Vast Write Wing - August 2011

[lwoolley]

Edward Passalugo <pazzy23125@grandecom.net>

I have been listening to your show and hope that you will help us in Hewitt from Spending Money the City Does not have and get our priorities in order--I would love to speak on this matter with you and your audience--
FROM: ED PASSALUGO
HEWITT CITY COUNCIL 3RD WARD
2011-2012 HEWITT CITY BUDGET—WHAT IT IS GOING TO COST YOU, THE TAXPAYER!
I have been a Hewitt Council Person since being elected on June 18th. I have been to three meetings which two of them were in regards to the upcoming budget. My concerns are the following—
1. In this year’s budget there is a proposed pay increase of 5% for City Employees.
In our conversations at the council meeting I brought up that we need to look at the increases we are giving to the City Employees. I recommended a 3% increase much higher than most cities in Texas. A good example is the Waco City Budget where the employees are getting 2.5% increase with no increase last year. I was told that last year the employees did not get a raise in Hewitt due to the budget shortfalls. The Health Insurance for City Employees is projected to increase 25% to 28% with no added cost to the employee which is paid for by the taxpayers with no expense to the employee. This is at a time when other business public and private are passing health increases onto the employees without an increase in pay. The statement I made at the Council meeting was if we gave a 3% increase we would save $120,000. The savings on the pay increase could fund other needed safety areas of our city. While I do believe we need to be competitive with our pay and benefits in orde!
r to retain and attract quality employees, a 3% increase at a time when other entities are freezing or cutting pay and benefits keeps Hewitt competitive at a time of fiscal restraints.
2. One of my main concerns is for the Safety of our City Residents and Fire Fighters.
Our Fire Department is manned with full time staff. On any shift there are only 4 men to man the station and respond to Fire Emergencies in our City. If someone is sick the 4th person needs to be replaced with another firefighter at overtime rates. I proposed that we hire 3 additional firefighters so that our citizen’s homes and property are safe. I was told by another council member that we have mutual aid in case of a large fire and that we did not need additional firefighters. With the 3% raise we could have paid for 95% of the new firefighters wages.
3. New City Facilities—Bond Issue—Possible Bond Vote for new City Facilities
During my campaign for Hewitt City Council I stated that we are in need of some new City Facilities but only when we have the money to fund it. I will state that I am totally against bonding for new City Facilities in a time of Economic Uncertainties. Some members of the council want to have a Bond vote in November for the funding of the New City Facilities; the possible bond issue will be 9.3 Million Dollars. This bond will cause a substantial increase in tax rates for our city. Unemployment in McLennan County stands at 8.2% and the latest government reports show Industrial Output at 1.2% which indicates an anemic economy. There are many other trends that show we are in for a long period of slow growth and a continued soft economy.

4. What does this all mean?
• We have many Senior Citizens who own property in Hewitt and they are on a fixed income and find it hard to pay any increase in taxes.
• We have many households where the husband and wife both work to make ends meet.
• We have increasing costs on our home electric, water, sewer and transportation costs.
• We have home foreclosures on our streets who involve our neighbors and friends because of lost jobs and not being able to afford their homes.
• We will have additional families that will not be able to continue to live in their homes because of higher costs and TAXES.

5. What do we need to do?
• I ask everyone to attend the August 15th Council Meeting
• I ask everyone to come to the public hearings of the proposed City Budget and to voice their concerns.
• I ask everyone to call their City Council person to voice their concerns.
• The Citizens of Hewitt need to get involved and let their Voices be heard!
• Let’s stop the spending when we do not have the money and stop going to the Bond Market for other than emergency needs.
• Let’s be fiscally responsible to the Taxpayers of Hewitt.
• Let’s keep Hewitt an affordable and safe community to live in
• Let’s not listen to those who want to spend on what we cannot afford!
YOUR VOICE SHALL BE HEARD!
Ed Passalugo—
Hewitt 3rd Ward Councilman
E-Mail—pazzy23125@grandecom.net--254-420-1926

[lwoolley]

On the ballot Romney remains in a strong position. He leads all candidates with 36% of the vote. However, Perry, making his first appearance in the NH Journal poll, debuts with a strong 18%. Ron Paul continues to impress despite relatively little media attention with 14%. And Bachmann earns 10%. All other candidates were in single digits.

I sucked this paragraph out for easy reading,
Here is the article.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2011/ ... shire.html

[lwoolley]

Lynn, I found this tonight and am stunned! I'm shocked!! I know you have been saying you don't support Perry for Pres. I confess I don't get to listen every day but have never heard the specifics about why. Is this part of your reasoning? I saw that someone called Perry a 5th Column Candidate. While looking up what all that means I found this!!! at www.grubbyhub.org Pamela Geller, Robert Spencer and on and on!!! What in the world!!! Even Herman Cain has surrendered to pro-Sharia Islamic supremacists!!

Vera


Re: Perry

While courting a voter block may be forgivable, what should
concern conservatives are two cooperative agreements that Perry spearheaded
between the state of Texas and Ismaili Nizari organizations in 2008 and 2009.

The first agreement in 2008 was a “wide-ranging”
program designed to indoctrinate Texas children about Islam and Islamic
culture. According to Salon.com, “Perry brokered a partnership between the
University of Texas and Al-Husayni’s Aga Khan University in Pakistan for the
purpose of expanding cooperation on programs including the Muslim Histories and
Culture Project,” or MHCP. The purpose of the MHCP is to train high-school
teachers on the positive aspects of Muslim history and culture.

Perry’s naive support for this program is disturbing, to say
the least. At the signing ceremony, Perry stated, “I have supported this
program from the very beginning, because we must bridge the gap of
understanding between East and West if we ever hope to experience a future of
peace and prosperity.”

In conjunction with the signing, Perry even requested the
Texas A&M Aggie Corps of Cadets Ross Volunteer Company to do a sabre arch
salute as part of a special ceremony for Al-Husayni arrival at the ceremony!!!!

A sabre arch the likes of those in Iraq??? I am sick!!

The glaring problem of course with this sentiment is that
“bridges” normally go two ways. While Perry is expanding programs to
teach American children about Islam, what is Al-Husayni doing about teaching
Pakistani children about the glories of Christianity? Why is it that whenever
these fabulously wealthy Muslim “philanthropists” ride into town to
build bridges of understanding, it is always one-sided, always extolling the
beauties of Islam?

The fact that Perry didn’t see right through, and even
supported, this facade does not speak well to his ability to lead this nation
forward. [WorldNetDaily, 8/14/11] Part of column by Joel Richardson.

[lwoolley]

I still wat to know why our Congress keeps giving Obama a pass. It's obvious the man is not a natural born American, he has hidden his past; no real Birth Certificate, a hidden passport, a connecticutt Social Security Number, displays pure Marxist behavior, shows his true intent to Overwhelm the American economy as taught to him in a Liberal College, Has no respect for our Constitution, and yet our Congress still won't investigate him. I for one want to know why. Are they cowards? Congress is derelect in there duty an should be replaced in a wholesale manner come next election. Better yet we should demand a Constitutional Convetion and do away with the 16th and 17th amendments, replacing our tax system with a Fair Tax while forcing Congress into the same Social System we have to live with. None of us has the ability to retire with our full salary and medical care after one tour of duty and Congress shouldn't be either. Read this to get a better understanding and then attend Tea Party meeting and find a common voice:
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.vi ... z1UXD2jfsi

Ken

[lwoolley]

... I don't think that being an apologist for Perry -- and diminishing any shreds of journalistic ethics you once had -- will endear YOU to the listeners.

Every candidate has to go thru the scrutiny. THAT is probably why YOU and Ben "Hakim"will never run for public office. You'd both melt like a Popsicle on a Killeen sidewalk at the first question the media would ask.

If a candidate brings UP a subject and he's talking about it on the campaign trail, it's fair to ask him to explain ...

LS

[lwoolley]

Lynn,
What needs to be understood my all American at this time is that Gov. Perry did NOT win his last two elections, the votes splitters lost putting him in office.
Here we go again with another version of the Obama/McCain election as graphically displayed in this video.
Please watch this and see what I am talking about.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-a ... e-top-tier

Chuck Ellis Belton, Texas

[lwoolley]

Joe <shotglass@embarqmail.com>

I notice that so many Rep. are just as bad as the Dem.. Cry out for more FREEDOM, but, say something bad about their guy or girl and it is get off the air you you dumbo.

[lwoolley]

I'd say Rush had your number yesterday. But, you won't admit you heard him putting you in your
place for criticizing Perry. He was repeating what the news people were saying putting down Perry
and sounded like you. He was mocking you all. Yes, you heard him and we did too.

[lwoolley]

Lynn-
I am guessing but I think the hold up on Texas A&M going to the SEC is because Missouri said they weren’t going to the SEC. A&M is tired of the Big 12 being run by Texas. The Longhorn network was the last straw.
Round Rock Ron

Ps- Great show. I wish I could have heard more of your show today but work interfered.

[lwoolley]

Lynn
I sent the following letter to the Economist today ( their comments section)
I think Floyd and I agree, we are so far down the road to fiscal calamity, a status quo candidate (Perry, Romney) will continue to drive off a cliff. Yes it will nice to see Obama retire but it will make non difference over the next few years.

Comment Section at The Economist
2012 might be the year for Ron Paul - for the sake of America I sure hope so. Consider that a small group of ultra conservative supporters helped his son Rand Paul get elected to the US senate in KY, with absolutely NO help from the establishment republican party, in spite of their big dollar fund raisers for Paul's opponent, and I mean ZERO support from neocon icons like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin etc.
Despite the latest derision from Limbaugh, Paul is polling 14% in NH. Paul supporters are educated supporters. Once their eyes are open to the financial calamity facing our country, they realize the urgency of Ron Paul's message. Endless wars, unsustainable entitlements, and the loss of freedom are all part of one package. In summary, the demise of the US dollar is much more dangerous to the survival of our nation, than anything a terrorist organization can throw at us. I am hopeful readers of a mag such as The Economist would understood this and see Ron Paul as the only viable candidate. I will vote for no one else.


Steven

[lwoolley]

Lynn, this is what I was told as to who might have written
it.

The article is attributed to Lawrence Sellin and whether or
not it was published, I don't know. I tried to read the
thesis and quickly became bored.


http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/39494

John

[lwoolley]

Lynn,

What a Kool-Aid drinker! [caller from San Francisco] All his conspiracy theories aside, the fact is scores of people and businesses are leaving and its plain on the face of it that the state's role as the vanguard in implementing every liberal machination is the cause!

That poor guy is a "Be-Logical-911" case. You need to set up an intervention. Serious, he couldn't connect the dots because they just kept moving all over the paper!

You were supremely patient and for that I admire you.


All the best,

Mike Bandas
Lampasas, Texas

[lwoolley]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2011

Petaluma, Calif. – I had the pleasure of watching your recent interview on CNN. I agree that re-election is the primary motivation for politicians, and to starve them of funding is exactly what needs to be done. Your leadership on this issue is inspiring.

Congress needs to go back to work, focus on job creation and solve the crisis of uncertainty. That said, the most effective economic stimulus President Barack Obama and Congress could implement would be to direct more existing federal infrastructure spending to small businesses, our nation’s chief job creators. This is an issue my organization, the American Small Business League, advocates for on a daily basis.

The latest U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that small businesses create 90 percent of all net new jobs, employ more than half the private sector workforce, are responsible for more than half of GDP and more than 90 percent of U.S. exports. It is clear that economic recovery needs to be based on small businesses. http://archive.sba.gov/advo/research/rs359.pdf

I think members of Congress realized this in 1953 when they passed the Small Business Act. Today that law requires that 23 percent of all federal contract dollars be awarded to small businesses. Yet since 2003, a series of federal investigations have found most of that money has gone to Fortune 500 companies and other large firms.

In Report 5-15, the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General referred to the issue as, “One of the most important challenges facing the Small Business Administration and the entire Federal government today.” http://www.asbl.com/documents/05-15.pdf

During President Obama’s campaign he stated, “It is time to end the diversion of federal small business contracts to corporate giants.” http://www.asbl.com/documents/20081007_ ... ebsite.pdf

The Small Business Act defines a small business as generally less than 500 employees and independently owned, which, by definition, excludes publicly traded companies. Therefore, President Obama could stimulate the economy with an executive order stating, “The federal government will no longer report federal contracts awarded to publicly traded companies as small business contracts.” Our research indicates this would redirect up to $200 billion annually in federal infrastructure spending to small businesses.

It is a shame there are not leaders like you in Washington. Maybe with your help, we can communicate this message to Congress and rescue our nation’s economy.

[lwoolley]

Beth Saunders <sassymare@yahoo.com>

Hi Lynn - The chairman of the Tea Party in El Paso is a mexican American (a CPA in El Paso). His brother, Jimmy Pena (Pena's) owns a restaurant in Ruidoso and is a stanch Republician conservative. I have had several talks with Jimmy about politics and how Obama is actually hurting the mexican population. Jimmy has tried to explain that to his social worker brother with little sucess. There are plenty of minority people in the Tea Party movement. If you get to Ruidoso, go by and visit with Jimmy. He is interesting to talk with and the eggs benedict with a side of green sauce are the best! Peace, Beth

[lwoolley]

Representative Tom Craddick August 15, 2011
500 West Texas Ave. Suite 880
Fax 684 4864
Midland, Texas 79701

Dear Tom:

How much longer are you and your associates in Austin going to continue to violate your/their Oath of Office which is to “Support and Defend The Constitution of The United States against all Enemies Foreign and Domestic…….so help me God?” Do you not know that when you enact a law that is not authorized by our Constitution that you become that “Domestic Enemy” that you have taken an Oath to Defend our Constitution against?

Re: An article on page one of the MRT, August 3, 2011, having to do with the funding of transportation between Midland, Terminal and Odessa by The Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Government.

The Declaration of Independence, 2nd paragraph states the following: “……….That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed.”

Fact: This clearly establishes the principle of Delegated Authority to all governments which have for, for to long been overlooked or forgotten. Whether on purpose or neglectfully it is all the same and must be restore at once, regardless of how inconvenient it may become at times.

Fact: Governments have no innate power or privilege, individually or collectively to do anything , for their ONLY source of Authority and Power comes from the citizens.

Fact: Citizens can delegate to government those Right that they desire to have government exercise on their behalf, however, they can delegate only those Rights that they themselves have to delegate. They can not delegate a Right which they do not possess.

Fact: No citizen possess the Right to force his neighbors to give him money whereby he can re-distribute it, consequently he can not delegate that Right to government because he has no such Right to delegate.

Fact: For government to do so is an act of plunder which is out right theft of public money. This is precisely what will happen if you persist on permitting the Texas Transportation Department and the Federal Government to fund this operation which is a function of the Free Enterprise System. Thus, making it Un-Constitutional.

Fact: I find no where in the United States Constitution that authorizes the use of Taxpayers money to fund EZ Rider or any other public transportation.

Fact” The City, County, State nor Federal Governments were not establish to be charitable organizations and should not be such, therefore all expenditures that remove money from their Treasuries that are not for the funding of the day to day, year to year function of Constitutional government must be stopped.

I have requested a Profit and Loss Statement from EZ Rider without any response, however, discussions on talk radio have EZ Rider (which has earned the name “ET Rider”) operating in the red at approximately $250,000,00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand per Year) for each Odessa and Midland.

This is unsustainable! How any elected official with the slightest degree of gumption can disregard this outrageous operation and allow it to continue is also unsustainable.

Governments are created to promote Justice not Injustice and there is no way EZ Rider can be justified. Come on Tom, let your constituencies see the clout you still have.

Sincerely, Respectfully, and Constitutionally,


Tom Flournoy
3302 West Kansas Ave.
Midland, Texas 79703