Saturday, February 4, 2012

CONGRESS WANTS GREATER DRONE USE IN U.S.

Verne Strickland Blogmaster / February 4, 2012

Image Detail






February 3rd, 2012 by Steven Aftergood

A House-Senate conference report this week called on the Administration to accelerate the use of civilian unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or “drones,” in U.S. airspace.

The pending authorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration directs the Secretary of Transporation to develop within nine months “a comprehensive plan to safely accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system.”

“The plan… shall provide for the safe integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system as soon as practicable, but not later than September 30, 2015.”

The conference bill, which still awaits final passage, also calls for establishment of UAS test ranges in cooperation with NASA and the Department of Defense, expanded use of UAS in the Arctic region, development of guidance for the operation of public unmanned aircraft systems, and new safety research to assess the risk of “catastrophic failure of the unmanned aircraft that would endanger other aircraft in the national airspace system.”

The Department of Defense is pursuing its own domestic UAS activities for training purposes and “domestic operations,” according to a 2007 DoD-FAA memorandum of agreement.  (“Army Foresees Expanded Use of Drones in U.S. Airspace,” Secrecy News, January 19, 2012.)

Update: In the recently enacted FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act (section 1097), Congress mandated that “the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a program to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system at six test ranges.” This new test range program is supposed to be established within 180 days.


Congress Calls for Accelerated Use of Drones in U.S.

February 3rd, 2012 by Steven Aftergood 
 
A House-Senate conference report this week called on the Administration to accelerate the use of civilian unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or “drones,” in U.S. airspace.

The pending authorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration directs the Secretary of Transporation to develop within nine months “a comprehensive plan to safely accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system.”

“The plan… shall provide for the safe integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system as soon as practicable, but not later than September 30, 2015.”

The conference bill, which still awaits final passage, also calls for establishment of UAS test ranges in cooperation with NASA and the Department of Defense, expanded use of UAS in the Arctic region, development of guidance for the operation of public unmanned aircraft systems, and new safety research to assess the risk of “catastrophic failure of the unmanned aircraft that would endanger other aircraft in the national airspace system.”
The Department of Defense is pursuing its own domestic UAS activities for training purposes and “domestic operations,” according to a 2007 DoD-FAA memorandum of agreement.  (“Army Foresees Expanded Use of Drones in U.S. Airspace,” Secrecy News, January 19, 2012.)

Update: In the recently enacted FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act (section 1097), Congress mandated that “the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a program to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system at six test ranges.” This new test range program is supposed to be established within 180 days.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

McCrory kicks off campaign in Wilmington. Bowles out, Etheridge in. McIntyre praying about his future.

Verne Strickland Blogmaster / February 2, 2012


Posted: Feb 02, 2012 3:26 PM EST Updated: Feb 02, 2012 4:25 PM EST


WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Pat McCrory greeted hundreds of supporters at a campaign kickoff event Thursday in Wilmington. More than 100 people jammed into Break Time Billiards, chanting "Pat, Pat!" to welcome former mayor of Charlotte, and favorite for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Before the appearance, McCrory sat down in the WECT Studios to talk about his time away from politics. He went back into somewhat of a private life after his loss to Beverly Perdue in the 2008 campaign, even though he did make television appearances and speeches commenting on the state's political landscape.

"It actually helped me get out of the political bubble, so I could see first-hand the economic pain that is across this state," McCrory said in a sit-down interview. "People trying to hold on to their houses, and people trying to keep the doors open on their small businesses. Now that I'm coming back into it (politics), that outside perspective is bringing me a new perspective in this campaign."

Perdue's 50-47 victory over McCrory was one of the closest gubernatorial races of the 2008 political season. McCrory says he's learned from that experience what needs to be done better in 2012.

"There is no doubt with all of the Obama money coming into this state, we've got to have a much better grassroots effort to get people to vote," he said.  "That really means using social media, and not just using social media for the sake of it. It's using social media to get people into action. It's also using social media to get your message out, and in communicating with your supporters in a two-way effort. That's what we're doing already in our campaign."

McCrory's kickoff event in Wilmington coincided with an announcement from Erskine Bowles, the former president of the UNC system and one-time Chief of Staff in the Clinton White House. Bowles released a statement Wednesday saying he would not run for governor. Many believed Bowles would be the democratic party's best chance of holding on to the office, following the announcement by Gov. Beverly Perdue that she would not seek re-election.

"I can relate. It's a very difficult decision to run for governor," McCrory said when asked about Bowles' announcement. "It's quite a commitment for family. Erskine is a friend of mine and I know him very well. I respect him and respect his decision, but we were not going to change our strategy."
The filing period for candidates begins February 13th, and ends on the 29th.
Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.





Former U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge
Former Congressman Bob Etheridge announced Thursday that he will seek the Democratic Party nomination for governor.

"My life’s work has been about improving the public education system in North Carolina," he said in a statement. "As we move forward, we must ensure we are making the key investments in public education, community colleges and the university system.

The schools are expected to a big issue in the campaign as Republicans passed a state budget that Democrats have panned for reducing spending by several hundred million dollars.

"This election is about leadership. It’s about moving forward – not moving backward," he continued. "If we want a 21st century economy, we must have 21st century schools."

Etheridge's bid further shakes up the party's gubernatorial future just a week after incumbent Beverly Perdue said she wouldn't seek re-election.

http://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/story/10681512/


Etheridge in, Bowles out in NC governor's race


Former U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge
Former Congressman Bob Etheridge announced Thursday that he will seek the Democratic Party nomination for governor.
"My life’s work has been about improving the public education system in North Carolina," he said in a statement. "As we move forward, we must ensure we are making the key investments in public education, community colleges and the university system.
The schools are expected to a big issue in the campaign as Republicans passed a state budget that Democrats have panned for reducing spending by several hundred million dollars.
"This election is about leadership. It’s about moving forward – not moving backward," he continued. "If we want a 21st century economy, we must have 21st century schools."
Etheridge's bid further shakes up the party's gubernatorial future just a week after incumbent Beverly Perdue said she wouldn't seek re-election.
He joins Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton and state Rep. Bill Faison in the party's primary. Three others are considering whether to enter the race, but that group no longer includes Erskine Bowles, the former White House Chief of Staff, two-time U.S. Senate candidate and past University of North Carolina system president.
State Democratic leaders sought to recruit Bowles for a run after Perdue announced last week she won't seek re-election.
A poll released early this week showed Bowles would be the most competitive Democratic contender against the likely Republican nominee Pat McCrory.
Bowles wrote in an email statement Thursday morning he wouldn't run after having "spent a lot of time trying to think what is the right thing for me to do."
"I don't think anyone questions my love for North Carolina or my efforts to make our state a better place to live, work or raise a family," I've done my best in this regard and I plan to continue to do so," Bowles wrote. He made a reference to advice given by his late father, Skipper Bowles, about serving people.
"There are lots of ways to make a difference, lots of ways to add to the community woodpile," he added.
U.S. Reps. Brad Miller of Raleigh and Mike McIntyre of Lumberton and former State Treasurer Richard Moore each said after Bowles' decision they were still considering getting in the race.
Etheridge, who planned to talk to the media Friday, had said earlier this week he was awaiting Bowles' before moving his own decision.
At age 70, Etheridge would be the oldest candidate in the race, but also the one with the longest resume in state politics — and probably the longest voting record that rivals could attempt to criticize. He joined the Harnett County commission in the early 1970s, followed by the state House before being elected state superintendent in 1988.
His last run at elected office ended in 2010 when as the 2nd District incumbent he narrowly lost to Republican Renee Ellmers. A viral video showing him grabbing a man who was taping him on a Washington street didn't help his effort. Since then, Perdue chose him to run the state's office for managing federal stimulus dollars and to advise her on the response to Hurricane Irene.
Campaign filing starts Feb. 13 and the primary is in less than 14 weeks.
Miller, who announced the same day Perdue got out of the race that he wouldn't seek re-election to Congress largely due to redistricting, said he hoped to decide by this weekend whether to get in the race. He said he believed he'd have a strong base of support from the beginning. Progressive groups such as MoveOn.org have been telling boosters to encourage him to run. Miller would likely be a favorite of the state's liberal bloc.
"I feel pretty confident that I could put together a campaign very quickly," he said.
Moore said in an email to The Associated Press that he was still very interested in running for governor "and will spend some time calling around the state over the next few days to gather advice and perspective."
A statement from a spokeswoman for McIntyre's congressional campaign said he's "continuing to discuss with family, leaders and advisers and pray about where he might best be of service to North Carolina."
Democrats have held the governor's mansion in North Carolina since 1993. Only two Republicans have been governor in the past 100 years.
RELATED TOPICS: Democratic Party, Harnett County, Hurricane Irene, Beverly Perdue, Erskine Bowles, Raleigh, White House, Education, Rep. Bob Etheridge, Hurricane Season, Elections

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

PANTANO CAN HELP FILL NEED IN U.S. CONGRESS FOR LAWMAKERS WITH MILITARY COMBAT EXPERIENCE.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012


By Verne Strickland / February 2, 2012
Mike McIntyre may run for governor. He may try to become even more excessively incumbent in the U.S. Congress. He may decide to return to Lumberton and become a peanut farmer. But it's most likely that his ego and love for the high-life will keep him close to the action.

This feature on his most probable direction from this point should be interesting and instructive. No matter which way Mr. McIntyre dodges, NC/7 GOP candidate Ilario Pantano and his dedicated cadre of volunteers and supporters may have the final say on this -- and send him back to the farm.
                                                                    
  ***********    

First published Thursday, August 19, 2010

Most members of the U.S. Congress don’t have a clue how battles and wars are fought. They haven’t been there.

The disconnect shows in muddled decision-making, callous calls on Rules of Engagement, dangerous and naive micromanagment, and — perhaps most vital of all — failure to offer up a prescription on how to win, decisively and honorably.

As a result, America — still the most powerful nation on earth, and the most magnanimous – limps through combat situations with its fighting forces hobbled by naive directives from U.S. Congressmen who project a sanitized mentality of life — and death — in the savagery of desperate combat.

In Iraq and Afghanistan, the enemy wears no uniform, squanders its own “soldiers” behind the cowardice of suicide missions, human shields, and wantonly kills innocents at every opportunity to weaken the resolve of the “government” to resist.

Who could understand this war? Who could deal with it? Lawyers? I don’t think so. But these are the ladies and gentlemen who send our fighting forces into combat, then waste their potential, and safety, by imposing military impotence.

According to the Congressional Research Service 170 members of the House and 58 Senators have law degrees.

Is that enough? Or way too many? The troops who fight for our freedom are having their say now about this issue.

The choice is crystal clear in the Seventh Congressional District of North Carolina, where seven-term incumbent Mike McIntyre, an attorney who has never been in uniform, is being challenged by former combat-seasoned Marine officer Ilario Pantano.

The crying need in Washington for American patriots who have fought our wars, and who are doing so now, is powerfully expressed in a statement by Kieran Michael Lalor, founder of Iraq Veterans for Congress. These are excerpts of his comments:



White Plains, NY – August 17, 2010: The number of veterans in Congress has been dwindling since the end of the Cold War. In 1980 more than sixty percent of Congress had served but now barely twenty percent of our leaders in Washington DC spent time in uniform.

The number of combat veterans is even smaller. According to a report by the House Armed Services Committee only five percent of House members served in combat zones and even fewer saw actual combat.

Also quite rare is the member of Congress who served as an enlisted man. Only about forty percent of the veterans in Congress were enlisted despite the fact that eighty-five percent of our military are enlisted rather than commissioned officers.

In short, those who actually fight our wars are severely underrepresented in Congress. For a variety of reasons, it is in the national interest to have in Congress a critical mass of enlisted men with trigger time.

While colonels and generals craft the overall strategy of any conflict, the execution is done primarily by privates, corporals and sergeants of the infantry, artillery and cavalry. Because they operate where the metal hits the meat, enlisted men of the combat arms have valuable insights into equipment, tactics and policies.

The debate over the Rules of Engagement in Afghanistan highlights the desperate need for enlisted combat veterans of the War on Terror in Congress. Someone with a worm’s-eye view of the impact restrictive rules have on morale and a small unit’s ability to accomplish the mission would be invaluable when questioning the Pentagon brass about the wisdom of current and future rules.



Voters in North Carolina need look no further than Wilmington, NC, for a shining example of a patriotic young American who enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at 17, fought in the First Gulf War as an anti-tank gunner, re-enlisted after 9/11, won his commission at OCS, was deployed to Iraq where he took command of a Infantry Platoon and led them in combat in the “Triangle of Death” Region of Iraq, engaging the enemy in Latayifah, Yusufiyah and Falluja.

That former Marine, Ilario Pantano, was praised today (August 19) by retired Major General James E. Livingston, recipient of the highest military decoration bestowed by the United States – the Medal of Honor — for heroic actions in 1968 during the Vietnam War.

Livingston served on active duty in the Marine Corps over 33 years before retiring on September 1, 1995. He visited Wilmington, NC, Pantano’s hometown, to support the GOP nominee at a campaign news conference.

“Ilario is a true leader, a man of honor and integrity,” said General Livingston. “As a Marine who led men into battle in Vietnam, I understand the challenge of combat leadership, forged in the toughest crucible known to man.

“Ilario has once again decided to heed the call to service, this time to serve as a Congressman to stand up for us in Washington, to return fiscal responsibility to our government, to protect our national security, and preserve our values,” said General Livingston.

He particularly praised Pantano for pledging to limit his service in the U.S. House of Representatives to six terms, or a total of 12 years.

Pantano secured his pledge with a $250,000 personal bond, which will be forfeited to “Step Up for Soldiers”, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, should he fail to honor his commitment.

Meanwhile, Mike McIntyre, seven-term Seventh Congressional District incumbent, a Democrat, is ignoring his own pledge to cap his service at 12 years — a promise he made when first elected in 1996.

“He wasn’t supposed to run for re-election again in 2008. He did it anyway. And, worse than breaking his word, he’s reversed himself and voted sgainst term limits for committee chairmen, thus ensuring a cycle of corruption amongst his peers. Now he’s running again in 2010,” observed GOP candidate Pantano.

Perhaps voters in the conservative Seventh NC District, turned off by McIntyre’s claim of conservatism while voting repeatedly with liberal House Speaker Pelosi, will make the decision for the congressman, to spare him the anguish of retiring voluntarily.

www.IraqVetsForCongress.com

www.bondedtermlimits.org

http://www.pantanoforcongress.com/

PANTANO SURGES, WHILE ROUZER FALLS 60%, ACCORDING TO FUNDRAISING AND POLLS


February 1, 2012


Andy Yates
andy@pantanoforcongress.com

(704) 467-0795

Wilmington, NC:  FEC filings released today show that 2010 conservative GOP nominee Ilario Pantano has surged 10% in his best fundraising quarter of 2011. 
Pantano’s momentum is noteworthy as his opponent, lobbyist What the fundraising totals and new polls reflect is that as voters in the new 7th district have gotten to know both of the candidates over the last seven months, support for Pantano has increased, and support for his opponent has eroded.
David Rouzer, has seen his support fall off 60% from the third quarter to the fourth quarter in 2011. This drop in fundraising ability is reflected by polls recently released by the Pantano campaign, showing Pantano’s lead over his opponent widening 20% to 48-21, and Pantano’s likeability also increasing. Pantano’s strength is particularly noteworthy because of the $2 million in negative ads the Democrats leveled against him in 2010.

What the fundraising totals and new polls reflect is that as voters in the new Seventh District district have gotten to know both of the candidates over the last seven months, support for Pantano has increased, and support for his opponent has eroded.

Andy Yates with the Pantano for Congress Campaign said the following: “While the average North Carolina family is struggling to pay their mortgage and couldn’t be bothered with the insider politics of fundraising figures, this news sends a clear message to the special interests supporting Rouzer in Raleigh and in Washington that the viability of his candidacy may have been over sold. Pantano wants to go to Washington to reform it, but the lobbyists supporting Rouzer clearly expect him to conform to it, which is why they have invested so heavily in Rouzer’s candidacy.”
Yates continued, “The polls and fundraising numbers show us that Pantano’s experience in the Marines and Rouzer’s experience as a lobbyist put them at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum. One sees government as service, the other sees government as a career.”

For more information, go to www.PantanoForCongress.com

                                       CONTRIBUTE

ILARIO PANTANO SLATES BUSY 'MEET & GREET' CAMPAIGN SERIES

February 1, 2012

Pantano for Congress Meet and Greet Schedule

This schedule of 'Meet and Greet' sessions is intended to inform our great volunteer teams of latest news from the campaign trail -- where we are at this time, and where we're going. You don't  want to miss the meeting most convenient to you -- and we don't want to miss you! Looking forward to seeing you, and thanks for your enthusiasm for Ilario's candidacy. You're the key to a great victory in the NC/7 GOP primary and the general election.

Brian Long / Pantano for Congress













Thursday, February 02, 2012


Time

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Subject

French's in New Hanover County

Location

6142 Carolina Beach Rd., Wilmington NC 28412

Tuesday, February 07, 2012


Time

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Subject

Sophie’s in Columbus County

Location

616 South Madison Street, Whiteville, NC 28472

Wednesday, February 08, 2012


Time

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Subject

Gandolpho's in Johnston County

Location

224 E Market ST, NC 27577

Monday, February 13 2012


Time

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Subject

Dunkin Donuts in Monkey Junction
Location

5611a Carolina Beach Rd
Wilmington, NC 28412

Tuesday, February 14, 2012


Time

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Subject

Two Dogs Pizza in Lenoir County

Location

104 S Kinston Blvd., Pink Hill NC


Wednesday, February 15, 2012


Time

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Subject

Port City Java in Southport

Location

113 N Howe St., South Port, NC 28461

Friday, February 17, 2012


Time

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Subject

Hardee's in Duplin County

Location

807 N Norwood St., Wallace, NC

Saturday, February 18, 2012


Time

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Subject

GILLIS Family Turkey Shoot

Location

Gillis family farm

Tuesday, February 21, 2012


Time

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Subject

Chris's Restaurant in New Hanover County

Location

853 South 17th Street, WIlmington, 28401

Wednesday, February 22, 2012


Time

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Subject

Oak Island sub shop & Deli in Brunswick County


Wednesday, February 29, 2012


Time

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Subject

S + J Grille in Bladen County

Location

7459 Albert St., Dublin, NC

Monday, March 5, 2012


Time

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Subject

McDonalds in Carolina Beach
Location

220 North Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach, NC

Wednesday, March 07, 2012


Time

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Subject

McCall's in Johnston County

Location

10365 US Highway 70 West in Clayton, NC 27520

Tuesday, March 13, 2012


Time

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Subject

Holland Shelter in Pender County
Location

8315 N Highway 53 E, Burgaw, NC 28425

Wednesday, March 14, 2012


Time

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Subject

Smithfield's in Sampson County

Location

2669 W NC Hwy 24 Warsaw, NC


Wednesday, March 21, 2012


Time

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Subject

Eric's Grille in Brunswick County

Location

1671 N Howe St., Southport, NC

Tuesday, March 27, 2012


Time

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Subject

Carolina BBQ in New Hanover County

Location

2703 N College Rd., Wilmington, NC


NEW POLL SHOWS PANTANO LEADING ROUZER 47-21 IN NC/7!





From:Brian Long <brian@pantanoforcongress.com>
To:Brian Long <brian@pantanoforcongress.com>
Date:Tue, Jan 31, 2012 9:17 pm
Greetings from P4C!

Before I get to the terrific news about the poll released today, a quick reminder that we have two major volunteer meetings coming up: the first is this Thursday, February 2nd at 8:30 A.M. at Two Guy's Grille in Leland, and the other is next Tuesday, February 7th at 6:30 P.M. at Jones' Fish Camp in WilmingtonWe hope you can attend one or both, and please bring a friend! See below for more information.  

We are thrilled to announce that a poll released today shows that Ilario has significantly increased his lead over Rouzer in the race for the Republican Primary, with 47% of voters supporting Ilario and 21% Rouzer. This is a 20% increase in Ilario's lead since the last poll was taken in September. So the momentum is clearly on our side, and support for Ilario continues to grow! We couldn't be happier with the news. To see the poll and for more information, click here: http://pantanoforcongress.com/posts/new-poll-pantano-leads-rouzer-48-to-21-in-nc-7. Also see here for coverage of the poll by our local WWAY: http://www.wwaytv3.com/2012/01/31/vote-2012-poll-of-gop-primary-voters-like-pantano-over-rouzer-almost-2-to-1.

Our success is thanks to you, our terrific and dedicated volunteers. Being a grassroots campaign, our success so far and that in May have and will come down to your hard work and support. And we have a long way to go before early voting begins in 81 days. So please, do what you can to help. Come to the office (8207 Market St. Wilmington, NC) to make phone calls or address envelopes. Send a letter to the editor. Host or attend a meet and greet or bring a friend to an event with Ilario. Or just share Ilario's Facebook notes and news articles and help spread his conservative message. To learn more about how you can help, contact Gerry Owens at 910-821-0089, or me at 804-241-5297.

We’ve also added a new leg to our platform: Principled Leadership. Ilario will demonstrate principled leadership in Congress with a number of reforms. First is a Constitutional amendment on term limits. Second is the elimination of pensions and health care coverage for members of Congress, and a 25% reduction in their salaries. Third is shutting the revolving door between lobbyists and Congress. And fourth is ending the abhorrent practice of Congressional insider trading. That is why Ilario called on Rep. McIntyre and every member of Congress this week to do these four things to restore America’s trust in their government. To read Ilario’s message to Congress and his platform, click here: http://pantanoforcongress.com/posts/pantano-calls-for-major-congressional-reform-asks-members-of-congress-to-give-up-insider-tradi.

As mentioned, we hope you will be able to join us at our upcoming volunteer meetings at Two Guy's Grille in Leland on February 2nd at 8:30 A.M. (2013 Olde Regent Way # 110 Leland, NC) and Jones' Fish Camp in Wilmington on February 7th at 6:30 P.M. (7770 Market Street Wilmington, NC). Both will be Dutch treat, but you don't have to eat to join in. We'll have some VERY exciting news to report from the campaign, some updates on the interesting developments regarding Perdue's decision to drop out of her race, and breaking news about McIntyre's possible plans to drop out of OUR race and run for Governor. It's been a big week! Come find out what all of this means for NC-7 and for North Carolina. It will also be a terrific opportunity to speak one on one with Ilario, and to give him your feedback and suggestions. We need you there, and to bring a friend! For more information on upcoming opportunities to meet with and introduce friends to Ilario, please see the "Leap into 2012" meet and greet schedule below. 

We would also like to announce a major upcoming campaign event, the P4C Golf Tournament on March 31 at 11:30 AM, at Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation in Leland. Come out and support Ilario with friends, coworkers, and family to enjoy an afternoon of golfing and an awards cook out. We are thrilled and honored to have Rep. Duncan Hunter, former Congressman and Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and conservative Republican candidate for President in 2008, as our special guest. For more information, see the flyer below. Contact finance@pantanoforcongress.com or call 910-471-3040 to sign up or learn more. 

We also encourage all of you to attend the Brunswick County Republican Women NC Civitas campaign training session, on February 4 from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Topics will include campaign organization, research, campaign finance and finance law, communications, and social media. This is a terrific program and a great opportunity to learn more about how campaigns work. We encourage you all to join in. For more details, click here: http://brunswickcountyrepublicanwomen.com/items-associated-with-campaign-activiites-of-brunswick-county-republican-women/join-us-february-4-and-learn-to-run-an-election-campaign.

Again, thank you all so much for the hard work, dedication and support that have gotten us this far. But don't be mistaken; we have FAR more work to do before May. So please, keep pushing!

All the best,

Brian Long
804-241-5297


Tuesday, January 31, 2012

CANCER CHARITY HALTS GRANTS TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD


FUNDS LOSS WILL SPARE LIVES OF COUNTLESS UNBORN BABIES!

Verne Strickland Blogmaster / February 1, 2012


Published January 31, 2012
David Crary / Associated Press

The nation's leading breast-cancer charity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is halting its partnerships with Planned Parenthood affiliates — creating a bitter rift, linked to the abortion debate, between two iconic organizations that have assisted millions of women.
The change will mean a cutoff of hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants, mainly for breast exams.
Planned Parenthood says the move results from Komen bowing to pressure from anti-abortion activists. Komen says the key reason is that Planned Parenthood is under investigation in Congress — a probe launched by a conservative Republican who was urged to act by anti-abortion groups.
The rupture, which has not been publicly announced as it unfolded, is wrenching for some of those who've learned about it and admire both organizations.
"We're kind of reeling," said Patrick Hurd, who is CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia — recipient of a 2010 grant from Komen — and whose wife, Betsi, is a veteran of several Komen fundraising races and is currently battling breast cancer.
"It sounds almost trite, going through this with Betsi, but cancer doesn't care if you're pro-choice, anti-choice, progressive, conservative," Hurd said. "Victims of cancer could care less about people's politics."
Planned Parenthood said the Komen grants totaled roughly $680,000 last year and $580,000 the year before, going to at least 19 of its affiliates for breast-cancer screening and other breast-health services.
Komen spokeswoman Leslie Aun said the cutoff results from the charity's newly adopted criteria barring grants to organizations that are under investigation by local, state or federal authorities. According to Komen, this applies to Planned Parenthood because it's the focus of an inquiry launched by Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., seeking to determine whether public money was improperly spent on abortions.
Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, has depicted Stearns' probe as politically motivated and said she was dismayed that it had contributed to Komen's decision to halt the grants to PPFA affiliates.
"It's hard to understand how an organization with whom we share a mission of saving women's lives could have bowed to this kind of bullying," Richards told The Associated Press. "It's really hurtful."
Reaction to the news was swift and passionate. On Twitter, it was one of the most discussed topics Tuesday evening, with some tweets praising Komen's decision and others angrily vowing never to give to it again.
Two Democrats in Congress — Sen. Patty Murray of Washington and Rep. Michael Honda of California — issued statements denouncing Komen's action.
"I am stunned and saddened," said Honda, whose longtime chief of staff, Jennifer VanderHeide, had breast cancer last year. "I call on Komen to reconsider this decision, stand strong in the face of political pressure and do the right thing for the health of millions of women everywhere."
Anti-abortion groups, in contrast, welcomed the news. The Alliance Defense Fund praised Komen "for seeing the contradiction between its lifesaving work and its relationship with an abortionist that has ended millions of lives."
A statement issued Tuesday evening by Komen made no reference to the vehement reactions, instead citing its new grant-making criteria and pledging to ensure there were no gaps in service to women.
"While it is regrettable when changes in priorities and policies affect any of our grantees, such as a long-standing partner like Planned Parenthood, we must continue to evolve to best meet the needs of the women we serve and most fully advance our mission," the statement said.
Planned Parenthood has been a perennial target of protests, boycotts and funding cutoffs because of its role as the largest provider of abortions in the United States. Its nearly 800 health centers nationwide provide an array of other services, including birth control, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and cancer screening.
According to Planned Parenthood, its centers performed more than 4 million breast exams over the past five years, including nearly 170,000 as a result of Komen grants.
Komen, founded in 1982, has invested more than $1.9 billion since then in breast-cancer research, health services and advocacy. Its Race for the Cure fundraising events have become a global phenomenon.
For all its mainstream popularity, however, Komen has been a target of anti-abortion groups since it began its partnerships with Planned Parenthood in 2005.
Life Decisions International includes Komen on its "boycott list" of companies and organizations that support or collaborate with Planned Parenthood. In December, Lifeway Christian Resources, the publishing division of the Southern Baptist Convention announced a recall of pink Bibles it had sold because some of the money generated for Komen was being routed to Planned Parenthood.
Aun, the Komen spokeswoman, said such pressure tactics were not the reason for the funding cutoff and cited Stearns' House investigation as a key factor.
That investigation, which has no set timetable, was launched in September when Stearns asked Planned Parenthood for more than a decade's worth of documents.
Stearns, in a statement emailed to the AP on Monday, said he is still working with Planned Parenthood on getting the requested documents. He said he is looking into possible violations of state and local reporting requirements, as well as allegations of financial abuse, and would consider holding a hearing depending on what he learns.
Many of the allegations were outlined in a report presented to Stearns last year by Americans United for Life, a national anti-abortion group, which urged him to investigate.
Democrats and Planned Parenthood supporters have assailed the probe as an unwarranted political ploy.
Komen, while not publicly announcing its decision to halt the grants, has conveyed the news to its 100-plus U.S. affiliates. Richards said she was informed via a phone call from Komen's president, Elizabeth Thompson, in December.
"It was incredibly surprising," Richards said. "It wasn't even a conversation — it was an announcement."
Richards subsequently sent a letter to Komen's top leaders — CEO Nancy Brinker and board chairman Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr. — requesting a meeting with the board and asserting that Komen had misrepresented Planned Parenthood's funding-eligibility status in some states.
According to Planned Parenthood, the Komen leaders replied to Richards with a brief letter ignoring the request for a meeting, defending the new grant criteria, and adding, "We understand the disappointment of any organization that is affected by these policy and strategy updates."
Aun, in a telephone interview, said Komen was not accusing Planned Parenthood of any wrongdoing.
"We want to maintain a positive relationship with them," she said. "We're not making any judgment."
Richards said Planned Parenthood is intent on raising funds quickly to replace the lost grants so that women in need do not go without breast-screening services. Already, the family foundation of Dallas oilman/philanthropist Lee Fikes and his wife, Amy, has donated $250,000 for this purpose, Planned Parenthood said.
The Komen decision was perplexing to Dottie Lamm, a Denver newspaper columnist and breast cancer survivor. She has done fundraising for Planned Parenthood, participated in several Races for the Cure, and serves on an honorary advisory council for the local Komen affiliate.
"It really makes me sad," said Lamm, wife of former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm. "I kind of suspect there's a political agenda that got to Komen ... I hope it can be worked out."
Stephanie Kight, a vice president with Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, said her affiliate in Southern California received a Komen grant for 2011 and was able to obtain an additional grant of $120,000 for 2012 by signing the deal with its local Komen counterpart just before Komen's new criteria took effect. Under the criteria, no further grants will be allowed unless the pending House inquiry is resolved in Planned Parenthood's favor.
Kight said her conversations with local Komen leaders indicated there was a shared sense of frustration over the national Komen decision.
"One of the things these organizations share is the trust of women across the United States," Kight said. "That's what we're concerned about — not losing the trust of these women, who turn to both of us at their most difficult moments."
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Online:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure: http://ww5.komen.org/
Planned Parenthood: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/
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David Crary can be followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CraryAP

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Palm-sized premature baby among world's smallest. Many babies much larger than this "trophy baby" routinely aborted.




Verne Strickland Blogmaster / January 29, 2012






By ALICIA CHANG
Published: December 16, 2011 
LOS ANGELES | At birth, Melinda Star Guido was so tiny she could fit into the palm of her doctor's hand. Weighing just 9½ ounces — less than a can of soda — she is among the smallest babies ever born in the world.

VS: In a barbaric medical twist, many babies much larger than Melinda are cruelly torn from the womb (some still living) and deposited in trash bins behind some of our "best" hospitals!
Most infants her size don't survive, but doctors are preparing to send her home in early January 2012.

Melinda was born premature at 24 weeks in late August and is thought to be the second-smallest baby to survive in the U.S. and third-smallest in the world. She spent the early months cocooned in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit in Los Angeles.
 
Despite hurdles, Melinda lived to her original due date. Doctors say it is too early to say how she will fare developmentally and physically when she grows up.

For now, her 22-year-old mother sits at her bedside almost every day and stays overnight whenever she can.
Recently, Haydee Ibarra caressed Melinda through the portholes of the incubator where nurses pinned up a homemade sign bearing her name. Now 3½ months old and weighing 4 pounds, Melinda gripped Ibarra's pinky finger and yawned.

"Melinda, Melinda," she cooed at her daughter dressed in a polka dot onesie. "You're awake today."

PROBLEMS IN PREGNANCY

During her pregnancy, Ibarra suffered from high blood pressure, which can be dangerous for mother and fetus. She was transferred from a hospital near her San Fernando Valley home to the county's flagship hospital, which was better equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies.

There was a problem with the placenta, the organ that nourishes the developing fetus (I prefer "unborn child.") The fetus, however, was not getting proper nutrition, blood and oxygen. Doctors knew Melinda would weigh less than a pound, but they were surprised at how small and fragile she was.
"The first few weeks, it was touch and go. None of us thought the baby was going to make it," said Dr. Rangasamy Ramanathan, who oversees premature infants at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.
Even if she survived, doctors told Ibarra and her husband Yovani Guido, children born so extremely prematurely can have developmental delays and impairments such as blindness, deafness or cerebral palsy.
Ibarra, who previously had a stillborn child, told doctors to do whatever necessary to help her baby.
"They said, ‘We'll take the chance. Please try.' So we said. ‘OK we'll try,'?" Ramanathan recalled.
Melinda was delivered by cesarean section at 24 weeks and was immediately transferred to the NICU where a team of doctors and nurses kept watch around the clock. Infants born before 37 weeks are considered premature.
Melinda was kept insulated in an incubator and was hooked up to a machine to aid her breathing. She got nutrition through a feeding tube. Her mother said her skin felt like plastic because it was so thin.
"It takes a lot of good care and a lot of good luck. Most of them don't survive," said pediatrician Dr. Edward Bell of the University of Iowa who keeps an online database of the world's smallest surviving babies who were less than a pound at birth. The list currently contains 126 babies dating to 1936.

http://www.theledger.com/article/20111216/NEWS/111219491/1364/COLUMNISTS0308?Title=Palm-Sized-Premature-Baby-Among-World-s-Smallest-