I read with interest the article about the burning of the Quran in the Smithfield Herald Johnston Cpounty NC, where Dr. Mir Mumtaz Ali asked for Christians and Jews to also condemn the burning of the Muslim holy book. Being a Christian I do condemn the burning but not for the same reasons as the Doctor. I condemn it because it drives a wedge between us peace loving Christians, Jews and Muslims who are trying to heal old wounds and move forward. Those of us who feel that we can live in peace in this country; but, what I found missing from the good Doctors complaint was the contamination of the killing of innocent UN workers who had nothing to do with the burning. So I do have a question. Will the good Doctor come out and condemn those who killed the innocent UN workers whose only crime was to try and help bring food, aide and education to the poor and helpless people of Afghanistan. Yes, even though I sympathize with the Dr. Ali and condemn the burning fortunately or unfortunately as some might say in this country under the 1^st Amendment of our Constitution and our Constitution is the law of the land, any idiot has the right to burn any book and say what ever they feel like. Yes, I believe that Pastor Jones is missing a few marbles and should be condemned but he had every right to do what he did. You see I believe if we start banning any speech regardless of how offensive it might be we end up with no free speech which is even worse. For example we might end up like the old Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, or like one of the many Middle Eastern Islamic Countries who ban all religion and speech but their own. Even though sometimes I hear something and find myself so angry that even I find myself wanting to ban certain words or fraises; but then I pull out my copy of the US Constitution and say do you truly believe this or not. My answer is always yes I do. I then pray my God please give me the strength of my convictions.

David G. Speckhardt Sr.

919-273-6923

Selma, NC 27576

I was talking to someone last week who said they used to represent independent small business (AKA lobbyist) and who now works for a local politician, and that they (the small business) did not support the Fair Tax because they did not want to be the government’s tax collector. The first time I heard this I thought I miss understood what was said so I responded then they do not understand it. A few minutes later she mentioned it again. This time I all most laughed but instead I took a deep breath and I explained that that was really funny for they already are the government’s tax collector. The response was what do you mean! So, I explained do they not collect income tax from their employees and in most states sales tax? Of cause they do, the difference is it will cost them a whole lot less to do so under the Fair Tax. The reason it will cost less is their accountants charge by the amount of time it takes to prepare their taxes. Since each employee’s deduction is different each must be figured separately the same goes for their own deductions. Then you need to figure in deprecation of equipment and everything else that goes into preparing their tax return; the cost can be substantial. Under the Fair Tax it is real simple you collected X amount and out of that 21% is the tax you send in. Very simple! That leaves the savings to be invested in what ever the business owner feels is needed; like pay raises, investment in new equipment or advertisement, hire another worker, better benefits for their employees and their own retirements. Therefore in the short run and the long haul the Fair Tax would help the small business person.

I wonder where the liberal news media is. When George Bush was president and gas prices in 2008 went over $3.00 a gallon the press and liberals went crazy. They said Bush was in cahoots with the Big Oil companies. Oh did we not have an election then? Yes and the Democrats took control of both houses of Congress. By 2010 Gas prices were down below $2.00 again. Now, that the gas prices are above $3.00 a gallon again which is $1.00 more a gallon then when Bush left office the press is silent. What is worse according to the news it is suppose to reach $5.00 or more a gallon by 2012? Now from what I found out the government estimated enough reserves that would last us 3 or more centuries. This only includes the Shale oil in Colorado and some of the other western states and does not take into account what is off shore, in Alaska and the Dakota’s. Yet even with all that is happening in Libya and the other oil producing countries the EPA and the Obama administration will not let us drill in any of these places. Then on top of that the Democrats and the Obama administration wants to raise the taxes on the oil companies which will force them to raise the price we pay for gas. With some estimate if these new taxes go into effect it will bring the price of gas to over $6.00 a gallon. Who ends up paying for this; yes us the consumer. How many jobs will be lost if gas prices continue to rise. So who is really controlling the price of gas? Looks like the Democrats to me.

Lobbyists are funny. I was talking to someone last week who said they used to represent independent small business (AKA lobbyist) who now works for a local politician, and that they (the small business) did not support the Fair Tax because they did not want to be the government’s tax collector. The first time I heard this I thought I miss understood what was said. But, then she mentioned it again. I all most laughed. So, I explained that that was really funny for they already are the government’s tax collector. The response was what do you mean! So, I explained do they not collect income tax from their employees and in most states sales tax? Of cause they do, the difference is it will cost them a whole lot less to do so under the Fair Tax. The reason it will cost less is their accountants charge by the amount of time it takes to prepare their taxes. Since each employee’s deduction is different each must be figured separately the same goes for their own deductions. Then you need to figure in deprecation of equipment and everything else that goes into preparing their tax return; the cost can be substantial. Under the Fair Tax it is real simple you collected X amount and out of that 21% is the tax you send in. Very simple! That leaves the savings to be invested in what ever the business owner feels is needed; like pay raises, investment in new equipment or advertisement, hire another worker, better benefits for their employees and their own retirements which now their accountant can actually focus on with them.

The Republicans are having their annual precinct meetings on March 19^th at the Johnston County Court House. The reason I bring this up is that I keep on hearing complaints about the County and District leadership. Then when I ask do you attend the monthly meetings or annual conventions the answer is no. Now, I am a big offender to that one also so I really can’t say much about that; but I do attend as many as my schedule allows. Now on the other hand I do attend all County and District Annual meetings because that is when we elect our new leadership and I want to make sure I have a say. Ever since I started to get involved I have been the only representative who showed up from Selma. That is a shame. But Selma is not alone for I have seen many Precinct spots empty. Registration - 8:30a.m. - 9:30a.m.  (Registration must close promptly at 9:30a.m.) ***MUST HAVE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION***

So, I say either show up and have a voice or stop complaining.

Just got off the phone with Elaine Acevedo from Renee Ellmers (Congresswoman for the 2^nd District NC) DC office and was actually surprised with the response. Looks like Renee still supports the Fair Tax but the Congresswoman and her staff from what I gathered from our conversation; believes there are more people against the Fair Tax then for it in this district. Therefore, they are afraid to back it at this time. I have found in my travels just the opposite. Therefore, I am asking everybody to write or call her office and let her know where we stand. Phone 202-225-4531, or contact her at http://ellmers.house.gov/

Thank You

David G. Speckhardt Sr.

How is it that wearing or displaying the American Flag can be disrespectful to anyone here in America. I could not believe my ears when I heard that a High School in California told four students that they had to remove their Tee Shirts because some found it disrespectful and antagonizing to Mexicans on May 5^th. First of all anyone who has ever had a conversation with me on immigration will tell you that I do not believe we should pact them all up and send them home, for I believe that two wrongs don’t make a right for our government for years turned a blind eye to this. Since I have family who came here legally and some who came illegally I can relate. I believe there is a more reasonable and compassionate way of handling this problem. First of all you secure the boarder and they do not get amnesty; they also do not get green cards but do pay a fine and required to learn English. You set up a document workers program and issue a blue, black or some other color card. These cards would be valid for no more then 5 years and then renewed after ensuring they have not broken any other laws. Now if they decide they want to become Citizens they go to the end of the line and go through the process and jump all the hoops just like everyone else. But when people of other nationalities come to this country and tell me that to display my countries flag in my country is being disrespectful to them then they could kiss my goat smelling butt. For when they do that all they are doing is alienating people like me and hurting their cause.

Here we go again the Republicans get another one wrong.

General McChrystal is asking for more troops for Afghanistan and The President is taking his time to look at all options, which as Commander in Chief must do. Right now the Republicans should be supporting him not condemning him. For what ever you think of Obama this time I believe he is doing the right thing. The Republicans did the same thing when Clinton was president for no matter what Clinton did right or wrong the Republicans condemned him. This cost the Republicans the respect and support of many Americans. I hear that the reason they are doing this again is because the Democrats did it to Bush and turn about is fair play. Sorry people but when it comes to what is best for this Country politics must be put aside. Also, how can you be considered serious when you follow the Democrats and act like little spoiled school children; the Democrats were wrong when they did it to Bush and the Republicans are wrong now. There are many important issues we can disagree with Obama and the Democrats on like Cap and Trade and Health Care and win the support of the American people, so let us not get petty and show the American people we learned our lesson and deserve their support.

David G. Speckhardt Sr.

Davidspeckhardtforcongress@yahoo.com

Web page coming next month.

Selma, NC 27576

An epitaph of this once great republic called America.

There once was a great republic that defended the rights of all of the depressed. It was called America. It started with FDR’s New Deal, and then slid further with Johnsons Great Society and now with Obama’s Socialism. It sometimes made mistakes but don’t we all. It could always be counted on to go to the aide of those in trouble. For over two hundred years it shed the blood of its young men and woman to protect the rights and freedoms of others. People all over the world risked their life to come and be part of the American Dream. They came on horse back, rafts, boats, planes and some even walled. America would send food for all the worlds poor but their flag was not allowed to be shown. So this food and medical supplies went with the flag of the United Nations (AKA as the Union to Destroy America). You know we did not want to offend anyone. But the poor and oppressed knew where it really came from. Soon there will be nowhere to go and no one to come to their aide and the poor and displaced of the world will cry. They will cry because there will be no one else willing to come to their aide for the only true shinning light is gone. But there is a light of hope for Americans are starting to wake up and standing up to be counted. Let us hope it is not too late.

God Bless America

Well I know everybody has been waiting for an update on my one man crusade to bring Congressman Etheridge back home.  So far I have protested outside of the Johnston County Court House, His office in Raleigh and today 10 June 10, 2009 at his Lillington office. At every stop I did have some people question me on what I was doing. I told them that the Congressman has been in Washington to long for one thing he voted on President Obama’s so called stimulus bill that he admitted he did not read then complained when he found out that AIG was getting such big bonuses.  But then became silent when he found out from Democrat Senator Chris Dodd said the Obama Administration asked for it to be included. Except for one instance everybody seemed to agree he should not have voted on the bill before he had a chance to read it.

Some asked bring him home from where or is he missing. So I would reply from Washington for he has been there so long that he has started to act like a San Francisco Liberal and since he is one of us that we need to save him by bringing him home before he turned completely to the dark side. That always got a laugh or chuckle. After all regardless of what party affiliation we are after all North Carolinians and we need to help each other. And right now he needs a lot of help.

At his Lillington office I surprised how many thumbs up I did receive. People even stopped their cars to ask me questions. When I arrived I went in and introduced myself and then thanked them for their hospitality when I left. I was very polite which I do not think they expected. Need to get more people to join me next time. His staff did come out to get the correct spelling of my name and ask who I represented, I told them right now just me, but I hope that soon it will be a lot more. That many people are upset by the way he is voting.

A few months back after about 40 years absents I re-joined the NRA. The reason I have become a member again is now more then ever I feel our 2nd amendment rights are a stake. Now that we have one of the most Liberal AKA Socialist Presidents in history the Socialist Democrats are running their mouths again about how bad guns are. Socialist Democrat California Senator Dianne Feinstein recently stated that she is waiting for the right time to introduce a new bill banning all privately owned firearms. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton repeated to Greta Van Susteren on Fox News a report that stated that 90% of the weapons seized from drug cartels in Mexico came from the United States, when in fact Fox News own reporters had already discredited that report. They found that only about 17% came from the U.S. and they were not the machine guns as stated. The facts were that most of the other weapons including all the machine guns came from Russia, South America and Asia. Greta just sat there and agreed with her. Now you know when a Fox News reporter just sits there and agrees with a statement they know is totally wrong we are in big trouble. The Socialist Democrats are setting the stage now to rape us of our right to defend ourselves. Also, there is talk right now in the United Nations on a treaty that will basically do the same thing if the Socialist Democrats can’t do it by legislation. Yes if we sign a treaty with the U.N. that has a section banning guns it nullifies the 2^nd amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Where do the rest of you stand? Do you stand up now or cry later.

I heard on the news today that the Christian Children’s Network is changing their name so as not to offend non Christians and also maybe they will be able to collect more money. Today I went our company bank (Wachovia) and all the large signs were in Spanish. I asked where the signs in English are and was directed to some pamphlets on the counter. When I stated that I thought this was still America the lady became flustered but up to that point she was friendly. It was like I had some nerve to question what the bank was doing. So now what is next? The American Red Cross uses as its symbol the cross which represents Christianity. So what do they change it to the Red Moon or the Red Triangle? We don’t want to offend anyone now do we? What about Judges they wear black robes I am sure that must offend somebody for you know black represents the Devil and witch craft. Can’t change it to white for white represents purity and you know that will definitely offend somebody. I got it, ski blue you know the shade of blue skies for everybody loves blue skies. Recently President Obama did not attend the National Day of Prayer for he did not want to offend non Christians. Socialist now call themselves Progressives, for that is the new Political Correct term and anarchist have hijacked the environmental movement and hide under the term environmentalists. Fascist now call themselves Socialist. Oh I forgot Hitler and Mussolini they were Socialist. My bad! 

I am sorry but I am fed up with this political correctness nonsense. Whether you like it or not this country was founded on Jewish/Christian beliefs by people who believed in one God, a small central government, individual responsibility, Capitalism and of cause religious tolerance. If you do not believe me just read the Constitution and read the founding fathers notes and essays and you will find it. But what I am finding out as I walk around today and talk to people is as long as you are a Liberal, Democrat, Socialist, or Communist you will be tolerated unless of cause you disagree with them, and then you are a hypocrite, turn coat or traitor. But then you never have to be tolerant if they are Christians, Jew, Republican or a Conservative.

I hear the Republican Party leadership is acting like Democrats again and therefore trying to loose another election. That’s right the Republican Party is trying to loose another election. Some of leadership of the GOP is going around the country trying to find out what the American people want. So next month when we the American people change our mind on what’s important will they start all over again with this tour just like the Democrats do? Now don’t get me wrong I think it is about time they got out and talked to the people, but instead of doing like the Democrats who change their stance on how they feel about an issue depending on what part of the country they are in, they should be telling the American people what their core values are and why they should trust Republicans again. You know things like individual responsibility, lower taxes, and smaller government, less government interference in our personal lives that everyone who is willing to work hard and becomes successful can do so with out being demonized for doing so. They can also tell the American people the truth (which I understand is hard for Politicians) that they made a mistake that when they were put in charge last time; they forgot why they were sent to Washington; that they became part of the problem not the solution. That they forgot their core values will not make that mistake again if they are allowed back in power. You see I believe the American people except for maybe the extreme Left and Right are looking for honesty not the same old nonsense. If you think I’ am wrong lets take someone the Republicans who lately like to compare themselves with, Ronald Reagan. This is funny for just a few years ago they did not want to be compared to him. For one thing he never apologized for his conservative values. He also spoke plainly and always let you know where he stood. Not like some Republicans and Democrats today who take polls to see how to answer questions and try to side step almost every issue.