Metro business owner sues over limo, taxi fees - WSMV Channel 4

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
A Metro business owner has sued the city over a law he said he will destroy his business. Then, he said, Metro staked him out for fines and citations.
Limousines mean luxury, and for Syed Bokhari, they are a livelihood.
Six years ago, he moved from Pakistan to Nashville and founded Metro Livery.
"Business was so successful before we had last year, the limo regulation came from the city," Bokhari said.
Metro enacted a $45 flat-rate requirement for every livery company. So, Bokhari sued.
"It killed the competition, and it takes the customer's choice," Bokhari said. "I think this is my right to charge customers what I want. And government doesn't have any business to interfere with our prices."
Since then, enforcement officers cited and fined Bokhari's company several times. Last week, a driver charged an inspector, posing as a customer, just $25.
The citations and fines followed.
See Metro business owner sues over limo, taxi fees - WSMV Channel 4.

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New Movie "American Patriot" to Expose Nashville's Abuse of Authority

After a great success with An Inconsistent Truth, the movie critiquing climate change and featuring Phil Valentine, Director Shayne Edwards has a new project, a movie to be called "American Patriot". 

It will be the story about Syed A Bokhari and his journey from a small town in Pakistan to the United States and ultimately the fight for his American rights, taking place right here in Nashville, Tennessee. This movie will expose how Nashville Government worked to put Metro Livery out of business. Soon, you will see the true story of abuse of authority and the misuse of public power for private gain. 

Updates will follow as more is known. 

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Haynes Decision Not to Run, Good News for Dickerson.

The announcement by Senator Haynes that he will not seek reelection is very good news for Steve Dickerson.

Steve Dickerson

In 2010, Steve Dickerson ran against incumbent Democrat Senator Doug Henry in District 21 and garnered 20,696 votes to Doug Henry's 27,007, That was an impressive record given that Doug Henry is such a beloved figure. I live in District 20 and while I voted for Dickerson, it was hard to do.  I had always voted for Henry and I like Senator Henry. He is a moderate Democrat who loves this State and I think he is a wise man.  Nevertheless, I felt I had to vote for a qualified Republican challenger,  Even a good Democrat is part of the Democrat power structure that advances the agenda of the Democrat Party.

So, while I voted for Dickerson and against Henry, it was not with a lot of enthusiasm. Senator Henry has always had a lot of Republican supporters and I am sure many of them continued to support Senator Henry despite having a qualified Republican in the race. Also, because Henry is so well liked, Steve Dickerson could not run an aggressive campaign. He had to run while being gentle with Senator Henry. Also with Senator Henry being a moderate Democrat it was difficult to draw sharp policy distinctions. Still, Dickerson got 43% of the vote.

The redrawn district lines has put Steve Dickerson in District 20 where he was prepared to run against Senator Haynes who had held that seat since 1985.  Now, that Senator Haynes has withdrawn, Steve Dickerson will not have to face an incumbent. Also, the new District 20 will include more areas that tend to vote Republican making the new District 20 more competitive than in the past.

While I am assuming Steve Dickerson will be the Republican nominee, of course Dickerson could have a challenger for the Republican nomination. Whether the Republican nominee is Dickerson or some other Republican, the decision of Senator Haynes not to seek reelection is good news for the Republican Party. We can expect to see a real battle in District 20.

Steve Dickerson is 47 years old and an anesthesiologist in private practice. To learn more about Steve Dickerson, see this interview I conducted with him in July of 2010 when he was running in the Republican primary seeking the 20th State Senate District nomination. Also visit Steve's website.

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Some Doctors Owe Hundreds Of Thousands In Student Loans - NewsChannel5

Some Doctors Owe Hundreds Of Thousands In Student Loans - NewsChannel5.com

Doctors should not be treated differently than teachers. If they fail to pay their student loans, yank their license!

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Pity the Poor Teachers. They have to Repay their Loans.

Is is not basic that if you borrow money you have to pay it back? How is requiring repayment of a debt "messing" with someone? If you are working as a teacher is there any reason why you should not be repaying your student loans?

According to the Nashville Scene and State Democrats, Republicans are picking on teachers by requiring them to repay their student loans. I think everyone should repay their debts if they are able. If former students are not working they can get deferments of their debt. If they are working then repaying student loans is one of those bills that have to be paid.  I still think teachers should also be good role models.   Deadbeat teachers who won't repay borrowed money are not good role models and should not be teaching. Yank their certificate!

It's Groundhog Day! GOP Messing with Teachers Again 
Posted by Jeff Woods on Thu, Feb 2, 2012, Nashville Scene

Not satisfied with crippling their union and weakening tenure, Republicans running the state House slapped public school teachers again today. This time, Tennessee's big-government conservatives rammed through legislation to yank their certificates to teach if they fail to pay back their student loans.

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Effort to Set up Obamacare Insurance Exchange Abandoned for Now.

The effort to set up an Obamacare "insurance exchange" in Tennessee has been abandoned for now. The bill was withdrawn after the sponsor, Rep. Charles Michael Sargent from Williamson County, received many e-mails, phone calls and personal visits urging him to do so.

As reported by Nashville Public Radio, "Governor Bill Haslam says if Tennessee puts off setting up a health insurance exchange, it could miss a chance for federal money to pay for it. The exchange would be a hub where people and businesses shop for coverage, as required by last year’s healthcare overhaul."

"Last week state Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey floated the idea of delaying a decision until the end of next year, and maybe holding a special session then. That would let lawmakers put off a vote until after the Supreme Court has weighed in on the healthcare overhaul, and after next year’s election."

Some will see putting off the establishment of an insurance exchange until after the November election as a ploy to let Senators avoid the wrath of  voters, however it seems logical to me.  If the Supreme Court does rule against Obamacare, then their is no need to establish an exchange and if they rule it is legal then we need to reluctantly implement it.

I also understand Governor Haslam's concern that grants which are now available to implement the state exchange, may not be available if we delay.  However, the various States should not buckle and implement a program that may very well be unconstitutional. I am with Ron Ramsey on this.   

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To Vote March 6th, you MUST register to vote by 5pm Monday February the 6th!!!!

URGENT!!!

If you are not a registered voter in Tennessee, you MUST register to vote by 5pm Monday February the 6th!!!!

Check your voter status here: https://tnmap.state.tn.us/ voterlookup/

Voter registration form here: http://www.tn.gov/sos/ election/forms/ss-3010.pdf

You can register in person at any Election Commission office (locations here) only: http://tnsos.org/elections/ election_commissions.php

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End the Occupation Now!

Occupy Nashville is not happy with HB 2638/SB 2508, the bill that would end camping on the legislative Plaza and other places not designated as camping sites. 

The have sent a letter to Gov. Bill Haslam saying that if you pass unjust regulations and use force, we will grow stronger. If you pass this bill to evict Occupy Nashville and criminalize our unhoused friends, we will prevail in the courts and on the streets. You may expect actions like these: 1) We will occupy the State Capitol, 2) We will occupy public property (abandoned and in-use), 3) We will reclaim foreclosed homes, and 4) We will occupy the restrooms of all Pilot Travel Centers.

Enough is enough! I think it is time to pass the bill, then see who prevails on the streets. Bring out the dogs, fire hoses and pepper spray as necessary to meet force with greater force. It is time to take back our Legislative Plaza. Bust some heads.

I love the smell of pepper spray in the morning.

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Disgusting on-the-air attack on Charlotte Bergmann

This video will totally disgust you. It shows Memphis radio talk show host Thaddeus Matthews insulting, attacking, interrupting, and cussing and being extremely rude to Republican congressional candidate Charlotte Bergmann on the air. She is called a "token of white folk" and "a figurehead for white folk." She is repeatedly referred to as a "Negro," not that I know what is wrong with that term but it apparently is used as a means to insult her. She is even attacked for the texture of her hair!

Bergman shows grace and dignity and keeps her cool. It takes a lot of guts to be a Black conservative. It appears that any African-American who deviates from Black group-think and dares leave the liberal plantation is automatically labelled an Uncle Tom and a racial traitor.

Part 1 Part 2


I was so disgusted that I sought out her website and made a donation.
Show Charlotte Bergmann some love and go to this website to make a donation.

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Questions about Restrictions on Religious Freedom at Vanderbilt

WZTV FOX 17 :: Newsroom - Top Stories - Questions about Restrictions on Religious Freedom at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University is facing criticism for infringing on its own students' religious freedoms.
      
That's the opinion of students and groups upset with the University's non-discrimination policy.

Tuesday night so many opponents and supporters showed up at a meeting to talk about the policy, Vanderbilt had to turn people away. 

Click the above link to see the Channel 17 news story on this event at Vanderbilt.

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Vanderbilt's War on Religous Liberty

Recently, Vanderbilt University placed five longtime extracurricular religious groups on "provisional status" — jeopardizing their continued role on campus — because these groups required their leaders to share the groups' core religious beliefs. In so doing, the University abandoned its long tradition of religious tolerance, forcing the groups into adopting moral viewpoints contrary to thousands of years of Judeo-Christian teaching. This new policy of religious intolerance is being justified in the name of "diversity." For more information and to take action to restore religious liberty at Vanderbilt, follow this link.

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Restore Religious Freedom at Vanderbilt University

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Get Taxes Done Free at Woodbine

Woodbine Community Organization is once again working with NAFI - Nashville Alliance for Financial Independence and the United Way of Metro Nashville To host VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.

Preparation is FREE to individuals and families who earned less that $49,000 in 2011. Taxes are prepared on a first come first serve basis starting January23 through April 17.
Monday: 9am-1pm and 5pm  - 8pm
Tuesday: 5pm to 8pm
Wednesday: 9am - 1pm and 5pm - 8pm
Thursday: 5pm - 8pm
Friday: 9am to 1pm
Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Sunday: Closed

Please bring the following to the tax site: (1) proof of identity (2) Copies of ALL W-2, 1089, 1099 forms (3) Social Security Card(s) or Individual Tax Identification Number card for ALL individuals listed on Tax return (4) Banking Information (checking and/or savings deposit slip) for direct deposit process (5) If e-filing a joint return, BOTH spouses MUST be present to sign return (6) Amounts/Dates of estimated or other tax payments made, etc. (7) Child care provider Identification Number (8) Amounts of other Income.

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HASLAM ASKS TENNESSEANS TO ‘BELIEVE IN BETTER’

Governor delivers State of the State Address and Unveils Balanced Budget Proposal


NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam tonight delivered his 2012 State of the State address before a joint session of the General Assembly in which he shared his vision for the state and called upon those watching and listening to “believe in better.”


“We can believe in better for how state government serves Tennesseans,” Haslam said.  “We can believe in better when it comes to the education of our children, and we can believe in better when we talk about a stronger, healthier economy for our state.”

During his speech, the governor emphasized the importance of Tennessee job growth, a continued focus on improving education, public safety, a more customer-focused, efficient and effective state government and keeping taxes low.

“Our role in state government is to provide services that Tennesseans aren’t able to get on their own – we build roads, offer higher education options, guard prisoners, help families adopt children, care for the mentally ill, patrol highways, serve veterans and perform hundreds of other services,” Haslam said.  “My job as governor is to make sure we are providing those services in a customer-focused and effective way.”

Haslam also outlined his Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget proposal, which reflects his priorities and includes strategic investments, necessary reductions and savings for the future. 
Highlights of the budget include:

• Restoration of more than $100 million of the $160 million “core services” funding that was designated two years ago to be cut such as:

• The Coordinated School Health program;
• Extended teacher contracts;
• Alcohol and abuse treatment programs;
• Juvenile justice grants;
• Diabetes prevention;
• And matching dollars for state employee 401k programs.

• Full funding for the Basic Education Program.
• Nearly $264 million to fund long-deferred capital outlay projects in higher education including:
  •  A new science building at Middle Tennessee State University;
  • A science lab at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville;
  • A new patient diagnostic center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis;
  • And planning money for new buildings at Nashville State Community College, Northeast State Community College, the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga.
• A 2.5 percent pay increase for state employees.

• $50 million to the Rainy Day Fund bringing it up to $356 million.

• A continued commitment to the West Tennessee Megasite with $25 million.

• More than $23 million to fund a new veterans home in Bradley County.

The budget also includes funding for the governor’s legislative proposals announced earlier in the month that include:

• Tougher sentences for certain gang-related crimes and for gun possession by those with prior violent felony convictions along with mandatory incarceration for repeat domestic violence offenders;

• Raising the exemption level on the estate tax in Tennessee from $1 million to $1.25 million to lower the tax burden on family farmers and family business owners;

• And lowering the state portion of the sales tax on food from 5.5 percent to 5.3 percent with the goal of lowering it to 5 percent during the next three years.

Not mentioned in the Governor's address but worthy of noting is that he did not propose a raid on  the Land Conservation Trust Fund funding which is derived from a portion of the real estate transfer tax and is designated for purchase of park lands and critical habitats and natural treasures. Environmentalist and lovers of Tennessee's great outdoors are relieved. Despite this funding source being designated for a particular purpose, from time to time these funds have been diverted to the general fund. 

Lieutenant Ron Ramsey said of the speech, "It is so refreshing to sit in the chamber and listen to a State of the State address given by a Republican governor who shares my fundamental views on government. Gov. Haslam has laid out an agenda that will give the people of Tennessee exactly what they have asked for -- more jobs, less spending and smaller government. It is a continuing honor to be his partner in giving Tennesseans the efficient, responsive government they deserve."

The complete text of the governor’s speech and an archived video of his speech are available at www.tn.gov/StateoftheState.

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Update: Conservative Fusion Book Club Meeting Delayed

The meeting of the Conservative Fusion Book Club that was originally scheduled for tonight at my home has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 7:00 PM.

Tonight is the Florida primary and several people who would normally attend wanted to watch the primary returns and live commentary. Also, there were conflicts for the next couple weeks also so the meeting is being put off until February 15. That means that if you think you would like to attend, there is still time to order and read the book.


You are invited to join other conservatives and libertarians is civil discussion of serious books and an occasional debate.   Conservative Fusion meets once a month, meeting  in the home of one of the group members. The organizer and leader of this group is Gene Wisdom. The next meeting will be a discussion of The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945 by George Nash. This is the definitive study on the development of the movement, with its various strands. It is truly the starting point in understanding the ideas and figures in modern conservatism. The book can be found, at a really great prices at Amazon. Unfortunately, I got the only copy out of the public library. 

Previous meeting have discussed the books Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg,  In Defense of Freedom by Frank S. Meyer, The Road to Serfdom by F. A. Hayek, and Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt. Come share a glass of wine, a snack, a little socializing and and hour and a half of vigorous discussion. Visit the meetup site Conservative Fusion.

While the Meetup site list 30 members, there are about 7 regulars and a couple more people who have attended a time or two.  Once we get a solid core of a dozen or so people who attend regularly this group will be closed to new members. Read some great books and join the discussion.

Future books include:

Ideas Have Consequences (by Richard M. Weaver) 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 7:00 PM

One of the mega-influences of the early post-war conservative movement, Weaver's book was considered by Frank Meyer (who developed the idea of the fusion of conservatism's strands) as "the fons et origo (source and origin) of the contemporary American conservative movement." As such, I don't know why it sat in my library unread for so many years! Powerful in its arguments, it set the tone for much of the development of conservative thinking. Its subject is "the dissolution of the West". I hope you'll find time to read it soon. You can find it at http://www.amazon.com/Ideas-Have-Consequenc.... 

The Law (by Frederic Bastiat)

A firm statement against the expropriation power--and nature--of government, The Law is one of the classics that I believe can unite the libertarian and traditionalist wings of the conservative movement. There are at least three editions I find at Amazon. A short but powerful read.

Our Enemy the State, by Albert Jay Nock

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In Case You Missed It: Ron Paul Wins Tennessee Presidential Straw Poll

In Case You Missed It: Ron Paul Wins Tennessee Presidential Straw Poll

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It's our party.

The following essay is from a prominent local well-known Republican activist who has asked to remain anonymous. Rod    

by Anonymous

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a local blogger asking me to write an article. The request seemed simple enough; who did I plan to support in the 2012 GOP Presidential Primary in Tennessee? I had planned to write about how the remaining four candidates would all be a marked improvement over President Obama, but now I know I cannot do that. If I do, I will quickly be branded a RINO, the dreaded moniker assigned all Republicans that don't conform to the most strict of conservative mantras.

Over the past eight months I have supported different candidates for President. Each candidate is different in many ways. The only thing that matters to me at the end of the day is whether they can defeat an incumbent president. That's it. 

Yes, I care if they supported abortion at any point in their lives. Yes, of course I care if they didn't support a strong military in years past. I care that they support reasonable tax reform, and I want the candidates to consider many other reforms as well. I care about debt, spending, foreign affairs. I care about all of those things. 

So what should conservatives care about most? Debt or Spending? Abortion or Capital Punishment? Foreign Affairs or Homeland Security? Any conservative planting their flag into any single issue is missing the point. Our biggest concern is President Obama; a known quantity who also happens to be a worse option for President than any of the remaining GOP candidates (my opinion, of course). Conservatives need to unite behind whomever wins the nomination. Period. End of discussion. RINO or not. Doesn't matter. Maintaining control of the house as well as winning back a majority in the Senate would make for a very happy two-year period, pending any 9/11-like event. 

I've been hearing and seeing an incredible amount of angst in the Republican party in Nashville. It is utter foolishness. I may be a RINO because I believe that if we can elect someone more conservative than the liberals want to elect, it constitutes a minor victory. I'm a RINO because I like that Senator Corker and Senator Alexander aren't afraid to engage in open compromise on Capitol Hill. I also support Rep. DesJarlais and his absolutist policy stances. I support Rep. Blackburn, despite her initial support of SOPA/PIPA. Yes, Republican legislators may not always vote the way I want, but it's better than a democrat. Every single time, it is better. 

If you want to make a valid case as to why your preferred candidate is best, do it. But be civil. Leave the name-calling for another purpose. Talk of "kicking people out of the party" is ridiculous and should cease immediately. Its a non-starter for young Americans looking to engage in the political discourse. What could possibly be less inviting than knowing if you disagree on some issues that the perceived powers that be would excommunicate you? 

Trust me, it's no one's party to dominate. It's our party. As much as you may want to, you can't take the ball home with you when you get frustrated. That's the beauty of a social society and social political parties. 

As conservatives, we have a mandate: elect someone that will help restore and preserve the fabric of America. If we are too fractured to understand the need for every possible vote to accomplish this, then we have already lost. Romney, Santorum, Paul or Gingrich, I don't care. I know the vote I cast on March 6th matters less than the vote we will all cast on or before November 6th. 

If you don't see it the same way, then we've already lost in November.

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DCRP Chairman Releases Statement on Resolution Urging County Clerk to Resign

Nashville, TN — Davidson County Republican Party Chairman Kathleen Starnes today issued the following statement in response to a resolution by Metro Councilman Robert Duvall, urging the resignation of Davidson County Clerk, John Arriola.

 “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Davidson County Republican Party, and the citizens of Nashville, I support the proposed immediate resignation of John Arriola from his post as County Clerk. Even the appearance of the misuse of public office for private gain is something we cannot tolerate. In the case of Mr. Arriola, the District Attorney has been quoted that there are activities that do appear ‘potentially criminal’ and D.A. Torry Johnson has asked the TBI to investigate. It is in the best interests of the office of the County Clerk for Mr. Arriola to step down and I urge the members of the Metro Council to support this resolution.”

For more on the Davidson County Republican Party, visit www.davidsoncountygop.org

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Tennessee Republican Assembly Endorses Santorum After Paul Landslide In Straw Poll

Reposted from Daily Paul, Submitted by everlasticity on Sun, 01/29/2012 - 08:25

Here is the news through facebook, from Combat Veterans for Ron Paul:

Combat Veterans for Ron Paul
URGENT UPDATE:
Local news stations in Nashville tonight reported that the TRA had their straw poll (with no mention of vote tallies, percentages, or any numbers), and that THE TRA IS ENDORSING RICK SANTORUM. After the landslide victory Tennessee delivered for Ron Paul today, the TRA should refund the voters money and publicly apologize for ignoring the straw poll results and adding insult to injury by trying to use all the Ron Paul voters money to endorse Rick Santorum. The Republican establishment obviously doesn't want to embrace what could be the future of the party. Instead, they insist on pushing us out of the process and/or resorting to corrupt tactics to blackout the Ron Paul groundswell. Research this story! The Republican establishment doesn't care what the voters think!
EDIT: here is the link to TNRA contact
http://tnra.org/Contact-Us.html

My Comment: I don't blame the the Ron Paul supporters for being mad. It was duplicitous of  TRA to have a straw poll and then issue an endorsement for a candidate other than the winner of the straw poll. This is highly unusual. I don't know that I have ever seen this done before. Last year when Ron Paul won the CPAC endorsement, we knew Ron Paul may not have not been the favorite of most regular CPAC members, but the Paul supporters organized and went to the convention and paid their fees and won the straw poll. If an organization fears the outcome of a straw poll, don't have it. If you have a straw poll then don't issue an endorsement for a different candidate. Play fair. TRA just used the Paul supports.

I like that the above writer called TRA "the Republican establishment." To be against "the Republican Establishment" seems to be TRA's only reason to exist. Now, someone considers TRA "the Republican establishment." He should have also called them "RINOs."

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"Occupy" Scumbags Burn Flag

Photo credit: AP Photo | Occupy Oakland protestors burn an American flag found inside Oakland City Hall during an Occupy Oakland protest on the steps of City Hall. (Jan. 28, 2012)

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