An email received this morning from Jim Kyle For Governor:
Jim Kyle, Age 6
Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!
The Kyles
Jim, Sara,
Sarah, Mary, Jim III and Caroline
Paid for by Kyle for Governor, Andy Womack, Treasurer.
Archive for December, 2009
Jim Kyle Sends Christmas Cheer
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!
A Christmas Message from our Chairman…
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Folks have told me a great many things about Christmas lately - how and with whom to celebrate it, what to buy and where to buy it, and even how to talk about it. I have actually heard folks in the pulpit, at the lunch table, and even on my television speak fervently on the subject of the season’s greetings, whether “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” is more proper. Bless their hearts, they just get so excited about Christmas and they should. It is only recently that we have had the freedom to celebrate it!
Following the English Protestant Reformation, groups such as the Puritans, the forefathers of today’s evangelical Christians, strongly condemned the celebration of Christmas, considering it a Catholic invention and the “trappings of popery” or the “rags of the Beast.” Following Oliver Cromwell’s victory over Charles I during the English Civil War, England’s Puritan rulers banned Christmas in 1647. Protests followed as pro-Christmas rioting broke out in several cities and for weeks Canterbury was controlled by the rioters, who decorated doorways with holly and shouted royalist slogans. In Colonial America, the Puritans of New England shared radical Protestant disapproval of Christmas. Christmas celebration was outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681, but was revived by the Royal Governor. The celebration of Christmas fell out of favor after the Revolutionary War because it was seen as an English custom, but it was revived in the 1820s by several short stories by Washington Irving depicting harmonious warm-hearted holiday traditions he claimed to have observed in England.
I hope you can forgive me for not joining those important high-minded debates at Christmas time. I’m sure they’ll work it out. Meanwhile, I’ll be visiting family and trying to pick out some gifts while trying to keep perspective on what its all about. Dr. Suess has always been helpful in that regard:
“”And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas Day is in our grasp so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand.”
In Christmas Spirit,
Jonathon Fagan
Chairman, RCDP
Taxpayers Foot Bill For Republican Speaker’s SUV
Monday, December 21st, 2009
Former Republican Speaker of the House turned lobbyist Dennis Hastert drives an SUV and has a nice office where he and his staff gab on cell phones all day. Its all paid for with your money though:
U.S. taxpayers are spending more than $40,000 per month on office space, staff, cell phones and a leased SUV for former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, even as he works as a lobbyist for private corporations and foreign governments.
“It is specifically prohibited — federal dollars can’t be spent on lobbying operations,” Ellis said. “We are paying for his staff [and] for a car, and we need to be very sure that he isn’t spending a dime of that money on lobbying operations. “That all needs to be above board, in the clear and transparent. And it’s not.”
Tax & Spend Republicans strike again.
Rutherford Democrats Love a Great Party!
Monday, December 21st, 2009Here are some photos from the RCDP Christmas party and parade last Sunday. Everyone had a great time, including Kim McMillan (the first female House Majority Leader and now candidate for Governor), who made a surprise visit! Thanks to everyone who attended and especially to those helped build the float.
Gordon’s Distinguished Career in Congress to Come to a Close
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Congressman to retire from Congress after his current term
MURFREESBORO - After more than a quarter-century of public service to his home state of Tennessee, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced his plans to retire from Congress when his current term ends in 2010.
“I feel honored that the people of Middle Tennessee have allowed me to serve them for the past 25 years,” said Gordon. “Every decision I have made in Congress has been with their best interests in mind. I hope the people here at home feel that I have served them as well as their good advice and views have served me.
“When I was elected, I was the youngest member of the Tennessee congressional delegation; now, I’m one of the oldest. In fact, I have members of my staff who weren’t even born when I took office. That tells me it’s time for a new chapter.”
Gordon, the dean of the state’s congressional delegation, said he made his decision after consulting with his wife, Leslie.
“Turning 60 has led me to re-evaluate what’s next. I have an 8-year-old daughter and a wonderful wife who has a very demanding job. I am the only child of my 83-year-old mother, Margaret. They have made sacrifices to allow me to do what I love by serving in Congress, and now it’s my turn,” said Gordon.
Strengthening families has been a common thread throughout Gordon’s time in Congress. During his service, he has consistently worked to improve the quality of life for working families by providing greater access to higher education; allowing workers to keep their jobs while managing a family emergency such as a sick child, spouse or parent; and working to preserve the American dream by ensuring today’s students have the strong math and science skills they will need for the jobs of the future.
His constituents have repeatedly recognized Gordon’s efforts by sending him back to the U.S. Capitol to represent them - in 13 elections, Gordon has never lost any of the 15 counties in his district. In recent years, he has won re-election handily, earning 64 percent of the vote in 2004, 67 percent in 2006, and 74 percent in 2008.
The son of a farmer and schoolteacher, Gordon was named chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee in 2007, becoming Tennessee’s first full committee chairman in 30 years. The congressman said he is grateful for the opportunity it presented to author landmark legislation such as the America COMPETES Act, but his goals in Congress have always remained the same.
“My dream for kids growing up in Middle Tennessee is the same that I have for my daughter, Peyton – for them to grow up in a safe neighborhood, get a quality education, and be able to find a good job close to home,” said Gordon. “I hope I’ve been able to make that dream more of a reality for the next generation.”
While Gordon’s congressional efforts may be coming to an end in a year, his legislative efforts and first-rate constituent service will continue in the meantime.
“I will be focusing on the work to be done in the year ahead. Our country is facing extraordinary challenges, and I will continue to work to be the best congressman I can be. My doors are open in Murfreesboro, Gallatin and Cookeville, and my staff and I will continue to listen to people’s concerns and help them cut through government red tape. Staying in touch with the people I represent has been my number one priority. That will remain true throughout my last year in Congress,” said Gordon, who has held more than 2,000 open meetings, call-ins and listening sessions during his service.
The congressman said his achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many people very close to him, including his parents.
“I couldn’t have asked for more supportive and inspiring parents. My mother and my late father always stood by my side throughout the years,” said Gordon. “I’ve also been blessed with a talented, hard-working staff that has helped me do a better job. And I will be forever grateful to the friends and volunteers who have given their counsel and support over the years.”
Educated in Rutherford County public schools, Gordon graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University in 1971 and later received his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He served in the Army Reserves from 1971-1972. Gordon is married to Leslie Peyton Gordon, who is a partner with Korn/Ferry International, and they have one daughter.
Tennessee GOP Spokesman Charged With Domestic Abuse
Friday, December 11th, 2009
Bill Hobbs & Robin Smith, Republican Congressional Candidate in the TN 3rd District
An arrest warrant was issued October 12, 2009 charging William H. Hobbs with domestic assault. His bail was set at $1,500. You can view the public documents here.
Here’s what the affidavit of complaint says:
On 10-12-2009 at approx 5:30 PM, BPD Officer Huddleston was dispatched to Vanderbilt Med Ctr, 21st Ave, Nashville, in response to a reported domestic violence assault. Upon arrival, Officer Hudleston spoke with Anna Hobbs. Mrs Hobbs stated that on 10-11-2009 at approx 11:15 PM she and her husband William got into an arguement that turned physical when Mr. Hobbs struck the left side of Mrs Hobbs head and knocked her down. Mrs Hobbs also suffered visible injuries to her left wrist. A short time later, Mr Hobbs left the residence. On 10-12-2009 Mrs. Hobbs head was so painful that she went to Vanderbilt ed Ctr for treatment. Vanderbilt reported the incident to BPD. Mrs Hobbs gave a written statement to Officer Huddleston.
Hobbs is widely considered an alter ego for 3rd District Congressional candidate Robin Smith, who chaired the Tennessee GOP during his tenure as spokesman. During that time Smith and Hobbs worked together to craft GOP statements touting the superior morality and “family values” of republicans. Apparently, assaulting one’s spouse is one of those “family values”.
UPDATE: Mr. Hobbs has threatened to sue the Rutherford County Democratic Party for this story, claiming that he was never convicted, which the original story reported. He is technically correct due to the fact that the judge has dismissed the case because of 3 months good behavior by Mr. Hobbs and mandatory marriage counseling. The story has been changed above to reflect this. The word “convicted” has been changed to [charged]. You can read more about this development here.
Bart Gordon Secures Funding For MTSU Programs
Thursday, December 10th, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Bart Gordon announced that he was able to secure funding for Middle Tennessee State University to improve law enforcement and aviation safety training, as well as help MTSU complete a Physical Activity Center that will help fight obesity among children and teens.
MTSU’s Forensic Institute for Research and Education will receive $625,000 to enhance their training program for Tennessee law enforcement and forensic specialists. The Institute brings together faculty and students in several scientific specialties to provide educational and training opportunities for law enforcement officers and personnel.
“At a time when many of our sheriff and police departments can’t afford to offer specialized training to officers, this funding will help MTSU continue to provide quality training to Tennessee law enforcement and educate more students to become forensic scientists and technicians,” said Gordon.
The MTSU Department of Aerospace will also receive $700,000 for MTSU to continue its training of air traffic controllers and pilots. MTSU is one of only 14 universities in the country that participates in the Federal Aviation Administration’s AT-CTI program, which is designed to prepare young men and women to attend the FAA Training Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Gordon also secured $400,000 for MTSU’s Physical Activity Center, which will organize media and advocacy campaigns to emphasize the importance of physical activity for children and adolescents
Joe Bales, Vice President for Development and University Relations at MTSU, said, “We are extremely grateful to Congressman Gordon and the members of the Tennessee delegation for their continued support of our teaching, research and service efforts. These funds will enable us to expand our existing programs in forensics and aerospace and allow us further develop our innovative efforts at addressing childhood obesity, one of our state and nation’s leading health concerns.”
Gordon secured the funding for each project in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2010, which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives today. The bill is expected to be passed by the Senate and then signed into law before the end of the year.
Gordon Votes to Protect Consumers’ Personal Info
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Gordon and his colleagues approved bipartisan legislation to require companies holding sensitive personal information to secure that data and provide notice to American consumers when that data is compromised.
“According to a recent report, almost 340 million records containing ‘sensitive personal information’ have been ‘involved in security breaches since January 2005’,” said Gordon. “It is essential that consumers’ personal information, whether it is collected online or through other means, is safe.”
The House-passed bill, the Data Accountability and Trust Act (H.R. 2221), directs the FTC to create rules requiring any person involved in interstate commerce who owns or possesses data containing personal information, or has a third party maintaining the data, to create procedures regarding information security practices to protect personal information. The practices include a security policy to collect, sell, and maintain the information, a point of contact responsible for the management of information, and a process to assess any system vulnerabilities.
“If there is a security breach of any kind,” Gordon stated, “this bill will not only better protect consumers’ personal information, but it will also require data companies to notify each individual whose personal information has been acquired by an unauthorized person.”
With limited exceptions, all security breach notifications would have to be made to each individual consumer within 60 days and the FTC would also have to be notified. If online companies did not comply with the bill’s new regulations, they could face a fine of $5 million for each violation.
The bill was written and approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, of which Gordon is a member. Having passed the House, the bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.
Yet Another TN Republican Becomes Nationally Infamous
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009Arlington, TN Mayor Russell Wiseman, brother to Shelby County Republican Chairman Lang Wiseman, thinks that the President plotted to wreck Christmas for every Christian last week when he addressed the nation on Afghanistan during “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. According to the Arlington Mayor, he did this because he is a Muslim, and anyone who doesn’t violently hate our President should “move to a Muslim country.” Decent Tennesseans hope that we are making this stuff up, but sadly it made Keith Olbermann’s
Worst Person In The World segment last night:
(NOTE: You must have Adobe Flash Player to view the video below)
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
UPDATE: Arlington, TN posts a statement on its website:
The views of Russell Wiseman, Mayor of the Town of Arlington, expressed on his Facebook account do not reflect an official position of the Town of Arlington. His comments were not made on a Town computer, or using Town computer services. The Town recognizes Barack Obama as the President of the United States, and in accordance with the Constitution, recognizes both the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech. We welcome all law abiding people to our town. We do not discriminate and we provide essential services to all Town of Arlington people without regard to their religion, race, color, age, gender, sex or national origin.
Rutherford Republican Compares Rep. Mumpower to Jesus
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
Caption reads, 'The scene is reminiscent of Judas joining hands in prayer with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane moments before the soldiers arrived to arrest him.'
Its all the same to Rudd, who compares Mumpower to Jesus and Williams to Judas in the following graphic, which he sent by email to his fellow Executive Committee members. Williams was denied membership in the Tennessee Republican Party for the move, and Rudd wants to keep it that way even though some are pushing for Williams’ return to the republican fold.
What Rudd has done is sacreligious, which is especially egregious during the Christmas season when Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth. Folks across the state are understandably upset with Tim Rudd for comparing their Lord and Savior to a politician. Here’s an example from Betsy Phillips:
Tim Rudd, sir, that you would even make something like this and send it to other people pretty much proves that you are a terrible Christian. And I don’t say that mildly.
Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus say, “Please, use my suffering to illustrate your petty political problems.” And really, Rudd, how dare you try to pressure anyone into feeling like not doing what you want is akin to standing against Jesus.
You are not Jesus. Jason Mumpower is not Jesus.
People who do things other than what you would like them to do ARE NOT BETRAYING JESUS.
And, frankly, it’s evil for you to suggest that they are.
Another Tennessee Republican Makes National News
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
Mother Jones Magazine picks up the story:
Tea-party style activism has taken some nutty turns before—the Hitler references, the Holocaust pictures. But Walter Fitzpatrick III may be about to push anti-Obama activism to new heights. On Tuesday, he plans to walk into the Monroe County courthouse in tiny Madisonville, Tennessee, and attempt to convince a local grand jury to indict the president on treason and fraud charges.
Fitzpatrick is one of those alternate-reality Americans who believe that Barack Obama is actually one Barry Soetoro, a man who is not an American citizen and thus ineligible to serve as president. Fitzpatrick claims that since March, he has been trying to get federal prosecutors in Tennessee to bring treason charges against the president. All that effort earned him, however, was a visit from the Secret Service.
But then Fitzpatrick evidently discovered that Monroe County has rather liberal rules about grand juries. In most places, only a local prosecutor can present evidence to a grand jury and request an indictment. In Monroe County, any private citizen can show up with a petition and seek an indictment. The most common initiators of such proceedings are usually victims of robberies or assaults, however, not activists trying to unseat the president.
