The bike lane fraud of 2013-2015
Driving along Cave Creek Road between Spur Cross and School House Road I counted the number of TREE STUBS in the medians where there had been DOZENS of fine shade trees - 25 stubs. Those trees always added to the great feeling of a “VILLAGE” in Cave Creek. NO MORE. Now the area is taking on the appearance of a “Concrete Jungle.” Most of the medians between Spur Cross Road and Tom Darlington have been stripped of any landscaping, trees or shrubs. Worse yet, the total project budget does not in any way include money to re-vegetate anything. Not one penny!!! Oh sure! They will tell us that they are saving some items and will re-plant some.
The FRAUD is the deception that spending up to $4,000,000 to gain some 5 foot wide bike lanes would somehow result in economic ($$$) development for our two towns. Folks, the 8.4 miles of main roads in the two towns will be torn up, narrowed and re-surfaced to the tune of over $475,000 PER MILE. Part of the FRAUD is that the two towns only have to pay about 4 percent of the total. WHO PAYS THE REST?? Taxpayers like you and me. Folks, there is no free lunch. The tax on the gas we buy for our cars is intended for roads and their maintenance. Cyclists pay nothing to share our roads, yet our governments decided to fund their hobby. Another part of the bad plan is that all of this disruption of our core pathways was to have been done by December 2015. However, that construction only began in November and it will continue for a total of 5 months, or more. Right in “High Season” for both towns. On top of that my good friends in Cave Creek will see a +$500,000 resurfacing of Cave Creek Road that will start in January from Spur Cross south to Sentinel Rock Road. They say this work will only happen during the night time hours... guess they don’t know when the bars and restaurants close.
All of this started back in 2013. Two public workshops were held to try to encourage citizens to support the FRAUD. I attended both and all of the presentations to the Carefree Council. I have written and spoken out against this FRAUD for two years. I am watching the work being done in both towns and I cringe every time I see another median raped of its native landscape and trees. I laugh every time one of our elected folks tries to perpetuate the FRAUD by telling us this will result in more Sales Tax Revenue. Just calculate the math as to how long and how much new revenue it will take at 3.0 percent sales tax to break even.
Folks, we have “been had” and we had a chance to SAY “NO WAY” but not enough residents did. This is what happens when we listen but don’t act. Please drive carefully to avoid the falling trees and narrow roads.
Jim Van Allen
A citizen who
loves both towns
Character matters
It is impossible not to see the destruction brought to the very heart of Cave Creek’s business district by the publicly funded road project. This unnecessary and unwanted project brought to us, by the political wheels of fortune, will change the character of old Cave Creek forever. And, to what end? The bike path decision appears more rooted in political correctness than necessity.
I have no argument with bikes, (I own one) nor bicyclists, I know some, but how often do bikes vie for space on Cave Creek road, outside of a couple of annual events. However, bicyclists are not a large part of the economic base that supports Cave Creek, tourists are, for western events, for weather, for atmosphere. The atmosphere that is created by our lush Sonoran desert plants long displayed in our medians. These beautiful specimens are being boxed up and hauled away and some are cut down at ground level. This local greenery will, I suppose, be replaced by pavement.
Character matters and one more piece of Cave Creek’s character is being striped away as our quaint western town continues to evolve into what? I shutter to think.
Randy Edwards
Cave Creek
New Year’s resolutions
Once again, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, particularly those to improve our diet and exercise routine.
Although gun violence and traffic accidents remain the leading causes of death among young people, the most dangerous weapon for the rest of us is still our fork. Well over a million of us are killed each year by high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other chronic diseases linked to our meat-based diet.
But times are changing. According to Gallup, 22% of American consumers are avoiding meat and 12% are avoiding dairy products. Supermarket chains, along with Target and Walmart, offer a growing selection of delicious and healthy plant-based meats and dairy products. Animal meat consumption has dropped by 8% in the past decade.
Hundreds of school, college, hospital, and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday and vegan meals. Fast-food chains like Chipotle, Panera, Subway, Taco Bell, and White Castle, are rolling out vegan options.
Let’s make this New Year’s resolution about exploring the rich variety of plant-based entrees, lunch meats, cheeses, ice creams, and milks, as well as the more traditional green and yellow veggies. The internet offers tons of recipes and transition tips.
Clark Duncan
Cave Creek
Wake up America!
If part of Obama’s agenda is to show the world, as well as the country, what an ignoramus he is, he’s doing a superb job.
Obama is now bragging about a climate change agreement that has the U.S. paying $17 trillion of our money to less developed nations.
Is this the true meaning of “blatant stupidity” or is it an act done to insult and financially ruin a nation he has despised for his entire life?
Barack Obama continues to invest in anything and everything except the United States. In fact, he even goes so far as to find a means to withhold or cut spending on any program, including military preparedness and national security, that enhances or is in the best interests of the United States.
Can you even begin to imagine what could be done in liberal created pseudo-third world failures such as Detroit and Baltimore with just a little of that money? Obama claims that Black Lives matter but it’s rarely, if ever, that his acts and deeds match his words in a positive manner.
Take a moment to ask yourselves the following question. Why is it that at least part of our $17 trillion dollars wasn’t earmarked to create the badly needed jobs and teach the new skills to the citizens of the United States? It appears that particular option was never considered.
Will everyone who voted for this ignoramus please raise your hands?
Wake Up America!
Tom Carbone
Arizona
Time for action!
The 2016 Legislative Session will kickoff in a few days. That means it is game time, time to get busy. If Arizona is to be one of the 34 states needed to call for a convention of states, we will need your help. Together, with God’s help, we can impact the future of this nation in a positive way.
Convention of States-Arizona Legislative District 1-
January 2016
Marching Orders:
1. Contact LD1 Representatives Karen Fann and Noel Campbell and thank them for supporting Convention of States.
Also, thank Representative Kelly Townsend for being the primary sponsor for the Convention of States Application.
Rep. Noel Campbell 602-926-3124
Rep. Karen Fann 602-926-5874
Rep. Kelly Townsend 602-926-4467
2. Contact LD1 Senator Steve Pierce and thank him for supporting Convention of States.
Senator Steve Pierce 602-926-5584
3. Contact opposed Senators and tell them your name and city, Yes on Convention of States and Let the People and their Legislators Decide, thank you. A quick 30 second call, once a week from several thousand supporters should get their attention!
We want to focus on the following 8 senators, but if you have time you can call all 30 senators. A complete list can be found at azleg.gov.
-Senator Andy Biggs-602-926-4371
-Senator Judy Burgess-602-925-5861
-Senator Adam Driggs-602-926-3061
-Senator David Farnsworth-602-926-3020
-Senator Gail Griffen-602-926-5895
-Senator Don Shooter-602-926-4139
-Senator Bob Worsley-602-926-5760
-Senator Kimberly Yee-602-926-3024
4. Continue to get signatures for the online Convention of States Petition at conventionofstates.com.
We will be meeting Sunday, January 17, details coming soon.
Andy Ericson
AZLD1 Captain
Convention of States
http://www.cosaction.com/
928-592-8251
E. Pluribus Unum, Liberty, In God We Trust
A fifth letter to America
The recent Islamic Terrorist attack in California brought out the usual reaction from American politicians and others. Some immediately blamed guns and suggested more gun laws, ignoring the fact that it is ungodly humans who pull the trigger.
When the perpetrators turned out to be Islamic, the question they wanted answered was, how did they get radicalized? Like if they didn’t know!
Historians tell us that Prophet Mohammed respected both the Jewish and the Christians and that he told his followers to leave them alone (don’t try to convert them), because they already knew God. So obviously, He believed in the Living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel).
However, later things changed, so that now, The Koran (Qur’an), contains such things as, “Kill them [the infidels, namely Christians and Jews] wherever you may come upon them, and seize them, and confine them, and lie in wait for them at every conceivable place.”-Sura 9:5
So the Prophet’s love of the Living God has now been turned into hatred against God’s Chosen People, the Jews and Christians, and the rest of the world. Now the Muslim Brotherhood says, “Our mission: world domination.” Some Muslim slogans are, “Death to America,” “Kill the Jews,” “Kill the Unbelievers.”
Yes America. Islam is serious when they say, “death to America.” To them it is death to everyone who doesn’t follow their God. That is not exactly what the Living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob commanded. His commandments were, “Thou shall not kill,” and “Love thy neighbor.”
Sadly, God’s plan for salvation, through the forgiveness of Man’s sin, by the shedding of His precious Son’s blood, has been rejected by Islam. Instead, they tell their followers the path to Heaven is by killing those who do not believe in Allah, and that by doing so, 70 family members will win entrance to Heaven too. And some ask for a motive!!
Lest we forget, America too has rejected God and His Word (Jesus Christ our Lord).
Manuel Ybarra, Jr.
Coalgate, Oklahoma
America Needs to Stay the Course on GPS Security
This summer, we learned that China targeted the Office of Personnel Management and seized records on 18 million current and former U.S. government employees. In the spring, we learned that Russian cybercriminals gained access to President Obama’s emails and breached networks at the State Department last year.
Cyberattacks are growing more sophisticated and more frequent. Yet our Global Positioning System, which supports everything from smart phones to smart bombs, remains vulnerable.
The Air Force is modernizing this system by developing “Next Generation Operational Control,” or GPS OCX. But schedule delays and cost overruns have put the program under increased scrutiny from Congress, the Government Accountability Office, and the Pentagon. The Air Force has even started to examine alternatives.
Given how critical a modernized GPS is to national security and our way of life, we must see this project to the finish line. Changing course now would leave the United States dangerously exposed -- and cost even more time and money.
The current GPS system was developed over 40 years ago, and Americans have become increasingly reliant on it. Today, we rely on GPS to power our in-car navigation devices, track our misplaced smartphones, and “check in” on Facebook. GPS also supports banking systems, the shipping industry, and the national power grid. The military also depends on it for many tasks, from search-and-rescue missions to missile strikes.
Put simply, GPS is critical to our national security and our economy. So it’s a prime target for cyber attackers. And it’s incredible that we’ve remained relatively unscathed thus far. In 2013, for instance, researchers at the University of Texas were able to steer an $80 million yacht off course through a technique known as GPS “spoofing.”
Fortunately, the new system will employ advanced cyber protection technologies. It will be able to detect and prevent attacks before they occur. And if a cyber attack is successful, GPS OCX has the ability to isolate and contain it and continue operating.
Already, these technologies have been praised by both the Air Force and the Pentagon. Commenting on a recent Pentagon evaluation of the program, Major General Roger Teague, director of space programs for the Air Force, said that OCX will be the “most hardened information assurance system ever delivered by the Department of Defense.”
Of course, the cost overruns and delays should not be taken lightly. But the OCX program has now passed the riskiest phases of its development. The first operational hardware for OCX was installed in July. In October, OCX passed the critical design review of its next block of coding.
GPS OCX will deliver a host of new capabilities, including automation for operational efficiencies, improved accuracy, interoperability with geo-positioning and navigation systems of other nations for better global coverage, and a cybersecurity architecture that provides unprecedented levels of protection.
The threat of cyber attacks from rogue actors and countries like Russia and China is growing. U.S. warfighters need GPS services to support air, land, sea and space missions. GPS is also used by millions of people to enhance daily life activities, and supports safety-of-life missions for air traffic controllers and emergency responders. This modernized ground system brings new capabilities and precision to the GPS enterprise. Staying the course on GPS OCX is in our country’s best interest.
Dr. Paul G. Kaminski is chairman and CEO of Technovation. He served as the undersecretary of Defense for acquisition and technology from 1994 to 1997. Previously, he served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years.
By Dr. Paul G. Kaminski
Patroness of Americas
Something miraculous happened in 16th century Mexico City that led to the conversion of millions of Aztecs who were sacrificing human beings, including children, to appease their false gods. The Aztecs got the message and changed their lives but sadly the world’s culture has not!
The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego in 1531 and asked for a chapel to be built but in order to verify the legitimacy of the apparition, Our Lady’s image miraculously appeared on the tilma worn by Juan Diego.
The image is not man-made but is made in Heaven. Science has studied the image and has determined that no paint is evident, nor brush stokes. Science cannot explain how the image got there or what it is made from. The tilma should have long ago withered away but is still in very good shape, even surviving a bomb blast which occurred within feet of the image. Our Lady of Guadalupe is seen blocking out the sun, which was another false god of the Aztecs. She appears pregnant just weeks away from the birth of Jesus Christ. On her womb is the symbol for God, and the Aztecs understood the message to mean that they must stop worshiping false gods, like the sun “god” and start worshiping the One, True God in Her womb.
Millions converted and stopped sacrificing children.
Now how disappointing it is to have legalized abortion back in Mexico City? And look at the United States and the rest of the world. God has warned us to stop killing his children but it has not been heeded. Since 1973, over 50-million human sacrifices (abortion) have occurred. In Mexico City, which is where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, abortion has become legal.
So let us pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe to help stop human sacrifices!
Michael Rachiele
Prairie Village, Kansas
Not afraid
“This is a wonderful time to be alive. We're lucky not to live in pale and timid times.” -Ronald Reagan
This past week I took time to reflect on America and our timeless struggle for freedom. After writing down my thoughts, I decided to share with you what's been on my heart for a while.
"Once, not so long ago, Americans believed we could defeat the strongest nation on earth and win our independence. That belief created the greatest nation in history.
Once, Americans believed we could defeat the forces of evil rising on a continent across an ocean. That belief brought peace and liberty to Europe and the world.
Once, Americans believed that we could leave the bounds of earth. That belief put a man on the surface of the moon.
Is it so much to believe that we as citizens can use the Constitution to restore liberty in America?
One of the undeniable tenants of American exceptionalism is our belief in our ability as a nation to overcome any adversity, any challenge, and any obstacle. Today, the obstacle is the federal government. It needs to be put back into the Constitutional box.
I believe the Constitution is a divinely inspired document . . . all of it, including Article V. I believe in the greatness of the American people to use Article V, call a Convention of States, and restrain the tyranny of the federal government. I believe the Founders intended for us to use Article V to restrain federal tyranny.
I believe, that you and I, acting together, right now, can do it. I believe we were placed here, at this time in American history, for just this purpose. We can fear and hide...or we can believe and act. I still believe in America.
I still believe that, with God's help, we can restore liberty in America."
Do you believe?
We are mobilizing our vast army of citizen activists all over the country to advance our resolution when 38 states start session in January, but we urgently need your help to make it happen.
Together we can ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit an America that is more prosperous and free. This is only possible with committed patriots like you who love America and care enough to do something about it.
Thank you so much for taking a stand to restore America,
Mark Meckler
President
Convention of States Action
Why are Senate Republicans giving any more judges to President Obama in his lame duck year?
The following statement urges the U.S. Senate not to approve any more federal judges nominated by President Barack Obama in his lame duck final year in office:
"Senate Republicans are scheduled on Jan. 11 to consider the nomination of Luis Felipe Restrepo for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, but why? Obama has already had more than 300 federal judges confirmed to the federal bench, about as many as his predecessor, George W. Bush. Why are Senate Republicans giving any more judges to President Obama in his lame duck year when their goal should be to bottle up the remainder of the Obama agenda?
"Now with the funding bill passed into law and the power of the purse ceded, the confirmation process is perhaps the last remaining constitutional power that the Republicans in the Senate hold over this Administration, and they should use it. If President Obama wants a nominee confirmed, he should be forced to start following the law in other areas. Instead, the Obama Administration continues to demand a one-way street, where the Senate majority ignores its election mandate and fills the judiciary with judges who share Obama's radical anti-constitutional vision without any accommodation from Obama whatsoever.
"The decision to confirm Luis Felipe Restrepo is not about his nomination, but instead is about Obama's abuse of executive powers and his Administration's wholesale stonewalling of legitimate Congressional requests. It is puzzling why the Senate Judiciary Committee continues to confirm Obama's judicial appointments in light of the President's continued abuse of power.
"To get the new year off to the right start, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell should pull the Restrepo nomination from the Senate calendar using his leverage and the rightful power of the Senate to bring Obama to heel during the last year of his term in office. While Obama would likely throw a child-like temper tantrum over not getting his way, but this time, he cannot threaten to shut down the government if the Majority Leader doesn't give him what he wants.
"This reset of the relationship needs to be made now, or else many Americans may come to the conclusion that there really is no reason to care whether Republicans continue to control the Senate in 2017."
Rick Manning
Americans for Limited Government
Setting A Goal for 2016
We hear the same message a lot this time of year. Put the past behind. Look to the future. Let bygones be bygones. Make a new commitment. Claim the new you in the New Year.
We determine to lose weight. We decide that we aren’t going to do some things. Or, we decide to start doing something. Life is filled with commitments, failures and recommitments. It’s okay. We all make commitments and then fail to follow through. We diet for a day and then blow it the next. We join a gym and then never get around to working out. We aim to start a new endeavor, a new hobby or a new lifestyle. Sometimes we follow through. Sometimes we don’t.
It’s not the end of the world if you’ve broken a resolution. We are human beings filled with flaws and inadequacies. Actually about all of life is trying again and again and again.
A part of life is the fun of having a target. We all need to aim our lives in a meaningful direction. Your goal may be starting a business, a new career, retirement, writing a book, writing a song, running for public office or just living healthy. Everybody’s goals are different but it’s healthy to have one or two.
We all need something to live for. Having a purpose increases our zest and passion for life. Having nothing to work toward leaves us a bit limp in our energy and sometimes hopeless and depressed.
After you read this article determine what it is you want to do and go for it. Write your goal down and put it where you will see it often. Some days you’ll get sick of seeing your goal. Other days you will be reminded that you are either doing great or maybe you need to pick up the pace a little in effort.
I hope you make your goal in 2016. Good luck.
Glenn Mollette
Visit www.keepourfreedom.com.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! As we begin 2016 this week, I wanted to send this note to my best fans to thank you for all that you've done to advance the cause of liberty over the course of the last year. Thanks to YOU, millions of people have heard my message of warning about the progressive gang of criminals. During 2015 alone, you were a part of:
Over 2,000 comments on my website articles
Over 2.3 million YouTube video views on my channel
Over 1.2 million Facebook friends, when I started the year with just 500,000
Almost 250,000 followers on Twitter, when I started the year with just 150,000
Over 20,000 followers on Instagram in just the last two months
All the support and love that was sent to me during my confinement sentence
All of the joy you shared during my engagement to Debbie
2016 will be a pivotal year for America, and as we look forward to the election, I ask for your continued support. I am excited to share my next film with you—I think it will be one of the most important tools at our disposal to share the truth about Hillary before America goes to the polls in November.
As I always have, I trust that I can count on you to help me spread the word when the film debuts.
In fact, will you help me start 2016 off right? If you can, share with friends who may not have heard my message yet—I guarantee they'll thank you for sharing the truth with them while we still can!
You won't want to miss my future exposés on Obama and Hillary. The last thing we need is another progressive kleptocrat in the White House in 2016!
Obama and the progressives are too busy looting America's coffers to be bothered with "nuisances" like ISIS.
For a deeper explanation of the long-standing progressive con (dating all the way back to Saul Alinsky), pick up a copy of Stealing America today.
Sincerely,
Dinesh D'Souza
La Jolla, California
