tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53223075911793485882024-03-13T20:02:36.258-07:00Maine Tea Party (Tea Party Patriots Maine)<b>Eliminate the pork, cut taxes.</b>
For info please contact maineteaparty@gmail.comAndrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-33951140086130900072011-02-01T09:42:00.000-08:002011-02-01T12:36:26.773-08:00URGENT: Time to call your Senators about ObamacarePlease Call your Senator TODAY, and ask him/her to bring a Bill for the Repeal of the Health Care Reform for a vote on the FLOOR of the Senate (not into a committee where it would languish forever).<br /><br />Update; The vote on the Senate floor is this afternoon 2/1/11.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-83231330350801458462011-01-20T06:56:00.001-08:002011-01-20T07:35:36.247-08:00Well done Congress!GRASSROOTS AMERICANS APPLAUD HOUSE<br />REPEAL OF HEALTHCARE<br />Tea Party Calls on Senate to Follow Suit<br /><br />(Harpswell, ME) - Today, the Tea Party Patriots applauded the vote by the House to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, also known as ObamaCare.<br /><br />"During the 111th Congress politicians who consider themselves the 'ruling elite' passed a job killing, tax raising, liberty stealing bill which they called 'health care reform,'" said Jenny Beth Martin, National Coordinator of Tea Party Patriots. "This was done against the clearly expressed will of the majority of the American people, and they voted to remove their unresponsive representatives in November. Following through today, the House of Representatives lived up to its duties as the people's house and voted to repeal the disaster foisted on the American people.<br /><br />"Now the question is: Will the Senate resolve to listen to will of the American people? Many have said that Majority Leader Reid will not allow the bill to even be debated, let alone come to a vote in the Senate. What is he scared of? Is he unwilling to allow each Senator to stand up and be counted? The American people have stood and been counted on this issue, and repudiated this law. It is time for the Senate to openly and transparently debate repeal so the majority of Americans can know where they stand."<br /><br />"November 2012 is not far away, and Americans will remember what happens in the Senate," said Mark Meckler, National Coordinator of Tea Party Patriots. "If the Senate refuses to allow such a debate and repeal, 2012 will once again see an historic number of incumbents removed from their seats as the people continue their quest to wrestle control of their government from an out of touch ruling elite."<br /><br />"Now its in Senator Reid's hands," said Andrew Ian Dodge, Maine State coordinator TPP. "Will he stand with, or against, the American people? Tea Party Patriots are watching."<br /><br />Tea Party Patriots will celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the tea party movement on February 25-27 in Phoenix, AZ with the first Tea Party Patriots American Policy Summit: Pathways to Liberty. Attendees will take part in policy briefings and discussions that will show Tea Party Patriots has become as effective at shaping public policy as it was shaping the last election. The conference is open to all Tea Party Patriots supporters who can register at http://www.summit11.org/. <br /><br />Tea Party Patriotsis a national grassroots coalition with more than 3,000 locally organized chapters and more than 15 million supporters nationwide. Tea Party Patriots is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting the principles of fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government, and free markets. Visit Tea Party Patriots online at www.TeaPartyPatriots.org.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-44306287403594668902011-01-18T16:17:00.001-08:002011-01-18T16:17:53.057-08:00H.R. 2—Repealing the Job-Destroying Health Care Law ActH.R. 2—Repealing the Job-Destroying Health Care Law Act <br /> <br />FLOOR SITUATION<br />H.R. 2 will be considered on the House floor on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, under a closed rule. The rule provides for seven hours of debate with one motion to recommit. Majority Leader Cantor (R-VA) introduced H.R. 2 on January 5, 2011. <br /> <br />SUMMARY<br />H.R. 2 would repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, and Title I and subtitle B of Title II of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. <br /> <br />The legislative digest for the job-killing health care law can be found here.<br /> <br />Cost<br />According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), H.R. 2 would prevent $770 billion in tax increases and cut spending by $540 billion. <br /> <br />ObamaCare was designed to hide hundreds of billions of dollars in spending from the scorekeepers at the CBO. Below is a list of some of these items: <br /> <br />· Implementation Costs: CBO did not count the $115 billion needed to implement the law, such as hiring more government employees or IRS agents.<br />· Double Counting: More than $500 billion in double-counting Social Security payroll taxes and Medicare cuts. <br />· CLASS Premiums: CBO counted $70 billion in premiums from CLASS (the long-term care program Sen. Conrad called a “ponzi” scheme) but not the liabilities<br />· 10 years of Taxes/6 years of Spending: The CBO score of ObamaCare accounted for the deficit impact for 10 years of tax increases used to offset only six years of spending increases.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-81050547296657202932011-01-18T08:44:00.000-08:002011-01-18T08:46:53.055-08:00Tele Town Hall tonight on Obamacare...TPP Tele Town Hall Tonight: Health Care Repeal with Congressman Steve King<br />(Deadline: 1pm EST)<br />Good Morning Patriots,<br /> <br />Wednesday will be a historic day in the United States House of Representatives. The Health Care Bill (ObamaCare) will finally come to a repeal vote and while we are expecting it to pass, this is only the first step in the process. Many people in the media and some in the Washington are saying that this is simply a symbolic vote or that it is a mistake for the Republicans to focus on this as their first priority in the 112th Congress; but do you feel like all of the hard work you have committed to the Tea Party movement and to rejecting the government takeover of health care was a mistake? Is the Tea Party movement nothing but a symbolic force in American politics today?<br /> <br />NO! Time and time again over the last two years, we the people have rejected the irresponsible legislation that has been rammed down our throats and there is no time to stop.<br /> <br />Tonight, Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 8pm EST, Tea Party Patriots will be hosting a Tele Town Hall Meeting to discuss the importance of the Health Care Repeal Vote, the things that citizens can do to ensure its passage, and how we can put pressure on the Senate to bring the bill to the floor for a vote. So far, Congressman Steve King from Iowa, the author of the Repeal legislation has confirmed that he will be on the call and we are awaiting confirmation from one other member of Congress.<br /> <br />They accuse us of only having the ability to protest but we continuously come together to discuss better solutions. They say we are never willing to compromise but maybe the politicians could learn a thing or two from us about not wavering when it comes to principles. So let us stand once again, shoulder to shoulder, let your voices be heard.<br /> <br />Action Items:<br />1. Sign up for the Tele Town Hall Here (Deadline 1pm EST)<br />2. Tomorrow, call your Congressmen and ask them how they plan to vote. Tell them how you'd like them to vote and thank them if they are voting the way you want them to. Click here to contact your Congressman.<br />3. Call your Senators and urge them to bring the bill to a vote in the Senate. Click here to call your Senators.<br />4. For more ways to participate in creating real policy solutions for our nation, register for the Tea Party Patriots American Policy Summit in Phoenix, AZ on Feb. 25-27th.<br />5. Donate to help fund the Tele Town Hall. We plan on holding many more of these in the months to come! <br /> <br />Your Tea Party Patriots National Coordinator Team,<br />Debbie Dooley, Jenny Beth Martin, Mark Meckler, Sally Oljar, Diana Reimer, and Dawn Wildman<br /><br />TPP Support email: support@teapartypatriots.orgAndrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-50001018263736194092011-01-08T15:35:00.000-08:002011-01-08T15:37:07.787-08:00Statement on AZ shooting...This heinous act will change the interaction between elected officials and their constituents. Please continue to keep the shooting victims and their families in your thoughts. Please also hope for the best for the safety of Congressmen, Senators, President Obama and other elected officials in the aftermath of this shooting.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-42103933673126551632010-12-22T06:23:00.000-08:002010-12-22T07:04:32.394-08:00Senators to target to take down START...If one of these GOP Senators changes their vote to no, START will not pass. Republican Senators who support START: Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Johnny Isakson of Georgia, Bob Corker of Tennessee and Robert Bennett of Utah and Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Richard Lugar of Indiana, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts and George Voinovich of Ohio.<br /><br /><b>You know what to do...</b> <i>get to the phones and melt them.</i><br /><br />Johnny Isakson at 202-224-3643, <br />Lamar Alexander at 202-224-4944, <br />Bob Corker at 202-224-3344, <br />Thad Cochran at 202-224-5054<br />...Richard Lugar at 202-224-4814<br />Olympia Snowe at 202-224-5344<br />Susan Collins at 202-224-2523<br />Scott Brown at 202-224-4543<br />George Voinovich at 202-224-3353Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-54317753055233010002010-12-20T14:08:00.001-08:002010-12-20T14:15:11.015-08:00Net Neutrality vote tomorrow...Stop the FCC & Obama from taking over the internet. Call your representatives now!Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-49789080814176621092010-12-14T05:39:00.000-08:002010-12-14T05:42:14.997-08:00TPP on "the deal"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br />DECEMBER 10, 2010<br />CONTACT: <br /> <br />TEA PARTY PETITION SLAMS TAX COMPROMISE<br />AS 'BACKROOM DEAL'<br />Americans Demand Promised Transparency, Adherence to 'Pledge to America'<br /> <br />WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Tea Party Patriots launched a petition (http://notaxcompromise.com/) to supporters across the country denouncing the tax cut compromise forged in secret by the Obama Administration and Republican Leadership in Congress. The plan was negotiated without the consultation of newly-elected Members of Congress or the American people and violates several components of the Republican's "Pledge to America."<br /> <br />"This 'backroom deal' ignores those who voted for principled leadership on Election Day," said Mark Meckler, National Coordinator of Tea Party Patriots. "Americans demand transparency in the legislative process and policies that reflect fiscal responsibility-not secret negotiations and weak compromise."<br /> <br />"Republicans in Congress only have the leverage to negotiate for tax deals because of the support Americans gave them and principled candidates across the country," said Jenny Beth Martin, National Coordinator of Tea Party Patriots. "It is an insult to those who voted them into power to procrastinate on their pledge to honor conservative principles."<br /> <br />Following are excerpts of the petition:<br /> <br />· Do not let Congress compromise with President Obama. "The Compromise" is against everything the House Republican Leadership agreed to in the "Pledge to America." This type of behind closed door politics is not what "We the People" voted for in November.<br />· "The Deal" was forged in secret, without consultation with the scores of new representatives and senators who campaigned on a much different agenda.<br />· "The Deal" like Obamacare, isn't reduced to writing even now. Like Obamacare, we are being told we will have to pass the bill to find out what is in it.<br />· "The Deal" revives the death tax, an immoral "vampire tax" that sucks the blood from the dead, ruins family businesses and double taxes savings that were accumulated over a lifetime.<br />· "The Deal" spends billions and billions of dollars that the country does not have in order to prevent a tax hike that the country voted against...the GOP bribed the president to follow the will of the people.<br />· There are at least five provisions of the Pledge that are violated by "The Deal." <br /> <br />Click here for the full petition.<br /> <br />Tea Party Patriotsis a national grassroots coalition with more than 3,000 locally organized chapters and more than 15 million supporters nationwide. Tea Party Patriots is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting the principles of fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government, and free markets. Visit Tea Party Patriots online at www.TeaPartyPatriots.org.<br /><br />___________<br /><br />Here is <a href="http://www.examiner.com/tea-party-in-portland-me/a-good-deal-only-if-your-name-is-obama">my take</a> on the deal.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-75140720683186029752010-12-10T10:04:00.000-08:002010-12-13T11:58:28.929-08:00Say No to "the Deal" and let em' know.<a href="http://notocompromise.com">No to Compromise</a>Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-22708137211435956382010-12-02T16:03:00.000-08:002010-12-02T16:04:55.855-08:00DREAM Act - Increase the pressure now! Say no to all versions!Target list of Senators <br /> <br /><br />George Lemieux-(FL) Phone: (202) 224-3041, Fax: (202) 228-5171<br /> <br /><br />Bill Nelson- (FL) Phone: 202-224-5274, Fax: 202-228-2183<br /><br />Scott Brown- (MA) Phone: (202) 224-4543, Fax: (202) 228-2646<br /><br />John Kerry (MA) Phone:(202) 224-2742<br /><br />John Ensign (NV) Phone: (202) 224-6244, Fax: (202) 228-2193<br /><br />Susan Collins (ME) Phone: (202) 224-2523, Fax: (202) 224-2693<br /><br />Olympia Snowe (ME) Phone: (202) 224-5344, Toll Free: (800) 432-1599, Fax: (202) 224-1946<br /><br />John Cornyn (TX) Phone: 202-224-2934, Fax: 202-228-2856<br /><br />Kay Bailey-Hutchinson (TX) Phone: 202-224-5922,Fax:202-224-0776Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-40476690424348959742010-11-27T08:29:00.000-08:002010-11-27T08:31:15.047-08:00Order of Instruction.... re: Marijuana initiative...<blockquote>"The governor is not allowed to veto a citizens initiated law. Instead, Baldacci took the suggestions from this corrupted taskforce and crafted an amendment to the people's law, LD 1811. This amendment did a number of things. The more egregious changes include changing the registration from voluntary to mandatory, adding a fee of $100 a year for the registration, requiring patients to sign a release giving the DHHS full access to their private medical files and subjecting patients to unwarranted searches and seizures."<br /><br />If you disagree with this sort of meddling please <a href="http://paintmainered.ning.com/forum/attachment/download?id=2731571%3AUploadedFi38%3A47208">download</a>, print out and send to your local state Rep/Senator.</blockquote>Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-6596869515893172462010-11-25T07:26:00.000-08:002010-11-25T07:28:22.649-08:00This blog named one of top 50 tea party blogs in US...<span style="font-style:italic;">I just posted the article, <a href="http://www.politicalsciencedegree.com/the-top-50-tea-party-blogs-by-region/">“The Top 50 Tea Party Blogs By Region”</a> on my site. I’m happy to tell you that your website has been included in the list. I thought I'd email you about it in case you think your readers would find the article interesting enough to warrant you giving the article a quick mention on your site.</span>Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-44573824162849358992010-11-22T18:37:00.000-08:002010-11-22T18:38:06.931-08:00The task for the Lame Duck... Session...We must defeat or minimize the damage from the following:<br /><br />- The DREAM Act - Amnesty for illegal immigrants beyond current military process of becoming a US Citizen - Send a Free Fax to Sen. LeMieux http://southfloridateaparty.net/content/stop-amnesty-send-free-fax-sen-lemieux <br />-Allow to expire all the Stimulus in all its forms including the Build America Bonds program. Be aware of the impact on profligate local and State governments and make adjustments where appropriate http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704648604575620610837699250.html?KEYWORDS=muni+federal+program <br />- TANF (expires December 4th)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporary_Assistance_for_Needy_FamiliesThis is what was added http://economic-legislation.blogspot.com/2010/10/tanf-emergency-contingency-fund.html by the Stimulus and must end. <br />- FAA (Expires December 31st) Reduce TSA funding - Ask your Senator/Congressman to revert TSA back to contractor status, metal detectors, profiling and dogs. It's less stressful;. costs less and more effective. Body scanners are a law enforcement tool for terrorists and smugglers. I am unconvinced the reduction of terrorism off sets the health and legal concerns. <br />-FDA Food Modernization Act - Will add more government control over food supply. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-510&tab=summary <br />- FCC Net Neutrality - a threat to free speech through regulation not legislation http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/05/06/how-the-fcc-plans-to-regulate-internet-lines/ <br />- The Paycheck "Fairness" Act - A threat to Free Markets and extends government's role into hiring and pay. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1338 <br />- Quantitative Easing - Defend your purchasing power by asking your Representatives to stop Quantitative Easing. I can't stress the importance of telling DC to stop messing around with the values of our currency. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-11-08/china-says-fed-easing-may-flood-world-economy-with-hot-money-.htmlAndrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-50669975811865676792010-11-19T06:40:00.000-08:002010-11-19T06:41:12.619-08:00The DREAM Act: STILL A Dreadful NightmareInformation about the NIGHTMARE Act<br />Contact information for the targeted Senators<br /><br />Information from Sen. Jeff Sessions (via Michelle Malkin)<br /><br />Ten Things You Need To Know About S.3827, The DREAM Act<br /><br />1. The DREAM Act Is NOT Limited to Children, And It Will Be Funded On the Backs Of Hard Working, Law-Abiding Americans<br /><br />Proponents of the DREAM Act frequently claim the bill offers relief only to illegal alien "kids." Incredibly, previous versions of the DREAM Act had no age limit at all, so illegal aliens of any age who satisfied the Act's requirements-not just children-could obtain lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. In response to this criticism, S.3827 includes a requirement that aliens be under the age of 35 on the date of enactment to be eligible for LPR status. Even with this cap, many aliens would be at least 41 years old before obtaining full LPR status under the Act-hardly the "kids" the Act's advocates keep talking about. <br />The DREAM Act requires that DHS/USCIS process all DREAM Act applications (applications that would require complex, multi-step adjudication) without being able to increase fees to handle processing. This mandate would require either additional Congressional appropriations, or for USCIS, a primarily fee-funded agency, to raise fees on other types of immigration benefit applications. This would unfairly spread the cost of administering the DREAM Act legalization program among applicants and petitioners who have abided by U.S. laws and force taxpayers to pay for amnesty. Taxpayers would also be on the hook for all Federal benefits the DREAM Act seeks to offer illegal aliens, including student loans and grants.<br /><br />2. The DREAM Act PROVIDES SAFE HARBOR FOR ANY ALIEN, Including Criminals, From Being Removed or Deported If They Simply Submit An Application<br /><br />Although DREAM Act proponents claim it will benefit only those who meet certain age, presence, and educational requirements, amazingly the Act protects ANY alien who simply submits an application for status no matter how frivolous. The bill forbids the Secretary of Homeland Security from removing "any alien who has a pending application for conditional status" under the DREAM Act-regardless of age or criminal record-providing a safe harbor for all illegal aliens. This loophole will open the floodgates for applications that could stay pending for many years or be litigated as a delay tactic to prevent the illegal aliens' removal from the United States. The provision will further erode any chances of ending the rampant illegality and fraud in the existing system.<br /><br />3. Certain Criminal Aliens Will Be Eligible For Amnesty Under The DREAM Act<br /><br />Certain categories of criminal aliens will be eligible for the DREAM Act amnesty, including alien gang members and aliens with misdemeanor convictions, even DUIs. The DREAM Act allows illegal aliens guilty of the following offenses to be eligible for amnesty: alien absconders (aliens who failed to attend their removal proceedings), aliens who have engaged in voter fraud or unlawfully voted, aliens who have falsely claimed U.S. citizenship, aliens who have abused their student visas, and aliens who have committed marriage fraud. Additionally, illegal aliens who pose a public health risk, aliens who have been permanently barred from obtaining U.S. citizenship, and aliens who are likely to become a public charge are also eligible.<br /><br />4. Estimates Suggest That At Least 2.1 Million Illegal Aliens Will Be Eligible For the DREAM Act Amnesty. In Reality, We Have No Idea How Many Illegal Aliens Will Apply<br /><br />Section 4(d) of the DREAM Act waives all numerical limitations on green cards, and prohibits any numerical limitation on the number of aliens eligible for amnesty under its provisions. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that the DREAM Act will make approximately 2.1 million illegal aliens eligible for amnesty. It is highly likely that the number of illegal aliens receiving amnesty under the DREAM Act will be much higher than the estimated 2.1 million due to fraud and our inherent inability to accurately estimate the illegal alien population. Clearly, the message sent by the DREAM Act will be that if any young person can enter the country illegally, within 5 years, they will be placed on a path to citizenship.<br /><br />5. Illegal Aliens Will Get In-State Tuition Benefits<br /><br />The DREAM Act will allow illegal aliens to qualify for in-state tuition, even when it is not being offered to U.S. citizens and legally present aliens living just across state lines. Section 3 of the DREAM Act repeals Section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1623) which prohibits giving education benefits to an unlawfully present individual unless that same benefit is offered to all U.S. citizens.<br /><br />6. The DREAM Act Does Not Require That An Illegal Alien Finish Any Type of Degree (Vocational, Two-Year, or Bachelor's Degree) As A Condition of Amnesty<br /><br />DREAM Act supporters would have you believe that the bill is intended to benefit illegal immigrants who have graduated from high school and are on their way to earning college degrees. However, the bill is careful to ensure that illegal alien high school drop-outs will also be put on a pathway to citizenship - they simply have to get a GED and be admitted to "an institution of higher education," defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965. <br />Under the Higher Education Act, an "institution of higher education" includes institutions that provide 2-year programs (community colleges) and any "school that provides not less than a 1-year program of training to prepare students for gainful employment" (a vocational school). Within 8 years of the initial grant of status, the alien must prove only that they finished 2 years of a bachelor's degree program, not that they completed any program or earned any degree. <br />If the alien is unable to complete 2 years of college but can demonstrate that their removal would result in hardship to themselves or their U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, child, or parent, the education requirement can be waived altogether.<br /><br />7. The DREAM Act does not require that an illegal alien serve in the military as a condition for amnesty, and There is ALREADY A Legal Process In Place For Illegal Aliens to Obtain U.S. Citizenship Through Military Service<br /><br />DREAM Act supporters would have you believe that illegal aliens who don't go to college will earn their citizenship through service in the U.S. Armed Forces. However, the bill does not require aliens to join the U.S. Armed Forces (the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard); instead it requires enlistment in the "uniformed services." This means that aliens need only go to work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or Public Health Service for 2 years to get U.S. citizenship. If the alien is unable to complete 2 years in the "uniformed services," and can demonstrate that their removal would result in hardship to themselves or their U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, child, or parent, the military service requirement can be waived altogether. Such claims will likely engender much litigation and place a huge burden on DHS. <br />Furthermore, under current law (10 USC § 504), the Secretary of Defense can authorize the enlistment of illegal aliens. Once enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, under 8 USC § 1440, these illegal aliens can become naturalized citizens through expedited processing, often obtaining U.S. citizenship in six months.<br /><br />8. Despite Their Current Illegal Status, DREAM Act Aliens Will Be Given All The Rights That Legal Immigrants Receive-Including The Legal Right To Sponsor Their Parents and Extended Family Members For Immigration<br /><br />Under current federal law, U.S. citizens have the right to immigrate their "immediate relatives" to the U.S. without regard to numerical caps. Similarly, lawful permanent residents can immigrate their spouses and children to the U.S. as long as they retain their status. This means illegal aliens who receive amnesty under the DREAM Act will have the right to immigrate their family members-including the parents who sent for or brought them to the U.S. illegally in the first place-in unlimited numbers as soon as they become U.S. citizens (6 to 8 years after enactment) and are 21 years of age. <br />Additionally, amnestied aliens who become U.S. citizens will be able to petition for their adult siblings living abroad to immigrate to the U.S., further incentivizing chain migration and potentially illegal entry into the United States (for those who don't want to wait for the petition process overseas). When an adult brother or sister receives a green card, the family (spouse and children) of the adult sibling receive green cards as well.<br /><br />9. Current Illegal Aliens Will Get Federal Student Loans, Federal Work Study Programs, and Other Forms of Federal Financial Aid<br /><br />Section 10 of the DREAM Act allows illegal aliens amnestied under the bill's provisions to qualify for federal student assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) in the form of federal student loans (Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans), federal work-study programs, and other federal education services such as tutoring and counseling.<br /><br />10. DHS Is Prohibited From Using the Information Provided By Illegal Aliens Whose DREAM Act Amnesty Applications Are Denied To Initiate Their Removal Proceedings or Investigate or Prosecute Fraud in the Application Process<br /><br />When an illegal alien's DREAM Act amnesty application is denied, the bill states that the alien will revert to their "previous immigration status," which is likely illegal or deportable. The bill, however, prohibits using any of the information contained in the amnesty application (name, address, length of illegal presence that the alien admits to, etc) to initiate a removal proceeding or investigate or prosecute fraud in the application process. Thus, it will be extremely hard for DHS to remove aliens who they now know are illegally present in the U.S., because illegal aliens will be able to claim that the legal action is a product of the amnesty application, and DHS will have the nearly impossible task of proving a negative.<br /><br />2. Contact information for the targeted Senators (via Michelle Malkin)<br /><br />The GOP Senate fence-sitters<br /><br />SEN. JOHN MCCAIN 202-224-2235; 480-897-6289: Staff says he "hasn't made a public statement" and "hasn't made up his mind." He talked a tough border security game to get re-elected, while promising illegal alien activists he would "resolve their issues." (Refresh your memories here.) <br />SEN. OLYMPIA SNOWE 202-224-5344; 207-874-0883: Staff says she "hasn't released a statement." <br />SEN. SUSAN COLLINS 202-224-2523; 207-945-0417: Staff says she "hasn't released a public statement." <br />SEN. LISA MURKOWSKI 202-224-6665; 907-271-3735: Staff says she's "still reviewing the bill." <br />SEN. SAM BROWNBACK 202-224-6521; 785-233-2503 Staff says he "hasn't had a chance to look at it" and remains non-committal. <br />SEN. KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON 202-224-5922; 214-361-3500: Staff says she "hasn't released a statement," but will probably do so later today. UPDATE: HUTCHISON will vote AGAINST DREAM Act in its present form, says staff. ---> keep calling <br />SEN. GEORGE LEMIEUX 202-224-3041; 904-398-8586: Recorded message informs callers that he's "in a meeting." He has yet to publicly state his position as open-borders extremists step up pressure. UPDATE: LEMIEUX IS A NO. <br />SEN. RICHARD LUGAR, an original co-sponsor of the DREAM Act amnesty, remains a staunch supporter.<br /><br />FYI: The following GOP Senators who had been of concern say they are opposed to the stand-along DREAM Act: <br />SEN. SCOTT BROWN: Staff says he “does not support ANY taxpayer illegal alien amnesty bills,” including the DREAM Act. <br />SEN. MIKE JOHANNS: Opposed the DREAM Act. Period. <br />SEN. GEORGE VOINOVICH: Opposed. <br />SEN. ORRIN HATCH: A former DREAM Act champion, he is now opposed. <br />SEN. JUDD GREGG: Staff says he is a likely no vote.<br /><br />Now, here’s a look at a few of the key Democrat Senate fence-sitters and those leaning no on the stand-alone vote.<br /><br />Remember: Your voices and your calls count.<br /><br />SEN. JIM WEBB OF VIRGINIA 202-224-4024; 703-573-7090. Staff says “he hasn’t made a public statement.” <br />SEN. KENT CONRAD OF NORTH DAKOTA 202-224-2043; 701-258-4648. Staff says “he hasn’t released a statement.” Conrad has voted against the DREAM Act in the past. <br />SEN. BYRON DORGAN OF NORTH DAKOTA 202 224-2551. He voted against the DREAM Act in the past. Staff says he “hasn’t taken a public position.” <br />SEN. MARK PRYOR OF ARKANSAS 202-224-2353; 501-324-6336. He voted no on the DREAM Act cloture vote in September. Staff says he is “likely” to vote no again, though he hasn’t made an official public statement yet. <br />SEN. JON TESTER OF MONTANA 202 224-2644. Staff says he has voted against the DREAM Act in the past and “he will probably vote against any bill that has amnesty in it.” <br />SEN. MAX BAUCUS OF MONTANA 202-224-2651. He has opposed the DREAM Act in the past and is a “likely no” again in this session. <br />SEN. CLAIRE MCCASKILL OF MISSOURI 202-224-6154. She opposed the DREAM Act in the past and staff says she has made no statement changing her position otherwise.<br /><br />Note the flip-flopper: <br />SEN. MARY LANDRIEU OF LOUISIANA 202-224-5824. She voted against the DREAM Act in the past, but staff said this morning she now supports it.<br /><br />Here we go again. The cowardly Democrats are reportedly going to employ their trademark kiddie human shield strategy to try and pressure wavering Democrats.<br /><br />This time again, for the sake of so little time to act, the easiest way is to just call the Capitol Switchboard and ask to be directly connected to one of the Senator's office: 202-224-3121.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-43860819189952531092010-10-29T13:02:00.000-07:002010-10-29T13:03:19.682-07:00Portland Immigrant Voting initiative Debate<B>Portland Immigrant Voting initiative Debate</b><br /><br />Andrew Ian Dodge (Maine Coordinator Tea Party Patriots/member Cumberland County Tea Party)<br /><br />Vs.<br /><br />Ben Chin (Maine People’s Alliance)<br /><br /><br />Venue: Benjamin May Center, Bates College 95 Russell Street, Lewiston<br /><br /><br />When: Monday 1 Nov. 2010 7:30 pm<br /><br /><br />Contact: Catherine Elliot 952 913 0204 or Andrew Ian Dodge 207 607 3299Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-80520621618457146962010-10-27T09:52:00.001-07:002010-10-27T09:53:02.352-07:00Tea Party related speaking events for next week...* I will be appearing on <a href="http://weru.org">WERU</a> @ 10am tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss the tea party movement.<br /><br />* 30 Oct. Capital Park 1-4pm Take America Back Tea Party Rally...<a href="http://paintmainered.ning.com">Info</a><br /><br />* Debate on Immigrant voting initiative for Portland @ Bates College on 1 Nov at Benjamin Mays Center in Lewiston @ 7:30.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-65478935489533819452010-10-16T09:22:00.000-07:002010-10-16T09:23:20.775-07:00Congrats to York County ConstiutionalistsWe would like to congratulate York County Constitutionalists for qualifying for a grant from the $1million anonymous donation to the Tea Party Patriots.<br /><br />We look forward to seeing what great things the YCC will do with their grant. It is gratifying to see this Maine group recognized by the TPP (teapartypatriots.org) in such a way.<br /><br />For more information on this rapidly expanding and very active group please visit http://yorkcountyconstitutionalists.ning.comAndrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-72733957675270805702010-09-23T06:49:00.000-07:002010-09-23T06:50:16.853-07:00DISCLOSE Act is back - Freedom of speech in danger:Harry Reid is trying to shove through ANOTHER bill that has nothing to do with jobs or the economy. He is attempting to force the DISCLOSE Act through once more, hoping that this time he can convince one more Senator to say yes. As a reminder, the DISCLOSE Act - <br />Exempts unions from many of the restrictions that would be placed on other groups who are trying to influence elections<br />Exempts extremely large groups that have existed for years and years from many of the restrictions that would be placed on newly formed groups such as ours<br />Would be implemented in time for this November's elections, just in time to help incumbents stay in power<br />Creates two tiers of freedom of speech, particularly political speech - some of us would be restricted while others will not be<br />Is it a coincidence that Harry Reid is attempting to shove this down our throats just two days after Tea Party Patriots announces the $1 million donation? Is it also a coincidence that the Democrats are waiting to vote on the DISCLOSE Act until after they attend a high-dollar fundraiser tonight?<br /><br />You decide.<br /><br />Please call, email, or fax the following Senators and ask them to hold the line and vote NO once more. Remind them of the facts above, and remind them that Harry Reid has not changed one thing in the bill so there is NO JUSTIFICATION for them to change their votes to yes. Remind them that even the left leaning ACLU opposes this bill saying it will compromise free speech. The vote is supposed to take place sometime on Thursday, September 23.<br /><br />TARGET SENATORS<br /><br />Scott Brown (R-MA) - He voted NO before, but we want to make sure he doesn't switch his vote<br />http://scottbrown.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme<br />Washington DC: (T) (202) 224-4543, (F) (202) 228-2646 <br /><br />Olympia Snowe (R-ME) - She voted NO before, but is one of Harry Reid's targets for switching<br />http://snowe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactSenatorSnowe.Email<br />Washington DC: (T) (202) 224-5344, Toll free (800) 432-1599, (F) (202) 224-1946<br /><br />Susan Collins (R-ME) - She voted NO before, but is one of Harry Reid's targets for switching<br />http://collins.senate.gov/public/continue.cfm?FuseAction=ContactSenatorCollins.EmailIssue&CFID=42880122&CFTOKEN=39747274<br />Washington DC: (T) (202) 224-2523, (F) (202) 224-2693<br /><br />MORE REFERENCES AND INFORMATION<br /><br />Article from Heritage Foundation: http://blog.heritage.org/?p=36480<br />Article from Reason.com: http://reason.com/archives/2010/06/02/undisclosed-interests<br />Press Release from Sen. McConnell: http://bit.ly/bSZwpB <br />Article from SFGate: http://bit.ly/bZXNLe <br /><br />A few ways this will affect you and your group personally:<br />You will have to be extremely careful about any email alerts you send out regarding what you say, if you mention a candidate's name, and when you send it<br />You may have to disclose all of your donors' names to the FEC<br />You will have to make sure you are following the "stand by your ad" requirements if your group published any sort political communication<br />Again, you will have to be very careful about the timing of your advocacy communications as they will limit the timeframe that you are allowed political speechAndrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-38634347433035553622010-09-22T13:25:00.000-07:002010-09-22T13:26:03.954-07:00TPP statement about Mark Williams' claimMark Williams posted the following on his blog:<br /><br />“Report: Tea Party Patriot Million $ donor is Univision founder. Jerry Perenchio. He’s a National Finance Co-Chair of the McCain 2008 campaign and the billionaire founder of Spanish-language media conglomerate, Univision.”<br /><br />MarkTalk.com News & Commentary<br /><br />Official Statement from Mark Meckler and Jenny Beth Martin of Tea Party Patriots<br /><br /> “Once again Mark Williams has proven that he is disconnected from reality. We welcome anyone in the media or otherwise to call Jerry Perenchio and ask him if he is the donor. We apologize in advance to Mr. Perenchio for the phone calls and suggest he call and thank Mr. Williams.<br /><br />We unequivocally state that Mark Williams is incorrect and his statement is baseless.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-78818567334005114632010-09-21T16:01:00.000-07:002010-09-21T16:03:27.045-07:00Tea Party Patriots Receives $1,000,000 Donation to Grow and Strengthen the Tea Party MovementTea Party Patriots Receives $1,000,000 Donation to Grow and Strengthen the Tea Party Movement<br /><br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br />Contact: Randy Lewis, (678) 596-5589<br />September 21, 2010 <br /><br />Tea Party Patriots Receives $1,000,000 Donation to Grow and Strengthen the Tea Party Movement<br /><br />Donation to provide grants for development of organization's grassroots resources<br /><br />Washington - Tea Party Patriots (TPP), the nation's largest Tea Party organization with more than 2,800 affiliated organizations, today announced that it has received a $1,000,000 commitment to fund a grant program for the purpose of growing and strengthening regional and local Tea Party Patriots affiliates across the country. The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, is committed to building a stronger tea party movement.<br /><br />TPP made the announcement at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington. D.C.<br /> <br />"The Tea Party movement is here to stay," said Jenny Beth Martin, Co-founder and National Coordinator of Tea Party Patriots. "This fund will be distributed over the next several weeks, to help ensure that the principles and values of the Tea Party Patriots will inform the citizens of the nation as we head into election season."<br /><br />The funds will be distributed in grant form based on applications made by TPP affiliates across the country. Recipients of the grants will come from among thousands of TPP affiliate organizations.<br /><br />"In keeping with the spirit and philosophy of Tea Party Patriots, this fund will be immediately and broadly distributed to tea party organizations on the ground, in order to allow them to leverage their current efforts" said Mark Meckler, Co-Founder and National Coordinator of Tea Party Patriots. "We will continue to focus on the tea party activists in the field. They are responsible for the success of the tea party movement. The core values of the Tea Party Patriots are resonating with tea party activists and with voters across America, and we expect this organization to continue its dramatic growth."<br /><br />"Tea Party Patriots is proving this is are truly a bottom-up, grassroots movement. They are empowering tea party and 912 groups to make a difference spreading our core values of fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government, and free markets." said LOCAL COORDINATOR, Local Coordinator of the YOUR GROUP NAME HERE Tea Party/912 group.<br /><br />The Core Values of Tea Party Patriots are:<br />Fiscal Responsibility Constitutionally Limited Government Free Markets<br /><br />Tea Party Patriots is a national grassroots coalition with more than 2,800 locally organized chapters and more than 15 million supporters nationwide. Tea Party Patriots is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting the principles of fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government, and free markets. Visit Tea Party Patriots online at www.TeaPartyPatriots.org.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-27485776064115937212010-09-19T16:36:00.000-07:002010-09-19T16:37:28.843-07:00CCTP event today... congrats...Kudos to the Cumberland County Tea Party who put on a cracking event in Westbrook today. It was great to meet Kevin Scott, John Jenkins and Shawn Moody the governor candidates who showed up for the event. It was great that those who attended got to meet the varied choice they have for governor. Maine is fortunate to have such a variety of candidates for the top spot in the state.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-26049100152809232892010-09-19T08:50:00.000-07:002010-09-19T08:51:36.188-07:00Pre-election patriotic rally in Westbrook todaySee all you Mainers @ the Westbrook pre-election (non-partisan) rally from 12-4 at Riverfront Park on TODAY Sunday the 19th.Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-73322389691425275532010-09-19T08:35:00.001-07:002010-09-19T08:35:56.578-07:00Tell em' to Vote No on Dream ACT“DREAM ACT” TARGETS 9-17-2010 NO on DREAM ACT<br /><br />Republicans:<br />Sen. Hatch of Utah- Tel: (202) 224-5251 - Fax: (202) 224-6331<br />Sen. Bunning of Kentucky- Tel: 202.224.4343 Fax: 202.228.1373<br />Sen. Bennet of Utah- Tel: (202) 224-5444 Fax: (202) 228-1168<br />Sen. Gregg of New Hampshire- Tel: (202) 224-3324<br />Sen. Bailey-Hutchison of Texas- Tel: 202-224-5922 Fax:202-224-0776 <br />Sen. McCain of Arizona- Tel: (202) 224-2235, Fax: (202) 228-2862<br />Sen. Voinovich of Ohio- Tel: (202) 224-3353<br />Sen. Snowe of Maine- Tel: (202) 224-5344, Toll Free: (800) 432-1599, Fax: (202) 224-1946<br />Sen. Collins of Maine- Tel: (202) 224-2523, Fax: (202) 224-2693<br />Sen. LeMeiux of Florida- Tel: (202) 224-3041, Toll free: (866) 630-7106, Fax: (202) 228-5171,<br />Sen. Brownback of Kansas-Tel: (202) 224-6521, Fax: (202) 228-1265<br /><br />Sen. Hagan of North Carolina- Tel: 202-224-6342, Fax: 202-228-2563<br />Sen. Pryor of Arkansas-Tel: (202) 224-2353, fax: (202) 228-0908,Toll Free from AR p: (877) 259-9602<br /><br />Sen. Landrieu of Louisiana-Tel: (202) 224-5824, Fax: (202) 224-9735<br />Sen. Conrad of North Dakota-Tel: (202) 224-2043<br />Sen. Dorgan of North Dakota- Tel: (202) 224-2551,Fax (202) 224-1193<br /><br />Sen. Nelson of Florida- Tel: 202-224-5274,Fax: 202-228-2183<br />Sen. Baucus of Montana-Tel: (202) 224-2651, Fax: (202) 224-9412 <br />Sen. Tester of Montana Tel: (202) 224-2644, Fax: (202) 224-8594<br />Sen. Feinstein of California Tel: (202) 224-3841, Fax: (202) 228-3954Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-71774841821334401732010-09-14T18:55:00.000-07:002010-09-14T18:56:12.600-07:00RESTORE Founding Principles - St. Louis 9-12-10<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CbV4qs1R7FA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CbV4qs1R7FA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322307591179348588.post-70860724320662956262010-09-07T13:02:00.000-07:002010-09-07T13:04:58.487-07:009.12 Joint Press ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br /><br /><br /><br />Contacts:<br /><br />Tea Party Patriots<br /><br /><br /><br />Scott Boston<br /><br />Tea Party Patriots, National Education Coordinator, 9/12 St. Louis Event Coordinator scottsboston@gmail.com<br /><br />419-819-7590<br /><br /><br /><br />Andrew Ian Dodge<br /><br />Tea Party Patriots, Maine Coordinator, speaker 9/12 St Louis<br /><br />lagwolf@mac.com<br /><br />207-607-3299<br /><br /><br /><br />SUNDAY’S TEA PARTY AN EFFORT TO REPEAL, REDUCE, RESTORE GOVERNMENT<br /><br /><br /><br />(ST LOUIS, MO) September 7, 2010 Labor Day has traditionally marked the beginning of the fall political season and this year is no exception. This weekend thousands of Tea Party Patriots from across the Midwest are expected to converge in St. Louis on September 12, 2010 for one of three large regional tea party rallies across the country. The St. Louis rally will be held under the Gateway Arch and begin at 1 p.m.; it is free and open to the public.<br /><br /><br /><br />“Our agenda for the fall is very simple,” says Jenny Beth Martin, “we want to recycle government at every level. Our effort will be focused around the three “R”s which unite our movement: Repeal, Reduce Restore. We want to repeal the onerous legislation that has been passed against the will of the American people, reduce the size and cost of government at every level, and restore the Constitution as the loadstar of good government.” Martin is co-founder and national coordinator for Tea Party Patriots, the largest network of voluntarily affiliated tea party and 9/12 groups in the country.<br /><br /><br /><br />American Majority, which conducts activist training seminars, will be also in town this weekend to offer a range of trainings on Saturday. “Many of our members are new to political activism, says Scott Boston, National Education Coordinator for Tea Party Patriots who is helping to coordinate Sunday’s rally, “and we are thrilled that St. Louis Tea Party was able to secure these trainings. I and many others have participated in them in the past, and they will be of great benefit as we work to get out the vote this year.” For more information on how to register for the trainings or event information go to recyclegovernment.org/stlouis.<br /><br /><br /><br />Speakers at the rally will include US Congressional Representatives Steve King and Tom Price, political pundit, and conservative author Dick Morris, radio and Internet personalities and grassroots organizers from all across thee Midwest and from states as far as Maine and Washington. St. Louis attendees will hear music from country music legend Sammy Kershaw; former American Idol contestant Krista Branch; Neil E. Boyd, winner of America’s Got Talent and St. Louis diva Kim Massie.<br /><br /><br /><br />The “9/12” rally, as its come to be known, first took place on 9/12/2009. More than 850,000 people converged on Washington, D.C. to protest out of control government spending, the erosion of personal liberties, and the bailouts of troubled industries. This year, the “9/12” rally will be held in St. Louis and Sacramento, CA in addition to Washington, D.C.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For more information about Tea Party Patriots go to Tea Party Patriots.org <br /><br />###Andrew Ian Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293965494182995460noreply@blogger.com0