 | ||||
| Dr. David Marlett, Editor | 16 February 2001 | Vol. II #23 | ||
|
| ||||
| ||||
| ||||
| Dr. David Marlett, Editor | 16 February 2001 | Vol. II #23 | ||
|
| ||||
| ||||
Paying his first visit to the United Nations on Wednesday, Secretary of State Colin Powell gave assurances that the days of acrimony between Republicans and the world body were over.
Lavish in his praise, Powell, after meeting Secretary-General Kofi Annan told reporters, ``I took the opportunity in our conversations to express to the secretary-general our strong support, the president's strong support of the work of the United Nations.''
On Iraq, the Middle East conflict and Africa, Powell said he looked forward to working with Annan and U.N. members not only in dealing with hot spots in the world but to take advantage of opportunities ``to bring wealth to the people of the world, to reach out and touch their dreams.''
[ Reuters ]
TCN Comment: We told you that Bush and Powell were liberal globalists that supported the goals of the UN. We should be dumping the UN not promising to stop dumping on them. There is NO aspect of the UN that ANY conservative American should be supportive of . NONE
U.S. President George W. Bush will not send to the Senate for ratification a treaty creating the world's first global criminal court that was signed by his predecessor Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Wednesday.
``As you know, the United States, the Bush administration, does not support the International Criminal Court. President Clinton signed the treaty but we have no plans to send it forward to our Senate for ratification,'' Powell told reporters during a visit to U.N. headquarters.
Bush's team had criticized the treaty even before taking office, with spokesman Ari Fleischer calling it flawed ``in its current form.''
[ Reuters ]
TCN MEMO TO FLEISCHER: It is flawed in it's foundation. No US citizen should be subjected to a globalist court.
TCN MEMO TO POWELL: Make up your mind! Are you supporting the UN or not! Do you have a policy(the conservative way) or are you making this up as you go(the liberal way)?
Seizing on Congress' failure to reach a bipartisan agreement on gun safety legislation, Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) are quietly working together to draft an alternative compromise that both parties can support.
The discussions between McCain and Lieberman are still in the infant stages, but the bill is likely to include a reworked version of the controversial gun show loophole, trigger locks and more funds and support for the law enforcement community, aides to both Senators said.
Some of McCain's GOP colleagues believe that the Arizonan's interest in the gun issue and other hot topics, such as HMO reform, is an attempt to undercut President Bush's agenda.
"[McCain] is just trying to set the presidential agenda, and there is a discomfort with that," griped a GOP Senator close to the Republican leadership team....
Staffers for both McCain and Lieberman have been talking about a compromise gun bill since late last year; however, the two Senators were able to discuss the issue in greater depth during their official visit to Munich, Germany, this past weekend.
"This is not done," a source close to McCain cautioned. "But we are working on it."
A spokesman for Lieberman acknowledged that the Connecticut Democrat is eager to work with the Arizona Republican, whom he "deeply respects."
"This would be an opportunity to chart a third way on stopping gun crime by dedicating more resources to enforcing existing gun laws while also fixing some of the loopholes that persist in those laws," Lieberman spokesman Dan Gerstein said....
"With Senator McCain joining Senator Lieberman on this debate, you are all but guaranteed it is going to register on the public's radar screen," said a senior Senate Democratic aide, who noted that the Senate Democratic leaders would likely embrace Lieberman's efforts to pass a gun safety bill.
"McCain is unbelievable," the aide added. "He has got absolutely no fear of antagonizing his leadership."
McCain's decision to tackle this issue is likely to further infuriate his Senate GOP colleagues, who are working hard to implement Bush's legislative priorities.
"There is a lot of frustration," a Republican Senator said. "He has got his own agenda."...
[ Mark Preston of Roll Call http://www.rollcall.com/pages/news/00/2001/02/news0208c.html ]
Now that the 107th Congress is underway, legislators on Capitol Hill are scurrying to get their bills introduced. As one would suspect, many anti-gun bills have already been introduced, and many of them by the usual suspects: Feinstein, Schumer, Boxer, etc.
Gun Owners of America is currently analyzing all bills affecting gun rights and hopes to have them summarized on our website by the end of next week. Once the flurry of new bills subsides to a mere trickle, GOA will also report on the bills that gun owners especially need to watch -- as well as the ones that need support.
But one bill deserves your attention right now. Earlier, GOA heard whispers on the Hill about a proposed bill being crafted by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT). Well, those whispers are no longer mere speculation.
Roll Call, one of the newspapers that covers events and legislation on Capitol Hill, announced yesterday that both Senators were working on a gun control "compromise" aimed at putting heat upon the new President, as well as the Republican leadership. (See an excerpt of the story below.) While it still has yet to be introduced, the McCain-Lieberman bill:
* Would slam the door on private sales at gun shows unless the buyer submits to a registration background check;
* Would force gun owners to purchase "lock up your safety" devices; and
* Even more troubling, would force federal agents to increase efforts at arresting and convicting honest gun owners who, in many cases, may inadvertently violate one of the many federal anti-gun laws which punish mere technicalities, such as gun possession.
A gun owner who travels with a gun through a school zone or who uses one of the family handguns to go target shooting with a 15-year old son (when the son does not have written permission to handle the firearm) could find Project Exile sending him or her to prison. And an individual who uses a gun for self-defense in a way that a court subsequently finds to be inappropriate could be sent to prison for a MANDATORY MINIMUM of five years.
1. Please contact Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and ask him to stop selling out gun owners.
Phone -- 202-224-2235
E-mail -- john_mccain@mccain.senate.gov
Fax -- 202-228-2862
McCain has spent the last few years trying to become a "media darling," but in doing so, he has compromised the very freedoms he fought for years ago. McCain's voting record has dipped to a C- in recent years, and gun owners in Oregon and Colorado will remember that he even used TV ads to push gun control referendums in their states right before the November elections last year.
2. ALL GUN OWNERS should contact Sen. McCain. After all, he is a fomer (and perhaps, future) presidential contender. He should care about your opinion, whether you live in Maine, Florida, Washington or Arizona. So EVERYONE, please write your own letter -- or use the sample letter below to help direct your comments to Sen. McCain.
3. Please circulate this alert.
[ GOA ]
On another front today, the Senate Ethics Committee cleared Hillary Clinton's $8 million book deal, proving again that Congressional investigations and inquiries are for show and not for reality. Judicial Watch is pursuing justice concerning this and other Clinton bribery schemes
"The American people should not be fooled by the gyrations of Washington politicians and a Clinton-appointed U.S. Attorney. While the Washington press corps likes to write stories about such meaningless gestures - and gives little, if any, consideration to the actions of the American people, through Judicial Watch and other concerned citizens groups - the hard and sad fact is that we are the only ones who are serious about these matters. Indeed, just yesterday, I was removed as a potential witness on the Senate Judiciary Panel "investigating Pardongate," apparently by Senator Orrin Hatch - who obviously feared Judicial Watch's comments and non-political findings concerning the ongoing pattern of bribery during the Clinton Administration. Senator Hatch himself was subject to potential investigation over his role in the BCCI banking scandal during the Reno Justice Department reign, and has been the lapdog of the Clinton Administration ever since," stated Judicial Watch Chairman and General Counsel Larry Klayman.
[ Judicial Watch ]
The Libertarian Party said a bill now before Congress that would make it illegal for telemarketers to call you during dinnertime is unnecessary because it "unfairly restricts free enterprise, and worst of all, treats Americans like children."
The bill introduced by Rep Peter King (R-N.Y.) would ban all telemarketing phone calls between 5:00 and 7:00 pm, and it would require telemarketers to inform people at the beginning of any call that they can be placed on a "do not call" list.
"Message to Congress - Don't do us any favors," said Libertarian Party national director Steve Dasbach. "Yes, a law that permanently disconnects dinnertime telemarketers may make some Americans cheer. But Libertarians realize that not every minor irritant requires a new federal law and also realize that legislation-happy politicians are more of an annoyance than pesky telemarketers will ever be."
According to Dasbach, Americans have other means of shutting out telemarketers, including answering machines, caller ID, and even a "no thank you" or a quick hang up. "You don't need a new category of federal crime to beat telemarketers," Dasbach said.
Dasbach warned that politicians "love to pretend that Americans can't solve their own problems." But in fact, he said, new laws and regulations "just limit our liberty, cost us more money and give more power to politicians."
"Instead," Dasbach concluded, "why not treat Americans like adults? Why not assume that if we don't like telemarketers, we can handle it ourselves? Why go running to big daddy politician to save us?"
King's office did not return phone calls on Wednesday seeking comment.
However, the Federal Communications Commission in Washington already has rules requiring telemarketers to identify themselves to consumers. Telemarketers also are supposed to maintain "do-not-call" lists for people who do not wish to receive nuisance calls
[ CNS ]
By Ranger Robert Black, 8th Airborne Ranger Company, Korean War
The Black Beret wearing U.S. Army Rangers are a uniquely American fighting force whose roots go deep into the 1600's. They have a different mission then the Green Berets or Special Forces who were designed to train foreign units. The Rangers are the rapid reaction strike force of the United States Army.
All volunteers and few in number, the Rangers have since the 1600's led the way in battle. Nathan Hale was a Ranger as was the Swamp Fox Frances Marion, George Rogers Clark and John Mosby. Abraham Lincoln gave up command of a company to serve briefly as a private in a Ranger force. In World War II, Rangers were in the forefront of the invasions of North Africa, Sicily and Anzio. On D-Day 6 June 1944, it was the Rangers who climbed the cliffs and who were in the forefront of the landings at Omaha Beach. The first 30 minutes of the film "Saving Private Ryan" was an accurate portrayal of American Rangers in action. The Rangers fought in the snows and high mountains of of Korea, in the Mekong Delta and the highlands of Vietnam. They were the lead units in the conflicts in Grenada and Panama. They fought deep in enemy territory in Desert Storm and in Somalia, it was Rangers who died saving the pilot of a downed helicopter. The photos of Ranger bodies being dragged through the streets by the mob is the picture of ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the United States.
During the Korean War, The men of Ranger units began to wear the Black Beret. In time it became a U.S. Army approved part of the uniform of the American Ranger. Now the U.S, Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki has announced that the Ranger Black Beret will become the standard issue for all soldiers throughout the Army. Ranger veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and recent conflicts are angered by this incomprehensible action. The men who are serving as Rangers have been ordered by Shinseki not to speak of this to the press. Does General Shinseki think that by giving all soldiers the Ranger Beret he will make all soldiers Rangers. Could not the money be better spent on improved training, equipment for battle, or better housing and food for out soldiers. We have men and women in the armed services on food stamps and the Chief of Staff of the Army plans to throw away money on hats.
The Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces, The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Army and the Congress need to exercise their control and put a stop to this waste of taxpayer money. They and General Shinseki need to recognize that in the Rangers they have a proud, small group of volunteers whose history and tradition extends well over 300 years. The Black Beret being unique to the Rangers is a small but important recognition of the blood we have shed for America.
[ www.rangerblackberet.com ]
Senate Republicans are growing increasingly concerned about the health of South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond. "He looks worse than usual, and he just seems to be missing a beat," says a Senate leadership source. Because South Carolina has a Democratic governor, it isn't as simple as having Thurmond retire. "I doubt we could get him to do that anyway," says the source. Instead, the RNC is stepping up fundraising in the state, hoping to help develop a war chest for Rep. Lindsey Graham, who is the most likely -- and strongest -- GOP candidate for the seat should a special election be necessary in 2002.
[ Washington Prowler ]
** U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York Conducting Questionable Preliminary Inquiry
Judicial Watch, the public interest law firm that investigates and prosecutes government abuse and corruption, stands virtually alone in its quest to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton accountable for their serious violations of ethics and the law.
First, with regard to what has become known as "Pardongate," the recent statements of President Bush that Americans should simply "move on" and not hold the Clintons accountable for their crimes, has obviously influenced new Attorney General John Ashcroft into following his boss's lead in taking an ambivalent attitude toward the Marc Rich bribery/pardon scheme. The New York Times reports today in an article by David Johnston that:
". . . President Bush said on Tuesday that he had little enthusiasm for protracted Congressional inquiries into Mr. Clinton's activities, a lack of interest that officials said was shared by Attorney General John Ashcroft." Similarly, in an article today by Robert L. Jackson and Richard A. Serrano, theLos Angeles Times reports that:
"The decision by Mary Jo White, a Democratic appointee, to investigate the Rich pardon came just a day after President Bush criticized congressional reviews of the matter, saying it was 'time to move on.'
Bush's remark dampened interest within the Justice Department for a criminal investigation, said one source familiar with the matter, which in turn prompted White to act."
Given Mr. Bush's lack of support, the recently-announced U.S. Attorney's investigation in New York is little more than "window dressing" and is unlikely to result in much of anything. Even if it did, the U.S. Attorney, Mary Jo White, is a Clinton appointee - unlikely to take any real action against the person who appointed her, Bill Clinton. Indeed, it is incredible that Mary Jo White has remained as U.S. Attorney under the Bush-Cheney Administration, and Judicial Watch is sure that former President Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton are pleased that Ms. White is "investigating" the apparent bribery scheme. Obviously, this is why Mr. Clinton is now "pleased to cooperate." A special counsel should be appointed to head a "real" criminal
investigation.
[ Judicial Watch ]
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has cracked wise about not having a car and driver anymore, but she's not missing it that much. In Washington restaurants where Albright dines, other customers have been noting a group of four to six casually dressed security men milling about on the street. Apparently the former Cabinet member has contracted private security, and is billing part of the tab to the State Department.
[ Washington Prowler ]
** Kentucky teen, mom still fighting for home-education rights
A Kentucky teenager, whose mother legally attempted to begin home schooling the girl in November, has been sentenced to return to public school until she is 18 -- two years beyond the age of compulsory attendance - according to the girl's legal defense team.
Sarah D., 14, attended a Logan County public high school until her mother filed a legally required notice of intent to home school in November. Nevertheless, officials alleged the student had been truant. Home School Legal Defense Association attorney David Gordon said his client was charged with "habitual truancy," which means a student has had nine or more unexcused absences in a one-year period, as opposed to "truancy," which he says is defined as three or more days. The teen was charged by the school district with missing eight days, her lawyer said.
At the Nov. 17 arraignment for the truancy charge, as reported by WorldNetDaily, Logan County District Court Judge Sue Carol Browning ordered Sarah to return to the public high school. But because of her daughter's persistent headaches, the mother failed to obey the court order. When Browning learned the mother had not enrolled the child in public school as ordered, she considered the mother to be in contempt of the order and, on her own motion, issued a warrant for the mother's arrest as well as a pick-up order to place the teen in detention.
A higher court nullified both orders, and truancy charges were eventually dropped last month. But two weeks later, a new case was brought against Sarah -- whose name must be kept confidential since she is a minor -- resulting in Browning's order Tuesday for the girl, again, to attend the government school. Browning's decision included an order for Sarah to remain in public school until she turns 18. But Kentucky's compulsory education law requires children to remain in school only until the age of 16. Additionally, if the teen misses any more days of public school, she will be placed in juvenile detention for 7 days, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association.
"We think this decision is so wrong that we're encouraging that an appellate court will reverse this decision," said HSLDA president Michael Smith. "Several things we think she (Browning) erred in. Number one, she refused to recognize that the child is lawfully enrolled in a private school that is in compliance with the private school law of Kentucky. Number two, she fails to follow section 5 of the constitution which provides that no parent shall be compelled to send their child to any school to which they conscientiously oppose." He continued, "Considering those two grounds alone, this case should be summarily reversed. Not even to mention that by ordering a child to attend a school against a parent's choice that that's violating a parent's fundamental right to direct the education of a child."
Section 5 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which is part of the document's Bill of Rights, states in part: " nor shall any man be compelled to send his child to any school to which he may be conscientiously opposed " Sarah's legal defense team believes Browning's order violates that constitutional protection, which is listed as a "right of religious freedom." HSLDA immediately filed a petition for an emergency hearing after Browning's order Tuesday. As of yesterday afternoon, no word had come from the court as to whether the hearing would be granted.
TCN Comment: The people of Kentucky need to remove this tantrum throwing "judge" off of the bench for good. Judges are to make judgments according to the laws, not rule and reign as sovereign. Judges are generally protected by law from civil suits, even when they break laws to punish people who don't break them, but every state has a procedure for removing errant judges. The time is now. Look up the law and start the petition drive.
Let us know if we can help. We have many readers in KY.
ABC's Good Morning America and the NBC Nightly News jumped on the news that some wealthy people, led by Bill Gates's father, are opposed to eliminating the estate tax. We wonder how Mr Gates would feel about the tax if he were Bill Gates's son.
[ TCN ]
The homepage and archives for The Conservative Newsletter are located on the WWW at http://www.wilderness-cry.net/tcn/
This newsletter is sent by subscription only. If you do not wish to be on the mailing list, please let us know and you will be removed immediately. To be removed from this mailing list, simply reply to this newsletter with the word REMOVE in the body of your reply. You may also send your request to tcn@wilderness-cry.net .
Thank you.