Biggovernment.com just released their 4th set of undercover video tapes that were taped by some gutsy young people trying to expose the truth of what is happening in the ACORN organization in our nation. The thing that amazes me the most is that not one employee even blinks or acts surprised when the girl reveals she's a prostitute! In fact, in the new video the employee even admits that she used to run a call service! Then, she goes on later on in the tape and tells them how she killed her abusive husband!!!!!!! Where does Acorn find these people?!!
Click here to watch the California Video or here to watch the New York Brooklyn video.
PLEASE, PLEASE Watch these clips. Millions of our tax dollars have gone to fund this organization! I applaud the senate for voting 83-7 in favor of stopping any taxpayer money from going to ACORN, but that's not enough! There needs to be an intense investigation and people need to be help accountable!
After watching the videos please contact your representatives in the House and in the Senate and demand an investigation from the bottom on up! Remind them of the promise they made to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States!
Here is my email to my representatives:
"I'm sure you are aware of the letter that Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) sent to the president today requesting that he use his authority to publicly disclose and terminate all federal funding to ACORN and its affiliates. I'm also sure you are aware that the senate voted in favor of the same thing 83-7. Hopefully the congress works quickly to pass something as well.
Blocking their funding is NOT enough! Congress and the Senate must demand an in-depth investigation from the bottom on up! Who is training these people? It seems like they all give similar answers except for the last lady who admitted running a call girl service herself and KILLING her abusive husband! If you haven't seen tape set #4 from California, you can find it along with the other 3 locations on www.biggovernment.com !! Can it get any worse?!! It looks like a 5th set of tapes will be released tomorrow!
As a representative of the people of Arizona, you took a sacred oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." Please do so today!
May God Bless You in Standing Up for What is Right!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Ashcraft"
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Funny Missionary Video
One of my friends sent me the link to this hilarious music video! Thought I would share it!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I am a victim of racism
Have you ever gotten to the point where you think, " I've had it! I'm not going to take any more!"? Well, I'm there. I am sick and tired of being discriminated against! How? Do you wonder? Have you noticed lately that if you are against any part of any policy that our President and our democratic Congress are supporting there is an immediate cry of Racism?
In watching the news as of late, there are so many guests who instead of debating the issues claim that all the opposition to their views stem from racism. They state that the people at the tea parties or those voicing their concern for health care are doing so because of racism.
Just because I have concerns or issues with 50+ items that were released in the 1018 page H.R. II bill, I was called a racist. I feel strongly that debt is never a solution to money problems personally or for our government, so I must be racist. Because I am concerned about our borders and the thousands of people crossing them illegally on a daily basis, I am called a racist. And now because I am concerned about the corruption and illegal practices that have recently been uncovered in the ACORN organization, I am called a racist.
I am not a racist. I don't care if the person whose supporting or at the tail end of critisism has skin that is red, black, white, or green. I am concerned about the direction our country is heading. Corruption is corruption no matter what the skin color!
I don't disagree that we could use health care reform. I think they should make it possible for there to be interstate competition for insurance companies which would lower premiums for all. I also think Tort Reform and stipulations made to help those who have pre-existing conditions.
Let me tell you why I am so irate about being called a racist. I am not a racist! My dad was in the military when I was young. We lived in both Germany and Japan. I studied in Mexico and served a 18 month mission in Chile. These experiences taught me to look past the color of skin and instilled in me a deep belief that we are all God's children. Thus, we are all brothers and sisters.
I have a sister-in-law from Brazil that I have yet to meet. My brother and she were married a year and a half ago in Brazil. We have been trying to get her here legally ever since. We are hoping they'll be able to be with us for Christmas. Another sister-in-law is black. She is one of the most beautiful women that I know. When I think of either of these women, now my sisters, I feel only love and admiration.
I feel I am a victim of racism. I feel that those charging me with racism see my skin color and immediately think the only reason I could possibly be against any proposed bill or corruption is if I was a racist! Please look past the color of my white skin and see that I love my country and all the people who live in it. For this reason, I stand up and voice my concern!
Please stop calling me a racist!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Email from Gabrielle Giffords
"September 11, 2009
Dear Friend,
Thank you for contacting me with you concerns regarding the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, more commonly known as ACORN. I appreciate hearing from you.
ACORN is the nation's largest community organization for low and moderate income families and uses neighborhood-based efforts, such as door-to-door canvassing, to fight poverty and other causes. Since it was founded in the 1970's, ACORN has worked on a number of successful campaigns through 850 chapters in over 100 cities across the United States. You are probably most familiar with the massive voter registration drives during the 2008 election.
In 2008, ACORN engaged in a massive effort to register low income and minority voters. However, allegations that up to 30 percent of these applications were fraudulent surfaced during the campaign and later. Please know that I take voter fraud seriously, and I will continue to monitor this situation as more details develop.
Furthermore, ACORN does not apply for nor does it receive any federal grants. However, ACORN does work with nonprofit organizations to perform work on projects that receive federal grant support, such as identifying homeowners facing foreclosure and helping them contact housing counseling and loss mitigation services. But, no project receiving federal grant money has provided funding for voter registration.
In case you are concerned, ACORN will not be going to door-to-door to collect data for the 2010 U.S. Census. On April 23, 2009, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke reiterated to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science that the Census will not be "delegating anything to ACORN." Instead, ACORN will "get the word out" about the Census, along with about 30,000 other groups. To be clear, ACORN staff will not handle personal data collected through the Census.
I always appreciate hearing from constituents, like you, who are informed and interested in the important issues affecting Arizona and the nation. My job as your representative is to help you connect with federal agencies, access services and get your questions answered thoroughly. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if you require assistance.
To receive regular e-mail updates on my work as your U.S. Representative, visit https://giffordsforms.house.gov/contact/email-updates.shtml to opt-in to my e-newsletter. It allows me to keep Southern Arizonans, like you, informed about the most recent activities in the House of Representatives and upcoming public forums I am sponsoring in the district.
Sincerely Yours,
Dear Friend,
Thank you for contacting me with you concerns regarding the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, more commonly known as ACORN. I appreciate hearing from you.
ACORN is the nation's largest community organization for low and moderate income families and uses neighborhood-based efforts, such as door-to-door canvassing, to fight poverty and other causes. Since it was founded in the 1970's, ACORN has worked on a number of successful campaigns through 850 chapters in over 100 cities across the United States. You are probably most familiar with the massive voter registration drives during the 2008 election.
In 2008, ACORN engaged in a massive effort to register low income and minority voters. However, allegations that up to 30 percent of these applications were fraudulent surfaced during the campaign and later. Please know that I take voter fraud seriously, and I will continue to monitor this situation as more details develop.
Furthermore, ACORN does not apply for nor does it receive any federal grants. However, ACORN does work with nonprofit organizations to perform work on projects that receive federal grant support, such as identifying homeowners facing foreclosure and helping them contact housing counseling and loss mitigation services. But, no project receiving federal grant money has provided funding for voter registration.
In case you are concerned, ACORN will not be going to door-to-door to collect data for the 2010 U.S. Census. On April 23, 2009, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke reiterated to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science that the Census will not be "delegating anything to ACORN." Instead, ACORN will "get the word out" about the Census, along with about 30,000 other groups. To be clear, ACORN staff will not handle personal data collected through the Census.
I always appreciate hearing from constituents, like you, who are informed and interested in the important issues affecting Arizona and the nation. My job as your representative is to help you connect with federal agencies, access services and get your questions answered thoroughly. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if you require assistance.
To receive regular e-mail updates on my work as your U.S. Representative, visit https://giffordsforms.house.gov/contact/email-updates.shtml to opt-in to my e-newsletter. It allows me to keep Southern Arizonans, like you, informed about the most recent activities in the House of Representatives and upcoming public forums I am sponsoring in the district.
Sincerely Yours,
Gabrielle Giffords
Member of Congress "
She's right when she said, " ACORN does work with nonprofit organizations to perform work on projects that receive federal grant support." Millions in federal grant support!!! I emailed her back sending her the link for the new videos released today that were just as horrific as yesterdays! I asked her again to request an investigation!
If the 1st video wasn't bad enough, here is the video from the Washington DC Acorn office
I am still spinning from yesterdays videos. Now it appears that they not only went to Baltimore, but apparently they went to several Acorn offices! Here is the video from the DC office! It's just as bad as the Baltimore video!!!!
This should help silence the people who say "it was just one office, and a few bad employees". This establishes the pattern we already knew exists! Sounds like there is more to be released! Insane!!!
PLEASE, PLEASE Watch these clips. Millions of our tax dollars go to fund this organization! There really needs to be a congressional investigation into ACORN. After watching the videos please contact your representatives in the House and in the Senate and demand an investigation!
We live in the greatest country on earth! We can not allow things like this to be happening under our watch! The ABC, NBC, and CBS national media for some reason hasn't picked up this story, so it's up to us the American people to make sure this isn't swept under the rug!
This should help silence the people who say "it was just one office, and a few bad employees". This establishes the pattern we already knew exists! Sounds like there is more to be released! Insane!!!
PLEASE, PLEASE Watch these clips. Millions of our tax dollars go to fund this organization! There really needs to be a congressional investigation into ACORN. After watching the videos please contact your representatives in the House and in the Senate and demand an investigation!
We live in the greatest country on earth! We can not allow things like this to be happening under our watch! The ABC, NBC, and CBS national media for some reason hasn't picked up this story, so it's up to us the American people to make sure this isn't swept under the rug!
9/11 We Remember
This 9/11 our thoughts turn again to Ivan's friend from high school, Brady Howell, and his family. Brady was killed on September 11th, 2001 when terrorist flew a plane into the pentagon where he worked. We drove up to Idaho to attend his funeral and to mourn his loss with his beautiful wife Liz and to his family.
I found BYU-Idaho's tribute to Brady. I'd like to share it.
Brady Kay Howell
Ricks College alumnus Brady Howell '97 was posthumously presented the Superior Civilian Service Medal, the civilian equivalent of the purple heart, from the Chief of Naval Operations.
Brady was goal oriented and enthused about his internship with Naval Intelligence. It fulfilled a childhood dream. At age nine he had written a letter to the President of the United States offering his service: "My friend and I are detectives, and we will try to come any time you need us."
His promising future was caught in the path of the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Initially listed as missing, positive identification came on September 17. Even in death, Brady has touched countless lives. Hundreds attended both the memorial service in Arlington, Virginia, and funeral services in his hometown of Sugar City, Idaho.
Brady, age 26, was the son of Kenneth and Jeanette Howell. He served a mission to the Canary Islands. He married "Liz" Anderson '97 in the Bountiful Temple while both were attending Ricks College. After graduating from Ricks College, Brady received his bachelor's in political science from Utah State University and his master's in public administration at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University.
At the Sugar City service, Governor Dirk Kempthorne praised Brady and his family for high values. Elder F. Melvin Hammond extended condolences from the First Presidency. Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, Tish Long, read the Navy's citation:
"...Mr. Brady Howell became the first PMI [Presidential Management Intern] assigned to Director of Naval Intelligence Staff where he first worked on the DNI's Executive Board, which sets strategy and policy for the entire Naval Intelligence community. Most recently, he began training as a watch officer for the CNO Intelligence Plot--a position normally reserved for only the most qualified and promising intelligence officers. As an IP watch officer, Mr. Howell provided daily briefings to the Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy, and other senior military and civilian decision makers. By his distinctive contributions and inspiring dedication to duty, Mr. Brady Howell reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
After the Arlington service, classmates and acquaintances gathered to eat and reminisce. Conversation centered around Brady. "As the evening progressed one of the classmates proposed a toast to him, and someone suggested a proper way to honor Brady should include recognition of things important to him," shares his father. "They were fully aware that Brady didn't drink. Although peculiar to them, they respected him for his commitment and integrity. Knowing what was acceptable to him personally, they pushed aside their beverages and drank to his honor and memory from goblets filled with ice water."
Liz was able to pass the Olympic Torch to President Bush before the start of the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics. She told CNN the following about her experience:
"This experience was beyond description. It was a culmination of so many things. Probably, if I had to sum it up into three feelings I would say pride for the -- for my husband and the ideals that he represented, and for the fallen heroes of September 11. Probably humility for being asked to carry the flame, and in such a remarkable place. And also just sheer excitement for the opportunity to do something like this.
The president is one of the most congenial men. He put his arm around me. He said, I am so sorry for your loss. Then he -- we were standing there, and he leaned over and said, I'm so cold. I told him a little bit about Brady, just shortly. And he said, I know; I know it -- how great he was.
Brady was all-American by every standard of the word. He made me proud. Brady was working as a Navy civilian in the Pentagon in the Naval Command Center. And he was a presidential management intern. He was working as an intelligence officer in the command center, and had just received his top secret clearance a couple of weeks prior. And that was one of his lifelong goals.
Mostly I am sustained by the prayers that have been offered in my behalf, and also the hope -- there's hope that there will be a better and brighter day, and that has been manifest through the aftermath of September 11 -- how countries have come together; how people here in our nation have come to one another's aid. And things are getting better. And it's this knowledge that is keeping me going.
I felt Brady's presence with me before I started the race. And I knew he was looking out for me, and I knew he was proud. He was proud because he was such outstanding man. He was very proud of what was going on today."
I found BYU-Idaho's tribute to Brady. I'd like to share it.
Brady Kay Howell
Ricks College alumnus Brady Howell '97 was posthumously presented the Superior Civilian Service Medal, the civilian equivalent of the purple heart, from the Chief of Naval Operations.
Brady was goal oriented and enthused about his internship with Naval Intelligence. It fulfilled a childhood dream. At age nine he had written a letter to the President of the United States offering his service: "My friend and I are detectives, and we will try to come any time you need us."
His promising future was caught in the path of the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Initially listed as missing, positive identification came on September 17. Even in death, Brady has touched countless lives. Hundreds attended both the memorial service in Arlington, Virginia, and funeral services in his hometown of Sugar City, Idaho.
Brady, age 26, was the son of Kenneth and Jeanette Howell. He served a mission to the Canary Islands. He married "Liz" Anderson '97 in the Bountiful Temple while both were attending Ricks College. After graduating from Ricks College, Brady received his bachelor's in political science from Utah State University and his master's in public administration at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University.
At the Sugar City service, Governor Dirk Kempthorne praised Brady and his family for high values. Elder F. Melvin Hammond extended condolences from the First Presidency. Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, Tish Long, read the Navy's citation:
"...Mr. Brady Howell became the first PMI [Presidential Management Intern] assigned to Director of Naval Intelligence Staff where he first worked on the DNI's Executive Board, which sets strategy and policy for the entire Naval Intelligence community. Most recently, he began training as a watch officer for the CNO Intelligence Plot--a position normally reserved for only the most qualified and promising intelligence officers. As an IP watch officer, Mr. Howell provided daily briefings to the Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy, and other senior military and civilian decision makers. By his distinctive contributions and inspiring dedication to duty, Mr. Brady Howell reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
After the Arlington service, classmates and acquaintances gathered to eat and reminisce. Conversation centered around Brady. "As the evening progressed one of the classmates proposed a toast to him, and someone suggested a proper way to honor Brady should include recognition of things important to him," shares his father. "They were fully aware that Brady didn't drink. Although peculiar to them, they respected him for his commitment and integrity. Knowing what was acceptable to him personally, they pushed aside their beverages and drank to his honor and memory from goblets filled with ice water."
Liz was able to pass the Olympic Torch to President Bush before the start of the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics. She told CNN the following about her experience:"This experience was beyond description. It was a culmination of so many things. Probably, if I had to sum it up into three feelings I would say pride for the -- for my husband and the ideals that he represented, and for the fallen heroes of September 11. Probably humility for being asked to carry the flame, and in such a remarkable place. And also just sheer excitement for the opportunity to do something like this.
The president is one of the most congenial men. He put his arm around me. He said, I am so sorry for your loss. Then he -- we were standing there, and he leaned over and said, I'm so cold. I told him a little bit about Brady, just shortly. And he said, I know; I know it -- how great he was.
Brady was all-American by every standard of the word. He made me proud. Brady was working as a Navy civilian in the Pentagon in the Naval Command Center. And he was a presidential management intern. He was working as an intelligence officer in the command center, and had just received his top secret clearance a couple of weeks prior. And that was one of his lifelong goals.
Mostly I am sustained by the prayers that have been offered in my behalf, and also the hope -- there's hope that there will be a better and brighter day, and that has been manifest through the aftermath of September 11 -- how countries have come together; how people here in our nation have come to one another's aid. And things are getting better. And it's this knowledge that is keeping me going.
I felt Brady's presence with me before I started the race. And I knew he was looking out for me, and I knew he was proud. He was proud because he was such outstanding man. He was very proud of what was going on today."
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Still in Shock that this could possibly happen in America!
I watched these videos from biggovernment.com earlier today, and I am still in shock hours later. PLEASE, PLEASE Watch these clips. Millions of our tax dollars go to fund this organization! There really needs to be a congressional investigation into ACORN. After watching the videos please contact your representatives in the House and in the Senate and demand an investigation!
We live in the greatest country on earth! We can not allow things like this to be happening under our watch! The ABC, NBC, and CBS national media for some reason hasn't picked up this story, so it's up to us the American people to make sure this isn't swept under the rug!
We live in the greatest country on earth! We can not allow things like this to be happening under our watch! The ABC, NBC, and CBS national media for some reason hasn't picked up this story, so it's up to us the American people to make sure this isn't swept under the rug!
Friday, September 4, 2009
August Update
We are all alive and doing well. Here are our list of happenings from August.
1. The kids started school August 3rd. They all like their teachers and seem to be doing well. Getting back into the homework routine has been difficult, but we will survive! :-)
2. In August I started working (without pay) as KVOA's Savvy Savings Contributor. I film 2 small stories with me acting as the actual reporter. In August, I did Birthday Freebies for Kids and Birthday Freebies for adults. I go into the studio to be live on the 4 p.m. news twice a month. I am learning a lot and count it as free tuition and hands on experience that could possibly help me to become a Home and Family Life Reporter when I grow up.
3. I am officially an alternate on the Police Citizens Advisory Commission for the town of Marana. I was confirmed by the town council in August and took the oath of office on Tuesday after the monthly commission meeting. It will be nice to be a voice for young families in Marana.
4. I am now wearing contacts when I'm not home in pajamas that is. :-) I'm really enjoying them!
5. Devan received his Arrow of Light from Cub Scouts on the 27th of August with two of his best friends- Tyler and Zach! The activity included the largest slip N slide that I have ever seen topped off with the 3 boys shooting flaming arrows. Devan is excited to be an 11 year old scout with Brother Esplin and Julie Mills brother-in-law.
6. I really have the dream calling at church now! I was so excited to be a ward missionary, but now I get to still be a ward missionary and teach the Sunday School class (Gospel Essentials) for people who are just learning about our church or who are new. I am so excited. The teacher before me was able to do it for 5 years. Maybe I'll be that lucky! :-)
7. I've been working at building up our family's food storage. I think I've gone a little overboard. We've had some huge sales lately where I could get cereal from .39- $1 with my coupons. I now have 189 boxes of cereal! We go through approximately 20 boxes a month. Luckily I have a huge walk in pantry. I have boxes stacked according to their expiration dates, so we know which boxes to use in what order. If my calculation is correct, I have a 9 month supply! :-) My kids love to show off our cereal to whoever comes to visit, so you have fair warning!
8. We had an amazing super Saturday in August. I actually felt a little crafty after making 15 Christmas Ornaments, etching our name on 10 of my pyrex pans, making a Look What I Made sign to hang the kids art from, and more. I, as usually, signed up for more than was humanly possible to do. I was saved by Sister Knight and Francine Riggan who hadn't signed up for much and volunteered to help me! Thanks, ladies!!! It was an awesome activity!
9. We had a great church BBQ this month at Ora Mae Park. It was fun to visit with so many people. The best part was watching them load this cannon type machine that fired candy everywhere. The kids all loved it!
10. Ivan and I were able to go up to Mesa when our friends, the Nelsons, went for their first time. The next day I went back up to be there for their sealing. After the parents made their marriage covenants, they brought in the 3 boys dressed in white. Little Tyler was beaming with joy from ear to ear. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. I love baptisms and the amazing feeling that comes with each one, but this experience topped even that. It was truly amazing!
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