Katy's Conservative Corner

Guest Column: Keep the GOP Competitive by Stephen G. Duncan

One of the many lessons of last November is that if the Republican Party is to remain competitive, we can't afford to do things the same way ever again. The Digital Age has brought about an unprecedented revolution in politics, empowering people like never before by giving them the tools to organize quickly and influence policy. The old "top down" paradigm of political authority and party structure we have so long relied on has been replaced by a very effective "bottom-up" form of activism.

When the average person can put up a Facebook page and create a vast network of like-minded "friends" or communicate to thousands of people instantly using technologies like Twitter, political movements can be quite literally created overnight.

The bottom-line here is that people don't need to rely on political parties or their often outmoded authoritarian structures the same way they did in the past. They don't need to wait to be told what to do or how to do it by responding to orders from above; they can make a real difference all by themselves.

To adapt to this new world, our party leadership should focus on empowering our folks ---  rather than trying to control and micromanage everything they are trying to do to further our shared Republican cause. The world is far too interconnected now and things move far too quickly. We need to encourage this new spirit of individual activism as a Party by lending our support, our resources, our experience, and our wisdom...and then get out of the way.

By embracing these new technologies, we will be well-positioned to communicate our time-honored Principles as a party to a whole new generation of voters. We don't need to change what we believe as Republicans; we just need to be able to explain our message in ways that younger people will listen.

Editor's Note: Stephen G. Duncan is the chairman of the 11th Republican Congressional District.  That district  includes Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey Counties.

For a complete schedule of upcoming Republican meetings across the 11th District, please visit their website. 

Luckily with Michael Steele as the new head of the Republican National Committee (RNC), we shall see just these things happen on a national basis.  

Will they happen statewide?  The jury is out.  Currently, the NC GOP has zero budget for any technological advancements.  Your blogger believes that members of the NCGOP budget committee, the members of the NCGOP Central Committee and the NCGOP Executive need to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into the current decade. 

Those spots are plumb ones that usually go to the older, wealthy, members of our party, and not to the younger members, or to activists as often.  Thus, such members don't always see the need for bottom-up management or technology.  

Additionally, we MUST elect a state chairman who believes in these same values.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...

1:00 p.m. Friday, Asheville Tea Party (one of hundreds held simultaneously, nationwide):

 

WATCH CPAC 2009 LIVE (Video Stream)

Please enjoy this live feed, when available, of CPAC 2009, compliments of UStream and Katy's Conservative Corner. 

CPAC 2009 runs from Thursday until Saturday of this week and the streams will be made available during actual conference times.    The conference agenda is also available.  (If you are receiving this blog post via e-mail or RSS feed, you must go to the blog post to see the actual live feed.)

Live TV : Ustream

"Frankly Speaking" by Frank A Rouse: The State Chairman's Race/2010 U.S. Senate Race

Former GOP State Chairman Frank A. Rouse (left) never did simply retire to his home in Morehead City.   He has stayed active, especially from his keyboard and his telephone.  The man knows more people in this state than anyone else and he gets a great deal of information unavailable to others.

Here is his new column, Frankly Speaking, from the man your blogger calls only "Sir".

 State GOP Chairman's Race

Chad Adams of Lee County is officially announcing his candidacy for NC/GOP Chairman. His last day at the John Locke Foundation is Friday. (Download Press Release Adams )

Co-Frontrunner Woody White of New Hanover County has previously announced. 

Frankly Speaking has learned that White has the Ambassador vote sewed up.  Bush Administration Ambassadors Jim Culbertson of Forsyth County and Jim Cain of Wake County are supporting White. 

Culbertson is from the more moderate wing of the party and Cain is from the Helms/Congressional Club wing.  Former Congressman and former State GOP Chairman Bill Cobey is also supporting White.  Patrick Ballantine, former State Senator and gubernatorial candidate is supporting White.  Ballantine and White are former law partners.  White served out Ballantine's Senate term when Patrick resigned to run for governor in 2004.  You can go to this link for more  information from Woody White.

Editor's Note: Look for information to come out soon from Adams.  The new chairman will be elected at the NC GOP State Convention during the weekend of June 12-14.

Read more on Chad Adams here: Download Exec AdamsGOP

The North Carolina 2010 U.S. Senate Race

After the thrashing we took in '08, the Democrats think N. C. is a blue state.  Ain't necessarily so.  The 'crats have some horses raring and ready to go.

Heath Shuler:

 The 2nd term congressman from the 11th district is already running.  The problem is that he is running against U. S. Senator Richard Burr (R- N. C.) and he hasn't won his primary YET. 

In the last 2 weeks he has voted against the Stimulus Bill twice.  Shuler was one of only 11 "Blue Dogs" against the House bill and one of only seven Democrats against the final compromise bill. 

Needless to say he was the only Democrat from N. C. to do so.  Shuler also criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid publicly.  It is obvious he is trying to run as a conservative against Burr. 

Shuler is an attractive candidate.   Running as a conservative Democrat against Burr, Shuler would give conservative Democrats an excuse to stay on the Democrat Roost. He would automatically get the black vote and the liberal Democrat vote.  Shuler would also probably have a financial advantage because his party controls the state and federal governments and Democrats aren't statesmen when it comes to squeezing money out of patronage. 

Shuler would be hard to beat.  It would take a maximum Republican effort to win if the Democrats clear out and let Shuler have the nomination.

And now for the rest of the story.

N. C. Attorney General Roy Cooper:

Cooper is a "hair and teeth" politician.  He's pretty.  If he had a little more courage, we'd be calling him Senator instead of General.  Cooper is a mainstream N. C. Democrat, not a "wild-eyed liberal" and he is not a conservative.  He would beat Shuler in a primary because he would get the black and liberal vote.  BUT, the word is he wants a clear field against Shuler.

He doesn't want a primary.  Why?  If Secretary of State Elaine Marshall gets in the primary, she could cause a problem.  Almost 60% of the voters in a Democrat Primary are females. What about State Rep. Dan Blue?  Over 40% of the Democrat Primary voters are black. What about charismatic Rep. Grier Martin or even Sen. Malcolm Graham?  Talk about too many cooks.

Because of the 2008 election, the Democrats feel empowered, the women feel empowered, the blacks feel empowered, and the liberals feel empowered.

Of the crowd mentioned above Cooper should be the favorite, but remember the 40% rule.  Anything can happen.

Don't throw the baby out with the bath water yet, it ain't over till it's over. Senator Richard Burr (left) has a solid conservative voting record.  He is a handsome, charismatic statesman that can hold his own on the campaign trail with anyone, even without his socks if necessary.

 

Summary:

Five minutes is a long time in politics.  Burr's best bet, at this point in time, would be "anybody but Shuler," but  any of the others mentioned could be a  problem.

 We need to elect a "kick ass" State Chairman that will lead us back to the "Promised  Land" where conservative principles trump pragmatism, character counts and it's not politically incorrect to be politically aggressive.

In my opinion the following is the "Gold Standard" for the prerequisites for our next state chairman.

1- Posses a solid conservative philosophy.
2- Have an outstanding character.
3- Have demonstrated leadership ability.
4- Work full time, be totally committed to winning, Totally!!! That means  family and social life too.
5- Hair and teeth, be able to communicate on TV and on the stump.
6-Consider himself to be personally expendable, be willing to fall on his  sword for the cause, for the party or a candidate.
7- Have no ambitions for public office, be the hatchet man, not a "candidate  type."
8- Be savagely independent, loyal only to the party, no faction or geographical favorites.
9- Be a strong type "A" personality, so he can go toe to toe with  potential contributors, a candidate's wife, a sorehead or a lousy reporter.
10- Campaign hard for the position of chairman so he will have a constituency, when elected.

I'd like to throw in a personal airplane and be able to fly it, but that may be a little too restrictive.

So we may have to do what we did in the presidential race, put on a good face and support whomever the party chooses.

Reader Mail: Global Transpork and Corporate Aircraft by Kent Misegades

Katy,

The only major firm locating at the TransPark is Spirit AeroSystems of Wichita. They will be building components for the new Airbus A-350 (left) now under development to compete with the new Boeing B-787.

They are receiving a huge subsidy from the state and the Golden Leaf Foundation which is nothing more than a gift to trial lawyers paid by smokers.

Spirit builds all the fuselages (bodies) for the B-737, Boeing's most successful aircraft of all time. All of Southwest Airlines aircraft are B-737s (left).  Mr. (Jim) Goodnight and his wife Ann fly around the world in their own personal B-737.  

Called the BBJ, or Boeing Business Jet, the plane is a plush conversion of a 132-passenger jet. I am a big supporter of corporate aircraft for business and personal travel as they are money makers for executives and there is a huge corporate aircraft manufacturing and support industry in our country and nation that depends on these planes. Many small county airfields in our country would die without the revenue they make from corporate aircraft in the form of fuel sales, landing and ramp fees, hangar rental and maintenance.

It does seem odd to me though that amidst all the media bleating over the use of corporate aircraft in recent weeks that no one has mentioned their widespread use by members of Congress and even our own General Assembly as members fly to and from DC or Raleigh each week. (Former) Governor (Mike) Easley's use of the state's aircraft as a personal taxi is famous.  Nor has anyone mentioned the Goodnight's fleet of four private jets and a helicopter as a possible reason for SAS Institute's record earnings.

Kent Misegades (left) wears many hats. Among them, he is a political activist from Cary and a frequent contributor to Katy's Conservative Corner.  Your blogger appreciates his insight.

Guest Column: Dangerous Bills in the NC General Assembly by Andrew Dunn

A number of bad bills have begun to pop up in the North Carolina Legislature. With all the media's attention on President Obama's shenanigans in Washington, we can't afford to sit by and let the troublemakers in Raleigh go unnoticed.

Below are some of the bills that have been introduced with action items to take for defeat.  Please contact your representatives in the NC House and the NC Senate and urge them to oppose these bills.

To find out who represents you in Raleigh, CLICK HERE and use the "who represents me" search by zip code on the lower-right side.

H88 - The Healthy Youth Act (aka. comprehensive sex education)

Last year's "comprehensive sex education" bill never made it out of committee thanks to grassroots conservatives like us. But now, the bill is back and so once again we need to take action. Note how the primary sponsors have titled this the "healthy youth act." What a fraud! This revised bill tries to calm the fears of parents opposed to immoral sex education in the public schools by giving parents a choice of abstinence or "comprehensive sex education." But, as that old saying goes: the devil is in the details.

Section 5, part A of H88 reads "Teaches respect for marriage and committed relationships" - a green light for the schools to equate gay, lesbian, transgendered and any other type of relationship with the sacrament of marriage between one man and one woman.

Section 5, part D reads "Teaches about the effectiveness and safety of all FDA-approved contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy." In other words: birth control and abortion. Bills such as H88 are a gold mine for supremacist judges and activist plaintiffs. Her

e's what could happen if H88 passes and is signed into law: A gay-rights group could sue the NC public schools, demanding that books like "Heather Has Two Mommies" be taught under Section 5, part A of the bill. Representatives from the abortion industry could also sue for their agenda to be included in the public schools under Section 5, part D. Please contact the leaders of the Committee on Education where H88 currently resides. CLICK HERE for committee members.

H207 - The Safer Communities Act (aka. hate crimes)

Like H88, the sponsors of this bill have made sure to cover up their agenda with "safer communities act." Again, the devil is in the details. Section 2 starts off with "Ethnic intimidation; teaching any technique to be used for ethic intimidation"

Part A goes on to clarify ethnic intimidation to include "real or perceived sexual orientation" in addition to the descriptions of every other human being on the face of the earth. First of all, we already have laws against assaulting, stalking and making threats, so this new bill is not needed. H207, if passed and signed into law will be another green light for militant plaintiffs and supremacist judges.

Faith-based groups who minister to convert homosexuals could find themselves prosecuted for "ethnic intimidation" under H207. Anyone who wants to play the victim could file a lawsuit charging "ethnic intimidation."

Our First Amendment rights would be assault. H207 has been assigned to the Committee on Judiciary I. Please contact members of this committee and urge them to shelve this intimidating bill. CLICK HERE for committee members.

H161 - Require Six-Year-Olds To Attend School (anti Home school bill)

Every parent who home-schools their child should get on the phone right away to their representative in the NC House and members of the Committee on Education where H161 resides.

Section 1 requires parents/guardians to make sure their child between age six and 16 attends school continuously for a period equal to the time which the public school to which the child is assigned is in session.

Section 1 clarifies "school" as  "all public and non-public schools as have teachers and curricula that are approved by the State Board of Education." Parents of children who continue to miss "school" for what the public schools deem unexcused absences must work with a "school attendance counselor" to "eliminate the problem".

This is a nanny-state, Hillary Clinton, "it takes a village" bill that will intimidate the rights of parents who choose private, parochial and home school for their children.

Section 1 could turn out to be especially dangerous if people like Bill Ayers or Ward Churchill wind up on the State Board of Education and start determining approved curricula. Please contact members of the Committee on Education and urge them to oppose this bill. CLICK HERE for committee members.

H177 - Healthy Families and Healthy Workplaces Act (anti-small business bill)

North Carolina's unemployment rate is now higher than the national average so why on earth should we pass a law that will drive more employers out of business and out of our state?

That's what H177 will do by requiring that all workers have paid sick leave to address their own health needs and those of their families.

Many small business simply can't afford to provide 32 hours of accrued paid sick leave for every employee and large businesses can afford leave North Carolina for other states (or countries) where the government won't require them to provide 56 such hours per employee. H177 is with the Committee on Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship. CLICK HERE to contact members of this committee.

S14 - Create Employment Safety and Security Commission

Here's another anti-business bill that will halt entrepreneurship and chase job providers out of North Carolina.

S14 creates a new taxpayer-funded bureaucracy and intimidates employers with big-brother oversight and costly business modifications. Part III, section 9 of the bill defines this new commission's "advisory council" to include representatives from labor (unions) and a "representative with a knowledge of migrant labor" (illegal aliens).

 CLICK HERE to contact members of the Commerce Committee; tell them to defeat this job-killing bill.

Editor's Note: James Andrew Dunn is state president of the Eagle Forum North Carolina.  Your blogger thanks him for this informative, yet frightening update. 

Guest Column from the NC GOP: Want Lower Taxes? Check YES for Republicans

The time of year has come when all taxpayers begrudgingly fill out the paperwork and pay their dues to Uncle Sam.  This year, why not vote for lower taxes as you pay them?

As you fill  out your North Carolina Income Tax Return, check off $3.00 to the Republican Party under the North Carolina Political Parties Financing Fund.  These check offs do NOT reduce the size of your refund, nor do they increase your taxes.

Last year, the North Carolina Democratic Party received 43% more in check off funds than the GOP did!  This helps them keep Democrats in office who consistently vote to RAISE your taxes and INCREASE the size of government.

This year, help the NCGOP keep more of your money in your pockets by checking off $3.00 for the NC Republican Party.

Can't Make It to CPAC? Watch it Live on KCC

 Your blogger gave away her CPAC tickets as she couldn't take the time away to go this year, so she's going to do the next best thing...stream it. 

You'll be able to watch it live, here on Katy's Conservative Corner.  Watch for the posting and keep coming back, all three days!  

This should be one of the more interesting conferences, as conservatives look to re-take control of the Republican party. 

Your blogger is amazed that people today do not know the difference between a conservative and a moderate.  The moderates have been in control of the state GOP for years and it's time to move towards a truly conservative party, both locally and statewide, and nationally. 

Your blogger will also be streaming this event live on Katy's Conservative Corner.

Buncombe County Launches YR Chapter

The Young Republicans, a group near and dear to this blogger's heart, have come to Western North Carolina.  As Wake County's longest serving YR in history (19 years, until she aged out at 40), KCC is pleased to share the following announcement with you:

The 11th District Republican Party is pleased to assist the Young Republicans of Buncombe County in announcing their kickoff meeting at 8:00 pm this Monday, March 2 at The Greenlife Community Center at 70 Merrimon Avenue in downtown Asheville.

While voting membership for the Buncombe Chapter is only open to registered Republicans in the county ages 18-40,  YR Chairman Kristopher Cox is encouraging Republicans of any age from across Western North Carolina to attend Monday's meeting to "celebrate our beliefs, show your pride and dedication to the Republican Party."

 Cox and his group also want to hear from others across WNC interested in forming their own YR chapters. "We intend to re-introduce what it means to be a Republican...we want to be the party's ambassadors  to a whole new generation of voters."

You may download and print a copy of the official YR flier by clicking here.

The Young Republicans (YRs) are the oldest political youth organization in the United States. Important to the growth of the Republican Party, the YRs reach out to registered Republicans, 18 to 40 years of age, and provide them with better political knowledge and understanding of the issues of the day.

Since its creation, the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF) has  provided essential grassroots support for Republican candidates and conservative issues on the local, state and national levels.

The YRNF has a solid record of producing future Republican Party leaders - including Governors, Senators, Congressmen, nationally recognized campaign consultants, and community leaders.

Your blogger hopes the Buncombe YRs will play a leading role in getting Carl Mumpower elected to the United States Congress.  Your blogger previously endorsed the Asheville City Councilman in his 2010 race for what should be an open seat. 

Editor's Notes: Your blogger is a former chairman of the Wake County Young Republicans and held every office in that group, except Treasurer. 

Our group helped on many campaigns and were the go-to group for many of Wake County's largest fund raising events. 

Further, we were charged with putting on the annual President's Day dinner, the Fall Rally, and welcoming sitting Presidents, Senators, and other members of Congress.

We launched many a political career, including, inadvertently, that of Democrat, Chris Mintz.  When Mintz failed to gain whatever he wanted as a Republican, he took his ball and went over to the liberals, who did not welcome him with open arms.

Congratulations to the Buncombe YRs. 

For more information, please contact:

Kristopher Cox, Regional Chair
Young Republicans
(828) 458-7166

1898 Race Riot Bill Forgets Republicans Wronged

Rep. Sandra Spaulding Hughes (D-New Hanover) will introduce a bill on Tuesday calling for the NC public schools to be taught about the 1898 Wilmington Race Riots.  Your blogger agrees that this is an excellent idea, as this is an important, previously, overlooked part of North Carolina history.

We challenge Rep. Hughes to remember that it was her party that caused the riots that overturned a black government of Republicans, who were properly elected.  This was the only instance of a municipal government being overthrown in US history. Thus, we insist that language be inserted into the bill acknowledging this.

According to a number of sources, a group of white supremacist Democrats overthrew the elected leaders of Wilmington, then a black-majority city.  The Republican party there was filled with black, white, and biracial professionals.

In 2007, the North Carolina Democrat Party officially acknowledged their role in the riots and apologized.  Will Rep. Hughes, who appears biracial or white in her official photo,  acknowledge this and add the proper language to the bill?

 Editor's Notes:

It's time that Republicans and the Republican party start talking about our role in the past. 

It's time that we not allow a president like Barak Hussein Obama to take President Abraham Lincoln away from us.  Republicans played a huge role in the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. 

It's time for us to stop worry about being called "racist" and claim our true role in history as the guardians of what is right and true. (above,  Democrat Party Whites lined up to take over elected government)

Your blogger has been called "racist", even by a black member of her own political party. (Name withheld to protect the guilty).   As the mother of a multi-racial child and married to a bi-racial man, KCC rejects that label and so should we all.

NC TransPork Gets "Stimulated"

On Monday, Governor Beverly Perdue (D) announced that a chunk of NC's bit of the spendulus money will go to the largest pork project of all time, the North Carolina Global Transpork, errr Transpark. 

The Transpark,  was "awarded" to Kinston, in eastern NC, as a part of a "build it and they will come" campaign that occured in the early 1990s.  Laurinburg "lost out" to Kinston and should thank their lucky stars.

They built it, but no one ever came despite all the monies that have been tossed at the project. The tenants are mostly government agencies.

But, now, apparently, the Governor (left) sees the need to pour in even more money into that wasteland of a pork project.   We all know that the last three NC Governors have come from the Eastern part of our state, leaving those of you in Western North Carolina (WNC), "forgotten".

Frankly, your blogger would consider "forgetfulness"  a matter of pride.   Maybe WNC can show our government officials how to get along without a bunch of tax monies and useless pork projects.  You all have that pioneer spirit that this blogger has always respected.

Fayetteville Tea Party Friday at Noon

The Fayetteville Tea Party, part of a concerted nation-wide effort, will be held Friday at noon, at the Liberty Point Resolves Marker downtown Fayetteville on Hay street. 

 

This protest is an effort to educate voters/citizens on the negative effects of the national mortgage buyout and the costs to everybody.  Those who pay their mortgages are penalized!

 

Check out THIS link to a video history on the Liberty Point Resolves.  The event is being organized by the Cumberland County Republican Party and chairman Ralph Reagan.

 

Guest Column: Obamanomics Criticism Is Justified By Dr. Ada Fisher

For somewhat understandable reasons, many in the black community won’t allow a discussion of Obamanomics, Obamaland, Obamamania or anything with any tinge of negativism as it relates to President Barack Hussein Obama. 

Additionally, any criticism of Obama from the white community is too often viewed as racism and not looked at based on the issues of concern.

This cloak of deniability used by us in all quarters to shield President Obama’s policies from deserved scrutiny and criticism is unfortunate.   By the time black America wakes up to the potential negative impact of his positions on us as a people, it will perhaps be too late to overturn his policies. 

The stimulus was rushed to approval before the Congress and public has an opportunity to read and fully digest it, contrary to an Obama campaign promise.  Now a budget is being planned which threatens the very free market principles of our democracy and increased socialization of our health care system with little regard for who is really paying the bills.  Have you really tried Cuban health care on for size?

In the Economic Stimulus Bill which President Obama signed, the e-verify system used to document citizenship and the legal right to a job were scrapped.  This means the 12 million plus people who are illegally in this country can be allowed to take away these jobs from citizens who are paying the taxes for all of this. Who do you think is most likely to be squeezed first?   The bill further defers over 50% of the “real” jobs until 2010, just before the next election cycles so no one can see the smoke screens which are hidden.

The electronic medical records provisions can in essence make all private information on ones health public information without opt-out provisions.  This seems a violation of our constitutional rights.  For those who use community clinics, receive public assistance and depend on public health departments exclusively, whose records do you think are most likely to be scrutinized?

In examining the benefits provided in the Economic Stimulus Bill it is curious that much goes to the unemployed via benefits for unemployment and health care with no incentives for overuse and abuse.  Many who don’t work benefit substantially more than those who do and are paying for it.  This is more of an aid or bail out to states than a true economic stimulus.

Educational relief assumes college education is everyone’s aspiration  without good trade and vocational options.  Where are the performance measures for Pell Grants, e.g. 2.5 GPA and possible service requirements?  Why should we educate people at the government’s expense with no expectation that they have to serve people?  What about the 67% of the population that doesn’t go to college?  What’s in it for them?

The record clearly shows that small businesses provide over 60% of the jobs in the USA.  75% of the jobs in the stimulus bill will be with the government and now our government will compete with the very businesses asked to pay the taxes.  Where are the breaks for the small businesses so that they can hire more people?  If we didn’t need a “Bridge to nowhere,” can we really think that Harry Reid should have approved a rail line from his home state of Nevada to Disneyland?  Where is the benefit for economic development in rural and urban areas?  Where are the jobs for these depressed communities?

In all this providing, don’t forget the principles of democracy and the businesses which are the foundation of our economy.  Go ahead, President Obama!  If you want to drive even more away who make it all possible, continue to raise taxes on businesses and those who have successfully realized the American dream.  The government doesn’t make one product though it’s good at printing money taken without a vote from those who earn it.  After socialism then what?

Again we are going to be left out in the cold.  So I say to you brothers and sisters of every hue, don’t forget what a democratic republic is suppose to be about.  Start teaching civics again, for we are being suckered into dissipating some basic principles and foundations of our constitution and this great nation.

Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a PHYSICIAN, licensed teacher for secondary education in mathematics and science, previously elected school board member, and NC Republican National Committeewoman. 

Contact her at
P. O. Box 777
Salisbury, NC 28145

Editor's Notes: In the 2008 NC Gubernatorial race, GOP nominee Pat McCrory constantly argued with eventual winner Beverly Perdue, that all students do not need college educations. 

Perdue pushed free community college for NC's students, while Pat McCrory said that North Carolina must be aware of the needs of those interested in careers in the service industry. 

Your blogger agrees with Mayor McCrory and Dr. Fisher.  We do need a service industry. We need car mechanics, plumbers, and heating and air professionals.  We need computer techs and other types of service personnel.

Governor Perdue has since had to back off of her "free college" pledge, due her problems with the State's economy, caused in part, by her own party.  The Democrats have held a firm grip on state government for one hundred years.

The photos at the very top and very bottom of the page, are copyright Katy's Conservative Corner/KTCreations.

Guest Column: Illegal Aliens at Biltmore Park by Carl Mumpower

February 13, 2009

Agent Delbert Richburg
Immigration and Customs Enforcement ~ Charlotte District Office
6130 Tyvola Centre Drive
Charlotte, NC  28217

Subject ~ Illegal aliens at Biltmore Park

Dear Agent Richburg:

Earlier in the week I received a call and follow-up visit from a tradesman who had recently been laid off from the large scale work project at Biltmore Park in Asheville.  This is a site of on-going major construction involving 12+ large structures.  His issue of contention was the significant number of "illegal" workers employed by the various sub-contractors on the site.

To give you a sense of scale of this development project, the City of Asheville has a full-time on-site inspection service on the property that I attempted to visit today.  During that visit I had the opportunity to observe that a significant number of the workers (I would estimate 50% of those I observed and/or spoke to directly) were of Latino descent.  I spoke to 6+ subgroups that did not speak English - several did speak Spanish.

The gentleman who escorted me through the site offered that his co-workers routinely acknowledged being in the country illegally and working either under the table or through the use of false identification.  I, of course, have no evidence with which to accuse these workers or their employers of breaking the law.  Nonetheless, statistically 50-70% of those not speaking English are in the state/country illegally.

I am bringing this project to your attention specifically due to the large number of workers on site.  I am also aware that your one visit to Mills Manufacturing has probably created more jobs for WNC (Western North Carolina) than the City's economic development efforts for the year.  Arvato, formerly Sonopress, may be known to you as the company down the road from Mills where 50+ employees left the plant during your Mills raid.  That company is to be commended for their subsequent efforts to hire legal citizens and authentically credentialed workers.  Others have followed suit.

As an aside, the 2 elevator shafts in the six story Hilton hotel that is currently under construction were fully exposed on three observed floors.  I appreciate your continued efforts to enforce legal immigration in Asheville and WNC .

Sincerely,

Carl Mumpower
Asheville City Council

EDITOR'S NOTES:  The author, Dr. Carl Mumpower (left, campaigning in 2008),  ran unsuccessfully for US Congress in our state's 11th District, due to a huge Democrat tide, which voted closet liberal Heath Shuler back into office.

With Shuler expected to challenge Senator Richard Burr in 2010, thus leaving the 11th District seat open, the timing would be ripe for a Republican, such as Mumpower,  to take the seat.  Your blogger proudly endorsed Mumpower in 2008 and does so again, here.  

If there is no "Draft Mumpower" movement for 2010, let it begin now.  Not only was he not afraid of the Asheville liberal establishment, he was also not afraid of those in his own party.

We need Mumpower in Congress.  We need his fearless ability to stand up to the establishment, even to those, such as the the Republican National Committee (RNC).  Mumpower and others were vindicated when those old RNC "leaders" were recently thrown out of office, and instead voted in the more conservative Michael Steele and a completely new team.  

Mumpower is the lone conservative on a "crunchy, granola"  city council  in Asheville, and is used to standing up for what he believes in, often when he is alone!  That stance reminds this blogger of the late Jesse Helms, who often proudly stood alone, and never folded when he believed he was right.

(The photo at the top of this post: Copyright 2007 by your blogger, Katy's Conservative Corner/KTCreations.)

Bandy Backing Adams, Robinson Explains Process, Harrison Courts Dems

 Your blogger is currently sitting in her precinct meeting in Wake County at the Cary V.F.W. 

Former Wake County Young Republicans Chairman, Jonathan Bandy, has announced his support in the race for State GOP chairman.  He those gathered that he is volunteering for Chad Adams.

Meanwhile, all Wake County Republicans, at their various precincts, were shown a video featuring David Robinson.  Robinson is the current Wake County GOP chairman and is also one of several seeking the state post. 

Update: In the video, Robinson explained the State Party process of becoming a delegate to the county,  district and state conventions.  Among those appearing was Rep. Skip Stam (R-Wake), and popular Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison (R).   

Harrison explained why he is so beloved by nearly everyone.  He stated that there are a lot of conservative Democrats that we can never count out and without whom we cannot win.  He explained that, with the proper explanation of what Republicans are about, we could win them over into our column.  He stressed never to be rude to anyone, in spite of their voter registration.

The election for State Chairman will be held at the North Carolina Republican Party's State convention on June 12-14 in Raleigh.

A Couple of Days off...

Everyone needs them now and then, and such is the case with your blogger.  Her mother had surgery in New Bern this week.  That, along with dealing with her own health issues, your blogger needs to take a couple of days off this week.

KCC will journey from Emerald Isle to attend her precinct meeting in Raleigh on Thursday evening and looks forward to being the speaker at the upcoming Cumberland County Convention.  We still have much in store for you.  We plan to be back online by the end of the week or over the weekend.

Thank you.

GOP Technology Summit, All Day Friday HERE (Live Video)

Live Broadcast by Ustream.TV

Hat Tips: 

Saul Anuzis, Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party and a Huge Supporter of Technology in GOP politics.  A Twitter friend and follower of your blogger.   http://twitter.com/sanuzis

Dr. Linda Petrou, Asst Professor, Wake Forest University and a fellow member of the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women.  She works hard in North Carolina for our cause!

The Schedule for the Summit:

9 a.m. - Noon: Grassroots Activism, Social Networks, Blog Outreach
Noon - 1 p.m.: Lunch on your own or stick around for further discussion
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Online Fundraising, Online Advertising, SEO/SEM
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Website Development, Databases, Mobile, Widgets
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Email Strategies
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Other & Wrap-Up

BIG FOUR NIGHT! Updated

Taking a quick break from politics, your blogger is pleased to recognize that this is Big 4 night in ACC basketball.  This is the night when the Big Four teams (Carolina, NC State, Duke, and Wake Forest for you youngsters and newbies) play each other. 

Your blogger is a huge big four fan!  She's off to the State/Wake game in a bit and then will rush home to watch the Carolina vs. Duke game on the tube. 

Have fun and go Big Four.  We RULE THE ACC  and the nation for having the best basketball.  The Big Four taught the nation to play basketball. (Think: Who taught former UNC Coach, Dean Smith, the game?  Who taught HIM the game? Who perfected the game?)

If you are a Big four fan and don't like NC State, I'm sure you look forward to the day State plays a better, just so the games are better and more exciting.  I look forward to the Big Four of old, and maybe, just maybe, even a return to the Big Four tournament.   

UPDATE: CONGRATS to NC State and the Carolina Tarheels for their big wins. 

I was also impressed by the Cameron Crazies for staying until the very end.  They didn't leave early like many other fans do, when the game is essentially over and they want to "get to the parking lot" or they are simply disgusted.  I'm no Dukie, but I respect the heck out of those Duke students and fans for staying until the very end, despite the one sided loss. 

Reader Mail: Healthcare Problems in Stimulus

As many of you have already heard, the so-called "stimulus" contains very damaging provisions, apparently authored by Tom Daschle, that would provide for electronic tracking and government monitoring of healthcare so a government bureaucrat can monitor costs and dictate patient care.  This is federal health care rationing.  We would like to get the word out about this as quickly as possible to encourage people to flood their representatives with calls demanding that this provision be removed.  Health care affects everyone, and as the article below notes, this is likely to disproportionately impact the elderly.   

Please contact your House members today and urge them to have electronic tracking and government monitoring of healthcare removed from the stimulus bill. Even if they support the stimulus, they need to oppose this portion of the bill. There is a reason why Canadians, Europeans and other foreigners who have the means come to the U.S. for surgery and other medical procedures. Our level of healthcare is the envy in the world. Why on earth would we want to see the day when our citizens have to be put on a government waiting list for life-saving surgery?

To find out who represents you in congress, click here.

Andrew Dunn, State President, NC Eagle Forum

Stimulus Fight Not Over -- Update - Compromise Reached URGENT: Contact Your Congressmen!!!

We may be down, but not out, is how it appears to this blogger.  At 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the U.S. House and U.S. Senate Conference committees went into session to hammer out a compromise on the so-called "Stimulus Bill".

UPDATE: At 4:09 p.m. Fox News is reporting that the US House and Senate has reached a COMPROMISE.  Turns out, they worked out the details overnight, in secret.  Contacting your Congressmen and Senators is now more important than ever.  See below...

Naturally, we conservatives know this is a terrible idea.  This spending bills is ruining our childrens' futures.  Katy's Conservative Corner opposes any such bill, no matter what "compromise"s are in it.  We only support complete defeat of any "stimulus" bill.  The new bill will be full of more wasteful spending projects and spending!

The Americans for Prosperity are working hard.  They have posted up-to-date information here, along with an online petition that you can sign to share your displeasure with this bill.  According to North Carolina AFP spokesman Chris Marie Farr, the site was so popular that it crashed a couple of days ago.  Yes, people do care about seeing their money go down the tube.

Please contact your Congressmen and Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan by clicking here and getting their phone and fax numbers.  You may also e-mail them from that link and look up their voting records.  Telephone calls and faxes tend to work best.

Please politely leave a message with whomever answers and tell them that you oppose any compromise to the stimulus bill and want Rep. or Sen. ______ to please vote against it.    They WILL get the message.

Editor's Note: Fellow Blogger, Frank Williams, suggested I mention the Health Care issue in the Stimulus bill.  Since we do not re-print blog posts, we agree and highly recommend the post, "Healthcare Danger Hidden in Stimulus".