In response to the situation described in this blog.

LRP Plans to take the following courses of action (please email info@libertyrestorationproject.org to get involved):

1. Freedom of Information Act / Sunshine Law

- Send letters requesting information from FEMA, Dept of Public Safety, Govenor Nixon, and MO Highway Patrol. (stay tuned for an electronic copy of that letter, it is complete, just working on Press Release to accompany it – planed internet release on Sunday 3.15.2009)

-Hand Deliver letters to each department in teams with cameras on Monday 3.16.2009.  Try to have an on – camera conversation with representatives in each office.  Upload videos to internet.  RSVP here. 

2. Missouri Legislatures

- email/phone bank campaign to start Monday 3.16.2009.  (Stay tuned for sample emails and phone script.  Planned release Sunday 3.15.2009).

-lobby our legislatures first day back in session 3.23.2009 (Stay tuned for lobby packets for our legislatures.  Planned internet release Saturday 3.21.2009)  RSVP here.

Email info@libertyrestorationproject.org to be put in touch with Josh, our lead volunteer on this matter.

3. Speak with your Wallet: Missouri Tourism

-Strategic communication with MO Chamber of Commerce’s, tourism locations / offices, and hotels in StL area (Working with RestoreTheRepublic.com on this – expected internet release date Tuesday 3. 17.2009)

Email Bryon@libertyrestorationproject.org to help with this issue.

4. Public Relations

-Intentional press releases and letters to the editor (expect examples release on internet Sunday 3.15.2009) 

-Newspaper ads in MO papers educating public on what is happening (expected to go in Monday 3.23.209 papers)

Email Bryon@libertyrestorationproject.org to volunteer with PR.

5. We have nothing to hide and nothing to fear

- Make C4L sell out with attendance!

- Make the KC End the Fed march the largest in the nation!

Red light cameras, microphones on street corners, and now veri-plate - automatic license plate scanning?  This Florida police officers says, “this is just the tip of the iceberg for what veri-plate can do”.  Why do they need such control?

By Catherine Bleish

(for further thoughts on this: http://www.restoretherepublicradio.com/Liberty_Restoration_Hour_The_Liberty_Restoration_Hour__Show_Five)

Walking in the name of love is the only path to salvation for man. For without love the body, void of spirit, void of purpose, becomes a tool for and enabler of evil. For every minute you slave for corruption is an eternity of pain inflicted by those you enable upon those they enslave.

The centralization of power through government, business and church has created a system in which the corrupt can leech upon the labors of society and until we refuse to allow such evil to control our world – the world will only know pain.

The machine has convinced the most sincere of hearts that their intentions are just and good, that cohesion at gunpoint in the name of love is truly love. Those who allow any institution to steal from their neighbor in the name of love do not truly know love. For when you know love you do not need an institution of hate and fear to provide for you as you will already be full with abundance and peace.

Those who give love will be provide for as the universe bring good things to those who do good by the universe. 

To those who call for peace: I ask of you what action you have taken to bring peace Do you really believe that condemning those who propagate war while continuing to slave your labor and soul away through taxation will bring peace? Are you not still enabling them by participating in the corrupt system they have created? Are you not still enabling them by handing over the fruits of your labor?

Can you truly ever defend, morally, a time table for peace? I argue that you cannot.

To those who call for a healthier environment but still purchase clothing made by slave labor and shipped across the globe – to those who call for a healthier environment and continue to consume factory farmed meat and produce (also shipped across the globe and thus polluting) – do you really believe that by lobbying your government for green jobs is going to change the ways in which we treat our planet?

Can you ever defend, morally, the purchase of such items when arguing for such a cause? I argue that you cannot.

I watch my brothers an sisters turn a blind eye to ignorance, to pain, to suffering; I watch my brothers and sister live without purpose, love, or rue joy and I cry out to the universe for the strength to show them the path to salvation, the path to freedom, the path to eternal love and joy.

For there is truly nothing to fear if you act everyday in the name of love. Love begets love as fear begets fear.

Waiting for an elected official to do the right thing is not acting in love, but in fear.

DOING the right thing and refusing to enable fear mongering is the only act of love, politically.

Lash out not against your oppressors, rather, serve those who are oppressed. For the only way to truly free a man is not by condemning the jailor or removing the shackles of economic slavery – but by opening their eyes, their mind and their heart so that they may voluntarily remove said shackles and voluntarily leave their jailer, as the oppressed will continue to serve their oppressor, with or without shackles, until their mind has been set free and until their soul knows the deepest and purest of love – found only in the truth.

Control is obtained by the perversion of truth. This is seen by religious institutions who pervert the teachings of our founding fathers. 

Not one of us exists without sin, not one of us exists without causing undue form of harm to our environment or neighbors – but if we act out of love – we will find love – as your mistakes will not come from a place of deliberate intention, rather from a place of honest miss-action.

Are we morally obligated to pay off debt incurred as a result of cultural perversion? Are we morally obligated to propagate corruption and abuses of power by turning over our labor, time, and soul to those who have stolen the life from humanity through propaganda, forced ignorance and violence? 

Or, are we morally obligated to cease all enabling of such evil by redirecting our energy and resources to those actually in need? Which is acting in fear and which in love?

I would argue it is our duty as humans to become agents of love and to destroy agents of fear by refusal to acknowledge them and by a refusal to give them power. If they do not exist in our hearts and minds, they will cease to exist by our actions. 

When we allow a third party to do our bidding – to redistribute our wealth through force – we allow that third party to enforce their own morality. Only through direct service will we be acting with a pure heart. The power to do good is the power to do bad and we have no control over the actions of others when we hand them our power.

If you want to see good enacted you will NEVER find it enacted at gun point. With the best of intentions, we have handed over our power to do good by assuming those who we have handed our power to will indeed do good. 

Listen not to the words of our leaders – but watch their actions and study the results of said actions. When given limitless power you will find no act of love, only words claiming acts of love. We have handed over so much to these people who have done nothing to fundamentally change our lives for the better and we give them more when they threaten our security if we do not provide them with what they seek.

Ought we depend on an institution who has left refugees to suffer on the foundation in which their home was once built? Ought we depend on an institution which blocked the aid of those in need during one of the greatest storms to reach our shores, Katrina, which left so many stranded and directionless? Has this institution acted in love when it waged war unprovoked? Has it acted in love when it allowed lobbyists to dictate policy that further leeches off of our society? Has it acted in love when it tortures people and justifies such behavior in the name of safety? Is that love?

What makes us think they will act on our behalf when given control of your health care, food, and freedom?

A country that spies on their citizens does not love their citizens, but fears them. In love there is no need to spy and not need for limitless control.

In peace, love and liberty,
Catherine

I wanted to start by introducing myself as foreign policy contributor to the Liberty Restoration Project. I am a veteran of the Iraq War, a student in Kansas, and an activist for Iraq Veterans Against the War.  I would like to thank Catherine and the LRP for inviting me to share some of my experiences and perspective with you all.

As the sixth anniversary bears down upon us and I have been tasked to organize events in our area and speak to various groups in KC Metro, I am increasing alarmed by the attitudes of the situation we are now in. Tonight I met with planners for a major event near the Plaza and the question was put forward, “What do Iraq Vets (IVAW) think about the Presidents plan to extend the withdrawal“.  First of all, to speak on behalf of such a diverse group of individuals is flattering at best. Many people don’t realize the make up of our organization and the fact that it represents several facets of the political spectrum here at home.  I will generalize in saying that our organization wasn’t satisfied with the original withdrawal date, an extension of which is upsetting but somehow, expected. In addition, the thought of leaving 50,000 troops in theatre for “non-combat purposes” is truly at the heart of the problem.  If we can’t understand what incited violence towards us to begin with, how will the people of Iraq ever see peace in the region?  This “new” plan continues our occupation of Iraq, promotes U.S. hegemony in the Middle East, diverts our nations wealth to nation building, and turns our military into the world police.  All of which were the foreign policy of the last administration.

Later during the meeting the question of the surge of troops to Afghanistan came up. Someone commented, “...at least that’s where Osama Bin Laden is from.”  Does this give us the authority to wage war on an entire nation? Furthermore, how does anyone know that Bin Laden is still even there, let alone alive? Last reports from U.S. intelligence states that they had no idea where he was whether that be in Afghanistan or Pakistan. Awkwardly enough, browsing the FBI Most Wanted list results in no mention specifically that charges Bin Laden with the September 11th attacks. This of course is all semantics because we are illegally occupying both countries and are nowhere nearer to our goals catching the perpetrators of the terrorist acts on that day.  What we certainly must do is hold our leaders accountable for their decisions and communicate our grievances regardless of the party that sits in office. This seems to escape some of my friends on the left. What would we have said if Bush extended a withdrawal date or called for a surge of troops in Afghanistan? Former President Bush did not get a pass and neither should President Obama.

We will not waiver in our efforts to see a speedy end to the occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Americans are still over there and continue to lose their lives. Hundreds of thousand of innocent continue to be extinguished by our flawed policies.  Peace and justice both here and abroad continue to remain elusive. Suggested promises of changing course will not prevent us from taking to the streets this year or any day the troops remain on foreign soil.

So what are we planning?  We have two major events on the horizon in KC while also acknowledging the huge March on the Pentagon. On March 14th we will reach out to Iraqi refugees in our area to be an example of humankind’s ability to live together in peace. Peace Race for the Human Race Vigil and Rally will take place at Mill Creek Park in KCMO at 3:30PM and will feature speakers, music, activities, and activism. A relay will take place to promote peace and a ”Race for Peace”  happening (otherwise known as a mass performance art piece) will encourage public involvement. Next the refugees, vets, and volunteers will come together to prepare an Iraqi dinner. Breaking Bread Together will take place at the Community Christian Church on 4601 Main at 5:30PM.  We believe that peace begins with communication and our example locally should be emulated by our leaders in Washington. I encourage you all to remember that this issue lingers and we should not be confused whether to recognize the anniversary this year as we have before. Nothing has changed.

Will Stewart-Starks

President, KU Iraq Veterans Against the War and their Supporters

Last week the LRP traveled to Jefferson City to testify by the side of fellow liberty lovers ( Missourians Against Red Light Cameras ) against the use of Red Light Traffic Cameras in the state of Missouri. 

Now it’s up to these seven senators whether our bill lives or dies. Call and tell them you support Senate Bill 211 and disdain the use of these cameras on our streets! 

John Griesheimer (573) 751-3678

Dan Clemens (573) 751-4008

Delbert Scott (573) 751-8793

Carl Vogel (573) 751-2076

Joan Bray (573) 751-2514

Ryan McKenna (573) 751-1492

Wes Shoemyer (573) 751-7852

They could be voting any day this week, so it is imperative that you CALL NOW!

peace, love and liberty,

Catherine Bleish

From kindergarten through 12^th grade, Americans are conditioned by our education system to believe certain things and go along to get along, often suppressing deep seeded convictions they may have.  From the teaching in science classes of Darwin’s theory of evolution to the one-sided views often presented in history classrooms, our educators are less concerned with the students’ ability to think for themselves, and instead concerned with the students’ capacity to memorize “facts.”  In many respects, the public school system has also taken on the role of parent, teaching right from wrong to its students and imposing on them a belief system and a set of values, which is a direct violation of the precepts of a free society. 

A cornerstone of free enterprise is the principle of competition.  Our government-controlled school system has assumed a virtual monopoly on the education of the young people of the nation.  While one is free to send his or her children to a private school, or to home school if they wish, that individual is still expected to endorse the public education system, and everything that it teaches, through the paying of his or her property taxes. 

People who pay exorbitant fees and tuition to send their children to a privately funded school, together with those who home school, should be able to opt out of that portion of their property taxes that is used to fund the local public school, or free to claim their tuition for private school or materials for home school as a deduction from their property taxes, thereby hopefully reducing the amount of money that they pay into the public school system.  Parents only send their children to a private school, paying the sometimes astronomical tuition costs, or home school their children, when they sense that their local public school is failing to provide the education that they expect for their children.  But as long as the school is taking in money by force of law, it has no obligation to improve or to ensure an adequate education to its students.  Government education has therefore become, by definition, a monopoly.

I just received a phone call from Mike Talboy, a Missouri Representative out of Kansas City, who in an earlier post I identified as somone who might stop the Real ID legislation from leaving committee.  He has clarified his position and is IN FULL SUPPORT OF HB 361.

Now would be the time to call and thank him:573-751-1309!

Mike, my personal apologies for the miscommunication!

Also, here is the updated link for the Springfield news article on LRP testifying in Jefferson City: http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009902090350

Today I was cced on an anonymous email sent to Chris Stigall (KCMO 710am morning show here in Kansas City) that I just HAD to pass along!

enjoy:

Hello Chris,

I have so so very much to tell you, however, I’m lacking in time.  I did want to mention my thoughts on our new tyrannical trash situation in the city.  Today, of course, in the Public Safety and Neighborhood committee meeting, we heard a lovely debate on trash.  Cathy Jolly needs to understand that being a tyrant isn’t the way to get something done in this city.  She wants to scrap the “notices” and put a “violation ticket” across somebody’s door “so they can’t open their door” if they have too many trash bags out on trash day.  Not only that but, the maximum fine of $500 isn’t stiff enough for her, she wants to make having trash in your yard a “state offense”.  Go watch the meeting on kcmo.org.  Cathy Jolly is obviously letting power get to her head.

First of all, it’s been a good while since I’ve been notified of the “rules” for trash but I do remember what they are from when the city implemented the program.  Yes, I get the notices every couple months about leaf pick up but they don’t say anything about the two bag trash rule on the flyer for their normal guidelines.  I can only imagine a newcomer to KC putting their trash out on trash day and getting a “fine” of $25 posted on their front door in order to “shame” them into following KC’s trash regulations.  HEY!!  Welcome to the neighborhood, I see you got the “memo” of our two bag trash rule.  I think this city needs to send out a notice that states the rules for trash several times a year. They even stated in the Transportation and Infastructure meeting in my neighborhood that education is the key for getting people to understand the rules.  Oh wait, that’s right, Cathy Jolly left that meeting before the “education” aspect was even talked about.  (I’m talking about a neighborhood meeting at the end of January in the Hickman Mills area that I attended).

Also, what happened to people joining together to help keep up their neighborhood?  Was Obama just elected President to “bring people together?”  and to also “serve our communities as our civic duty”?  Perhaps KC should do something like Independence and have a “clean up” weekend where they put a large trash bin in neighborhoods a couple times a year and everybody pitches in and picks up their neighborhood?  Oh wait, KC needs money, screw something logical, let’s just fine people or throw them in jail for violating trash ordinances that most know nothing about.  Way to be a city, KC!

I’d love a reply from you sometime.

Hope all is well and Happy Valentine’s Day with your wife.

Sincerely,
A Concerned KC Citizen

Over the past several years, the media in our nation has become more centralized, with less regard for truth, diversity, and freedom, instead placing emphasis on unification of thought. Critical thinking is no longer valued as essential to the development of a healthy mind. Instead, “go along to get along,” seems to be the phrase of the day. As fewer people have gained control of the education system, the music and film industry, and cable television stations and networks, quality has declined, prices have increased, and political correctness has taken precedence over diversity of thought and constitutional liberty. Over the next several weeks, I will focus on how the media and education system have attempted to control public opinion, providing an analysis of the effects of centralization, followed by a free individual’s call to action. Enjoy!

When you think of Kansas City, you think of a diverse, lively, upstanding community.  However, if you delve into the inner workings of Kansas City, you’ll find something more like a three ringed circus.  Granted, I’ve been paying a bit of attention to our city council for a while now because I figure that if you’re going to get to liberty, you have to hit it where it’s closest to you.  For me, that’s Kansas City’s city council.  Watching the local politicians on our very own KCCG-2 can sometimes be amusing all by itself, however, one must really step into the arena to get the full experience.  This was my witness account of my first official Kansas City city council meeting:

We did arrive a tad late, 3:20 for a meeting that was to begin at 3:00.  However,  the meeting still did not start for another 15-20 minutes.  Once the meeting did start, a couple of Council members were still not present.  Cathy Jolly couldn’t sit still.  She was constantly getting up and conversing with other council members, leaving and coming back, etc.  Beth Gottstein arrived late and proceeded to behave like a teenager wtih ADD; talking on her phone, texting, leaving and coming back.  At one point, she was late for a vote due to her being in another room and when she came back to council, she was directed by Jan Marcason on how to vote.  Melba Curls was on her phone almost more than she wasn’t and out of her seat when she was on the phone.  Terry Riley was also seen with his phone on his ear for quite a while as well.

Now, this is just the little pet peeves I had.  I don’t understand how you go to an official meeting and just wander about, chat, text, and not pay attention.  To me it seemed disrespectful and incredibly RUDE.  On top of that, it was incredibly hard to pay attention to what was going on because of all the chaos.

Now comes the whole “circus”:

I must admit that the 1st and 2nd district council members were incredibly business like and respectable.  They didn’t act like children who don’t get there way even when they were in disagreement with the Mayor.  The 3rd district ladies (outside of Melba Curls being on her phone) never really spoke up or had much input on the subject.

The 4th, 5th, and 6th district side of the room acted like stubborn, bratty kids who weren’t getting their way in the sandbox.  Huffing and puffing, sighing and moaning and completely indignate towards the Mayor.  I suppose if we want the City Council to seem like the American Idol rejects, look to those districts and that is what you get with their playing to the camera and acting over the top when they didn’t get their way.  Most of the bickering was from the 4th, 5th, and 6th districts and the Mayor.  However, I must say that while I don’t completely agree with the Mayor, he behaved incredibly well as opposed to the throwing of baby fits from the upper district side of the room.  I would say that they were the 3 ringed side of the circus.

Now, I understand the Mayor’s position, he was going to “settle” the lawsuit but he wasn’t going to give up the fight over the new ordinance.  He claims the ordinance is unconstitutional and under this wonderful Country of ours, we must uphold the Constitution. I commend Mayor Funkhouser as he swore to an oath when going into office that he would do just that.  The City Council is concerned with money, power, and attention.  I for one, believe that the Constitution is something that is VITALLY important to hold onto (what’s left of it these days) therefore, on the ordinance, I have to sway my vote in the way of the Mayor on this one.  Let them take it to a judge and find out if that ordinance is Constitutional or not.  End of story.

It’s apparent that there is tension within the City Council.  I do believe that Mayor Funkhouser has been singled out in this case.  The behavior displayed today from those that were completely adamant against Funkhouser was childish and choleric.  He offered to settle the lawsuit but bring the ordinance back for further review, the City Council said no.  Somebody’s going to have to give or take in this case, I just wonder who it’s going to be.