The People Win First Round of Gun Battle

I was a little disturbed yesterday when I read that the Mexican government was going to ask the US to re-instate the expired assault weapons ban.

President Obama surprised me yesterday and stated to the world that they did not have the support in Congress to pass such a ban and he would not be pursuing it!

He did state that he will be providing the funding to the necessary agencies to enforce the existing gun trafficking laws.

I hope this will begin to resolve the ammunition crisis we find ourselves in.  If you have not heard, gun stores across the country are low on ammunition.  My most recent visit to Academy Sports in Spartanburg revealed they only had 2 or 3 boxes of 9mm shells.

Some say manufacturers are cutting production fearing H.R 45 or the pending legislation to curtail the assault weapons.

Either way, the people have won the first round of this battle to keep our weapons.   Keep the pressure on your local Congressman to make sure the assault weapons ban nor H.R 45 (Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009) makes it to the floor to a vote.

TSA Gets Better Eyes

Many who have traveled via air in the past 8 years have experienced the lovely security process implemented in the name of safety.

You know, the one where you have to empty your pockets, remove your shoes, your belt, throw away your child’s bottle all to get patted down in another room.

Well, the TSA has a new tool that has passed initial tests in 19 airports nationwide.  No more strip searches, just walk through the scanner and “voila”, your naked image is available for their viewing.  If I were FITSNews right now, I’d be cheering at the ability to see Megan Fox or Erin Andrews naked. But this is about our rights people.

What happened to our rights of privacy guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.  Especially the 4th amendment which prohibits search and seizures without a reasonable cause.

All passengers images are being scanned and then stored on another machine for later review.  The TSA claims they are working on removing this functionality, but we all know that once government gets something, they do not give it up.

It is time we as American’s stand up and fight for our rights before they are gone.  If not enjoy your naked pictures floating on the internet.  If Joe Blow can gain access to Obama’s passport, they can get your naked picture!

Ashley Lane Elected New Chairman of Spartanburg Young Republicans

Contact: Ashley Lane

Phone: 864.316.7820

E-mail: spartanburgyr@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2009
Spartanburg, SC – On Tuesday, April 7, 2009, the Spartanburg Young Republicans held a board meeting to elect a new chairman of the county organization.

The outgoing leader, Gary Coats, who will be heavily involved in a congressional campaign in 2010, has decided it was in the best interest of the group for him to step down. Coats will remain an active member of the organization.

Ashley Lane takes the lead of the organization while the entire Republican Party is showing true colors of its turn around especially in Spartanburg County.

Ashley stated the following about being elected Chairman of the SYR:

“I am very excited with the opportunity given me to lead and build this organization. We are working hard to make sure that the Young Republicans (18-41) are well represented and can assist in rebuilding the party. It is our time to pick up the torch and run with it. We are not just volunteers, we are here as leaders, ready to bring the party back to its conservative roots.”

The next meeting of the Spartanburg Young Republicans will be on Thursday, April 16th at 6pm at the Beacon Drive-In as the group will participate in the Tea Party to demand fiscal responsibility from their elected officials.

Beltram Out, Ryggs In as Spartanburg GOP Chairman

Last night, the activists in Spartanburg overwhelmingly ousted embattled GOP Chairman Rick Beltram.

Beltram, supposedly known for his grassroots activism, seemingly failed to turn out his supporters and lost to LaDonna Ryggs 291 – 87, obtaining 77% of the vote.

We have since learned from the Palmetto Scoop, that Rick Beltram has announced his withdrawal from the State GOP Chairman’s race.

The closest race of the night was the Executive Committeeman’s race which required a second ballot.  Doug Cobb had a 63 vote lead after the first ballot, but was approximately 20 votes short of pulling off the win in the first ballot (Cobb 173, Dixon 95, Riley 110).

Doug Cobb ended up winning the second ballot with 63% of the votes (Cobb 157, Dixon 31, Riley 63).

Nic Lane handily won the Treasurers race (259 – 119, 69%).  Newcomer Case Chumley won the Corresponding Secretary seat.

Approximately 380 of the 550 delegates to the county convention turned out to vote.

The election results were not the only fireworks last night though.

Mike Dixon made an effort to remove the nominating committee and their recommendations.  He argued the fairness in the process since Rick Beltram formed and appointed the committees chairman.  Several argue that Robert’s Rules prohibit this, but it is up to the discretion of the parliamentarian, who in this case believed Robert’s Rules does not expressly prohibit this notion.

Mike’s attempt failed, but it definitely riled the crowd up.  I had many people approach me asking why the county party used the nominating committee.  I could only answer that it was a gray area in the rules and the county party has functioned in this manner for some time.

And last but not least, I would like to answer those who are arguing that the folks over at Upstate Update and I are dividing the party.

77% of the voters went against the establishment.

I believe that is unity my friends.

Tar Heels NCAA Champions!

I cannot name a better way for Tyler Hansbrough to finish his career at North Carolina.

After the Tar Heels jumped to a 20+ lead at half time, breaking NCAA records for most points in the first half and largest margin at half time, the Heels beat Michigan State 89-72 Monday night.

The man of the night though was Ty Lawson.  He lead the Heels with 21 points, 8 steals and 6 assists.  Goran Suton led the Spartans with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Congratulations to the Tar Heels and I look forward to another successful season next year!

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