Judge blocks AZ immigration law
|
|
|
A federal judge has temporarily blocked key parts of Arizona's new immigration law that was to take effect today, saying it was unlikely the state would prevail in legal challenges to such provisions as requiring police to question and detain suspected illegal immigrants following routine stops. U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton granted the Obama administration's request for a preliminary injunction on the grounds that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government, not states. Arizona said it would appeal the decision in what could be a protracted legal battle with Washington. In her 36-page court order, Judge Bolton blocked several provisions of the new law, most notably, a requirement that police check the immigration status of people stopped for other infractions if police suspect they are in the U.S. illegally.
|
| Wall Street Journal: Judge Blocks Arizona Law
|
|
|
|
|
TN legislators vow to pass similar law
|
|
|
Despite a federal judge's ruling that put most of Arizona's controversial immigration law on hold Wednesday, Tennessee lawmakers still plan to introduce a similar law when the legislature returns in January. A group of eight Tennessee legislators will visit Arizona on Friday in a show of support for the law. The group will meet with sponsors of the Arizona legislation and attend a seminar detailing provisions of the law. "We're absolutely going to introduce something similar if not identical to the Arizona legislation in Tennessee next year, and this ruling isn't going to change that," said Sen. Jack Johnson, whose district includes parts of Davidson County. According to a recent poll conducted for The Tennessean and other media outlets, 72 percent of voters say they would support enacting a law similar to the one passed in Arizona.
|
| The Tennessean: Immigration ruling won't deter Tennessee legislators
|
|
|
|
|
Americans cut back on health care
|
|
|
The Wall Street Journal reports this morning that insured Americans are consuming less health care as they pick up a greater share of the cost. Insurers, lab-testing companies, hospitals and doctor-billing concerns say that patient visits, drug prescriptions and procedures were down in the second quarter from year-ago levels. The reduced usage coincides with the fact that more Americans are buying high-deductible health plans that require them to bear more of the upfront costs for health services. Some 18 million Americans bought high-deductible plans this year, compared with 13 million last year, according to the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. The Journal reports continued weak demand could eventually put downward pressure on spiralling health-care costs, a long-sought goal of policy makers. It could also force insurers to lower premiums, but that could be offset by the effects of the new health care law, which will require insurers to cover pre-existing conditions of patients who were not previously insured.
|
| Wall Street Journal: Americans Cut Back on Visits to Doctor
|
|
|
|
|
New York admits academic progress was mirage
|
|
|
New York officials acknowledged Wednesday that previously advertised years of academic progress in K-12 were false, and that hundreds of thousands of children had been misled into believing they were proficient in English and math, when in fact they were not. "We are facing the hard truth that the gains in the past were simply not as advertised," said Merryl Tisch, the chancellor of the state Board of Regents. Officials say the tests to measure proficiency had become too predictable and tested too narrow a range of knowledge, thus becoming increasingly easier year after year. After adopting new standards that officials say NOW accurately measure efficiency, the number of NY City students scoring proficient in English fell to 42% this year from 69% in 2009. In math, 54% of city children scored proficient this year, down from 82%. Similar results were reported all over the state.
|
| Wall Street Journal: 'Hard Truth' on Education
|
|
|
|
|
DNC attacks Tea Party movement as 'elitist'
|
|
|
The Democratic National Committee, which usually saves all of its ammunition for the Republican Party, went on the attack against the Tea Party movement Wednesday, rolling out a “Republican Tea Party” agenda and arguing that the conservative grass roots movement are elitists who advocate positions that only benefit the wealthy. DNC chairman Tim Kaine called the Tea Party “the most potent force in Republican politics.” Then he unveiled the DNC’s “Republican Tea Party Contract on America,” a list of what they say are the shared priorities of Republican candidates and Tea Party activists. The fake document includes 10 priority planks for “the Republican Tea Party.” As usual, the Democrats got it wrong – intentionally. The Tea Party activist who came up with the Contract From America says there are only two similarities between the Democrats fake list and the Contract From America – extending tax cuts and repealing Obamacare. It's also true that Tea Party activists often clash with Republicans including Republicans who try to endear themselves with the Tea Party. In the latest such incident, Missouri Tea Party activits are slamming Congressman Michelle Bachman for stumping for Rep. Roy Blunt in his U.S. Senate primary campaign. The Tea Party has also clashed Sarah Palin for some of her primary endorsements, notably her former running mate John McCain. The Democrat charge that the GOP establishment and the Tea Party are indistinguishable is highly disingenuous, but that's par for the course.
|
| dailycaller.com: DNC mocks Tea Party movement, calls them ‘elite’
|
|
|
|
|
Rangel ethics charges coming today
|
|
|
Charlie Rangel and some of his closest friends are beginning to sound resigned to the possibility that Rangel may have to give up the New York House seat that he has held since 1971. “I think he’s going to have to go, maybe tomorrow,” said a member of the Congressional Black Caucus who asked not to be named. “I know you love me,” Rangel quipped to one junior Democrat. “But love yourself more.” Rangel declined to comment on the specifics of his case, but his remarks suggest that he knows more calls for his resignation may be coming, and he won’t hold it against fellow Democrats if they ask him to go away in order to save the party the embarrassment of a full-fledged ethics trial. Today, the House ethics committee reveals what is expected to be a scathing slate of allegations of wrongdoing to open the congressional version of a trial.
|
| politico.com: Rangel to Dems: Drop me if you must
|
|
|
|
|
Non-journalist, lies, common on Journolist
|
|
|
More information is flowing from and about Journolist – the online community of liberal journalist formed to discuss and promote liberal ideas. It turns out that despite its name, Journolist wasn’t limited to journalists – and some on the list openly supported dishonesty in reporting. Present among the bloggers, reporters and editors were a number of professional political operatives, including top White House economic advisors, key Obama political appointees, and Democratic campaign veterans. Journolist founder Ezra Klein, a staffer at the Washington Post, says he “tried to be very strict” in making sure no active political operatives joined Journolist. “It’s possible I missed someone,” he said. He missed more than one, including Jared Bernstein, who worked as an unpaid surrogate for Barack Obama during much of the 2008 campaign. All the while, he remained a member of Journolist. At one time Bernstein, who once asked members on the list for more support for tax changes targeted at businesses with overseas operations. A couple of members on the list panned the plan as a misleading political stunt. Another list member, Dean Baker, at the time a blogger at the American Prospect, agreed the policy was dishonest, but defended it anyway. “Sure, some of the things they are saying are not true (the jobs story first and foremost),” he wrote, “but the industry groups have this town blanketed with lobbyists and own a large portion of Congress outright. … There has to be some counterforce to the industry groups and that is the populist rabble. It might not be pretty, but that’s Washington.” And so it goes……….
|
| dailycaller.com: Political operatives on Journolist worked to shape news coverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sen. Alexander undecided on Kagan
|
|
|
June 29, 2010 - Sen. Lamar Alexander says he's undecided on how he will vote on the confirmation of Elana Kagan to the Supreme Court.
|
Blackburn explains Puerto Rico vote
|
|
|
May 4, 2010 - Congressman Marsha Blackburn's vote on Puerto Rico statehood has come under considerable scrutiny. Here's her explanation and understanding of the issue.
|
Corker defends work on finance bill
|
|
|
April 22, 2010 - Sen. Bob Corker responds to a Tea Party protest of his work of the financial regulation bill, saying he opposes the bill and will vote to filubuster it, but hopes to improve it since it's likely to pass.
|
Ralph Rant - U.S. doesn't belong to middle
|
|
|
April 20, 2010 - A listener invites me to "get out" of America because the U.S. doesn't belong to people like me. It belongs to people like him - people in the middle. I graciously reject his invitation in this premeditated Ralph Rant.
|
Corker condemns spending
|
|
|
April 15, 2010 - After first swearing off "earmarks," at least for a year, Sen. Bob Corker joins Ralph in condemning all runaway spending by Congress and pledges to make it a top priority going forward.
|
Taxation Townhall highlight
|
|
|
April 12, 2010 - Author, historian William Federer was a big hit at our Taxation Townhall Meeting on April 9th. Here's his 3-minute lesson on the history of concentrated power.
|
Taxation townhall highlight 2
|
|
|
April 12, 2010 - Here's another William Federer highlight from the WTN Taxation Townhall Meeting on taxes. It's a primer on Machiavelliism.
|
Blackburn supports radio 'performance tax'
|
|
|
April 5, 2010 - From time to time, we argue with our friends too. Congressman Marsha Blackburn and I have very different views on a proposed new performance tax on radio.
|
|
|
Click here to see view the albums in Ralph's photo gallery.
|
Accurate Mortgage
|
|
|
Accurate Mortgage sponsors Nashville's Morning News and helped me refinance my mortgage. Ph: (615) 833-0456 or click on the link. Mike, Joe and the gang will take good care of you.
|
Cool Springs Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy
|
|
|
For a hearing problem, allergies, sleep disorders or any problems with you ears, nose or throat, call my friends at Cool Spring ENT. (615) 739-6646
|
Cornerstone Brokerage
|
|
|
For all of your health insurance needs, contact Kelly Albert at Cornerstone Brokerage. Ph: 860-8922. Cornerstone is an independent insurance agency that provides other useful insurance products as well. Click the link for more information.
|
Huffines Dental Excellence
|
|
|
Need a dentist? Call mine. Dr. Ricky Huffines and his wonderful staff can take care of all of your dental needs. Ph (615)815-1559 or click on the link.
|
Inception Network Stragegies
|
|
|
If you are a small to medium sized business needing IT support, contact my sponsor, Inception Network Strategies at (615) 236-5402 or click on the link. Brian and his team are top-knotch IT professionals.
|
Liquidation Outlet
|
|
|
For bargain basement prices on general merchandise, visit Liquidation outlet in Murfreesboro at 1020 West College Street.
|
Mr. B's Air Duct Cleaning
|
|
|
If you need your air ducts cleaned, call Mr. B's Air Duct Cleaning. Warren and his crew will do a great job - or you pay nothing! Call (615) 244-1785.
|
Myers Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
|
|
|
This Nashville family owned business since 1977 is now servicing some of the grandchildren of their original customers. Myers has been a BBB accredited business since 1989 and receives an A+ rating from the BBB. You can depend on Myers for fair pricing and excellent service, whether you need plumbing, heating or AC service.
|
Paul Winkler, The Investor Coach
|
|
|
It's hard to break bad habits, but Paul and his team can help you break bad investment habits and adopt much better ones. Start investing with confidence by calling Paul for a free initial consultation. (615) 851-1950
|
Pilotjourney.com
|
|
|
Click here to view a video of my Discovery Flight experience from Pilotjourney.com
|
|
|
|
|
 Ralph Bristol is a 30-year veteran of radio and TV broadcasting. He is a US Air Force veteran and holds a BS degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Ralph was a radio and TV reporter, anchor and news director in Missouri and Illinois before joining WORD Radio in Greenville/Spartanburg, SC in 1995.
In the spring of 2007, Supertalk 99.7 WWTN beckoned Ralph to Nashville. Ralph defies political labels, and has no partisan loyalties, but can best be described as a libertarian/conservative. Ralph writes and speaks extensively on education, tax and economic issues. In his spare time, Ralph terrorizes golf courses, invents useful things with sharp tools and dead wood, and entertains audiences with irreverent humor and contrarian insight. Invite him to speak to your group at your own risk. |
|
|