Scott Brown Proves that No Seat is Safe

It is a great day for America! With the election of Scott Brown to the Senate, we now know that no seat is safe. Scott Brown won a Senate seat held for decades by the democratic icon Ted Kennedy. Massachusetts has been a democratic stronghold, where democrats outnumber republicans three to one! It was a seat considered safe for democrats only a few short weeks ago. But if a republican can win in the blue state of Massachusetts, then no seat is safe.

I, like so many Americans, have been energized by this election. I believe that this is beginning of a new revolution. This election should remind each of us that we really do still have the power – we just have to use it. We can control what happens to this country, and ultimately, we are to blame if we let it fail.

Many things can be learned from the election of Scott Brown. I think one of the most important things is that NO SEAT IS SAFE - republican or democrat. If you refuse to listen to your constituents, then you will get voted out! I don’t care how long you’ve held your seat, or how many of your constituents are a member of your party. And I don’t care if you are Arlen Specter, Olympia Snowe, Harry Reid, or even John Murtha – no seat is safe.

John Murtha has been in office for 36 years. He believes that no matter what he says or what he does, his constituents will continue to reelect him. He voted for Cap and Trade and the healthcare bill. He is considered the “King of Earmarks”, and has been named one of Washington’s most corrupt Congressmen. He refused to host a healthcare town hall meeting even though his constituents demanded it. John Murtha may have held office for 36 years, but he is out of touch with America and it is time for him to go.

Scott Brown was able to win this election because he had financial support and volunteers from all across this nation. That is how these entrenched incumbents can be defeated and that’s how we will defeat John Murtha. Now that Scott Brown has been elected, I need your support and your help. Please keep this conservative revolution alive by contributing to my campaign and signing up to be a volunteer. It is only with the help of thousands of American patriots that we can win this election and take back this country from far left-wing radicals like John Murtha.

Remember, NO SEAT IS SAFE. Not even one held by an entrenched incumbent like John Murtha.

We’ve got them on the run! Now it’s time to TAKE BACK THIS COUNTRY! Be a part of the next campaign to shock Washington by making a contribution today!

A Look into the Future of Government Run Healthcare

Yesterday the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force issued new advice concerning when women should begin having mammograms. The task force stated that most women in their 40’s don’t need mammograms and should get one every two years starting at age 50. This is in direct opposition to the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. Following the task force report, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization issued the following statement, “Susan G. Komen for the Cure wants to eliminate any impediments to regular mammography screening for women age 40 and older. While there is no question that mammograms save lives for women over 50 and women 40-49, there is enough uncertainty about the age at which mammography should begin and the frequency of screening that we would not want to see a change in policy for screening mammography at this time”, Eric P. Winer M.D. chief scientific adviser and chair of Komen’s Scientific Advisory Board.

So, who are we to believe? The American Cancer Society, Dr. Winer - the chief scientific adviser of the leading breast cancer awareness organization, or the government? Let me put it this way. If your daughter felt a lump in her breast at age 41, would you rely on the government’s findings and tell her she can wait until she’s 50 to get it checked, or would you tell her to get a mammogram immediately? When the government takes over your healthcare, you won’t have a choice.

This is a perfect example of what is going to happen when the government gets control of your healthcare. They won’t call it “rationing”. They will call it cost effective preventative medicine. They will have a group of “experts” issue a report telling us that we don’t need mammograms until age 50 because most women don’t get cancer before then. Tell that to the children of a 40 year old mother who died from breast cancer. And there will be other reports from these “experts”. What’s next? The costs and risks of flu shots outweigh the benefits? The result would be that the government would no longer issues flu shots and thousands would die unnecessarily every year. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

People and organizations tend to act in ways in which they have a financial incentive. Like it or not, the government has a financial incentive to lower your life expectancy. Because the longer you live, the more you cost the government in Social Security, Medicare, and soon healthcare benefits. So, do you think future governmental policies concerning preventative health will lean toward the “better safe than sorry” mentality, allowing you to get tested earlier rather than later? Or do you think the government would be more likely to take a “wait and see” approach?

One more reason we must not allow the government to destroy the greatest healthcare system in the world.

For more information about my campaign, please go to www.timburnsforcongress.com

True American Heroes

This week I had the fortunate opportunity to meet with three true American heroes. I met with Sergeant Justin Callahan, Special Agent Thomas Fogger, and Commander Erik Shaw. Over the years I have met with a number of so-called “important people”, but never in my life have I been more honored than I was being in the presence of these three American heroes. Let me explain.

All three of these gentlemen are war veterans that have sustained major injuries while protecting our freedom and liberty. These brave men gave up valuable time in their lives, left their families and friends, and went off to war in order to protect the rest of us. They went off to defend this country so that their families and our families could continue to enjoy the freedoms and liberties of this great country.

Justin served in Afghanistan and is a decorated veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his tour he had the misfortune to have his leg blown off in a land mine explosion, and now has to spend the rest of his life walking on a prosthetic leg. Tom served in Iraq as a Special Agent and while conducting an investigation in southern Baghdad, his convoy came under attack and his vehicle was struck by simultaneous roadside bombs. His injuries were so severe that it took him more than a year to recover. Erik served in both Korea and Iraq. He served as part of the Army’s Elite 3^rd ACR, and also as a Sniper, as well as a Commander of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. He too was injured serving his country.

These men are heroes not only because they put their lives on the line to protect us, our families, and our freedoms, but these men fought with courage until they no longer could. These men all sustained major injuries and were then discharged from the military; not to be taken care of for the rest of their lives, but to be told “thanks for your service, and good luck”. They were put through a one week transition training class and sent on their way. And this is typical of other injured and disabled veterans.

In my mind, these men have every right to be upset with the government, with the military, and with America. These men could feel bitter about their circumstances, about the lack of help they were given at the time of their discharge and about the lack of support they now receive. But are these men mad at their country? Are they bitter? No. These men are proud of their country. They are proud of their service, and all three of them said that they would gladly do it again given the chance. These brave men are not upset because of the lack of support they received. Instead, these men have made a decision to take matters into their own hands.

These three brave men have decided to come together to work for a group called Hire Heroes USA. This organization is dedicated to helping returning veterans with injuries or disabilities secure gainful employment. They work with veterans from all branches of the military and with companies all across America. They help place these injured veterans into companies across many industries. This is a wonderful organization I am proud to say I support. I hope you will too. Please see their website for more information. www.hireheroesusa.org

So, don’t let anyone tell you this isn’t a great country. And don’t think the United States of America has anything but the very best and bravest men and women in the world, in our armed services.

Remember, you are able to enjoy your freedom, your liberty, your life – because of the sacrifices of men and women like Justin, Tom and Eric. Help support their efforts.

SHOCK UNCOVERED: Obama IN HIS OWN WORDS saying His Health Care Plan will ELIMINATE private insurance

Government controlled healthcare will have a devastating effect on this country. We are currently in a battle to save what is the best quality healthcare in the world. Yes, it needs reformed. But government control and single payor is not the answer.

America's Healthcare is Under Attack

America's health care system is under attack. While I agree health care in the United States is in need of reform, I do not agree with going down the path toward government controlled health care, as we are doing right now. This dangerous approach will ultimately force the government to ration health care and will not allow you to keep your physician or your current health care plan.

Consider this:

• Health care costs make up 1/6 of the U.S. economy


• The non-partisan CBO (Congressional Budget Office) is on record stating that this health care proposal will INCREASE spending, not decrease it.


• Under the current proposal, employers would be required to offer standard minimum coverage. If they cannot, they are forced into buying the "public" plan. Therefore, all of these employees would NOT have the option to keep their existing plan.


• The CBO is also on record stating that the current government spending in UNSUSTAINABLE.

There is no question that there are problems with health care in America. But we have to remember, America does have the best health care in the world. Anyone with a serious illness wants to be treated in the U.S. if they can. We have the best doctors and nurses in the world.

In addition, the U.S. has taken on unprecedented debt, and cannot afford to take on yet another entitlement. So, the question remains - what can we do? Well, there are a number of things that can be done to help make health care more affordable, and make it available to anyone who wants it.

1. Tort reform. In the current health care bill (over 1,000 pages), there is NO MENTION of tort reform. Today, physicians tend to order more tests than are necessary out of fear of being sued. These extra costs are passed on to you and make health care more expensive for all of us. Tort reform will go a long way toward keeping health care costs down.


2. Allow individuals to purchase health are coverage with tax deductible dollars. All corporations can deduct the costs for health care from their taxes. It is only fair that individuals can do the same. That way, if an individual didn't like his/her employer's plan, they could afford to purchase health care on their own.


3. Open up the insurance industry to competition. Insurance companies have a near monopoly in the regions they operate. We need to open up this market so that consumers have the ability to purchase health care from across state lines. This would create a competitive environment that can only benefit consumers by driving down the costs of insurance.


4. Create State based risk pools. We need to create insurance risk pools, so that when someone either cannot get insurance, or cannot afford insurance, because of a pre-existing condition, they can still have access to affordable insurance though these risk pools. These risk pools could be funded through reinsurance by existing insurance companies.

Under this plan, health care costs would go down because of tort reform, insurance costs would go down because of the increased competition, individuals could more easily afford to purchase insurance on their own because it would be tax deductible, and even people with pre-existing condition would have access to affordable health insurance. All WITHOUT government control.

I am now running for congress, to bring common sense solutions such as these to Washington. But I cannot do it without your support. Please consider helping by making a contribution. And please sign my guestbook.

If you would like to know more about me and my campaign to defeat John Murtha, please see my website: http://www.timburnsforcongress.com/.

Thank You to Those Who Protect America

I know this isn’t my typical entry, but this weekend there was a local tragedy that I feel compelled to share. On Saturday morning, three Pittsburgh police officers responding to a domestic disturbance were murdered in cold blood – ambush style. Richard Poplawski, 23, was waiting at the door with body armor, and shot the first two responding officers in the head. A third officer trying to help was killed a few moments later. Poplawski held off Police for four hours before finally giving himself up.

The three brave officers who died in this incident were, Eric Kelly, Paul Sciullo III, and Stephen Mayhle. My heart goes out to their families. They are true heroes.

I have many friends in the police force, both state and local. This incident is a reminder of just how dangerous their job is. I think sometimes we take our local police force for granted. We may even feel frustrated if they pull us over for speeding. But may we always hold these brave men and women in the highest esteem, who literally put their lives on the line each and every day to protect us. If it weren’t for them, we couldn’t live the peaceful lives that we do.

Many people say they love their country. But few risk their lives to protect it. We need to thank and appreciate those that do. So this is my “thank you” to all of the men and women of the police, firefighters, and especially the military. Without you, there would be no America. God Bless you and your families.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,512560,00.html

Obama’s Economists say Budget is Bad for the Economy. Obama Responds with – They’re Wrong!

It seems that many in government, including Barack Obama, want us to believe that the government knows best. It was Barack Obama that told us that this economic crisis is so severe that only the government could turn things around. And the government has now taken majority interest in AIG and has “invested” in banks, and auto companies. We are to believe that the government is more qualified to run these companies than their managers. Obama wants to force the auto companies to produce certain kinds of cars, without regard to whether or not consumers will buy them – he knows better than Ford and their consumer research department. Barney Frank thinks that he is better equipped to determine appropriate executive salaries and who should get company bonuses, as well as how much. And it’s the government Obama wants us to look to when it comes to providing our healthcare. It seems everyone in government thinks government is smarter and knows more than those of us in the private sector.

Well NOT EVERYONE.....

This weekend Senator Judd Gregg has come out and said that the Obama budget will force this country into bankruptcy. On CNN’s “State of the Union” he said, “The practical implications of this is bankruptcy for the United States. There's no other way around it ... If we maintain the proposals which are in this budget over the 10-year period that this budget covers, this country will go bankrupt." Some may shrug off Senator Gregg’s comments as partisan. However, a report from the Congressional Budget Office on Friday supports his claims. In this report the non-partisan CBO states that Barack Obama’s budget will product more than $9.3 trillion in deficits over the next ten years vs. a deficit of $4.4 trillion under current law. In addition, the report states that the debt held by the public would rise from 41 % of the GDP in 2008, to a STAGGERING 82% of the GDP by 2019!

So what is the Obama Administration’s response? They simply say the Congressional Budget Office is wrong. That’s right. The government agency that has been specifically set up for analyzing the economy and budget, which is made up of highly trained economists, is wrong. And Barak Obama and his administration are right. That would be the same as the accountants and auditors of Wal*Mart coming out and saying, the company is losing money and won’t be able to pay stockholder dividends, or employee paychecks, and by next year Wal*Mart will be out of business. Then the President and CEO of Wal*Mart saying, don’t worry, my accountants are wrong. Would anybody buy that? But that’s exactly what’s happening with Barack Obama’s budget. His own experts are warning him of the danger and his response as delivered by his chief of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, Christina Romer, “There is a question whether CBO is right.” Come on Barack, you can’t have it both ways. Are you and the government smarter than a 5th grader, or not?

CBO Report: http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/100xx/doc10014/03-20-PresidentBudget.pdf