of time.
Near-Permanent, Convertible Status: Persons in this category enter the U.S. and are given the opportunity to “adjust” or convert to legal permanent residence after a few years.
Legal Permanent Residence (LPR): Persons in this category have the right to remain in the United States for their entire lives. After five years, they have the right to naturalize and become citizens. As naturalized citizens, they have the constitutional rights to vote and to receive any government benefits given to native-born citizens.
A key feature of CIRA is that most immigrants identified as “temporary” are, in fact, given convertible status with a virtually unrestricted opportunity to become legal permanent residents and then citizens.

Another important feature of both CIRA and existing immigration law is that immigrants in convertible or LPR status have the right to bring spouses and minor children into the country. Spouses and dependent children will be granted permanent residence along with the primary immigrant and may also become citizens. In addition, after naturalizing, an immigrant has the right to bring his parents into the U.S. as permanent residents with the opportunity for citizenship. There are no numeric limits on the number of spouses, dependent children, and parents of naturalized citizens that may be brought into the country. Additionally, the siblings and adult children (along with their families) of naturalized citizens and the adult children (and their families) of legal permanent residents are given preference in future admission but are subject to numeric caps.

Key Provisions of CIRA
Four key provisions of CIRA would result in an explosive increase in legal immigration.

Amnesty for Current Illegal Immigrants: CIRA offers amnesty and citizenship to 85 percent of the nation’s current 11.9 million illegal immigrants. Under the plan, illegal immigrants who have been in the U.S. for five years or more (60 percent of illegals) would be granted immediate amnesty. Illegal immigrants who have been in the country between two and five years (25 percent of illegals) could travel to one of 16 “ports of entry,” where they would receive amnesty and lawful work permits.[1] In total, the bill would grant amnesty to 85 percent of the current illegal immigrant population, or some 10 million individuals.

After receiving amnesty, illegal immigrants would spend six years in a provisional status before attaining LPR status. After five years in LPR status, they would have the opportunity to become naturalized citizens and vote in U.S. elections. As well, the spouses and dependent children of current illegal immigrants would have the right to enter the U.S. and become citizens.[2] There would be no numeric limit on the number of illegal immigrants, spouses, and dependents receiving LPR status; under the amnesty provision, such individuals would not be counted against any other cap or limit in immigration law.[3]

The New “Temporary Guest Worker” Program: CIRA creates an entirely new “temporary guest worker” (H-2C) program. There is nothing temporary about this program; nearly all “guest workers” would have the right to become permanent residents and then citizens.

Foreign workers could enter the U.S. as guest workers if they have a job offer from a U.S. employer. In practical terms, U.S. companies would recruit foreign workers to enter the guest worker program and immigrate to the U.S. Most likely, intermediate employment firms would specialize in recruiting foreign labor for U.S. employers.

Guest workers would be allowed to remain in the U.S. for six years.[4] However, in the fourth year, the guest worker could ask for LPR status and would receive it if he has learned English or is enrolled in an English class.[5] There are no numeric limits on the number of guest workers who could receive LPR status. Upon receiving LPR status, the guest worker could remain in the country permanently. He could become a U.S. citizen and vote in U.S. elections after just five more years.

The spouses and minor children of guest workers would also be permitted to immigrate to the U.S.[6] When guest workers petition for LPR status, their spouses and children would receive it as well. Five years after obtaining LPR status, these spouses could become naturalized citizens. The bill sets no limit on the number of spouses and children who could immigrate under the guest worker program. After workers and their spouses have obtained citizenship, they would be able to bring in their parents as legal permanent residents.

The bill does provide numeric limits on the number of guest workers who can enter the country each year, but the number starts high and then grows exponentially. In the first year, 325,000 H-2C visas would be given out, but if employer demand for guest workers is high, that number could be boosted by an extra 65,000 in the next year. If employer demand for H-2C workers continues to be high, the number of H-2C visas could be raised by up to 20 percent in each subsequent year.

The 20 percent exponential escalator provision allows the number of H-2C immigrants to climb steeply in future years. If the H-2C cap were increased by 20 percent each year, within twenty years the annual inflow of workers would reach 12 million. At this 20 percent growth rate, a total of 70 million guest workers would enter the U.S. over the next two decades and none would be required to leave. While it is unlikely that so many workers would enter, the program does have the potential to bring ten of millions of immigrants to the U.S.

The “guest worker” program, then, is an open door program, based on the demands of U.S. business, that would allow an almost unlimited number of workers and dependents to enter the U.S. from anywhere in world and become citizens. It is essentially an “open border” provision.

Additional Permanent Visas for Siblings, Adult Children, and their Families: The permanent entry of non-immediate relatives—such as brothers, sisters, and adult children—is currently subject to a cap of 480,000 per year minus the number of immediate relatives (the parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens) admitted in the prior year. CIRA eliminates the deduction for immediate relatives from the cap.[7] This effectively increases the number of non-immediate relatives who could attain LPR status by 254,000 per year.

Additional Permanent Employment Visas: The U.S. currently issues around 140,000 employment-based visas each year. Under CIRA, the U.S. would issue 450,000 employment-based green cards per year between 2007 and 2016.[8] After 2016, the number would fall to 290,000 per year.[9] Under current law, LPR visas going to the spouses and children of workers with employment-based visas are counted against the cap. Under CIRA, these spouses and children would be removed from the cap and given legal permanent residence without numeric limits.[10] Historically, 1.2 dependent relatives have entered the U.S. for each worker under employment-based immigration programs.[11] This means that some 990,000 persons per year would be granted LPR status until 2016 and, after that, 638,000 per year.

Estimating Future Immigration Under CIRA
Most provisions of CIRA are straightforward; in many categories, the number of future immigrants allowed is either directly stated or can be easily calculated from the law’s provisions. In some areas, however, the law’s impact is uncertain. To estimate future legal immigration under the bill, three assumptions have been used in this paper:

Spouses and children of workers: Dependent spouses and children represent a major component of current immigration. In the current employment-based visa program, 1.2 dependents enter for each incoming worker.[12] This paper assumes this ratio will continue in the employment-based program and will also apply to those entering under the new guest worker program. This is a conservative assumption: guest workers are likely to have lower education levels and thus to have larger families. Finally, many current illegal immigrants who would receive amnesty under the bill already have families in the U.S.; therefore the ratio of incoming spouses and children to amnesty recipients is assumed to be only 0.6, or half the ratio of the employment-based program.
Parents of naturalized citizens: Parents of naturalized citizens currently make up eight percent of all new legal immigrants. This paper assumes that half of all adult immigrants will naturalize after five years of LPR status and that 30 percent of the parents of these naturalized citizens will immigrate in the three years after their children’s naturalization.
Growth in the guest worker program: The number of immigrants in the guest worker program will be driven by employer demand. The bill allows the number of H-2C visas to increase by 20 percent per year; this level of growth would result in an extraordinary 60 million guest workers in the U.S. over the next twenty years. This paper assumes that the number of immigrants in the guest worker program would increase at a more moderate rate of 10 percent per year. Alternative estimates for 20 percent growth and zero growth in the program are also presented.[13]
A Flood of Legal Immigrants
Under CIRA, immigrants could enter the country or attain lawful status within the country through eight channels. In each channel, immigrants would be granted permanent residence and the right to become citizens. The first channel represents immigrants who would have entered under current law; the second channel represents illegal immigrants who are currently in the country and would be given legal permanent residence under the bill. The other six channels represent new inflows of legal immigrants that would occur as a result of the bill. The total number of new legal immigrants over a twenty year period would be as follows: (See Charts 1 and 2.)

Visas under current law: Roughly 950,000 persons receive permanent residence visas under current law each year. Over 20 years, the inflow of immigrants through this channel would be 19 million. This represents the status quo under existing law.
Amnesty: The bill would grant amnesty to roughly 10 million illegal immigrants. These individuals are currently living in the U.S.; amnesty would allow them to remain legally and to become U.S. citizens.
Expanded family chain migration: The number of family-sponsored visas for secondary family members, such as adult brothers and sisters, is currently limited to 480,000 per year minus the number of visas given to immediate family members (spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens). The bill changes the law so that the total quota on secondary family members would be 480,000 without deductions for immediate family members. The net increase in the number of immigrants under this provision would be around 254,000 per year, or 5.1 million over 20 years.[14]
Employment-based green cards: The bill would increase the number of employment-based visas from 140,000 to 450,000 per year. For the first time, it would also exempt the spouses and children of workers from the cap. Total annual immigration under this provision is likely to be 450,000 workers plus 540,000 family members annually. The net increase above current law over 20 years would be around 13.5 million persons.[15]
The guest worker (H-2C) program: CIRA would allow 325,000 persons to participate in the guest worker program in the first year. This number could rise by 65,000 in the next year and then by 20 percent per year. Assuming 10 percent annual growth in the annual number of guest workers entering the country (well below the bill’s maximum), the total inflow of workers under this program would be 20 million over 20 years.
Spouses and children of guest workers: Guest workers could bring their spouses and children to the U.S. as permanent residents; the added number of entrants would be 24 million over 20 years.
Spouses and children of illegal immigrants given amnesty: Illegal immigrants who received amnesty could bring their spouses and children into the U.S. as legal permanent residents with the opportunity for full citizenship. The number of spouses and children who would enter the U.S. as a result of amnesty would be at least six million.
Parents of naturalized citizens. The bill would substantially increase the number of naturalized citizens. Naturalized citizens would have an unlimited right to bring their parents into the U.S. as legal permanent residents. Over twenty years, the number of parents who would enter the U.S. as permanent legal residents as a result of CIRA would be around five million.
Overall, the bill would allow some 103 million persons to legally immigrate over the next twenty years. This is roughly one-third of the current population of the United States. All of these new entrants would be permanent residents and would have the right to become citizens. This would be a 84 million person net increase over current law.

Legal Flow Compared to Illegal Immigration
All of the immigration discussed to this point would be legal immigration. If illegal immigration continued after enactment of S.2611, the inflow of immigrants would be even greater. Although illegal immigration is considered a major problem, the proposed legal immigration under CIRA would dwarf it numerically. The net inflow of illegal immigrants into the U.S. population is around 700,000 per year.[16] Legal immigration under CIRA would exceed five million per year, seven times the rate of the current illegal immigration flow. Annual legal and illegal immigration together now equals about 1.7 million; future legal immigration alone under CIRA would be three times this amount.

Range of Estimates
The figure of 103 million new legal immigrants is based on the assumption that immigration under the guest worker program would grow at 10 percent per year. If guest-worker immigration grows at the maximum rate permitted by the bill, 20 percent per year, the total number of new immigrants coming to the U.S. over the next twenty years would be 193 million. On the other hand, if immigration under the H-2C program did not increase at all for two decades but remained fixed at the initial level of 325,000 per year, total legal immigration under CIRA would be 72 million over twenty years, or more than three times the level that would occur under current law. (See Chart 3.)

The tables in the Appendix show annual inflows of total legal immigrants in each of the eight channels mentioned above over the next twenty years. The tables show the estimated yearly rate of immigration under three scenarios for the H-2C program: zero growth, ten percent growth, and twenty percent growth.

Dwarfing the Great Migration
Between 1870 and 1920, the U.S. experienced a massive flow of immigration known as the “great migration”. During this period, foreign born persons hovered between 13 and 15 percent of the population.[17]In 1924, Congress passed major legislation greatly reducing future immigration. By 1970, foreign born persons had fallen to 5 percent of the population.

In the last three decades, immigration has increased sharply. The foreign born now comprise around 12 percent of the population, approaching the levels of the early 1900’s. However, if CIRA were enacted, and 100 million new immigrants entered the country over the next twenty years, foreign born persons would rise to over one quarter of the U.S. population.[18] There is no precedent for that level of immigration at any time in U.S. history.

Conclusion
If enacted, CIRA would be the most dramatic change in immigration law in 80 years. In its overall impact on the nation, the bill would rival other historic milestones, such as the creation of Social Security or Medicare.

The bill would give amnesty to 10 million illegal immigrants and quintuple the rate of legal immigration into the U.S. Under the bill, the annual inflow of immigrants with the option of becoming legal permanent residents would rise from the current level of one million per year to more than five million per year. Within a few years, the annual inflow of new immigrants would exceed one percent of the current U.S. population. This would be the highest immigration rate in U.S. history.

Within 20 years, some 103 million new immigrants would enter the U.S. This number is about one-third of the current U.S. population. All of these immigrants would be permanent residents with the right to become citizens and vote in U.S. elections. CIRA would transform the United States socially, economically, and politically. Within two decades, the character of the nation would differ dramatically from what exists today.

Robert Rector is Senior Research Fellow in Domestic Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation.

Kudos for the Tax Cutting Senate

2006-05-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

Washington — The Senate gave final approval Thursday to a $70 billion package of tax cuts that will extend lower rates for investors and save billions for families with above-average incomes. The bill passed the Senate by a 54-44 vote, and President Bush is expected to sign the bill next week. The President said in a statement that the bill “prevents an enormous tax hike that the American people do not want and would not welcome.”

The debate followed partisan lines, with Republicans eagerly crediting the tax cuts, first enacted in 2003, with a surging economy, millions of new jobs and booming tax revenues. Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the bill, saying its tax cuts on capital gains and dividends will flow mostly to wealthy.

President Bush’s tax cuts have been an important lesson in economics. High School government classes and college economics clases should use the last six years to truly examine the importance that tax cuts have on the economy. The more money taxpayers have back in their wallets, the more they will spend on consumer goods and thus stimulating additional revenues back into the government.

Our country has overcome the economic downturn left by the Clinton Administration and the devastation left by 911 and hurricanes. Kansas Senator’s Brownback and Roberts should be applauded for their efforts in voting for this important bill. The next step is to limit government spending to complete the entire conservative tax picture.

Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist

Liberal Perceptions of the U.S. Military

2006-05-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Whether it’s the drive-by media or liberals in general, I have noticed for the past few years a real hatred for our military, in particular, our military leaders. Our Country has had a great tradition of military service and as a result as trained some of the finest military minds the world has ever known. The list of great military men and women is long. Staff officers have been great organizers, business leaders, and even presidents. The training of these men and women is impeccable and the institutions they have graduated from are known for their leadership and organizational preparation.

I have had the privilege over the least 15 years to work very closely with the U.S. Military. There have been times that I worked with them professionally in joint counter-narcotic missions, or I have met with officers to discuss work productivity or mission successes. I have taught as a guest instructor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and have answered their questions poised with integrity and presence. Businesses have hired numerous retired staff officers due to their organizational skills and many non-profits have retained retired staff officers to lead their respective organizations into the future. On occasion, like the general public, you will have these officers not measure up to standards that you wish, but all in all, military officers have been excellent choices to lead organizations. That is, in fact, what they are trained to do as professionals.

This week, President Bush announced the appointment of a new CIA director. The man, General Michael Hayden is a pick of unquestionable ethics and leadership. Gen. Michael V. Hayden was the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Washington, D.C. Appointed by President George W. Bush; he is the first person to serve in this position. General Hayden was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the national intelligence program. He is the highest-ranking military intelligence officer in the armed forces.General Hayden entered active duty in 1969 after earning a bachelor's degree in history in 1967 and a master's degree in modern American history in 1969, both from Duquesne University. He is a distinguished graduate of the university's ROTC program. General Hayden has served as Commander of the Air Intelligence Agency and as Director of the Joint Command and Control Warfare Center. He has been assigned to senior staff positions at the Pentagon, Headquarters U.S. European Command, National Security Council and the U.S. Embassy in the People's Republic of Bulgaria. The general has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff, United Nations Command and U.S. Forces Korea, Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea. Prior to his current assignment, General Hayden was Director, National Security Agency, and Chief, Central Security Service, Fort George G. Meade, Md.

General Hayden will face quite the inquisition during the Senate confirmation hearings from the left and some of “our” liberal Republican friends that just can’t help but wander off the ranch on a constant basis. If the general is confirmed it is my hope that he retires from his worthwhile career in the U.S. Air Force and dives headstrong into an organization that needs leadership, organizational skills, and most importantly some discipline. However, it’s my greatest hope that the left will again embrace the importance of our great military traditions and become respectful of the men and women whom have sacrificed so greatly to serve our country.

Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist

Developers Beware of the $500M SSSSNAKE

2006-05-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Contra Costa Times recently reported that the land set aside to protect the Alameda whipsnake means an estimated $500 millon lost to real estate developers, according to a draft economic analysis.

The draft economic analysis was prepared as federal regulators consider whether to finalize critical habitat designations for the Alameda whipsnake, a smoky gray racer with yellow stripes that can grow to 4 feet long. The nonpoisonous snake eats mostly lizards and elevates its head when hunting. It lives in the East Bay's chaparral, oak woodlands and streamside zones. Development of snake habitat is the major threat to their survival.

A lawyer for the Homebuilders of Northern California, an industry group, said the estimated loss of $500 million, or about $47 million a year, was likely too low because it fails to include the high cost of lawsuits or the uncertainty that critical habitat designations bring. The lawyer, Paul Campos, added that his group believes critical habitat designations are ineffective and should not be used in areas determined by local governments to be suitable for building. "It's this hold-out group of extreme environmental groups like the Center for Biological Diversity that refuse to compromise at all," Campos said. "Ultimately, they want the entire state designated as critical habitat." Last month, the Fish and Wildlife Service designated 450,000 acres statewide as critical habitat for the California red-legged frog. That was drastically lower than the 4 million acres designated in 2001 before that rule was overturned in the courts.

Kansas developers should begin to prepare for the same onslaught of government over-regulation in the near future. Afterall, what begins in California eventually ends up in Kansas. Maybe if I play my cards right, I can get the Myers name designated as endangered and get all of Mission, Kansas turned over to me as critical habitat. How's that one for an eminent domain issue!!!!!!!!!!!!

Currie Myers - The Kansas Federalist

The Anonymous Bla-Bla Blogging of Kansas Politics

2006-05-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

In November of 2005, I decided to start a blog called the Kansas Federalist. The whole reason behind my wanting to start the blog was that I wanted people to read what the “drive-by” media was not printing and that I wanted to express my political opinions and interpretations freely, just like my federalist forefathers. I started it anonymous but after a two-week trial, I went public with the site. My blog displays my name and what I’m about and I don’t have a comments section because quite frankly, I write for my own needs and not for others. I don’t spend too much time reading other blogsites, but a good friend recently pointed out to me that the political blogs of Kansas and especially the comments section was starting to get out of hand. So I research and found the same.

Blogs certainly serve different purposes. Some kids have them, the media uses them to stimulate news, some are used by perverts to trap our children and get them to provide details and information that they wouldn’t normally do, but most are anonymous in nature and that is when it turns problematic, at least, in the world of politics. My suggestion is for political bloggers to come out of the shadows and attribute their work to whom they really are and to write blog editorials and comments as a result of their beliefs and political opinions.

When it comes down to it, like all things, it’s a supply and demand issue. Those of you that believe with me that the anonymous blogs and comments are overboard, out-of-control, and of little value should assist me in this process. If you know a blogger, call them and voice your displeasure, asked them to change their sites and if they need feedback on a topic have them provide an email in order to gain other information. Finally, in the true spirit of competition, if the blogsites fail to change, we should ignore the blogs completely and never read them, and our various club websites should remove them from their links lists.

Let’s discuss issues that could affect our country, our lives, and the lives of our children. Let’s end now the anonymous bla-bla blogging of Kansas politics!

Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist

Four-Part Gasoline Price Plan

2006-04-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today, President Bush Discussed The Four Parts Of His Practical Plan To Confront High Gas Prices. The President's plan includes making sure consumers and taxpayers are treated fairly, promoting greater fuel efficiency, boosting our oil and gasoline supplies, and investing aggressively in alternatives to gasoline, so we can eliminate the root cause of high gas prices by diversifying away from oil in the longer term.

America Is Addicted To Oil, And An Increasing Amount Of The Oil We Need Comes From Foreign Countries. Some of the nations we rely on for oil have unstable governments or agendas hostile to the United States. These countries know we need their oil, and that reduces our influence. We must not allow America to be put at risk by the unfriendly leaders of foreign countries.

It Is Important To Understand Why Gas Prices Are High. The market for oil is global, and America is not the only large consumer. Countries like China and India are consuming more and more oil, so global demand for oil is rising faster than global supply. As a result, oil prices are rising around the world, which leads to higher gas prices in America. America's gasoline demand is projected to increase this summer, and our refining capacity is stretched tight, making it difficult for supply to keep pace with demand. To compound the problem, we are undergoing a rapid change in our fuel mix - a transition from MTBE to ethanol in certain fuel blends, and that transition is temporarily pushing up gas prices even more.

The President's Four-Part Plan To Confront High Gasoline Prices Includes:

1. Ensuring That American Consumers Are Treated Fairly At The Gas Pump.

Ø Americans Will Not Accept Fraud Or Manipulation Of The Market, And The President Will Not Tolerate It. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating whether the price of gasoline has been unfairly manipulated since last year's hurricanes. The President is also directing the Department of Justice to work with the FTC and the Department of Energy to conduct inquiries into cheating or illegal manipulation related to current gasoline prices. The FTC and Attorney General are contacting all 50 state attorneys general to offer technical assistance and to urge them to aggressively investigate illegal pr ice manipulation within their jurisdictions.

· The President Calls On Congress To Repeal Certain Tax Breaks That Are Unnecessary For Energy Companies. With oil prices at record levels, energy companies have large cash flows - and energy companies should reinvest their profits into expanding refining capacity, researching alternative energy sources, developing new technologies, and expanding production. Record oil prices and large cash flows also mean that energy companies do not need unnecessary tax breaks like the "geological and geophysical expenditure" depreciation acceleration provision in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This unnecessary tax break allows energy companies to rapidly depreciate costs related to oil exploration. The President also calls on Congress to repeal the Energy Policy Act provision subsidizing energy companies' research into deepwater drilling. The President is looking forward to Congress taking about $2 billion of these tax breaks out of the budget over a 10-year period of time.

2. Promoting Greater Fuel Efficiency.

Ø The President Calls On Congress To Make All Hybrid And Clean Diesel Vehicles Sold This Year Eligible For Federal Tax Credits. An immediate way for drivers to get more miles out of each gallon is to choose a highly efficient hybrid or clean diesel vehicle. Hybrid vehicles run on the combination of a traditional engine and an electric battery. These twin sources of power allow hybrid cars and trucks to travel about twice as far on a gallon of fuel as gasoline-only vehicles. Clean diesel vehicles take ad vantage of advances in diesel technology to run on 30 percent less fuel than gasoline vehicles. More than 200,000 hybrid and clean diesel vehicles were sold in the United States last year - the highest sales in history. The Energy Policy Act President Bush signed into law expanded the tax credit for purchasers of hybrid and clean diesel vehicles to as much as $3,400, but these tax credits apply to only a limited number of hybrid and clean diesel vehicles for each manufacturer.

Ø A Proven Way To Conserve Gasoline Is To Reform Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards. The Administration has reformed the way the CAFE program determines standards for light trucks by emphasizing the size of the vehicle. CAFE standards for light trucks have been increased from 20.7 miles per gallon when the President took office to 24 miles per gallon in 2011. The President's reforms bring CAFE standards for light trucks to the highest level in the history of the program - and they are helping American drivers save money at the pump.

3. Boosting Our Supplies Of Crude Oil And Gasoline.

Ø The President Supports Halting Deposits To The Strategic Petroleum Reserve For A Short Period Of Time. The President has directed the Department of Energy to defer filling the Reserve this summer. Our Strategic Reserve is sufficiently large to guard against any major supply disruption over the next few months. Deferring deposits until the fall will leave a little more oil on the market - and when supplies are tight, every little bit counts.

Ø The President Is Directing EPA Administrator Steve Johnson To Use All His Available Authority To Grant Waivers That Would Relieve Critical Fuel Supply Shortages - As He Did After Last Year's Hurricanes. Under Federal air quality laws, some areas of the country are required to use a fuel blend called reformulated gasoline. This year, we are undergoing a rapid transition in the primary ingredient in reformulated gas - from MTBE to ethanol. State and local officials in the Northeast and in Texas worry that supplies could run low. To ensure that ther e are not needless restrictions to get gasoline to the pump, the EPA should be able to meet the request of officials seeking to waive local fuel requirements on a temporary basis. If Administrator Johnson finds he needs more authority to relieve the problem, the Administration will work with Congress to obtain the authority he needs.

Ø The President Is Also Directing Administrator Johnson To Bring Together Governors To Form A New Task Force To Confront The Larger Problem Of Too Many Localized Fuel Blends (Boutique Fuels). America's uncoordinated and overly complex set of fuel mixes raises the risk of painful local price increases, even during only minor supply disruptions.

Ø The President Calls On Congress To Allow Refiners To Make Minor Modifications To Their Refineries Without Having To Endure Years Of Delays In The Approval Process, And The President Also Calls On Congress To Simplify And Speed Up The Permitting Process For Refinery Construction And Expansion. The President asks Congress to cut through the red tape and guarantee that refinery construction permits will be processed within a single year. To boost America's gasoline supply on a large scale, we need to expand our oil refining capacity. There has not been a new refinery built in America in 30 years. As a result, America now imports about a million barrels of gasoline every day - that means that about one of every ten gallons of gas Americans get at the pump is refined in a foreign country. Part of the reason for this is that the refinery permitting process in the United States is extremely complicated.

Ø Congress Needs To Send The President A Bill This Year Authorizing Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Exploration. America has the ability to explore for oil in environmentally responsible ways, and we should make use of the ability. The Administration has taken steps to increase access to offshore oil, and Congress should allow environmentally sensitive oil exploration in ANWR.

4. Investing In Alternatives To Oil, So That We Can Dramatically Reduce Our Demand For Gasoline.

Ø The President Calls On Congress To Support His Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI). The AEI is focused on three of the most promising ways to reduce gas consumption: increasing our use of ethanol, improving hybrid vehicles, and developing hydrogen technology. The AEI will strengthen our economy, our energy supply, and our national security.

· Renewable Fuels Producers Are Using One Of The World's Oldest Industries - Agriculture - To Power Some Of The World's Newest Technology. While the price of oil continues to go up, advances in technology are bringing the price of alternative fuels down. Years of investment in fuels like ethanol have put us on the threshold of major breakthroughs. With a bold investment in alternative energy technologies, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Ø Increasing Our Use Of Ethanol.

· Ethanol Has Tremendous Potential For Growth As An Alternative To Gasoline. Any vehicle on the road can run on a fuel blend that includes 10 percent ethanol. And with minor modifications, cars and trucks can become "flex fuel vehicles" that run on a fuel blend called E85 - a mix of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. About 40 percent of America's gasoline now includes some amount of ethanol - and that number is going to keep growing in the years ahead.

· Ethanol Is A Versatile Fuel Delivering A Wide Variety Of Benefits. Ethanol is good for farmers because it provides a new market for their products. Ethanol is good for rural communities because new biorefinery construction creates jobs and local tax revenue. Ethanol is good for the environment because it burns cleaner than gasoline and produces less air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Ethanol is good for drivers because it replaces gasoline consumption. And ethanol is good for our whole Nation because every time we use ho megrown ethanol, we support American farmers and refiners - not foreign oil producers.

· The Ethanol Industry Is Booming. Last year, America used a record 4 billion gallons of ethanol - more than double the level when the President took office. There are now 97 ethanol refineries in our country. Nine of those are expanding, and 35 more are under construction.

· President Bush Has Supported Ethanol More Strongly Than Any President Before Him. Since the President took office, we have extended the 51-cent-per-gallon tax credit for ethanol suppliers; created a new 10-cent-per-gallon tax credit to provide extra help to small ethanol producers and farmers; provided about $85 million in loans or grants for ethanol business ventures; and signed into law a Renewable Fuels Standard that will nearly double the amount of ethanol in our fuel supply over the next six years.

Ø Promoting Other Alternatives To Regular Gasoline.

· Researchers Are Pioneering Ways To Make A New Form Of "Cellulosic Ethanol" From Natural Materials Like Wood Chips, Stalks, And Switch Grass. The President has proposed $150 million in next year's budget for research into advanced forms of ethanol - a 65-percent increase over current levels. Our goal is to make cellulosic ethanol affordable within six years - and allow millions more drivers to put ethanol in the tank.

· Biodiesel Fuel Can Substitute For Regular Diesel In Cars, Trucks, Buses, And Farm Equipment. Like ethanol, biodiesel is renewable, fully domestic, and a good way to support farmers and the rural economy. The President signed into law the first-ever Federal tax credit for biodiesel producers. Biodiesel refiners now receive 50 cents for every gallon of biodiesel they blend.

· Engineers Are Designing A New Type Of "Plug-In Hybrid" That Can Be Recharged Through A Standard Electrical Outlet. These hybrids will have fully charged batteries as soon as you start the car, which will allow them to travel much farther on electricity alone. Plug-in hybrids could make it possible to drive 40 miles on electricity alone - and that means millions of Americans could make their daily commute without a drop of gasoline. The President's bud get for next year provides $31 million to speed up research into advanced battery technologies - a 27-percent increase over current levels.

Since 2003, The Administration Has Made Hydrogen And Fuel Cell Technology A High Priority. When hydrogen is used in a device called a fuel cell, it can deliver enough electricity to power a car that emits pure water instead of exhaust fumes. The Administration has dedicated $1.2 billion over five years to the research and development needed to get hydrogen cars into the showroom.

KC Star and Writer Receive Maggie Award

2006-04-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, DC —

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) Immediate Past President Karen Pearl, Dr. Allan Rosenfield, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Co-Executive Producers Patrick Harbinson and Dr. Neal Baer, Seventeen Magazine, ABC's hit drama Boston Legal and The Kansas City Star will be among those honored for their contributions to protecting women's rights at the Planned Parenthood Awards Gala this evening at the Planned Parenthood Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) will receive Voice for Choice Awards honoring their political commitment to reproductive rights and reproductive health.

The PPFA Maggie Awards, named after Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger, celebrate noteworthy achievement in media coverage of reproductive rights and health care issues and similar contributions in the arts and entertainment industries, critically important in our media-saturated culture," said Richards.

The 2006 PPFA Maggie Awards will be awarded to:The Last Abortion Clinic (PBS Frontline)Boston Legal, "Smile" (ABC)

Sheryl McCarthy, columnistThe Kansas City Star, for editorial writing

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, "Rockabye" (NBC)La Opinion, for editorial on Proposition 73The George Lopez Show, "Prescription for Trouble" (ABC)Seventeen Magazine, "Vagina 101: What's Normal, What's Not"

Congratulations to the KC Star and Sheryl McCarthy on their awards from Planned Parenthood. And may they be forgiven for their actions!

Remember the best way to deal with the media is not buy their papers, not adverstise with the Star if you have a company, and not conduct business with companies that advertise in the Star.

- Currie Myers - Kansas Federalist www.kansasfederalist.blogspot.com

North American Union - Circa 2031

2006-04-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

A Short Story on Secular Humanism

Imagine a future such as this……………

In 25 years three separate but equal countries (Canada, United States of America, and Mexico) will form a loose confederacy called the North American Union (NAU) that models the European Union philosophy. The countries remain independent but the NAU has its own independent form of government, police and military forces, which resembles the structure of the United Nations. The presidents of the three countries, over the years will evolve into a figurehead position and the current national legislative bodies as we know them are dismantled citing redundancy issues with the NAU. A Secretary General of the NAU is appointed from representatives of the three countries and his/her professional background must be from either the world of academia or international law. An additional requirement is that you must be a secular humanist in thought and in theory and the position must change every two years in order to allow a Secretary General from each country to serve in that position.

Each country has an appointed Supreme Court. The Court is appointed by the Secretary General and is a five-judge panel that determines legal and jurisdictional questions and disputes. A High Supreme Court is appointed at the NAU level to govern the three country’s individual Supreme Courts. The new Union is founded on socialistic policies, secular humanism and pluralism. Capitalism is encouraged in all three countries but the overwhelming number of people in the workforce are employed by the governments either at the Union level, the Country level, the Regional level or the local level. The largest employers are the NAU School System and the NAU Health Maintenance Organization. All schools from pre-K to the university level fall under the school system. All doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists are employed by the HMO. There is no health insurance as the NAU has adopted socialized medicine. Euthanasia is a generally accepted practice and is emphasized by the NAU. Within the HMO is a Department of Bio-Science Research where embryos are readily grown by researchers to be used as surplus medical parts for the HMO. Cloning of each citizen is also available for body part replacement surgery such as knee replacements, heart transplants, hip replacements, and other needs. These clones are allowed to live to the age of 25 and are then terminated. Abortion on demand is legal up to full term and is socially acceptable. Each year now nearly 60% of all pregnancies are terminated.

The Mexican and Canadian borders are opened and there are no immigration laws to get into NAU. NAFTA is increased in capacity to virtually all business related issues. Current taxing bureaus are eliminated and a new taxing regulatory agency is initiated under the NAU. A 50% flat tax is placed on every person and business. Redistribution of this wealth is evenly spread out across the entire NAU. There is a tax on every good, every service, and every fee. There is a wealth tax, death tax and estate tax. The Naro, similar to the Euro, replaces the Dollar. Property can be seized at anytime by the NAU under the definition of “for the good of the people.” You cannot personally own more than 5 acres of property and all private farms are eliminated. Corporate farming is the only farming allowed by law.

The US Constitution is adopted by the NAU but with limitations and restrictions. Freedom of speech is accepted unless it is offensive to the overall populace in general. The Court determines that acceptance level. Freedom of the press is allowed but one paper and television station exists in each state and the media is supplemented monetarily by the government. One official news station is allowed on television. Talk radio is eliminated except for sports talk radio. Freedom to bear arms is removed from the NAU Constitution completely. Freedom of religion is allowed but the vast majority of the population has become secular humanist. Churches are generally used to worship God with emphasis placed on tolerance, mutual understanding and respect for others opinions.

Technology is such that all intersections of roads, city streets and highway are monitored by enhanced satellite camera systems. The battery-operated cars have a top speed of 60 mph and laws prevent the use of any cars on any roadway that were manufactured beyond five years. All cars and e-phones have GPS systems in place that allows NAU officials to keep track of your position and its touted by the media, and the NAU has life-saving technology. If you drive over the speed limit the GPS system will figure your speed and destination and a ticket will be mailed to your residence. DNA is used as an informational tool and all babies born into the NAU have a DNA sample taken from their bodies and placed in a NAU database.

All jobs are unionized according to their distinctive disciplines and the union officials are appointed by the Secretary General. The official workday is from 9AM until 3PM and the official workweek is Monday through Thursday. Bars and gaming institutions are allowed to stay open 24 hours a day. One cannot be terminated without concurrence from the union representative. All citizens are provided two months of leave per year. Minimum wage has now risen to $15.75.

The three official languages of the NAU are English, Spanish, and French. By law, the NAU School System must teach all three languages and the teachers must change their language each hour of the school day. By the age of seven, it is mandated to teach the children about sex education, tolerance and secular humanism. By age 12, all students are provided a three-condom pack per week during the school year.

All prostitution, pornography and drug laws are found unconstitutional. Prostitutes are controlled by the NAU, as is gaming institutions. However there is a huge vice tax on cigarettes, cigars, and alcoholic beverages. Drugs are provided for free as well as drug paraphernalia. Pre-marital sex is encouraged in order to find the appropriate partner. Marriage is still legal but nearly 75% of NAU citizen’s cohabitate instead of marry. Pornography is displayed constantly on the Internet, on signage across the country, and in pornography clubs that dot the landscape. It is now legal to have a consensual sexual relationship with a child as young as 12 years of age.

Sports particularly football, soccer, and ultimate fighting are the one true personal time activity for most NAU citizens. Since drugs are legal, steroid use is accepted and encouraged in order to make the sport more interesting and entertaining. Potential athletes are identified at a very young age and are sent to special yearlong schools to increase their physical and mental prowess. Interactive videogames are played by all ages and meals are generally eaten from national chain restaurants only, with little food cooked in the household any longer.

Prisons and jails are virtually eliminated. Criminals of all types are considered victims themselves and our sentenced to rehabilitative houses which permit outside work during the day. “Clients” can leave in the evening as well since GPS monitoring is in effect. Sexual deviation is considered treatable and reintegration back into society is extremely important in the treatment of the victim. The displaying of a state or national flag is not permitted and one is fined for displaying such items. The NAU decal is the only “national’ symbol allowed. The reference to God is removed from all public places and is not allowed to be spoken during public events.

The reason I have written this futuristic story is to show you just how important current world and U.S. events are and why it is imperative that we muster enough grassroots to have an effect on the future of our country. Our country is the greatest country on the face of the earth and the greatest that has ever existed. In the next few years, we must educate as many as possible on the importance of Conservatism. Let this story guide you politically to the future. Let this story provide to you the basics of what we should never become. It is up to you. Be active, be involved and be a part of the process.

-Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist
http://www.kansasfederalist.blogspot.com/

Taxpayer Protection Act

2006-03-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

Raising taxes on Kansans may soon be more difficult, at least that is what thirty House Republicans are proposing. This week Rep. Lance Kinzer, Rep. Kasha Kelley and Rep. Mary Pilcher Cook lead the way to fiscal soundness and wrote House Concurrent Resolution 5043, The Taxpayer Protection Act, which would require that two-thirds of the Kansas House and the Kansas Senate approve any tax increase.

'The tax climate is slowing the Kansas economy," said Rep. Lance Kinzer (R-Olathe). 'If we can't make much progress on cutting taxes this year, we can at least make it more difficult to raise taxes. Kansans already bear more tax burden than citizens of many other states."

The Tax Foundation reported that Kansas taxpayers suffer the 15th worst state and local tax burden in the nation as a percentage of income, an even heavier tax burden than citizens in the notoriously high-tax states of California and Massachusetts. Kansas' ranking this year is twice as bad as it was 20 years ago, when it ranked 31st.

Tax Burden / Climate (Rank : 1 Best 51 Worst)*

45th Corporate income tax
27th Individual Income Tax
28th Sales tax
34th Overall Rank
31st Tax Environment for Entrepreneurs (Small Business Survival Committee 2005)

*(Tax Foundation 2006)

'For the last several years, our constituents have expressed concerns that state budgets are increasing by hundreds of millions of dollars," said Kinzer. 'We appreciate the House Leadership for giving us the opportunity to show our constituents that we do hear their concerns."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas employment peaked in January 2001 and has since lost 17,100 jobs. During this same time, government employment increased by 5,700 jobs.

'The statistics speak for themselves," said State Rep. Kasha Kelley (R-Arkansas City). 'We must start to do things differently in this state. Clearly the current path will only continue to weigh our economy down."

A recent study by Janet Harrah, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University revealed that if Kansas' job growth rate equaled that of the United States over the last ten years, Kansas would have 61,000 more jobs and an additional $2.1 billion payroll.

'When Kansas government taxes away profits, it destroys growth capital and keeps business from adding new jobs that would give Kansans a higher standard of living," said Rep. Mary Pilcher Cook (R-Shawnee). 'And in the longer term it depresses the revenue we collect for our state that could be used to protect our most vulnerable citizens."

The Kansas Federalist is most appreciative to the proponents of this bill and we hope the legislature passes this important piece of legislation. Kudos, once again, to Reps Kinzer, Kelley, and Cook!

-Currie Myers - The Kansas Federalist - www.kansasfederalist.blogspot.com

Conservative Hero of the Week

2006-03-24T21:11:00.000-08:00

“Blog Gateway Pundit has video of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's press conference yesterday. It includes this exchange with a reporter:

Reporter: Do you feel embattled at this point in your tenure? In a recent column, Maureen Dowd quoted an unidentified administration official who described you as an "eccentric old uncle who's ignored." She claims that you don't hold the same sway in meetings.

Rumsfeld: Did you get all that? You want to be on camera, right? That’s a sure way to get on the evening news. The answer to your question is no.

Reporter: Well, I'm asking about the facts reported in the column. Do you feel you hold the same sway in meetings?

Rumsfeld: I'm not going to comment on that.
(Pause)- Rumsfeld looks away for a moment, then...

Rumsfeld: If you believe everything you read in Maureen Dowd, you better get a life.”

-Currie Myers Kansas Federalist

The Ant and the Grasshopper

2006-03-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

I love a good story. Especially when it has great symbolism. The following story is certainly humorous in nature, but more importantly it speaks specifically to why conservatism is the answer to all your political troubles. So please enjoy the age-old story of the ant and the grasshopper.

OLD VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks he's a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!

MODERN VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks he's a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.

America is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when they sing, "It's Not Easy Being Green".

Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, "We shall overcome." Jesse then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake.

Nancy Pelosi & John Kerry exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his "fair share."

Finally, the EEOC drafts the "Economic Equity and Anti-Grasshopper Act," retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.

Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill appointed from a list of single-parent welfare recipients.

The ant loses the case.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow. The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be a Republican -----------------------------------------------------------

Currie Myers - The Kansas Federalist - www.kansasfederalist.blogspot.com

Military Fatalities in Perspective

2006-02-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

While we should pray for all of our soldiers in the War on Terror and we humbly pray that none are ever harmed, we know that the reality of it all is that death occurs. The media has placed great attention on this fact. Many national television shows even list the war dead in memoriam to let the public know of just how many lives have been lost. Even though displaying those names are in honor ultimatley the reason many in the industry show the names is for behavior modification. To remind all Americans that our soldiers are dying oversees and to keep the anti-war machine in full gear.

On occasion, we have to place death in perspective. For instance, how many of you knew that six state troopers in Califorinia have lost their lives just in five months? All in individal events. The head of the California Highway Patrol, Commissioner Mike Brown, advised yesterday of the death of the sixth CHP officer in the past five months. "We have been struggling with this internally,'' a sometimes somber, sometimes angry Brown told reporters at the CHP headquarters. "I've never seen this in my career, the unprecedented level of events which have resulted in us going to many funerals.''

Gregory J. Bailey, 36, a motorcycle cop who pulled over a suspected drunken driver in southeastern California on Saturday night, was killed when he was struck by another driver who allegedly was driving under the influence as well. He became the 209th officer to die on duty -- and the fourth in just over two months and the sixth in just five months." As far as the highway patrol goes, as far as the number of incidents, with the number of fatalities,'' Brown said, ``we have nothing like this in our history." Four officers have died in crashes, two of them struck by vehicles at the side of the highway. Two were shot fatally next to cars they had pulled over.

These numbers reflect only the California Highway Patrol, no other agencies are included. There is no indication that these incidents are linked to one particular part of policy and/or training. There is no indication whatsoever that the officers did anything wrong. The deceased officers leave behind four wives and 11 children.

Every day, our thoughts and prayers go out to all officers, that they will return safely from their shifts, whether they be in police services or fire services. Please try to place that in context the next time you read the death reports coming from the media about Iraq.

Additional Facts About US Police Deaths

Over 14,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
A total of 1,533 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty during the last 10 years.
Average of one death every 58 hours or 153 per year.
On average, more than 65,000 law enforcement officers are assaulted.

Top 10 Departments with the most officer deaths.
1. New York City, New York, P.D.---- 526
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, P.D.---- 229
3. Detroit, Michigan, P.D.---- 207
4. Highway Patrol, California---- 191
5. Los Angeles, California, P.D.---- 190
6. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, U.S.---- 182
7. St. Louis, Missouri, P.D.---- 136
8. Kansas City, Missouri, P.D.---- 112
9. Metropolitan, Washington D.C., P.D.---- 104
10. State Police, New York---- 102

Currie Myers - Kansas Federalist http://kansasfederalist.blogspot.com

Mom's Apple Pie - Wanted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture

2006-02-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

There are many times in one’s life that you look back at the past and gaze at the wonderment of it all. One of those enjoyable memories is of my mom baking and preparing dinners at our house. She would always be preparing for some event. At school or church she would bake items for the annual bake sale and them take them to the event. The church would sell all the goodies made my other moms and actually make some money for the greater glory of others. At school it was the same thing. Many times our athletic teams, music department, or our student council would have a bake sale and use the proceeds to buy uniforms or purchase equipment.

My wife is an excellent baker and I enjoy watching and eating her baked goods. I love to go home to my in-laws because my mother-in-law can really bake. I guess when you have 10 kids you learn to keep them happy through their stomachs. Now my daughters and son are learning and enjoying the art of baking. I must admit personally, I love to cook but in the baking department, well let’s just stay I should concentrate on other accomplishments.

After twenty years in the public sector and working around many bureaucracies in government I have seen my fair share of excessive governmental regulations. The one true problem with government is that the tentacles of government bureaucracy grow and grow unless leaders in government ensure that those departments stay within their core competencies.

In an excellent example of excessive government regulation the Kansas Department of Agriculture has proposed a new regulation on “domestic kitchen goods”. K.S.A. 65-689 (a) states, “It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of conducting a retail food store … unless such person shall have in effect a valid registration therefore issued by the secretary”. K.S.A. 65-688 (a)(1) defines a retail food store as “any establishment or section of an establishment where food and food products are offered to the consumer and intended for off-premises consumption.”

The regulation goes on to state, “If your activity is making a food product and offering it to the public, you must be registered. Registrations for domestic kitchen operations are issued for certain retail activities. Only certain types of activities are permitted in a registered domestic kitchen. Items, which may be produced, include non Potentially Hazardous Food (nonPHF) products such as: Jams ● Jellies ● baked goods ● Candies ● Lettuce salad mixes ● Shelled nuts.”

“Potentially Hazardous Food (PHF) products that cannot be made in a registered domestic kitchen include: Low acid food canning (vegetables, potatoes, etc.) ● Baking crème filled cakes and pies ● Dairy processing (like homemade ice cream, butter, cheese, etc.) ● All products that contain dairy (cheese spreads, cheese breads, etc.) ● Meat cutting or processing ● All products that contain meats (pizza, tamales, etc.) ● Most pickling and acidifying of foods (pickles, beets, etc) ● Heat treated vegetables ● Cut melons ● Bean sprouts ● Garlic in oil.”

Just when you thought the kitchen cops were done then KDA goes on to state even more requirements. ”During times of food processing, no domestic activities may be conducted in the registered domestic kitchen. Food handling activities must be confined to the kitchen and not be conducted in other areas of a dwelling. All food must be sold from the residence or delivered by the individual preparing the product. The products may only be sold to the end consumer in person (no wholesale, internet, or mail order sales are allowed). The product may also be sold by the registrant at chartered farmers’ markets.”

“Registration allows individuals to supplement their income while allowing KDA to track consumer complaints about food produced in a domestic kitchen. Additional registration information and the registration application can be found on the Division of Food Safety web page http://www.ksda.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=36. “

Wait, KDA’s not done yet. You may ask yourself, what about labeling? Shouldn’t we know what's in Mom’s apple pie? Their answer is yes, so we continue!

“Labeling - Packaged foods are required to be labeled. The required information includes:
· Name of the product
· Net weight (any product weighing less than one pound must be listed in ounces)
· Ingredient statement (from most to least, by weight)
· Name and address of the producer (including city, state, and zip code)
· Major Food Allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans)

The package or label of foods produced at registered domestic kitchens must also bear the statement:

“This food product was produced in a domestic kitchen not subject to routine inspection”.

It is a good idea to submit this label to the Division for review before having a quantity printed. Stickers bearing this statement are available from KDA for a nominal fee. There is a handout available at www.ksda.gov that further explains the labeling requirements.

Requirements

If you are considering the operation of a domestic kitchen, the following features will be required of your home:
Doors – any domestic kitchen doors must be kept closed during operation of the domestic kitchen.
People – No one other than the registrant and employees under his/her supervision are permitted in the domestic kitchen during operating hours.
Children – No infants or children allowed in kitchen during domestic kitchen processing activity.
Pets – No pets allowed – ever – in the same building that houses the domestic kitchen.
Domestic Activity – All domestic activities must be completed before any commercial processing or baking takes place. The kitchen must be cleaned and sanitized prior to food production.
Storage – Separate storage facilities (labeled cabinet, refrigerator, etc.) are required for ingredients, finished products, cleaning materials, labels and packaging materials, as well as a separate refrigerated storage for perishable materials. Packaged items may be stored in other areas of the dwelling as long as they are protected from contamination and accessible for inspection. Such areas may include pantries, basements, etc.
Storage of medical supplies is not permitted in the domestic kitchen.
Domestic Kitchens shall be available for inspection between 8am & 5 pm weekdays or other production times.
Domestic Kitchens must post a placard or sign at the point of sale that states

“These food products are produced in a domestic kitchen not subject to routine inspection”.

So remember that if you choose to participate in the age old and very American custom of having a bake sale then please ensure that you follow the guidelines of our state government and notify the Department of Agriculture of your intentions, invite them into your home to inspect your kitchen, make sure and label your ingredients for public attention, never have your family or your family’s best friend, Fido, in the room watching you bake and for God’s sake, never, I mean never, make the mistake of licking the spoon!

Welcome to George Orwell’s America and eat your mom’s or wife's apple pie as soon as you get home. From now on, we may only get Sam’s Club.

-Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist http://kansasfederalist.blogspot.com

Sedition or Treason - The Gore-ing of America

2006-02-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed that the Kansas Federalist very seldom personally calls out individuals for their actions. We have always viewed our role here at the Kansas Federalist as being a conservative commentary, intellectually honest electronic forum with our beliefs presented in a statesmen-like way. However, we must address a particular situation that is getting little to no attention with the mainstream media.

Former Vice President Al Gore appeared before a Saudi audience this past week and accused the United States of committing "terrible abuses" against Arabs after 9/11. Gore’s remarks are highly inappropriate during a time of war and he should be in fact, arrested and charged for sedition and/or treason for his anti-American comments. In fact, the accusations cited are false and he has used doctored research material to make his arguments.

Addressing the Jeddah Economic Forum, Gore said Sunday that after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Arabs in America had been "indiscriminately rounded up, often on minor charges of overstaying a visa or not having a green card in proper order, and held in conditions that were just unforgivable." Gore told his audience, "I do want you to know that it does not represent the desires or wishes or feelings of the majority of the citizens of my country."

In a statement, the National Association of Chiefs of Police accused Gore of having "crossed the line of diplomatic decency by denigrating his own country within the Islamic world." It said if he had evidence of "terrible abuses" he should put it before the Department of Justice or Congress. The body also called the comments "shrill," "loathsome" and "ugly," and said they should be condemned by Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike."

What possesses a former vice president of the U.S. to travel to the birthplace of Islamist terrorism and denounce his country?" asked the website Investors.com in an editorial.Terence Jeffrey, editor of Human Events magazine, questioned Gore's statements criticizing post-9/11 visa policy, given the conclusions of the 9/11 commission that the hijackers - 15 of whom were Saudis - had taken advantage of weak immigration and law enforcement in the U.S.

According to the forum website, the Saudi Binladin Group - the Jeddah-based construction firm owned by Osama bin Laden's family - has been a key sponsor, listed in that capacity for this year's event as well as those in 2004 and 2002. The company, which employs 35,000 people, has distanced itself from the al-Qaeda leader.

The most serious questions, however, involved Gore's decision to criticize his country's policies while abroad -- at a time when Muslim feelings against the West are running high. What is also in question is to what extent Gore was paid and who did the paying. It is amazing to me that the media has hardly mentioned a word on Gore’s comments and activities but instead has focused all their attention on an accidental hunting incident involving Vice President Cheney.

The Chief’s of Police Association should be commended for their remarks against the former Vice President. An investigation should take place to help corroborate specifics but under the color of the laws of sedition and treason, it appears thus far that Gore has overstepped his freedom of speech bounds and has committed a terrible and unforgivable act to our country and what used to be his country.

Definitions of Sedition and Treason:

se·di·tion ( P ) Pronunciation Key (s -d sh n)n.
Conduct or language inciting rebellion against the authority of a state.
Insurrection; rebellion.

trea·son ( P ) Pronunciation Key (tr z n)n.
Violation of allegiance toward one's country or sovereign, especially the betrayal of one's country by waging war against it or by consciously and purposely acting to aid its enemies.
A betrayal of trust or confidence.

-Currie Myers – Kansas Federalist http://kansasfederalist.blogspot.com

Kansas Legislature - Limit Government Spending

2006-02-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

The year 2005 will be remembered as one of good intentions, bad disasters and earmarks. Then came Hurricane Katrina -- 90,000 square miles of the gulf coast destroyed. Congress responded by speeding relief and recovery funds totaling $60 billion in six days to rebuild the families and communities destroyed by this storm.

After the storm, many in Washington thought that fiscal discipline was the last thing Congress should be thinking about -- preferring raising taxes or the national debt to making tough choices. Seeing that a catastrophe of nature could become a catastrophe of debt, dozens of House conservatives, such as Congressman Pence and Shadegg, challenged the Congress to offset the cost of Hurricane Katrina with budget cuts. Their effort, known as 'Operation Offset,' sparked a national debate that propelled us into a renewed vision of strict fiscal discipline and strict constructionism that once made American great.

For Americans troubled by a rising tide of red ink in Washington, Congress must demonstrate the ability to make tough choices in tough times to put our fiscal house in order. But with a national debt of $8 trillion, nearly $26,000 for every American, completing the task of putting our fiscal house in order will take time.In 1994, the American people said yes to a vision of fiscal discipline, limited government and reform. Some called it the 'Republican Revolution.' With the passage of this Deficit Reduction Act, including an across-the-board cut in federal spending, the 'Republican Revolution' is back. Congress must renew their 1994 commitment to the principles of fiscal discipline and limited government that minted this majority and, in so doing; begin the task of ensuring the continued prosperity of our nation for our children and grandchildren.

I hope this vision is translated into the efforts of our own state of Kansas and do the Republicans that are in office. Our own members should embrace the soundness of fiscal conservatism and pass a state version of the Congress’s Deficit Reduction Act, that limits government spending.

-Currie Myers- The Kansas Federalists – http://kansasfederalist.blogspot.com/

Remember the Alamo - Redux

2006-01-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

Since 1995, according to reports from the Fox News Channel there have been 217 incursions of the Mexican Army into the United States. Now, let’s make this perfectly clear, this is documented incursions into the United States of America by foreign troops. These incursions have been monitored by the United States Border Patrol and have not been mere accidents of border crossings, or lost members of the Mexican Army, but actual military incursions into the US with a specific mission: To assist drug lords with logistical capabilities, intelligence gathering information, and to provide an intimidation factor into the mix in order to protect and further the smugglers capabilities. The intimidation factor, namely meaning feigning incursions, is to try and get US officials to repeal borders with force and cause an international incident by having a live fire incident, which the US Government does not want nor need geo-politically.

Now this is a topic I know very well. For twenty years as a law enforcement officer, mainly during my years as a KBI special agent, I was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and to the United States Customs Service (USCS). I have worked highly classified investigations, smuggling cases, and learned valuable counter-intelligence information, both of unclassified nature as well as classified in nature. Now I still feel bound not to divulge classified material, but I can share with you intelligence that has now been deemed unclassified in nature.

DEA, US Customs, state law enforcement agencies and local sheriffs’ officials along the US/Mexican border consider it common for the Mexican Military to provide assets and protection to smugglers crossing the border as well as providing protection to Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations (MDTO’s). While serving as a task force agent with DEA and USCS, I was briefed and given intelligence information that the Mexican Military assisted MDTO’s with protection and assistance in intelligence gathering missions and border security operations.

In addition, it is also widely known and verified through cooperating informants in some of my investigations that one of the largest auto theft rings along the US/Mexican border is a group called the Mexican Federal Judicial Police, more commonly known as the MFJP. That’s one of the reasons that the city of El Paso,Texas has one of the largest auto-theft statistics in the United States. The MFJP is the national police force of the Mexican Government. The MFJP also provides assistance to MDTO’s and arrest smaller MDTO’s that are competing with the major MDTO’s. Naturally, the MFJP leadership is paid a fee for this service by the criminal organizations.

Moreover, while conducting research and writing my dissertation for my doctorate in criminal justice, I compiled de-classified information and documented training accounts that MDTO’s are involved in US border smuggling missions. This is also verified by information provided by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

My dissertation entitled, “The Methamphetamine Epidemic in Kansas” provided significant intelligence that joint ventures are and have been occurring between MDTO’s and Middle Eastern Terrorists Organizations (METO’s). In fact, it is widely believed and documented that on Mexican soil these two groups are engaged in smuggling operations related to the manufacture and distribution of the synthetic drug, Methamphetamine. Specifically, METO’s provide the main precursor to Methamphetamine, Pseudo-ephedrine, to the MDTO’s.

This is not to imply that all illegal aliens are drug smugglers. It is intended to show that there is, in fact, an organized effort to penetrate our borders and conduct nefarious activities by criminal organizations and corrupt Mexican government officials. It is imperative that our elected leaders, as well as our citizens, understand the clear cause and effect between our border security and the impact that illegal immigration has on our nation. In a further report, the Kansas Federalist will go into some suggested “best practices” that could assist in illegal immigration mitigation.

- Currie Myers - The Kansas Federalist - http://kansasfederalist.blogspot.com

State Senate Bill 1613 - A Great Step for Limiting the Judiciary

2006-01-24T09:06:00.000-08:00

Amendment to Defend OUR Constitution has been Introduced

Thanks to Kansas Senator's Hueslkamp, Barnett, Brownlee, Jordon, O'Connor, Wagle, and Wilson for continued support of efforts to defend the Constitutions of the state of Kansas and the United States of America!

Together theses Senator's introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1613!
This proposed constitutional amendment is founded upon a very simple principle – the people of Kansas should run their government, not a group of activist judges. The language is very clear – no judge, no court shall have the power to tax and spend your hard-earned money. Rather, only those elected by the citizens of Kansas – Your Legislature – shall make open, public decisions to take your money and spend it.

Across the nation, activist judges have been presiding over a massive power grab from American citizens for years. On issues ranging from abortion and euthanasia, to homosexual marriage and the death penalty, to prayer in school and eminent domain, judges are setting themselves up as the judge, jury and executioner of critical public policy issues. That leaves out the people of America, the citizens of Kansas – that excludes our entire republican system of governance.

Without ultimate power residing in the people, all that remains is a government controlled by the elite few. Let us hope and pray that our Constitutional Amendment can pass the Legislature and will be placed on the fall ballot for consideration by the people of Kansas.

What could be more American than giving you a chance to speak on this critical issue?!
For more information on the bill please visit the Kansas Legislature website and enter SB-1613.

- Currie Myers -

Kansas Federalist endorses plan for the State GOP

2006-01-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

Republican strategist Kris Van Meteren recently sent out a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the Kansas Republican Party to be considered at the annual GOP Kansas Days Event on January 28th. The amendment is designed to enlarge the state committee substantially by allowing each Congressional District Committee to select 98 individuals to sit as members representing that district on the State Committee.

Currently, the party’s Constitution limits that number to 27. When the Chair and Vice Chair from each district are seated, that will allow for an even 100 members from each Congressional District. When the Executive Committee is added in, the State Committee will, at its largest, have 421 members.

As current Vice-Chair of the 3rd District I understand and realize the importance of this proposed amendment and it’s potential on Republican politics. Grass-roots involvement is a must for any organization to be successful. At the state committee level 27 people, many of whom are already elected public officials, have a difficult time addressing issues and problems that arise during the course of the year. The involvement of over 400 members will bode well in stimulating grass-roots Republican philosophy as well as engage a broader base of GOP strategists that can be better educated and involved in their respective districts. Just imagine 421 persons, fully engaged and developing a political power base for the good of the party.

Van Meteren goes on to explain why he thinks the proposed amendment is go important: “The amendment I am offering is rooted in my basic view of the Republican Party: that it is not a committee, a headquarters, a paid staff or officers. It was never intended to become, in my view, a country club for the well heeled and politically connected to the exclusion of average Republicans. It is more than a mere extension of its candidates’ campaigns. I believe that the 780,000 Kansas voters who have chosen to register under our party’s banner are the Kansas Republican Party and should play a larger role in determining its direction, objectives, and future.
In light of that, I believe that the State Committee should, from time to time, examine the structures of the party overall to see if those structures provide:

x the best opportunities for average Republicans voters to get involved in their party;
x the best opportunities for party leaders to remain in touch with the party’s voters; and
x the best opportunities for the party to serve its candidates and officials.”

Van Meteren goes on to explain, “It should be clear that I do not believe the current structure of the state committee is adequate to meet these objectives. I have been concerned for a long time that the current structure of the state committee lends itself to:

xbecoming a victim of ongoing turf wars between various interests within the party;
xeasily falling out of touch with the values and beliefs of the Republican voters of this state by not allowing for a larger cross-section of the party to be represented at its highest level;
xstifling the party’s ability to develop a “farm team” by failing to get grassroots Republicans involved who later go on to become candidates for offices at various levels.
xmissing tremendous opportunities to raise money and identify workers for our candidates, their campaigns, and the party itself.”

As usual, Van Meteren has conducted the research to back up his beliefs. He cited the following circumstances in other GOP state parties: “Over the past couple of weeks, I contacted most of the other state Republican parties across the country and have found that most have state committees that allow much greater representation of the Republican voters in their states. Committee sizes range from 92 in the District of Columbia (which has a mere 30,000 registered Republicans) to over 15,000 in Texas, which treats its annual meeting more like a national convention. As I studied each state, it became apparent that Kansas -- one of the reddest of the red states -- has a state committee that is disproportionately small compared to the number of registered Republicans in our state.”

Van Meteren gives four primary reasons for proposing to enlarge the State Committee:

1. To create greater opportunities for grassroots Kansas Republicans to become involved in determining the direction and objectives of their party. I believe that we are missing a great opportunity to tap into a vast reservoir of new ideas, good workers, and financial resources by not providing greater opportunities for average Republicans to participate in the highest levels of their party. If politics is truly the art of addition, not subtraction, we stand to gain tremendously by providing more opportunities for grassroots Republicans to take part in determining the direction, objectives, and priorities of the state party. We should be opening our doors to welcome more people in, not keeping our doors closed to limit their participation.

2. To allow the party to identify and develop a larger “farm team” of political activists and future candidates. The party structure is a great incubator for future candidates and party leaders. If we keep the incubator small, we shouldn't be surprised if the number of leaders we produce is also small. Most people aren't born with leadership and political skills. They gain those abilities by getting involved and being given an opportunity to participate in the process. We short-circuit our party’s future by keeping the club small and restricting development of new leaders.

3. To enhance the party’s ability to use its conventions as opportunities to raise financial support and identify volunteers for its candidates and party projects. The party's candidates and finances would benefit tremendously if more people were showing up at State Committee meetings, attending receptions, volunteering to help candidates, and giving money. In business, increasing the size of your market increases your potential return. By the same token, having more people participate at the party’s highest level creates a greater opportunity for the party and its candidates to build their financial resources and networks of supporters.

4. To allow a greater cross section of the party to be represented at its highest level and, thus, allow party leaders to remain in closer touch with the Republican electorate. My proposal is not intended to favor, give an advantage to, or benefit one side of the party or another. Neither is it intended to harm any faction, group, or segment of the party. It is neutral in that respect. The primary beneficiaries of this proposal will be the Republican voters (who will have a greater opportunity to sit on the party’s top committee) and the state party itself (which will benefit by being able to turn its meetings into money-making, volunteer-recruiting opportunities).

Van Meteren even addresses some concerns that a few have on his idea. He provides that response in his letter as well:

“Some of my fellow conservatives are concerned that if the committee is enlarged, more moderate or liberal Republicans might win seats. That is possible. But having spent several years working with grassroots Republicans, I firmly believe that most hold traditional, conservative values. More often then not Kansas Republicans favor conservative Republicans or candidates who portray themselves as conservative Republicans. Because of that, I am unafraid of enlarging the state committee and am confident that it will continue to have a traditional, conservative majority -- reflective of the Republican electorate it is there to serve. Others have expressed concern that adding seats may increase the possibility that a crackpot or two might make it onto the state committee. That too is a possibility. We've certainly had them on the state committee in the past and some might say there are one or two on the state committee now (after all, whether one is a crackpot is largely in the eye of the beholder). I believe it would be a mistake to allow policy for an organization as large and complex as the Kansas Republican Party to be determined based on personalities floating around the fringes today or out of fear that one or two of those individuals might win a seat on the state committee. The larger objective is what we're after here -- to grow this party. The bigger it gets, the more prosperous and successful it will become and the less impact crackpots will have on the party itself.”

“Still others say the party would have trouble filling 400 spots on the state committee plus alternate positions. I would encourage those with that concern to begin thinking outside the box. There are hundreds of thousands of registered Republicans in each district, hundreds of local and district party workers, and scores of Republican elected officials. I believe that if we are willing to look outside of our usual circles of familiarity, we will find many Republicans who would jump at the chance to get involved in their party at this level. I am convinced that many Republicans don’t participate because they have never been asked or given the opportunity. Let’s give them that opportunity!”

“Finally, some have expressed concern that enlarging the state committee will make organizing and hosting party events more complicated and difficult. While it may be true that there are a limited number of facilities capable of hosting several hundred people in this state, as a former promoter of Kansas’ tourism and convention facilities, I know that venues exist in each district of this state that are more than capable of handling a crowd of the size we should expect at state committee meetings should this amendment pass. And what a great problem to have. Growth surely brings challenges but such challenges are not insurmountable and should be welcomed, not avoided. Having a crowd at a political event is like having a crowd at church -- it’s a great thing!”

TFK appreciates the leadership taken by Mr. Van Meteren and hopes many others whom have the power to vote at Kansas Days vote to allow this proposed change to the GOP! The only thing that I could add to the proposal would be to hold a quarterly meeting in order to keep the committee on target and involved and to use the GOP website as a system of better communication, coordination and education as opposed to just an information website.
– Currie Myers –

Contract with Kansas - 2006 Legislative Agenda

2006-01-11T18:06:00.000-08:00

Ever willing to place conservative principles over politics, the Kansas Federalist would like to set the agenda for the 2006 Legislative Session. With so many great and important issues to debate and discuss, why are fellow GOP colleagues unwilling to take the lead this session and lay it out on the line. We are watching and looking forward to a strict constructionism session!

Word of Advice – In the art of war, one should take the offensive if the enemy is logistically inferior in practice and in numbers. We have the “high-ground” in terms of great issues, let’s show some leadership and bring back the Republican machine of Newt’s 1994 Contract with America. We shall call it the “Contract with Kansas”.

Educational Issues
Independent Audits of School Districts
Consolidation of School Districts (Economies of Scale)
Property Rights
Eminent Domain Protection
Curbing Reappraisal Assessment Increases
Judiciary Issues
Curb and Limit Judicial Activism
Strict Constructionism and Rule of the Law
Tort Reform
Immigration Issues
Efficient Legal Immigration Opportunities
Enforcement of Illegal Immigration Laws
English as Primary Language
Government Issues
Limited Government Issues
Narrow Focus on Governments Roles
Bureaucratic Expansion Watchdog
Reduce Government Regulation
Tax Issues
Repeal of Destination Sales Tax
Watchdog for Increasing Taxes at the Local Level
Support of TABOR
Reducing Property Taxes
Tax Breaks for Business and Entrepreneurism
Family Issues
Promotion of Faith-Based Social Initiatives
Respect and Dignity for Life
Crime Issues
Enforcement of Sexual Predator Laws
Funding for Jail/Prison Capital Projects, including private detention services.
Increase Funding for KBI Crime Laboratory
Passage of Concealed-Carry Law and Override of Governors Veto

It’s an exciting time to be involved in politics and political discourse. We see these issues as a bright light to carry us into the future. A future in which Kansan’s can fulfill their dreams, educate their children and be free. Conservatism is the best way to govern and be governed.

-Currie Myers-

Johnson Countians of the Year

2006-01-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

Johnson Countians of the Year: Kansas Federalist or Sun Version?

An all-new low in journalistic integrity was established in the latest issue of the Johnson County Sun newspaper, dated December 29, 2005. The title of the newspaper bi-line is entitled, “Introducing the Sun’s Johnson Countian of the Year.”

The term “Johnson Countian of the Year” would predispose the reader to believe that someone receives this honor for having a significant impact on the Johnson County community. There have been in the past people chosen who have rightly deserved such embrace such as William Dunn, Sr., of Dunn Construction Company. After all, Dunn is a highly successful entrepreneur and philanthropist and community leader.

This year, the Sun nominated two murderers for the honor of Johnson Countian of the Year. The Kansas Federalist refuses to acknowledge the two murderers names as we wish not to promulgate their names and their stories any further, but we are amazed, bewildered, and repulsed by such recognition.

Johnson County has so much to be thankful for and so many people contribute to that success on a daily basis. Of all the nominees none, we repeat none, were entrepreneurs, business leaders or have lead us into battle on issues or put their lives on the line for the protection of us all. Therefore, the Kansas Federalist wishes to provide our readers with the following nominees for 2005 Johnson Countian of the Year:

Bernie Zarda – Entrepreneur and Philanthropist - Started a highly successful bottled water company and is the owner of a large private faith-based jail called ICC. He also sets on many boards and charitable organizations such as Maranatha Academy.

Scott Shane – Entrepreneur and Philanthropist – Started a highly successful manufacturing company called Mid America Fittings. Shane a Marine, gives away his time, talent, and treasure to many worthy causes including Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Don Kincaid – Entrepreneur and Philanthropist – Started a highly successful school bus company as well as many other spin-off companies that have been developed such as Kincaid Concrete and Kincaid Bus Lines. Provides great time, talent, and treasure to many charitable organizations and parochial schools.

General (Ret) Richard Myers – Soldier – Recently retired Chairman of the Joint Chief’s of Staff. Lead the United States Military as our senior commanding officer through 911 and the Iraq War. Appointed by President George W. Bush.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann – Religious Leader – As the Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, he has been instrumental in carrying out Church Doctrine and holding Catholics accountable for their actions and stances on such worth issues as Marriage, Abortion, and Embryonic Stem Cell Research.

Dick Bott – Entrepreneur and Philanthropist – Started a Christian Radio Broadcasting Company that offers an alternative view to today’s liberal media.

Mike Brown – Entrepreneur and Philanthropist – Operates Brown Midwest, a successful home building company. In addition, Mike sets on numerous boards of charitable organizations and is a leader in the Home Builders Association.

Ernie Straub III – Entrepreneur and Philanthropist - Operates Straub Construction, a successful general contracting Construction Company. Ernie provides significant time, talent and treasure to such meaningful groups as the Vitae Society.

Wayne Godsey – Television General Manager – As GM of Channel 9, the Kansas City local ABC affiliate, he has provided the public with excellent views and ideas with his commentaries after the 10 O’clock news. Also very involved with numerous philanthropic events and charities.

Bill High – Lawyer and Non-Profit Leader – Left successful law practice to start the Christian Servant Community, a non-profit group that assist philanthropists with ideas and input on where to share their wealth. Provides leadership and ministry to men on bible study issues and topics.

Bob Hodgdon – Entrepreneur and Philanthropist – Leader of Hodgdon Powder Company, a highly successful explosives manufacturer. Provides time, talent, and treasurer to many charitable organizations and groups.

Dr. Jerry Johnston – Religious Leader – Leader of First Family Church in southern Overland Park and has built a highly successful religious community that includes televised worship services. Quickly becoming a national figure on social issues, Dr. Johnston was instrumental in the passing of the marriage act in 2005.

Mike McGovern – Entrepreneur and Activist – Started Rycam Inc and sets on the board of directors for Catholic Charities as well as is the leader of the Culture of Life League (CLL), a Catholic pro-life organization.

Hogan Miller – High School Student and Activist – Miller, a senior at Blue Valley West, started a few years ago, on his own, a local high school Republican Group in hopes to better explain to students Republican theory and beliefs. The National Republican Party recognized the group in 2005 as the best Republican Student Group in the Country.

Col (Ret) Walt Way – Police Officer - Retired from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office after 32 years of dedicated service to the community. Way was instrumental in the bridging of police technology into current practices and use and was considered a leader in 911 technology at the national level. A brilliant budgeter as well, Way grafted the Sheriff’s Office budget for many years and was praised by Johnson County Commissioners for his insight and fiscal soundness.

Sen. Dennis Wilson – Entrepreneur, Public Servant and Statesman – Wilson has started many companies on his own including car dealerships and a battery supply company. Was the brilliant County Treasurer for Johnson County (the last elected treasurer) and actively went after scofflaws and deadbeats. Known for his candor, Wilson has shown great statesmanship as a senator.

Marine Recruit Joshua Lambert – Soldier – Lambert after graduating from Maranatha Academy had the skills and abilities to go to any college. Fit, handsome, polite and respectful, instead Lambert chose to become a US Marine and serve his country. He will graduate from basic training in January 06.

As you can see this is only a small piece of the potential Johnson Countians that could have been nominated. Perhaps in the future, the Sun will choose to go back to acknowledging Business Leaders (people who bring work, productivity, the American Dream), Community Leaders, Philanthropists, and Public Servants instead of murderers.

We shall let the public decide on which list is more acceptable. The Kansas Federalist or the Sun.

-Currie Myers-

Snapshot - 2008 Presidential Campaign

2005-12-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

Grover Norquist Looks at 2008 Presidential Race

Hillary Clinton is a shoe-in to grab the Democratic nomination for president in 2008, but the Republican field is wide open, according to Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. Writing in The American Spectator, Norquist says that Clinton "will be followed around the nation by six or seven emasculated senators" who will "pretend to run for president while actually auditioning for vice president."

He mentions Sen. John Kerry, Sen. Evan Bayh, former Sen. John Edwards and Virginia Gov. Mark Warner among those who might seemingly challenge Clinton for the nomination, but in the end they will "suck up to Hillary," Norquist predicts.

Here is Norquist's take on the race for the GOP nomination:

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney "has the advantage of serving as governor of a state whose television footprint covers the population center of the first primary state, New Hampshire." But his Mormon faith could work against him.

Virginia Sen. George Allen "stands most comfortably in the center of the Reagan coalition" and is "on good terms with taxpayers, pro-family activists and gun owners."

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist upset social conservatives with his support for experimentation on embryonic stem cells.

Arizona Sen. John McCain has high name recognition and a "fawning establishment press," but he voted against each of the significant Bush tax cuts, is anti-gun and favors the Kyoto climate change treaty.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has made himself an expert on healthcare and has "kept his name and ideas in the limelight enough to be ready if lightning struck and a presidential bid became possible for him."

Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum "looks very good on paper - Catholic, Big State, GOP Senate leadership - if he can get past the very serious challenge of getting re-elected in 2006."

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was the "welfare-reforming, tax-cutting, crime-fighting mayor who turned around a failing city." But Norquist wonders how his social liberalism on gay marriage and abortion might impact him in the GOP primaries.

New York Gov. George Pataki "has been a tax cutter and governed well in a large state that should be able to fund a serious presidential campaign."

Norquist also mentions Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel.

But he saves his final remarks for Florida Gov. Jeb Bush:

"At present Bush is saying 'no' to the idea of a 2008 presidential bid. Some believe he should pass that year to avoid the appearance of a Bush Dynasty. "But logic runs the other way. Only in 2008 will it be impossible for even the New York Times to argue with a straight face that we cannot elect one president's brother because we must elect another president's wife."

-Currie Myers-

George Will - State's Fiscal Details Make a Difference

2005-12-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

In one of George Will’s (Kansas Federalist hero and a true conservative intellectual) recent editorials he discussed the importance of fiscal conservatism at the state and local level. In fact, Will specifically points out two new conservative movement movers and shakers, Governor Mitch Daniels (R) and Congressman Mike Pence (R), both from the state of Indiana.

Specifically, Governor Daniels has been recruiting many large corporations into Indiana by offering low taxes and a pro-business plan for companies. This included Delphi, a Michigan-based automotive parts manufacturer that recently announced bankruptcy. Delphi, faced with ever increasing costs, had to file for bankruptcy largely due to the over regulations from the state of Michigan and the pro government control policies of Governor Jennifer Granholm (D). In fact, when Delphi notified the public of their impending bankruptcy, Gov. Granholm denounced the company, its executives, Washington D.C. and globalization. Gov. Daniels in a perfect game of what Will calls, “entrepreneurial federalism” jumped into the foray, contacted Delphi and lured them to Indiana where now the company has saved on significant government regulatory overhead and is back on track.

Gov. Daniels, a former President Reagan staffer, as well as President George W’s first director of the Office of Management and Budget, opined the following words, “Most of our State Legislatures as well as Congress seem to have the motto, don’t just stand there, spend something.” Since becoming the Governor of Indiana, here is a small list of just some of his fiscal decisions:

Ending the practice of the state DMV purchasing bottled water for its employees (annual savings, $35,000)
Ending notification of drivers that their license is expiring, saying the driver should be responsible for that action. (Annual savings, $200,000)
Buying rather than renting floor mats for DMV offices (total savings, $267,000)
Initiating the sale of over 2,000 surplus vehicles (exceeding $1.95 million in revenue)
Changing the state lottery’s newsletter from bi-monthly to monthly and from color to black and white (annual savings, $21,670)

The Governor is conducting this type of assessment on each department. This new type (and most appreciated by the taxpayer) of conservative leadership has been brought on by the recent Republican Study Committee (RSC) lead by Congressmen Mike Pence. Governor Daniels and Con. Pence should be thanked for their fiscal leadership.

There is more to conservatism than just low taxes. Just as important to the model is limiting government spending, limiting government bureaucracy, and limiting government regulations. Conservatives in Kansas and Missouri should look to the Hoosier state and model their efforts.

-Currie Myers-

Intelligent Design - The Mirecki Model "Creationism is Mythology"

2005-12-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

The University of Kansas and there religious studies department has taken a recent “political” hit across the state and has infuriated many with their mocking of the Intelligent Design debate that is being argued across the country.

A few weeks ago, Dr. Paul Mirecki, the Dean of the Religious Studies Department at KU was going to offer and teach an “Intelligent Design” (ID) class in the spring of 06. At first glance, one seemed supportive of the idea that KU was willing to teach a class on understanding ID and why there is an argument underway in our country on the Theory of evolution and how ID plays a role with that Theory.

Since the announcement of the class, however, Dr Mirecki, has placed several verified email alerts out to his staff, his students, and on the message board of KU’s Society of Open-Minded Atheists and Agnostics mocking the ID class and that it would be fun to sit around and insult Creationists for a semester and “would be a nice slap in the big fat face of Fundamentalist”.

Since light has been shined on the Religious Studies Department and its chair, even more verified email and teaching evidence has been cultivated about the religious belief system of Dr. Mirecki. In fact, the Chair of KU’s Religious Studies Department is in fact an atheist. Dr. Mirecki has specifically gained famed in attacking the Catholic Faith. For instance, in a 2003 email posting Dr Mirecki states the following;

“I decided to go to Catholic Church and took communion. When I took the bread-wafer it stuck to the rough of my mouth and I thought to myself this is the skin of Jesus. It made me start puking so I swallow my own puke with the wafer. That’s a big part of the Catholic experience!”
“I think most Catholics don’t know what to believe, they just go home and use condoms and beat their wives and husbands.”
In another email he referred to Pope John Paul II in Star Wars form by saying he was “J2P2”.

Mirecki addressed the religious studies department with this final quote. “Maybe there is some confusion about what we do in the Religious Studies Department here at KU. We do not teach religion, or the ‘how to’ of religion. In fact, most of my colleagues here in the department are agnostic or atheists, or they just don’t care.”

The question remains this for us to consider. The vast majority of Americans raise their children to appreciation the differences of others. It is done, however, with the understanding that we all serve something greater than ourselves. Our faith determines are very existence as a people and our successes or failures in the future. We send our children to colleges and universities so that they can learn, provide the infrastructure for success in their adult lives and understand social structure. They learn to live, to play, and to make mistakes and they learn the value of success. What we can’t control is the deeply rooted political agenda that are the underpinnings for many in the real world of academia. It seems as if it isn’t about education anymore inasmuch about the reframing of young minds into human secularism and pluralism.

What’s the Answer?

As parents and payers of this educational process in the form of direct fees and tuition as well as tax money. Much thought should be given to where are children attend Universities in the future. Competition, like in all capitalistic democracies, is the driving force behind holding organizations responsible for their actions. There are literally thousands of universities and colleges around this country just waiting to educate your children to the highest caliber. Parents should be due diligent and assist this children in making wise academic choices. Hold schools accountable for their actions by conducting research and with your child and choosing the right college or university for the future. Your parenting does not end at 18, in many ways it just begins.

-Currie Myers-

A Brave New World - Cloning & Embryonic Stem Cell Research

2005-11-29T16:07:00.000-08:00

“Creating a new human life solely in order to destroy that life in research for potential benefit to others is especially repugnant and shows profound disrespect for human life.” This recent announcement by the Knights of Columbus just indicates the ethical dilemma we in America now face. Our brave new world and its great scientific advances have brought us to the brink of the thought, “should we do it”, not just “can we do it.” Our fore fathers would have never seen such advancements in their visionary minds, but I’m sure based upon the writings of the Federalists papers that they would have disapproved. TKF believes this position against cloning by our founding fathers would have been so based upon their acceptance and understanding in the role that God has in public society. The Founders presented God as the primary Legislature on all acts of governance. Therefore, if it stands against the template of God’s existence then it shall not be acted upon.

Under the guise of advancing medical progress, advocates of human cloning want to create by cloning new, living human embryos for the sole purpose of destroying them in research. Since surveys show that cloning, for any reason, is strongly opposed by the majority of Americans, cloning advocates try to hide what they are doing. They say they are not involved in cloning. Instead they use the term, "somatic cell nuclear transfer." This is a deliberate attempt to mislead: somatic cell nuclear transfer is simply the process scientists use to create cloned human embryos. Such cloned human embryos can be transplanted to a woman's womb in an attempt to produce a baby, or they can be used - and destroyed - in research.

Adult stem cell research provides an ethical and highly promising alternative to human cloning in the effort to cure diseases. Conversely, embryonic stem cell research and human cloning have never been proven as a successful alternative. Medical progress does not need to come at the expense of destroying some human lives for the potential benefit of others. The Knights, the Catholic Church, as well as other religious denominations, involved in this ethical issue should be complimented for their stand against human cloning. Many times, Americans should be reminded of the acceptable order of events in which we exist. Cloning mocks God and attempts to place us as his equal. This, my friends, shall not stand!
- Currie Myers -

Amendments to the US Constitution

2005-11-28T16:18:00.000-08:00

The Kansas Federalist is proud to provide to you the Amendments to the US Constitution. Please read and be proud of this great document.

Amendments to the ConstitutionCONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, PROPOSED BY CONGRESS, AND RATIFIED BY THE LEGISLATURES OF THE SEVERAL STATES, PURSUANT TO THE FIFTH ARTICLE OF THE ORIGINAL CONSTITUTION

Article [I.]
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Article [II.]
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Article [III.]
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Article [IV.]
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Article [V.]
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Article [VI.]
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Article [VII.]
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Article [VIII.]
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Article [IX.]
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Article [X.]
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

[Article XI.]
The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.

[Article XII.]
The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-President, and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate;--The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted;--The person having the greatest number of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed; and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of the President. (See Note 14)--The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States.

Article XIII.
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Article XIV.
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age,(See Note 15) and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.
Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.
Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.
Section 5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

Article XV.
Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Article XVI.
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

[Article XVII.]
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.
When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

Article XVIII
Section 1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.
Section. 2. The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Section. 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.

Article [XIX].
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Article [XX.]
Section 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.
Section. 2. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.
Section. 3. If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President. If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have qualified.
Section. 4. The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House of Representatives may choose a President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them.
Section. 5. Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the 15th day of October following the ratification of this article.
Section. 6. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission.

Article [XXI.]
Section 1. The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.
Section 2. The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.
Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.

Amendment XXII
Section 1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.
Section 2. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states within seven years from the date of its submission to the states by the Congress.

Amendment XXIII
Section 1. The District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct:
A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a state, but in no event more than the least populous state; they shall be in addition to those appointed by the states, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of the election of President and Vice President, to be electors appointed by a state; and they shall meet in the District and perform such duties as provided by the twelfth article of amendment.
Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Amendment XXIV
Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.
Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Amendment XXV
Section 1. In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.
Section 2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.
Section 3. Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.
Section 4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.
Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

Amendment XXVI
Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of age.
Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Amendment XXVII
No law varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives shall take effect until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.

The Blue District of Kansas

2005-11-23T19:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, Toto, there are tax and spend liberals in Kansas! The 3rd District of Kansas comprised of Wyandotte, Douglas, and Johnson County is fastly becomming the East and West coast of the Midwest, or in simpler terms the "Blue District of Kansas".

It all starts when the people forget that local elected officials play just as an important role, if not more, than state and national elected officials. This month many citizens will receive their property tax information. In a snapshot TKF survey, 90% of the citizens contacted in our poll are seeing an increase in their property taxes. Specifically, the mill levy has increased at three different levels (city, county, and school district) and as a result income must be increased next year just to breakeven. Who is to blame for this issue? Simply put, the voters are responsibile for these tax increases.

As "Blue District" residents went to their soccer games and parent teacher meetings and became disconnected from their elected leaders, local officials in our city governments, county governments, and school boards satified their bureaucratic needs once again and voted for tax increases in virtually every area of the district. And what do we get in return for with these identified needs? City-run fitness centers, recreation areas, new government offices, football stadiums, soccer fields, indoor swimming facilities, benefits for gay partners, expanded city halls, just to name a few.

The citizen must understand that a conservative budgetary approach to the running of city, county, and school district is of paramount importance in order for this area to become truly successful. The 3rd District's greatness occured many years ago as a result of low taxes and investments into the business community. If the area is to maintain its success in this region they must get back to the business friendly philosophy that made this area one of the most successful in the United States.

It is Economics 101, the more money you have in your pocket the more money you will spend and that drives the economy and that pays for government services. If we continue down this heavy-handed, liberal tax and spend philosophy in the future, we will surely lose businesses, industry, and finally families for our community. If you like KCMO and its heavy taxes, bureaucracy of government, over-regulation of businesses and inefficient school system then just wait a few more years and the "Blue District of Kansas" will deliver those expectations.

As local elections take place in the coming months and next year, one should pause to consider the importance of electing strong fiscally-minded, strict constructionist conservatives to those respective offices.

-Currie Myers-

A Federalist Perspective on Crime

2005-11-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

With the rise of the homicide rate in Kansas City, TKF thought it would be interesting to give a lecture to the readers on the causal reasons behind crime. As KCMO spends thousands of dollars on research, consultants, and time, to find the answer let us cut to the chase and give our opinions.

First and foremost, many social scientists in the liberal world of academia spend far too much energy and thought on contributing factors. TKF acknowledges that contributing factors does play a role and many times a significant role, however, these factors are not the root causes of why we have crime. The root causes of crime are described in three basic categories; the lack of parenting, the lack of discipline, and finally the lack of faith. These three factors play a most signifcant role in the cause and effect of crime and the reasons our country suffers from a continual moral breakdown in society.

The lack of parenting does not provide the family unit with the appropriate oversight and nurturing necessary to raise children and teach them social acceptance and appropriate behavior. The lack of discipline is related to our new culture of victimization and how no one is responsible for their actions and everyone is to blame but the one committing the offense. We have also failed to provide a basic infrastructure of discipline in terms of time and action of consequences. Finally, and most importantly, we have removed faith and God and yes, specifically in the US, which was founded on Christian principles, the removal of Jesus Christ from the public eye. The teachings of Christ, the Ten Commandments, and other Judeo-Christian principles have helped our country achieve the greatness and the excellence that we enjoy today. Without it, the US is merely Rome redux and will fall to extinction based on our Hedonism.

We have been told by the media and by government agencies that criminal activity is on and has been on a downward trend since the early 90's. Prior to that the US saw crime trends high only in the late 1960's and in the post Civil War era. Other than those times, US crime trend rates have ebbed and flowed at a fairly normal rate. TKF believes that the crime rates will spike in the next few years due to the following circumstances:

The increase in illegal alien trafficking.
The increase in synthetic drug abuse.
The breakdown of morals related to appropriate social norms.
The removal of God and faith from public discourse.
The reduction of two-parent households.
The inability of a new generation to understand and be taught social relationships, conflict resolutions skills, and basic public civility.

The vast majority of these crimes will be categorized in the area of property crimes, sexual deviant crimes, and drug offenses. Theft, fraud and deception will be a matter of constant attention for businesses and organizations.

Crime occurs for reasons. They just don't appear because of your socio-economic level, your race, or your location. Those are easy outs and ways to blame others for our problems. However, be aware that in the new secular US we no longer have parenting skills, discipline or faith that keep the contributing factors in check.

-Currie Myers-

The Kansas Federalist Kickoff

2005-11-21T20:15:00.000-08:00

It is with sheer pleasure that "The Kansas Federalist" or TKF Blog is now part and parcel of the new political movement in Kansas as well as the midwest. Stay tuned for interesting news, topics, information and editorials. The Kansas Federalist is dedicated to the Constitution of the United States of America and to God and Country.

The information contained on this site will be vetted and written with honesty and responsibility and with the intent to make the founding fathers of our great country proud.

Very truly yours,

Sheriff (Ret) Currie Myers, PHD, MBA
Editor of the Kansas Federalist