Tennessee Patriot alert on house speaker

[Trekbike]

Can the OP post a copy of the Alert email here? I'd like to send that to my Rep.

Tennessee Firearms Association, Inc.

Legislative Action Committee

With the November 2 elections now part of history, decisions must be made on leadership in the General Assembly. While it is a pretty high probability that Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey will remain in that office in the Senate, there is uncertainty in the House. In 2008, the Republicans obtained what they thought was control but it was later determined that well planned manuevers by Democrat House leaders, probably under the leadership of Jimmy Naifeh, Gary Odom and Mike Turner, crafted a plan whereby all Democrats voted for Kent Williams, a Republican, who then voted for himself to be Speaker. There is no doubt that similar evaluations are being made at present as the decision on House leadership positions can be made as early as December.

At present, two of the most talked about candidates are Rep. Beth Harwell and Rep. Glen Casada both of whom are Republicans from Middle Tennessee. Each have long voting records. Each have NRA ratings - Casada has an A rating and Harwell has a B rating from the NRA. As for their voting records, neither have carried the controversial, core legislation that seeks to repeal the infringements and reclaim the full exercise of the rights protected under the 2nd Amendment and the Tennessee Constitution. But recent legislative votes are nonetheless telling.

Votes on legislation which require a clear understanding of the rights protected by the state and federal constitutions can be a useful "litmus test" on whether a candidate follows all of the provisions in these constitutions or just the convenient ones. Votes evidence the understanding of the phrase "shall not be infringed." Votes evidence the conviction to put the protection and preservation of constitutionally protected rights and the principles of the Founding Fathers ahead of the panderings of the politically correct (misguided) such as often reflected in the opinion editorials of the few remaining newspapers in the state.

For 15 years, TFA has worked to provide relief for handgun permit holders who are dining at restaurants where alcohol or beer is served. After removing the control of Jimmy Naifeh from the Speaker's office and the influence he had on sub-committee votes, we have passed this legislation in each of the last two years. In each year, it required a veto override. In 2010 when HB 3125 (by Curry Todd) was up on the floor, Rep. Casada voted for it and for the veto override. Rep. Beth Harwell, perhaps as the lone Republican doing so, voted against removing restrictions on your constitutional rights.

Another significant bill to examine is the parks legislation in 2009. HB 0716 (Nicely) addressed the ability of handgun permit holders to carry in public parks. It opened state and fedearl parks but unfortunately left an "opt out" for local parks - which is another topic and another bill. Again, the votes on whether to honor constitutional rights or whether to disregard rights in the name of perhaps "political correctness" surfaced. Rep. Casada voted for the Nicely legislation and Rep. Harwell voted against it.

This week, several grassroots activists have received calls predominately from supporters of one of these two candidates in which the message has essentially been that the activitists, that is to say - the citizens, need to shut up their commentary on which of the two candidates for House Speaker would be more desirable. The callers suggest that this is a matter to be solely determined by the "elected" representatives who presumably now "know what is best" for the state and the operation of government. What these calls may suggest is an arrogance that distances itself from the reality of a representative form of government.

It is important that we, including those who have been perhaps too long elected to office, value the principles of the 1st Amendment and the right of the citizen to petition elected officials as one of the most fundamental principles on which this State and this Country are based. On that right, citizens are encouraged to vote, to run for office and to support those seeking office each in accordance with their own perspectives and hopefully each with a view to maintaining and strengthening the current composition of government to reflect to the maximum extent possible the rights and freedoms reflected by our Founding Fathers at the state and union levels.

Given the role and power of the Speaker of the House as well as that of the Lt. Governor, interested citizens have a fundamental right to express their desires to no lesser extent that than they do in any other matter that might come before the representative body. For more than 15 years, we have seen as Speaker Naifeh used that office to control committees and procedures such that proposed legislation could be easily derailed by a few in subcommittees and committees even when it was well established that the legislation would pass if brought to the floor. The Speaker's office and its disproportionate power in Tennessee governance greatly impacts the matters that are even brought for consideration before the full House. To suggest that the elected and re-elected representatives should be left to their own on the selection of a leader of this degree of power without the input from those whom they represent cannot be reconciled with the principles on which this State and union were founded. But, of these things you are already aware.

If the objection has been to the tone of the comments relative to one of these candidates, then in part that candidate must accept the consequences of the voting history on matters that are of concern to those who individually and collectively oppose that candidate's desire to be Speaker. I have been involved in the legislature with 2nd Amendment issues since 1995. Voting histories reflect actions made in light of convictions held or not held on the core principles of the 2nd Amendment and/or the Tennessee Constitutional clause when those issues were hotly contested. A candidate may in good faith have represented what he/she perceived to be the preferences of that candidates constituents or simply his/her own prejudices but I submit that such preferences cannot take precedence over fundamental constitutional rights even if those rights appear to the candidate to be out of date or inconvenient (to borrow a phrase from Al Gore).

The opposition that many of those who have fought hard to protect, restore and reinforce the rights guaranteed under the 2nd Amendment and the Tennessee Constitution have with respect to a candidate are generally founded on that candidates own voting record. Many see an elected official's voting history on these Second Amendment issues as a litmus test of the depth of that individual's core, constitutional foundations. This is not to say that the elected official may not be fundamentally more conservative than liberals in perhaps other fiscal or social issues. However, a demonstrated unwillingness to stand by core constitutional principles cannot be lightly ignored as a predictor of what might occur when other constitutional rights are in the balance.

It is important for all citizens to remain vigilant as the collective masters of government. Representatives have been elected but they have been elected as fiduciaries and stewards not as masters. Our plight in this country is that too frequently citizens have abdicated the duty of the citizens to be ever vigilant over those who have been elected as representative agents. Citizens have been too willing to place these elected officials on the pedestal of Mount Olympus when in reality the better analogy should be the heart of a servant that is demonstrated in the New Testament. Sadly, citizens have been trained to bow to elected representatives rather than to monitor and communicate with them.

The selection of a Speaker of the House for the 107th General Assembly is critical. The federal government has exceeded its constitutional boundaries and those limits must be reclaimed and re-established by the states. The district maps for the next decade are about to be redrawn. Social services may have to bow to budget limits as state government must be restrained. Illegal immigration must be reduced. Government efficiency must be increased to accomplish more with fewer tax dollars. Constitutional rights must be restored and excess legislation must be repealed. These are not tasks for lukewarm compromisers on bedrock constitutional principles.

TFA does not generally endorse candidates. TFA exists as a grassroots organization to motiviate and educate citizens. It is important that you, as a citizen, accept the responsibilities attendant to your freedoms and learn what you can of these candidates and anticipate the blocking moves of those who have been defeated. It is important for you to take a position on which of these candidates (or any others that you may prefer) is best suited in your opinion to set the tone of the Tennessee House of Representatives for the next 2 years. It is important that you call your elected representatives and discuss this with them to make your preferences known and understood. As always, act with the decorum of a master who has delegated authority and responsibility to a steward. Be knowledgeable, kind yet firm.

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[Guest rxdoc]

As a followup, I am posting an e-mail I received today from the Tennessee Patriot regarding Harwell and the speaker position. There is more addressed in this particular e-mail but each reader can decide what's applicable and whats not. Can anyone fill me on on Mr. Pope? I am fairly new to TN.

Bob

Dear Friends

I sincerely hate to bother you with needless emails, but this letter must be sent to keep all Tennessee Patriots informed. The race for state house speaker is continuing to heat up. As of today the only persons running for house speaker is Rep. Glenn Cassida and Rep. Beth Harwell. The reason I as well as many other true constitutional conservatives and conservative groups are working so hard against Beth Harwell is simple. Rep. Harwell in 2010 has a “B” rating from the NRA. Rep. Harwell voted against the “PARKS BILL and the RESTAURANT BILL”. Rep. Harwell endorsed democrat Doug Henry in his re-election bid this November. I have never before witnessed a so called Republican Leader endorse a democrat over the republican nominee. Rep. Harwell is a republican only 85 to 90% of the time. I wish to see a conservative republican speaker that will support the conservative tea party agenda 100% of the time. Rep. Harwell has been liberal on many of her votes over the years. Bob Pope is a TRUE Constitutional Conservative. This means I support the U.S. Constitution 100% of the time. I do not pick and choose what part of the constitution I personally like or dislike. Any elected official that opposes any part of the 2nd amendment I will oppose politically. It’s that simple.

Rep. Glenn Cassida is a conservative, personable republican leader. I personally believe he will support a conservative agenda if elected house speaker. I also believe Rep. Cassida will appoint only republican committee and sub committee chairmen. I also believe Glenn will make sure republicans outnumber democrats on all house committees and sub committees.

It’s time the conservative republicans have their chance to show their leadership abilities. It has been over 130 years since the republicans in Tennessee have had control of the state house, senate and Governor’s office. The republicans in Tennessee as well as the U.S. Congress must step up and lead in 2011. Attention!!! Mr. Politician, things are not as they have been in the past. The Sleeping Giant has awakened.

I also wish to inform you about statements being made about “average citizens sticking their nose into political decisions”. There is one republican house member that is evidently very upset with “average citizens” getting involved in the house speaker race. The person in question is a supporter of Rep. Beth Harwell. He is also the last remaining member of the house referred to as the “Naifeh eleven “. The “Naifeh eleven” refers to republican house members that supported the proposed state income tax during the Sunquist years. Rep. Steve McDaniel would not have to be so upset today if he had not supported the state income tax 12 years ago. If he had opposed the income tax more than likely he would be speaker of the house today. Rep. McDaniel be informed the citizens of Tennessee now wish to be informed to the goings on in Nashville. People like Steve Gill, Richard Archie, TFA in Jackson and the state wide TEA party chapters as well as I will do everything in our power to keep Tennessee “average citizens” informed.

There are statements being made by some newly elected republican house members that the “average citizens” should keep their mouths shut when it comes to electing a speaker. To all my friends in Cookeville and Putnam County be informed. Newly elected Rep. Ryan Williams was speaking to a group of 30-40 republicans Tuesday night when he made a comment the citizens should keep their mouth shut and leave the decision of electing a speaker to the republican house members. This was an interesting statement being made by a new member of the house. I hope you; the citizens of Putnam County discuss this statement with Rep. Williams in detail very soon. Ask him who he supports, the liberal or the conservative.

My guest on radio Saturday Nov. 20 will be Rep. Glenn Cassida. Steve Gill will also be on the show asking Rep. Cassida questions of interest. My guest this Saturday will be recently elected Rep. Mark Pody and Ms. Sherry Orange, Chairman Wilson county TEA party. Don’t miss these shows. My radio show is on WLAC am. 1510 every Saturday morning 7-8am. If you are outside the radio signal area you can listen on your computer. Google WLAC radio and listen live. All my shows are posted online on my web page at tennesseepatriot.net

If any of you reading this letter have Rep. Harwell’s email address please send this letter to he. Rep. Harwell is welcome anytime to be a guest on the Tennessee Patriot radio show. All she has to do is give me a call and accept the open invitation. .

Before I leave you today I must address a statement that was made by a nameless, cowardly blogger in response to a TFA posting. I have kept silent for over 18 years, but here goes my response and this will be the last I have to say about this subject. The statement made was why should people listen to a former t---y (adult) bar owner anyway? Back in 1990 a gentleman from the state of IL. Ask me about the laws, zoning restrictions and fees associated with the operation of adult night clubs in Nashville. I told the gentleman I did not know the answer to his question. He told me he wanted to hire me to locate a place and obtain information about the in’s and out’s of operating and owning an adult business in Nashville. I agreed to assist him. After the information was accumulated, site located the gentleman was given the information. The gentleman decided to continue with the operation. I was offered some stock in the corporation. Low and behold 2 days before “SOLID GOLD CLUB” opened for business the gentleman came to Nashville and informed me and the building owner at the time he was having personal family problems and must back out of the deal. I too had signed the 4 year business lease with right to purchase. The original lease amount was I believe $4,000 a month rent. This figured out to be almost a quarter of a million dollars over 4 years. Even though the principal owner had backed out I had also signed the 4 year lease. I DO NOT BACK OUT ON A CONTRACT. I KEEP MY WORD. This put me in an unusual position. I had no choice but to take over the ownership of the club. Now I want to make a few things perfectly clear before I go any further. I do not drink, smoke, and use any drugs. During the 4 years I owned Gold Club I never lived with any employee of the club. I ran the club as a business and I personally think the club was the best club of its type ever run, before or after in Nashville. During the 4 years I owned the club, March 1, 1991 to March 1, 1995 there was never an arrest, or police call to the club. Check the records. There was never a fight reported in the club. Drugs were not tolerated on the property. I had very strict management policies in place in the club. I did not manage the club on a day to day operation. I hired a manager to do this. Now let’s talk money and moral upbringing. I before ownership of the club attended church regularly. While I owned the club I did not attend church anywhere. I did not wish to cast a shadow upon any church. I being raised in the church was not COMFORTABLE owning an adult night club, but I had to fulfill my contract with a man named Terry. The club was totally legal, all taxes paid, all zoning laws obeyed. I surrendered ownership of the club the day the 4 year contract ended. The club was sold to my club manager. For protection of the man I sold the club to I will not discuss exact amounts of money here. However I sold the club for 2 years profit. The club netted major 6 figure income every year it was open. Now let me ask my critics a question, if you had a business that was 100% legal, you made over $200,000 a year would you sell the business for $400,000 and get out of business? Search your soul before you answer that question. I did. I packed up and went home on the day after the 4 year contract expired. Today I have rededicated my life to my God. I attend church on a regular schedule.

The democrats began to attack me in 1992, again in 2000 and now the gutless; no name bloggers are doing it again. I have never responded before because I had family living. Today I have no one alive in my family. I live alone. I sign my name to every story I write. I am not ashamed of anything I have done in my life. Have I made mistakes, yes. Am I ashamed, no. Besides owning a club for 4 years why don’t the bloggers talk about the other things I have done? I have a B.S. degree in marketing, I am a pilot, promoted gun shows for 24 years, owned a gun shop, publish a newspaper, host a radio show, avid collector of U.S. martial long arms and an avid student of U.S. history, have built homes, own rental property, raised beef cattle and enjoy gardening just to mention a few things I do or have done.

My gutless, nameless critics wish to attack the messenger rather than discuss the issues. When constitutional conservative values and moral ethics are not on their side they attack the messenger. My family is gone. You can’t embarrass me. You can’t shut me up. I am a Christian, I love this state and nation and I want it to remain free FOREVER. Any blogger that wishes to confront me man to man and expose them you are welcome to be my guest on The Tennessee Patriot show anytime. There gutless wonder I have answered you.

Sincerely

Bob Pope

[Guest oldsmobile98]

Glenn Cassida

Glen Casada

[TGO David]

Ah, Bob Pope has been around forever. Used to run a series of gun shows... got out of that business and sold them off to RK Shows I think. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. His heart is in the right place but he's not the best ambassador for firearms ownership in Tennessee in my personal opinion.

Daniel (mod) and I had a brief discussion with him at one of the restaurant carry hearings in Nashville last year and suffice it to say that his grasp on some of the laws already on the books wasn't all that great. From that standpoint it's good that he is often no more than arms length from John Harris when at public events. John can correct what Bob gets wrong.

Other than that, I have had no dealings with him. First impressions are kind of hard to get over.

[Fallguy]

Ah, Bob Pope has been around forever. Used to run a series of gun shows... got out of that business and sold them off to RK Shows I think. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. His heart is in the right place but he's not the best ambassador for firearms ownership in Tennessee in my personal opinion.

Daniel (mod) and I had a brief discussion with him at one of the restaurant carry hearings in Nashville last year and suffice it to say that his grasp on some of the laws already on the books wasn't all that great. From that standpoint it's good that he is often no more than arms length from John Harris when at public events. John can correct what Bob gets wrong.

Other than that, I have had no dealings with him. First impressions are kind of hard to get over.

I sat next to him at that hearing remember. While I only met him that one time, I would have to agree with everything you said.

[Worriedman]

I know Bob Pope well, and like me, he is not the most polished of individuals, and yes, it is a good thing that John can keep a tag line on both of us.

But, there is no denying that he is 100% in favor of Tennessean's Gun Rights, and if you need his help on advocating for any issue involving those, he will show up, in spades. If he is your friend, you will have no better. IMO, if everybody that frequents these boards put as much time, money and heart into the fight, we would be much better situated than we currently are.

[Worriedman]

Today is the tell, the Caucus votes this afternoon! The Speaker will be chosen, the "Official" vote will take place after the new Legislature is seated, but the deal will be done this day!

[Worriedman]

Your new Speaker is Rep. Beth Harwell.

[Fallguy]

[Guest TNReb]

Well, I hate to be a pessimist, but I think the Repubs have begun the process to piss away the power they have been given. I noticed in a blog on WSMV's webpage that in her presentation Harwelll claimed she was strong on 2A with her only vote being against "guns in bars," and that she voted that way to "represent the wishes of her district." She also said that the others might sometime be called on to "do the same thing." In other words, whichever way the wind blows. Could be a long two years.

[K191145]

Well I don't look for much if any pro-gun legislation being brought up before the House for a couple of years. I think the fact that Harwell is a woman may have played into the vote in an attempt to appease women voters. Having a woman speaker is fine with me I just wish they could have found a better woman candidate than Harwell.

[Guest HexHead]

Having a Republican that "votes the will of the people" in her heavily Deocratic district is useless. She's going to be Jimmy Neifeh with a vagina.

[Guest tnxdshooter]

Having a Republican that "votes the will of the people" in her heavily Deocratic district is useless. She's going to be Jimmy Neifeh with a vagina.

I heard that. This is bad bad news. I bet randy rayburn is laughing his ass off at us right now.

[Worriedman]

Ms. Harwell has said many times over in the last few weeks, that her response to the Restaurant Carry vote was because of her constituents view of the matter. I could almost understand that position if the majority of the residents of her district, however wrongly viewing the legality, contacted her to voice their opinion regarding her support or denial thereof, and she made her decision under a feeling of obligation to speak their wishes though her vote. A laudable situation, allowing the voters to have a say in the outcome of Legislation, (unlike the instructions received from many Legislators and Party officials relative to this latest election, which will have major impacts on all of our lives, ironically). I would hope that a true and honest appraisal of the Constitutionality of the situation would be foremost in the mind of any Representative, more especially one that wields the power of Speaker of the House. No group has the authority to demand an UN-Constitutional act on the part of any Government. To the core of that particular Bill, Governor to be Haslam has said he would have signed it into law. I hope Ms. Harwell can move closer to his stance relative to this particular subject of concern.

Troubling to me still is her stance on the Parks Carry Bill. I never received a reasonable Constitutional reason for that stance, and I have sought for one to be offered. Again, her specific district's thoughts on that subject was espoused as the reason for her vote as recorded. The attempt to insinuate that she was in support of the Legislation, for State Parks, and IF an "Opt In" scenario was put forth for local municipalities as a reason to obfuscate her "No" ballot on the final Bill continues to give me pause. Citizens who are judged worthy to keep and bear arms by the statutes and laws of our land shall not have that Right infringed according to the 2nd Amendment. Additionally, Article 1 section 26 of the Declaration of Rights of the Tennessee Constitution requires that all laws which restrict the wearing of arms by the Citizens of this State who are allowed to keep them, must be grounded in a reduction of crime. Law abiding Citizens providing for their own defense as provided for in our Constitution does not fall into that category.

Now however, due to her seeking a Leadership role for the House, she can no longer focus only on her 56th District's specific geographic area in consideration of legislation. This post was not thrust on her, she sought it out, so a wider look at the desires of various sensibilities will be necessary by virtue of her endeavor to be Representative to the entire State, and having control over issues that effect it.

In addition, and no small item if import, we have a staunch watchmen at the helm of the Senate. I offer that Lt. Gov. Ramsey will protect our interest in the Senate and make sure that there will be no regressive/oppressive gun legislative allowed to reach the Governor's desk.

Finally, we have the personal assurance of our new Governor that he is supportive of our Rights regarding the 2nd and 10th Amendments, as well as Article 1 Section 26 of the Tennessee Constitution. Video is a wonderful medium for retrospective perusal of promises made.

As the Republican caucus has seen fit to name Ms. Harwell as our Speaker, I am willing to support her in this position. Per her personal assurance to me that she believes our firearms rights worthy of protection for the good of the Nation, I look forward to her service to our State as Speaker, and her support of the Founding Principals that form the basis of our Liberty.

Welcome, Madame Speaker. To coin a phrase from our Sister State of Texas, the Eyes of Tennessee are upon you!

[Guest HvyMtl]

This is bad news. Remember people, she was Haslam's Election Campaign Co-Chair... This means Haslam will be in the position to dictate his view and priorities in Legislation.

Not good at all...

[Fallguy]

This is bad news. Remember people, she was Haslam's Election Campaign Co-Chair... This means Haslam will be in the position to dictate his view and priorities in Legislation.

Not good at all...

Well I agree in that it's not good news at least.

But as far as Haslam dictating his views to the legislature...While maybe not a strong 2A supporter, he didn't strike me as overly anti either. Or are there other issues you are thinking of?

[Guest HvyMtl]

Thinking of a lot of things...

Both Harwell and Haslam were against the recent carry legislation (though, I do not see them trying to remove it, I do see them blocking any additional legislation.)

I am unclear as of yet, how this will impact, as Haslam has not trotted out his ideas and goals, yet.

But, I assume she will do the full court press for his ideas, even if they are far more liberal than most here would want...

[Guest HexHead]

Well I agree in that it's not good news at least.

But as far as Haslam dictating his views to the legislature...While maybe not a strong 2A supporter, he didn't strike me as overly anti either. Or are there other issues you are thinking of?

What do you call his membership in Mayor Bloomberg's anti gun group other than being overtly anti- gun?

Didn't the Knoxville city parks get posted under his watch, while the Knox County parks didn't? Yeah, he's a real 2nd Amendment supporter. LOLOLOLOLOL

Edited November 21, 2010 by HexHead

[Garufa]

What do you call his membership in Mayor Bloomberg's anti gun group other than being overtly anti- gun?

Didn't the Knoxville city parks get posted under his watch, while the Knox County parks didn't? Yeah, he's a real 2nd Amendment supporter. LOLOLOLOLOL

This topic has been completely worn out over the past 6 months or so. Really man, use some search here or do some Googling.

[Fallguy]

What do you call his membership in Mayor Bloomberg's anti gun group other than being overtly anti- gun?

Didn't the Knoxville city parks get posted under his watch, while the Knox County parks didn't? Yeah, he's a real 2nd Amendment supporter. LOLOLOLOLOL

Guess I meant more on statements he made while running for governor.

I agree I don't see him promoting or even publicly supporting any pro-2A bills, but I don't think he would argue against them or not sign them. Of course I could be wrong....

[7dogguy]

Politics and professional wrestling are both rigged, gentlemen.

But at least the professional wrestling shows have some pretty girls to parade around as pay back for watching a sham.