Despite No Links to Violence, Founders of Muslim Charity Sentenced to Lengthy Terms for Donations to Needy Palestinians in Occupied Territories

Despite No Links to Violence, Founders of Muslim Charity Sentenced to Lengthy Terms for Donations to Needy Palestinians in Occupied Territories

Five founders of the Holy Land Foundation, once the nations largest Muslim charity, have received prison terms of up to sixty-five years on charges of supporting the Palestinian group Hamas. The five were never accused of supporting violence and were convicted for funding charities that aided needy Palestinians. The governments case relied on Israeli intelligence as well as disputed documents and electronic surveillance gathered by the FBI over a span of fifteen years. Democracy Now! www.DemocracyNow.Org speaks to Noor Elashi, daughter of Ghassan Elashi, the chair of the Holy Land Foundation who was sentenced to sixty-five years; and Nancy Hollander, a defense attorney who represented former Holy Land CEO Shukri Abu Baker.

Part I



Part II

Adam Kokesh: "WHO WILL STAND WITH US?"

With a full fledged endorsement from United States Congressman Ron Paul, Adam Kokesh has a real shot at also becoming a United States Congressman, himself. For the sake of true freedom and liberty, let's back this man. Pledge your support at: www.ThisJuly4th.Com

U.S. Congressman Ron Paul on North Korea

United States Congressman Ron Paul discusses the North Korean detonation of an atomic device and how they achieved that technology using subsidies from the Clinton Administration.

Ron Paul 1988 Presidential Campaign Interview - Same Ron Paul Message of Liiberty As 2008-2009

Hillary Clinton On Israeli Palestinian Peace Process - May 27 2009

Part I



Part II

Ron Paul Speaks to Students with Q & A - Constitution 101 with Congressman Ron Paul

After the first two minutes, this becomes a great talk by Ron Paul to young students.

Part I




Part II




Part III




Part IV




Part V




Part VI

Ron Paul Speaks at Campaign for Liberty Conference in Seattle May 2009

Part I



Part II



Part III



Part IV



Part V

Justifying Iraq with Torture by Jacob Hornberger

Justifying Iraq with Torture by Jacob Hornberger - Founder and President of the Future of Freedom Foundation

An increasing number of articles (see http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/libertycentral/2009/may/15/ibn-al-sheikh-al-libi-prison and http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/14/iraq.torture and http://www.salon.com/opinion/conason/2009/05/14/cheney and http://original.antiwar.com/prather/2009/05/15/torture-rush-iraq) are pointing to evidence that U.S. officials tortured detainees to force them to disclose a connection between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda. The evidence includes an allegation by Lawrence Wilkerson, former chief of staff for then Secretary of State Colin Powell, who has alleged that the enhanced interrogation program's "principal priority for intelligence was not aimed at preempting another terrorist attack on the U.S. but discovering a smoking gun linking Iraq and al Qaeda."

Meanwhile, a man named Ibn al-Shaykh al-Libi has recently died in a Libyan prison. In his famous speech to the UN Security Council to build support for the planned invasion of Iraq, Powell relied on assertions made by al-Libi that turned out to be false. In his UN speech, Powell said he could "trace the story of a senior terrorist operative telling how Iraq provided training in these chemical and biological weapons to al-Qaeda."

According to Wilkerson, U.S. officials pressured the Egyptian officials to torture al-Libi to get information out of him relating to the alleged Saddam-al-Qaeda link.

How did al-Libi get to Egypt? He was renditioned there by the CIA.

How did al-Libi get to Libya? He was renditioned there by the CIA, after Egypt returned him to the CIA.

If all that isn't enough to warrant subpoenas and investigations, what is?

Yet, incredibly there are still people in this country who cry, "Leave it alone. Leave it buried. Let's move on. The past is the past."

Let's keep in mind, after all, who runs Libya. It's Mohammar Qaddafi. Remember him? He's the man in charge of the regime that U.S. officials considered a state sponsor of terrorism, a regime that formally admitted responsibility for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.

So, how does it come to be that U.S. officials entered into a torture partnership with Qaddafi's regime? Who strikes such a deal? Who are the negotiators? Is the agreement put into writing or is it done through a handshake? Are U.S. officials present during the torture?

Wouldn't you think that the members of Congress would want to know such things? Wouldn't you think a federal grand jury would want answers? Wouldn't you think an independent press would demand answers? Would you expect at least a bit of outrage over all this?

Alas, not in an age in which morality has become pass. Making torture deals with evil brutes, while coming up with bogus justifications for waging a war of aggression that has killed hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, is now just an accepted part of life in an empire.

By the way, the situation is the same with respect to Syria. Do you recall that President Bush would repeatedly say, "We don't talk to Syria because Syria is a state sponsor of terrorism"?

Well, it was a lie. It had to be because at the same time that Bush was making his pronouncements, there were U.S. officials striking a deal with Syria to torture a Canadian named Maher Arar, who U.S. officials had kidnapped here in the United States and renditioned to Syria for the purpose of having him tortured.

Which U.S. officials actually spoke to Syria to make the torture deal? What were the terms of the agreement? Who were the Syrian officials who negotiated the deal? Was the torture deal struck without Bush's knowledge and consent? Did he later ratify it?

Alas, not one of those questions was ever asked by any member of the press at any of Bush's press conferences. They just blithely accepted Bush's repeated bromide about not talking to Syria despite the conclusive evidence that Syria was torturing Arar pursant to a torture deal with Syria that had been struck by Bush's subordinates.

The claim by Libyan officials that al-Libi committed suicide, of course, has to be taken with a grain of salt. If they murdered the guy to keep him silent, they would allege he committed suicide. Are the Libyan torturers capable of murdering their torture victims? Just ask the surviving victims of Pan Am Flight 103. While it's possible that Qaddafi and his henchmen have been converted into saints, isn't it much more likely that it's just one more case in which the U.S. government has entered into a partnership with evil, brutal people as part of its pro-empire, interventionist foreign policy?

George W. Bush and Dick Cheney were scrambling to find a legal justification for their war of aggression against Iraq. People have a right to know whether they employed torture in the hopes of finding that justification. People also have a right to know how the U.S. government came to enter into torture agreements with the brutal regimes in Egypt, Libya, and Syria and what the consequences of those torture agreements have been.

Jacob G. Hornberger is founder and president of The Future of Freedom Foundation. The Foundation's website is at www.fff.org
He is a regular writer for The Future of Freedom Foundation's publication, Freedom Daily, and is a co-editor or contributor to the eight books that have been published by the Foundation. Visit his blog at http://www.fff.org/blog/index.asp


Reprinted by Permission - Copyright 2009 Future of Freedom Foundation

Ron Paul on Turture

War is a Racket - By Smedley Butler, the most decorated soldier in U.S. Military History

War is a Racket by Smedley Butler is a famous speech denouncing the military industrial complex. This anti-war speech by two-time Congressional Medal of Honor recipient exposes war profits that benefit few at the expense of many. Throughout his distinguished career in the Marines, Smedley Darlington Butler demonstrated that true patriotism does not mean blind allegiance to government policies with which one does not agree. To Hell with war.

Torturing The Rule of Law - An Essay by United States Congressman Ron Paul

While Congress is sidetracked by who said what to whom and when, our nation finds itself at a crossroads on the issue of torture. We are at a point where we must decide if torture is something that is now going to be considered justifiable and reasonable under certain circumstances, or is America better than that?

“Enhanced interrogation” as some prefer to call it, has been used throughout history, usually by despotic governments, to cruelly punish or to extract politically useful statements from prisoners. Governments that do these things invariably bring shame on themselves.

In addition, information obtained under duress is incredibly unreliable, which is why it is not admissible in a court of law. Legally valid information is freely given by someone of sound mind and body. Someone in excruciating pain, or brought close to death by some horrific procedure is not in any state of mind to give reliable information, and certainly no actions should be taken solely based upon it.

For these reasons, it is illegal in the United States and illegal under Geneva Conventions. Simulated drowning, or water boarding, was not considered an exception to these laws when it was used by the Japanese against US soldiers in World War II. In fact, we hanged Japanese officers for war crimes in 1945 for water boarding. Its status as torture has already been decided by our own courts under this precedent. To look the other way now, when Americans do it, is the very definition of hypocrisy.

Matthew Alexander, author of “How to Break a Terrorist” used non-torture methods of interrogation in Iraq with much success. In fact, one cooperative jihadist told him, "I thought you would torture me, and when you didn't, I decided that everything I was told about Americans was wrong. That's why I decided to cooperate." Alexander also found that in Iraq “the No. 1 reason foreign fighters flocked there to fight were the abuses carried out at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. Our policy of torture was directly and swiftly recruiting fighters for al-Qaeda in Iraq.” Alexander’s experiences unequivocally demonstrate that losing our humanity is not beneficial or necessary in fighting terror.

The current administration has reversed its position on releasing evidence of torture by the previous administration and we must ask why. A great and moral nation would have the courage to face the truth so it could abide by the rule of law. To look the other way necessarily implicates all of us and would of course further radicalize people against our troops on the ground. Instead, we have the chance to limit culpability for torture to those who were truly responsible for these crimes against humanity.

Not everyone who was given illegal orders obeyed them. Many FBI agents understood that an illegal order must be disobeyed and they did so. The others must be held accountable, so that all of us are not targeted for blowback for the complicity of some.
The government’s own actions and operations in torturing people, and in acting on illegally obtained and unreliable information to kill and capture, are the most radicalizing forces at work today, not any religion, nor the fact that we are rich and free. The fact that our government engages in evil behavior under the auspices of the American people is what poses the greatest threat to the American people, and it must not be allowed to stand.

The Ground Truth - After the Killing Ends

The Ground Truth - After the Killing Ends is a film about patriotic young Americans - ordinary men and women who heeded the call for military service in Iraq - as they experience recruitment and training, combat, homecoming, and the struggle to reintegrate with families and communities. The terrible conflict in Iraq is a prelude for the even more challenging battles fought by the soldiers returning home - with personal demons, an uncomprehending public, and an indifferent government. As these battles take shape, each soldier becomes a new kind of hero, bearing witness and giving support to other veterans, and learning to fearlessly wield the most powerful weapon of all - the truth.

Obama's "Change" in Semantics as he continues Bush Policies, Isms and Doublespeak

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on President Barack Obama's new "Indefinite Detention" policy. Shame on you President Obama!

Ron Paul's Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009 (H.R. 1207) Up to 179 Sponsors

Alphabetically, the House of Representatives members who have signed on to co-sponsor Congressman Paul's legislation are as follows:

To question your Rep, if they have not signed on, obtain their contact information to their local as well as Washington DC offices at www.house.gov or simply call (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Rep.


Rep Abercrombie, Neil [HI-1] - 2/26/2009
Rep Aderholt, Robert B. [AL-4] - 5/6/2009
Rep Adler, John H. [NJ-3] - 5/6/2009
Rep Akin, W. Todd [MO-2] - 3/19/2009
Rep Alexander, Rodney [LA-5] - 3/10/2009
Rep Altmire, Jason [PA-4] - 5/20/2009
Rep Austria, Steve [OH-7] - 5/6/2009
Rep Bachmann, Michele [MN-6] - 2/26/2009
Rep Bachus, Spencer [AL-6] - 4/29/2009
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] - 4/21/2009
Rep Barrett, J. Gresham [SC-3] - 4/28/2009
Rep Barrow, John [GA-12] - 5/12/2009
Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] - 2/26/2009
Rep Barton, Joe [TX-6] - 5/4/2009
Rep Berkley, Shelley [NV-1] - 5/21/2009
Rep Berry, Marion [AR-1] - 5/20/2009
Rep Biggert, Judy [IL-13] - 4/28/2009
Rep Bilbray, Brian P. [CA-50] - 4/21/2009
Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] - 5/4/2009
Rep Bishop, Rob [UT-1] - 4/21/2009
Rep Blackburn, Marsha [TN-7] - 3/16/2009
Rep Blunt, Roy [MO-7] - 3/24/2009
Rep Bono Mack, Mary [CA-45] - 4/29/2009
Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] - 5/7/2009
Rep Boustany, Charles W., Jr. [LA-7] - 5/13/2009
Rep Brady, Kevin [TX-8] - 4/22/2009
Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] - 2/26/2009
Rep Brown, Henry E., Jr. [SC-1] - 4/28/2009
Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5] - 5/20/2009
Rep Buchanan, Vern [FL-13] - 3/17/2009
Rep Burgess, Michael C. [TX-26] - 3/19/2009
Rep Burton, Dan [IN-5] - 2/26/2009
Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] - 4/30/2009
Rep Calvert, Ken [CA-44] - 4/29/2009
Rep Campbell, John [CA-48] - 5/4/2009
Rep Capito, Shelley Moore [WV-2] - 4/1/2009
Rep Carter, John R. [TX-31] - 3/31/2009
Rep Cassidy, Bill [LA-6] - 5/4/2009
Rep Castle, Michael N. [DE] - 3/17/2009
Rep Chaffetz, Jason [UT-3] - 3/6/2009
Rep Cole, Tom [OK-4] - 4/21/2009
Rep Conaway, K. Michael [TX-11] - 5/7/2009
Rep Crenshaw, Ander [FL-4] - 5/4/2009
Rep Culberson, John Abney [TX-7] - 3/26/2009
Rep Davis, Geoff [KY-4] - 5/6/2009
Rep Deal, Nathan [GA-9] - 3/23/2009
Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] - 3/9/2009
Rep Dent, Charles W. [PA-15] - 5/6/2009
Rep Doggett, Lloyd [TX-25] - 4/21/2009
Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] - 3/6/2009
Rep Ehlers, Vernon J. [MI-3] - 4/21/2009
Rep Fallin, Mary [OK-5] - 4/2/2009
Rep Flake, Jeff [AZ-6] - 5/11/2009
Rep Fleming, John [LA-4] - 3/18/2009
Rep Forbes, J. Randy [VA-4] - 5/20/2009
Rep Fortenberry, Jeff [NE-1] - 5/12/2009
Rep Foxx, Virginia [NC-5] - 3/10/2009
Rep Franks, Trent [AZ-2] - 3/23/2009
Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] - 3/5/2009
Rep Gerlach, Jim [PA-6] - 5/11/2009
Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11] - 3/30/2009
Rep Gohmert, Louie [TX-1] - 4/23/2009
Rep Goodlatte, Bob [VA-6] - 4/28/2009
Rep Granger, Kay [TX-12] - 4/28/2009
Rep Graves, Sam [MO-6] - 4/22/2009
Rep Grayson, Alan [FL-8] - 3/11/2009
Rep Guthrie, Brett [KY-2] - 5/7/2009
Rep Hall, Ralph M. [TX-4] - 4/29/2009
Rep Hare, Phil [IL-17] - 5/11/2009
Rep Harper, Gregg [MS-3] - 5/11/2009
Rep Hastings, Doc [WA-4] - 5/11/2009
Rep Heller, Dean [NV-2] - 3/6/2009
Rep Hensarling, Jeb [TX-5] - 5/4/2009
Rep Herger, Wally [CA-2] - 4/21/2009
Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] - 5/6/2009
Rep Hoekstra, Peter [MI-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Hunter, Duncan D. [CA-52] - 5/13/2009
Rep Inglis, Bob [SC-4] - 4/23/2009
Rep Inslee, Jay [WA-1] - 5/12/2009
Rep Jenkins, Lynn [KS-2] - 4/23/2009
Rep Johnson, Sam [TX-3] - 4/22/2009
Rep Johnson, Timothy V. [IL-15] - 4/23/2009
Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] - 2/26/2009
Rep Kagen, Steve [WI-8] - 2/26/2009
Rep Kaptur, Marcy [OH-9] - 4/23/2009
Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] - 3/6/2009
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] - 4/29/2009
Rep Lamborn, Doug [CO-5] - 4/21/2009
Rep Lance, Leonard [NJ-7] - 5/11/2009
Rep Latham, Tom [IA-4] - 4/21/2009
Rep LaTourette, Steven C. [OH-14] - 4/28/2009
Rep Latta, Robert E. [OH-5] - 5/20/2009
Rep Linder, John [GA-7] - 5/6/2009
Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] - 5/4/2009
Rep Lucas, Frank D. [OK-3] - 4/21/2009
Rep Luetkemeyer, Blaine [MO-9] - 4/21/2009
Rep Lummis, Cynthia M. [WY] - 3/19/2009
Rep Lungren, Daniel E. [CA-3] - 5/7/2009
Rep Mack, Connie [FL-14] - 5/12/2009
Rep Maffei, Daniel B. [NY-25] - 5/12/2009
Rep Manzullo, Donald A. [IL-16] - 4/21/2009
Rep Marchant, Kenny [TX-24] - 3/11/2009
Rep Massa, Eric J. J. [NY-29] - 4/22/2009
Rep McCarthy, Kevin [CA-22] - 5/4/2009
Rep McCaul, Michael T. [TX-10] - 4/21/2009
Rep McClintock, Tom [CA-4] - 3/6/2009
Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] - 3/19/2009
Rep McDermott, Jim [WA-7] - 4/29/2009
Rep McHenry, Patrick T. [NC-10] - 4/30/2009
Rep McHugh, John M. [NY-23] - 5/4/2009
Rep McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [WA-5] - 5/4/2009
Rep Mica, John L. [FL-7] - 5/12/2009
Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] - 5/7/2009
Rep Miller, Candice S. [MI-10] - 4/28/2009
Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] - 3/24/2009
Rep Minnick, Walter [ID-1] - 5/13/2009
Rep Moran, Jerry [KS-1] - 5/4/2009
Rep Murphy, Tim [PA-18] - 4/29/2009
Rep Myrick, Sue Wilkins [NC-9] - 4/28/2009
Rep Neugebauer, Randy [TX-19] - 4/30/2009
Rep Olson, Pete [TX-22] - 4/21/2009
Rep Ortiz, Solomon P. [TX-27] - 5/14/2009
Rep Pastor, Ed [AZ-4] - 5/20/2009
Rep Paulsen, Erik [MN-3] - 3/30/2009
Rep Pence, Mike [IN-6] - 4/21/2009
Rep Perriello, Thomas S.P. [VA-5] - 5/13/2009
Rep Peterson, Collin C. [MN-7] - 3/19/2009
Rep Petri, Thomas E. [WI-6] - 3/10/2009
Rep Pitts, Joseph R. [PA-16] - 4/28/2009
Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] - 3/19/2009
Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] - 2/26/2009
Rep Posey, Bill [FL-15] - 2/26/2009
Rep Price, Tom [GA-6] - 3/10/2009
Rep Putnam, Adam H. [FL-12] - 4/28/2009
Rep Radanovich, George [CA-19] - 5/6/2009
Rep Rehberg, Denny [MT] - 2/26/2009
Rep Reichert, David G. [WA-8] - 5/20/2009
Rep Roe, David P. [TN-1] - 4/21/2009
Rep Rogers, Mike D. [AL-3] - 5/13/2009
Rep Rogers, Mike J. [MI-8] - 5/20/2009
Rep Rohrabacher, Dana [CA-46] - 3/6/2009
Rep Rooney, Thomas J. [FL-16] - 4/22/2009
Rep Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [FL-18] - 4/28/2009
Rep Ross, Mike [AR-4] - 5/21/2009
Rep Royce, Edward R. [CA-40] - 5/12/2009
Rep Ryan, Paul [WI-1] - 5/14/2009
Rep Scalise, Steve [LA-1] - 5/20/2009
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9] - 5/6/2009
Rep Schauer, Mark H. [MI-7] - 5/20/2009
Rep Schock, Aaron [IL-18] - 5/6/2009
Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [WI-5] - 5/7/2009
Rep Sessions, Pete [TX-32] - 3/23/2009
Rep Shadegg, John B. [AZ-3] - 5/7/2009
Rep Shimkus, John [IL-19] - 4/22/2009
Rep Shuster, Bill [PA-9] - 5/7/2009
Rep Simpson, Michael K. [ID-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Smith, Adam [WA-9] - 4/22/2009
Rep Smith, Adrian [NE-3] - 4/28/2009
Rep Smith, Lamar [TX-21] - 4/2/2009
Rep Stark, Fortney Pete [CA-13] - 3/26/2009
Rep Stearns, Cliff [FL-6] - 3/6/2009
Rep Taylor, Gene [MS-4] - 3/6/2009
Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2] - 3/30/2009
Rep Thompson, Glenn [PA-5] - 4/22/2009
Rep Thornberry, Mac [TX-13] - 5/21/2009
Rep Tiahrt, Todd [KS-4] - 4/28/2009
Rep Tiberi, Patrick J. [OH-12] - 4/28/2009
Rep Turner, Michael R. [OH-3] - 5/13/2009
Rep Upton, Fred [MI-6] - 4/29/2009
Rep Walden, Greg [OR-2] - 5/4/2009
Rep Walz, Timothy J. [MN-1] - 5/7/2009
Rep Wamp, Zach [TN-3] - 3/16/2009
Rep Welch, Peter [VT] - 5/21/2009
Rep Westmoreland, Lynn A. [GA-3] - 4/2/2009
Rep Whitfield, Ed [KY-1] - 5/14/2009
Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] - 4/29/2009
Rep Wittman, Robert J. [VA-1] - 4/1/2009
Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] - 2/26/2009
Rep Young, Don [AK] - 3/6/2009

Congressman Ron Paul introduces the Protect Patients' and Physicians' Privacy Act

Statement of Congressman Ron Paul
United States House of Representatives
Statement Introducing the Protect Patients' and Physicians' Privacy Act
May 21, 2009


Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce the Protect Patients’ and Physicians’ Privacy Act. This legislation protects medical privacy, as well as quality health care, by allowing patients and physicians to opt out of any federally mandated, created, or funded electronic medical records system. The bill also repeals the sections of federal law establishing a “unique health identifier” and requires patient consent before any electronic medical records can be released to a third party.
Congress has refused to fund the development of a unique health identifier every year since 1998. Clearly, the majority of my colleagues recognize the threat this scheme poses to medical privacy. It is past time for Congress to repeal the section of law authorizing the federal unique health identifier.

Among the numerous provisions jammed into the stimulus bill, which was rushed through Congress earlier this year, was funding for electronic medical records. Medicare providers have until 2015 to “voluntarily” adopt the system of electronic medical records, or face financial penalties.

One of the major flaws with the federally-mandated electronic record system is that is does not provide adequate privacy protection. Electronic medical records that are part of the federal system will only receive the protection granted by the federal “medical privacy rule.” This misnamed rule actually protects the ability of government officials and state-favored special interests to view private medical records without patient consent.

Even if the law did not authorize violations of medical privacy, patients would still have good reason to be concerned about the government’s ability to protect their medical records. After all, we are all familiar with cases where third parties obtained access to electronic veteran, tax, and other records because of errors made by federal bureaucrats. My colleagues should also consider the abuse of IRS records by administrations of both parties and ask themselves what would happen if unscrupulous politicians gain the power to access their political enemies’ electronic medical records.

As an OB/GYN with over 30 years of experience in private practice, I understand that one of the foundations of quality health care is the patient's confidence that all information the patient shares with his or her health care provider will remain confidential. As an OB/GYN with over 30 years of experience in private practice, I understand that a physician’s ability to provide effective treatment often depends on a patients’ trust that all personal information divulged to a physician will remain confidential. Forcing physicians to place their patients’ medical records in a system without adequate privacy protection undermines that confidence, and thus undermines effective medical treatment.

A physician opt out is also necessary in order to allow physicians to escape from the inefficiencies and other problems that are sure to occur in the implementation and management of the federal system. Contrary to the claims of the mandatory system’s proponents, it is highly unlikely an efficient system of mandatory electronic health records can be established by the government.

Many health technology experts have warned of the problems that will accompany the system of mandatory electronic medical records. For example, David Kibbe, a top technology adviser to the American Academy of Family Physicians, warned President Obama in an open letter late last year that existing medical software is often poorly designed and does a poor job of exchanging information. Allowing physicians to opt out provides a safety device to ensure that physicians can avoid the problems that will inevitably accompany the government-mandated system.

Madam Speaker, allowing patients and providers to opt out of the electronic medical records system will in no way harm the practice of medicine or the development of an efficient system of keeping medical records. Instead, it will enhance these worthy goals by ensuring patients and physicians can escape the inefficient, one-size-fits-all government–mandated system. By creating a market for alternatives to the government system, the op-out ensures that private businesses can work to develop systems that meet the demands for an efficient system of electronic records that protects patients’ privacy. I urge my colleagues to stand up for privacy and quality health care by cosponsoring the Protect Patients’ and Physicians’ Privacy Act.

Ron Paul and Ed Shultz Argue on MSNBC

Ron Paul's HR 1207 now up to 175 co-sponsors

These are the congressional representatives who have signed onto H.R. 1207 - The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009, introduced by Congressman Ron Paul of Texas.

Rep Abercrombie, Neil [HI-1] - 2/26/2009
Rep Aderholt, Robert B. [AL-4] - 5/6/2009
Rep Adler, John H. [NJ-3] - 5/6/2009
Rep Akin, W. Todd [MO-2] - 3/19/2009
Rep Alexander, Rodney [LA-5] - 3/10/2009
Rep Altmire, Jason [PA-4] - 5/20/2009
Rep Austria, Steve [OH-7] - 5/6/2009
Rep Bachmann, Michele [MN-6] - 2/26/2009
Rep Bachus, Spencer [AL-6] - 4/29/2009
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] - 4/21/2009
Rep Barrett, J. Gresham [SC-3] - 4/28/2009
Rep Barrow, John [GA-12] - 5/12/2009
Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] - 2/26/2009
Rep Barton, Joe [TX-6] - 5/4/2009
Rep Berry, Marion [AR-1] - 5/20/2009
Rep Biggert, Judy [IL-13] - 4/28/2009
Rep Bilbray, Brian P. [CA-50] - 4/21/2009
Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] - 5/4/2009
Rep Bishop, Rob [UT-1] - 4/21/2009
Rep Blackburn, Marsha [TN-7] - 3/16/2009
Rep Blunt, Roy [MO-7] - 3/24/2009
Rep Bono Mack, Mary [CA-45] - 4/29/2009
Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] - 5/7/2009
Rep Boustany, Charles W., Jr. [LA-7] - 5/13/2009
Rep Brady, Kevin [TX-8] - 4/22/2009
Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] - 2/26/2009
Rep Brown, Henry E., Jr. [SC-1] - 4/28/2009
Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5] - 5/20/2009
Rep Buchanan, Vern [FL-13] - 3/17/2009
Rep Burgess, Michael C. [TX-26] - 3/19/2009
Rep Burton, Dan [IN-5] - 2/26/2009
Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] - 4/30/2009
Rep Calvert, Ken [CA-44] - 4/29/2009
Rep Campbell, John [CA-48] - 5/4/2009
Rep Capito, Shelley Moore [WV-2] - 4/1/2009
Rep Carter, John R. [TX-31] - 3/31/2009
Rep Cassidy, Bill [LA-6] - 5/4/2009
Rep Castle, Michael N. [DE] - 3/17/2009
Rep Chaffetz, Jason [UT-3] - 3/6/2009
Rep Cole, Tom [OK-4] - 4/21/2009
Rep Conaway, K. Michael [TX-11] - 5/7/2009
Rep Crenshaw, Ander [FL-4] - 5/4/2009
Rep Culberson, John Abney [TX-7] - 3/26/2009
Rep Davis, Geoff [KY-4] - 5/6/2009
Rep Deal, Nathan [GA-9] - 3/23/2009
Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] - 3/9/2009
Rep Dent, Charles W. [PA-15] - 5/6/2009
Rep Doggett, Lloyd [TX-25] - 4/21/2009
Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] - 3/6/2009
Rep Ehlers, Vernon J. [MI-3] - 4/21/2009
Rep Fallin, Mary [OK-5] - 4/2/2009
Rep Flake, Jeff [AZ-6] - 5/11/2009
Rep Fleming, John [LA-4] - 3/18/2009
Rep Forbes, J. Randy [VA-4] - 5/20/2009
Rep Fortenberry, Jeff [NE-1] - 5/12/2009
Rep Foxx, Virginia [NC-5] - 3/10/2009
Rep Franks, Trent [AZ-2] - 3/23/2009
Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] - 3/5/2009
Rep Gerlach, Jim [PA-6] - 5/11/2009
Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11] - 3/30/2009
Rep Gohmert, Louie [TX-1] - 4/23/2009
Rep Goodlatte, Bob [VA-6] - 4/28/2009
Rep Granger, Kay [TX-12] - 4/28/2009
Rep Graves, Sam [MO-6] - 4/22/2009
Rep Grayson, Alan [FL-8] - 3/11/2009
Rep Guthrie, Brett [KY-2] - 5/7/2009
Rep Hall, Ralph M. [TX-4] - 4/29/2009
Rep Hare, Phil [IL-17] - 5/11/2009
Rep Harper, Gregg [MS-3] - 5/11/2009
Rep Hastings, Doc [WA-4] - 5/11/2009
Rep Heller, Dean [NV-2] - 3/6/2009
Rep Hensarling, Jeb [TX-5] - 5/4/2009
Rep Herger, Wally [CA-2] - 4/21/2009
Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] - 5/6/2009
Rep Hoekstra, Peter [MI-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Hunter, Duncan D. [CA-52] - 5/13/2009
Rep Inglis, Bob [SC-4] - 4/23/2009
Rep Inslee, Jay [WA-1] - 5/12/2009
Rep Jenkins, Lynn [KS-2] - 4/23/2009
Rep Johnson, Sam [TX-3] - 4/22/2009
Rep Johnson, Timothy V. [IL-15] - 4/23/2009
Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] - 2/26/2009
Rep Kagen, Steve [WI-8] - 2/26/2009
Rep Kaptur, Marcy [OH-9] - 4/23/2009
Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] - 3/6/2009
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] - 4/29/2009
Rep Lamborn, Doug [CO-5] - 4/21/2009
Rep Lance, Leonard [NJ-7] - 5/11/2009
Rep Latham, Tom [IA-4] - 4/21/2009
Rep LaTourette, Steven C. [OH-14] - 4/28/2009
Rep Latta, Robert E. [OH-5] - 5/20/2009
Rep Linder, John [GA-7] - 5/6/2009
Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] - 5/4/2009
Rep Lucas, Frank D. [OK-3] - 4/21/2009
Rep Luetkemeyer, Blaine [MO-9] - 4/21/2009
Rep Lummis, Cynthia M. [WY] - 3/19/2009
Rep Lungren, Daniel E. [CA-3] - 5/7/2009
Rep Mack, Connie [FL-14] - 5/12/2009
Rep Maffei, Daniel B. [NY-25] - 5/12/2009
Rep Manzullo, Donald A. [IL-16] - 4/21/2009
Rep Marchant, Kenny [TX-24] - 3/11/2009
Rep Massa, Eric J. J. [NY-29] - 4/22/2009
Rep McCarthy, Kevin [CA-22] - 5/4/2009
Rep McCaul, Michael T. [TX-10] - 4/21/2009
Rep McClintock, Tom [CA-4] - 3/6/2009
Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] - 3/19/2009
Rep McDermott, Jim [WA-7] - 4/29/2009
Rep McHenry, Patrick T. [NC-10] - 4/30/2009
Rep McHugh, John M. [NY-23] - 5/4/2009
Rep McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [WA-5] - 5/4/2009
Rep Mica, John L. [FL-7] - 5/12/2009
Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] - 5/7/2009
Rep Miller, Candice S. [MI-10] - 4/28/2009
Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] - 3/24/2009
Rep Minnick, Walter [ID-1] - 5/13/2009
Rep Moran, Jerry [KS-1] - 5/4/2009
Rep Murphy, Tim [PA-18] - 4/29/2009
Rep Myrick, Sue Wilkins [NC-9] - 4/28/2009
Rep Neugebauer, Randy [TX-19] - 4/30/2009
Rep Olson, Pete [TX-22] - 4/21/2009
Rep Ortiz, Solomon P. [TX-27] - 5/14/2009
Rep Pastor, Ed [AZ-4] - 5/20/2009
Rep Paulsen, Erik [MN-3] - 3/30/2009
Rep Pence, Mike [IN-6] - 4/21/2009
Rep Perriello, Thomas S.P. [VA-5] - 5/13/2009
Rep Peterson, Collin C. [MN-7] - 3/19/2009
Rep Petri, Thomas E. [WI-6] - 3/10/2009
Rep Pitts, Joseph R. [PA-16] - 4/28/2009
Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] - 3/19/2009
Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] - 2/26/2009
Rep Posey, Bill [FL-15] - 2/26/2009
Rep Price, Tom [GA-6] - 3/10/2009
Rep Putnam, Adam H. [FL-12] - 4/28/2009
Rep Radanovich, George [CA-19] - 5/6/2009
Rep Rehberg, Denny [MT] - 2/26/2009
Rep Reichert, David G. [WA-8] - 5/20/2009
Rep Roe, David P. [TN-1] - 4/21/2009
Rep Rogers, Mike D. [AL-3] - 5/13/2009
Rep Rogers, Mike J. [MI-8] - 5/20/2009
Rep Rohrabacher, Dana [CA-46] - 3/6/2009
Rep Rooney, Thomas J. [FL-16] - 4/22/2009
Rep Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [FL-18] - 4/28/2009
Rep Royce, Edward R. [CA-40] - 5/12/2009
Rep Ryan, Paul [WI-1] - 5/14/2009
Rep Scalise, Steve [LA-1] - 5/20/2009
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9] - 5/6/2009
Rep Schauer, Mark H. [MI-7] - 5/20/2009
Rep Schock, Aaron [IL-18] - 5/6/2009
Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [WI-5] - 5/7/2009
Rep Sessions, Pete [TX-32] - 3/23/2009
Rep Shadegg, John B. [AZ-3] - 5/7/2009
Rep Shimkus, John [IL-19] - 4/22/2009
Rep Shuster, Bill [PA-9] - 5/7/2009
Rep Simpson, Michael K. [ID-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Smith, Adam [WA-9] - 4/22/2009
Rep Smith, Adrian [NE-3] - 4/28/2009
Rep Smith, Lamar [TX-21] - 4/2/2009
Rep Stark, Fortney Pete [CA-13] - 3/26/2009
Rep Stearns, Cliff [FL-6] - 3/6/2009
Rep Taylor, Gene [MS-4] - 3/6/2009
Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2] - 3/30/2009
Rep Thompson, Glenn [PA-5] - 4/22/2009
Rep Tiahrt, Todd [KS-4] - 4/28/2009
Rep Tiberi, Patrick J. [OH-12] - 4/28/2009
Rep Turner, Michael R. [OH-3] - 5/13/2009
Rep Upton, Fred [MI-6] - 4/29/2009
Rep Walden, Greg [OR-2] - 5/4/2009
Rep Walz, Timothy J. [MN-1] - 5/7/2009
Rep Wamp, Zach [TN-3] - 3/16/2009
Rep Westmoreland, Lynn A. [GA-3] - 4/2/2009
Rep Whitfield, Ed [KY-1] - 5/14/2009
Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] - 4/29/2009
Rep Wittman, Robert J. [VA-1] - 4/1/2009
Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] - 2/26/2009
Rep Young, Don [AK] - 3/6/2009

Ron Paul interviewed regarding Gitmo on Glenn Beck (Judge Napolitano sitting in for Glenn Beck)

Fox Business News Reports on Progress of HR 1207 to Audit The Federal Reserve May 19 2009

Part I
MarketWatch's Darrell Delamaide discusses HR 1207



Part II
Congressman Walter Jones is interviewed regarding the progress of HR 1207

Ron Paul Speech on House Floor 5/19/2009 - "Current Conditions or Just a Bad Dream"

Jeremy Scahill: “Little Known Military Thug Squad Still Brutalizing Prisoners at Gitmo Under Obama”

Posted by Greg Chamberlain

Jeremy Scahill: “Little Known Military Thug Squad Still Brutalizing Prisoners at Gitmo Under Obama”

Jeremy Scahill reports the Obama administration is continuing to use a notorious military police unit at Guantanamo that regularly brutalizes unarmed prisoners, including gang-beating them, breaking their bones, gouging their eyes and dousing them with chemicals. This force, officially known as the Immediate Reaction Force, has been labeled the “Extreme Repression Force” by Guantanamo prisoners, and human rights lawyers call their actions illegal.

Ron Paul on Air America - Discusses Marijuana and Hemp Issues

The interview is available for listening on the webpage of the Tenth Amendment Center at
www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2009/05/19/ron-paul-states-rights-to-legalize-marijuana/

Ron Paul endorses Adam Kokesh for Congress

In a letter to Ron Paul Supporter on May 18, 2009 Ron Paul wrote the following:

Dear Friends,

Adam Kokesh has been a tremendous supporter - of both me AND you! As a leader of Iraqi Veterans Against the War, Adam has spent years traveling the country to spread our message of peace, a strong national defense and limited government. Adam has tremendous credibility because of his service in the United States Marine Corps and I have deep respect for his commitment to principle.

And now, Adam Kokesh needs our support.

Adam has formed an exploratory committee to run for Congress in his home state of New Mexico. Sending Adam Kokesh to Congress would be a tremendous victory for the Freedom Movement, and if we come together and stand behind him, he has a real chance to win.

This race will be difficult, but I know Adam has the energy and drive to be successful and pour every ounce of himself into this effort. I urge you to go to kokeshforcongress.com and support him in anyway you feel comfortable.

Whether it is making a financial contribution, volunteering or getting more information share with your friends and family, Adam needs your support now so he can start down this long journey with momentum and a strong wind at his back.

We have a chance to help a real patriot and lover of liberty join me in Washington. Again, I hope you will help me support Adam Kokesh for Congress.

In Liberty,
Ron Paul

Audit the Fed, Then End It! - An Essay by United States Congressman Ron Paul

I have been very pleased with the progress of my legislation, HR 1207, which calls for a complete audit of the Federal Reserve and removes many significant barriers towards transparency of our monetary system. This bill now has nearly 170 cosponsors, with support from both Republicans and Democrats. Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced a companion bill in the Senate S 604, which will hopefully begin to gain momentum as well. I am very encouraged to see so many of my colleagues in Congress stand with me for greater transparency in government.

Some have begun to push back against this bill, and I am very happy to address their concerns.

The main argument seems to be that Congressional oversight over the Fed is government interference in the free market. This argument shows a misunderstanding of what a free market really is. Fundamentally, you cannot defend the Federal Reserve and the free market at the same time. The Fed negates the very foundation of a free market by artificially manipulating the price and supply of money – the lifeblood of the economy. In a free market, interest rates, like the price of any other consumer good, are decentralized and set by the market. The only legitimate, Constitutional role of government in monetary policy is to protect the integrity of the monetary unit and defend against counterfeiters.

Instead, Congress has abdicated this responsibility to a cabal of elite, quasi-governmental banks who, instead of stabilizing the economy, have destabilized it. It took less than two decades for the Federal Reserve to bring on the Great Depression of the 1930’s. It has also inflated away the value of our currency by over 96 percent since its inception. It has invisibly stolen from the poor and given to the rich through this controlled inflation, and now openly stolen through recent bank bailouts. It has predictably exacerbated the very problems it was meant to solve.

Detractors have also argued that the Fed must remain immune from the political process, and that that more congressional oversight would distort their very important decisions. On the contrary, the Federal Reserve is already heavily entrenched in the political process, as the Fed chairman is a political appointee. High level officials routinely make the rounds between positions at the Fed, member banks, Treasury and back again, taking care of friends and each other along the way.

As far as the foolishness of placing complex monetary policy decisions in the hands of politicians – I couldn’t agree more. No politician or central banker, no matter how brilliant, is smart enough to know more than the market itself. The failure of central economic planning has been witnessed over and over. It is frankly beyond me why we ever agreed to try it again.

To understand how unwise it is to have the Federal Reserve, one must first understand the magnitude of the privileges they have. They have been given the power to create money, by the trillions, and to give it to their friends, under any terms they wish, with little or no meaningful oversight or accountability. Thus the loudest arguments against greater transparency are likely to come from those friends, and understandably so.

However, it is the responsibility of every member of Congress to represent the interests of the people that sent them to Washington and find out what has been happening with our money. As the branch of government with the power of the purse, we really have no other reasonable choice when the economy is in the shape it is in.

Fed Up - Audit The Federal Reserve: A commentary in Forbes Magazine by United States Congressman Ron Paul

United States Congressman Ron Paul from Texas, whose recently introduced HR 1207 legislation that is now in committee in congress to audit the Federal Reserve has received much support lately, but has also faced some harsh critics. As a possible rebuttal to one critic that had a opinion piece published in Forbes magazine in May 2009, Ron Paul had a chance to unleash his opinion.

Fed Up - Audit The Federal Reserve - by Ron Paul

The Federal Reserve's recent and unprecedented actions in the realm of monetary policy have provoked a backlash among the American people. Trillions of dollars worth of loans and guarantees have been provided to Wall Street firms, while Main Street Americans suffocate under harsh taxation, the prospect of higher debt levels and increasing inflation. These events have awakened many Americans to problems with the Fed's loose monetary policy, the bubbles it has created in the past and the potential hyperinflation it might cause in the future.

One of the fallacies of modern economics is the idea that a central bank is required in order to keep inflation low and promote economic growth

To read the reast, visit Forbes Magaine at http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/15/audit-the-fed-opinions-contributors-ron-paul.html

Vintage 1983 Ron Paul Debate at The Gold Standard Conference (Ron Paul v. Charles Partee)

The Capitol Hill Gold Conference was held in Washington, DC, in November 1983, and was hosted by the Ludwig von Mises Institute. Presentations at the conference include a debate on the Gold Standard between Congressman Ron Paul and Charles Partee, member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors

Dr. Ron Paul on the Mike Church radio show talks about currencies, the value of the dollar, and monetary policy

Part I



Part II

CNN attempts to set up Ron Paul with loaded "conspiracy"question in presidential debates - Ron Paul speaks truth, not falling victim. Explains CFR

Ron Paul: Statement Introducing Legislation to Help Consumers with Forgiven Credit Card Debt

Statement of Congressman Ron Paul
United States House of Representatives
Statement Introducing Legislation to Help Consumers with Forgiven Credit Card Debt
May 14, 2009


Madame Speaker, I rise to introduce legislation to help Americans struggling with consumer debt by excluding discharges of debt from the definition of taxable income. Currently, when someone is relived of consumer debt, such as credit card debt, they are taxed on the forgiven debt. So, for example, if a credit card company agrees to forgive $12,000 of a $15,000 debt, the debtor’s taxable income increases by $12,000---even though the debtor does not actually have an additional $12,000 in his or her bank account.

The only way for Americans to avoid turning cancelation of debt into a taxable event is by declaring bankruptcy or insolvency. Thus, the tax code’s perverse incentives could cause more Americans to declare bankruptcy, which is neither in the best interest of the debtor or their creditors.

Madam Speaker, the tax code should not punish Americans who work out a settlement with their creditors that enables them to avoid bankruptcy. This is unfair to both the debtors and their creditors. I therefore encourage my colleagues to cosponsor my legislation removing discharged debt from the definition of taxable income.

U.S. Congressman Ron Paul and his bill H.R. 1207 entitled The Federal Reserve Tranparancy Act of 2009 has 165 Co-Sponsors

The power of United States Congressman Ron Paul is growing by leaps and bounds, even as this is being written. His supporters have been working hard and quietly behind the scenes to encourage their own Congressional reps from their own districts to support Paul's recently introduced H.R. 1207 entitled The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009. The bill now has 165 Co-Sponsors as a result of a vigorous grass roots campaign. Places such as Ron Paul's official MySpace page at MySpace.Com/RonPaul, the group Congressman Paul set up, following his formal withdrawal from the Presidential race, known as Campaign for Liberty at CampaignForLiberty.Com, and a supporter run website known as Daily Paul at DailyPaul have all been hustling to muster the necessary support to push this new bill through committee and onto the final vote to make it become law.


The Text of the legislation is as follows:

111th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1207

To amend title 31, United States Code, to reform the manner in which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is audited by the Comptroller General of the United States and the manner in which such audits are reported, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 26, 2009

Mr. PAUL (for himself, Mr. KAGEN, Mrs. BACHMANN, Mr. BARTLETT, Mr. JONES, Mr. REHBERG, Mr. POSEY, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mr. POE of Texas, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, and Ms. WOOLSEY) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services

A BILL

To amend title 31, United States Code, to reform the manner in which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is audited by the Comptroller General of the United States and the manner in which such audits are reported, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009'.

SEC. 2. AUDIT REFORM AND TRANSPARENCY FOR THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM.

(a) In General- Subsection (b) of section 714 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking all after `shall audit an agency' and inserting a period.

(b) Audit- Section 714 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

`(e) Audit and Report of the Federal Reserve System-

`(1) IN GENERAL- The audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal reserve banks under subsection (b) shall be completed before the end of 2010.

`(2) REPORT-

`(A) REQUIRED- A report on the audit referred to in paragraph (1) shall be submitted by the Comptroller General to the Congress before the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date on which such audit is completed and made available to the Speaker of the House, the majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the committee and each subcommittee of jurisdiction in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and any other Member of Congress who requests it.

`(B) CONTENTS- The report under subparagraph (A) shall include a detailed description of the findings and conclusion of the Comptroller General with respect to the audit that is the subject of the report, together with such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Comptroller General may determine to be appropriate.'.

-------------------

At present the co-sponsors include:

Rep Abercrombie, Neil [HI-1] - 2/26/2009
Rep Aderholt, Robert B. [AL-4] - 5/6/2009
Rep Adler, John H. [NJ-3] - 5/6/2009
Rep Akin, W. Todd [MO-2] - 3/19/2009
Rep Alexander, Rodney [LA-5] - 3/10/2009
Rep Austria, Steve [OH-7] - 5/6/2009
Rep Bachmann, Michele [MN-6] - 2/26/2009
Rep Bachus, Spencer [AL-6] - 4/29/2009
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] - 4/21/2009
Rep Barrett, J. Gresham [SC-3] - 4/28/2009
Rep Barrow, John [GA-12] - 5/12/2009
Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] - 2/26/2009
Rep Barton, Joe [TX-6] - 5/4/2009
Rep Biggert, Judy [IL-13] - 4/28/2009
Rep Bilbray, Brian P. [CA-50] - 4/21/2009
Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] - 5/4/2009
Rep Bishop, Rob [UT-1] - 4/21/2009
Rep Blackburn, Marsha [TN-7] - 3/16/2009
Rep Blunt, Roy [MO-7] - 3/24/2009
Rep Bono Mack, Mary [CA-45] - 4/29/2009
Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] - 5/7/2009
Rep Boustany, Charles W., Jr. [LA-7] - 5/13/2009
Rep Brady, Kevin [TX-8] - 4/22/2009
Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] - 2/26/2009
Rep Brown, Henry E., Jr. [SC-1] - 4/28/2009
Rep Buchanan, Vern [FL-13] - 3/17/2009
Rep Burgess, Michael C. [TX-26] - 3/19/2009
Rep Burton, Dan [IN-5] - 2/26/2009
Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] - 4/30/2009
Rep Calvert, Ken [CA-44] - 4/29/2009
Rep Campbell, John [CA-48] - 5/4/2009
Rep Capito, Shelley Moore [WV-2] - 4/1/2009
Rep Carter, John R. [TX-31] - 3/31/2009
Rep Cassidy, Bill [LA-6] - 5/4/2009
Rep Castle, Michael N. [DE] - 3/17/2009
Rep Chaffetz, Jason [UT-3] - 3/6/2009
Rep Cole, Tom [OK-4] - 4/21/2009
Rep Conaway, K. Michael [TX-11] - 5/7/2009
Rep Crenshaw, Ander [FL-4] - 5/4/2009
Rep Culberson, John Abney [TX-7] - 3/26/2009
Rep Davis, Geoff [KY-4] - 5/6/2009
Rep Deal, Nathan [GA-9] - 3/23/2009
Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] - 3/9/2009
Rep Dent, Charles W. [PA-15] - 5/6/2009
Rep Doggett, Lloyd [TX-25] - 4/21/2009
Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] - 3/6/2009
Rep Ehlers, Vernon J. [MI-3] - 4/21/2009
Rep Fallin, Mary [OK-5] - 4/2/2009
Rep Flake, Jeff [AZ-6] - 5/11/2009
Rep Fleming, John [LA-4] - 3/18/2009
Rep Fortenberry, Jeff [NE-1] - 5/12/2009
Rep Foxx, Virginia [NC-5] - 3/10/2009
Rep Franks, Trent [AZ-2] - 3/23/2009
Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] - 3/5/2009
Rep Gerlach, Jim [PA-6] - 5/11/2009
Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11] - 3/30/2009
Rep Gohmert, Louie [TX-1] - 4/23/2009
Rep Goodlatte, Bob [VA-6] - 4/28/2009
Rep Granger, Kay [TX-12] - 4/28/2009
Rep Graves, Sam [MO-6] - 4/22/2009
Rep Grayson, Alan [FL-8] - 3/11/2009
Rep Guthrie, Brett [KY-2] - 5/7/2009
Rep Hall, Ralph M. [TX-4] - 4/29/2009
Rep Hare, Phil [IL-17] - 5/11/2009
Rep Harper, Gregg [MS-3] - 5/11/2009
Rep Hastings, Doc [WA-4] - 5/11/2009
Rep Heller, Dean [NV-2] - 3/6/2009
Rep Hensarling, Jeb [TX-5] - 5/4/2009
Rep Herger, Wally [CA-2] - 4/21/2009
Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] - 5/6/2009
Rep Hoekstra, Peter [MI-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Hunter, Duncan D. [CA-52] - 5/13/2009
Rep Inglis, Bob [SC-4] - 4/23/2009
Rep Inslee, Jay [WA-1] - 5/12/2009
Rep Jenkins, Lynn [KS-2] - 4/23/2009
Rep Johnson, Sam [TX-3] - 4/22/2009
Rep Johnson, Timothy V. [IL-15] - 4/23/2009
Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] - 2/26/2009
Rep Kagen, Steve [WI-8] - 2/26/2009
Rep Kaptur, Marcy [OH-9] - 4/23/2009
Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] - 3/6/2009
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] - 4/29/2009
Rep Lamborn, Doug [CO-5] - 4/21/2009
Rep Lance, Leonard [NJ-7] - 5/11/2009
Rep Latham, Tom [IA-4] - 4/21/2009
Rep LaTourette, Steven C. [OH-14] - 4/28/2009
Rep Linder, John [GA-7] - 5/6/2009
Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] - 5/4/2009
Rep Lucas, Frank D. [OK-3] - 4/21/2009
Rep Luetkemeyer, Blaine [MO-9] - 4/21/2009
Rep Lummis, Cynthia M. [WY] - 3/19/2009
Rep Lungren, Daniel E. [CA-3] - 5/7/2009
Rep Mack, Connie [FL-14] - 5/12/2009
Rep Maffei, Daniel B. [NY-25] - 5/12/2009
Rep Manzullo, Donald A. [IL-16] - 4/21/2009
Rep Marchant, Kenny [TX-24] - 3/11/2009
Rep Massa, Eric J. J. [NY-29] - 4/22/2009
Rep McCarthy, Kevin [CA-22] - 5/4/2009
Rep McCaul, Michael T. [TX-10] - 4/21/2009
Rep McClintock, Tom [CA-4] - 3/6/2009
Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] - 3/19/2009
Rep McDermott, Jim [WA-7] - 4/29/2009
Rep McHenry, Patrick T. [NC-10] - 4/30/2009
Rep McHugh, John M. [NY-23] - 5/4/2009
Rep McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [WA-5] - 5/4/2009
Rep Mica, John L. [FL-7] - 5/12/2009
Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] - 5/7/2009
Rep Miller, Candice S. [MI-10] - 4/28/2009
Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] - 3/24/2009
Rep Minnick, Walter [ID-1] - 5/13/2009
Rep Moran, Jerry [KS-1] - 5/4/2009
Rep Murphy, Tim [PA-18] - 4/29/2009
Rep Myrick, Sue Wilkins [NC-9] - 4/28/2009
Rep Neugebauer, Randy [TX-19] - 4/30/2009
Rep Olson, Pete [TX-22] - 4/21/2009
Rep Ortiz, Solomon P. [TX-27] - 5/14/2009
Rep Paulsen, Erik [MN-3] - 3/30/2009
Rep Pence, Mike [IN-6] - 4/21/2009
Rep Perriello, Thomas S.P. [VA-5] - 5/13/2009
Rep Peterson, Collin C. [MN-7] - 3/19/2009
Rep Petri, Thomas E. [WI-6] - 3/10/2009
Rep Pitts, Joseph R. [PA-16] - 4/28/2009
Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] - 3/19/2009
Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] - 2/26/2009
Rep Posey, Bill [FL-15] - 2/26/2009
Rep Price, Tom [GA-6] - 3/10/2009
Rep Putnam, Adam H. [FL-12] - 4/28/2009
Rep Radanovich, George [CA-19] - 5/6/2009
Rep Rehberg, Denny [MT] - 2/26/2009
Rep Roe, David P. [TN-1] - 4/21/2009
Rep Rogers, Mike D. [AL-3] - 5/13/2009
Rep Rohrabacher, Dana [CA-46] - 3/6/2009
Rep Rooney, Thomas J. [FL-16] - 4/22/2009
Rep Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [FL-18] - 4/28/2009
Rep Royce, Edward R. [CA-40] - 5/12/2009
Rep Ryan, Paul [WI-1] - 5/14/2009
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9] - 5/6/2009
Rep Schock, Aaron [IL-18] - 5/6/2009
Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [WI-5] - 5/7/2009
Rep Sessions, Pete [TX-32] - 3/23/2009
Rep Shadegg, John B. [AZ-3] - 5/7/2009
Rep Shimkus, John [IL-19] - 4/22/2009
Rep Shuster, Bill [PA-9] - 5/7/2009
Rep Simpson, Michael K. [ID-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Smith, Adam [WA-9] - 4/22/2009
Rep Smith, Adrian [NE-3] - 4/28/2009
Rep Smith, Lamar [TX-21] - 4/2/2009
Rep Stark, Fortney Pete [CA-13] - 3/26/2009
Rep Stearns, Cliff [FL-6] - 3/6/2009
Rep Taylor, Gene [MS-4] - 3/6/2009
Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2] - 3/30/2009
Rep Thompson, Glenn [PA-5] - 4/22/2009
Rep Tiahrt, Todd [KS-4] - 4/28/2009
Rep Tiberi, Patrick J. [OH-12] - 4/28/2009
Rep Turner, Michael R. [OH-3] - 5/13/2009
Rep Upton, Fred [MI-6] - 4/29/2009
Rep Walden, Greg [OR-2] - 5/4/2009
Rep Walz, Timothy J. [MN-1] - 5/7/2009
Rep Wamp, Zach [TN-3] - 3/16/2009
Rep Westmoreland, Lynn A. [GA-3] - 4/2/2009
Rep Whitfield, Ed [KY-1] - 5/14/2009
Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] - 4/29/2009
Rep Wittman, Robert J. [VA-1] - 4/1/2009
Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] - 2/26/2009
Rep Young, Don [AK] - 3/6/2009

------------------------------

Whilst there are many skeptics who say there is no way this will pass, others are fighting for dear life, as if The Fed is the source of this nations woes. Below is a documentary style video produced about H.R. 1207 by the Young Americans for Liberty, a group affiliated with Campaign for Liberty.




When one realizes that the Federal Reserve is about as Federal as Federal Express and is NOT part of the Federal Government and is simply a group of secretive private bankers looking out for their own special interests, it becomes apparent that Congressman Ron Paul is right on the mark and is looking out for the best interests of We, The People.

When one digs even deeper and realizes that those in charge of auditing the Federal Reserve do not have a clue what is going on, it becomes even more apparent that something has got to change, NOW. HR 1207 is the chance to bring about needed monetary policy change in Washington.



It does not take a rocket scientist to realize that Ron Paul knows what he is talking about when he grills Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve.



Thank you Ron Paul!

Ron Paul appearance on Morning Joe - Friday May 15 2009

LA Independent Examiner Reports: Ron Paul Republicans: Salvation for the GOP and America

In the 2008 republican presidential primary, congressman Ron Paul was the only candidate to advocate for a non-interventionist foreign policy and warned about the future financial crisis caused by reckless spending, and unsound currency policy by the Federal Reserve. Along with Tom Tancredo and Duncan Hunter who were also marginalized, he warned about the danger to our sovereignty by the North American Union. The GOP establishment and other candidates marginalized him because they perceived him as a threat to their political power. The Republicans ended up electing John McCain who was perceived as a continuation of the Bush agenda by supporting the Iraq War, co-sponsoring an amnesty bill in the Senate with Ted Kennedy, and making jokes about bombing Iran. He lost to Obama, who was led to victory by many Americans who were desperate for change with a false message of hope without a clear political plan. The Republicans also lost many seats in the House and Senate that election, giving the democrats control of both branches of government.


Now President Obama has continued much of Bush's legacy of massive deficit spending, an American military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is now spreading into Pakistan........ for the entire story, go to: http://www.examiner.com/x-9462-LA-Independent-Examiner~y2009m5d14-Ron-Paul-Republicans-Salvation-for-the-GOP-and-America

Ron Paul: Obama's Wars on Floor of Congress: "We are Expanding Wars - When Will It End?"

Jesse Ventura on Larry King - March 2009

part 1



Part 2

Hemp Wars in Washington DC

Bankruptcy is Economic Stimulus - Congressman Ron Paul

Bankruptcy is Economic Stimulus
by United States Congressman Ron Paul
March 23, 2009

The distraction on Capitol Hill this week has to do with the jackpot bonuses that executives at AIG recently received. The argument is over a relative drop in the bucket. The total amount of bonuses given out was $165 million. The government has put $170 billion into AIG so far. Many now are demanding we get this money back. We ought to be spending our time and effort doing something more worthwhile, like figuring out how the Federal Reserve is handling the trillions of dollars they are creating and pumping into the economy, and how that is affecting the purchasing power of dollars in your pocket.

The big mistake was appropriating the TARP funds in the first place. A Johnny-come-lately bill of attainder won’t stop the spending epidemic. This whole situation is a perfect demonstration of why “doing nothing” and letting failing companies fail would have been much better than sinking valuable money and resources into them.

When a company makes a profit, it is a signal that it is taking resources and increasing their value while controlling costs. When a company operates at a loss, it is a signal that it is decreasing the value of its resources or letting out-of-control costs outstrip any value it has created. A company operating at a loss is therefore an engine of wealth destruction. Bankruptcies are a net positive for the economy because more productive competitors are rewarded by opportunities to buy up remaining assets at bargain prices to strengthen their operations. In an economy that allows this kind of growth and change, any jobs lost by bankruptcy are soon replaced by new ones as the most efficiently managed businesses gain access to more assets and expand.

Bankruptcy was the stimulus that we needed in the case of AIG. More bankruptcies would clean out malinvested resources and enable economic growth again.

AIG, by losing money and maneuvering their operations to the brink of bankruptcy, was telling us that they were inefficient. So what did we do? We forced the taxpayer to assume the losses, and now we are supposed to be shocked that it is not working out. Had AIG gone bankrupt, it would have been impossible to hand out these bonuses. The taxpayer would have been fleeced for $170 billion less last year. Had they gone bankrupt, the world would not have come to an end, it would just continue on with one less engine of wealth destruction.

We should have learned from Japan. The 1990’s is referred to as Japan’s “lost decade” because of the zombie banks kept on life support by the Japanese government. Any productivity was redirected through these engines of wealth destruction, resulting in long term stagnation. We should and can avoid this outcome if we come to our senses.

A recession should be a time of strengthening and regrouping for an economy. But as long as the government insists on maintaining the status quo by propping up failed institutions, we will continue to dig a bigger hole for ourselves.
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