If you listen to the radio you may have heard about the 'Non-Binding Resolution' on Iraq. Congress is debating a bill that 'disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.'
I encourage you to read the full text of the bill, found here : http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s110-574
It is really short, quite readable.
In short, what this bill does is..... nothing. Really. No action or legal ramification is associated with this bill. All it does it what you just read. Disapproves of the sending of troops. If you were a Soldier in Iraq, or if you knew someone there, how would you like to hear that all of Congress was opposed to sending you backup?
Personally, I think the war is taking too long. But if we're going to do something, DO SOMETHING. Send them backup and finish the job. Bring them home and let the Iraqis sort it out. But leave them there, and tell them that you think they shouldn't get any reinforcements? I think it is deplorable.
Let your Senator and Representative know what you think they should vote on this bill.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-574
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Assault Weapons Ban
From govtrack.us : This bill is in the first step in the legislative process. Introduced bills go first to committees that deliberate, investigate, and revise bills before they go to general debate. The majority of bills never make it out of committee.
While this is still in the committee phase, it is another bill aimed at banning 'assault weapons'. Personally, I find it absurd. The phrase 'Shall not be infringed' seems fairly clear to me, but other people don't see it that way.
If this does make it to the General Debate, we should definitely contact our representatives. If you call or write to any senators or congressman and encourage them to oppose "H.R. 1022: To reauthorize the assault weapons ban, and for other purposes", let them know that you think they should oppose it if it comes to the floor.
Let our government know that this ISN'T how we want ourselves to be legislated. If we talk, they will listen.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-1022
While this is still in the committee phase, it is another bill aimed at banning 'assault weapons'. Personally, I find it absurd. The phrase 'Shall not be infringed' seems fairly clear to me, but other people don't see it that way.
If this does make it to the General Debate, we should definitely contact our representatives. If you call or write to any senators or congressman and encourage them to oppose "H.R. 1022: To reauthorize the assault weapons ban, and for other purposes", let them know that you think they should oppose it if it comes to the floor.
Let our government know that this ISN'T how we want ourselves to be legislated. If we talk, they will listen.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-1022
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Border Patrol
I don't know how many of you know this, but there has been news on the case of two border guards for some time now. The story has been out on the radio, because they recently started serving their sentences.
Much of the news you hear about these two border patrol agents is inaccurate or hype. Many people are calling for the pardon of these two officers, claiming that 'they were doing their job' and the illegal drug smuggler goes free. I personally was under the impression that this was a massive failure on the part of the Justice System to protect those who protect us.
However, after looking up what actually happened, I can no longer call for their pardon. I have had LE training, and I know the Rules of Engagement as they relate to firearms. I also know how to properly report an incident. These rules were not followed in this case by the two officers.
-----
It started as a 'standard' pursuit in Fabens, Texas. Border patrol agents pulled over a van that, having only moments before entered the US, was suddenly attempting to return to Mexico. The driver got out and raised his hands, which were empty.
Testimonies of the officers that were present differ at this point.
In the end, one officer fired 14 shots at the suspect, while another fired one shot, hitting the suspect in the buttocks. The suspect was not armed, and, from what attorneys gathered, never made hostile actions towards the border patrol. After the suspect fled, the officer that fired 14 shots picked up his spent brass (shell casings), and enlisted the help of a more junior officer to assist him. They discarded the shell casings into a nearby canal. This is a blatant violation of the standard operating procedures. Also, the shooting was not reported to their superiors, as is required.
Regardless of whether the shots fired were lawful, the actions of the officers following the incident were unacceptable. Who would deliberately disturb an investigation scene except those who have something to hide?
I started this post thinking to call for justice. I was under the impression that these modern martyrs should be pardoned. However, after reviewing the facts as they are made available, I believe justice is being done. While I pray that the two officers are not harmed in prison, I believe that their time there is no misdeed. While I feel for their families, those who enforce justice must not violate the laws they uphold.
-detailed account-
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Feb16/0,4670,BattleontheBorder,00.html
-current summary-
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,244193,00.html
Much of the news you hear about these two border patrol agents is inaccurate or hype. Many people are calling for the pardon of these two officers, claiming that 'they were doing their job' and the illegal drug smuggler goes free. I personally was under the impression that this was a massive failure on the part of the Justice System to protect those who protect us.
However, after looking up what actually happened, I can no longer call for their pardon. I have had LE training, and I know the Rules of Engagement as they relate to firearms. I also know how to properly report an incident. These rules were not followed in this case by the two officers.
-----
It started as a 'standard' pursuit in Fabens, Texas. Border patrol agents pulled over a van that, having only moments before entered the US, was suddenly attempting to return to Mexico. The driver got out and raised his hands, which were empty.
Testimonies of the officers that were present differ at this point.
In the end, one officer fired 14 shots at the suspect, while another fired one shot, hitting the suspect in the buttocks. The suspect was not armed, and, from what attorneys gathered, never made hostile actions towards the border patrol. After the suspect fled, the officer that fired 14 shots picked up his spent brass (shell casings), and enlisted the help of a more junior officer to assist him. They discarded the shell casings into a nearby canal. This is a blatant violation of the standard operating procedures. Also, the shooting was not reported to their superiors, as is required.
Regardless of whether the shots fired were lawful, the actions of the officers following the incident were unacceptable. Who would deliberately disturb an investigation scene except those who have something to hide?
I started this post thinking to call for justice. I was under the impression that these modern martyrs should be pardoned. However, after reviewing the facts as they are made available, I believe justice is being done. While I pray that the two officers are not harmed in prison, I believe that their time there is no misdeed. While I feel for their families, those who enforce justice must not violate the laws they uphold.
-detailed account-
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Feb16/0,4670,BattleontheBorder,00.html
-current summary-
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,244193,00.html
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Why this blog?
I have always wanted to have some involvement with the representative system, and I have contacted my representatives before, but I wanted to do something more.
I recently got the idea to start a blog that would provide individuals with an easy way to contact their representatives. I'll post things that I think our Congressman and Senators should hear, and I'll also post contact info for them. No looking for addresses or phone numbers, no feeling 'out of the loop', just down to earth info (from my point of view).
I recently got the idea to start a blog that would provide individuals with an easy way to contact their representatives. I'll post things that I think our Congressman and Senators should hear, and I'll also post contact info for them. No looking for addresses or phone numbers, no feeling 'out of the loop', just down to earth info (from my point of view).
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