HR 1207 Cosponsor Dan Burton Grills Fed Chairman Bernanke on the B.of A./Merrill Lynch Merger

HR 1207 Cosponsor Dan Burton Grills Fed Chairman Bernanke on the B.of A./Merrill Lynch Merger

HR 1207 has 242 Cosponsors - S.604 now has 2 Cosponsors - Send Letters and Work Phones

MUCH WORK STILL TO BE DONE TO KEEP HR 1207 MOVING FORWARD. KEEP SENDING LETTERS - Postal mail is the most powerful thing that can be done!

The latest 5 House Reps that signed on are:

Rep Cantor, Eric [VA-7] - 6/23/2009
Rep Space, Zachary T. [OH-18] - 6/23/2009
Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [MI-14] - 6/23/2009
Rep Sherman, Brad [CA-27] - 6/23/2009
Rep Snyder, Vic [AR-2] - 6/23/2009

The list of Congressional members below represents the 242 members of the House of Representatives who have signed on to cosponsor Congressman Ron Paul's legislation known as H.R. 1207, which if passed will change existing laws to enable Congress to audit The Federal Reserve. If you would like to see this legislation become law, but your Rep is not listed below, please visit www.house.gov to get in contact with your rep's local as well as DC office or simply call (202) 224-3121 to connect with the DC switchboard. It is advised that postal letters are the most powerful tool for getting reps to act, in addition to the phone calls, faxes and e-mails.

The Senate companion version to HR 1207 is known as S.604. It was introduced by Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont and it now has two cosponsors. All in support of auditing The Fed are encouraged to call, write and e-mail both U.S. Senators from your home state. Postal letters are most effective. To find your Senator's contact information, please visit please visit www.senate.gov to get in contact with your Senator's offices or simply call the main switchboard in DC at (202) 224-3121.

Just below is the list 2 of Senators Cosponsoring S.604
Sen DeMint, Jim [SC] - 6/11/2009
Sen Vitter, David [LA] - 6/16/2009

Below is the list of 242 members of the House of Representatives who have signed on to cosponsor HR 1207.

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 Boehner, John A. [OH-8] - 6/10/2009
Rep Bonner, Jo [AL-1] - 6/9/2009
Rep Bono Mack, Mary [CA-45] - 4/29/2009
Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] - 5/7/2009
Rep Boswell, Leonard L. [IA-3] - 6/9/2009
Rep Boustany, Charles W., Jr. [LA-7] - 5/13/2009
Rep Brady, Kevin [TX-8] - 4/22/2009
Rep Braley, Bruce L. [IA-1] - 6/11/2009
Rep Bright, Bobby [AL-2] - 6/11/2009
Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] - 2/26/2009
Rep Brown, Corrine [FL-3] - 6/11/2009
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 Camp, Dave [MI-4] - 6/18/2009
Rep Campbell, John [CA-48] - 5/4/2009
Rep Cantor, Eric [VA-7] - 6/23/2009
Rep Cao, Anh "Joseph" [LA-2] - 6/11/2009
Rep Capito, Shelley Moore [WV-2] - 4/1/2009
Rep Carney, Christopher P. [PA-10] - 6/9/2009
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 Childers, Travis [MS-1] - 6/9/2009
Rep Coble, Howard [NC-6] - 6/11/2009
Rep Coffman, Mike [CO-6] - 6/16/2009
Rep Cole, Tom [OK-4] - 4/21/2009
Rep Conaway, K. Michael [TX-11] - 5/7/2009
Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [MI-14] - 6/23/2009
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 Diaz-Balart, Mario [FL-25] - 6/18/2009
Rep Doggett, Lloyd [TX-25] - 4/21/2009
Rep Dreier, David [CA-26] - 6/10/2009
Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] - 3/6/2009
Rep Edwards, Chet [TX-17] - 6/16/2009
Rep Edwards, Donna F. [MD-4] - 6/11/2009
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 Frelinghuysen, Rodney P. [NJ-11] - 6/3/2009
Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] - 3/5/2009
Rep Gerlach, Jim [PA-6] - 5/11/2009
Rep Giffords, Gabrielle [AZ-8] - 6/16/2009
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 Griffith, Parker [AL-5] - 6/16/2009
Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] - 6/3/2009
Rep Guthrie, Brett [KY-2] - 5/7/2009
Rep Hall, Ralph M. [TX-4] - 4/29/2009
Rep Halvorson, Deborah L. [IL-11] - 6/3/2009
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 Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] - 6/2/2009
Rep Hoekstra, Peter [MI-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Holden, Tim [PA-17] - 6/4/2009
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 Issa, Darrell E. [CA-49] - 6/16/2009
Rep Jenkins, Lynn [KS-2] - 4/23/2009
Rep Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [GA-4] - 6/9/2009
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 Jordan, Jim [OH-4] - 6/2/2009
Rep Kagen, Steve [WI-8] - 2/26/2009
Rep Kaptur, Marcy [OH-9] - 4/23/2009
Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] - 6/4/2009
Rep King, Steve [IA-5] - 6/11/2009
Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] - 3/6/2009
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] - 4/29/2009
Rep Kosmas, Suzanne M. [FL-24] - 6/17/2009
Rep Kratovil, Frank, Jr. [MD-1] - 6/4/2009
Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. [OH-10] - 6/11/2009
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 Lee, Christopher J. [NY-26] - 6/10/2009
Rep Linder, John [GA-7] - 5/6/2009
Rep Lipinski, Daniel [IL-3] - 6/4/2009
Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] - 5/4/2009
Rep Loebsack, David [IA-2] - 6/10/2009
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 McGovern, James P. [MA-3] - 6/10/2009
Rep McHenry, Patrick T. [NC-10] - 4/30/2009
Rep McHugh, John M. [NY-23] - 5/4/2009
Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] - 6/10/2009
Rep McKeon, Howard P. "Buck" [CA-25] - 6/11/2009
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, Gary G. [CA-42] - 6/10/2009
Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] - 3/24/2009
Rep Minnick, Walter [ID-1] - 5/13/2009
Rep Mitchell, Harry E. [AZ-5] - 6/9/2009
Rep Moran, Jerry [KS-1] - 5/4/2009
Rep Murphy, Patrick J. [PA-8] - 6/9/2009
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 Nunes, Devin [CA-21] - 6/12/2009
Rep Olson, Pete [TX-22] - 4/21/2009
Rep Ortiz, Solomon P. [TX-27] - 5/14/2009
Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [NJ-8] - 6/9/2009
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 Perlmutter, Ed [CO-7] - 6/10/2009
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 Polis, Jared [CO-2] - 6/11/2009
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 Roskam, Peter J. [IL-6] - 6/2/2009
Rep Ross, Mike [AR-4] - 5/21/2009
Rep Rothman, Steven R. [NJ-9] - 6/18/2009
Rep Royce, Edward R. [CA-40] - 5/12/2009
Rep Ryan, Paul [WI-1] - 5/14/2009
Rep Sarbanes, John P. [MD-3] - 6/15/2009
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 Schmidt, Jean [OH-2] - 6/11/2009
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 Shea-Porter, Carol [NH-1] - 6/9/2009
Rep Sherman, Brad [CA-27] - 6/23/2009
Rep Shimkus, John [IL-19] - 4/22/2009
Rep Shuler, Heath [NC-11] - 6/12/2009
Rep Shuster, Bill [PA-9] - 5/7/2009
Rep Simpson, Michael K. [ID-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [NY-28] - 6/17/2009
Rep Smith, Adam [WA-9] - 4/22/2009
Rep Smith, Adrian [NE-3] - 4/28/2009
Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] - 6/15/2009
Rep Smith, Lamar [TX-21] - 4/2/2009
Rep Snyder, Vic [AR-2] - 6/23/2009
Rep Souder, Mark E. [IN-3] - 6/16/2009
Rep Space, Zachary T. [OH-18] - 6/23/2009
Rep Speier, Jackie [CA-12] - 6/11/2009
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 Teague, Harry [NM-2] - 6/12/2009
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 Tonko, Paul D. [NY-21] - 6/9/2009
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 Wolf, Frank R. [VA-10] - 6/11/2009
Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] - 2/26/2009
Rep Young, C.W. Bill [FL-10] - 6/3/2009
Rep Young, Don [AK] - 3/6/2009

Money Guru Peter Schiff - Misguided re-regulation of financial services

Peter Schiff gives a solid run through of how the Federal government's policies caused the current economic disaster, and why more regulation will only make an already grim situation much worse.

Connect Direct with Peter Schiff at www.youtube.com/schiffreport

Former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney on Obama Admin: Bushism with Bush

Former United States Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney was and continues to be a very outspoken critic of the Iraq War and the so called War on Terror. Now, she is just as critical of the Obama Administration's Foreign and Domestic Policy as she frames the supposed "Change" we are getting as simply Bushism without Bush.

She has first hand knowledge of what is going on in the Middle East as a result of U.S. policy, having traveled extensively throughout the region in the last year.



Cynthia McKinney's own myspace page is at http://myspace.com/runcynthiarun and/or, drop her a comment at her myspace blog at http://blogs.myspace.com/runcynthiarun

More for Congressman Paul's case for non interventionism with Iran Elections

Whilst there may or may not be bias in the reporting and there is always more to any story, especially when it comes to anything to do with Iran, the story at the link below, entitled Mousavi, Celebrated in Iranian Protests, Was the Butcher of Beirut, is further reason in favor of the type of non interventionist policy that Congressman Paul adheres to. I am referring to how Congressman Paul voted in relation to the recent H Res 560 Iran Resolution voted on last week (refer to blog post from June 19). and was the lone voice of dissent in the 405-1 House vote. Congressman Paul was commended by many in the public and in the media as the only many in Congress that day with any common sense. The article below, that points out more about Mousavi, is only one of potentially dozens of more reasons why the U.S. should choose the path of non intervention.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/spytalk/2009/06/mousavi-celebrated-in-iranian.html


Congressman Paul's official congressional website is www.House.Gov/Paul and his very active official MySpace page is www.MySpace.Com/RonPaul

Ron Paul Statement Opposing Resolution on Iran - June 19, 2009

H Res 560 introduced by Congressman Howard Berman of California is titled "Expressing support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law, and for other purposes." The text of the Resolution is as follows:

"6/18/2009--Introduced.

Expresses support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law.

Condemns the ongoing violence against demonstrators by the government of Iran and pro-government militias as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication through interference with the Internet and cellphones.

Affirms the universality of individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections."

End
---------------------------------

H Res 560 passed 405 - 1, with Congressman Ron Paul being the long voice of dissent. Below is his statement in opposition to H Res 560.

Statement of Congressman Ron Paul
United States House of Representatives
Statement Opposing Resolution on Iran
June 19, 2009


I rise in reluctant opposition to H Res 560, which condemns the Iranian government for its recent actions during the unrest in that country. While I never condone violence, much less the violence that governments are only too willing to mete out to their own citizens, I am always very cautious about “condemning” the actions of governments overseas. As an elected member of the United States House of Representatives, I have always questioned our constitutional authority to sit in judgment of the actions of foreign governments of which we are not representatives. I have always hesitated when my colleagues rush to pronounce final judgment on events thousands of miles away about which we know very little. And we know very little beyond limited press reports about what is happening in Iran.

Of course I do not support attempts by foreign governments to suppress the democratic aspirations of their people, but when is the last time we condemned Saudi Arabia or Egypt or the many other countries where unlike in Iran there is no opportunity to exercise any substantial vote on political leadership? It seems our criticism is selective and applied when there are political points to be made. I have admired President Obama’s cautious approach to the situation in Iran and I would have preferred that we in the House had acted similarly.

I adhere to the foreign policy of our Founders, who advised that we not interfere in the internal affairs of countries overseas. I believe that is the best policy for the United States, for our national security and for our prosperity. I urge my colleagues to reject this and all similar meddling resolutions.

---------------------
END
--------------------

Congressman Paul's official congressional website is www.House.Gov/Paul and his very active official MySpace page is www.MySpace.Com/RonPaul

Ron Paul on Bloomberg News Getting to the Root Cause of Economic Problem

Congressman Paul went on Bloomberg News today and talked about and promoted Free Markets, where bankruptcies go through, liquidation of debt is achieved, reduced spending occurs with reduced taxes. He sought to promote the idea capitalism from savings, not printing money and spending.

He talks about H.R. 1207, how there is NO transparency as Obama has promised. The fox is watching the hen house under the Obama Administration as The Fed is getting more power, not less.




Congressman Paul's official congressional website is www.House.Gov/Paul and his very active official MySpace page is www.MySpace.Com/RonPaul

House passes $106 billion war funding bill today - HR 2346 - Where's The Change?

The Associated Press just reported "House passes $106 billion war funding bill"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090616/ap_on_go_co/us_congress_war_funds

For the full text of HR 2346, please visit www.Thomas.gov and look up the details of the bill. You will see, it is just more of the same with no change, whatsoever, by either party.

Here is Ron Paul's Opposition Address to HR 2346 that he made on Tuesday June 16 2009

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this conference report on the War Supplemental Appropriations. I wonder what happened to all of my colleagues who said they were opposed to the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I wonder what happened to my colleagues who voted with me as I opposed every war supplemental request under the previous administration. It seems, with very few exceptions, they have changed their position on the war now that the White House has changed hands. I find this troubling. As I have said while opposing previous war funding requests, a vote to fund the war is a vote in favor of the war. Congress exercises its constitutional prerogatives through the power of the purse.

This conference report, being a Washington-style compromise, reflects one thing Congress agrees on: spending money we do not have. So this “compromise” bill spends 15 percent more than the president requested, which is $9 billion more than in the original House bill and $14.6 billion more than the original Senate version. Included in this final version — in addition to the $106 billion to continue the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq — is a $108 billion loan guarantee to the International Monetary Fund, allowing that destructive organization to continue spending taxpayer money to prop up corrupt elites and promote harmful economic policies overseas.

As Americans struggle through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, this emergency supplemental appropriations bill sends billions of dollars overseas as foreign aid. Included in this appropriation is $660 million for Gaza, $555 million for Israel, $310 million for Egypt, $300 million for Jordan, and $420 million for Mexico. Some $889 million will be sent to the United Nations for “peacekeeping” missions. Almost one billion dollars will be sent overseas to address the global financial crisis outside our borders and nearly $8 billion will be spent to address a “potential pandemic flu.”

Mr. Speaker, I continue to believe that the best way to support our troops is to bring them home from Iraq and Afghanistan. If one looks at the original authorization for the use of force in Afghanistan, it is clear that the ongoing and expanding nation-building mission there has nothing to do with our goal of capturing and bringing to justice those who attacked the United States on September 11, 2001. Our continued presence in Iraq and Afghanistan does not make us safer at home, but in fact it undermines our national security. I urge my colleagues to defeat this reckless conference report.


Congressman Paul's official congressional website is www.House.Gov/Paul and his very active official MySpace page is www.MySpace.Com/RonPaul

Congressman Ron Paul on Reforming Health Care in America

Congressman Paul's official congressional website is www.House.Gov/Paul and his very active official MySpace page is www.MySpace.Com/RonPaul

Congressman Ron Paul on Reforming Health Care in America

Moving Towards Tobacco Prohibition - by Congressman Ron Paul

Moving Towards Tobacco Prohibition - by Congressman Ron Paul

Congressman Paul's official congressional website is www.House.Gov/Paul and his very active official MySpace page is www.MySpace.Com/RonPaul

Last week, another bill was passed and signed into law that takes more of our freedoms and violates the Constitution of the United States. It was, of course, done for the sake of the children, and in the name of the health of the citizenry. It’s always the case that when your liberty is seized, it is seized for your own good. Such is the condescension of Washington.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act will give sweeping new powers over tobacco to the FDA. It will require everyone engaged in manufacturing, preparing, compounding, or processing tobacco to register with the FDA and be subjected to FDA inspections, which is yet another violation of the Fourth Amendment. It violates the First Amendment by allowing the FDA to restrict tobacco advertising in multiple ways, as well as an outright ban on advertising any cigarettes as light, mild or low-tar. The FDA will have the power of pre-market reviews of all new tobacco products, and will impose new user fees, meaning taxes, on manufacturers and importers of tobacco products. It will even regulate the amount of nicotine in cigarettes.

My objections to the bill are not an endorsement of tobacco. As a physician I understand the adverse health effects of this bad habit. And that is exactly how smoking should be treated – as a bad habit and a personal choice. The way to combat poor choices is through education and information. Other than ensuring that tobacco companies do not engage in force or fraud to market their products, the federal government needs to stay out of the health habits of free people. Regulations for children should be at the state level. Unfortunately, government is using its already overly intrusive financial and regulatory roles in healthcare to establish a justifiable interest in intervening in your personal lifestyle choices as well. We all need to anticipate the level of health freedom that will remain once government manages all health care in this country.

Actions in Congress such as this tobacco bill are especially disconcerting after we thought we were beginning to see some progress in drawing down the wrong-headed and failed war on drugs. A majority of Americans now think marijuana should be legal, taxed and regulated, according to a recent Zogby poll and over 70 percent are in favor of allowing medicinal use of marijuana. Bills like this take us down exactly the wrong path. Instead of gaining more freedom with marijuana, we are moving closer to prohibiting tobacco. Our prisons are already bursting with non-violent drug offenders. How long will it be before a black market in tobacco fills the prisons with non-violent cigarette smokers?

Hemp and tobacco were staple crops for our founding fathers when our country was new. It is baffling to see how far removed from real freedom this country has become since then. Hemp, even for industrial uses, of which there are many, is illegal to grow at all. Now tobacco will have more layers of bureaucracy and interference piled on top of it. In this economy it is extremely upsetting to see this additional squeeze put on an entire industry. One has to wonder how many smaller farmers will be forced out of business because of this bill.

Congressman Ron Paul Opposes Foreign Relations Authorization Act

Congressman Ron Paul Opposes Foreign Relations Authorization Act, claiming that it is just more nation building under the guise of supposed Democratization and is simply meddling in other governments internal affairs. He made a brief reference to how this sort of activity has not served the U.S. very well and pointed out the year 1953. He did not mention 1953 as relating to Iran, but that was the year U.S. government meddled in the internal affairs of Iran to overthrow the elected leadership, and thus set off a chain reaction of unintended consequence that haunts the U.S. to this day.

For the full cost estimate of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act by the Congressional Budget Office, please visit this link:
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/102xx/doc10260/hr2410.pdf

Davem Dave Letterman, Sarah Palin, Todd Palin, Bristol Palin, Perv

All is fair in Comedy and Politics. Poor Dave Letterman is getting an earful from Sarah Palin and Todd Palin and laughs from the rest of the world. Go Dave, you ol' perv.

Ron Paul on Government Regulation Of Tobacco

Congressman Ron Paul speaks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding recent tobacco legislation passed by Congress. Congressman Paul's official congressional website is www.House.Gov/Paul and his very active official MySpace page is www.MySpace.Com/RonPaul

Ron Paul's Audit the Fed Bill Reaches Crucial Benchmark

For Immediate Release
June 11, 2009

Audit the Fed Bill Reaches Crucial Benchmark

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Ron Paul's Federal Reserve Transparency Act, HR 1207, has reached and surpassed the level of 218 cosponsors in the House of Representatives, which means it is now cosponsored by a majority of the members.

The 218th cosponsor was Dennis Kucinich (OH-10), and the bill has since received its 222nd cosponsor.

“The tremendous grass-roots and bipartisan support in Congress for HR 1207 is an indicator of how mainstream America is fed up with Fed secrecy,” said Congressman Paul. “I look forward to this issue receiving greater public exposure.”

Hearings on Federal Reserve transparency are expected within the next month, as part of the Financial Services Committee's series of hearings on regulatory reform.

Ron Paul on The Alex Jones Show - Their Time Has Come "Audit The FED!"

Congressman Paul makes his case for Auditing the Federal Reserve and ultimately abolishing it.

Part I



Part II

Congressman Ron Paul Talks Foreign Policy with Huffington Post: "New Face, Same Policy"

Kathleen Wells: As a member of the U. S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee, what is your take on this issue of torture?

Congressman Ron Paul:
Well, it's against the law - both our law and international law. So, we
shouldn't do it. And I'm against it for personal, moral reasons. I
think it's horrible. And for practical reasons, I think it's absolutely
worthless. And if we are serious about getting information, if we use
other techniques, we actually get more information.

Kathleen Wells: So, you do believe that we were committing torture in our interrogations in Guantanamo?

Congressman Ron Paul: I
don't think the pictures I've seen were fictitious - the ones that were
released a year or two ago. And, obviously, there are some more
pictures of torture that they draw more attention to because they
refuse to release them, which means that it must be a true indictment
of what they were doing.

Kathleen Wells: What are your thoughts on President Obama's decision to release the torture memos?

Congressman Ron Paul: I
think he is purely political. I think he has backed down on what he
said. He was elected for change and it is the same old stuff and he is
as much of a neo-con now as Bush was with this issue and other issues.
The war has been expanded. He continues with not closing down
Guantanamo. There is probably, for as most [sic] as we can tell, there
is still secret rendition going on. We just moved some of this process
overseas. We are not going to be aware of it in detail.

Kathleen Wells: You feel President Obama is a neo-con like Bush? You don't see a distinction between the two administrations?

Congressman Ron Paul:
The tone is different, but the policies don't change. We are spreading
the war. The war is expanding. We are not prosecuting those that
committed torture. Guantanamo is not going to be closed down. So, no, I
don't see [a distinction between Bush and Obama].

He [Obama]
increased the DOD [Department of Defense] budget. We surely could spend
some of that money at home where people are really hurting. But we
increased the DOD budget, I think, by 10-percent. I can't see any
significant change in foreign policy. The pretense in leaving Iraq was
a mild pretense and I'm predicting that's not going to happen. There
are going to be troops in Iraq throughout this administration, I'm
convinced.

Kathleen Wells: Why are you convinced?

For the rest of the interview, goto: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathleen-wells/congressman-ron-paul-talk_b_212520.html

Jim Grant of Grant's Interest Rate Observer said The Fed will be shut down, if audited.

Jim Grant, editor of Grant's Interest Rate Observer, criticizes the performance of the Federal Reserve on CNBC, stating that an audit of the Federal Reserve would reveal a balance sheet so out of control the Fed would have to close its doors.

This is a bit of what he said:

"With $45 billion in capital and $2.1 trillion in assets, the central bank would not withstand the scrutiny normally afforded other institutions, Grant said in a live interview.

"If the Fed examiners were set upon the Fed's own documents-unlabeled documents-to pass judgment on the Fed's capacity to survive the difficulties it faces in credit, it would shut this institution down," he said. "The Fed is undercapitalized in a way that Citicorp is undercapitalized."

For the rest of the text part of the story, click here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/31204170

Peter Schiff on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 6/9/09: "The Economy"

Peter Schiff wants Americans to produce more and consume less. Peter Schiff believes Americans have to go back to a basic economy that grows based on savings, not consumer credit.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Peter Schiff
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Newt Gingrich Unedited Interview

H.R. 1207,The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009, up to 207 Congressional Cosponsors

The list of Congressional members below represents the 207 members of the House of Representatives who have signed on to cosponsor Congressman Ron Paul's legislation known as H.R. 1207, which if passed will change existing laws to enable Congress to audit The Federal Reserve. If you would like to see this legislation become law, but your Rep is not listed below, please visit www.house.gov to get in contact with your rep's local as well as DC office or simply call (202) 224-3121 to connect with the DC switchboard.

As of June 9, the list of 17 House reps can be added as co-sponsors to the list below of those who have signed on to cosponsor H.R. 1207 since last week.

Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY)
Rep. Jo Bonner (R-AL)
Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA)
Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ)
Rep. Christopher Carney (D-PA)
Rep. Travis Childers (D-MS)*
Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA)
Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-AZ)
Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA)
Rep. David Dreier (R-CA)
Rep. Steve King (R-IA)
Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)**
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO)*
Rep. Chris Lee (R-NY)*
Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC)
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)

* House Financial Services Committee Member
** Minority Leader, House of Representatives (Yes, you read that right!)

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



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 Frelinghuysen, Rodney P. [NJ-11] - 6/3/2009
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 Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] - 6/3/2009
Rep Guthrie, Brett [KY-2] - 5/7/2009
Rep Hall, Ralph M. [TX-4] - 4/29/2009
Rep Halvorson, Deborah L. [IL-11] - 6/3/2009
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 Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] - 6/2/2009
Rep Hoekstra, Peter [MI-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Holden, Tim [PA-17] - 6/4/2009
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 Jordan, Jim [OH-4] - 6/2/2009
Rep Kagen, Steve [WI-8] - 2/26/2009
Rep Kaptur, Marcy [OH-9] - 4/23/2009
Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] - 6/4/2009
Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] - 3/6/2009
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] - 4/29/2009
Rep Kratovil, Frank, Jr. [MD-1] - 6/4/2009
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 Lipinski, Daniel [IL-3] - 6/4/2009
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 Roskam, Peter J. [IL-6] - 6/2/2009
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, C.W. Bill [FL-10] - 6/3/2009
Rep Young, Don [AK] - 3/6/2009

H.R. 1207,The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009, up to 200 Congressional Cosponsors

The list of Congressional members below represents the 200 members of the House of Representatives who have signed on to cosponsor Congressman Ron Paul's legislation known as H.R. 1207, which if passed will change existing laws to enable Congress to audit The Federal Reserve. If you would like to see this legislation become law, but your Rep is not listed below, please visit www.house.gov to get in contact with your rep's local as well as DC office or simply call (202) 224-3121 to connect with the DC switchboard.

As of June 9, the list of 10 House reps can be added as co-sponsors to the list below of those who have signed on to cosponsor H.R. 1207 since last week.

Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY)
Rep. Jo Bonner (R-AL)
Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA)
Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ)
Rep. Christopher Carney (D-PA)
Rep. Travis Childers (D-MS)*
Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA)
Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-AZ)
Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA)

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 Frelinghuysen, Rodney P. [NJ-11] - 6/3/2009
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 Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] - 6/3/2009
Rep Guthrie, Brett [KY-2] - 5/7/2009
Rep Hall, Ralph M. [TX-4] - 4/29/2009
Rep Halvorson, Deborah L. [IL-11] - 6/3/2009
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 Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] - 6/2/2009
Rep Hoekstra, Peter [MI-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Holden, Tim [PA-17] - 6/4/2009
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 Jordan, Jim [OH-4] - 6/2/2009
Rep Kagen, Steve [WI-8] - 2/26/2009
Rep Kaptur, Marcy [OH-9] - 4/23/2009
Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] - 6/4/2009
Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] - 3/6/2009
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] - 4/29/2009
Rep Kratovil, Frank, Jr. [MD-1] - 6/4/2009
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 Lipinski, Daniel [IL-3] - 6/4/2009
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 Roskam, Peter J. [IL-6] - 6/2/2009
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, C.W. Bill [FL-10] - 6/3/2009
Rep Young, Don [AK] - 3/6/2009

Congressman Ron Paul's Statement on Global Warming Petition Signed by 31,478 Scientists

Statement of Congressman Ron Paul
United States House of Representatives
Statement on Global Warming Petition Signed by 31,478 Scientists
June 4, 2009


* Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, before voting on the ``cap-and-trade'' legislation, my colleagues should consider the views expressed in the following petition that has been signed by 31,478 American scientists:

* ``We urge the United States government to reject the global warming agreement that was written in Kyoto, Japan in December, 1997, and any other similar proposals. The proposed limits on greenhouse gases would harm the environment, hinder the advance of science and technology, and damage the health and welfare of mankind.

* There is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gases is causing or will, in the foreseeable future, cause catastrophic heating of the Earth's atmosphere and disruption of the Earth's climate. Moreover, there is substantial scientific evidence that increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide produce many beneficial effects upon the natural plant and animal environments of the Earth.''

* Circulated through the mail by a distinguished group of American physical scientists and supported by a definitive review of the peer-reviewed scientific literature, this may be the strongest and most widely supported statement on this subject that has been made by the scientific community. A state-by-state listing of the signers, which include 9,029 men and women with PhD degrees, a listing of their academic specialties, and a peer-reviewed summary of the science on this subject are available at www.petitionproject.org

* The peer-reviewed summary, ``Environmental Effects of Increased Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide'' by A. B. Robinson, N. E. Robinson, and W. Soon includes 132 references to the scientific literature and was circulated with the petition.

* Signers of this petition include 3,803 with specific training in atmospheric, earth, and environmental sciences. All 31,478 of the signers have the necessary training in physics, chemistry, and mathematics to understand and evaluate the scientific data relevant to the human-caused global warming hypothesis and to the effects of human activities upon environmental quality.

* In a letter circulated with this petition, Frederick Seitz--past President of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, President Emeritus of Rockefeller University, and recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from 32 universities throughout the world--wrote:

* ``The United States is very close to adopting an international agreement that would ration the use of energy and of technologies that depend upon coal, oil, and natural gas and some other organic compounds.

* This treaty is, in our opinion, based upon flawed ideas. Research data on climate change do not show that human use of hydrocarbons is harmful. To the contrary, there is good evidence that increased atmospheric carbon dioxide is environmentally helpful.

* The proposed agreement we have very negative effects upon the technology of nations throughout the world; especially those that are currently attempting to lift from poverty and provide opportunities to the over 4 billion people in technologically underdeveloped countries.

* It is especially important for America to hear from its citizens who have the training necessary to evaluate the relevant data and offer sound advice.''

* We urge you to sign and return the enclosed petition card. If you would like more cards for use by your colleagues, these will be sent.''

* Madam Speaker, at a time when our nation is faced with a severe shortage of domestically produced energy and a serious economic contraction; we should be reducing the taxation and regulation that plagues our energy-producing industries.

* Yet, we will soon be considering so-called ``cap and trade'' legislation that would increase the taxation and regulation of our energy industries. ``Cap and-trade'' will do at least as much, if not more, damage to the economy as the treaty referred by Professor Seitz! This legislation is being supported by the claims of ``global warming'' and ``climate change'' advocates--claims that, as demonstrated by the 31,477 signatures to Professor Seitz' petition, many American scientists believe is disproved by extensive experimental and observational work.

* It is time that we look beyond those few who seek increased taxation and increased

[Page: E1325] GPO's PDF is available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2009_record&page=E1325&position=all

regulation and control of the American people. Our energy policies must be based upon scientific truth--not fictional movies or self-interested international agendas. They should be based upon the accomplishments of technological free enterprise that have provided our modern civilization, including our energy industries. That free enterprise must not be hindered by bogus claims about imaginary disasters.

* Above all, we must never forget our contract with the American people--the Constitution that provides the sole source of legitimacy of our government. That Constitution requires that we preserve the basic human rights of our people--including the right to freely manufacture, use, and sell energy produced by any means they devise--including nuclear, hydrocarbon, solar, wind, or even bicycle generators.

* While it is evident that the human right to produce and use energy does not extend to activities that actually endanger the climate of the Earth upon which we all depend, bogus claims about climate dangers should not be used as a justification to further limit the American people's freedom.

In conclusion, I once again urge my colleagues to carefully consider the arguments made by the 31,478 American scientists who have signed this petition before voting on any legislation imposing new regulations or taxes on the American people in the name of halting climate change.

"Private" enterprise + political control = economic fascism

This article was posted by permission: The original article can be found at the blog of Congressman Ron Paul's MySpace page at http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=158537123&blogId=493788448

"Private" enterprise + political control = economic fascism

There is a new thought floating around that was posted on the Campaign for Liberty website next to Congressman Paul's latest essay entitled "GM, Amtrak and an Increasingly Fascist America". That thought floating around that I am referring to is: "Private" enterprise + political control = economic fascism.

When I viewed the video that is posted below, a few days ago, I was shocked by the allegations by Congressman Ted Poe on the floor of Congress, that the Obama administration's appointed Auto Task Force has been planning on closing GM and Chrysler dealerships with one apparent common thread. Dealers who were GOP contributors are being shut down first, even when they are profitable dealerships.

When I read that line "Private" enterprise + political control = economic fascism, I realized that this line is not just a line. It is what we as Americans are facing right now. The Auto Task Force saga is perhaps just one of hundreds of intended and unintended consequences of going down the road of not adhering to the Constitution where our government has become quite seasoned at taking from one group of Americans to give to another group that is not successfully competing in what should be a pure free market system, but most sadly, is not.

The good companies, that deserve to win in the game of business and true free market competition, are being forced to lose as their competitors who are poor performers are being propped up, yet again, with freshly printed counterfeit money being handed out by politicians who know little or nothing about how to run successful businesses or a sound economy. All this is doing is diluting the value of what little savings some people may still have and watering down the buying power of the dollar. And, that is not to mention the continued loss of valuable time as foreign competitors are gaining, as we as Americans are losing our grip.

Unconstitutional politicians are trying to prop up businesses when these politicians are not business people, never have been and never will be. They are Crony Capitalists. It's pathetic.

Regards,
Greg Chamberlain
----------------------------------------------

GM, Amtrak and an Increasingly Fascist America - Congressman Ron Paul June 8, 2009

GM, Amtrak and an Increasingly Fascist America

Last week, General Motors finally declared bankruptcy. Many in government thought $20 billion in taxpayer dollars would save the company, but as predicted, it only postponed the inevitable. The government will dump another $30 billion into GM and take a 60 percent controlling interest for it. Public officials are now involving themselves in tactical business decisions such as where GM’s headquarters should move and what kind of cars it will build.

The promise that this is temporary and will eventually be profitable is supposed to ease the American people into accepting this arrangement, but it is of little comfort to those who remember similar promises when the American taxpayers bought Amtrak. After three years, government was supposed to be out of the passenger rail business. 40 years and billions of dollars later, the government is still operating Amtrak at a loss, despite the fact that they have created a monopoly by making it illegal to compete with Amtrak. Imagine what they can now do to what is left of the great American auto industry!

In a truly free market, GM would get your money one way and one way only – by selling you a car you want, at a price you are willing to pay. Instead, the government is giving public money to a private company in spite of the market signals it has been sending. Throwing money at GM does not stop it from being an engine of wealth destruction; on the contrary, it simply gives it more wealth to destroy.

Had it been allowed to fail naturally, the profitable pieces of GM would have been bought up and put to good use by now. The laid off employees would likely have found new jobs and all that capital would be in private hands, reinvested in companies that produce products demanded by consumers. Instead, we are all poorer now.

Political pressure, rather than the rule of law, is deciding how to divide up the remains of GM. The bondholders had billions in retirement savings invested in the company, and though they were entitled to nearly three times as much as the United Auto Workers, the bondholders were left with just a 10 percent stake compared to the union’s 17.5 percent stake. For their 60 percent stake, taxpayers have a future of constant bailouts to look forward to.

Comingling public control of private business is known as fascism. While today’s politicians may feel emboldened with all their new power, history will only repeat itself as all this collapses on itself. It is the height of hubris for bureaucrats and politicians to attempt to control the market and the freewill of the American people. In the end, the market always wins out. Maybe one day future generations will wise up and allow free markets to function and thrive without the albatross of government around its neck. For now, it looks like those in charge have not learned the lessons of the past, and have doomed us to repeat those mistakes once again.

Obama ramps up the Socialism plan with more "Stimulus"

The Citizen's Guide to Surviving Police Encounters

It this world in which we live where a former President and even the Obama administration and is working hard to diminish our rights under The Constitution and the Bill of Rights, that does not mean that We, the People, must bend over and submit to the Police. This IS NOT a police state, yet. Watch this very important video to give you some important advice on how to conduct yourself and protect yourself and your rights if you are pulled over by the police, approached by officers on the street, or the police show up at your home. While laws from state to state and county to county are different, be careful, be aware and do not submit to fear and intimidation. For more good information, visit www.FlexYourRights.Org

Auto Takeover Will be Worse Than Than AMTRAK and Last Forever - Tom Woods on speaks with Judge Napolitano 6/5/09

Congresswoman Kaptur Grills Federal Reserve Chair Bernanke

Congresswoman Kaptur Grills Federal Reserve Chair Bernanke and ask pointed questions about the transparency of The Fed and asks questions about terms of various contracts with Fannie Mae and Freedie Mac as well as other no bid contracts issues to cronies of The Fed's revolving door.

Only GM Dealers That Donated To Republicans Were Shut Down! Congressman Ted Poe

U.S. Congressman Ted Poe of Texas speaks on the floor of Congress and claims that the only GM and Chrysler Dealers that donated To Republicans are being forcibly shut down by the government's Auto Task Force.

H.R. 1207,The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009, up to 190 Congressional Cosponsors

The list of Congressional members below represents the 190 members of the House of Representatives who have signed on to cosponsor Congressman Ron Paul's legislation known as H.R. 1207, which if passed will change existing laws to enable Congress to audit The Federal Reserve. If you would like to see this legislation become law, but your Rep is not listed below, please visit www.house.gov to get in contact with your rep's local as well as DC office or simply call (202) 224-3121 to connect with the DC switchboard.

The Senate version of the bill, S.604, introduced by Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont has NO cosponsors at present. All in support of auditing The Fed are encouraged to call, write and e-mail their Senators, as well as rousting their Congressional reps for action. To find your Senator's contact information, please visit please visit www.senate.gov to get in contact with your rep or simply call (202) 224-3121.

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 Frelinghuysen, Rodney P. [NJ-11] - 6/3/2009
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 Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] - 6/3/2009
Rep Guthrie, Brett [KY-2] - 5/7/2009
Rep Hall, Ralph M. [TX-4] - 4/29/2009
Rep Halvorson, Deborah L. [IL-11] - 6/3/2009
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 Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] - 6/2/2009
Rep Hoekstra, Peter [MI-2] - 4/28/2009
Rep Holden, Tim [PA-17] - 6/4/2009
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 Jordan, Jim [OH-4] - 6/2/2009
Rep Kagen, Steve [WI-8] - 2/26/2009
Rep Kaptur, Marcy [OH-9] - 4/23/2009
Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] - 6/4/2009
Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] - 3/6/2009
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] - 4/29/2009
Rep Kratovil, Frank, Jr. [MD-1] - 6/4/2009
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 Lipinski, Daniel [IL-3] - 6/4/2009
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 Roskam, Peter J. [IL-6] - 6/2/2009
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, C.W. Bill [FL-10] - 6/3/2009
Rep Young, Don [AK] - 3/6/2009

Judge Andrew Napolitano: "Ron Paul is the Thomas Jefferson of our day"

The President at ThePresident.Com appreciates your feedback.

Judge Andrew Napolitano says, "Ron Paul is the Thomas Jefferson of our day!".

The Fox News Senior Judicial Analyst gives a speech entitled "Civil Liberties in Wartime" at The Future Freedom Foundation's "Restoring the Republic: Foreign Policy & Civil Liberties" conference. This speech was made on June 3, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Reston, in Reston, Virginia.

Part I



Part II



Part III



Part IV

President Obama Speaks to the Muslim World from Cairo, Egypt June 4 2009 Video

Full text of speech in video is available at http://www.thepresident.com/2009/06/full-text-president-barack-obamas.html

"A New Beginning" - The President gives a speech in Cairo, Egypt, outlining what he claims is his personal commitment to engagement with the Muslim world, based upon mutual interests and mutual respect, and discusses how the United States and Muslim communities around the world can bridge some of the differences that have divided them. June 4, 2009.

Ron Paul on Floor of Congress: "Congress Doesn't Care About Cause Of Crisis" June 3 2009

Freedom Watch with Judge Andrew Napolitano featuring Ron Paul, Daniel Hannan, Lew Rockwell, Tom Woods, Shelly Roche

Part I



Part II



Part III



Part IV



Part V



Part VI

Angel Robinson talks about Campaign for Liberty and HR1207 on Glenn Beck

Angel Robinson, member of the Campaign for Liberty www.CampaignForLuberty.Com talks about the organization and Ron Paul's Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009 (HR 1207).

Full Text: President Barack Obama's Speech to the Muslim World - June 4 2009

Photo by Pete Souza.

Full Text: President Barack Obama's Speech to the Muslim World - June 4 2009

I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum.

We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world — tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles — principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do — to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.

Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.

As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam — at places like Al-Azhar University — that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.

I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers — Thomas Jefferson — kept in his personal library.

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words — within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one."

Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores — that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.

So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations — to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.

This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.

That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not — and never will be — at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.

Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

That's why we're partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths — more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism — it is an important part of promoting peace.

We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."

Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future — and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron. (See pictures of Iraq's revival.)

And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.

So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.

The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed — more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant, and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction — or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews — is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people — Muslims and Christians — have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations — large and small — that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.

For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers — for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.

That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them — and all of us — to live up to our responsibilities.

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is how it is surrendered.

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.

Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

Finally, the Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel's legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.

Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation — including Iran — should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.

I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.

There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments — provided they govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.

Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways.

Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of another's. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld — whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.

Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit — for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.

Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's Interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action — whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.

The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.

I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.

Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity — men and women — to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.

Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities. In all nations — including my own — this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities — those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.

But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.

This is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.

On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops. And today I am announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek — a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.

I know there are many — Muslim and non-Muslim — who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort — that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country — you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort — a sustained effort — to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion — that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples — a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.