Laboratories Of Democracy

Why Your Town Is Going Broke

"Cook County’s Treasurer has created a website where citizens can find out how far in the hole their governments are. They are all so far in debt that future taxpayers will lose their homes, she says: 'In May, 2012, the collective debt reported by the local primary taxing agencies in Cook County was more than $140 billion! To put that in context, the total debt-per-household in the City of Chicago was $87,720, and $35,774 in the suburbs. Homeowners might be able to give their homes to their children, but that future generation won’t be able to afford to keep them because of the property taxes, which have doubled over a 10-year period.'" Continue reading →

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Read more about the article 226 (And Counting) Sheriffs Saying ‘No’ To Obama Gun Control

226 (And Counting) Sheriffs Saying ‘No’ To Obama Gun Control

"Sheriffs have risen up all over our great nation to stand up against the unconstitutional gun control measures being taken. The following is a list of sheriffs and state sheriff’s associations from who have vowed to uphold and defend the Constitution against Obama’s unlawful gun control measures. I applaud these public servants for their courage and conviction. I call on sheriffs all over this nation to add their voices to the growing numbers of faithful protectors of our freedom. -Richard Mack" Continue reading →

Continue Reading226 (And Counting) Sheriffs Saying ‘No’ To Obama Gun Control

‘Wall St.’ flees NY for tax-free Florida

"The city’s hedge-fund executives are flying south — and it’s not for vacation. An increasing number of financial firms, especially private equity and hedge funds, are fed up with New York’s sky-high city and state tax rates and are relocating to the business-friendly climate in Florida’s Palm Beach County. And they’re being welcomed with open arms — officials in Palm Beach recently opened an entire office dedicated to luring finance hot shots down south. There are other perks, too — like the fact that it was 77 degrees and sunny there yesterday." Continue reading →

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Idaho may be next state for lands fight with feds

"Language in statehood documents dating back to the 1800s contain a constitutional provision that the federal government intended to relinquish control of the land it held in each state. But for some states, especially those in the West, the federal government reneged, Utah state Rep. Ken Ivory says. In Idaho, more than 64 percent of the state's 53 million acres is under federal control. Both Idaho and North Dakota became states nine months apart and, Ivory claims, did so under identical statehood language. Yet, federally managed land in North Dakota accounts for less than 5 percent of the state's overall acreage." Continue reading →

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Thousands of armed protestors gather at state capitols in pro-assault rifle rallies across the country

"The size of crowds at each location varied - from dozens of people in South Dakota to 2,000 in New York. Large crowds also turned out in Connecticut, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington state. Some demonstrators in Olympia, Wash., Phoenix, Salem, Ore., and Salt Lake City came with holstered handguns or rifles on their backs. At the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort, attendees gave a special round of applause for 'the ladies that are packin'." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThousands of armed protestors gather at state capitols in pro-assault rifle rallies across the country

Missouri Sheriffs Pledge To Not Enforce Obama’s Gun Control Laws

"In the letter Heiss tells the president that he has a duty to protect his constituents from incidents of crime, and has the responsibility to protect and preserve their rights and liberties. Newly elected Sheriff Michael Dixon, R-Osage County is one of about a dozen sheriffs in Missouri to have signed and sent Heiss’ letter. Dixon also announced his support of Missouri house bill (HB 170). The bill, introduced last week, would make criminals of any law enforcement official, local, state or federal, who tried to enforce any of President Obama’s gun control initiatives, whether executive orders or passed by Congress." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMissouri Sheriffs Pledge To Not Enforce Obama’s Gun Control Laws

Texas Attorney General Invites New York Gun Owners To Move To Texas

"On Tuesday, New York became the first state to pass gun legislation in response to the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December. The measures include bans on assault weapons and magazines that hold more than 7 bullets, and a requirement that gun owners in homes with mentally ill people must properly lock up their firearms. Texas attorney general Greg Abbott (R) has extended an open invitation to any New Yorkers who feel threatened by the new gun violence protection measure. Abbott launched an Internet ad campaign targeting New Yorkers shortly after Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) signed the law." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingTexas Attorney General Invites New York Gun Owners To Move To Texas

Washington greets the New Year by assaulting your rights

"Fortunately, at least 15 local governments, in addition to four states, have passed resolutions opposing the domestic military detention provisions of the NDAA. The local coalitions that have secured these resolutions continue to gather momentum and build a national voice to restore the Bill of Rights. Find a local campaign to join today, or contact us for help starting one in your town!" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingWashington greets the New Year by assaulting your rights

Oregon sheriff writes Biden to say he won’t enforce new gun laws

"An Oregon sheriff wrote Vice President Joe Biden announcing his refusal to enforce any new gun safety legislation placing restriction on semi-automatic weaponry, saying they would 'infringe upon the liberties of responsible citizens who have broken no laws.' According to KOIN-TV, Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller said he is unsure Biden will actually read the letter, in which he accuses lawmakers of 'attempting to exploit the deaths of innocent victims by advocating for laws that would prevent honest, law abiding Americans from possessing certain firearms and ammunition magazines.'" Continue reading →

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Texas lawmaker wants to make federal weapons ban illegal in Texas

"Don't mess with Texans or their guns. That’s how state Rep. Steve Toth (R-Woodlands) sees it. Toth wants to make any new federal weapons ban illegal in the state of Texas. 'This is a hardened state. This isn't a good place for a criminal to show up and start shooting,' said Rep. Toth. So, he’s proposing legislation that would make any federal law banning semiautomatic firearms or limiting the size of gun magazines unenforceable in the Lone Star State. 'We want to make sure this legislation protects the Second Amendment gun rights and the Tenth Amendment which is state sovereignty rights of Texans.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingTexas lawmaker wants to make federal weapons ban illegal in Texas