Archive for the 'Rhode Island' Category

The Clarion Call: Tenth Amendment Rally | Saturday

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Rhode Island Red

A clarion call is a powerful request for action or an irresistible mandate. It derives from the sound of a clarion, a medieval trumpet… Used in a political context, it issues a challenge for action from the public.

Voter frustration and anger remains at an all-time high. Congress continues to turn a deaf ear to constituents, passing sweeping legislation it hasn’t read: bank bail-outs, stimulus packages, mandatory health insurance, car company bail-outs. Administrations rely more and more on executive orders to circumvent the system of checks and balances. The net result is an unprecedented, over-reaching federal power grab far beyond the limits set by the United States Constitution.

But there is a remedy. And courageous states around the country are invoking it. It’s the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

On Saturday, August 21 at 1:00 P.M., Rhode Islanders are invited to the front plaza (Smith Street side) of the State House in Providence to celebrate The Clarion Call – The Tenth Amendment Rally.

Around the country, there has been growing interest in – and much misinformation about – the Tenth Amendment, states’ rights, and nullification. The purpose of the rally is to put the Tenth Amendment into accurate historical and contemporary context, and will feature speakers from community, business, and government watch-dog groups. Presentations will include description of federal policies and mandates that exceed constitutional authority, and how states are under no obligation to abide by unconstitutional federal legislation.

Christopher Carlozzi, member support manager and activism coordinator from the Boston office of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), will speak about the lawsuit filed by 20 states – and joined by NFIB – to challenge the constitutionality of the federal health care bill. Mr. Carlozzi will highlight some of new health care mandates and the effects they will have on small businesses.

Using events in other states as examples, other speakers will describe how legislatures around the country are successfully exercising their rights under the 10th Amendment to challenge or nullify over-reaching federal mandates. Locally, asserting Rhode Island’s sovereignty under the 10th Amendment can be key in improving Rhode Island’s economic health and restoring more local, constitutional control. Speakers will note examples of federal encroachment on Rhode Island’s rights and how it directly impacts the state’s financial condition in areas of business, education, the commercial fishing industry, and illegal immigration.

Adam “Maverick” Muccino, producer of the Matt Allen Show on radio station 630 WPRO-AM, will be the master of ceremonies for the event.

Speakers include (in alphabetical order, not order of appearance): Continue reading ‘The Clarion Call: Tenth Amendment Rally | Saturday’

Filed Under: Coming Events, Rhode Island, States Rights and US Constitution Closed

The RI Republican: An Indictment of the Rhode Island Left

Posted on July 8, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

Rhode Islanders may never look at Democrats the same way again.

With the release of his second book, Travis Rowley reveals the radical actors operating within the RI Democrat Party, the far-left ideology guiding the party in power, and precisely why blame for the Ocean State’s desperate economic scenario should be placed entirely at the Democratic doorstep.

Today, a state well-known for corruption and governmental allegiance to special interests is now also known for its atrocious economy – and most notably, its inability to rectify the situation.

“Travis Rowley will have everyone debating about Rhode Island politics with his provocative writing. Agree or disagree, he will shake things up in a state that has been Democrat controlled for too long.”

RI Governor Donald L. Carcieri

The Rhode Island Republican takes its readers through a dissection of the leftist mind and morals, exposing not only the true Democratic agenda, but the political gall and prowess that have enabled Democrats to dupe Rhode Islanders into supporting candidates who actually aim to destroy individualism, redistribute wealth, and bankrupt the state – politicians with no allegiance to liberty, or any reverence for the nation’s founding principles.

Pulling no punches from those who deserve the harshest reprimand, Rowley informs his readers that through the purposeful implementation of an expansive welfare state, the steady establishment of public sector unions, and the shameless manipulation of the minority community, Democrats have been incrementally socializing Ocean State industry for decades – denigrating Republicans and achieving widespread voter loyalty along the way.

Then he offers his readers the only remedy to their state’s dire economic conditions – uplift a team of conservative Republicans into higher office to undo what the Democrats have done. According to Rowley, nothing short of the wholesale defeat of the Democrat Party can lead Rhode Island out of economic ruin.

In the wake of a far-left takeover of Washington, and in a period of enhanced political attention, The RI Republican also serves as a case study and a warning to the rest of the nation – This is what happens when you elect Democrats.

“I can’t imagine a more concise, coherent, and hard-hitting synopsis of Rhode Island politics. This should be required reading for every Rhode Island voter.”

Helen Glover, 920 WHJJ

The RI Republican on Facebook

Filed Under: 2010 Elections, Democrats, Republican Party, Rhode Island and Young Republicans Closed

MARC ‘Rhode Island Boot Camp’ | Saturday

Posted on June 18, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

Rocking the State from All Directions
RHODE ISLAND BOOT CAMP
Saturday’s Can’t Miss Event!

Don’t miss this FREE critical workshop run by the nationally renowned charismatic speaker Apostle Claver! Hosted by the Minority Advancement and Research Council (MARC) the “Rhode Island Boot Camp” is an intense four-hour workshop that employs aggressive grassroots organizing, mass media messaging, and political action techniques to help expand the conservative base through diversity – racial, generational, and gender.

Texas based Claver Kamau-Imani, Founder and Chairman of RagingElephants.ORG, a non-profit organization created to be an advocate of conservative-libertarian social, economic, and political issues, will be leading the workshop and showing the evidence that the demographics in our country are changing to favor minorities and explains that if we do not start infusing liberty in those communities through educating voters on America’s History and Heritage, we will totally lose our country to socialism.

This is the year to break down all barriers and reach out to all demographic groups to spread the Tea Party’s message of fiscal responsibility and accountability of our elected leaders. WE NEED YOU! This workshop is sponsored in part by The RI Tea Party, RIRA, The Young Republicans, and the RI GOP.

What: Rhode Island Boot Camp
When Saturday, June 19th, 10am-2pm
Where: Oaklawn Grange, 42 Wheelock St, Cranston RI

Free Admission and Free Lunch provided!

Source: Minority Advancement and Research Council (MARC)

Filed Under: Conservatives, Meetings and Rhode Island Closed

Trustees Vote to Axe Central Falls High School Teachers

Posted on February 24, 2010 by Will Ricci

Big Labor Predictably Not Happy About it…

Last night, the Board of Trustees which oversees the grossly under-performing Central Falls High School voted 5-2 to terminate every teacher, as well as the principal and his 3 assistants (including my state senator). 93 total.

As you might imagine, those who’ve been riding the gravy train are none too pleased. RI state law requires layoff notices be issued by March 1st. Under the reorganization plan, up to half will be rehired for the fall and half will be new. Special thanks to DOE Secretary Arne Duncan for making this all possible. Yes we can!

…state and local education officials received some high-powered support of their own, when U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan weighed in, saying he “applauded” them for “showing courage and doing the right thing for kids.”

Busloads of teachers from across the state turned out.

“I think the real goal is to bust the unions,” said Julie Boyle, an English teacher at Coventry High School. “Sometimes a teacher is the only touchstone in a student’s life. I’m sad for the students who will lose their touchstones.”

Just an hour after the rally, the Central Falls school Board of Trustees, in a brief but intense meeting, voted 5-2 to fire every teacher at the school. In all, 93 names were read aloud in the high school auditorium — 74 classroom teachers, plus reading specialists, guidance counselors, physical education teachers, the school psychologist, the principal and three assistant principals…

Read and Comment: The Providence Journal

Filed Under: Big Labor, Education, Reformers and Rhode Island Closed

Text of Gov. Carcieri’s ‘State of the State’ Address

Posted on January 26, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

This is the prepared text of Governor Carcieri’s final State of the State address, to be delivered at 7:00 PM this evening:

The Honorable Donald L. Carcieri
Governor, State of Rhode Island
State of the State Address – January 26, 2010

Mr. Speaker, Madam President, members of the General Assembly, my fellow General Officers, members of the Judiciary, distinguished guests, and my fellow Rhode Islanders. Before I begin tonight, if you’d indulge me, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the source of my inspiration, my strength, my motivation, and my comfort – and that’s my wife, First Lady Sue Carcieri, our four children and their spouses, and our fourteen grandchildren. Many of them are here tonight. Thank you for all your love and support.

Let us begin tonight by being mindful of the catastrophic earthquake that has ravaged Haiti. We are all in shock and disbelief, and our hearts break as we see the nightly images of the horrific devastation and loss of life. Those of us who have visited Haiti are keenly aware of the extreme poverty and hardship that so many Haitians endure on a daily basis. I know that Rhode Island is home to several thousand Haitians and that many other Rhode Islanders, both young and old, travel there to be of service to the people of Haiti. In fact, just a few days ago, members of the 143rd R.I. Air National Guard flew two of our transport planes to be deployed to assist Haiti. Tonight, we express our prayers and condolences to all those people who have been so profoundly affected. Please join me for a moment of silence in honor of those who have lost their lives so tragically in Haiti.

Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen. As I stand before you tonight, our state is facing the most severe economic turmoil of the last 30 years, perhaps longer. This challenge cannot be overstated. We have over 73,000 Rhode Islanders out of work, with little sign that employment will improve significantly anytime soon. We all have neighbors who’ve seen their work hours reduced and their income diminished. They’re scrambling to pay their bills, while they watch their home values decline dramatically. They are substantially reducing their spending just to make ends meet.

Every business, both large and small, is reducing costs as they adjust to lower demand for their products and services.

They’re fighting for survival and trying desperately to keep as many of their workers employed as possible. Lay-offs are a last resort for a business because qualified, trained, and high-performing employees are what make a business successful.

In this climate, at this time, they expect their government at every level, federal, state and local — a government they pay for with their hard earned tax dollars—to reduce and control spending as well. As elected leaders, it is our job to deliver on that expectation—and I intend to do so! Continue reading ‘Text of Gov. Carcieri’s ‘State of the State’ Address’

Filed Under: Economics, Gov. Don Carcieri and Rhode Island Closed

RIRTL Annual Pro-Life Rally | January 14

Posted on January 13, 2010 by The Eye of Providence

The Rhode Island State Right to Life Committee requests the honor of your presence at its 2010 State House Rally on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 3:00 PM (sharp). It will be held on the Rhode Island State House Rotunda.

The guest of honor and rally speaker is Dr. Mildred Fay Jefferson.

Dr. Jefferson is a co-founder and three term president of the National Right to Life Committee. She was the first African American woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School, the first woman in the Boston Surgical Society, the first woman to be a surgical intern at the Boston City Hospital, and the first woman to receive the Lantern Award for Patriotism of the Massachusetts State Council of the Knights of Columbus. Dr. Jefferson holds 28 honorary degrees and serves on the board of over 30 pro-life organizations.

For questions or to confirm your attendance, contact Alison at 401.521.1860 or alisonc [at] rirtl [dot] org

Filed Under: Abortion, Coming Events and Rhode Island Closed

RI Latino Professionals Business Leaders w/ AG Candidate Erik Wallin | February 12

Posted on January 12, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

Join the Rhode Island Latino Professionals Business Leaders Network in celebrating our first anniversary incubating potential commercial and Professional Partnerships among Latinos and the general community throughout Rhode Island and New England.

Friday, February 12, 2010 at El Macuto Bar Restaurant, 1137 Broad Street Providence, RI 02905. (Get Directions http://tinyurl.com/y8tj79t )

Erik Wallin, Republican Candidate for Attorney General to address the Rhode Island Latino Professionals and Business Leaders Network about his campaign agenda to crack down on public corruption and crime in Rhode Island 7:00 PM.

About Erik Wallin:

A native Rhode Islander, Attorney Erik Wallin graduated from Roger William’s School of Law and served on Active Duty in the United States Air Force as a Captain and JAG, handling federal criminal cases in military courts. Upon returning to Rhode Island, Attorney Wallin was appointed as a Special Assistant Attorney General in 2003. Over a period of five years at the Department of the Attorney General, Wallin worked closely with members of local, state and federal law enforcement, developing strong and effective relationships. http://www.erikforag.com/AboutErik.htm

About RILPBLN

The Rhode Island Latino Professionals and Business Leaders Network is comprise of Latino businesses and Latino employees of large organizations, non-profits and governmental departments.

The group meets once a month to network and host, from time to time, various speakers. All are welcomed and encouraged to participate in a business casual atmosphere.

For more information contact Luis Almanzar at (401) 941-5020, mileniopublishing [at] gmail [dot] com.

Past Speakers: Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts, Attorney General, Patrick Lynch, State Senator Juan Pichardo, Deputy Majority Leader Anastasia Williams, Secretary of State Ralph Mollis.

Filed Under: 2010 Elections, Coming Events, Republican Candidates and Rhode Island Closed Tags: Erik Wallin.

R.I.V.C. ‘Meet the Candidates’ Forum | January 8

Posted on December 26, 2009 by Rhode Island Red

Update: As of Tuesday, both Democratic candidates have apparently backed out. However, we understand that the forum will still occur, with some format changes and different guests.

The Rhode Island Voter Coalition is pleased to announce our 3rd “Meet The Candidates” Forum scheduled for January 8, 2010. This event will feature the gubernatorial race for Governor in Rhode Island. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 801 Greenwich Avenue Warwick, RI. Doors open at 6:30pm and the Forum is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm that evening.

The Rhode Island Voter Coalition is a non-partisan alliance of groups and individuals within the state that channel the activist interests of their members toward improving both the state and federal governments. They are not a fund raising tool nor do they offer any endorsement. While making today’s announcement Mr. Wright said. “We are excited about the positive response we have had so far from both the candidates and the voters, we look forward to a busy 2010.” He went on to say that he believes that the forums provided by RIVC are an important tool to allow the people to be an active part of their government. He finished by saying “As the 2010 campaign season gets underway, we will start to focus on the races for the General Assembly, we are hoping that forum will inspire citizen politicians to step forward regardless of political affiliation or experience, we have a microphone waiting for them.”

The January meeting is intended as a forum wherein interested voters can vet the candidates campaigning for next year’s Governor’s race. Candidates from all sides of the aisle have been invited to speak. Candidates were invited regardless of their party affiliations, Patrick C. Lynch and Frank T. Caprio, both democrats, will be participating in the forum. Republican Rory Smith and Independent Lincoln Chafee were both invited, Chafee declined and Smith has dropped out of the race. Efforts are still underway to make contact with Ken Block and his newly formed Moderate Party.

“We are a non-partisan group of citizens who have determined that our government and our political parties no longer represent us and we want a say in which candidates will be on the ballot in the primaries and in November 2010.” Wright asserted. The object is to get started as early as possible so that voters have as many chances as possible to see and hear the candidates from whom they’ll have to choose.

For details, contact Steven Wright by telephone at 401.615.9704, or E-Mail the Rhode Island Voter Coalition at steve [at] rhodeislandvotercoalition [dot] org.

Running for RI Governor:

Patrick C. Lynch

Frank T. Caprio

And special guest

Filed Under: 2010 Elections, Coming Events and Rhode Island 1 Comment

Rhode Island’s Plight Before Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

’Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the state
People’s financial standing was not all too great
With the unemployment at 13 percent,
Folks barely had funds for food and for rent.
With children longing for Christmas ahead,
They have no idea of our state’s fiscal dread.
And, mothers and fathers trying to make the season merry
Had personal finances exceptionally weary.
Meanwhile at Smith Hill, there arose but a whimper
With no action done, making state hardships simpler
The hands were quite tied of the head elf Carcieri
Making all of his actions unproductively leery.
And, with the entrenched ilk in the legislature
They certainly weren’t seeking the state’s fiscal cure;
Run by a one-party monopoly no doubt
Gives credence to why results aren’t about.
The majority members just raise campaign funds
And, roll out a hopeless agenda that stuns
Even with a budget $220 million in the hole
Here is the agenda they push on us all:
More taxes! More spending! No job creation!
No E-Verify, no small-biz incentives, no revenue generation.
From the top of the Statehouse to the homes on our street
Our elected officials have made opportunity retreat.
But, with many weeks and months in the session gone by
This year, we’ve heard a populist battle-cry
With the Rhode Island Tea Party now formed
The policies of status quo have now been stormed.
With such economic displacement, our leaders aloof
This movement’s perspective has blown apathy’s roof
Made up of all ideologies, demos and classes
It has rung through the year like a voice for the masses.
Holding high the proud mantra of “Don’t Tread On Me”
They’ve held protests and rallies for the whole state to see
They’ve demonstrated through our First amendment right
The problems we face and deal with in plain sight.
As unemployment numbers continue to rise
Great stress of this hardship continues to strive
So says a New York Times poll out today
Gives a better idea of this sparse holiday.
With 86 percent of the unemployed “in crisis”
It shows no big-government policy has done much to advise us
As a result to make finances meet
The poll shows what sacrifices families must treat.
With 93 percent making cutbacks to spending
That means fewer Christmas gifts loved ones are sending
And, 77 percent have cut back on vacations
Meaning less holiday gatherings with family relations.
But, the worst economic poll result that came out?
Shows 60 percent have taken money from their savings account;
This goes far beyond Scrooge or Grinch,
It shows the hardship of an economic pinch.
But, as Christmas counts down and the baby New Year is born
Rhode Island can make our state economy less torn;
Take a page from R.I. Tea Party’s book
That gives the government of our founders a second look.
We don’t have to settle for what we live now,
But, strong policy changes we must allow;
So, I strongly exclaim as my words disappear
Vote do-nothing incumbents out of office next year!

Submitted by William Sousa Grapentine

Filed Under: Holidays, RI Tea Party and Rhode Island Closed

Observations on the Ongoing RIGOP Platform Debate

Posted on December 10, 2009 by Raymond McKay

I would like to thank a member of the Platform Committee for making a most accurate and telling observation that several Conservative members of the Platform Committee were not in attendance for the last several meetings. Now we know that without the Republican Conservatives present, the Platform Committee’s remaining members abandoned or provided contradictory support for the Social Issues and brought forth a document that could have been printed from the Moderate Party’s website.

The vote to send the Platform to the full membership was 8-8 with the Platform Chairman breaking the tie in favor of sending the document forward. There was an attempt to keep this in Committee and keep this issue out of the spotlight that we now find ourselves in.

Issues such as Life are supported in the opening paragraph and then in the closing paragraph the proposed platform stated there is no Party view on Social Issues. Well, if you are trying to run with that as a Platform, we will continue to be pummeled by the electorate for being incompetent.

Other issues like costly Social Service systems and illegal aliens never made it to the Platform. Other items like Voter Initiative were shot down. The proposed Platform looked more like the Moderate Party – If that is indeed what the RIGOP wants to put forth, why have a Republican Party.

If you are Pro-Abortion, Pro-Big Government, Pro-Socialism, Pro-Big Government Health Care, and Pro-Fascism now that we own two car companies and an Insurance Company, there is a Party for you called the Democrat Party.

If you wish to have no opinion on Social issues, even though they cost Rhode Islanders and businesses in Rhode Island hundreds of millions of dollars per year, then there is the Moderate Party for you to tag along with.

I hear the soft-spine opinions that why should I push my beliefs on someone else. The answer is simple. We are a society of rules and laws that places someone’s opinion on the backs of another. Without such opinions in place (The Constitution), we would live in Anarchy. Our Country is supposed to be based on the rule of law of the majority, not the Politically Correct.

It is time for politicians to stop being politicians (oh how am I going to sneak my way into office disguising who I am), and become Statesmen: The type of Statesmen that founded the United States of America; The same type of Statesmen who wrote the Constitution that put our Rights as Americans to paper. There are no Rights in the Constitution to allow any person to take the legally earned money and/or assets from one American and give this money or asset to another American or entity, where such entity may or may not be American.

If you live in Rhode Island and you are Pro-Constitution, or Pro-Life, or Pro-Second Amendment, or Pro-Traditional Marriage or Pro-Smaller and more efficient government, or Pro-Legal Immigration and Pro-Immigration Law Enforcement of the laws on the books, or Pro-Capitalism, where do you go if the Rhode Island Republican Party is not willing to take a stand as the other two Parties have already said they are not interested.

I agree with the statement that any “Republican” who wishes to add their opinions to the discussion should send the RIGOP an e-mail (lvargas [at] rigop [dot] org).

Voters who are Independents, Cool Moose, Green Party, Libertarians, Moderates, and Democrats have no role or opinion in establishing the Platform for the Rhode Island Republican Party.

Raymond T. McKay
President, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Filed Under: 2010 Elections, Conservatives, Republican Party and Rhode Island Closed

Gov. Carcieri Reloads Economic Development Efforts

Posted on November 20, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

Last week, Governor Donald L. Carcieri officially signed into law legislation that reconstitutes the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board of directors and defines the term of employment for an EDC executive director.

The legislation expands the board of directors from nine members to 13 members, and defines the term of employment for the position of executive director of three years, allowing for the state to better attract and retain a candidate and to maintain a consistent economic development policy free from political changes.

“Throughout the course of my administration, we have made it a priority to put forward-thinking measures in place to make both government and our state work better. This legislation will serve as a strong foundation for us to foster progressive economic change for Rhode Island,” said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. “It will also help us chart a more stable course of action to make Rhode Island more competitive, create jobs, assist us in our efforts to attract new growth industries to our state, and spur the growth of a knowledge-based economy.”

News Release: Office of the Governor

Filed Under: Economics, Gov. Don Carcieri and Rhode Island Closed

Erik Wallin (R!) Files to Run for R.I. Attorney General

Posted on November 5, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

To learn more about R.I. Attorney General candidate Erik Wallin, visit his campaign website at http://erikforag.com .

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Eight months after he first emerged as a possible 2010 political contender, Republican defense lawyer Erik B. Wallin, of South Kingstown, put the state Board of Elections on official notice Wednesday that he is raising money to run for attorney general.

A former prosecutor in the criminal division of the attorney general’s office, Wallin created a campaign fundraising committee in February. At the time, however, he left blank the box for candidates to declare the “office being sought.” In his new filing, he left no further doubt about the office he seeks: attorney general…

Rory Smith Files ‘Notice of Organization’ for GOP Gubernatorial Bid

Posted on October 21, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

Rory Smith has been a fixture — albeit a very low-key one — at virtually every Republican event in Rhode Island since the summer. According to a press release issued this afternoon, Riordan “Rory” Smith of East Greenwich has filed the necessary paperwork to form a candidate committee, so that he can begin fundraising for a possible Republican candidacy for governor in 2010:

Providence – Today Rory Smith filed a “Notice of Organization” with the Rhode Island Board of Elections, forming a candidate committee in order to begin the process of organizing a campaign for Governor.

“We need to put Rhode Islanders back to work. We cannot continue with business as usual in state government and expect to fix the problems we face. It is time for fresh ideas and a new perspective. I want to be that new voice,” said Smith.

Smith, a founding partner of Providence based business Nautic Partners LLC, is a first time candidate for public office.

“I’ve spent my career providing businesses with the capital, tools, and leadership required to grow and prosper even through difficult economic times. I want to use that experience to help grow Rhode Island’s economy and create jobs,” continued Smith.

The father of three, Smith cares deeply about the future of Rhode Island. He and his wife Betsy are very involved in their community through their church, youth sports, and local charities.

“I love Rhode Island. It is a great place to live and raise a family. I want to work to make sure that Rhode Island is a place that my children can get a first-class education, find a good job, and raise children of their own,” concluded Smith.

Press Release: Rory Smith

Filed Under: 2010 Elections, Republican Candidates and Rhode Island Closed