Reason #5,750: Why Ohio MUST Pass the Ohio Healthcare Freedom Amendment / Support Issue 3

The below rulings take the unconstitutional mandates in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act one step closer to the U.S. Supreme Court....

From the Liberty Counsel -- 

Richmond, VA – Today, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (commonly known as “ObamaCare”) in the case of Liberty University v. Geithner and issued a separate opinion on the case of Commonwealth of Virginia v. Sebelius. Liberty Counsel represents Liberty University and two private individuals, challenging both the individual and the employer mandates in ObamaCare.

The panel of judges for the case included one judge appointed by President Clinton, Judge Diana Gribbon Motz, and two judges appointed by President Obama, Judges Andre M. Davis and James A. Wynn Jr. Judge Motz wrote the opinion, in which Wynn concurred. Judge Davis wrote a dissenting opinion.

In the case of Liberty University, the divided court ruled that the mandate is a “tax” under the Anti-Injunction Act (AIA), and thus the court does not have jurisdiction to rule on the merits until the “tax” is paid and a refund sought by the taxpayer. Thus, the case could not be brought until the mandate becomes effective in 2014. Every court which has considered this question has found that the mandate is a “penalty,” not a tax, and the AIA does not apply. Even the federal government defendants argued that the AIA does not apply and that the statutory intent clearly indicated that the AIA was inapplicable.

In the Virginia case, the court ruled 3-0 that Virginia does not have standing to bring a challenge to the individual mandate, because that right is for individuals affected by the mandate.

In the case of Liberty University, the next and final stop in the battle over ObamaCare will be the United States Supreme Court. Liberty Counsel will file a petition with the High Court.

Mathew Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, presented oral argument in early May. Staver said: “From the beginning everyone knew that the final frontier in the battle over ObamaCare would be the United States Supreme Court. The court’s ruling goes against every court in America that considered this case. Even the United States Government argued that the Anti-Injunction Act does not apply to this case. We look forward to the final round in this battle over ObamaCare at the United States Supreme Court.”

The main thrust of the mandates in the federal healthcare law allows the government to take an unconstitutional control over the freedom & liberty of the American public, more than they are about reforming or making healthcare more affordable. 

And this is just another one of many reasons why it is so important that in Ohio we take the needed steps to protect our God-given and Constitutionally protected rights, and that can be done by passing Issue 3, "The Ohio Healthcare Freedom Amendment" this November.

Help Defeat Obamacare in Ohio! Support Issue 3

HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT TO DEFEAT OBAMACARE IN OHIO AND SEND A BIG MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON THIS NOVEMBER?

Because of your help and support the Healthcare Freedom Amendment petition succeeded and is now Issue 3 on this November ballot!

Now it’s time to Get out the Vote and offer our support for Ohioans for Healthcare Freedom - go to http://ohioansforhealthcarefreedom.com - the primary organization running the campaign to get Issue 3 passed.

Take action now! We need volunteers to help in Cuyahoga County to participate in the following:

• Going door-to-door to get out the vote.
• Visiting a local phone bank to make telephone calls.
• Fundraising Efforts
• Visiting local businesses and organizations to distribute posters and brochures.

The Call Center Coordinator is Greg Fedak (greg@ohiohealthcarefreedom.com) and the Call Center for the Cuyahoga County area is located at;

Independence Call Center (Click for Map)

6393 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 103

Independence, OH 44131

A Sneak Preview of President Obama's Job Package for Americans

Putting together the brightest minds from his team of bedazzling bureaucrats and Department heads, President Obama will be giving a much anticipated speech on a jobs package for Americans.

According to President Obama's crack team, more people should go on unemployment as it is a direct stimulus which 'creates' jobs AND more people should be on food stamps as it is also a direct stimulus that creates jobs....

From White House Spokesman Jay Carney -- (Click for Video)

"There are few other ways that can directly put money into the economy than applying unemployment insurance," Carney said.

Carney answers the question: "It is one of the most direct ways to infuse money directly into the economy because people who are unemployed and obviously aren't running a paycheck are going to spend the money that they get. They're not going to save it, they're going to spend it. And with unemployment insurance, that way, the money goes directly back into the economy, dollar for dollar virtually."

"Every place that, that money is spent has added business and that creates growth and income for businesses that leads them to decisions about jobs, more hiring. So, there are few other ways that can directly put money into the economy than applying unemployment insurance, Carney said.

From Agriculture Department Secretary Tom Vilsack --

To see President Obama's job package for illegal immigrants, click here.

President Obama's Job Package for Illegal Immigrants

With the unemployment rate slowly creeping up to meet Presdient Obama's plunging poll numbers, President Obama, through the U.S. Department of Labor, has taken bold steps to get people working. 

The only problem with the Presidents plan is it appears he forgot he is President of the United States -- and that he is supposed to represent and protect the "American" worker....

From CNS News --

The U.S. Department of Labor told CNSNews.com in a written statement on Wednesday that it will enforce the federal wage laws on behalf of anyone working in the United States “regardless of their immigration status.” The statement was in response to a written question from CNSNews.com.

The written statement backed up a video statement that Labor Secretary Hilda Solis made to CNSNews.com on Monday in which she indicated that “partnership” agreements she had signed that day with a group of Latin American countries will obligate the U.S. government to protect the working conditions for both “documented and undocumented” migrant laborers here in the United States. (See earlier story.)

The Labor Department’s determination to make U.S. employers treat illegal aliens taking jobs in the United States as if they were U.S citizens or legal immigrants seems to contradict the Immigration and Nationality Act. That act says “employers may hire only persons who may legally work in the United States (i.e., citizens and nationals of the U.S.) and aliens authorized to work in the U.S.” and that the U.S. government “protects U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to accept employment in the U.S. from discrimination in hiring or discharge on the basis of national origin and citizenship status.” More...

After issuing his recent Executive Edict of granting amnesty to over 300, 000 illegal immigrants, it only makes sense President Obama would again flout the law and push this illegal immigrants jobs package. How else couldthey to donate to his campaign fund?

Constitution Day Celebration (Medina, OH)

Constitution Day Celebration

In an effort to energize and educate citizens about the Constitution and its importance, the Medina Tea Party Patriots are hosting a Constitution Day Celebration on Saturday, September 17th. We invite you to join us as we reclaim the truths and liberties that are found within this extraordinary document.

• What: Constitution Day Celebration
• Date: Saturday Sept. 17, 2011
• Time: 4pm - 6:30pm
• Location: Medina City Square (Map / Directions) (Parking Map Click here)

Speakers for the event include:

• Sheriff Richard Mack – One of Arizona’s renowned sheriffs who is a strong advocate of states' rights and individual freedoms (bio)
• Bill Federer – Nationally known author and historian who recently penned Change to Chains – The 6000 Year Quest for Control (bio)
• Dr. Michael Schwarz – Assistant professor of history at Ashland University and a fellow of the Ashbrook Center (bio)
• Chris Long – President of Ohio Christian Alliance who has been instrumental in getting the American Founding Documents Bill introduced in the Ohio Legislature (bio)
• Ken Hammontree – Historical reenactor who will be portraying Thomas Jefferson

Daniel Shy and the John Hancock Ad Hoc Band will be performing patriotic music. Other speakers and musical performers will be added…

On September 17, 1787, delegates gathered in Philadelphia for the last time to sign the Constitution. Their desire to “form a more perfect union” changed the course of history, putting the power of government into the hands of “We the People.”

What was a significant moment for our nation has sadly become an afterthought for many in our culture today. It seems Americans have forgotten the significance and meaning of the Constitution, which grants us freedom and liberty, and our elected officials have forsaken the very document our founders masterfully created.

What is a significant moment now is how the U.S. Constitution is under constant attack by the left.  It is important, now more than ever, that we as Americans, embrace and hold dear the the document protecting our God-given rights and assuring our freedoms & libertys as citizens of the United States.

The 10th Annual "Support Our Troops" Luncheon (Cleveland)

THE 10^TH ANNUAL “SUPPORT OUR TROOPS” LUNCHEON!

 “A Celebration of Patriotism and Bravery to Honor Our Military Personnel”

Thursday, September 8, 2011 ~ Windows on the River

2000 Sycamore, Cleveland, Ohio, 44113

Doors open 11:00 a.m. Luncheon At Noon ~ Silent Auction ~ Cost: $35.00 per person *

• Keynote Speaker:  David Beamer, Father of Todd “Let’s Roll” Beamer, one of the heroes of Flight 93, United Airline’s flight that was hijacked by four al-Qaeda terrorists on Sept. 11^th.  Mr. Beamer will talk about his son, Todd, and the permanent memorial planned for construction where Flight 93 eventually crashed. Todd Beamer’s last audible words were, “Are you guys ready?  Let’s roll” which would later become the war cry for those fighting al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

• With Special Guests:  Bob Hope, nephew of the legendary Bob Hope, speaking about the renovations taking place at the Bob Hope USO Lounge at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, one of only two in the country with permission to use the Hope name.

Well-known Cleveland News Anchor, Tom Sweeney, who will speak to us about the new Greater Cleveland Fisher House, a place where the families of wounded, rehabilitating and stricken soldiers, sailors, marines, aviators and coast guardsmen will have the opportunity to support and be with their veterans as they undergo treatment and healing.

For Information, or to be a sponsor contact:

 Lucy Stickan, 440-759-2551, lucygop@aol.com -Sally Florkiewicz, 440-247-6945- sallysofchagrin@msn.com , or Steven Backiel, 216-621-5417, SBackiel@cuyahogacountygop.com

­­­­­­­ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Please reserve _____ seats @$35.00 per person.  Enclosed find my check for $______­­­__.

I would like ____ vegetarian plate(s) instead of the chicken entree.

I cannot attend but would like to make a donation $__________

Name: ______________________________________________________

Contact Information: ____________________________________________

Mail Checks (Payable to Support Our Troops) & Reservation Form to:

 Support Our Troops, 1500 West 3^rd Street, Suite 120, Cleveland, Ohio   44113

Bill to Require Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients in Ohio

State Senator Tim Grendell (District 18) will be introducing a bill that will make it a requirement for people receiving state assistance to submit to drug testing.

You can expect the usual howling from the left about how this bill is racist, will harm the poor, and of course -- will hurt the children.

From the News-Herald --

State Sen. Tim Grendell announced Thursday that he intends to introduce a bill that would require any Ohioan receiving state assistance to submit to a drug test.

“Hard working taxpayers of the State of Ohio should not have to pay for the drug habits of illegal drug users,” Grendell said. “This assistance from the state is for those who need these funds for food and shelter, not illegal drugs.”

Under the potential legislation, state welfare and unemployment applicants would pay for their own testing. People who pass the drug test would then be reimbursed.

Applicants who fail the test would be required to enter into a drug treatment program approved by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.

As long as the program is fully complied with, the applicant would continue to receive his or her benefits.

Noncompliance would result in the person’s benefits being revoked immediately. The applicant could not reapply for benefits for six months from the time they are revoked.

Anyone who fails a second drug test would be banned from receiving their funds for three years.

Children of applicants who fail a drug test would still be able to receive their benefits.

The parents could name a state-approved person to receive and administer cash benefits on behalf of the children. That designated person must also pass a drug test.

Dismissing the expected howls from the left, the proposed bill is not racist as it requires drug testing for ALL recipients of State Assistance, allows those that qualify (the poor) to continue receiving State Assistance as long as they are not drug users, and has provisions safe guarding support for children of drug users.

One would think with Ohio trying to save every penny we can and trying to cut future costs this bill should fly through the Republican led Ohio Senate. Sorry to say that is not the case, and we will have to fight to get this bill passed out of the Ohio Senate.

Under the leadership of former OH Senate President Bill Harris and current OH Senate President, State Senator Tom Niehaus, (both Republicans) it should come as no surprise that several versions of this type of Bill have either died or are sitting stagnant in Committee. 

Last year, an alternate version of this Bill died in the GOP-led Senate Finance Committee. Currently, SB 69 as introduced in February of 2011 by State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) and co-sponsored by State Senatot Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville), is sitting stagnant in the Ohio Senate Health, Human Services & Aging Committee and has yet to even have one Committee hearing.

So as you can see, even though Ohio's State Senate is GOP-led this year - as it was last year - there is no guarantee the new version of this bill will make it out of  the OH Senate. 

Please contact your State Senator and urge them to support Senator Grendell's Mandatory Drug Testing for Ohio residents receiving state assistance bill.

Ohio Senate Leadership

President

State Senator Tom Niehaus
Phone: (614) 466-8082
Email: SD14@senate.state.oh.us

President Pro Tempore

State Senator Kieth Faber
Phone: (614) 466-7584
Email: SD12@senate.state.oh.us

Majority Whip

State Senator Shannon Jones
Phone: (614) 466-9737
Email: SD07@senate.state.oh.us

State Senators from the Cuyahoga County area --

Senator Shirley Smith / District 21

Assistant Minority Leader (D)
Phone: (614) 466-4857
Email: SD21@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator Michael Skindell / District 23
Phone: (614) 466-5123
Email: SD23@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator Tom Patton / District 24
Phone: (614) 466-8056
Email: SD24@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Nina Turner / District 25
Phone: (614) 466-4583
Email: SD25@maild.sen.state.oh.us

For contact information for OH Senators outside Cuyahoga County, please click here.