Thursday, April 30, 2009
AZ Right to Life: Pro-abortion, Pro-euthanasia Sebelius confirmed as Secretary of Health & Human Services
The US Senate confirmed 65-31 Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius Tuesday as the new Secretary of the federal Health & Human Services Department (HHS), which oversees federal regulatory giants FDA & CDC. President Obama nominated the highly controversial pro-abortion governor on March 2nd of this year, drawing intense opposition from national and local pro-life organizations.
Arizona Right to Life president Jinny Perron said, "We are deeply saddened and shocked that the new HHS Secretary promotes the horrific procedure of dismemberment, poisoning and killing of our pre-born children--to the long-term detriment of their mothers and our nation."
Sebelius campaigned for Kansas governor using under-reported funds from the abortion industry, including the notorious late-term abortionist George Tiller who is currently facing disciplinary action from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts that could revoke his medical license.
"It is disconcerting to us that women support legal abortion when national and local statistics prove the majority of babies being aborted overall targets our girl babies and our minority brothers and sisters," said Perron.
In addition to her clearly pro-abortion views, Sen. John Kyl (R-AZ) said in the Senate Finance Committee hearing and Senate floor debate that he opposed the nomination of Sebelius on the grounds of her support for healthcare rationing, which would lead to euthanasia. "This should be a matter of concern for every American," he said.
Kyl said that Sebelius "made clear that the administration and [HHS] under her watch would be unwilling to support patient safeguards. [Sebelius] did not provide any assurance that [HHS], federal health care programs, or any new government entity... will not use [comparative effectiveness research] to ration or deny care."
Kyl warned, "We must not enable a panel of Washington bureaucrats to decide who is eligible for a particular treatment or when they can get it."
Please support our life-affirming efforts as we prepare to oppose the nomination of Dawn Johnson who, once confirmed, will also join in the advancement of this Administration's radical abortion agenda.
Any amount will help in the fight to protect innocent human life.
GOP legislative budget proposal doesn't involve raising taxes or heavily borrowing
AZGOP: It's time for the Arizona State Bar to stop playing games
We need fair and impartial jurists, and today I called upon the State Bar of Arizona to stop playing games with Arizona’s judicial selection system and submit a slate of nominees for the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments that actually have a chance of being confirmed by the state Senate. Constitutionally, the Governor is mandated to select one nominee from the list provided by the State Bar and forward the selection to the Senate for consideration. But the State Bar only forwarded one name to Governor Brewer for consideration, forcing the submission of an unacceptable nominee who stands little if any chance of being confirmed.
The people of Arizona expect more from their judicial selection system, and this cast of trial lawyers at the State Bar is making a mockery of the so-called merit selection and retention system. For years, the State Bar has promoted the names of the chosen, liberal few. They should be ashamed of themselves for failing in their constitutionally mandated duties.
According to the Arizona Nominating Commission, there are three judicial nominating commissions in Arizona -- the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments, the Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments and the Pima County Commission on Trial Court Appointments. Each commission has 16 members: 10 public members and 5 attorneys, plus the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court or a designated Supreme Court justice, who serves as a voting chairperson.
These Commission members are to be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Public members may not be judges or practicing attorneys. Attorney members must have practiced law in Arizona for five years and are recommended to the Governor by the State Bar of Arizona.
When Governor Brewer received the selection for the commission, she immediately wrote a letter to the State Bar requesting additional nominees. We all know that the State Bar had a willing partner in pushing a radical, liberal judicial agenda with Governor Napolitano. With Governor Brewer now occupying the 9th Floor, a balanced and impartial court system will hopefully be in order. But I’m not going to hold my breath. As the State Bar did the same thing to former Governor Symington. It is difficult to take the State Bar seriously when they are so obviously partisan in their selections to the judicial nominating committee.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Goldwater Institute develops plan to earn top-performing teachers 100k per year
We hear it over and over: teaching is one of the most important professions in the country. So why is it hard to attract the top college graduates to the classroom? The answer is simple: schools treat teachers like factory workers rather than professionals.
"We simply cannot draw more people into teaching without addressing the elephant in the room," says Matthew Ladner, Ph.D., vice president of research at the Goldwater Institute. "Teaching, as currently practiced, is an unattractive career to many people because it does not reward merit."
A report released today, "New Millennium Schools: Delivering Six-Figure Teacher Salaries in Return for Outstanding Student Learning Gains," shows how the system can be improved to give rock star teachers rock star pay without requiring more money from taxpayers.
Top teachers can be identified using value-added assessments, a method of evaluating teacher effectiveness by measuring what their students learn throughout the year. Once highly-performing teachers are identified, just compensation can begin.
Dr. Ladner and his co-authors, Dr. Gregory Stone and Dr. Mark Francis, propose a system of merit bonuses for teachers based on student gains in the classroom and for meeting school-wide goals set by administrators.
The report also outlines a way to further compensate the best of the best, called "master teachers." Once identified, master teachers would be given more students to teach. That means bigger classroom sizes. Since research demonstrates that teacher quality trumps the impact of class size, a master teacher could effectively take on more students and still have better results than other teachers.
The report proposes giving master teachers a bonus for each additional student they add to their classroom. The bonus would amount to two-thirds of the per-pupil funding that the school receives. Under this formula, for example, a master teacher in Arizona who taught 32 students instead of 20 could make $102,000. With the potential to make a six-figure salary, competition for teaching positions would increase greatly.
Read "New Millennium Schools" online, or to have a copy mailed to you, call (602) 462-5000.
The Goldwater Institute is a nonprofit public policy research and litigation organization whose work is made possible by the generosity of its supporters.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Public deserves answers from Stapley
...it’s increasingly clear that Stapley owes the public a detailed explanation about his ongoing financial ties to Conley Wolfswinkel, a convicted felon who managed to wriggle out of most of $3 billion in debts, penalties and interest assessed after his land empire collapsed nearly two decades ago.
Tribune writer Mark Flatten reported Sunday a pattern has emerged in that Stapley buys land from a Wolfswinkel-related business, which in turn pays Stapley a sizeable amount of the property’s value each year to keep the land available for that same company to buy back at a later time.
These buyback options put $1.8 million in Stapley’s pocket between August 2003 and July 2008, Flatten reported. That’s a substantial amount of money for Stapley, who reported to the IRS in 2006 that his adjusted gross income actually was a loss of nearly $50,000, according to a search warrant affidavit filed by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
These odd arrangements point to a serious entanglement between Stapley and a man who has amassed a second fortune while operating at the very edge of the law. Wolfswinkel avoids any direct ownership (at least on paper) in East Valley real estate because of his 1993 conviction on bank fraud charges and those multi-billion dollar judgments that eventually were settled for less than $22 million. Instead, Wolfswinkel serves as a “consultant” to a series of businesses owned by other family members.
Sheriff Arpaio defends latest raids, derides appointment efforts; poll shows he’s more popular than Obama in Arizona
A recent poll by Rasmussen Reports shows Arpaio remains popular among Arizona voters -- more popular than President Barack Obama.
Sixty-eight percent of state voters have a favorable view of Arpaio, compared with a 53 percent approval rating for Obama and 57 percent for new Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.
Forty-seven percent disapprove of Obama’s performance during his first months in office, compared with a 37 percent disapproval rate for Brewer and 26 percent for Arpaio.
CAP updates
On Tuesday, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in a case challenging Arizona's individual scholarship tax credit program. The court did not halt the scholarship tax credit program or strike it down, but instead sent the case back to federal trial court to determine whether in fact scholarship organizations are limiting scholarship awards in an unconstitutional way. The programs remain valid, so individuals and corporations can continue to donate to the scholarship tuition organizations that are providing scholarships to tens of thousands of students to attend the private schools of their parents' choosing.
Also this week, the Arizona Department of Revenue released its 2008 report showing school tuition organizations provided over 28,000 scholarships for students to attend the private schools chosen by their parents as the best school setting. Even using a very conservative estimate of the cost of public school education per student, this tax credit program results in savings of well over $120 million to the state (28,000 students times $6500 public school education cost per student equals $182 million. $182 million not spent on public school education for these students minus $54 million tax credit equals $128 million savings for state). CAP is working with our school choice allies to defend and protect all of the Arizona scholarship programs, including the grant program overturned by the Arizona Supreme Court last month.
You can read a Q&A document about the recent court decision prepared by the lead attorneys on the case, Institute for Justice and Alliance Defense Fund.
FDA Tramples on Parental Rights!
This week, the Federal Drug Administration ruled that 17 year-old girls can now receive Plan B "morning-after pills" at a local pharmacy without parental knowledge or a doctor's prescription. While the morning-after pill can act to prevent pregnancy, it can also act to abort an existing pregnancy by blocking implantation of a fertilized egg. Our government has decided that 17-year olds shouldn't vote, smoke, or buy alcohol, yet the FDA wants minor girls to make important medical decisions without any involvement from doctors or parents. Read more about this dangerous ruling on our blog.
Have You Heard the Buzz About Governor Huckabee?
Our office has been receiving calls every day from people excited to buy tickets for the CAP Family Dinner with Mike Huckabee. Plan now to join us on May 19th at the Camelback Inn for this special evening. Please make sure you purchase your tickets before they are gone!
Legislative Update
On Tuesday, the Students' Religious Liberties Act passed through Committee of the Whole debate in the House. "Rumors" abound that the state budget solution is close to being done, but everyone is cautious to put a timeline on when that will happen. Our CAP Policy team continues to encourage legislators to pass the budget so that pro-life and pro-family bills can be passed. To stay updated on these issues, as well as to read about Miss California, the Obama Administration, and other current events, visit our CAP blog.
Are You Ready to Pray?
While I hope that prayer is a daily part of your lives, the National Day of Prayer on May 7th is a great opportunity to join together with others to pray for our country and leaders. This year's theme is "Prayer...America's Hope." The future of our country and our freedoms are at stake, and there is no better time to join together in prayer. To learn more about Arizona's role in this important day, please visit the Arizona National Day of Prayer website.
Governor Brewer Convenes State Swine Flu Team
Phoenix – Governor Jan Brewer met late today with senior staff and cabinet officials to evaluate the State of Arizona’s enhanced monitoring of potential cases of Swine Flu, as well as to review preparedness plans in the event that cases are confirmed in Arizona.
“I convened a meeting this afternoon of my top cabinet officials involved with monitoring and coordinating our preparedness and response plans for any potential outbreak of Swine Flu in Arizona,” stated Brewer. “To date, no cases of Swine Flu have been identified in Arizona. However, the State Lab and local clinicians have enhanced their surveillance to identify any Arizona cases quickly and have reviewed plans for appropriate response if cases are identified in the future.”
Governor Brewer has received frequent situational briefings beginning last Friday and over the weekend regarding ongoing communications between state and federal public health experts and homeland security officials. In specific, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Homeland Security departments have provided continuous informational updates to the State of Arizona regarding federal travel advisories, international health expert updates, as well as efforts to disseminate 25% of the federal stockpile of antiviral drugs. Arizona has applied for and will receive additional stockpiles of antiviral medications from the federal government, adding to the State’s previously acquired stockpile. Per federal requirements, the stockpiles are restricted for treatment purposes of identified illnesses only.
This afternoon’s meeting included top officials from:
• Arizona Department of Health Services
• Arizona Department of Homeland Security
• Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs
• Arizona Department of Public Safety
• Arizona Department of Agriculture
• Arizona Department of Education
• Arizona Department of Transportation
• Arizona-Mexico Commission
The Arizona Department of Health Services has been in communication with healthcare providers, counties, tribes, medical associations, hospitals, and emergency departments with disease summary, infection control, treatment and testing recommendations.
According to the CDC, Swine Flu symptoms are similar to those of the common human influenza (flu) virus – fever, cough, sore throat, headache, etc.
“Arizona’s public health officials are prepared to respond should Swine Flu cases be discovered in Arizona, and will remain vigilant in monitoring for this illness. It is very important that citizens take basic, common sense precautions to avoid close contact with people who are ill,” said Governor Brewer. “Washing your hands often with soap and water or utilizing hand sanitizers is helpful in preventing the spread of these types of illnesses. If you experience flu symptoms, please stay in bed, get rest, and drink plenty of fluids. If you are concerned about your symptoms, see your doctor.”
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Jay Sekulow to Pro-Lifers: You're the new face of terrorism
Included in what the government has labeled ''rightwing extremists'' - groups they've defined as ''primarily hate-oriented'' - are pro-life supporters.
You've been labeled a domestic terrorist. A real ''danger'' to America.
Stand with us in sending a powerful message to the Department of Homeland Security:
It's time to target the REAL terrorists - and REMOVE the pro-life community from this warning. Add your name now to the ACLJ's DEMAND FOR RETRACTION to Homeland Security.
This characterization is not only offensive to millions of Americans who hold constitutionally-protected views opposing abortion - but it also raises serious concerns about the political agenda of an agency with a mandate to protect America.
Engage this issue NOW by signing our online Demand for Retraction and protecting your First Amendment rights. Then, alert your friends and family to this important nationwide campaign by using our website's forward-to-friend tool.
Follow this critical issue on Twitter - www.twitter.com/jordansekulow - or on the ACLJ's Cause on Facebook. If you are under 40, I also invite you to visit www.BeHeardProject.com, the Be Heard Project Cause on Facebook, and www.twitter.com/beheardproject to make your voice heard.
Goldwater Institute: Unions' actions on charter schools contrast with rhetoric
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Goldwater Institute: Tax hike now will not mean tax cut later
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CAP: Huckabee Dinner Individual Tickets are Now Available
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Goldwater Institute: Where exactly does the Second Amendment apply?
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AZ Right to Life: Town of Gilbert Boasts Trio of Pro-life candidates
ARIZONA RIGHT TO LIFE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE |
Goldwater Institute: Respect the constitution, ignore the ivory tower
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Leadership Institute's Campaign School, Scottsdale AZ, May 10
Campaign School, Level 1
Civic Center Library Auditorium
3839 N Drinkwater Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Saturday, May 30th, 2009 10:00AM – 5:30PM
Register Today:
Campaign School, Level 1
Grassroots are the backbone of a successful campaign or political organization. Effective grassroots strategy captures the minds and passions of individual voters. It organizes the voters, creating momentum.
Candidates and organizations that create and control this energy win!
You will learn:
· Campaign Structure and Organization
· Voter ID & Targeting
· Recruiting and Motivating Volunteers
· How to Develop a Persuasive Message
· Recruiting and Motivating Volunteers
· Fundraising – Finance Plan & Budget
· Online Networking and Campaigning
· GOTV – Get Out The Vote
Dr. Alan Keyes says, Obama will stage Terror Attacks and declare Martial Law
This is my exclusive interview with Dr, Alan Keyes last Fri., I found very awakening and so clear that the NWO isn't playing by the rules and if they think they can get away with it, then they will have taken over before there is anything we can do about it.
Laugh all you want but Dr. Alan Keyes, says, the foriegn troops will be enough soon enough.
What makes you think we will make it to 2012, what makes you think will will even have another election in 2010?
Dr. Alan Keyes also defines the Militia and was also describing how these tea partys are for the Militia's time to Stand Up!!!
"Operation Blackjack" was what I first thought and is that this is some sort of viral marketing stunt. I cant really imagine what the product might be. At best, there cant be more than a couple of thousand people paying attention to it. But then after my Interview with Dr. Alan Keyes stating 'Obama will stop at nothing to create mulitple Terror Attacks and declare Martial Law in America'
Goldwater Institute: John Stossel in Phoenix May 16
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sheriff's Office responds to Clint Bolick regarding warrants
Here are some excerpts -
In the last two years, Maricopa County sheriff's deputies served over 30,000 warrants, of which more than 17,000 were felony warrants.
When the vast majority of warrants belong to Valley police departments and result from their investigations, which do not involve the Sheriff's Office, and when only about 1,500 felony warrants in the repository belong to the Sheriff's Office, it is clear that deputies are busy serving more than our share of warrants.
It is also clear that our deputies and officers are busy helping other agencies serve warrants. Sheriff Joe Arpaio orders regular warrant roundups and enlists citizens' help via the Techno Cop Web-based warrants program. Additionally, he provides manpower, equipment and intelligence assistance to local, state and federal law-enforcement warrant operations.
Former Gov. Janet Napolitano, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox and other elected officials began using this topic in attempts to direct the sheriff away from arresting illegal immigrants who violate the law.
Read the full article
MCAO: Valley’s Auto Theft Ranking Plummets - Two-Pronged Fight against Crime, Illegal Immigration Putting the Brakes on Auto Thieves
Sanctity of Life upcoming events
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: A Holy Hour dedicated to making reparation for
transgressions against human life: Sunday, April 19, 2009 is DIVINE MERCY
SUNDAY, when the world must really pause to implore the Father of Mercy to
not only overlook the sins of the world, but to pour out His grace in
abundance to convert souls and to extend His Kingdom of love. We will set
the pattern with a celebration of solemn Vespers, Chaplet of Divine Mercy,
and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 3 pm, Sunday, April 19th.
Please join us at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix,
OR: at OLPH Church, Scottsdale, starting at 2:30 pm, with adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament, Praises/Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Benediction and
blessings of images, and honoring and venerating a first class relic of St.
Faustina. Reception to follow.
THE 3RD ANNUAL WESTERN REGIONAL PRO-LIFE CONFERENCE FOR STUDENTS FOR LIFE OF
AMERICA will be April 25th, at Arizona State University's Tempe Campus in
the Memorial Union Stage (MU 085.) This event will feature nationally
renowned speakers and activists in a series of seminars, lectures, and
workshops designed to equip pro-lifers to save lives and transform our
culture; and it is the only event of its kind in Arizona specifically
designed to help high-school and college students to make a difference in
the pro-life movement.
Included are:
PHILL KLINE - the former Attorney General of the State of Kansas and served
from 2002-2006. The story of his perseverance and courage will lift up the
heart of every person who hears him speak BECKY BRINDLE - programs
coordinator for Students for Life of America.
JOHN JAKUBCZYK - active in the pro-life movement since 1975.
Student admission is only $15, and all admissions include lunch and a
conference guide book. Visit www.arizonastudentsforlife.org, or call
602-614-6037 for details and registration. There is a limited number of
free tickets available to students, courtesy of Arizona Students for Life.
Please RSVP ASAP to claim your free spot! RSVP to Chris White at
chris@arizonastudentsforlife.org or 602-614-6037.
CRADLE WEEKEND: In May, the child whom you spiritually adopted to preserve
from abortion, will be born! On May 2nd and 3rd, we will celebrate your
child's birthday with Cradle Weekend at OLPH church.
Please bring a gift to help pregnant women in need: new or used baby or
maternity items; diapers, large sizes; or monetary gifts to provide
pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. Your gifts will benefit Life Choices
Women's Clinics (a pregnancy crisis center).
Goldwater Institute: The Tax Man Cometh
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Goldwater Institute: Sanctuary cities--or scofflaws?
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AZ GOP Lawyer Luncheon: May 7
Leadership Institute to offer training to grassroots conservatives in Arizona on Twitter & the new media
You asked, we responded. The Leadership Institute’s next campaign school for grassroots conservatives in Arizona will be Saturday, May 30, and will include training on the new media, including Twitter, blogs, facebook, youtube, and social networking sites. Click hereto register.
Campaign School, Level 1 (1 Day)
May 30 , 10:00 AM
Civic Center Library Auditorium 3839 N Drinkwater Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Map
School Manager: Patricia Simpson
The Campaign School Level One gives campaign staff and activists the knowledge and tools they need to play a major role in any organized political effort. Incorporating state-of-the-art methods and technologies, the Campaign School provides you with the most up-to-date ways to organize, mobilize and deliver your supporters to the polls.
Ideal attendees for the Campaign School are conservative elected or party officials, current or future candidates for political office, campaign managers, campaign volunteers, and supporters.
Lectures given in the one day school are:
• Campaign Structure and Organization
• Voter ID and Targeting
• Developing a Persuasive Message
• Recruiting and Motivating Volunteers
• Online Networking and eCampaign
• Fundraising-Finance Plan and Budget
• Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV)