Virginia Tea Party Patriots » Updates

Sign The Petition Against Obamacare

VA Tea Party Federation — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:44:15 +0000

Why This Is Important

We, the undersigned Americans, urge the Supreme Court to find the Obamacare individual mandate unconstitutional and strike down the law.

Ours is supposed to be a system of limited government that protects individual freedom. The individual mandate, if allowed to stand, would completely subvert our founding principles. Upholding the mandate would result in a government with no limits on its power that, far from protecting freedom, will extinguish it and can commandeer the population time and again on even the flimsiest of rationales. The federal government was never intended to have this kind of power to trample the individual.

CLICK THE “SIGN NOW” BUTTON TO THE RIGHT —->>>

Latest Signatures

2,053	Paul Beutell	Salem, VA	24153	May 12, 2012
2,052	Linda Martin	Winchester, VA	22603	May 10, 2012
2,051	Garry Nichols	Manakin Sabot, Virginia	23103	May 09, 2012
2,050	Robert Weaver	Ashland, VA	23005	May 08, 2012
2,049	Steven Herr	Richmond, VA	23226	May 08, 2012
2,048	glen sutphin	richmond, va	23225	May 07, 2012
2,047	Mike Olson			May 01, 2012
2,046	Peggy Shaw	Richmond, Indiana	47374	Apr 26, 2012
2,045	Joseph O'Neill	West Hills, CA	91307	Apr 24, 2012
2,044	Susan Williams	Pulaski, Va	24301	Apr 24, 2012

Radtke: Investigate IRS Not Patriot Groups

VA Tea Party Federation — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:19:29 +0000

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Radtke Calls for Congressional Investigation Into Actions of IRS Toward Tea Party and Patriot Groups

RICHMOND - U.S. Senate candidate Jamie Radtke has asked the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to launch a formal investigation into abusive actions by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) toward Tea Party and Patriot organizations. On Friday, Radtke sent a letter to Congressman Darrell Issa describing IRS actions toward conservative organizations currently seeking IRS non-profit status as “an assault by the Internal Revenue Service on Tea Party and Patriot groups.” As an example, Radtke mentioned the plight of Richmond Tea Party, which applied for 501(c)(4) non-profit status more than two years ago. After waiting two and a half years for approval, the IRS recently communicated a new set of overly-burdensome and invasive demands for information that exceed the scope of the IRS code. Radtke told Issa she is familiar with other groups that are having similar experiences with the IRS. Radtke wrote, “There is a pattern of IRS activity toward Tea Party and Patriot organizations that includes unwarranted delays and overly burdensome information requests that divert the energy and resources of those groups from their missions. This behavior chills the exercise of free speech and free association by the groups’ members and supporters.” The most recent letter Richmond Tea Party received from the IRS demanded substantial information (12 additional questions in 53 separate parts) including the names of all their donors and volunteers. The IRS states that such information will be made available for ‘public inspection.’ Jamie concluded her letter to Issa by writing, “I hope you will seriously consider investigating this matter further. We must make it an absolute priority to protect free speech and the right to free association. They are the strongest bulwarks against tyranny. This needs immediate attention.” ###

Is the IRS being used as a Swing State political weapon?

Communications — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:46:52 +0000

There are now at least four examples of the IRS asking very pointed questions to groups that are opposed to Obama’s political agenda, and all of them just happen to be in “Swing States.”

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/is-obama-using-the-irs-to-silence-opposition-voices/

First up, the Ohio Liberty Council. The Ohio Liberty Council has decided that they will refuse to answer the IRS requests for additional information. In a press release, Ohio Liberty Council President, Tom Zawistowski, said:

“We find that your requests are unreasonable, overly burdensome, intrusive and possibly politically motivated and that they have little to do with determining our organization’s qualifications for non-profit status. Instead we believe that your requests force our organization to either forfeit our First Amendment Rights to Free Political Speech and Freedom of Assembly or deny us the non-profit status we are entitled to under IRS regulations. Neither of which is acceptable.”

The IRS Cover Letter to the group and the list of additional questions can be seen here and here.

Next up is the Richmond Tea Party in an incident covered by the Weekly Standard. You can see the list of questions by the IRS here.

The Richmond Tea Party put out a press release on the issue just a few days ago.

The Shenandoah Tea Party (also in Virginia) has been hit with a similar request.

If this is a push by the Obama administration to wield the IRS as a political club, it certainly gives credibility to those calling for an overhaul of the entire tax code. It certainly seems likely that news will surface of additional similar requests. It remains to be seen if those requests are also in “swing states.” If you have any news of additional such requests for Liberty groups filing for 501 C status, please email us here.

One Day at the General Assembly

VA Tea Party Federation — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:42:07 +0000

On Monday, February 13th, the day before cross-over, I took on a responsibility incumbent on every citizen of our representative Republic. I took a day off from running my small business to visit my representatives in the General Assembly, speak to them about my concerns and watch the legislative sausage being made in Richmond. I also felt it was my duty as a leader of our local Tea Party here in Fauquier County and a leader in the State Tea Party Federation to learn as much as I could about the workings of our state legislature. The morning’s activities left me filled with optimism. I had joined with many other Tea Party members as we packed into a conference room to learn about the status of legislation we had targeted for scoring our representatives on. Several committees with over 100 volunteers across the state have spent hours reading, analyzing and selecting bills that addressed our fiscal and personal freedom principles amongst the 2400 bills presented this year. We have invested much of our time because we take seriously what direction our representatives are steering our great state. After a lengthy and detailed status report, we were honored to be addressed separately by Governor McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli, who both took time out of their busy schedule to share their thoughts and answer our questions. This turned out to be the high point of the day. The afternoon was a steep, downhill slide, one of the most disappointing and embarrassing 4 hours I have spent in recent memory. As we sat in the gallery waiting for the afternoon meeting of the Senate Committee for Labor & Commerce we were able to watch the Senate General Session via live feed. SJ 3, a constitutional amendment written to insure the protection of property owners from heavy-handed treatment by local and state governments, public service corporations and railroads was being debated. I sat in amazement as Senator Watkins, a Republican who represents the Senate 10^th District, rose to argue against the bill. He claimed this bill is not needed and that it is only up for a vote because of political fervor created by the Tea Party. I can only assume he agrees with the 2005 Kelo decision by the Supreme Court, a site where the homeowners were ripped from their properties and yet still has not been developed. Senator Watkins claimed he is just “a country boy” and“I’m a God-fearing, God-believing Christian…If any of us think that we own the property, you better take a close look inside you,” he continued, “Because God and Mother Nature own everything.”I understand exactly what he means. I have read this same thing in The Preamble to UN Agenda 21. It claims in this United Nations document that no one can really own property; it should be shared by all. This is, of course, a basic premise of Communism. I also contest the fact that this 31 year Senate veteran is still a Country boy. He has long ago moved into the Ruling Class. He continued his admonishment by wagging his finger at the other members present, warning them they would be sorry when the cost to develop land condemned by the state would cost too much for the business people he was speaking up for to develop. He even noted that, and I paraphrase, one of the favorite phrases of Tea Partiers, “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” does not contain anything about property. I must say, after hearing the good Senator’s logic, I was thoroughly ashamed to have any connection to his political party. If we are to believe this rant, we must force ourselves to ignore the Virginia State Constitution and one of the true Patriots of Virginia. George Mason was one of our Founding Fathers and, along with James Madison, is known as the “Father of the Bill of Rights”. He was a Virginia Delegate to the Constitutional Convention and prior to the Convention, authored the Virginia Bill of Rights which was adapted in June of 1776 and is now in Article 1 of the Virginia State Constitution. In it Mason wrote “That all men…have certain inherent rights…namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.” There is so much so very wrong with Senator Watkins’ logic I would grow weary explaining it. I will, however, proffer this question to the Honorable Senator: Are you willing to see that the profits of the Watkins Center are given to God, the one you say really owns the land? Senator Watkins then came to Senate Room B where we were sitting and, as chairman of this Committee, conducted a meeting that anyone observing would charitably have called a circus side-show.I sat incredulous as committee members were allowed to marginalize citizens that came before them to speak; snickering, leaving their chairs for no apparent reason, making faces at people in the gallery, carrying on side conversations that had some sort of punch line and making public jokes at the expense of those that came to speak, all while they were speaking!! I did note that the activist from the Sierra Club and a lobbyist from a business group, unlike the “ordinary” citizens that stood to speak to the committee, were treated with deference. In summation, I would urge all that read this letter to take a day to travel to Richmond to witness what our representatives do with the responsibility over our lives they were given by us, the voters. At the very least, follow the bills and the votes of your representatives. It will assist you in deciding who you will support in upcoming elections. You see, elections do make a difference and I now certainly know some who I do and do not want representing me and my family. I am now more inspired to work very hard for those who support my beliefs and even more determined to see that those that do not are replaced. You see, that is what elections are all about. Rick Buchanan Fauquier County Tea Party Patriots Event Chair – VTPP Federation

Best Intentions – Unitended Consequences

VA Tea Party Federation — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:11:31 +0000

The January 11^th issue of the Fauquier Times Democrat contained an editorial entitled Conventional Wisdom. In it the editor delivered two very different stories. The latter part of the piece conveyed some great news for agribusiness here in Fauquier County. Having 10% of the wineries in Virginia, Fauquier is a leader in the state. In fact, we were informed that our county can look forward to receiving visits from some of the wine lovers who read Wine Enthusiast magazine since Virginia is in their top three national destinations for wine lovers. This is a great testament to our wine growers and of the ability of agriculture and government to work together. I hope the new Board of Supervisors will continue to allow this business to prosper. That being said, in order to get to this good news I had to wade through a very strange take on job creation. The editor quoted William Baker, President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), to say “…it is essential that the public understand that environmental regulations will create jobs to reduce pollution.” Baker went on to estimate (no factual number was given) 240,000 jobs were created. The editor then went on to say “The environmental-protection industry is now worth $312 billion a year nationally and employs almost 1.7 million people.” The editor boasted that approximately 75% of job growth in this field is driven by GOVERNMENT REGULATION (my capitalization). I felt this deserved some thoughtful investigation, so I offer the facts and thoughts that follow. Please keep in mind, as stated previously in this newspaper, I want what every other reasonable citizen wants: clean air, clean water and a job-friendly environment. The CBF Chief Executive is using the new talking point of the left: Government is Creating Jobs. The effort is to discredit the truth known by any honest economist: Jobs are created by the Free Enterprise System that became dominant in the Western World following the demise of feudalism.The truth is government jobs are mandated, not created. In the Free Enterprise system, an entrepreneur takes his own initiative and utilizes his own money, saved or borrowed, to create his or her business. When the business is successful and the company grows, the entrepreneur hires people and creates wealth for him or herself and others. Tax dollars are not part of the income of the company; they are part of the expenditure, or burden, of the company. When government “creates” jobs, taxpayer funds derived from the tax burden of these same entrepreneurs is used to both create the job and fund its sustained existence through direct funding, tax breaks and grants. So who really brings about the ability to create the job: is it the bureaucrat working for the taxpayer-funded government agency who hires the contractors and regulators as required by government rules and regulations or is it the entrepreneur who creates the wealth from which the bureaucrat skims dollars to make its payrolls? Moreover, this whole theory of “government creating jobs” is very similar to Bastiat’s 1850 parable of the broken window. The unforeseen consequence of funneling large sums of taxpayer funds into government employment roles does not create wealth for the society in general; it serves only those directly employed by this same government. This is because the funding source is not self-generating and self-sufficient. It is dependent upon the success of the free enterprise system it is milking for its very existence. This demonstrates how opportunity costs, as well as the law of unintended consequences, affect economic activity in ways that are "unseen" or ignored. The enormous growth of the Federal Government over the last 100 years is resulting in a diminution of our freedoms and a huge expansion of costly government regulations. The U.S. government justifies these regulations as symbols of progress in the fight to rein in the natural excesses of free market capitalism. However, an enormous federal government that controls approximately a quarter of national income has equally excessive tendencies. This state of affairs begs the question: If it is the responsibility of government to maintain oversight and check excesses of corporations, who will regulate the government? Regulatory agencies have little incentive to police themselves, and the truth of this claim is evidenced by their growing body of work. In 2010, regulation proliferation set a new record with 3,573 final rules in the 2010 Federal Register, and proposed rules were up by 20 percent. In 2010 the Obama administration published 82,480 pages of regulations. According to studies by The American Action Forum and the Heartland Institute, federal regulations in 2011 added more than $231 billion in regulatory costs to private businesses and state and local governments. Lost work hours associated with abiding by new regulations totaled an astounding 133 million hours of paperwork. A good example of this, as it relates to environmental regulation, is the EPA. Started in 1970 with an initial workforce of 4,084 employees, the EPA has quadrupled its direct staff to 17,359. The total taxpayer-funded budget for the EPA for this year, 2012, will be $9 billion. The EPA has spent over $250 million just since 2005 on the clean-up of the Chesapeake Bay with another $67.4 million projected for this year. The EPA will also force local jurisdictions to pony up. The Washington Examiner recently reported that Prince Georges County, Maryland, only one of the many jurisdictions affected by mandatory EPA Bay regulations, will be forced to spend more than $800 million over the next decade for their share of EPA Bay regulatory compliance. The estimated cost for Virginia to comply with EPA regulations for the next two years is $82 million while another $159 million is to be spent this year for previous commitments. Virginia 6^th District US Representative Bob Goodlatte is pushing back. He states “These overzealous regulations will affect everyone who lives, works, and farms in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, and the cost of complying with these requirements will be devastating during our current economic downturn, result in many billions of dollars in economic losses to states, cities and towns, farms and other businesses large and small.” Is he right? I can only relate my personal experience. A year ago I attended a meeting conducted by the Rappahanock-Rapidan Regional Commission to seek solutions for our “dirty” streams which fall into our part of the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Act. I discovered factual analysis pinpointing the source of the purported stream problems did not exist. There were even unresolved questions about the validity of the tests for determining the existence and magnitude of actual unclean water. To solve the perceived problem we were being given a shotgun approach solution. For me, it threw into doubt the efficacy of this entire program. And what if the Bay restoration regulations follow the logic and job creation tactics of the Forest Service? Montana’s Finley Basin has known tungsten deposits. A company wanted to bring revenue and jobs to the state by developing the resource. While the property was successfully drilled and recognized by Union Carbide in the seventies, it is now about 200 yards inside a roadless study area. The Forest Service was willing to offer a conditional drilling permit. Among the conditions were these requirements: 1) The drill sites must be cleared using hand tools, 2) the drilling equipment and fuel must be transported to the site by a team of pack mules, 3) the mules must be fed certified weed-free hay, and 4) drill site and trail reclamation must be done using hand tools. Needless to say, these jobs were never created for man or beast. As Frederic Bastiat explained over a century ago, sometimes the best intentions have unintended consequences. Rick Buchanan Event Chairman, VTPP Federation

TAKE ACTION: American Laws for American Courts

VA Tea Party Federation — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:14:58 +0000

From the Virginia Federation of Tea Party Patriots: End Sharia Law in America Call the Courts of Justice committee: This bill will come up for vote in Civil Sub-Committee this afternoon. Bill Numbers HB825 + HB 631 are in Civil Sub Committee this afternoon: We are IN FAVOR of this bill! Delegate Sal R. Iaquinto – R – 84th – 804-698-1084 Delegate Terry G. Kilgore – R – 1st – 804-698-1001 Delegate Loupassi – R – 68th – 804-698-1068 Delegate Greg Habeeb – R – 8th – 804-698-1008 Delegate Peter Ferrell – R – 56th – 804-698-1056 Delegate Randall Minchew – R – 804-698-1010 Delegate Joseph Johnson – D – 4th – 804-698-1004 Delegate David Toscano – D – 57th – 804-698-1057 Delegate Jennifer McClellan – D – 71st – 804-698-1171

Lobby Day – January 16, 2012 – Tea Party Happenings

VA Tea Party Federation — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:03:21 +0000

VA Tea Party Patriots Federation Lobby Day at the Capitol JANUARY 16, 2012 Schedule of Events: 8:30am to Noon "Relax by the Fireplace" The Tobacco Co. Victorian Lounge 12th and Cary St Meet up with your friends, hang out by the fire. Then hop the "Grassroots Taxi" to the Capitol. Complimentary coffee "Grassroots Taxi" to the Capitol (8:30am to 3pm) Sponsored by Central Virginia Tea Party (Driver tips appreciated) 8:30am until ... Lobby your Legislators General Assembly Building (GAB) 910 Capitol Square, (9th & Broad st) Make advance appointments with your Legislators or their Legislative assistant. Hook up with a Patriot Capitol Guide Tours leave from the 1st floor information desk at 8:30, 9:30 & 10:30am Provided by Richmond Tea Party Legislative Committee. 8:30am until ... General Assembly, Monday, standing committee meetings. General Assembly Building (GAB) 910 Capitol Square (9th & Broad Sts.) 9:30 - 11:00 am Patriot Hospitality rooms: In the General Assembly Building Sponsored by some of our Delegates. They are buying us coffee! Stop by between appointments with your legislators.

Northern, Western and Southwestern Patriot groups:

7th floor West conference room.

Sponsored by Delegates Scott Lingamfelter and Rich Anderson

Central Virginia and Tidewater Patriot groups:

8th floor West conference room.

Sponsored by Delegates John O'Bannon and Peter Farrell

11:00am to noon Rally at the Bell Tower. Join the Virginia Civil Defense League (VCDL) for their annual Lobby Day Rally at the Capitol Bell Tower. (No signs with poles permitted on the Capitol grounds) 11:00am - 1pm Patriot Lunch Special Sam Miller's 1210 East Cary St, in historic Shockoe Slip $9.50 including tax and tip Select 2 from: Soup, 1/2 sandwich, 1/2 salad. Nonalcoholic beverage and small dessert are included. "Grassroots Taxi" to the Restaurant from 9th & Grace St. until 3pm Compliments of Central Virginia Tea Party (driver tips appreciated) 12:00 Noon General Assembly Session Watch from the Capitol gallery - or - On closed circuit TV in the General Assembly Building Conference rooms. 2 - 5pm Legislator Meet & Greet Reception Sam Miller's 1210 East Cary St Light hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar. Happy Hour begins at 2pm Invite your Legislators to stop by Complimentary car service from the Capitol Details are in his/her invitation. Sponsored by VTPP Federation, CoLA Committee ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PARKING METERS ARE FREE January 16, Martin Luther King Day, is a Federal Holiday. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sign up for CoLA Action Alerts during the General Assembly. Help PASS or KILL a bill....Let your voice be heard ! http://cola.virginiateapartypatriots.com/cola-alert-sign-up/

Lobby Day January 16, 2012 in Richmond, VA

VA Tea Party Federation — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:13:20 +0000

Join the Lynchburg Tea Party and other groups like the Virginia Citizens Defense League in Richmond, VA on January 16,2012 at 9 AM.

The LTP will be meeting in the Target Parking lot at 5:30 A.M. to carpool (share gas costs if possible) to the state capitol.

Lobbying activities begin with the VCDL at around 8:30 A.M.

Enjoy boots on the ground activism and lobby your representatives in Richmond, VA for Liberty.

VCDL is by far the largest organization next to the Tea Party to participate in this event.

Every year on MLK day the General Assembly is filled with visitors. These people are citizen lobbyists trying to make their voices heard. The largest group is usually the VCDL. On January 16, 2012 so you’ll likely see lots of “Guns Save Lives” stickers in Blaze orange. I’ll be on hand this year for the 3rd time since moving to Virginia in 2008 to serve as a group volunteer.

The VCDL (Virginia Citizens Defense League) is Virginia’s ONLY no compromise gun rights group. Thousands of active members will be legally carrying guns in the Capitol for Lobby Day 2012. Don’t miss out! This is a fun time to bring your family and help expand liberty in the commonwealth. Guns Do indeed save lives, over 2.5 Million times per year in fact. Other Gun Rights groups like to take credit for victories in Virginia. But it’s VCDL’s no compromise attitude which in a very short time has proven: More Guns = Less Crime just as Author John Lott illustrated in his book!

Question: What does the title mean: More Guns, Less Crime?

John R. Lott, Jr.: States with the largest increases in gun ownership also have the largest drops in violent crimes. Thirty-one states now have such laws—called “shall-issue” laws. These laws allow adults the right to carry concealed handguns if they do not have a criminal record or a history of significant mental illness.

We’ve seen the reality of this. As more and more states have expanded your RIGHT to carry a gun. Some places have refused; New York, Chicago, and Even Washington D.C. have all refused to allow citizens to defend themselves. Don’t take my word for it. View the stats yourself. My grandmother is fond of saying “why do you need a gun, crime is low here in Virginia”. To which I respond “crime is low here cause I can carry a gun” and I do!

Join Us!

FACEBOOK EVENT:

Open Carry inside the General Assembly building is allowed for CHP holders.

We will be assembling outside the main entrance at 8:45 a.m., and hope to be done with team and individual lobbying by 11:00 a.m. at which time we will have our rally at the bell tower.

Feel free to POST Car Pool information on the FACEBOOK EVENT. Ride needed from where or # of seats available from where.

Southside Virginia Tea Party Patriots Meeting Jan.19th.

VA Tea Party Federation — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:46:00 +0000

Jan 19 Meeting with a Visitor from History 7 pm at Charlotte Courthouse Travis Witt will portray the Revolutionary War hero and Virginia pastor John Peter Muhlenberg with a re-enactment of his renowned last sermon to his congregation in which he announced his decision to join the Continental Army under George Washington. He was so persuasive that he took with him 300 men from his county and formed the Eighth Virginia. The educational and dramatic nature of the event will make it ideal for families and students of all ages. The meeting will begin at 7 pm on Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Charlotte County Courthouse. Travis Witt, a native of Bedford County is a graduate of James Madison University and Liberty University. His 13 part video series, “What Has Happened to MY Country?” helps others recognize the reasons for America’s greatness and how to its roots of honor and greatness. Travis is co-founder of the Bedford Area Tea Party Patriots where he began his portrayal of the Rev. John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, a Revolutionary pastor from Woodstock, VA, a Major General in Washington’s army, and a politician who was involved in the First House of Representatives (1789) that wrote the Bill of Rights. Travis’ monologue of this American hero traces Muhlenberg’s life from politician to patriot to pastor and provides a unique perspective and a better understanding of American history during the Independence, War, and Constitutional years

Tax Breaks for Virginia’s Old Schools?

VA Tea Party Federation — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:04:36 +0000

Early in December the Fauquier Times Democrat published a letter co-authored by Senators Webb and Warner, Governor McDonnell, House Representative Cantor and U.S. Senate candidates Allen and Kaine entitled “Update tax policy, rebuild schools.” The letter was written in praise of tax breaks that are to be given to private companies who join in a public-private partnership with local and state governing bodies to renovate older school buildings. The letter stated that private businesses would be able to create jobs, get a tax break for doing so and localities would get updated schools. Sounds great, right? Well, before we break out the New Year’s celebratory bubbly again, I invite you to take an in-depth look behind the curtain of this seemingly beneficial gambit to see the many levers the Wizard is pulling. First, there is a tax break to a specific qualifying entity. This means a governmental body or representative will decide which entity will be the beneficiary of our tax money and what special requirements will have to be met to get the “free” money. This becomes a way of doling out as favors our tax dollars when certain government-specified requirements are completed while, at the same time, siphoning our tax revenues into programs that will not be used for actual constitutionally-sanctioned governmental responsibilities. It also instills into the process an avenue for favoritism toward corporate entities in the private market and by its very nature gives more power to our elected representatives who will decide who is favored. Hence, the government has once again reinforced the value in having lobbyists working “our” Representatives in government. Stepping into the middle of this tax shell-game is the public-private partnership (PPP). This scheme brings together the government and a private sector company or companies to accomplish a project. Again, all the attributes of manipulation and human frailty are on display as money and power are brewed up in a tempting cocktail. Since the government is the 800 pound gorilla in any deal with a private enterprise, they get to set all the rules and requirements for the companies vying for the projects in this program, thereby further enhancing their power and influence. For their part the hopeful winners-to-be-chosen by government will do almost anything to become the recipients of sole-source contracts with all the benefits of a partner with seemingly unlimited funds. Where are we headed as we see more and more of these PPPs? The obvious answer is Crony Capitalism. The definition of Crony Capitalism found in Wikipedia is:

“a capitalist economy in which success in business depends on close relationships between business people and government officials. It may be exhibited by favoritism in the distribution of legal permits, government grants, special tax breaks, and so forth. The military-industrial complex in the United States is often described as an example of crony capitalism in an industry. Connections with the Pentagon and lobbyists in Washington are described by critics as more important than actual competition, due to the political and secretive nature of defense contracts.”

Crony Capitalism has much to do with crony and little to do with capitalism – which is a market economy subject to minimal state interference. It is more akin to a form of government established by Mussolini during World War I and less to do with the Free Enterprise system explained by Adam Smith in “Wealth of Nations”. Fascism, as practiced in Italy prior to World War II, advocated a state-directed, heavily regulated economy. Mussolini promoted the idea that state enterprise was to be favored over private enterprise. Under this system the government picks winners and losers. When the government spends our tax dollars in the form of grants, subsidies and tax breaks, it means that certain companies and sectors of the economy benefit, and others suffer. The sectors and companies that benefit are not necessarily those that bring the most or the widest prosperity. The spending is also accompanied by regulatory privileges and barriers that also benefit the very same groups. When government spending levels and regulatory operations are high, it has a widely distortive effect on the economy that effectively impoverishes much of the population that is not “favored”. This objection to cronyism is at the very heart of the Tea Party movement. It is why the bailouts irked so many. It is, in fact, a deep part of the Occupy Wall Street movement. There obviously is a lot wrong with the Occupy Wall Street movement, but the protestors have helped highlight the problem of the alliance between Big Business and Big Government. Many corporate behemoths long ago made their peace with Uncle Sam and now actively lobby the Feds (and states) to safeguard their market shares and guarantee their profits. So, after thinking this through, I have an idea. Why not let a School Board that is in need of funds to remodel a school go directly to the citizens and the Board of Supervisors in their locality with a legitimate plan, get the funds agreed to in an open, transparent process, bid the project out in a fair, competitive market to firms that would use local labor to complete the project? All this can be done locally without the help of Big Brother and without all the strings and junk. After all, a tax break to a targeted group, contrary to public opinion, is never simple or free. Rick Buchanan Event Chair, VTPP Federation