News & Press

While there remains spirited debate over the details of the recently passed 2007 State Budget one thing is abundantly clear, the Constitutionally required 2/3 vote threshold for passage stopped a budget that would surely have been a treasure chest of pork barrel spending by the democrat majority.

Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines and Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman maximized Republican leverage against the powerful majorities in their respective chambers and the taxpayers owe them a debt of gratitude and a heartfelt thank you.

Global warming has become a lot like the weather: Everyone talks about it, but nobody does anything about it.

In environmentally conscious California, a poll found that 54% of residents believe "global warming poses a very serious threat to the state's future economy and quality of life." But only 13% claim to carpool and 7% use mass transit.

In other words: Do as I want you to do, not as I do.

Meanwhile the California legislature, reflecting the conventional wisdom, has passed a sweeping new greenhouse gas law that calls for a 25% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020 — while the state's population is projected to grow 20% to 44 million people.

Passing the law was the easy part. Now we implement. Perhaps this is where the majority of Californians were right — but not for the right reason — when they agreed that "global warming poses a very serious threat to the state's future economy."

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% in 13 years while growing the economy to support 7 million more people will, to put it mildly, be a challenge. Thirteen years is not a long time to dramatically change the way California uses energy.

Electrical generation accounts for 20% of the state's greenhouse gas emissions. More than half of these emissions come from burning natural gas that powers 42% of the grid. Coal contributes 16% of California 's power, yet accounts for about 36% of its greenhouse gas emissions. A separate California law passed last year will phase out the use of conventional coal power over 20 years. Most of this power will be replaced by far more expensive natural gas, assuming adequate supplies can be secured.

Think of the lines at the DMV. Now imagine the same for kidney dialysis. Senator Sheila Kuehl is proposing as much in legislation that would radically change health care in California. SB 840 would require the government to hijack California's health care and administer services through the state bureaucracy. If you think the line for a driver's test is too long, just wait until you need emergency medical care.

Unfortunately the analogy isn't exaggerated. In other countries with socialized medicine, survival rates for patients with life-threatening illnesses are lower, taxes are higher and money spent on research and development in foreign countries is exponentially outpaced by the U.S. Yet, state legislators like Senator Kuehl want to mirror these mistakes by creating a government-run health care system.

The most common characteristic of socialized medicine is a shortage of services that creates long wait times for basic procedures. With almost 33 million people, Canada's population most closely parallels California (which means we can expect similar problems). A recent study found that more than 800,000 Canadians are waiting for medical care. In fact, heart patients are more likely to die on the waiting list than on the operating table. And Canadians have a greater risk of dying within five years after a common type of heart attack – a difference that represents thousands of lives.

This month, I will have the privilege of joining the entire community in dedicating our new Costa Mesa veterans’ memorial at Harbor Lawn Memorial Park.

This veterans’ memorial is a fitting tribute from a grateful community, honoring the generations of America ’s bravest who have died throughout our nation’s history to protect the sacred freedoms we all enjoy.

Remembering those who have served in every branch of the military throughout our history – the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard – our new memorial is a solemn reminder that freedom isn’t free. Displaying plaques and flags detailing the important contributions local veterans have made on the battlefield, it shows every visitor that the struggle to protect our liberty and democracy at home and around the world never ceases.

Visiting our new memorial is a great way for parents to teach their children about what war is really all about – that real heroes have made tremendous sacrifices to defend us from those who would cause us harm. Sharing the stories of great courage under fire displayed by the men and women we honor, we can show our kids that our veterans fought so we could live in freedom and have the opportunity to achieve our dreams.

One of the frays that I have entered in Congress this year is the fight against inappropriate or abusive earmarks. Most of the Members of Congress that are in jail or are under investigation have that status in whole or in part because of allegedly accepting bribes or some other personal benefit from directing large amounts of taxpayer's money to someone specific. Now, I am not opposed to all earmarks. I have submitted two such requests for appropriation myself, both of which are publicly disclosed on my government website at www.house.gov/campbell . But there are certain standards earmarks should meet, including full disclosure, to be considered legitimate. That being said, I would prefer to eliminate them all over the current system which is ripe with conflict, secrecy and abuse.

In my investigations in this area, I uncovered one earmark that I think is emblematic of the problem here and that is wholly inappropriate. This is $231,000 requested by Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Illinois) for an organization called The Abraham Lincoln National Airport Commission. That may not sound so bad on the face of it. The problem is that no such airport exists. Neither is such an airport approved in any way at this time. The request states that the money is for "minority and small business development opportunities." Interesting. How do you have job opportunities for an airport that isn't there?

John Locke’s Second Treatise on government established the philosophical foundation for much of the American system of government – and brought forth the idea of “natural rights,” such as life, liberty and the right to own property. The wording of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution can be traced directly to the teachings of Locke.

While many Americans are familiar with the Fifth Amendment for granting them protections against self-incrimination, the Fifth Amendment contains an even more important statement of individual rights.

In addition to protecting citizens against self-incrimination, the Fifth Amendment continues, “…nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.” This part of the Fifth Amendment is known as the Takings Clause.

The current state of our legal system is causing a crisis in California and our nation.

Skyrocketing litigation-related costs are driving businesses out of our state, discouraging other businesses from setting up shop in our state, and diverting business revenues from job creation to litigation defense costs.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Legal Reform estimates that the total annual cost to U.S. businesses, both large and small, is $129 billion per year. Small businesses with $10 million or less in revenue bear 68 percent of that cost.

And it’s not just businesses that are footing the bill. We all pay the price – a hidden tax, if you will - through higher prices, lost jobs, slower growth, hampered innovation, and fewer volunteers. The list goes on and on.

By dividing the nation’s $233 billion a year tort system by population, the insurance consultancy firm Tillinghast-Towers Perrin determined that we pay a hidden “tort tax” of around $809 per person in the United States. For the average American family of four, that is more than $3,200 a year!

What’s fueling our out-of-control tort system?

There have been many idealistic symbols and portrayals of Nations throughout the world’s history. None has correctly signified the meaning of Freedom, Liberty and hope as our American Flag.

We all remember well from enthusiastic teachers and Veterans of old. Born in Philadelphia , the stars and stripes represented a new nation devoted to Liberty and built on the foundation of opportunity. The blue represented our loyalty and faith. The white the purity and nobility of a nation committed for equality. The red proclaims our courage and the sacrifice of our American Spirit.

Today our Flag continues to proclaim unique American Ideals. We encourage the pursuit of individual and group achievement, and we always bring help to those who cannot help themselves. Our flag displaying the hope of Liberty ; breathes new life for immigrants and fuels the fire of Freedoms ideals.

As with the founding fathers who believed, we voice the hope of our hearts and our faith “In God we trust’. We acknowledge the preservation of faith for all cultures and guided under the care of a God who values each life, each nation and every tongue.

Our Flag is more than a symbol of proven ideals and our grandest dreams. She has endured as the world’s symbol for Liberty and a sign of rugged individual determination. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is clutched by those who dream and loathed by those who fear the truth. Our flag has been with those on distant shores, those fighting for freedom and those who cannot speak for themselves. We remember that peace and freedom are embraced tightly, when seen through the eyes of those afflicted and to those who have gained Independence.

When you think of Memorial Day, you may think about watching NASCAR, major league baseball, attending a parade, biking, boating, gardening, or simply taking it easy over a three-day weekend. It’s curious how we define our holidays by the type of enjoyment that fills our time.

But Memorial Day is intended to provide a time for us to demonstrate our appreciation for the brave men and women who lost their lives so that we may be free. Make no mistake about it, this day is dedicated to America’s fallen heroes. It is entirely appropriate and correct for us to honor the courageous acts of these soldiers, sailors, aviators and marines. Often times while still in the prime of their youth, countless numbers of these young Americans were willing to pay the ultimate price to defend freedom – their lives.

Originally called Decoration Day, this holiday was first proclaimed by General John Logan in May of 1868. General Logan ordered all men under his command to spend part of the day decorating the graves of fallen soldiers.

On Monday, May 28th, we will pay tribute to those who gave their last great measure of devotion to liberty. Throughout the country Americans will pay their respects to those who lost their lives in service to our country. Let us not forget that the precious freedom we are so fortunate to enjoy here in America was purchased with the lives of those brave men and women who served our country in times of war. An excerpt from the dedication plaque on the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located on the grounds of the State Capitol in Sacramento, sums up the sacrifice of our brave soldiers, "All Gave Some, Some Gave All."

Memorial Day is the most solemn and patriotic day Americans observe. It is a day when we remember over one million Americans who have died in battle since the Revolutionary War. It is day when we put politics aside and come together to honor those brave members of the United States Armed Services who gave their lives to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans.

On Memorial Day, we remember that those who died did so defending a way of life worth dying for. They fought to ensure that the American principles of freedom, liberty, democracy, opportunity and prosperity could be enjoyed by generations to come. They did not fight for glory; they fought out of patriotism and a sense of duty to this country.

Patriotism alone is what inspired my children to attend the United States Air Force Academy and go on to serve our country—Donna, a former captain; Ethan, my son-in-law, a Captain and F-22 pilot; and Chad, a Major and F-16 pilot. On Memorial Day, I thank God for their safety and pray for those parents who have not been as lucky as my wife and me.

On Memorial Day, families and friends will gather for barbeques and picnics, enjoying the freedoms won for us by those lost in service to our nation. It is easy to become distracted by our day off from work and school and forget the spirit and meaning of the day. It is important to remind ourselves and our children that first and foremost, Memorial Day is a day for solemn remembrance of our fallen service men and women.

This year, I encourage you and your family to join me in observing the National Moment of Remembrance. Across the country, Americans will pause at 3 p.m. on May 28th in a moment of silence and reflection to honor our fallen soldiers. Joining together in a national act of unity is a fitting tribute that honors the countless sacrifices of American soldiers past, present, and future.

I also encourage you to observe Memorial Day in its most traditional manner. All too often, the graves of our fallen become neglected as the years go by and their family members pass on. Memorial Day was formerly known as “Decoration Day,” a day to decorate the graves of those who made the ultimate sacrifice with flags and flowers. This is a special way to remember and honor those who sacrificed themselves for our freedom, and a special way to teach our children that freedom isn’t free.

The number of illegal aliens being arrested in our local communities is startling, and our local law enforcement agencies are being taxed to their limits in dealing with this problem. It is absolutely unacceptable for local communities to have to bear the burden of this problem when it has clearly been created by the federal government’s failure to secure our borders.

In Costa Mesa, during the month of January, out of 441 individuals arrested, it was discovered that 57 were illegal aliens. Thanks to an innovative program that had been instituted in Costa Mesa however, a hold order was placed on all 57 individuals by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These criminals will not be free to go back on the streets of our communities to commit new crimes. Instead, they will be deported once their criminal charges have been cleared. It is interesting to note that all but one had come from Mexico or some other South American country. Most of them slipped illegally into our country by simply walking across our porous border with Mexico.

Meanwhile, over at the Orange County jail the number of illegal aliens arrested in January and brought to that facility was even worse than Costa Mesa’s. 425 for felonies (of which 56 were aggravated felonies such as rape); 214 for misdemeanors; and 54 were gang members, whose activities are nothing short of urban terrorism. These individuals will likewise have a hold placed on them and will be deported after their criminal charges have been cleared.

Local police are a crucial cog in the War on Terrorism. Our country has made great strides in fighting terrorism since the cowardly attacks of 9/11. This hard work could soon unravel with the Flake-Gutierrez immigration bill and the Senate legislation under consideration next week. There is significant potential for us to lose ground in this fight.

The recent arrest of six fundamental Islamists who were charged with plotting to attack the Fort Dix Amy base and "kill as many soldiers as possible" should serve as a dramatic wakeup call. Among the suspects were the Duka brothers who were in this country illegally. Despite being Albanian, they had crossed into this country from Mexico. Between them, the three brothers have violated the law at least 54 times - the crimes ranged from drug convictions to traffic violations. That is 54 opportunities that local law enforcement had to run the names of these terrorist plotters. It is 54 opportunities to identify them as illegal aliens and deport them. Will we have as many chances next time?

We must not forget that four of the 9/11 terrorists had been stopped by local police for speeding prior to the jetliner attacks on the World Trade Towers. All four terrorists could have been arrested had police asked the right questions and realized that they were illegal immigrants. After 9/11, the Department of Justice issued an opinion that state and local police officers do indeed have the legal authority and obligation to arrest any deportable illegal immigrant. This served to reinforce to local law enforcement agencies just how crucial their role is in the war against terrorism. They are our eyes and ears, effectively our first line of defense - local law enforcement can and should be making immigration arrests. Local agencies responded strongly. The number of inquiries to the Law Enforcement Support Center to check on the immigration status of suspects nearly doubled after 9/11.

Although Ronald Reagan could not have succeeded without Nancy Reagan’s love and support, historians generally agree that only one marriage propelled Reagan into the White House: the merger of social and fiscal conservatives into the Republican Party. This logical unification of conservatives behind one party and one candidate produced the mutually beneficial relationship that continues today.

In California , a similar marriage is emerging between Asian American voters and the California Republican Party. From Orange County to San Jose , Asian American candidates are registering voters, raising money for voter education, and winning state and local elections — as Republicans.

It is an exciting time for Asian American political representation in California . This past month, AsianWeek profiled the new look of the California State Board of Equalization, the country’s only elected tax appeals board.

For the first time in California history, Asian Americans hold four out of the five seats on the board, with three of the five members Asian American women.

Some may argue that any increase in Asian American Republican representation is merely the reflection of Asian Americans’ larger electoral success demonstrated by the Board of Equalization.

However, when you analyze the voting trends of the last statewide election, the evidence indicates a larger demographic shift in Asian American political identification.

According to the November 2006 Los Angeles Times exit poll, 62 percent of Asian American voters sided with Governor Schwarzenegger, whose victory depended in large part on his successful outreach to Asian voters.

Thirty-five years ago a California Supreme Court ruling abolished the death penalty, an action that spared the lives of the murderous Manson family and scores of other vicious killers and commuted their sentences to life imprisonment.

A recent ruling by a federal judge has once again delayed the execution of 650 men and women currently on California’s death row, prolonging the unfathomable anguish of their victims’ families. The Morales decision declares California’s implementation of its lethal injection protocol unconstitutional. However, the decision does not attack the death penalty generally and, in fact, states that the procedure can be fixed.

Aside from the changes that are inevitable to comply with the court’s ruling, in the interest of justice the Legislature must also make every effort to reduce court delays as soon as possible. The Legislature restored the death penalty in 1977 – an act strengthened by a voter-approved referendum in 1978. But since then, the death penalty has been carried out only thirteen times in California. It takes more than 17 years from conviction to execution in California. It is this aspect of the system – the laborious delays—that is most in need of repair, not the misplaced concern about what pain a condemned killer “might” feel.

The majority party has lost its way in planning for California’s future. Instead of fighting illegal immigration, modernizing infrastructure or upholding world-class state universities, our state government has taken on a new role in recent months – that of the official nanny for all Californians.

Legislators have proposed bills to outlaw traditional light bulbs, to micromanage how parents discipline their children, and to set quotas on car sales to discourage people from buying gas-powered vehicles. One legislator has even proposed a bit of landmark legislation that would open a $500 savings account with your tax dollars for every newborn Californian, whether the child’s parents are legal residents or not, to use at 18 for college, a first home purchase or an investment for retirement.

This is nanny government, plain and simple.

Unfortunately, we are not alone. Other states are experiencing the same problem. In Colorado, a politician is pushing “no name-calling week,” and in New York, there is a proposed ban on listening to an iPod or using a cell phone while in a crosswalk. Even further, some states are even trying to restrict tanning beds because of concerns about skin cancer for adults. This type of nanny-ism has good intentions, but still misses the mark. The government’s role isn’t to protect us from ourselves.

Last month, a delegation of Republican Assembly members went to Folsom State Prison for a tour of life behind bars. I went along on this trip because I feel it is important for every lawmaker to see firsthand the mess that California’s prison system has become. While I was a bit apprehensive about the prospect of being in such close proximity to some of California’s most dangerous criminals, I put my worry aside and took my place on the bus alongside my colleagues and headed for the Sierra foothills.

Upon arrival, one of the highly trained and dedicated correctional officers gave us this warning: Prison authorities do not negotiate for hostages—ever. Another officer advised us to keep our eyes out for any sudden movements made by inmates.

The prison itself is antiquated in every feature – from the outdated security doors all the way to the iron rod jail cells. It was as though we had stepped back in time to the early 20th century. Folsom Prison is packed, too. It is not uncommon to have two prisoners housed in the small cells that were built for one, creating even larger concerns for prison’s security personnel.

Right now, every prison in California is in the same crowded and dilapidated condition as Folsom, and it will only get worse. Furthermore, many prisoners are being housed in less-than-secure locations, like gyms and classrooms.

The people of California have been paying billions of dollars into this mess of a prison system for years. Democrats have danced around prison reform since the days of the Deukmejian administration twenty years ago. Republicans thought relief was in sight last summer when Governor Schwarzenegger called a special legislative session and proposed a series of commonsense prison reforms. Instead, the majority party refused to act and rejected every idea with little or no debate.

Don't take that Snickers bar for granted; if state legislators turn their attention to sugar, that guilty chocolate pleasure's days are numbered. But, for now, trans fats have captured lawmakers' attention. In the classic political maneuver of converting newspaper headlines into legislation, the Assembly Health Committee last week passed a bill to ban restaurants from cooking with trans fats.

It was a trendy move. Since trans fats and their connection to an increased risk of coronary heart disease started getting media attention, several other states introduced similar bans. Even Mayor Michael Bloomberg jumped on the anti-trans fat bandwagon, targeting New York City restaurants. But, if seersucker suits were suddenly in style, would you drive straight to the mall and be fitted for one?

Regardless of the patent anti-free-market arguments engendered by this legislation, Assembly Bill 97, sponsored by Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, the ban doesn't even pass the most basic of litmus tests: Legislation proposed for the purpose of improving heart health should, at the very least, be supported by the American Heart Association. The AHA, however, has suggested applying the brakes to these outright trans-fat bans.

Pick your poison: By the Legislature's moving too fast (banning oil, shortening or margarine containing artificial trans fats in the next 16 months and all foods containing trans fat in a little more than two years) cooks will be forced to switch from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to oils high in saturated fat. As a result, simply replacing trans fat with saturated fat won't improve heart health. The AHA has pointed out that only by reducing all fats can we effectively reduce heart disease. Eliminating trans fats without an available healthy substitute simply deceives the public into believing they are consuming a healthier diet.

Recently, I had the opportunity to tour some of Silicon Valley’s largest high tech firms, companies like eBay, Cisco Systems and Hewlett-Packard. I saw firsthand the many new innovations their hard-working and talented employees were researching and developing. This is further evidence that California is the capitol of the world’s high tech economy.

While talking with their executives and managers about the many challenges they faced in trying to expand in the state, it became very clear that businesses may not stay in California unless lawmakers continue to prioritize pro-jobs policies that strengthen our economy.

California’s economy is booming today because Assembly Republicans led the fight for pro-growth economic policies that have enabled industries of the future to prosper in our state. Republicans have strongly resisted new tax increase proposals pushed by Democrats in the Legislature and have stopped new job killer laws from taking effect.

We must continue to create more opportunities for hard-working Californians to open their own businesses and prosper beyond their dreams. This includes the acquisition of career-technical skills and the empowerment of an advanced education.

Since the end of 2003, more than 699,000 new jobs have been created, our unemployment rate has dropped by 2 percent and workers compensation premiums have been cut by nearly 50 percent – with more relief on the way for California’s small businesses.

There are several fundamental principles of our democratic system of government. However, in my mind, the single most important principle is the concept of one person, one vote.

But, this principle is under siege!

Common sense dictates that providing proper identification is essential if we are going to maintain the integrity of the voting process. If a voter is not required to show ID, the one person, one vote principle is meaningless.

To combat voter fraud, I have introduced Senate Bill 173. This legislation is a common sense approach to the voter fraud problem. It requires a voter to provide a valid form of identification to establish their identity and proof of residency. The types of identification that could be used range from a California driver’s license or ID card to any other identification the Secretary of State deems appropriate.

Undoubtedly radical social advocates will soon come forward in an attempt to defeat this proposal. Their claim will be that additional training of elections workers will be required, lines at the polls will be longer, and in the end, people will be discouraged from voting. In response to that argument however, I encourage a closer reading of the bill. SB 173 establishes a task force within the Secretary of State’s office composed of senior citizens and the disabled to successfully implement the provisions of this new mandate. It is the intent of this new task force to ensure that the voting rights of all are equally protected.

Thirteen years ago the Legislature and voters approved the Three Strikes and You’re Out Law to require longer prison sentences for certain repeat offenders. Since, violent crimes have continued to decline – because the criminals committing those crimes are in prison.

In fact, today there are approximately 174,000 inmates living in our prisons which were designed with a maximum occupancy of 100,000. These prisoners are practically living on top of one another – beds are lined up in hallways, libraries and gymnasiums to accommodate everyone. The unstable environment poses great danger to the guards and other inmates. Furthermore, these warehouse conditions thwart any real opportunity for rehabilitation. I have toured the Men’s Prison in Chino and Folsom Prison to witness the situation first-hand. And, the conditions are disturbing.

This is only part of the problem: The prison healthcare programs were taken over by a federal receiver last year. The state inspector general just issued a report that drug treatment programs in our prisons are a billion-dollar failure. And, if overcrowding isn’t resolved in the next three months, a federal judge may impose a cap on the state’s prison population. Read my lips: No New Prisoners.

In a desperate move, the Governor authorized the involuntary transfer of inmates last week. Unfortunately, the courts determined the transfers were illegal. Now, the only option left on the table before the June deadline is releasing felons back onto the streets early.

The cost of sustaining our prison system has doubled in recent years to consume 8% of our state budget – approximately $10 billion – driven in large part by employee salary increases, court-ordered mandates and inmate population growth. If the legislature doesn’t act soon, the federal government will intervene with no regard for cost and no respect the very real limitations of our state budget.

California’s health care system is broken and dysfunctional. Recent studies estimate that 6 million California residents don’t have health care coverage. The cost of health insurance has skyrocketed in recent years, with the average family paying about $2,824 a year in health insurance premiums. By the way, did you know that included in those premium payments is a “hidden tax” that is used to subsidize the cost of paying for the health care needs of illegal immigrants? That’s not right and it is one of the main reasons why health care for California residents is so expensive.

In order to put the pieces back together, we need to adopt a fiscally-responsible approach. We don’t need new taxes or ‘fees’ to be placed on the backs of California businesses. Already, our state is ranked as the second-worst small business-friendly state in the nation. Increasing costly health care mandates will only make doing business in California less and less attractive.

The goal of having all legal California residents receive health care is not a bad idea, but there is a right and wrong approach. I am glad that the Governor included in his health care plan certain proposals that I have supported in the past, including: investment in health care technology; the streamlining of government regulations and the expanded use of community clinics.

As Vice Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy, I look forward to exploring innovative ways to improve the business climate in this great state. I am focused on keeping our economy strong, so hard-working Californians will have more opportunities for rewarding employment.

A strong business environment is good for all Californians, from teenagers looking for entry-level jobs, to professionals seeking career positions, to entrepreneurs who want to go into business for themselves.

That is why it is so critical for us to take steps to attract and retain businesses of all sizes, and to make sure state laws don’t discourage business activity and economic growth.

The primary jurisdiction of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy is over legislation impacting California jobs, import/export trade, small business development, and state and local economic growth. The committee also deals with trade relations between California and Mexico, and works to ensure fair treatment of businesses owned by women and ethnic minorities.

Thank you very much. And tonight I have the high privilege and distinct honor of my own as the first president to begin the State of the Union message with these words: "Madame Speaker."

In his day, the late Congressman Thomas D'Alesandro, Jr., from Baltimore, Maryland, saw Presidents Roosevelt and Truman at this rostrum. But nothing could compare with the sight of his only daughter, Nancy, presiding tonight as speaker of the House of Representatives. (Cheers, applause.) Congratulations, Madame Speaker! Congratulations.

Two members of the House and Senate are not with us tonight, and we pray for the recovery and speedy return of Senator Tim Johnson and Congressman Charlie Norwood.

Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:

This rite of custom brings us together at a defining hour — when decisions are hard and courage is needed. We enter the year 2007 with large endeavors underway, and others that are ours to begin. In all of this, much is asked of us. We must have the will to face difficult challenges and determined enemies — and the wisdom to face them together.

Some in this Chamber are new to the House and Senate — and I congratulate the Democratic majority. Congress has changed, but not our responsibilities. Each of us is guided by our own convictions — and to these we must stay faithful. Yet we are all held to the same standards, and called to serve the same good purposes: To extend this Nation’s prosperity ... to spend the people’s money wisely ... to solve problems, not leave them to future generations ... to guard America against all evil, and to keep faith with those we have sent forth to defend us.

We are not the first to come here with a government divided and uncertainty in the air. Like many before us, we can work through our differences, and we can achieve big things for the American people. Our citizens don’t much care which side of the aisle we sit on — as long as we are willing to cross that aisle when there is work to be done. Our job is to make life better for our fellow Americans, and help them to build a future of hope and opportunity — and this is the business before us tonight.

A future of hope and opportunity begins with a growing economy — and that is what we have. We are now in the 41st month of uninterrupted job growth — a recovery that has created 7.2 million new jobs ... so far. Unemployment is low, inflation is low, and wages are rising. This economy is on the move — and our job is to keep it that way, not with more government but with more enterprise.

Local Republican Party Elect Executive Committee for 2007-08

Many throughout the world have believed futilely that Russia, her Islamic allies, and the U.N. have worked for positive change. The 9/11 terrorist attacks on America, have illustrated the serious escalation of radical Islamic attacks and their true intent to destroy Israel and America.

During the 1980’s, The United States actively engaged in the fight against communist and socialist agendas that were rapidly spreading around the world. We even dealt with a terrorist leader named Mohammar Kahadfi. We all remember President Reagan’s resolve when he directly dealt with the Libyan Dictator. American pilots paid him a night time visit, bombed his residence and encouraged Mr. Kahadfi to change his direction in life.

American foreign policy had changed drastically during the 1990’s. America allowed our policies to be guided under the influence of a hostile and biased United Nations. Those liberal policies pacified terrorist and rogue regimes with money, technology and in return, the U.S. received the fleeting promise of world peace.

Today, the Soviet Union enjoys a prosperous resurgence on their economic and world political front. I observed this firsthand in my visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg. I observed a deep vein of acceptance from old policy wonks, which were committed to bringing back the communist agenda. Through former KGB official – and President Vladimir Putin; we see Russia reemerging economically and more politically involved than ever before. And Putin appears to be firmly committed in undermining American foreign policy and entrenching Russia’s Involvement in the Middle East.

All this talk about partisanship, bi-partisanship and post-partisanship begs a thoughtful discussion on what these terms really mean, and how each approach helps or hurts the political process.

The Governor’s recent inaugural speech and State of the State Address have brought new attention to political maneuvering in the legislative process. But both the statements and the reactions have been shrouded in enough rhetoric and hyperbole to mask the real issue we should be discussing: how the principles of the minority party can survive in this legislative session to effect positive change for California .

Being partisan can mean two things, depending on who is being partisan and who is being “accused” of being partisan. Within our own circles, partisanship is standing strong for the ideology that guides us; it represents a steadfast commitment to our values and ideas. But, when partisanship is hurled as an indictment, we become the victims of an elementary political tactic. Partisanship has become a buzz word to demonize the minority party as obstructionists. Unfortunately, only the latter is fodder for mainstream media.

Regrettably, the term bipartisanship is suffering the same fate. What once meant two major political parties working together, negotiating compromises to reconcile opposing positions for the benefit of our constituents, has now been reduced to a political tactic. Today, talk of bipartisanship is really a thinly veiled bully-pulpit move, the first offensive strike in the marketing campaigns to sell ideas like increased minimum wage and reduced greenhouse gas emissions to the public. In the last six months, the term “bipartisanship” has been mostly used as a club to beat errant Republicans into line without incorporating Republican principles into landmark legislation.

Presented on December 12, 1985 at 5:45 p.m. in the South Portico of the White House during the annual Christmas Pageant of Peace.

Tonight we're drawn in warmth to one another as we reflect upon the deeply holy meaning of the miracle we shall soon celebrate. We know that Mary and Joseph reached the stable in Bethlehem sometime after sunset. We do not know the exact moment the Christ Child was born, only what we would have seen if we'd been standing there as we stand here now: Suddenly, a star from heaven shining in our eyes, shining with brilliant beauty across the skies, a star pointing toward eternity in the night, like a great ring of pure and endless light, and then all was calm, and all was bright. Such was the beginning of one solitary life that would shake the world as never before or since. When we speak of Jesus and of His life, we speak of a man revered as a prophet and teacher by people of all religions, and Christians speak of someone greater -- a man who was and is divine. He brought forth a power that is infinite and a promise that is eternal, a power greater than all mankind's military might, for His power is Godly love, love that can lift our hearts and soothe our sorrows and heal our wounds and drive away our fears. He promised there will never be a long night that does not end. He promised to deliver us from dark torment and tragedy into the warming sunlight of human happiness, and beyond that, into paradise. He's never been a halfway giver; His generosity is pure and perfect and sure.

Presented on December 7, 1991 Aboard The U.S.S. Neosho At Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Mrs. Rickert, thank you for that wonderful tale of how it was at Hospital Point. Thank you for that warm and generous introduction. And now I have a favor to ask of you. I hope you and everyone else will take a deep breath for me too, please. [Laughter] You didn't need it, but I might; this is a very emotional day.

I would like to salute the members of my Cabinet that are here today, particularly Dick Cheney, our able Secretary of Defense who's done so much for the military, so much in terms of leadership for our Nation. I want to salute General Powell, the Chairman of our Joint Chiefs of Staff, and again take this opportunity on this historic day to thank him for his leadership, his inspirational leadership, for all the men and women that serve in the Armed Forces. I want to thank the commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Larson. And I especially want to single out all the fellow veterans here, particularly those who are the survivors, the survivors of this historic day.

I expect if we went around the room, all of us would remember. I remember exactly when I first heard the news about Pearl Harbor. I was 17 years old, walking across the green at school. And my thoughts in those days didn't run to world events, but mainly to simpler things, more mundane things like making the basketball team or entering college. And that walk across the campus marked an end of innocence for me.

When Americans heard the news, they froze in shock. But just as quickly we came together. Like all American kids back then, I was swept up in it. I decided that very day to go into the Navy to become a Navy pilot. And so, on my 18th birthday — June 12, 1942 — I was sworn into the Navy as a Seaman Second Class.

And I was shocked — I was shocked at my first sight of Pearl Harbor several months later — April of '44. We came into port on the carrier San Jacinto. Nearby, the Utah was still on her side, parts of the Arizona still stood silent in the water. Everywhere the skeletons of ships reached out as if to demand remembrance and warn us of our own mortality.

Over 2,000 men died in a matter of minutes on this site, a half century ago. Many more died that same day as Japanese forces assaulted the Philippines and Guam and Wake Island, Midway, Malaya, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong. On that day of infamy, Pearl Harbor propelled each of us into a titanic contest for mankind's future. It galvanized the American spirit as never before into a single-minded resolve that could produce only one thing — victory . . .

We triumphed, despite the fact that the American people did not want to be drawn into the conflict — "the unsought war," it's been called. Ironically, isolationists gathered together at what was known in those days as an "America First" rally in Pittsburgh — at precisely the moment the first Americans met early, violent deaths right here at Pearl Harbor. The isolationists failed to see that the seeds of Pearl Harbor were sown back in 1919, when a victorious America decided that in the absence of a threatening enemy abroad, we should turn all of our energies inward. That notion flew escort for the very bombers that attacked our men 50 years ago . . .

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore.

Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

Pundits will Monday-morning-quarterback the state election and its outcome for months, but it seems clear that voters like the idea of a bipartisan effort to wrestle with and solve state issues. In a move that ran counter to national trends, the California electorate rewarded a Republican Governor with a second term to govern with a Democrat-controlled legislature.

Contrary to the electorate’s expectations though, Sacramento will be a de facto one-party state – unless the Republicans in the Assembly work as a team and stand united. If we don’t, we will be nothing more than a wire fence with an open gate for the liberal agenda to pass through. And, all of the work we have done to be elected and serve our constituents according to our values and principles will be for nothing.

Bi-partisanship became the cornerstone of the Governor’s campaign this year. He toured the state with stories about reaching across the aisle and brokering compromises to achieve progress. But, the scene played out much differently in the Capitol. This new brand of bi-partisanship wasn’t about dialogue and cooperation. Instead, the Governor with the (R) behind his name worked with the Democrats to craft his agenda. Then, he picked off a few Republican votes to seal the deal.

Just today, the San Francisco Gate reported that Nuñez “is convinced that Schwarzenegger has become a true supporter of Democratic goals.” Specifically, he said: “We certainly cannot apologize for the progress that was made, because it was all on our terms. I think we did a good job in California of turning a Republican governor into a Democratic spokesperson.”

"...Now, my fellow Americans, the tide has been running against freedom. Our people have followed false prophets. We must, and we shall, return to proven ways-- not because they are old, but because they are true. We must, and we shall, set the tide running again in the cause of freedom. And this party, with its every action, every word, every breath, and every heartbeat, has but a single resolve, and that is freedom - freedom made orderly for this nation by our constitutional government; freedom under a government limited by laws of nature and of nature's God; freedom - balanced so that liberty lacking order will not become the slavery of the prison cell; balanced so that liberty lacking order will not become the license of the mob and of the jungle..."

"...Rather than useful jobs in our country, people have been offered bureaucratic "make work," rather than moral leadership, they have been given bread and circuses, spectacles, and, yes, they have even been given scandals. Tonight there is violence in our streets, corruption in our highest offices, aimlessness among our youth, anxiety among our elders and there is a virtual despair among the many who look beyond material success for the inner meaning of their lives. Where examples of morality should be set, the opposite is seen. Small men, seeking great wealth or power, have too often and too long turned even the highest levels of public service into mere personal opportunity..."

"...Now, we Republicans see all this as more, much more, than the rest: of mere political differences or mere political mistakes. We see this as the result of a fundamentally and absolutely wrong view of man, his nature and his destiny. Those who seek to live your lives for you, to take your liberties in return for relieving you of yours, those who elevate the state and downgrade the citizen must see ultimately a world in which earthly power can be substituted for divine will, and this Nation was founded upon the rejection of that notion and upon the acceptance of God as the author of freedom..."

"...I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue..."

The Legislature made a significant attempt during the most recent legislative session to place a redistricting reform measure on the ballot. I voted to support Senate Constitutional Amendment 3 which would have stripped the Legislature of its ability to draw the lines for California’s Congressional, State Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization districts. Under the terms of SCA-3 this responsibility would be delegated to an independent Redistricting Commission. SCA-3 was approved by the Senate, but unfortunately it was defeated by legislative leaders in the Assembly who want to preserve the status quo. Stated another way, they simply don’t want to let go of the political power that allows them to manipulate the system to their advantage and draw lines on a purely partisan basis.

The evidence is overwhelming that the current district lines rob many voters of the right to fairly choose their representatives. Instead of the voters choosing the politicians, the politicians are choosing which voters they would like to represent. This system is hopelessly flawed and leads to terrible results and a lack of representation by elected officials.

A glaring example of this dysfunctional problem was best illustrated in the 2004 election when out of the 153 California legislative and congressional offices, not a single one changed partisan hands—a near statistical impossibility. Undoubtedly, this fact contributes to the low ratings members of the legislature receive in opinion polls. A recent poll showed that only 17% of the Californian’s think that the Legislature is doing a good job.

Address on behalf of United States Senator Barry Goldwater

Rendezvous with Destiny
October 27, 1964

This speech is a verbatim transcript of "The Speech" given as a portion of a pre-recorded, nationwide televised program sponsored by Goldwater-Miller on behalf of Barry Goldwater, Republican candidate for the presidency whom Ronald Reagan actively supported.

Thank you very much. Thank you and good evening. The sponsor has been identified, but unlike most television programs, the performer hasn't been provided with a script. As a matter of fact, I have been permitted to choose my own ideas regarding the choice that we face in the next few weeks.

I have spent most of my life as a Democrat. I recently have seen fit to follow another course. I believe that the issues confronting us cross party lines. Now, one side in this campaign has been telling us that the issues of this election are the maintenance of peace and prosperity. The line has been used "We've never had it so good."

But I have an uncomfortable feeling that this prosperity isn't something on which we can base our hopes for the future. No nation in history has ever survived a tax burden that reached a third of its national income. Today, 37 cents of every dollar earned in this country is the tax collector's share, and yet our government continues to spend $17 million a day more than the government takes in. We haven't balanced our budget 28 out of the last 34 years. We have raised our debt limit three times in the last twelve months, and now our national debt is one and a half times bigger than all the combined debts of all the nations in the world. We have $15 billion in gold in our treasury--we don't own an ounce. Foreign dollar claims are $27.3 billion, and we have just had announced that the dollar of 1939 will now purchase 45 cents in its total value.

Having been an educator for over 25 years, I am frequently asked by parents for some tips on what to do when their children go back to school. I hope you’ll find these ideas helpful as your child sett