Tag Archive for 'constitution'

What Happened to the Fifty-six Men…

Published
by
William McGill
on July 23, 2008
in History
. 0 Comments

I received the following in an email today. I’m in the process of reviewing the information for accuracy. However, I couldn’t resist posting it early since I received it from a fairly reliable source.

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Have you ever wondered what happened to the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary War, another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or the hardships of the Revolutionary War.

What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British navy. He sold his home and his properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his Headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart of New Jersey … was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.

Lewis Morris and Philip Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such are the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were softspoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged:

“For the support of this declaration, with the firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

They gave you and I a free and independent America. The history books of today do not tell the student a lot of what happened leading to and during the revolutionary war. We didn’t just fight the British. We were British subjects, a state of siege and repression of rights and liberties had existed for many years and a state of war had existed for two years prior to the signing of the Declaration, and we fought our own government for independence!

Most of the citizens of today take their liberties so much for granted. They shouldn’t, for in taking liberty for granted, they have lost much of it. All governments progress from liberty to tyranny and despotism, unless carefully watched and circumscribed. Much is to be learned in today’s times from the events of that time, the causes and the reasons for the uprising and indignation of the citizens in opposition to tyranny. Many parallels can be drawn as we review the happenings of today.

Senate bows to Bush, approves surveillance bill

Published
by
William McGill
on July 10, 2008
in Politics
. 6 Comments

I guess not enough people wrote their elected leaders….

Most people just complain about how its wrong that the Government wiretaps outside the law, but then does NOTHING to stop it. So their civil liberties are not being protected under the constitutional… that’s ok? They see it in some movie…that the government just does what it wants with no legal authority or consequence, and they then become numb to it. Somehow believing its ok, until its too late.

Well folks…ITS NOW TOO LATE!

FYI Voting record:

Obama voted for it.

McCain avoided it all together and did not show up.

Senate bows to Bush, approves surveillance bill

WASHINGTON - Bowing to President Bush’s demands, the Senate approved and sent the White House a bill Wednesday to overhaul bitterly disputed rules on secret government eavesdropping and shield telecommunications companies from lawsuits complaining they helped the U.S. spy on Americans.

The relatively one-sided vote, 69-28, came only after a lengthy and heated debate that pitted privacy and civil liberties concerns against the desire to prevent terrorist attacks. It ended almost a year of wrangling in the Democratic-led Congress over surveillance rules and the president’s warrantless wiretapping program that was initiated after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The House passed the same bill last month, and Bush said he would sign it soon.

Opponents assailed the eavesdropping program, asserting that it imperiled citizens’ rights of privacy from government intrusion. But Bush said the legislation protects those rights as well as Americans’ security.

“This bill will help our intelligence professionals learn who the terrorists are talking to, what they’re saying and what they’re planning,” he said in a brief White House appearance after the Senate vote.

The bill is very much a political compromise, brought about by a deadline: Wiretapping orders authorized last year will begin to expire in August. Without a new bill, the government would go back to old FISA rules, requiring multiple new orders and potential delays to continue those intercepts. That is something most of Congress did not want to see happen, particularly in an election year.

The long fight on Capitol Hill centered on one main question: whether to protect from civil lawsuits any telecommunications companies that helped the government eavesdrop on American phone and computer lines without the permission or knowledge of a secret court created by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

The White House had threatened to veto the bill unless it immunized companies such as AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. against wiretapping lawsuits.

Forty-six lawsuits now stand to be dismissed because of the new law, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. All are pending before a single U.S. District Court in California. But the fight has not ended. Civil rights groups are already preparing lawsuits challenging the bill’s constitutionality, and four suits, filed against government officials, will not be dismissed.

Numerous lawmakers had spoken out strongly against the no-warrants eavesdropping on Americans, but the Senate voted its approval after rejecting amendments that would have watered down, delayed or stripped away the immunity provision.

The lawsuits center on allegations that the White House circumvented U.S. law by going around the FISA court, which was created 30 years ago to prevent the government from abusing its surveillance powers for political purposes, as was done in the Vietnam War and Watergate eras. The court is meant to approve all wiretaps placed inside the U.S. for intelligence-gathering purposes. The law has been interpreted to include international e-mail records stored on servers inside the U.S.

“This president broke the law,” declared Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis.

The Bush administration brought the wiretapping back under the FISA court’s authority only after The New York Times revealed the existence of the secret program. A handful of members of Congress knew about the program from top secret briefings. Most members are still forbidden to know the details of the classified effort, and some objected that they were being asked to grant immunity to the telecoms without first knowing what they did.

Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Arlen Specter compared the Senate vote to buying a “pig in a poke.”

Just under a third of the Senate, including Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, supported an amendment that would have stripped immunity from the bill. They were defeated on a 66-32 vote. Republican rival John McCain did not attend the vote.

Obama ended up voting for the final bill, as did Specter. Feingold voted no.

The bill tries to address concerns about the legality of warrantless wiretapping by requiring inspectors general inside the government to conduct a yearlong investigation into the program.

Beyond immunity, the new surveillance bill also sets new rules for government eavesdropping. Some of them would tighten the reins on current government surveillance activities, but others would loosen them compared with a law passed 30 years ago.

For example, it would require the government to get FISA court approval before it eavesdrops on an American overseas. Currently, the attorney general approves that electronic surveillance on his own.

The bill also would allow the government to obtain broad, yearlong intercept orders from the FISA court that target foreign groups and people, raising the prospect that communications with innocent Americans would be swept in.

The original FISA law required the government to get wiretapping warrants for each individual targeted from inside the United States, on the rationale that most communications inside the U.S. would involve Americans whose civil liberties must be protected.

The bill would give the government a week to conduct a wiretap in an emergency before it must apply for a court order. The original law said three days.

The ACLU, which is party to some of the lawsuits that will now be dismissed, said the bill was “a blatant assault upon civil liberties and the right to privacy.”

Ron Paul Revisted

Published
by
William McGill
on January 5, 2008
in Politics
. 2 Comments

Ron Paul took in over 10% Thursday at the Iowa caucus. That’s better than both Carter and Clinton did during their primaries. I use those two as examples not because they are Democrats, but because they both won the presidency!!

Anyone care to wager on who gets the White House? I say Hillary and Obama get the Democratic nomination (Hillary being President and Obama going on as the VP), and Ron Paul, after many scandals and voting machine errors, gets the Republican nomination only to be deep sixed Bhutto-style before he’s ever able to rip one on the Commander-in-Chief’s seat.

How’s $10 dollars on any one of those. You can bet the powers that be won’t go quietly. Much like those Bhutto was threatening to dethrone. And for what?! Power? Greed? The only person we can truly control is ourself, and we surly can’t take anything with us from this temporary physical world. Why does the word ancient suddenly come to mind. ;)

I’m praying that I’m wrong and instead the people in this country begin to see what is wrong with this country, and get off their lazy asses to do something about it. I’m talking get up and do something for someone other than themselves. Myself included!

Anyway, all that being said, I think Ron Paul has a definite shot at this and I encourage any of you who haven’t taken a serious look at him to do so.

- William McGill

I received the following email today which prompted me to write my plea to all the voters out there in these United States of America :

From: mail@ronpaul2008.cpro30.com [mailto:mail@ronpaul2008.cpro30.com] On Behalf Of Ron Paul 2008
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2008 11:35 PM
To: williammcgill
Subject: Thank you!

January 4, 2007

Yesterday was a remarkable day for Ron Paul, and it wouldn’t have happened without you. For those of you who haven’t yet heard, Ron Paul took over 10% in yesterday’s Iowa caucus, handily beating Rudy Giuliani and finishing right behind both Fred Thompson and John McCain. This despite that Rudy Giuliani made more visits to Iowa than Ron Paul. And, entrance polls showed that Ron Paul took first place (29%) among independent Republicans!

This campaign is just beginning, and we are starting off better than anyone in the “mainstream” media imagined.

Back in February 2007, no one gave Ron Paul any chance to succeed in this race. Ron Paul did not have the name recognition of other candidates, nor the financial resources. Essentially, Ron Paul started at a level of 0% in all 50 states.

But then, as we know, something started to happen. Americans started to hear this message of freedom, and began to galvanize behind the cause. It’s no small feat that we brought in 10% yesterday in Iowa, a double-digit turnout that has brought a lot of commentary - even from Fox News!

Just last night, Greta van Sustern had this to say:

Ten per cent is not insignificant - that’s a huge number. Here you have a candidate that 10 per cent of the people caucused in his party really want him and it’s not like he’s an insignificant player. He didn’t just drop in yesterday to the process, he has been running for president for a long time, and certainly many of the issues he’s raised are rather provocative and certainly stimulate the debate; that’s not a bad thing.

This election is just getting started. It’s time to mobilize and do what needs to be done. It’s time to win the most important election of our lifetime.

We can only compete in the Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses with your continued support. Help us keep this momentum going with your most generous donation today: https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate.

Lew Moore
Campaign Manager
Ron Paul 2008

Ron Paul for President in 2008

Published
by
William McGill
on April 10, 2007
in Politics
. 7 Comments

Without getting into the reasons why I’m not considering any of the other current presidential hopefuls, please allow me to introduce you to a man who I believe has our country’s best interest at heart, Dr. Ron Paul.

In my opinion, he’s the statesman we need for the tough job of restoring our Constitution and our Republic. If after learning more about this man you still cannot give him your vote at least give him your prayers. Statistics show that going against the flow in Washington can be a very dangerous act.

- William McGill

About Ron Paul

Ron Paul for President Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas) is the leading advocate for freedom in our nation’s capital. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Paul tirelessly works for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies. He is known among his congressional colleagues and his constituents for his consistent voting record. Dr. Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution. In the words of former Treasury Secretary William Simon, Dr. Paul is the “one exception to the Gang of 535″ on Capitol Hill.

Ron Paul was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Gettysburg College and the Duke University School of Medicine, before proudly serving as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force during the 1960s. He and his wife Carol moved to Texas in 1968, where he began his medical practice in Brazoria County. As a specialist in obstetrics/gynecology, Dr. Paul has delivered more than 4,000 babies. He and Carol, who reside in Lake Jackson, Texas, are the proud parents of five children and have 17 grandchildren.

While serving in Congress during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dr. Paul’s limited-government ideals were not popular in Washington. In 1976, he was one of only four Republican congressmen to endorse Ronald Reagan for president.

During that time, Congressman Paul served on the House Banking committee, where he was a strong advocate for sound monetary policy and an outspoken critic of the Federal Reserve’s inflationary measures. He was an unwavering advocate of pro-life and pro-family values. Dr. Paul consistently voted to lower or abolish federal taxes, spending and regulation, and used his House seat to actively promote the return of government to its proper constitutional levels. In 1984, he voluntarily relinquished his House seat and returned to his medical practice.

Dr. Paul returned to Congress in 1997 to represent the 14th congressional district of Texas. He presently serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. He continues to advocate a dramatic reduction in the size of the federal government and a return to constitutional principles.

Congressman Paul’s consistent voting record prompted one of his congressional colleagues to say, “Ron Paul personifies the Founding Fathers’ ideal of the citizen-statesman. He makes it clear that his principles will never be compromised, and they never are.” Another colleague observed, “There are few people in public life who, through thick and thin, rain or shine, stick to their principles. Ron Paul is one of those few.”

Brief Overview of Congressman Paul’s Record

  • He has never voted to raise taxes.
  • He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
  • He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
  • He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
  • He has never taken a government-paid junket.
  • He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.
  • He voted against the Patriot Act.
  • He voted against regulating the Internet.
  • He voted against the Iraq war.
  • He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
  • He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.
  • Congressman Paul introduces numerous pieces of substantive legislation each year, probably more than any single member of Congress.

What People are Saying

Many Americans have become disillusioned with our political system. Year after year, election after election we hear all the same promises: Lower taxes, balanced budget, smaller federal government, responsible foreign policy, etc. But we are always left with, higher taxes, ever increasing federal deficits, ever-expanding federal bureaucracy, a foreign policy based on deceit, and a domestic policy that continually restricts our freedom.

We, the people, know things are not right; yet we know our nation was founded on principles that allowed the United States of America to rise above all nations.

Are we the United States of America that our Constitution intended?

For many years our government has been drifting away from the unparalleled wisdom of the blueprint that created a near perfect Union.

Our Constitution has been battered, assaulted and ignored to the point of becoming a fading memory.

The answer to restoring our great nation – respected throughout the world – is to reinstate the Constitution. Our republic can be saved if our politicians return to the doctrine that created it.

There is one man who believes in our government operating solely under the purist intentions of our Founding Fathers: A man who governs according to the Constitution, even when he is the only one.

Ron Paul is the only man who can lead the way.

There is hope for America. Be a part of it.

Bill Dumas
Filmmaker
Hollywood, California

Far too many Republicans in recent times have claimed to be fiscally responsible in principle, only to then vote for big spending programs that will leave our grandchildren bankrupt. They claim to believe in the Constitution’s limits on government’s power, but their actions say something else entirely.

That is why your decision to formally explore running for the Presidency is so important.

Sadly, not many in public life fully understand the Constitution which they have taken oaths to defend, nor do they fully grasp the principles of liberty upon which it is grounded.

That is why I appreciate the fact that you are willing to consider entering the competition of ideas that is a Presidential race.

As Congress’s premier defender of the Constitution, you would have the platform necessary to espouse the ideals that are vital to turning America around - and you would be in a position to hold other candidates accountable for talking one way to their supporters at home, and then voting another way in public office.

I look forward to the prospect of you running, and having the platform to raise the issues that too many candidates would prefer to ignore.

Congressman Walter B. Jones
R-North Carolina

Ron Paul is one of the most principled and courageous men I have ever known. He believes in our Constitution and votes that way in Congress, even when he sometimes has to stand almost alone. I have the greatest respect and admiration for Ron Paul, and I believe this nation would be a much better place if we had more people like him in public office throughout our land.

Congressman John Duncan
R-Tennessee

My name is Liam Clements. I am a high school senior from West Chester, Ohio, a suburb outside the city of Cincinnati. Now, I realize that I am not a member of your district in Texas, but I believe the service you provide to the 14th district is needed on a national scale. The 2008 Presidential election is far too important to let big government win again. Slowly, the parties are merging, and this country needs someone that stands up to the establishment rather than become it. That someone is you sir.

How long must we go until a maverick politician such as yourself rises to the occasion and brings to the forefront the issues that really matter to the American people? We have the chance here to write the history books if you decide to run for President in 2008.

Liam Clements
West Chester, Ohio

In my school, many teens consider Ron Paul a real hero. I hope those who vote will keep the wishes of my generation in mind.

Terry Morgan
Mission Viejo, California

I have a silver bracelet with “WWRD?” engraved into it. The R stands for Roark, and Rilke and Rostand and for several other heroes of mine. Now it will also stand for Ron Paul. He is a hero by the strongest definition of the word. Ron Paul is a constitutionalist who votes based on principles that support our rights as individuals.

But it is how he does is that makes him a HERO. He consistently stands undaunted in the face of opposition. He is dedicated to protecting “the good.” He is uncompromising in his standards, valiant in his efforts, and he does it all with a quiet nobility that is inspiring. He does what is right. He tells us the Truth. It is this that defines him as a HERO for our times.

What would Ron do?

* Stand for Americans and a future of freedom still possible to us when we follow the Constitution.
* Awaken HOPE where many people aren’t even aware it has been lost.
* Give us back control over our own lives.
* Empower us as mighty individuals to solve problems for ourselves and our communities

Ron has been willing to stand alone in Congress and fight for our freedoms. Don’t let him stand alone.

Every day I hear intelligent good people say “Ah well there’s nothing we can do about it.” Untrue.

For all those moments of beauty, for all the times you have recognized the Truth —before the sinking feeling followed when you thought “it’s no use” – follow his white plume. It is on the road to victory and honor.

Maureen McMahan Moore
Everett, WA

Issues

Debt and Taxes
Working Americans like lower taxes. So do I. Lower taxes benefit all of us, creating jobs and allowing us to make more decisions for ourselves about our lives. (more…)

American Independence and Sovereignty
So called free trade deals and world governmental organizations like the International Criminal Court (ICC), NAFTA, GATT, WTO, and CAFTA are a threat to our independence as a nation. (more…)

War and Foreign Policy
The war in Iraq was sold to us with false information. The area is more dangerous now than when we entered it. We destroyed a regime hated by our direct enemies, the jihadists, and created thousands of new recruits for them. (more…)

Border Security and Immigration Reform
The talk must stop. We must secure our borders now. A nation without secure borders is no nation at all. It makes no sense to fight terrorists abroad when our own front door is left unlocked. This is my six point plan: (more…)

Privacy and Personal Liberty
The biggest threat to your privacy is the government. We must drastically limit the ability of government to collect and store data regarding citizens’ personal matters. (more…)

Property Rights and Eminent Domain
We must stop special interests from violating property rights and literally driving families from their homes, farms and ranches. (more…)

Links

Ron Paul’s Official 2008 Campaign Site
Ron Paul 2008 Daily Update
Ron Paul 2008 uTube
Ron Paul 2008 MySpace