Merry Christmas!

Use this area to offer a short preview of your email's content. View this email in your browser Merry Christmas! For me, Christmas has always been a special time to pause and focus on what is really important in life.  It is a time to spend with those who are dear to me and to take a moment to count my blessings.  As many of us celebrate the birth of the Savior, I wanted to take a moment to let each of you know that I count you among my many blessings! May the Peace and Joy of Christ Be With You, today and throughout the New Year. Merry Christmas! Copyright © 2012 Sauk Valley Tea Party, All rights reserved. Thank you for being part of the solution! Our mailing address is: Sauk Valley Tea Party 3805 Freeport Road Sterling, IL 61081 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list   update subscription preferences

Scrooge is at it again...

Use this area to offer a short preview of your email's content. View this email in your browser "You never want a good crisis to go to waste."                                                                                                                --Rahm Emanuel Every time I hear of any situation where lives are lost, my first thought is of the heartbreak of the family...whether it is a natural disaster or an act of evil, the lives of those affected are forever changed.  I cannot fathom the grief being experienced in the Newtown community.  To lose a single child is devastating, but a loss of this magnitude is incomprehensible.  The entire nation grieves with them. The Obama administration and members of Congress are wasting no time exploiting this tragic loss of life.  Immediately, the airwaves were buzzing with cries to outlaw "assault" weapons (or, as Nancy Pelosi prefers to say, "assault magazines").  This week, Obama held a press conference where he  called for comprehensive gun control, including:        1. A so-called "Assault Weapons" Ban,        2. A "High-Capacity" Magazine Ban, and        3. A ban on ALL Private Firearms Sales without government permission. And he wants the legislation on his desk as early as January. If he can't get it through Congress, he is considering other options as well.  Christopher Schroeder, said the Justice Department looked at possible legislation to send to Congress as well as action the administration could take itself.  "You always look at both, because if you can do it administratively it's certainly a less involved process." Unfortunately, those who have been dreaming about taking away the Second Amendment rights of Americans have been handed an emotional battering ram by this crazed madman and his senseless murder of innocent children.  Now, they are using this tragedy to elicit emotional support for their long-term goal of disarmament.  They will not waste this crisis. What they fail to acknowledge is the fact that criminals have no respect for life or the law.  "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms…disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater…confidence than an armed man." Thomas Jefferson, quoting Cesare Beccaria in On Crimes and punishment (1764).   Do Gun Bans Deter Crime? Should Guns be Banned in Schools, or Encouraged? Texas Democratic Party Official Calls for NRA Members to be Shot Senator Feinstein Vows to Revive Assault Weapons Ban NRA Response to the Sandy Hooke Shootings Let's Shift the Odds in Favor of the Good Guys The British are Not Coming...We Don't Need All These Guns The Myth of Mass Murder and Assault Weapons Congressional Testimony on the Benefit of Guns Piers Morgan--Unhinged!   Fiscal Cliff? Is the fiscal cliff a real emergency?  Or has it been manufactured and hyped to sound the death knell of the Republican Party?  While I believe that the sequestration cuts could be devastating to our military, so could doing nothing and continuing to spend money we don't have.  Boehner and other Republicans are now "seeing the light" when it comes to tax increases on the wealthy, but what are they getting in return?  Most likely, nothing.  So, once again, they are selling out their values and cutting their own throats in the process. Republicans have allowed the Democrats to completely control the messaging on every issue for the past 4 years.  In their effort to "expand the tent" they are turning their backs on conservatives--especially tea party conservatives.  Not only are they turning their backs on us, but they are now villainizing us for political capital!  Boehner team calls tea party members insane assylum extremists.  With Republicans like that, who needs Democrats??? Harry Reid on the Fiscal Cliff Fiscal Cliff Deal After Christmas? Obamacare Fiscal Cliff The Cost of Obama's 'No Compromise' Class Warfare Fearing Primaries, GOP Members Shun Boehner's Plan B So, will the Republicans ever return to their core principles, or is it time for us to give up on them altogether?  Either way, WE must stand on principle and make sure that we continue to hold their feet to the fire!!! Tea Partiers Must Hang Tough A Nation Run By Idiots You know you live in a Country run by idiots if… TAKE ACTION NOW It is very important that we stay on top of the issues our nation is facing and that we share our opinion with our elected representatives firmly and frequently! Add this phone number to your contacts in your cell phone...then you can call your representatives whenever you find yourself with a moment to spare! (202) 224-3121 Congressional Switchboard Call Today and let them know how you feel about the fiscal cliff negotiations, Boehner Team's Tea Party name-calling and proposed 'assault weapons' bans!!! These issues are extremely important and they need to hear from you! SVTP Leadership Council We have a LOT of work to do in the next few years.  It is not too late to change course and fix the damage that has been done to our nation.  Please join us as we prepare our plans for next year.  I am looking for a few committed volunteers to join our Leadership Council.  The more folks in our core planning group, the more successful we can be in our efforts! We will hold our first Leadership Council meeting in January.  Date, Time and Location to be announced next week. We need to organize and work closely with other IL Tea Party groups to affect change in IL government!  This CAN be done!  Please join us! Copyright © 2012 Sauk Valley Tea Party, All rights reserved. Thank you for being part of the solution! Our mailing address is: Sauk Valley Tea Party 3805 Freeport Road Sterling, IL 61081 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list   update subscription preferences

Lame Ducks are ALWAYS Trouble!

Lots to follow!  Let us know what you want us to report on!  Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Do YOU think ILLEGALS should be given Illinois Driver's Licenses?  Your Lame-duck Legislators DO!!!! Yesterday, the IL Senate approved Senate Bill 957 by a 41-14 margin!  Somehow, they expect us to believe that doing so will make us all safer and reduce the number of uninsured motorists on the road.  Of course, some of them also feel that it is unfair to expect illegals to have to ride their bicycle to work every day.  Funny....they seem to miss the fact that employers are not supposed to HIRE ILLEGALS!  Read More HERE          Did your State Senator vote for this lunacy?  Find out HERE We need to stop this idiocy in the IL House!  It could come up for a vote yet this week!  So much for taking December off!  These clowns are keeping us hoppin...so we need to make sure that we keep their phones ringing off the hook!  Call your IL Representative Right Away!!! Tell them to vote NO on driver's licenses for illegals...that it is WRONG to give a legal right to drive to someone who is breaking our laws just by being here! Current Representatives--97th General Assembly 71st District--Richard Morthland       72nd District--Patrick Verschoore 74th District--Donald Moffitt     76th District--Frank Mautino  89th District--Jim Sacia     90th District--Jerry Mitchell Incoming Representatives -- 98th General Assembly 71st District--Mike Smiddy     72nd District--Patrick Verschoore 74th District--Donald Moffitt    76th District--Frank Mautino 89th District--Jim Sacia      90th District--Tom Demmer We have a little bit of time to marshal our efforts...both the IL Senate and House have cancelled their sessions for Thursday, so the fall veto session has officially come to a close.  That does not mean we can ignore this issue--we must make sure that we weigh in on this before they reconvene on January 3rd...there is still time for them to push this through before the next session is seated! View the General Assembly House of Representatives Calendar John Boehner Removes Fiscal Conservatives from Leadership Positions Read More HERE And they wonder WHY the Republican party is dying a slow and painful death???  We need to focus on 2014!  This may be the opportunity for third party candidates such as Libertarians and Constitution Party Candidates to gain some political ground.  The Republican Party is busy punching holes in the bottom of their sinking ship when they should be desperately bailing so they can still turn the ship around! "Our Portion of History is being written today.  What will be remembered about YOUR contribution?" --Andy Andrews      follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2012 Sauk Valley Tea Party, All rights reserved. Thank you for being part of the solution! Our mailing address is: Sauk Valley Tea Party 3805 Freeport Road Sterling, IL 61081 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

THANK YOU!

Lots to follow!  Let us know what you want us to report on!  Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. THANK YOU for your calls and your help spreading the word!!! The Treaty on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was defeated in the Senate today!!!  66 votes were needed to ratify the treaty--the vote was 60 in favor and 38 opposed!  It was a narrow victory, but we dodged a bullet today!  Your input is SO important on these issues!  This is a simple way that you can make your voice heard.  These folks are all worried about maintaining their power...we need to make sure that they continually know we are watching!  If they fear losing the next election, they are more likely to do the right thing!    Keep it up! God Bless! Amanda     November / December SVTP Meetings This has been a LONG 4 years and I know that we are all tired and battle-weary.  I thank you all for hanging in there!  I am cancelling the November and December meetings to give everyone a well-deserved break.  I will still be sending out alerts when an important issue arises that needs our attention, but I want everyone to spend this holiday season focused on their friends and family.  They are the reason that this is so important and we need to make sure that we take the time to remember why we continue on our quest.  America is the greatest nation on earth and it is worth fighting for.  There are many legislative battles ahead of us and I believe that we will succeed in the end...but, for now, our work is not done!  I hope to see you all when our meetings resume in January!  "Our Portion of History is being written today.  What will be remembered about YOUR contribution?" --Andy Andrews      follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2012 Sauk Valley Tea Party, All rights reserved. Thank you for being part of the solution! Our mailing address is: Sauk Valley Tea Party 3805 Freeport Road Sterling, IL 61081 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Senate to Vote TODAY on CRPD--Urgent Action is needed!!!!

Lots to follow!  Let us know what you want us to report on!  Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. The U.S. Senate has scheduled a vote on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 for ratification of the Treaty on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A treaty to protect the rights of disabled people sounds like a good thing, right?  Yes, it does, but that is not the reality.  This is a VERY DANGEROUS TREATY!  If the U.S. ratifies this treaty, it becomes law in the U.S. and supercedes any other protection in our Constitution!!!  The treaty does not even define what constitutes 'disabled'.  How can we sign on to a treaty which affects how we care for our disabled children or other family members when we don't have any idea what the scope of the coming regulations will include.  If the UN determines that it is "in the best interest" of your disabled child to be raised as an atheist, you would not be allowed to raise the child in your faith.  The UN could determine that the child must be institutionalized and be removed from your loving home.  They could require you to heavily medicate your child against your wishes or tell you if your child can be educated at home.  This treaty would completely negate parental rights where a disabled child is concerned. The Americans with Disabilities Act already offers greater protections for the disabled than any other country in the world...and has opened the door for ridiculous lawsuits nation-wide!  Can you even imagine the unintended consequences of this treaty???  This is NOT in the best interest of our nation OR our disabled citizens! Did you know the CRPD would...      * Require parents to register their disabled children with the United Nations?      * Homeowners would have to make their own home handicap accessible      * Put the UN in charge of determining details such as how many handicap parking spaces        your church or business must provide      * Allow the UN to define 'disabled' --says the definition is constantly "evolving" (they could        even decide that being a Conservative or a Christian is a mental disability that you need        to be treated for!)   This vote is scheduled for Noon Today... PLEASE CALL DURBIN AND KIRK RIGHT AWAY! Urge them to vote NO on ratification of the CRPD!!!   CONGRESSIONAL SWITCHBOARD -- (202) 224-3121   Contact Info for Senator Durbin    Contact Info for Senator Mark Kirk phone #s are at the bottom of each contact  page please call every office if you have time!   We must all act now to protect the Sovereignty of the United States from the ambiguous regulation of the United Nations! Treaty Ratification is a VERY BIG DEAL and should not be taking place during the lame-duck session of Congress and should certainly NOT be taken lightly!!!  Unfortunately, this has a very good chance of passing!  Currently, only 37 Senators are standing in opposition to ratification--if CRPD advocates can strong-arm only 3 Senators into changing their position, this treaty will become binding law, reduce our liberties and negatively impact families of disabled children and adults!  PLEASE CALL RIGHT NOW! (202) 224-3121   November / December SVTP Meetings This has been a LONG 4 years and I know that we are all tired and battle-weary.  I thank you all for hanging in there!  I am cancelling the November and December meetings to give everyone a well-deserved break.  I will still be sending out alerts when an important issue arises that needs our attention, but I want everyone to spend this holiday season focused on their friends and family.  They are the reason that this is so important and we need to make sure that we take the time to remember why we continue on our quest.  America is the greatest nation on earth and it is worth fighting for.  There are many legislative battles ahead of us and I believe that we will succeed in the end...but, for now, our work is not done!  I hope to see you all when our meetings resume in January!  "Our Portion of History is being written today.  What will be remembered about YOUR contribution?" --Andy Andrews      follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2012 Sauk Valley Tea Party, All rights reserved. Thank you for being part of the solution! Our mailing address is: Sauk Valley Tea Party 3805 Freeport Road Sterling, IL 61081 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Urgent--Calls Needed This Morning!!!

Lots to follow!  Let us know what you want us to report on!  Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Your Calls are needed first thing this morning!  Please contact Senator Kirk and Senator Durbin and ask them to vote NO on the ratification of the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Treaty!!!  Disabled citizens in the United States already have the best protections offered throughout the world.  Ratifying this treaty endangers those protections by taking the decisions from those who have their true best interests at heart, their families, and placing that control in the hands of unelected bureaucrats from countries that do not value their citizens the way we do in the United States! phone #s are at the bottom of each contact  page - -please call every office if you have time!   Contact Info for Senator Durbin    Contact Info for Senator Mark Kirk   Sign the Petition Donate Volunteer Learn More View Online November 27, 2012 Senate Vote This Week - Please Call Immediately! Yesterday afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) announced that the Senate will vote to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) this week. We need you to call your two senators immediately, and urge them to oppose the CRPD. U.S ratification of the CRPD would subject our domestic law to United Nations standards and oversight, threatening parental rights and American self-government. Thirty-six Senators have signed a letter stating that they “respectfully request that no treaties be brought to the Senate floor for advice and consent during the lame-duck session of the 112th Congress.” These Senators have promised in the letter that they “will oppose efforts to consider a treaty during this time.” Senator Reid has purposefully ignored this letter by promising to file cloture (so the filibuster cannot be used) and will make every attempt to proceed to the CRPD for ratification this week. We are behind in this battle. Thirty-six is not enough to stop a cloture vote – that takes forty – and these thirty-six have not pledged to vote “No” on the treaty. They have only pledged to oppose its coming to the floor. If CRPD comes to the floor anyway, we have no guarantee that we have the votes to stop it. We need you to call both of your U.S. Senators right now and ask them to oppose the CRPD. You can click on your state on our States page to find your Senators’ contact information, or use the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. (I apologize for the incorrect area code in yesterday’s email. This is the corrected number.) Please give them some or all of this message: “I urge you to oppose the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This treaty surrenders U.S. sovereignty to unelected UN bureaucrats and will threaten parental care of children with disabilities. Our nation already has laws to protect disabled Americans. This treaty is unnecessary and will hurt families. If the Senate ratifies this treaty, it would be the first time ever that the U.S. has ratified a treaty that obligates us to recognize economic, social, and cultural entitlements as rights under domestic law. The Senate should be more focused on avoiding the fiscal cliff than on ramming through a dangerous treaty that has not yet received the full study and legal review that it requires.” Then, please forward this email to your friends and family and urge them to call, as well. Please also post this information on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) to help get the word out to every parent and freedom loving person in America. For more information on the dangers of this treaty please visit our CRPD page. Thank you for standing with us for freedom. Sincerely, Michael Ramey Director of Communications & Research P.S. – Our petition to oppose this ratification contained 10,195 names as of this morning. That’s more than 10,000 persons with disabilities or family members of persons with disabilities who oppose this treaty that is being rammed through in their name. We will deliver this information to the Senate this afternoon and hope they listen. Your immediate calls will help them hear us. Parental Rights Amend. House Cosponsors 86 Includes HJRes110 lead sponsor, Rep. Trent Franks. Latest added Oct. 25, 2012. Parental Rights Amendment Senate Cosponsors 13 Includes SJRes42 lead sponsor, Sen. Jim DeMint. Latest addition July 23, 2012. Senators Opposing Treaty Ratification Vote 36 Senators who indicate they will oppose cloture. Latest addition Sept. 21, 2012. November / December SVTP Meetings This has been a LONG 4 years and I know that we are all tired and battle-weary.  I thank you all for hanging in there!  I am cancelling the November and December meetings to give everyone a well-deserved break.  I will still be sending out alerts when an important issue arises that needs our attention, but I want everyone to spend this holiday season focused on their friends and family.  They are the reason that this is so important and we need to make sure that we take the time to remember why we continue on our quest.  America is the greatest nation on earth and it is worth fighting for.  There are many legislative battles ahead of us and I believe that we will succeed in the end...but, for now, our work is not done!  I hope to see you all when our meetings resume in January!  "Our Portion of History is being written today.  What will be remembered about YOUR contribution?" --Andy Andrews      follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2012 Sauk Valley Tea Party, All rights reserved. Thank you for being part of the solution! Our mailing address is: Sauk Valley Tea Party 3805 Freeport Road Sterling, IL 61081 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences