Corker: Don't Start a Trade War

Excerpts from Senator Corker's floor speech:

There’s no question that China manipulates its currency, but I don’t believe this bill would bring any production to the U.S. or create one job here in America. This approach is a typical Washington, cut-your-nose-off-to-spite-your-face response that would prove counterproductive.

We’ve seen this play out before. In 1930, in a moment of populism, Congress reached for simple answers to complex problems and passed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. The result was a deeper depression and a decade of increased joblessness.

If we want to do something productive regarding China, we should focus on pushing the Chinese to end preferential procurement policies, addressing China’s disregard for intellectual property rights, encouraging the Chinese to make investments in manufacturing plants in the U.S., and ensuring that America maintains access to the 1.3 billion Chinese consumers. These are the right policy responses toward Beijing. Unfortunately the bill currently on the Senate floor does none of this, but instead would be the opening salvo in a new dynamic of hostile relations.

To me, one of the most shocking aspects of this debate has been the Home Alone syndrome at the White House – a total lack of leadership from this administration on an issue of great international importance.

In the above video Senator Corker voices his strong opposition to S.1619, the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act, sponsored by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). On Tuesday of this week, the Senate voted 63-35 to pass the measure. Twelve Republicans joining all but three Democrats in voting for the bill.(To see how they voted, click here.)

The bill provides for retaliatory duties on Chinese exports if the value of the Chinese currency, the yuan, is unfairly misaligned. In the House, the bill does not have the support of House Speaker John Boehner who has called the bill dangerous to economic relations between the US and China. While Boehner has said he will not bring the bill to a vote, there are some Republicans in the House who may join House Democrats and support the measure. President Obama, to his credit, has failed to back the measure which is widely favored by member of his own party, saying it may violate World Trade Organization rules. Obama however has failed to exert leadership to dissuade Senate Democrats from supporting the measure.

When time are tough it is tempting to look for scapegoats for which to blame for our problems.  I think Corker is exactly right. Should this bill become law, it could be the trigger that turns our deep recession into a full-blown, world-wide depression. Did we learn nothing from the Great Depression?

Senator Corker is the voice of reason in our nations capital. I wish we had more calm, thoughtful, intelligent, pragmatic people like Senator Corker serving us in Washington.

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What We Saw at the Occupy Wall Street Protest

Nationalize the Banks, Free college for everyone, and return to a barter economy!

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What to watch in the Metro Council, Oct. 18th.

A lot of what the Metro Council meeting does can be really boring. Occasionally however there is something that proves controversial of at least should be controversial. I will be reviewing the council agenda's and posted items to watch.

Here is the item to watch on October 18th Agenda. This is from the staff analysis.

RESOLUTION NO. RS2011-59 (LANGSTER & MCGUIRE) – This resolution approves a contract between the Metropolitan board of health and Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church to upgrade the church’s kitchen facilities and to promote community gardens in North Nashville. The funds for this contract are from the federal stimulus grant the health department received to promote healthy living. These funds will be used to provide nutrition education, as well as to purchase a dishwasher, install kitchen sinks, purchase a new refrigerator, and purchase kitchen utensils for the church. Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church was selected through a request for proposals issued by the health department seeking community partners to promote healthy living. The church is to receive $24,275 in federal stimulus pass-through funds under this contract. The term of the contract is from the date of approval through March 18, 2012.

This health department contract incorrectly identifies the name of contractor. The contract designates “Good Food for Good People” as the contractor instead of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church.

The council office recommends that this contract be amended to correct the name of the contractor and to include language specifying that none of the Metro funds will be used for a religious purpose. The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has been interpreted by the courts to prohibit the use of governmental funds for programs that have the primary effect of advancing religion. A program may have the primary effect of advancing religion if it leads to religious indoctrination that could be attributable to the government, or if the recipient of government funds diverts any of the funds to further its religious mission. American Atheists, Inc. v. City of Detroit Downtown Development Authority, 567 F.3d 278 (6th Cir. 2009). Although promoting healthy eating habits is clearly a secular purpose, this contract includes language that could arguably lead to the advancement of religion. The Scope of Services in the contract provides that the church will use the funds to provide nutrition classes “as part of their regular church activities” and to incorporate time for health improvement “as part of the church’s ministry”. The council office suggests that the scope of services be revised to remove any reference to the ministry activities of the church and to specify that the programs are open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation.

This resolution appears problematic to me.  I am all for the faith based initiative. I believe tax payers get more bang for the buck when faith-based institutions serve social needs. People who are motivated by a religious conviction to serve the poor probably serve the poor more effectively and efficiently than others. This appears however to provide money directly to a church. Put lipstick on a pig and it is still a pig. By amending this bill to say that none of the funds will be used for a religious purpose does not change the nature of the bill. Are they only going to wash dishes used for a secular purpose in the church's dishwasher?

Also, is it not interesting to see up close how the stimulus money is being spent?

For those who watch the council meeting and wonder why there is so little discussion on the council floor, it is because most real explaining and debating takes place in the committee meetings. I hope there is an explanation of this on the Council floor or some floor debate. While my mind could be changed depending on what explanations may be offered in the committee meeting, as it stands now, I think this bill should be defeated.

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West Nashville Breakfast Summit Guest is Bill Gimmell, Oct. 15th

DCRP-Davidson County Republican Party  Breakfast Summit, Saturday, October 15, 2011 RISE AND SHINE FOR THE WEST NASHVILLE EGGS AND BACON SUMMIT Meeting at  Shoney's 365 White Bridge Pike, Nashville Saturday, October 15, 2011 Fellowship, Dutch Treat Breakfast 8:30 AM, meeting 9:00 AM

Special Guest    Bill Gemmill  Executive Director Professional Educators of TN  (PET) Bill will discuss the No Child Left Behind and the changes taking place in the Educational Field. PET is an option for Teachers who opt out of the Teachers Union. Moderator - Matt Nemeth Regional Vice Chairman - Lonnie Spivak

Join our mailing list! www.Davidsoncountygop.org/party

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The Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Thank you

This past Saturday Louella and I were joined by our friend and Louella’s caregiver, Sue; my brother- in- law Don; and my sister Rebecca as we walked in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

I was surprised at how many people participated!I have seen no official estimates of the number, but there must have been a thousand people taking part in the walk.

I am disappointed that this event was not covered by any of the major media.I know it hard to get coverage for an event unless it is for something controversial or outrageous, but it does seem this event should have been newsworthy. With notable personalities like UT’s Pat Summit and singer Glen Campbell being diagnosed with the illness this year, one would think that a major successful fund raiser so well attended would get some publicity.

I want to thank everyone who contributed to my effort to raise money. My participation raised a little over $1000. I appreciate the money given for a good cause, but I also appreciate the support it shows for Louella and I. I feel blessed to have so many caring and loving friends and family. Your contribution means so much to me.

My lovely wife, Louella

Also, after publishing my essay on my own experience living with Louella’s illness, I got so many kind comments and words of encouragement. To everyone who expressed their support and shared kind words, I want you to know I really appreciate it. To everyone who told me they would remember me and Louella in your prayers, thank you.

If you had thought of giving and just let the date slip by, it is not too late. Just follow this link and my fund will receive credit for your contribution and I will be notified: http://2011walktoendalz.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=460496&lis=1&kntae460496=E68CC891B24846A39369F6FDDC20F15B&supId=259129048

I am going to leave posted the Alzheimer’s Walk ad on top of the side bar on this website for the rest of the month and I can continue to receive notations. The ad also takes you to my donation page where you may contribute.

Again, thank you to all who contributed or had a kind word of support or told me you would be keep us in your prayers. I am thankful that I have good friends like you. Rod

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Southeast Davidson Conservative Breakfast Club, Sat. Oct. 15, 8:30

My dear friends and fellow colleagues,

 

On the 3^rd Saturday of every month we hold a Conservative Breakfast Club Meeting for Southeast Davidson County, at the Spirit of Life Church, located at 3646 Murfreesboro Road. 

 

Due to the recent elections we had to suspend those meetings for a period of time, but now are prepared to resume our monthly meetings.

 

Our next meeting will be held on October 15^th, at 830 AM for fellowship, coffee and treats, and at 9AM we will commence the meeting. 

 

This month’s meeting will be attended by many of the Metro Council that just won their campaigns.  Josh Stites, Tony Tenpenny, Duane Dominy have all RSVP’d attendance and will speak a few moments related to the campaigns they ran and what they believe made a difference.

 

Please RSVP as soon as prudent, with a copy to Pat Carl, as Pat and I find ourselves continuing to share the chairmanship of this meeting until we can finally find a permanent Chairman.

 

Any questions, please feel free to contact Pat or I, via email, or my cell phone number is 957-7313.  Pat can be reached at 731-1793.

 

Also, please read Pat Carl’s message below.  It is important we not only visit with our elected officials, but also start preparing for 2012.

 

Please accept this humble invitation, and please share this invitation with other like minded citizens, neighbors, friends, and family.

 

Very truly yours,

Robert Duvall

 

2012 - A Crucial Election Year:  Calling All Conservatives!!

 

For those of you who do not know me.  I'm a long, long, long time resident of S.E. Nashville/Antioch (which probably indicates I'm old!).  I've fought Tent City and  WIC Center being brought to Antioch, held petition drives to bring Nashville State College to Antioch, pulled thousands of illegal signs in District 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33,  founded The Hickory Hollow Action Partnership (THHAP), and established a name for myself with our Council members and Mayor (depends on whether you are conservative or liberal in determining whether it is a "good" name or "bad" name) for readily voicing my opinion on behaviors/actions (or lack thereof).

As the Southeast Regional Vice Chair of the Davidson County Republican Party (Council Districts 28, 30, 31, 32,33), I am in " volunteer recruit mode", for District Vice Chairs (one each council district), and Precinct Captains (there are 19 voting precincts in S.E. Region).

I am not stating something you and most of the World do not already know -- 2012 will bring many important, crucial elected positions Davidson County citizens will be deciding  -- everything from local judges , Criminal Court Clerk, Assessor of Property, all the way to U.S. President.

At our upcoming Conservative Breakfast Meeting Saturday, October 15, at Spirit of Life, I will have more information available for anyone who is interested in becoming actively involved and having more of a voice in the 2012 elections.  I will give a brief presentation on these desperately needed volunteer positions.

If you have never attended one of our Conservative Breakfast Meetings and are interested in becoming more involved, please join us this Saturday.  It is a wonderful opportunity to meet many of our local, state, and federal elected officials and learn the "inner-workings" of our government and to be able to voice your opinion directly to our elected officials.

HOPE TO SEE YOU SATURDAY!  Fellowship & continental breakfast 8:30am; meeting begins at 9:00am.

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Hank Williams, Jr., Keep the Change

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Leftist Malcontents and Homeless "Occupy Nashville."

Counting myself, there were almost as many media members as protesters.

I got my Moveon.org marching orders this morning in an email urging me to go to the State Capitol at 12 noon to occupy Nashville. I rushed down on my lunch break and got there at about 12:20. There were, maybe, a total of about 20 people either on the street holding signs or scattered about the Plaza. There were about three to five news crews covering the event. Here are my pictures.

They had lots of already made signs.

Wade Steven Gordon and Michael Covington, homeless counter protesters (sort of)

I spoke to two people camping out on the plaza and just assumed they were part of the protest and they were, sort of.  Wade Gordon and Michael Covington are two homeless men. They are not victims of the recent economic downturn however.  Mr. Gordon, 55 years of age, said he has been homeless for the last 30 years. Mr. Covington, 48 years of age, said he had been homeless for the last 15 years.  They both spent last night camping out on the Plaza with a hand full of the other protesters. 

When asked why they were participating in the protest, Mr. Covington said, “I am just fed up.” 

"Things are just not right,” said Mr. Gordon. "The government is not doing all it should to help people. The government wants to keep the rich man stay rich and the poor man stay poor.”

However, Mr. Gordon and Mr. Covington have their disagreements with the other protesters but they had a hard time articulating their point of disagreement.  "I don't agree with all their values," said Covington. They said the protesters are no more representative of the majority of the people than are the 1% who are the wealthy, that is if I understood them correctly.  Also, they seemed to have a disdain that the other protesters were insufficiently committed. “I was up at 4:30 this morning,” said Mr. Gordon. “And where were they? Sound asleep.” 

Mr. Gordon did not tell me what he thought the other protesters should have been doing at 4:30 in the morning. “If you are going to protest, you need to stand up,” said Gordon.  “I understand, some people have to work,” he said, “but if you are serious about this, you don’t protest for a little while then go home to Momma and Daddy.”

I asked them if they were being paid to participate in the protest and they said they were not.

My Moveon.org marching orders.(I belong to MoveOn so you don't have to.)

Make Wall Street pay in Nashville on Monday

Monday, October 10, 2011 10:19 AM

From:"Christine B."  

To:"Rod Williams"

Make Wall Street Pay: Jobs Not Cuts Monday in Nashville Host: Christine B., MoveOn member Where: State Capitol (in Nashville) When: Monday, Oct. 10, at 12:00 PM Can you come? Click below for more details and to RSVP: I can come. Sorry, I can't make it this time, but keep me updated on the campaign. What: The media is finally starting to pay attention to the tens of thousands of people demanding Wall Street pay to create jobs, not cuts. This is our chance to push for policies that work for the 99% of us who can't afford lobbyists. Whether protesting banks not paying their fair share, rallying for jobs, or standing in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, we'll amplify our message for politicians: jobs now--make Wall Street pay!  And don't worry, this email was sent through the MoveOn system, so your personal contact info is kept private.

---

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The Rally to Support Gibson Guitar

Ben Cunningham addresses the crowd from the Gibson Stage

Several hundred people gathered today in the parking lot of the Scoreboard bar for a rousing rally to support Gibson Guitar. With a large parking lot and a milling crowd it is hard to estimate the number, but I would guess it to be about 400. People were there from other parts of the state as well as neighboring states. It was also a very diverse group of people with everyone from religious right activist to bikers, musicians, libertarian and a variety  of tea party activist and Republican leaders.

The weather was perfect for being in a big parking lot mid-afternoon with no shade. The fact that you could drink beer at this rally made it one of the more fun political rallies I have attended in a while. I enjoyed visiting the various booths at the event and learning of the different causes people were supporting and learning about the organizations represented.

We heard rousing speeches from Ben Cunningham, a long-time anti income-tax activist, and radio talk show hosts Phil Valentine and Steve Gill and a speech by Congressman Marsha Blackburn and comments from Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar Corp. Ken Marrero, blogger at Blue Collar Muse, performed MC duties.  The speeches were interspersed with some good music. Husband and wife duo called the Rivoli Revue, who had a You Tube blockbuster with the song Press One For English, debuted a new song for the occasion which was a tribute to the Gibson guitar.

Henry Juszkiewicz,
Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar Corp

Patriotic Hard Rock Band "Madison Rising" performed a set.  I really liked the song, "When Regan Ruled."

Here is Channel 5's report of the rally.
Here is The Tennessean's coverage including some video.

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