3:29 - and still waiting for the Senate to start. There has been some minimum activity on the floor, but there is currently only one person in the chamber (an MSM photographer) and one in the gallery (a blogger.)
"Hurry up and wait" should have been the lead item on the Senate's agenda for the day...
Monday, July 06, 2009
Looks like some bipartisan movement is taking place
Update at 3:05 - Waiting for the Senate to reconvene.
According to a couple of Capitol regulars, the Governor was not part of the negotiations regarding the bills dropped today. I don't know what that portends for their "signability" in the event that they are passed, but the fact that the leadership of the two caucuses in the lege are actually speaking to each other is a good omen.
Well, it is at least until they *stop* talking to each other.
Yes, I'm getting more cynical by the minute... :)
End update...
There are some House budget bills already up on their website, sponsored and cosponsored by the leadership of both caucuses...
HB2001 - Ed approps
HB2002 - K-12 Budget reconciliation
HB2003 - Health and welfare, budget reconciliation
HB2004 - Legislative subsistence payments, exception
That last has to do with the lege's per diem payments.
Over in the Senate, similar bills, numbered SB1013 thru SB1016, have been dropped under the names of Bob Burns and Jorge Garcia, the leaders of the two caucuses.
Looks like that they are at least together on continuing resolution-style bills at least.
More later...
According to a couple of Capitol regulars, the Governor was not part of the negotiations regarding the bills dropped today. I don't know what that portends for their "signability" in the event that they are passed, but the fact that the leadership of the two caucuses in the lege are actually speaking to each other is a good omen.
Well, it is at least until they *stop* talking to each other.
Yes, I'm getting more cynical by the minute... :)
End update...
There are some House budget bills already up on their website, sponsored and cosponsored by the leadership of both caucuses...
HB2001 - Ed approps
HB2002 - K-12 Budget reconciliation
HB2003 - Health and welfare, budget reconciliation
HB2004 - Legislative subsistence payments, exception
That last has to do with the lege's per diem payments.
Over in the Senate, similar bills, numbered SB1013 thru SB1016, have been dropped under the names of Bob Burns and Jorge Garcia, the leaders of the two caucuses.
Looks like that they are at least together on continuing resolution-style bills at least.
More later...
Live blogging the start of the Special Session in the Senate
1:56 - Heading back to the Senate.
1:55 - Joint session ends. House expected to be back on the floor in an hour.
1:52 - Seel clarifies his position that the vetoes "increase taxes" and "increase spending" over what the lege passed. Isn't straying too far from his Kool-Aid IV (Hey - When Aboud and Tibshraeny called on the *lege* to refrain from name-calling, they didn't mention wiseass bloggers. :)) )
1:49 - The presentation from JLBC is here. That's easier than trying to regurgitate all of the details from the presenter. More here.
1:35 - start of presentation. most members not in the chamber.
1:23 - During the brief Senate session, Jay Tibshraeny and Paula Aboud both stood up to call on the lege and the governor to "work together" and refrain from "mudslinging" and "name-calling."
Given the number and volume of the side conversations on the Senate floor during their speeches, it might be best to keep low expectations in that regard.
1:20 - Over in the House now. Waiting for the joint session to start. The gallery is more than half full; security is visibly higher than normal. Still, they're just looking. So far, everyone is well-behaved, in the gallery and on the floor. The joint session will hear a presentation from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) on the effects of the Governor's veto of the lege's budget.
Considering the meaning of the "L" in "JLBC", is it cynical of me to think this is going to be nothing more than a joint *spin* session?
1:02 - No Burton Cahill, Waring, Gould, Miranda, Landrum Taylor, Cheuvront, Gorman...quorum present
12:58 - Word just came down that after a brief Senate session, they'll be going over to the House for a joint session.
12:55 - The Republican caucus has started trickling in - Paton, Melvin, Sylvia Allen, Steve Pierce...Tibshraeny just poked his head in up in the gallery...
Expectations are that they will have a quorum and after attendance is taken, recess into caucus meetings...
1:55 - Joint session ends. House expected to be back on the floor in an hour.
1:52 - Seel clarifies his position that the vetoes "increase taxes" and "increase spending" over what the lege passed. Isn't straying too far from his Kool-Aid IV (Hey - When Aboud and Tibshraeny called on the *lege* to refrain from name-calling, they didn't mention wiseass bloggers. :)) )
1:49 - The presentation from JLBC is here. That's easier than trying to regurgitate all of the details from the presenter. More here.
1:35 - start of presentation. most members not in the chamber.
1:23 - During the brief Senate session, Jay Tibshraeny and Paula Aboud both stood up to call on the lege and the governor to "work together" and refrain from "mudslinging" and "name-calling."
Given the number and volume of the side conversations on the Senate floor during their speeches, it might be best to keep low expectations in that regard.
1:20 - Over in the House now. Waiting for the joint session to start. The gallery is more than half full; security is visibly higher than normal. Still, they're just looking. So far, everyone is well-behaved, in the gallery and on the floor. The joint session will hear a presentation from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) on the effects of the Governor's veto of the lege's budget.
Considering the meaning of the "L" in "JLBC", is it cynical of me to think this is going to be nothing more than a joint *spin* session?
1:02 - No Burton Cahill, Waring, Gould, Miranda, Landrum Taylor, Cheuvront, Gorman...quorum present
12:58 - Word just came down that after a brief Senate session, they'll be going over to the House for a joint session.
12:55 - The Republican caucus has started trickling in - Paton, Melvin, Sylvia Allen, Steve Pierce...Tibshraeny just poked his head in up in the gallery...
Expectations are that they will have a quorum and after attendance is taken, recess into caucus meetings...
Special Session Update
A quick update before I head to the lege to watch the beginning of the session in person...
The AZ Republic is reporting that Senate President Bob Burns has cancelled his previously-planned trip to Germany in order to attend the special session of the legislature that was called by the Governor after her vetoes of most of the budget that the lege sent to her at the very beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1.
The AZ Republic is reporting that Senate President Bob Burns has cancelled his previously-planned trip to Germany in order to attend the special session of the legislature that was called by the Governor after her vetoes of most of the budget that the lege sent to her at the very beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
OK - I've got dibs on 48 and 24 in the quorum pool
On Monday, July 6, the Arizona Legislature is scheduled to hold a special session to work up a budget after the governor vetoed most of the one that they sent to her at the very last minute.
Actually, it was after the very last minute, but due to a localized time dilation phenomenon (known as shutting off the clocks at the lege)... :)
It's already known that at least one Republican, Senate President Bob Burns, had already made vacation plans (trip to Europe) and probably won't be there, and that one Democrat, Representative Ed Ableser, will be out of town on personal business (wedding and a honeymoon - yup. That's "personal" business. :)) Congrats Ed!). Others are sure to have made other plans for July because most lege types know better than to make any plans to be out of town from the beginning of January through the end of June.
Since we *are* into July, others are certain to have made plans and won't be able to attend the session. And at least a few who are able to attend may not do so, in a protest of one thing or another.
Still, under the law, legislators are required to attend duly noticed special sessions.
So, with all that as background, we should start the AZ blogosphere quorum pool (no money changing hands, just bragging rights.)
My predictions are that 48 members of the House and 24 members of the Senate will answer the call, for an absentee rate of 20%.
Of course, no matter how many attend, they are a long way from the 31 and 16 votes needed to pass a budget that the Governor will find signable*.
Especially if they insist on still not involving the Democrats (other than demanding their votes without, you know, actually *dealing* with the Democrats).
*And what she considers "signable" is pretty damn bad, so that should tell you how bad the lege's budget had to be for her to veto it.
Actually, it was after the very last minute, but due to a localized time dilation phenomenon (known as shutting off the clocks at the lege)... :)
It's already known that at least one Republican, Senate President Bob Burns, had already made vacation plans (trip to Europe) and probably won't be there, and that one Democrat, Representative Ed Ableser, will be out of town on personal business (wedding and a honeymoon - yup. That's "personal" business. :)) Congrats Ed!). Others are sure to have made other plans for July because most lege types know better than to make any plans to be out of town from the beginning of January through the end of June.
Since we *are* into July, others are certain to have made plans and won't be able to attend the session. And at least a few who are able to attend may not do so, in a protest of one thing or another.
Still, under the law, legislators are required to attend duly noticed special sessions.
So, with all that as background, we should start the AZ blogosphere quorum pool (no money changing hands, just bragging rights.)
My predictions are that 48 members of the House and 24 members of the Senate will answer the call, for an absentee rate of 20%.
Of course, no matter how many attend, they are a long way from the 31 and 16 votes needed to pass a budget that the Governor will find signable*.
Especially if they insist on still not involving the Democrats (other than demanding their votes without, you know, actually *dealing* with the Democrats).
*And what she considers "signable" is pretty damn bad, so that should tell you how bad the lege's budget had to be for her to veto it.
More 2010 campaign committees...
It's been a while, and there have been a number of committees formed since the last one of these...
- In LD4, former state senator Scott Bundgaard, Republican, has formed a committee to run for the senate seat currently held by term-limited Republican Jack Harper (filer ID 201000138). A Phoenix New Times' article from 1999 shows that if he wins the seat, Bundgaard probably won't exceed the low standard of professionalism in office set by Harper.
- In LD6, Steven Kaiser, Republican, has filed to run for State Representative (201000136). I'm not absolutely sure that this is his Facebook page, but if it is (this one is a fan of the AZ House GOP and the AZ Senate GOP), he's a winger.
He's also a fan of Glenn Beck.
According to this winger website (April 26, 2009 entry), he's also a Captain in the Army Reserves and works at a Target Corporation distribution center as an "executive." More likely, he's a manager of some kind; most large corporations don't assign "executives" to its warehouses. (The use of that term is probably the writer's responsibility, not Kaiser's.)
- In the AG's race, current LD6 state rep, Sam Crump, Republican, has opened an exploratory committee (201000134) to gauge support in a quest for the Republican nomination.
Not sure if this means that he thinks he can beat the field of possible Rep candidates, or if he thinks the field will open up as certain expected AG candidates (Horne, Thomas) mull runs for Governor instead.
- In LD27, Dustin Cox, Democrat, as filed for an exploratory committee to look at a run at a State Representative spot. This seems to be his Facebook page. Since this is southern AZ, Tedski will do a better job of covering the story when the time comes.
- In LD16, Robert Gular has filed for a run at the Republican nomination for state rep (201000131). Couldn't find out much about him in a Google search.
- In LD11, Rich Davis, Republican, is exploring a run at state rep (201000130). It's a crappy name for an internet search, but his campaign website is here, though it isn't really up and running yet.
- In the area of ballot measures, "Pennies for Prevention" has formed a committee (201000129). Not sure what they are about (I've got a phone call out to the contact number listed for the committee).
Since that contact number is for a doctor, I'm guessing (pending a call back with specific info) that it is related to a healthy lifestyles effort.
- In the area oflegalized bribery corporate campaign contributions, The GEO Group Inc. has formed a PAC (201000125) as of June 8. The GEO Group is a private prison company.
[start sarcasm] Geez, I wonder why there was some much support in the Republican caucus of the lege for selling off the state's prisons? [end sarcasm]
Later...
- In LD4, former state senator Scott Bundgaard, Republican, has formed a committee to run for the senate seat currently held by term-limited Republican Jack Harper (filer ID 201000138). A Phoenix New Times' article from 1999 shows that if he wins the seat, Bundgaard probably won't exceed the low standard of professionalism in office set by Harper.
- In LD6, Steven Kaiser, Republican, has filed to run for State Representative (201000136). I'm not absolutely sure that this is his Facebook page, but if it is (this one is a fan of the AZ House GOP and the AZ Senate GOP), he's a winger.
He's also a fan of Glenn Beck.
According to this winger website (April 26, 2009 entry), he's also a Captain in the Army Reserves and works at a Target Corporation distribution center as an "executive." More likely, he's a manager of some kind; most large corporations don't assign "executives" to its warehouses. (The use of that term is probably the writer's responsibility, not Kaiser's.)
- In the AG's race, current LD6 state rep, Sam Crump, Republican, has opened an exploratory committee (201000134) to gauge support in a quest for the Republican nomination.
Not sure if this means that he thinks he can beat the field of possible Rep candidates, or if he thinks the field will open up as certain expected AG candidates (Horne, Thomas) mull runs for Governor instead.
- In LD27, Dustin Cox, Democrat, as filed for an exploratory committee to look at a run at a State Representative spot. This seems to be his Facebook page. Since this is southern AZ, Tedski will do a better job of covering the story when the time comes.
- In LD16, Robert Gular has filed for a run at the Republican nomination for state rep (201000131). Couldn't find out much about him in a Google search.
- In LD11, Rich Davis, Republican, is exploring a run at state rep (201000130). It's a crappy name for an internet search, but his campaign website is here, though it isn't really up and running yet.
- In the area of ballot measures, "Pennies for Prevention" has formed a committee (201000129). Not sure what they are about (I've got a phone call out to the contact number listed for the committee).
Since that contact number is for a doctor, I'm guessing (pending a call back with specific info) that it is related to a healthy lifestyles effort.
- In the area of
[start sarcasm] Geez, I wonder why there was some much support in the Republican caucus of the lege for selling off the state's prisons? [end sarcasm]
Later...
The coming week...
As usual, all info gathered from the websites of the relevant political bodies/agencies, and subject to change without notice...
...Top billing this week goes to the Arizona Legislature, who are scheduled to gather in special session to address the continuing budget. The session is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. on Monday. More details in this story from AZCentral.com.
No budget bills (only vehicle bills that can be amended later into budget bills), floor calendars, or committee schedules have been posted as of 10:45 a.m. on Sunday.
...The U.S. House is back in session on Tuesday, and it has one thing in common with the AZ lege - most of its week will be consumed by budget work. Unlike AZ however, we're not past the start of the new fiscal year without a budget, so it's not all they will be working on.
Among the items on the agenda -
H.R. 1511, the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2009
H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009
H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
H.R. 2997, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010
H.R. 3081, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2010
Possible consideration of H.R. 3082, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010
The bills listed, whether actual appropriations measures or simply authorization bills, are all money bills, and will be subject to proposed amendments and earmarks (from both parties) and a likely attempt from Jeff Flake to bar earmarks.
H.Rs. 2965, 2997, 3081, and 3082 are expected to have hearings before the House Rules Committee this week, where amendment proposals will be made in order for floor consideration.
...The Arizona Corporation Commission has an open meeting scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. The agenda is a brief one, with two securities-related items, and two items related to linesitings (utilities.)
...This is a quiet period for goverment bodies in AZ - the Arizona Board of Regents, Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project, Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District, Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Tempe City Council, and Scottsdale City Council are not scheduled to meet this week.
In fact, the CAP Board and both City Councils are not scheduled at all in July. Neither is the Arizona Board of Regents, but one of their committees, the Capital Committee, is scheduled to meet next week.
...Top billing this week goes to the Arizona Legislature, who are scheduled to gather in special session to address the continuing budget. The session is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. on Monday. More details in this story from AZCentral.com.
No budget bills (only vehicle bills that can be amended later into budget bills), floor calendars, or committee schedules have been posted as of 10:45 a.m. on Sunday.
...The U.S. House is back in session on Tuesday, and it has one thing in common with the AZ lege - most of its week will be consumed by budget work. Unlike AZ however, we're not past the start of the new fiscal year without a budget, so it's not all they will be working on.
Among the items on the agenda -
H.R. 1511, the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2009
H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009
H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
H.R. 2997, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010
H.R. 3081, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2010
Possible consideration of H.R. 3082, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010
The bills listed, whether actual appropriations measures or simply authorization bills, are all money bills, and will be subject to proposed amendments and earmarks (from both parties) and a likely attempt from Jeff Flake to bar earmarks.
H.Rs. 2965, 2997, 3081, and 3082 are expected to have hearings before the House Rules Committee this week, where amendment proposals will be made in order for floor consideration.
...The Arizona Corporation Commission has an open meeting scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. The agenda is a brief one, with two securities-related items, and two items related to linesitings (utilities.)
...This is a quiet period for goverment bodies in AZ - the Arizona Board of Regents, Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project, Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District, Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Tempe City Council, and Scottsdale City Council are not scheduled to meet this week.
In fact, the CAP Board and both City Councils are not scheduled at all in July. Neither is the Arizona Board of Regents, but one of their committees, the Capital Committee, is scheduled to meet next week.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
If Palin wants to follow a "higher calling", she won't have to go far
...especially since Wasilla turned into the meth capital of Alaska during her tenure as mayor there...
From AP via Yahoo! News -
When I first saw the headline to this article, "Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' ", I thought that she was talking about entering a convent.
I see I was wrong.
While there is no such thing as a "liberal" nun - they aren't conservative enough for the likes of the GOP, what with their devotion to helping the poor, living a modest life, and so on.
Their vows include poverty (which no Republican can tolerate...for him or herself. For others, it's OK, though), obedience (well, I'm sure her husband Todd would just love that one), and chastity (OK, *that* one he'll have a serious problem with. She probably would, too.)
That last is also a problem in the 21st Century GOP of Ensign, Vitter, Sanford, Gingrich, and Foley.
Chastity is for others, not for them.
So, that seems to rule out entering a convent.
What else is left?
Oh yeah - challenging one of the Republican incumbent U.S. Senators from AK, running for President, or perhaps working as a paid speaker on the conservative rubber chicken/Kool Aid drinking circuit.
You know, maybe a trip to the convent would be best, both for her, and for America.
From AP via Yahoo! News -
Outgoing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on Saturday laid the groundwork to take on a larger, national role after leaving state government, citing a "higher calling" with the aim of uniting the country along conservative lines.
When I first saw the headline to this article, "Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' ", I thought that she was talking about entering a convent.
I see I was wrong.
While there is no such thing as a "liberal" nun - they aren't conservative enough for the likes of the GOP, what with their devotion to helping the poor, living a modest life, and so on.
Their vows include poverty (which no Republican can tolerate...for him or herself. For others, it's OK, though), obedience (well, I'm sure her husband Todd would just love that one), and chastity (OK, *that* one he'll have a serious problem with. She probably would, too.)
That last is also a problem in the 21st Century GOP of Ensign, Vitter, Sanford, Gingrich, and Foley.
Chastity is for others, not for them.
So, that seems to rule out entering a convent.
What else is left?
Oh yeah - challenging one of the Republican incumbent U.S. Senators from AK, running for President, or perhaps working as a paid speaker on the conservative rubber chicken/Kool Aid drinking circuit.
You know, maybe a trip to the convent would be best, both for her, and for America.
An Independence Day message from President Obama
From an email blast -
This weekend, our family will join millions of others in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let's also remember the remarkable story that led to this day.
Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, our nation was born when a courageous group of patriots pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the proposition that all of us were created equal.
Our country began as a unique experiment in liberty -- a bold, evolving quest to achieve a more perfect union. And in every generation, another courageous group of patriots has taken us one step closer to fully realizing the dream our founders enshrined on that great day.
Today, all Americans have a hard-fought birthright to a freedom which enables each of us, no matter our views or background, to help set our nation's course. America's greatness has always depended on her citizens embracing that freedom -- and fulfilling the duty that comes with it.
As free people, we must each take the challenges and opportunities that face this nation as our own. As long as some Americans still must struggle, none of us can be fully content. And as America comes ever closer to achieving the perfect Union our founders dreamed, that triumph -- that pride -- belongs to all of us.
So today is a day to reflect on our independence, and the sacrifice of our troops standing in harm's way to preserve and protect it. It is a day to celebrate all that America is. And today is a time to aspire toward all we can still become.
With very best wishes,
President Barack Obama
July 4th, 2009
P.S. -- Our nation's birthday is also an ideal time to consider serving in your local community. You can find many great ideas for service opportunities near you at http://www.serve.gov.
This weekend, our family will join millions of others in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let's also remember the remarkable story that led to this day.
Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, our nation was born when a courageous group of patriots pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the proposition that all of us were created equal.
Our country began as a unique experiment in liberty -- a bold, evolving quest to achieve a more perfect union. And in every generation, another courageous group of patriots has taken us one step closer to fully realizing the dream our founders enshrined on that great day.
Today, all Americans have a hard-fought birthright to a freedom which enables each of us, no matter our views or background, to help set our nation's course. America's greatness has always depended on her citizens embracing that freedom -- and fulfilling the duty that comes with it.
As free people, we must each take the challenges and opportunities that face this nation as our own. As long as some Americans still must struggle, none of us can be fully content. And as America comes ever closer to achieving the perfect Union our founders dreamed, that triumph -- that pride -- belongs to all of us.
So today is a day to reflect on our independence, and the sacrifice of our troops standing in harm's way to preserve and protect it. It is a day to celebrate all that America is. And today is a time to aspire toward all we can still become.
With very best wishes,
President Barack Obama
July 4th, 2009
P.S. -- Our nation's birthday is also an ideal time to consider serving in your local community. You can find many great ideas for service opportunities near you at http://www.serve.gov.
Happy 233rd America!
Pic and text courtesy the National Archives
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton
North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Massachusetts: John Hancock
Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett William Whipple
Massachusetts: Samuel Adams John Adams Robert Treat Paine Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins William Ellery
Connecticut: Roger Sherman Samuel Huntington William Williams Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire: Matthew Thornton
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton
North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Massachusetts: John Hancock
Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett William Whipple
Massachusetts: Samuel Adams John Adams Robert Treat Paine Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins William Ellery
Connecticut: Roger Sherman Samuel Huntington William Williams Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire: Matthew Thornton
Friday, July 03, 2009
Palin Quits
Wonder if her passport will show trips to Argentina?
From AP -
Ummm...yeah. Whatever you say, Governor.
Hey, at least the cover story isn't "hiking the Appalachian Trail" or somesuch BS.
Still, it will be fun waiting for the other shoe to drop. And yes, that is my way of saying that I fully expect that there is some sort of Palin scandal or crisis that is going to break, and break soon (meaning this summer).
BTW - Here's to hoping that she doesn't follow Ted Stevens' lead and move to AZ after she is out of office. We have more than our share of GOP whack-jobs of the homegrown variety; we don't need to import any more.
Edit on 7/4 to add:
BTW2 - Here's to hoping that she doesn't follow former Sen. Larry Craig's (R-Airport Restroom) lead and promise to resign and then renege on that promise.
She's raised the hopes of Americans in Alaska and across the country; we should all be wary of a move to dash those hopes.
From AP -
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin abruptly announced Friday she is resigning from office at the end of the month, a shocking move that rattled the Republican party but left open the possibility she would seek a run for the White House in 2012.
Palin, 45, and her staff kept her future plans shrouded in mystery, and it was unclear if the controversial hockey mom would quietly return to private life or begin laying the foundation for a presidential bid.
{snip}
"Many just accept that lame duck status, and they hit that road. They draw a paycheck. They kind of milk it. And I'm not going to put Alaskans through that," she said.
Ummm...yeah. Whatever you say, Governor.
Hey, at least the cover story isn't "hiking the Appalachian Trail" or somesuch BS.
Still, it will be fun waiting for the other shoe to drop. And yes, that is my way of saying that I fully expect that there is some sort of Palin scandal or crisis that is going to break, and break soon (meaning this summer).
BTW - Here's to hoping that she doesn't follow Ted Stevens' lead and move to AZ after she is out of office. We have more than our share of GOP whack-jobs of the homegrown variety; we don't need to import any more.
Edit on 7/4 to add:
BTW2 - Here's to hoping that she doesn't follow former Sen. Larry Craig's (R-Airport Restroom) lead and promise to resign and then renege on that promise.
She's raised the hopes of Americans in Alaska and across the country; we should all be wary of a move to dash those hopes.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
The Special Session of the lege is starting to take shape
It's early yet, but there are already some moves at the lege regarding the special session starting on Monday.
On the lege's website, there have already been 12 bills posted for the special session, SB1001 thru SB1012 (though only the text for SB1001 hase been posted so far). Right now, they're all vehicle bills, placeholder "technical correction" bills meant to be amended into whatever budget "compromise" is worked out between the Governor and the Republicans in the lege.
I say "Republicans" because there is no evidence as yet that she is willing to even meet with the Democratic caucus, much less actually negotiate with them.
No calendars, floor or committee, have been posted so far, but that will probably change by the end of the weekend.
In an interesting development, SB1001 was dropped under Jack Harper's name. It's interesting because he was *not* a major part of this week's last minute negotiations between the Governor and legislative leadership (at least, he was wandering around the Senate floor while Burns and the rest were with the Governor on Tuesday.)
Next week could be interesting...
On the lege's website, there have already been 12 bills posted for the special session, SB1001 thru SB1012 (though only the text for SB1001 hase been posted so far). Right now, they're all vehicle bills, placeholder "technical correction" bills meant to be amended into whatever budget "compromise" is worked out between the Governor and the Republicans in the lege.
I say "Republicans" because there is no evidence as yet that she is willing to even meet with the Democratic caucus, much less actually negotiate with them.
No calendars, floor or committee, have been posted so far, but that will probably change by the end of the weekend.
In an interesting development, SB1001 was dropped under Jack Harper's name. It's interesting because he was *not* a major part of this week's last minute negotiations between the Governor and legislative leadership (at least, he was wandering around the Senate floor while Burns and the rest were with the Governor on Tuesday.)
Next week could be interesting...
Some days, I really miss Emily Derose...
...and some of her brilliant press releases skewering the AZGOP and its various functionaries...
Emily (Bittner) Derose used to be the Communications Director for the Arizona Democratic Party. She has moved onward and upward, taking a similar position with the Democratic Governors Association.
One of the things that always impressed me was her ability to wield sarcasm like a scalpel. Most of us in the AZ blogosphere tend to pride ourselves on our snarkiness, but our skills in that regard are chainsaw-like compared to her deft touch.
I was reminded of that today when I received one of her press releases via email from PRNewswire -
Then I read it this afternoon, and had the best laugh I've had all week, though there was strong competition for that honor from the lobbyists doing the wave in the House gallery on Tuesday while we all waited for the lege to get to work.
Anyway, I hope Emily is doing well, and hope she is able to direct some of her jabs at the Republicans in the hunt for the AZ governor's job next year. There should be plenty of material for her to work with here in 2010.
Emily (Bittner) Derose used to be the Communications Director for the Arizona Democratic Party. She has moved onward and upward, taking a similar position with the Democratic Governors Association.
One of the things that always impressed me was her ability to wield sarcasm like a scalpel. Most of us in the AZ blogosphere tend to pride ourselves on our snarkiness, but our skills in that regard are chainsaw-like compared to her deft touch.
I was reminded of that today when I received one of her press releases via email from PRNewswire -
Celebrate the Fourth With Michele BachmannWhen I saw the subject line in my email this morning ("Celebrate the Fourth With Michele Bachmann"), I groaned and saved it for later. I figured it was legit, and might be worth a "state of the kookocracy" post at most.
This Fourth of July, celebrate our freedom with Michele Bachmann's unique brand of patriotism!
From the woman who said that President Obama may have "anti-American views" and that reporters should investigate which elected officials are "pro-America," comes news that she is considering a run for governor of Minnesota.
If Michele Bachmann knows anything, it's that out-dated ideas -- like helping the middle class -- are ruining this country. And in a year when hospitals are struggling, teachers are being laid off and road repairs are delayed, Bachmann's ideas are exactly what we need if we are going to truly protect our billionaires.
As Bachmann weighs her gubernatorial options, the Democratic Governors Association is helping Minnesotans remind their friends and family about how she would celebrate.
Visit DraftBachmann.com to send your very own Fourth of July e-card to your friends and family.
Then I read it this afternoon, and had the best laugh I've had all week, though there was strong competition for that honor from the lobbyists doing the wave in the House gallery on Tuesday while we all waited for the lege to get to work.
Anyway, I hope Emily is doing well, and hope she is able to direct some of her jabs at the Republicans in the hunt for the AZ governor's job next year. There should be plenty of material for her to work with here in 2010.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Decompressing...
Today was like being hungover, but without the (somewhat dubious) benefits of a night out drinking.
Tired, dehydrated, sore and more than a little disillusioned, today was a day spent recuperating from the last couple of days.
The first three conditions could be alleviated easily - get plenty of sleep, water, and don't spend all day hunched over, pecking away at my Dell laptop.
That last was tough though - how to relieve the disillusionment?
Well, I went shopping today and came upon the cure, or at least the palliative.
Picked up a DVD copy of Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.
Ahhhh...there's nothing like a bit of Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra when the old supply of wide-eyed idealism is running low. :)
...Anyway, some musings and notes from the last couple of days...
- In the giving credit where it's due department, after a fashion: Yesterday, I used the phrase "Political Katrina" to describe the goings-on. It came from a discussion I had with a state government employee who was in the gallery watching the proceedings to see if they'd have a job to go to in the morning. During our talk, this employee observed that much like with the federal government and FEMA and the Katrina debacle, everyone in the room could see the looming disaster and did absolutely nothing to prepare for it. The phrase came from the employee, who I'm not identifying by name, gender, or agency. Wouldn't want this person to get into trouble for speaking on a political issue.
However, to that person, I say thank you for a wonderfully succinct and apt phrase, one that Senator Meg Burton Cahill also thought was a perfect description of this mess. She used it during a floor speech last night while trying to protect Arizona from the worst depredations of the budget.
...The dynamics of next week's special session should be interesting - will Jan Brewer try to work with the Democratic caucus and the few moderate Rs in the lege to get something resembling "her" budget passed, or will she yield to the extremeists of her own party?
A lot depends on her plans for next year.
If she wants to run for a full term, she needs the wingers to get through a primary, but needs the support of moderates to win the general.
On the other hand, if she has decided, for health or aggravation reasons, to forego a run at a full term, she can just look to buttressing her legacy.
And "the accidental governor who sold out the state to ideological extremists" is *not* a great legacy.
Of course, the being Arizona, land of Ev Mecham, Fife Symington and worse, Brewer may think that's a fine way to be remembered in the history books.
Tired, dehydrated, sore and more than a little disillusioned, today was a day spent recuperating from the last couple of days.
The first three conditions could be alleviated easily - get plenty of sleep, water, and don't spend all day hunched over, pecking away at my Dell laptop.
That last was tough though - how to relieve the disillusionment?
Well, I went shopping today and came upon the cure, or at least the palliative.
Picked up a DVD copy of Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.
Ahhhh...there's nothing like a bit of Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra when the old supply of wide-eyed idealism is running low. :)
...Anyway, some musings and notes from the last couple of days...
- In the giving credit where it's due department, after a fashion: Yesterday, I used the phrase "Political Katrina" to describe the goings-on. It came from a discussion I had with a state government employee who was in the gallery watching the proceedings to see if they'd have a job to go to in the morning. During our talk, this employee observed that much like with the federal government and FEMA and the Katrina debacle, everyone in the room could see the looming disaster and did absolutely nothing to prepare for it. The phrase came from the employee, who I'm not identifying by name, gender, or agency. Wouldn't want this person to get into trouble for speaking on a political issue.
However, to that person, I say thank you for a wonderfully succinct and apt phrase, one that Senator Meg Burton Cahill also thought was a perfect description of this mess. She used it during a floor speech last night while trying to protect Arizona from the worst depredations of the budget.
...The dynamics of next week's special session should be interesting - will Jan Brewer try to work with the Democratic caucus and the few moderate Rs in the lege to get something resembling "her" budget passed, or will she yield to the extremeists of her own party?
A lot depends on her plans for next year.
If she wants to run for a full term, she needs the wingers to get through a primary, but needs the support of moderates to win the general.
On the other hand, if she has decided, for health or aggravation reasons, to forego a run at a full term, she can just look to buttressing her legacy.
And "the accidental governor who sold out the state to ideological extremists" is *not* a great legacy.
Of course, the being Arizona, land of Ev Mecham, Fife Symington and worse, Brewer may think that's a fine way to be remembered in the history books.
Democratic Party statement on the passing of former Congressman Jim McNulty
From an email -
Tedski at R-Cubed has a more personal remembrance here.
Arizona Democrats lost one of their great leaders yesterday, as Former Congressman Jim McNulty died at age 83.
McNulty will be remembered by Democrats as a tireless public servant who had a bright vision for Southern Arizona. Originally from Boston, the G.I. Bill brought Jim to Arizona to study at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Following graduation, Jim worked for a Bisbee law firm. He then served as a State Senator from 1969 - 1975, followed by representing Arizona's Fifth Congressional District from 1983 - 1985.
Jim was honored to serve in the halls of Congress. He wrote a book on the experience titled Running Uphil. Jim was active in the Democratic Party for years after leaving office, helping fellow Democrats win elected office.
Don Bivens, Chair of the Arizona Democratic Party remarked, "I admired Jim, he will be missed, he was a man of principles, and a wonderful leader for Arizona."
Tedski at R-Cubed has a more personal remembrance here.
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