The Party of No? It should be the Party of No Freakin Way!

The political games the Republican Party plays make me queasy.  The ship sways to the right, “We are conservative!” they shout.  The ship sways to the left as the candidates and elected officials vote.  Back and forth.  Back and forth.  All the while, the grassroots are vomiting over the side. 

Didn’t we dump tea in the water and dress up in costumes very recently?  Did we not carry signs, sign petitions, and call your offices incessantly?  Have you forgotten us already?  Perhaps we should vomit on your shoes instead of politely overboard.  You might notice us then. 

So what has me sick today that I am publishing this rant?  William Flores.  He plopped down his filing fee to run for Congressman in my District, CD17… As a Republican.  Big deal.  Add him to the list, right?  Just another Republican.  Sure, except that he voted in the Democratic Primary in 2008 (according to claims made by Timothy Delasandro).  Not 20 years ago when he was young and naive.  No, last year.  The 2008 primary, when we still had several choices.  Months before we were saddled with John McCain. 

So here’s where I get really nauseated.  Most Republican groups won’t get involved in the primaries (besides secretly excluding candidates that are actually conservative or, God-forbid, libertarian-leaning).  They won’t say a word when someone who voted for Barak or Hilary claims to be your Republican savior.  Oh, but wait, The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) picked Flores.  So they don’t mind inserting themselves into our primary, even though they aren’t from CD17.  Where are our County Chairs?  They have access to Voter Vault.  Why don’t they speak up?  I hope this is on the agenda of the next meeting of each Republican group across CD17.  I know I’ll be bringing it up at Brazos County Young Republicans next meeting.  I hope our County Chairs speak up.  Republican Women.  College Republicans.  Republican Club.  SREC.   Pachyderms.  Raging Elephants.  Republican Liberty Caucus.  Young Republicans.  We need to discuss this, at  a bare minimum.  Political Parties are known for ignoring the obvious until they are forced to deal with it.  Let’s deal with this now.  It’s time that it means something to be a Republican. 

I realize the idea is to let all the Republican candidates duke it out in attack ads and debates.  For the most part, that makes perfect sense.  The Primary is when Republicans have choices, hopefully.  The leadership shouldn’t try to force its will on the people.  However, when it comes to obvious things like voting in the Democratic Primary in the last election, it’s time for our leadership to stand up.  People have different ideas of what it means to be a Republican.  I think most of us can agree that voting in the last Democratic Primary doesn’t fall into the Republican category.  If Flores wants to run against Chet, he should do so in the Democratic Primary, where he voted most recently. 

The idea of the Big Tent doesn’t mean that our candidates do not adhere to some sort of political philosophy.  It means that we welcome anyone who subscribes to the idea of limited government.  Perhaps Flores is seeing the light, and moving towards limited government principles; however, 2008 was a little too recent for this gal.

Hopefully I’m wrong about Mr. Flores.  I really hope I am.

College Station City Council is Out of Touch

I’ll clarify something quickly.  Kay-Marie Lyles is the best person on the CS City Council.  She happens to be the only woman, but that’s not why she’s the best.  She actually thinks through issues and doesn’t take on the attitude of “the nanny state knows best.”  She truly has a servant’s heart.  I don’t agree with some of her votes, but at least she’s thinking it through.  She seeks outside input and advise.  She listens to the public.  She’s polite.

The six men on the city council have no clue what life in College Station should be.  I’m sure in some alternate universe, they are lovely gentlemen and great neighbors.  Personally, I don’t like anyone who desires to run every aspect of my life.  Here’s a few of their recent accomplishments:

• Surveillance Cameras at Northgate – didn’t  prevent any crimes, but hey, they can watch the young guys and gals get drunk
• Tree Ordinance – dictates how fat your trees must be if you build a house.  Don’t like trees?  Deal with it.  On a wooded lot?  Too bad, add more.  Tiny saplings will save the planet.  Al Gore says so.  Besides, they think baby trees are pretty and you should too.
• Red Light Camera Lawsuit-the most recent crowning achievement of this council.  Not only did they get sued, they declared the election that they approved (meaning it was legal according to the city charter) illegal.  Does the council have the power to declare a past election illegal?  They just decided they have it.  Does it scare you when government grants itself power not given to it?  It should.  Think about the bad governments throughout history.

I could continue, but I’ll spare you the pain.  I’ll publish more later.  Small doses are more tolerable. 

We have a little oligarchy here in College Station.  This elite group thinks they know how best to live your life.  Don’t smoke in the bars because that poor bartender never expected to be exposed to second-hand smoke.   And let’s turn the streets in to giant sidewalks.  That will help businesses grow and create jobs.

There are rumblings of recall.  I’m glad to hear them.  I think they will only get louder, and I look forward to watching these six in the next several months.  They won’t worry about recalls.  They seem to believe that Texans like people telling them what to do on their private property and how to live their lives.

Common Sense for Uncommon Times

Main.

_If there’s ever been a time for common sense, it’s now. Yet it seems like those in Washington have thrown out rational thinking in exchange for liberal ideology and reckless spending. In spite of public criticism and calls for fiscal responsibility, our elected officials continue ignoring us. It’s impossible to effectively represent our district when you’re unwilling to listen to your constituents. We deserve better. We demand a Representative who will represent our districts’ conservative values.

  The most valuable contribution you can make in this election is not money… It’s your vote.  Second is your voice… and I intend to earn the first by listening to the second.  Your voice matters and I want to hear from you. YourVoice@EricFinleyforCongress.com is set up specifically for your input, ideas and thoughts regarding the current  issues facing our nation.  I’m looking forward to receiving your questions and will answer each promptly.

  So that we all know where our district stands on the key issues, I’m conducting weekly text message polls.   It takes less than 1 minute to sign up and requires no personal information.  Simply text “GovImp Finley” to 368266 and follow the instructions. Your phone number will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used for our weekly poll.  I’m encouraging everyone to sign up… Republican, Democrat, Independent, no matter who you’re supporting. The larger the participation, the better we’ll all be able to represent District 17.

 

To find out where I’ll be speaking next, check the calendar or send an email to Info@EricFinleyforCongress.com

Eric Finley for CD17

http://www.ericfinleyforcongress.com/

I have known Eric Finley fo most of my life.  He is an honest, trustworthy, and sensible man.

Please explore him on the issues.  You’ll discover he’s the best primary candidate!

http://www.ericfinleyforcongress.com/

Meet Bella Liberta

Bella Liberta: Beautiful Liberty.

My real name is Bekah.  I live in the beautiful city of College Station, TX.  I’m wife to John, the most amazing guy in the world!  I have two precious children, Blondie and The Quiet One.

I’m an activist.  I love working as a campaign volunteer.  I’m a boots-on-the ground kind of gal.  I remember telling someone I was into politics.  She said, “Me too!  I’m always yelling at the TV while I watch Fox News.”  That’s not quite what I meant, though  I have been known to get into passionate debates or rant on and on to whomever will listen.  But I prefer action.

EDIT: I’m not really spending much time anymore as a campaign volunteer or campaign staff.  Right now, I’m focusing on my family more.  It’s where I need to be right now.  I can change the world through my children, and the circle of people around me.

Tidbits about me and my philosophy of life:

You only live once.  Don’t look back and regret it.  I’ll try most anything (legal anything, that is) at least once.  Ok, so I’m not so good about new foods…as someone pointed out once.  I have a sensitive stomach and an active imagination.

I’m right-brained.  I’m creative, disorganized, and care more about people than getting through my To-Do List.  In my house, you may not have matching socks, but you know you are loved!   I tend to be disorganized on the unimportant things and am usually content with it. I sometimes procrastinate and am at peace with that as well. I like spontaneity and a little craziness, but freak out over uncontrollable changes. I’m still human! I tend to act before I think, do things before the rational side talks me out of it. Heights terrify me, but I’ve done a ropes course, a zip line, and a sky coaster (like bungee jumping, but you swing while horizontal). I cried (from fear) doing all of those things, but I’d do any of them again in a heartbeat. Nothing should stop you from a great experience, especially fear.

I am emotional, sometimes intensely. I cry easily, love easily, and trust easily. I get my heart broken, but it’s always ok in the end.   I’ve learned that I could build walls around myself for protection, or I could trust and love. Walls protect, but they prevent. I’d rather experience a little pain and hurt just so I don’t miss out on all the wonderful experiences and relationships in life. I am an affectionate person.  I believe that we must live and love by example.

When need, I activate more of the left side of my brain.  I can organize and mobilize.  It’s important to get the job done right, the first time.  I don’t like to fail, and will work tirelessly for success.  Fulfilling commitments reflects directly on me, so deadlines and keeping my word are essential.  People matter.  Timeliness and attention to detail communicate that I care about others’ needs and schedules.  I like to win, but it isn’t everything.  I value integrity far more than a win.  In the end, I’d rather lose and still have my soul.  The true winners are those who stand by their principles no matter the cost.

I gather most of my news from the internet. I get frustrated because there is too much information. I can’t seem to become an expert on anything because there is so much to learn and do. I enjoy chatting online; I love being connected to people. I do have a shy side, so I’m less chatty in person until I know the person well.

Beauty is important.  God created an amazing universe.  We should enjoy it.  But if you chose not to enjoy it or to plow down all your pretty trees, that’s your business (just don’t touch mine!).  People are beautiful, inside and out.  I try to find the beauty in everyone.  Find your inner beauty and fall in love with it!  It’s what makes you amazing to others!

I’m a summer baby!  I love the sunshine and warm weather.  I like to nap on the beach (or dream of napping on the beach).  Cold weather bites!  I can do without it any day.  I don’t like winter clothes or layers or big coats.  Gloves make me feel claustrophobic.  I guess I’m a free spirit to the core!

Oh, and don’t fret about these pictures.  They were taken years and many pounds ago.  Really, who wants to see my fab flab on the internet??  We’ll stick with the cute ones.  Gotta LOVE the internet for creating image!

DailyTech – Concerned About Privacy? You’re Probably up to no Good, Says Google CEO

DailyTech – Concerned About Privacy? You’re Probably up to no Good, Says Google CEO.

Remarks anger many who are concerned with Google’s ever expanding influence

Google is stockpiling a wealth of user data.  With its search engine, its advertising services, its applications, its new free DNS service, and more, the company has an incredible perspective on exactly what users are looking at.  Many fear that Google could abuse this information or allow it to be abused, either for profit or to prosecute citizens who aren’t necessarily guilty. In short, fears that “Big Brother is watching you” have been replace with fears that “Google is watching you”.

Google’s recently responded to such doubts, blasting those that would harbor them.  Google CEO Eric Schmidt commented to CNBC, “If you have something that you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place.”

He also admitted that Google does sometimes release its users’ private data, stating, “If you really need that kind of privacy, the reality is that search engines – including Google – do retain this information for some time and it’s important, for example, that we are all subject in the United States to the Patriot Act and it is possible that all that information could be made available to the authorities.”

Taken by itself, this comment seems pretty reasonable.  Yahoo’s Law Enforcement guide offers similar comments, indicating that law enforcement officials must ask within 45 days and come bearing a 2703(d) order to access users’ instant messenger logs.  However, there is an expedited process if there’s “imminent danger of death or serious physical injury.”

The more troublesome comment is Mr. Schmidt’s indictment of those who wish privacy.  One must also consider Mr. Schmidt’s own demands for personal privacy.  Mr. Schmidt banned CNET, one of the top tech news sites on the web, from Google for an entire year for publishing information about the CEO, including his salary; his neighborhood, some of his hobbies and political donations.  Where did CNET find this info?  From none other than Google itself.

In total, the comments paint what is perhaps an alarming picture, when you consider that even large companies have been subject to hacks, data leaks, and subpoenas.  While some may indeed want to cover up their “evil” actions, others may seek privacy to hide persecution at work over medical conditions, or to protect their business from competitors who could seek to use inside info to gain an unfair advantage.  In short, while Mr. Schmidt may consider privacy a luxury a privacy that citizens don’t need, it’s essential to many.

The CNBC‘s Maria Bartiromo, who has interviewed Mr. Schmidt before in the past, asks tough but fair questions, like “People are treating Google like their most trusted friend. Should they be?”

Mr. Schmidt’s responses indicate a clear disregard for consumer privacy.  At the same time his company has fought deals like the Microsoft-Yahoo partnership complaining that they provide an unfair competitive advantage and possibly endanger consumers’ privacy.  And he has fought equally hard to protect his own privacy.

A clip of the interview can be viewed at Gawker.

Purging American Traffic Solutions from CSTX

http://www.civilviolation.com/?p=694.

My goal is to see this happen around the State of Texas.  The red light camera interest should know that the State of Texas is full of people that long to be free.  Enforcement without due process is not something that will stand in Texas.    We will watch the court proceedings closely, but I believe that once the red light camera interest force the city to pay for the cost of election, some where between 70,000 and 80,000 they will all move on to oppress other people and other cities.

The End

The End Close Up

Give up the limo? C’est impossible!

Give up the limo? C’est impossible!

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Experience

Does Networking Matter?

Networking is not my thing.  I’ve never seen much point in it…until recently.  I’ve always reserved networking for other people.  People who are important.  People who are name droppers.  I am neither, so why bother?  A few months ago, networking just happened to me, and I realized it’s usefulness. 

I was Facebook friends with a gal I’d met through the Ron Paul Campaign.  She was trying to start her own photography business and I needed pictures.  Perfect!  She came out to College Station and we had a photo shoot.  In course of our conversations, she invited me and another person to assist her on a photo shoot in Las Vegas.  How fun!  I was sold.  In Vegas, I met the women who would form LOLA - the Ladies of Liberty Alliance,  volunteered at the Campaign for Liberty booth, and heard some great speakers.  Of course, we had a little fun.  It’s Vegas, baby!  I returned home with new Facebook friends and a few extra friends in my Mafia Wars mafia.  End of story, right?  Not at all!  A few months later, I was asked to help with a Campaign for Liberty project.  Because I was special or had some amazing notoriety, right?  (This is where you laugh hysterically.)  Nope.  They had met me in Vegas and needed someone from Texas.  An opportunity dropped in my lap because I networked without even realizing it.

Lately, a team of us have been working to end Photo Enforcement in College Station, TX.  Red Light Cameras, you mean?  That’s what photo enforcement looks like today in College Station, but we wanted to keep out all future types of photo enforcement.  Talk about needing a network!  Bloggers, press contacts, elected officials, lawyers, graphic artists, and  boots-on-the-ground folks.  

If you’re shy about networking, get over it!  Print up some business cards so people can contact you.  You never know when you’re knowledge or experience could help a fellow activist.  Networking doesn’t mean you’re arrogant or self-absorbed.  You don’t have to drop all the names of the important people you’ve met.  But knowing them may come in handy one day!