FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jesse Benton, 703-650-9559
April 25, 2007
ARLINGTON, VA – Presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-TX) today pledged to the American people that as president he would veto any bill that raised their taxes. The pledge, sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform, is offered to all presidential candidates as a way to distinguishes real fiscal conservatives from tax-and-spend, big-government politicians.
After signing the pledge, Dr. Paul issued the following statement:
“Signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge was easy for me. During my 10 terms in Congress, I have never voted to raise taxes, and I never will. To be honest, I can’t understand why a Republican wouldn’t sign it.
“Liberty is best served when Americans keep more of their own, hard-earned money. I think taxes should be as low as possible. As president, I would work to lower taxes for every American as I have for years as a member of Congress.”
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Pennsylvania lawmakers decry gun-rights banner invoking lynching
MARK SCOLFORO
The Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Two participants in a gun-rights rally Tuesday at the Capitol held up a banner calling for a Philadelphia lawmaker to be "hung from the tree of liberty." Black lawmakers denounced the message as racist and "a terroristic threat," and demanded a police investigation.
The banner said Rep. Angel Cruz, a Democrat of Puerto Rican descent who is sponsoring legislation to require gun registration and a $10-a-gun annual fee, "should be hung from the tree of liberty for treasonous acts against the constitution."
Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, said at a news conference that the banner was "an act of racism, an act of hatred, an act of bigotry and a terroristic threat on the life of a colleague."
"No one has the right to call for the lynching of another human being , no one," he said.
Paul Estus, of Ridgway, one of two men who held up the banner, said during the morning rally that the lynching tree was "just a figure of speech."
"You've got to make a stand," he said.
Rep. Jewell Williams, chairman of the Democrats' Philadelphia delegation, threatened a boycott on legislative business unless leaders of both parties agree to a policy or procedure to ban threatening signs from the Capitol.
"They said they're going to address it," Williams said.
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, an organizer of the rally, condemned the banner as "not appropriate," and was later among a handful of lawmakers who criticized it on the House floor.
"It's very appropriate," said Alan Kiser, of Warren, who held the banner along with Estus. "If they don't think that this is appropriate, they wouldn't think our founding fathers were appropriate."
A spokesman for the Capitol Police, Edward Myslewicz, said the department was unaware of the banner but would "follow up" if it receives a complaint. Kirkland, D-Delaware, said a letter would be sent to the state police late Tuesday.
Cruz's proposal was on the minds of many of the hundreds of gun-rights advocates who packed the Capitol Rotunda to hear a group of state lawmakers, mostly Republicans, advocate proposals to expand those rights.
Cruz has said he introduced his bill to address escalating gun violence in Philadelphia, where 128 homicides already this year is on pace for the city's highest murder rate in a decade.
But gun owners in Pennsylvania are well organized and well-connected politically, claiming strong support from legislative leaders , and rank-and-file , of both parties in the General Assembly.
Cruz's bill has virtually no chance of passing, and many at the rally bitterly opposed it.
"Criminals will not tell you how many guns they have and pay a tax on it," said Charles McKelly, a 69-year-old retiree from Hershey. He said the proposal would cost him a substantial sum to pay fees for the weapons he keeps for hunting, clay-pigeon shooting and self-defense.
The event was organized and dominated by Republicans, although some Democratic lawmakers participated.
Rep. Dick Stevenson, R-Mercer, proposed allowing those with valid concealed-weapons permits to buy guns without having to go through the criminal-background checks currently required of all gun purchasers.
Metcalfe said he wants to eliminate a gun-sales database maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police and allow people who can show they are in "imminent danger" to be quickly issued temporary permits to carry concealed weapons.
Positions on gun control among House Democrats run the gamut, said Tom Andrews, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene. DeWeese has promised to consign Cruz's bill "to oblivion."
Despite overwhelming opposition in the House, Cruz said he is standing by the bill. Four of five co-sponsors have already withdrawn their support.
"It's my bill and I am not running from it," Cruz said. "A good legislator dances to the song that he chose."
www.philly.com
The Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Two participants in a gun-rights rally Tuesday at the Capitol held up a banner calling for a Philadelphia lawmaker to be "hung from the tree of liberty." Black lawmakers denounced the message as racist and "a terroristic threat," and demanded a police investigation.
The banner said Rep. Angel Cruz, a Democrat of Puerto Rican descent who is sponsoring legislation to require gun registration and a $10-a-gun annual fee, "should be hung from the tree of liberty for treasonous acts against the constitution."
Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, said at a news conference that the banner was "an act of racism, an act of hatred, an act of bigotry and a terroristic threat on the life of a colleague."
"No one has the right to call for the lynching of another human being , no one," he said.
Paul Estus, of Ridgway, one of two men who held up the banner, said during the morning rally that the lynching tree was "just a figure of speech."
"You've got to make a stand," he said.
Rep. Jewell Williams, chairman of the Democrats' Philadelphia delegation, threatened a boycott on legislative business unless leaders of both parties agree to a policy or procedure to ban threatening signs from the Capitol.
"They said they're going to address it," Williams said.
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, an organizer of the rally, condemned the banner as "not appropriate," and was later among a handful of lawmakers who criticized it on the House floor.
"It's very appropriate," said Alan Kiser, of Warren, who held the banner along with Estus. "If they don't think that this is appropriate, they wouldn't think our founding fathers were appropriate."
A spokesman for the Capitol Police, Edward Myslewicz, said the department was unaware of the banner but would "follow up" if it receives a complaint. Kirkland, D-Delaware, said a letter would be sent to the state police late Tuesday.
Cruz's proposal was on the minds of many of the hundreds of gun-rights advocates who packed the Capitol Rotunda to hear a group of state lawmakers, mostly Republicans, advocate proposals to expand those rights.
Cruz has said he introduced his bill to address escalating gun violence in Philadelphia, where 128 homicides already this year is on pace for the city's highest murder rate in a decade.
But gun owners in Pennsylvania are well organized and well-connected politically, claiming strong support from legislative leaders , and rank-and-file , of both parties in the General Assembly.
Cruz's bill has virtually no chance of passing, and many at the rally bitterly opposed it.
"Criminals will not tell you how many guns they have and pay a tax on it," said Charles McKelly, a 69-year-old retiree from Hershey. He said the proposal would cost him a substantial sum to pay fees for the weapons he keeps for hunting, clay-pigeon shooting and self-defense.
The event was organized and dominated by Republicans, although some Democratic lawmakers participated.
Rep. Dick Stevenson, R-Mercer, proposed allowing those with valid concealed-weapons permits to buy guns without having to go through the criminal-background checks currently required of all gun purchasers.
Metcalfe said he wants to eliminate a gun-sales database maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police and allow people who can show they are in "imminent danger" to be quickly issued temporary permits to carry concealed weapons.
Positions on gun control among House Democrats run the gamut, said Tom Andrews, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene. DeWeese has promised to consign Cruz's bill "to oblivion."
Despite overwhelming opposition in the House, Cruz said he is standing by the bill. Four of five co-sponsors have already withdrawn their support.
"It's my bill and I am not running from it," Cruz said. "A good legislator dances to the song that he chose."
www.philly.com
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Gun-rights advocates rally in Pa. Capitol
4/24/2007, 3:23 p.m. EDT
By MARK SCOLFORO
The Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Hundreds of gun-rights advocates packed the state Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday as a group of state lawmakers, mostly Republicans, advocated proposals to expand those rights.
Several participants mentioned their opposition to a bill introduced by a Philadelphia state representative to require annual registration of most guns and a $10-a-gun yearly fee. The bill's sponsor has acknowledged it has no chance of passing, and many at the rally vehemently opposed it.
"Criminals will not tell you how many guns they have and pay a tax on it," said Charles McKelly, a 69-year-old retiree from Hershey. He said the proposal would cost him a substantial sum to pay fees for the weapons he keeps for hunting, clay-pigeon shooting and self-defense.
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, said he wants to eliminate a gun-sales database maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police and allow people who can show they are in "imminent danger" to be quickly issued temporary permits to carry concealed weapons.
Rep. Dick Stevenson, R-Mercer, proposed allowing those with valid concealed-weapons permits to buy guns without having to go through the criminal-background checks currently required of all gun purchasers.
The event was organized and dominated by Republicans, although some Democratic lawmakers participated.
"House Democratic opinions run the gamut on these issues," said Tom Andrews, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene.
The legislation that would require gun registration and $10 fees prompted two men to hold up a banner at the rally saying the bill's Democratic sponsor, Rep. Angel Cruz, "should be hung from the tree of liberty for treasonous acts against the constitution."
Paul Estus, of Ridgway, who was holding up the banner, said the lynching tree was "just a figure of speech."
"You've got to make a stand," he said.
Metcalfe condemned the banner, saying rally organizers had nothing to do with it.
"That sign is not appropriate," he said.
Cruz said the banner showed "their true colors," and that some of the many protesters who visited his office after the rally were "a little hostile."
Despite overwhelming opposition in the House, Cruz said he is standing by the bill. Four of five co-sponsors have already withdrawn their support, and DeWeese has promised to "consign it to oblivion."
"It's my bill and I am not running from it," Cruz said. "A good legislator dances to the song that he chose."
www.pennlive.com
By MARK SCOLFORO
The Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Hundreds of gun-rights advocates packed the state Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday as a group of state lawmakers, mostly Republicans, advocated proposals to expand those rights.
Several participants mentioned their opposition to a bill introduced by a Philadelphia state representative to require annual registration of most guns and a $10-a-gun yearly fee. The bill's sponsor has acknowledged it has no chance of passing, and many at the rally vehemently opposed it.
"Criminals will not tell you how many guns they have and pay a tax on it," said Charles McKelly, a 69-year-old retiree from Hershey. He said the proposal would cost him a substantial sum to pay fees for the weapons he keeps for hunting, clay-pigeon shooting and self-defense.
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, said he wants to eliminate a gun-sales database maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police and allow people who can show they are in "imminent danger" to be quickly issued temporary permits to carry concealed weapons.
Rep. Dick Stevenson, R-Mercer, proposed allowing those with valid concealed-weapons permits to buy guns without having to go through the criminal-background checks currently required of all gun purchasers.
The event was organized and dominated by Republicans, although some Democratic lawmakers participated.
"House Democratic opinions run the gamut on these issues," said Tom Andrews, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene.
The legislation that would require gun registration and $10 fees prompted two men to hold up a banner at the rally saying the bill's Democratic sponsor, Rep. Angel Cruz, "should be hung from the tree of liberty for treasonous acts against the constitution."
Paul Estus, of Ridgway, who was holding up the banner, said the lynching tree was "just a figure of speech."
"You've got to make a stand," he said.
Metcalfe condemned the banner, saying rally organizers had nothing to do with it.
"That sign is not appropriate," he said.
Cruz said the banner showed "their true colors," and that some of the many protesters who visited his office after the rally were "a little hostile."
Despite overwhelming opposition in the House, Cruz said he is standing by the bill. Four of five co-sponsors have already withdrawn their support, and DeWeese has promised to "consign it to oblivion."
"It's my bill and I am not running from it," Cruz said. "A good legislator dances to the song that he chose."
www.pennlive.com
Repeal the Real ID Act
by Resolution
Constitution Party National Committee, Boise, ID
Whereas, The national ID card called for in the Real ID Act of 2005 is repressive, invasive, and unconstitutionally violating the fourth amendment right of the people to be secure; and
Whereas, The dangerous implications of this federal mandate include privacy concerns, expense compliance costs for states and federal meddling in states’ rights; and,
Whereas, “Real ID” has been unadvisedly promoted as a deterrent to terrorism and illegal immigration, but would not resolve either of those problems as evidenced by the fact that several of the September 11th hijackers used legitimate driver’s licenses; and
Whereas, If “Real ID” is placed in force, illegal aliens would potentially have a national database from which to buy and sell illegal identification; and
Whereas, The “Real ID” requires a digital photo and possibly a fingerprint on each license, thereby turning “Real ID” into a gold mine for identity thieves; and
Whereas, This $11 billion endeavor could limit law-abiding citizens the uncompromised freedom to travel, open a bank account, secure employment or purchase a firearm; and
Whereas, States already straining under the weight of federal bureaucratic compliance costs would be further burdened by additional expense; and
Whereas, States will experience difficulty paying for massive computer systems to hook up to a federal database and complying by the December 2009 deadline; and
Whereas, Missouri State Rep. James Guest (R) has formed a coalition of lawmakers from 34 states to file bills that oppose the “Real ID”; and
Whereas, Public outcry against the scheme has resulted in a dozen states following Maine in a revolt against “Real ID”, including Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming; and
Whereas, U.S. Citizens in such states could be denied access to federal buildings, bank accounts or boarding commercial airplanes; and
Whereas, American citizens should not be required to carry identification papers or be data based by the federal government; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Constitution Party strongly urges freedom-loving Americans to demand that Congress repeal the “Real ID” Act.
Constitution Party National Committee, Boise, ID
Whereas, The national ID card called for in the Real ID Act of 2005 is repressive, invasive, and unconstitutionally violating the fourth amendment right of the people to be secure; and
Whereas, The dangerous implications of this federal mandate include privacy concerns, expense compliance costs for states and federal meddling in states’ rights; and,
Whereas, “Real ID” has been unadvisedly promoted as a deterrent to terrorism and illegal immigration, but would not resolve either of those problems as evidenced by the fact that several of the September 11th hijackers used legitimate driver’s licenses; and
Whereas, If “Real ID” is placed in force, illegal aliens would potentially have a national database from which to buy and sell illegal identification; and
Whereas, The “Real ID” requires a digital photo and possibly a fingerprint on each license, thereby turning “Real ID” into a gold mine for identity thieves; and
Whereas, This $11 billion endeavor could limit law-abiding citizens the uncompromised freedom to travel, open a bank account, secure employment or purchase a firearm; and
Whereas, States already straining under the weight of federal bureaucratic compliance costs would be further burdened by additional expense; and
Whereas, States will experience difficulty paying for massive computer systems to hook up to a federal database and complying by the December 2009 deadline; and
Whereas, Missouri State Rep. James Guest (R) has formed a coalition of lawmakers from 34 states to file bills that oppose the “Real ID”; and
Whereas, Public outcry against the scheme has resulted in a dozen states following Maine in a revolt against “Real ID”, including Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming; and
Whereas, U.S. Citizens in such states could be denied access to federal buildings, bank accounts or boarding commercial airplanes; and
Whereas, American citizens should not be required to carry identification papers or be data based by the federal government; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Constitution Party strongly urges freedom-loving Americans to demand that Congress repeal the “Real ID” Act.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Supreme Court does something right about Abortion
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court’s conservative majority handed anti-abortion forces a major victory Wednesday in a decision that bans a controversial abortion procedure and set the stage for further restrictions.
For the first time since the court established a woman’s right to an abortion in 1973, the justices upheld a nationwide ban on a specific abortion method, labeled partial-birth abortion by its opponents.
The 5-4 decision written by Justice
Anthony Kennedy said the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act that Congress passed and
President Bush signed into law in 2003 does not violate a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion.
For the first time since the court established a woman’s right to an abortion in 1973, the justices upheld a nationwide ban on a specific abortion method, labeled partial-birth abortion by its opponents.
The 5-4 decision written by Justice
Anthony Kennedy said the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act that Congress passed and
President Bush signed into law in 2003 does not violate a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Gun bill misfires
Philly lawmaker proposes making state gun owners pay to register each weapon.
TOM VENESKY tvenesky@timesleader.com
It’s a problem that Wright Township Police Chief Joe Jacob says never changes: criminals who commit crimes with guns usually obtain the weapons illegally.
That’s why Jacob feels a bill introduced in the state House of Representatives won’t do anything to help police officers fight crime.
House Bill 760, introduced by state Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Philadelphia County, would require gun owners to register all firearms with the state every year for a fee of $10 per gun. The measure would also require all gun owners to submit to fingerprinting, background checks and passport-style photos in order to obtain a registration card. The registration card for each gun would have to be carried with that firearm at all times.
If a registration application is rejected, the applicant would have to surrender their firearms to the state police.
Cruz said the bill is a way to implement a tracking system to determine the source of firearms for criminals who commit gun violence.
But, Jacob sees it differently. He says the measure won’t help officers and won’t help law-abiding gun owners. Nor will it decrease gun violence, he said.
“That bill will not lessen crime in Philadelphia or anywhere else in the state,” Jacob said. “Criminals are using guns that are stolen or bought illegally on the street.
“I do not see how this will decrease gun violence or the amount of guns in criminals’ hands.”
That’s because the measure, which applies to handguns and rifles, only targets those who purchase their firearms legally, Jacob said.
The bill has put hunting clubs and gun owners in the area on alert. Jerry Schutz, president of the 800-member Luzerne County Federation of Sportsmen, said his members are “up in arms” over the measure. The bill would disarm honest citizens, he said.
“It’s an outrageous piece of legislation. Do they actually think criminals are going to register their guns? The Supreme Court has already ruled that criminals don’t have to register their firearms,” Schutz said, adding the measure is also a money-making scheme.
“If you have 20 guns, that’s $200 you have to pay every year,” he said. “I estimate that each member in our organization has at least four guns in their home.”
Jenkins Township resident David Kopetchny, president of the PA Stump Jumpers hunting club, said the bill is another attempt to undermine the rights of gun owners. The registration fee would create another hardship for him to continue hunting, he said.
Kopetchny said he is a disabled veteran who lives on $960 per month. The game he brings home during hunting season is a valuable food source, he said, but the cost of licenses, ammunition and possibly gun registration may make hunting too costly of an endeavor for Kopetchny to continue.
“I own eight guns, and that would be $80 in permits every year. It’s nonsense,” he said. “If this goes through, I can’t afford to hunt.”
Some local lawmakers – including state representatives Mike Carroll, D-Avoca; Phyllis Mundy, D-Kingston; Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre; Jim Wansacz, D-Old Forge; and John Yudichak, D-Nanticoke – have said they will vote against the bill.
Carroll said the bill has “no chance.”
He said the proposal was drafted in response to the rise in crime in the Philadelphia area. Carroll doesn’t fault the lawmakers from making an attempt, but he said the bill isn’t the solution.
The bill has four co-sponsors, Mundy said, an indication that it lacks support. Like Carroll, she doubts the bill will be brought up for a vote.
Pashinski called the bill “economically infeasible” because gun collectors and hunters typically own more than one firearm. He said gun-related crimes are a serious issue, but other avenues have to be looked at to solve the problem.
Yudichak said his office has received many calls from gun owners and hunters concerned about the bill.
Many gun-control efforts in the legislature are misguided, he said, because they target law-abiding citizens and not the criminal element.
Yudichak recommended taking another direction to curb crime.
“I think it’s the drug crime that needs to be combated,” he said. “We need to focus on the true problem – drugs. That’s what is driving the issue.”
TOM VENESKY tvenesky@timesleader.com
It’s a problem that Wright Township Police Chief Joe Jacob says never changes: criminals who commit crimes with guns usually obtain the weapons illegally.
That’s why Jacob feels a bill introduced in the state House of Representatives won’t do anything to help police officers fight crime.
House Bill 760, introduced by state Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Philadelphia County, would require gun owners to register all firearms with the state every year for a fee of $10 per gun. The measure would also require all gun owners to submit to fingerprinting, background checks and passport-style photos in order to obtain a registration card. The registration card for each gun would have to be carried with that firearm at all times.
If a registration application is rejected, the applicant would have to surrender their firearms to the state police.
Cruz said the bill is a way to implement a tracking system to determine the source of firearms for criminals who commit gun violence.
But, Jacob sees it differently. He says the measure won’t help officers and won’t help law-abiding gun owners. Nor will it decrease gun violence, he said.
“That bill will not lessen crime in Philadelphia or anywhere else in the state,” Jacob said. “Criminals are using guns that are stolen or bought illegally on the street.
“I do not see how this will decrease gun violence or the amount of guns in criminals’ hands.”
That’s because the measure, which applies to handguns and rifles, only targets those who purchase their firearms legally, Jacob said.
The bill has put hunting clubs and gun owners in the area on alert. Jerry Schutz, president of the 800-member Luzerne County Federation of Sportsmen, said his members are “up in arms” over the measure. The bill would disarm honest citizens, he said.
“It’s an outrageous piece of legislation. Do they actually think criminals are going to register their guns? The Supreme Court has already ruled that criminals don’t have to register their firearms,” Schutz said, adding the measure is also a money-making scheme.
“If you have 20 guns, that’s $200 you have to pay every year,” he said. “I estimate that each member in our organization has at least four guns in their home.”
Jenkins Township resident David Kopetchny, president of the PA Stump Jumpers hunting club, said the bill is another attempt to undermine the rights of gun owners. The registration fee would create another hardship for him to continue hunting, he said.
Kopetchny said he is a disabled veteran who lives on $960 per month. The game he brings home during hunting season is a valuable food source, he said, but the cost of licenses, ammunition and possibly gun registration may make hunting too costly of an endeavor for Kopetchny to continue.
“I own eight guns, and that would be $80 in permits every year. It’s nonsense,” he said. “If this goes through, I can’t afford to hunt.”
Some local lawmakers – including state representatives Mike Carroll, D-Avoca; Phyllis Mundy, D-Kingston; Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre; Jim Wansacz, D-Old Forge; and John Yudichak, D-Nanticoke – have said they will vote against the bill.
Carroll said the bill has “no chance.”
He said the proposal was drafted in response to the rise in crime in the Philadelphia area. Carroll doesn’t fault the lawmakers from making an attempt, but he said the bill isn’t the solution.
The bill has four co-sponsors, Mundy said, an indication that it lacks support. Like Carroll, she doubts the bill will be brought up for a vote.
Pashinski called the bill “economically infeasible” because gun collectors and hunters typically own more than one firearm. He said gun-related crimes are a serious issue, but other avenues have to be looked at to solve the problem.
Yudichak said his office has received many calls from gun owners and hunters concerned about the bill.
Many gun-control efforts in the legislature are misguided, he said, because they target law-abiding citizens and not the criminal element.
Yudichak recommended taking another direction to curb crime.
“I think it’s the drug crime that needs to be combated,” he said. “We need to focus on the true problem – drugs. That’s what is driving the issue.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)