A number of Democrat members of Congress have been wearing pins while walking the halls lately here in the U.S. Capitol. The pins say simply "Article I." I inquired what the pins mean? They responded that the first Article of the constitution is the one the established the legislative branch of government. The executive branch is in Article II, and the Judiciary in Article III. The order of these, they believe, shows the primacy of the legislative branch in the Founders’ minds. They wear the pin because they believe that the legislative branch has ceded too much power to the executive branch, and that it’s time to take that power back. I agree. But I don’t agree for the same reasons they do. It is not, as they believe, because George Bush has established some imperial presidency. Certainly it is no more, and probably no less, controlling than other recent presidencies. But every time Congress passes a bill creating a new government agency, or a new government program, or a new department, or a new mandate, Congress creates a new implement of power for the executive branch. You see, all the agencies and departments… Read More

Compiled by the FlashReport "Elves"

“Congratulations on your 40th birthday. Wishing you and your family continued health and happiness. Thank you for all of your hard work in the Republican Party.” – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger "Happy 40th birthday Jon. Keep fighting, we all appreciate your voice." – Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner "Happy birthday Jon. You have finally come of age. You have a beautiful wife, Maureen, a beautiful child, Matthew, and you’re no longer a public employee. Welcome to the real world. Linda and I wish you forty more years of joy, happiness, and success." – Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman “On behalf of the entire Assembly Republican Caucus, I wish you a happy 40th birthday! We appreciate your hard work and wish you the best in the year ahead.” – Assembly… Read More

Previously, I reported on an attempt by a hodge podge of various human rights type groups that have targeted the Red Chinese float that will spotlight the 2008 Olympics in the city formerly know as Peking .

Pasadena elected leaders refused to even send a “strongly worded” letter about human right to the Chinese. I’m sure the Chicoms were glad they ducked that one.

The protestors now have the right target. They plan on educating people with a billboard campaign. They also want people to turn their backs on the Rose Parade Float as it goes by. Not enough people know or want to know what the Red Chinese are up to. It is a good start.

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Freedom and liberty aren’t just words in America. They mean something. This is a country where you can start with virtually nothing, and achieve the dream of amazing financial success, whether it making hamburgers, or computers. But that freedom with a price — it is called individual responsibility. You see, the key to having a free country is that we have a truly limited government. Liberty means being able to take risks, and hopefully achieving tremendous success. But it also means that there is risk as well. Some people prefer to avoid risk, and that is their prerogative. But is a truthful statement that many of the self-made success stories in America occured because someone took a risk, and showed a willingness to potentially lose what they have to try to better their position in our society. It is with some level of amazement that I read that President Bush has unleashed his Treasury… Read More

At our request, State Board of Equalization Member and frequent FR Contributor Bill Leonard (pictured) penned these thoughts on the passing of California Taxpayers Association President Larry McCarthy… Larry McCarthy is gone and the world is a poorer place. It is right that conservatives honor his life and the dedication he had for each of us. Anyone involved in California tax policy over the last couple of decades knew Larry. Whether it was complex issues of unitary taxation of multinational corporations or simple principles that voters should be the final authority in approving tax increases Larry was in the thick of it. (And on both of these he helped me) His knowledge of taxes made him a resource for many and his unassuming generosity with his time made him high on that list of people you would want to call to get answers. His expertise… Read More

Freedom and liberty aren’t just words in America. They mean something. This is a country where you can start with virtually nothing, and achieve the dream of amazing financial success, whether it making hamburgers, or computers. But that freedom with a price — it is called individual responsibility. You see, the key to having a free country is that we have a truly limited government. Liberty means being able to take risks, and hopefully achieving tremendous success. But it also means that there is risk as well. Some people prefer to avoid risk, and that is their prerogative. But is a truthful statement that many of the self-made success stories in America occured because someone took a risk, and showed a willingness to potentially lose what they have to try to better their position in our society. It is with some level of amazement that I read that President Bush has unleashed his Treasury… Read More

We are pleased to bring you this exclusive, original column from Meredith Turney, about a startling and biased memo sent from State Superintendent of Public Intruction to County and District Superintendent’s around California…

Jack O’Connell, Superintendent of Public Misinformation Meredith Turney As the public anger over Senate Bill 777 continues to increase, the campaign to discredit the Save Our Kids referendum has begun. Liberal California lawmakers often pass laws hoping the public will not be paying attention. However, SB 777 has awakened the public and the prospect of being held accountable to the people has many politicians very nervous.… Read More

Last week I had an opportunity to stop by City of Hall in the City of Orange, in the County of Orange, to check out a debate between the two Republicans who are duking it out to succeed Assemblyman Bob Huff as the legislator representing the 60th Assembly District — Larry Dick and Curt Hagman. The debate, to be quite honest, didn’t draw too many idelogical distinctions between the two candidates. If anything, I thought that both candidates could stand more time working on how to articulate their thoughts more forcefully, succinctly, and on point. I guess if I had to give my unbiased opinion, while both candidates did "okay" — my expectations for Hagman, a City Councilmember from Chino Hills, were a bit higher. I wasn’t expecting a breathtaking performance from Dick, who serves as a local water board member. So if you measure the candidates objectively, I probably give them both a B-/C+ for overall performance/presentation. Measured against my own expectations, I guess Dick did a little better than Hagman. This… Read More