Conservative Leaders and Ron Paul Launch Effort to Rollback Presidential Abuse of Power

PRNewswire-USNewswire ^ | March 21, 2008 | The Liberty Coalition

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Conservatives Launch Effort to Rollback Presidential Abuse of Power

Conservative Leaders and Presidential Candidate Ron Paul pledge to restore checks and balances

WASHINGTON, March 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Liberty Coalition, a transpartisan public policy group dedicated to preserving the Bill of Rights, personal autonomy and individual privacy, applauds yesterday's launch of the American Freedom Agenda (AFA). A cooperative effort of deeply respected conservative leaders Bruce Fein, Bob Barr, David Keene and Richard Viguery, AFA's mission is to enact legislation that restores "the Constitution's checks and balances" and makes the subject "a staple of political campaigns and of foremost concern to Members of Congress and to voters and educators."

Fein, a constitutional scholar and former Associate Deputy Attorney General under President Reagan, was joined at the launch of the AFA by David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union, the nation's oldest and largest grassroots conservative lobbying organization; Richard Viguerie, a writer and political activist who is considered one of the main architects of the conservative grassroots movement over the past quarter century; and Bob Barr, a former Member of Congress who served as an impeachment manager of President Clinton. (http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=22563)

At an event at the National Press Club, AFA unveiled a ten point agenda to roll back an accumulation of presidential and executive power that they argue has come at the expense of the legislative and judiciary branches of government. While Presidents have consistently overstepped their constitutional authority since the beginning of the 20th century, AFA asserts that abuse of executive power has exploded since 9/11. In the coming days, AFA will release draft legislation to:

• End the use of military commissions to prosecute crimes.
• Prohibit the use of secret evidence or evidence obtained by torture.
• Prohibit the detention of American citizens as enemy combatants without proof.
• Restore habeas corpus for alleged alien combatants.
• End National Security Agency warrentless wiretapping.
• Empower Congress to challenge presidential signing statements.
• Bar executive use of the state secret privilege to deny justice.
• Prohibit the President from collaborating with foreign governments to kidnap, detain of torture persons abroad.
• Amend the Espionage Act to permit journalists to report on classified national security matters without threat of persecution.
• Prohibit of the labeling of groups or individuals in the U.S. as global terrorists based on secret evidence.

"The Founding Fathers constructed a system of Constitutional checks and balances to guard against abusive government power. Those safeguards have been dangerously compromised, and without bold action, liberty is in grave danger," said Liberty Coalition National Director Michael Ostrolenk. "I commend the American Freedom Agenda for their efforts and urge Congress to pursue their agenda."

AFA will also offer a Presidential Pledge to all 2008 hopefuls. By signing the pledge, candidates commit themselves to implement the ten point plan if elected. Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) attended the kick-off event and became the first candidate to sign the American Freedom Agenda Pledge.

"By signing the American Freedom Agenda Pledge, Ron Paul has once again demonstrated his exceptional commitment to freedom and the Constitution," continued Ostrolenk. "All presidential candidates who care about liberty should sign the AFA Pledge."

Information in this document should not be taken as an endorsement by any partner organization unless explicitly stated as such.

SOURCE Liberty Coalition

Related links:
http://www.libertycoalition.net

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

RON PAUL is the RIGHT Candidate for Pro-Life social conservatives.

• Ron Paul introduced the Sanctity of Life Act of 2005, recognizing the Personhood of every unborn baby and removing Abortion from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
• Ron Paul is rated ZERO percent by the National Abortion Rights Action League.
• Ron Paul is an original co-sponsor of the Marriage Protection Act.
• Ron Paul voted to ban Homosexual adoption in Washington DC.

RON PAUL is the RIGHT Candidate for Tax-Cutting fiscal conservatives.

• Ron Paul is ranked by Human Events as the biggest Tax Cutter in all of Congress. Paul Named #1 Tax Cutter in Congress: “(Paul) is a co-sponsor… of a constitutional amendment to repeal the 16th amendment and end income, gift, and estate taxes. Regularly pushes for tax cuts. Sponsor of bills to allow tax credits for private school tuition, to permit tax deduction of college tuition, and to stop all taxation of Social Security benefits. Opposes all unconstitutional spending programs.”
• Ron Paul has ranked in the 99th percentile of the National Taxpayer Union ratings every year he has been in Congress -- thus standing head and shoulders above his big government Republican rivals like gun-grabber John McCain, transvestite Rudy Giuliani, "Amnesty Sam" Brownback, Mike "Bill Clinton embodies the American Dream" Huckabee, and Pork-Barrel King Duncan Hunter.

RON PAUL is the ONLY 100% Anti-Terrorist candidate.

• The ruling government of Iraq is dominated by the psychopathic gang of murderers known as the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) and the Islamic Al Dawa Party, who are the very same Islamic Terrorist Parties which bombed the US & French Embassies in Kuwait, and murdered 241 United States Marines in Beirut in 1983. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, of the Al Dawa Party, was the Bureau Chief of the Al Dawa Party's terrorist "Jihad Office" in Damascus in the 1980s and was thus heavily responsible for Al Dawa operations in Beirut, while parliament member Jamal Jafaar Mohammed of his ruling coalition is one of the "Kuwait 17", still under a Kuwaiti death sentence (in absentia) for his direct involvement in the vicious attack on the US Embassy in Kuwait! Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate calling for an immediate END to all Military and Financial support for the criminal Islamic Terrorist thug-regime of Iraq.

RON PAUL is the RIGHT Candidate for National Defense and Foreign Affairs.

• Ron Paul voted for the National Missile Defense Act. (source)
• Ron Paul is one of only two co-sponsors of H. Res. 123, for the establishment of a Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs to "conduct a full investigation of all unresolved matters relating to any United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam era, the Korean conflict, World War II, Cold War Missions, or Gulf War, including MIA's and POW's." (POW-MIA InterNetwork)
• Ron Paul supports a strengthened Coast Guard and increased port security, and increased benefits for veterans.
• Ron Paul advocates United States withdrawal from the United Nations and withdrawal from the World Trade Organization. Says Ron Paul: "We don’t need CAFTA or any other international agreement to reap the economic benefits promised by CAFTA supporters, we only need to change our own harmful economic and tax policies. Let the rest of the world hurt their citizens with tariffs; if we simply reduce tariffs and taxes at home, we will attract capital and see our economy flourish." (source).
• "Ron Paul is one of the outstanding leaders fighting for a stronger national defense. As a former Air Force officer, he knows well the needs of our armed forces, and he always puts them first. We need to keep him fighting for our country." --U.S. President Ronald Reagan

RON PAUL is the RIGHT Candidate for the Bill of Rights.

• "Congress Unanimously Supports Paul Amendment to Protect Civil Liberties"
• Ron Paul is one of only five Congressman to have an A+ Rating from the Gun Owners of America.
• Ron Paul Denounces National ID Card.

RON PAUL is the RIGHT Candidate on Illegal Immigration.

• Ron Paul voted for the Secure Fence Act of 2006. “Amnesty for lawbreakers is not the answer, and it’s time to rethink birthright citizenship,” Paul added. ("Paul Votes for Stronger Border Security")
• Ron Paul is a co-sponsor of HR 487, which "expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should not engage in the construction of a NAFTA superhighway or enter into any plans to create a North American Union between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico."
• "We need to allocate far more resources, both in terms of money and manpower, to securing our borders and coastlines here at home. This is the most critical task before us, both in terms of immigration problems and the threat of foreign terrorists. Unless and until we secure our borders, illegal immigration and the problems associated with it will only increase." – Ron Paul (source)

RON PAUL is the ONLY socially-conservative Candidate defending the independence of the Christian Church against Federal "Faith-Based Socialism".

• "Government funding of religious organizations will transform them into adjuncts of the federal welfare state, more concerned about obeying federal rules and regulations than fulfilling the obligations of their faith." – Ron Paul (source). Every other so-called "social conservative" candidate actually FAVORS this underhanded Orwellian Federal assault on the Freedom of the Christian Church.

"I got to know President Reagan in 1976 when, as a freshman congressman, I was one of only four members of that body to endorse then-Governor Reagan’s primary challenge to President Gerald Ford. I had the privilege of serving as the leader of President Reagan’s Texas delegation at the Republican convention of 1976, where Ronald Reagan almost defeated an incumbent president for his party’s nomination. I was one of the millions attracted to Ronald Reagan by his strong support for limited government and the free-market. I felt affinity for a politician who based his conservative philosophy on '...a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom.' I wish more of today’s conservative leaders based their philosophy on a desire for less government and more freedom." – Ron Paul, Remembering Ronald Reagan

In 2008, I'm voting for the REAGAN REPUBLICAN. I'm voting for former Vietnam Combat Flight Surgeon, and Leader of Ronald Reagan's Electoral Delegation from Texas: In 2008, I'm Voting for RON PAUL!

"The greatest champion of conservative principles we have seen in Congress in the past quarter century."
(David T. Pyne, Esq., Vice President of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies.)

---

Please Ping or FReepMail me to be added to the rapidly growing Great Ron Paul Ping List (GRPPL)

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

GRPPL Ping!

[HoundsTooth_BP]

This is man that America needs to be president. But the powers that be will never allow him to get to first base IMO.

[PhilipFreneau]

>>>"End the use of military commissions to prosecute crimes."
"Prohibit the use of secret evidence or evidence obtained by torture."
"Restore habeas corpus for alleged alien combatants."
"End National Security Agency warrentless wiretapping."
"Prohibit the President from collaborating with foreign governments to kidnap, detain of torture persons abroad."
"Amend the Espionage Act to permit journalists to report on classified national security matters without threat of persecution."
"Prohibit of the labeling of groups or individuals in the U.S. as global terrorists based on secret evidence."<<<

Why not another line that will guarantee a copy of all battle plans to our enemies? The so-called Liberty Coalition is certifiably nuts!

[YellowRoseofTx]

I was wondering about that too. The rest of his record looks excellent, but this makes a sharp turn to the far left.

[TexasCajun]

End the use of military commissions to prosecute crimes.
Prohibit the use of secret evidence or evidence obtained by torture.
Prohibit the detention of American citizens as enemy combatants without proof.
Restore habeas corpus for alleged alien combatants.
End National Security Agency warrentless wiretapping. Empower Congress to challenge presidential signing statements.
Bar executive use of the state secret privilege to deny justice.
Prohibit the President from collaborating with foreign governments to kidnap, detain of torture persons abroad. Amend the Espionage Act to permit journalists to report on classified national security matters without threat of persecution.
Prohibit of the labeling of groups or individuals in the U.S. as global terrorists based on secret evidence.

These sound like liberal democrat talking points to me and NOT supportive of The President's War On Terror!

[The_Victor]

End the use of military commissions to prosecute crimes. Prohibit the use of secret evidence or evidence obtained by torture.
Prohibit the detention of American citizens as enemy combatants without proof.
Restore habeas corpus for alleged alien combatants. End National Security Agency warrentless wiretapping. Empower Congress to challenge presidential signing statements.
Bar executive use of the state secret privilege to deny justice.
Prohibit the President from collaborating with foreign governments to kidnap, detain of torture persons abroad.
Amend the Espionage Act to permit journalists to report on classified national security matters without threat of persecution.
Prohibit of the labeling of groups or individuals in the U.S. as global terrorists based on secret evidence.

So Dr. Paul is joining the Al Qaeda Protection League is he?

[WhiteGuy]

AFA's mission is to enact legislation that restores "the Constitution's checks and balances" and makes the subject "a staple of political campaigns and of foremost concern to Members of Congress and to voters and educators."


Outstanding!

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

These sound like liberal democrat talking points to me

Um... do you think David Keene, of the American Freedom Agenda, is a "liberal democrat"?

He's only the Chairman of the American Conservative Union, and all...

[DB]

He's no "Reagan" Republican. Reagan would be insulted.

Ron Paul is a fool with no chance whatsoever of being President.

OrthodoxPresbyterian, you use to go by a different name here did you not?

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Do you think David Keene, of the American Freedom Agenda, is a member of the "the Al Qaeda Protection League"?

He's the Chairman of the American Conservative Union.

[traderrob6]

'Um... do you think David Keene, of the American Freedom Agenda, is a "liberal democrat"?'

No but as the previous poster stated they sound like they're straight out of the Democrat handbook.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

He's no "Reagan" Republican. Reagan would be insulted.

You are LYING. If Ronald Reagan would be "insulted" by Ron Paul, then why did Ronald Reagan select Ron Paul as the Leader of his Electoral Delegation from Texas? Hmmm?

OrthodoxPresbyterian, you use to go by a different name here did you not?

Still could, if I so desired. My prior account was never Banned; it's still active. Jim Rob lets me keep it as a "legacy" account, I guess, since I've got a fairly low "member number" reflecting my early membership in FR.

But, this is my primary account, yes.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

No but as the previous poster stated they sound like they're straight out of the Democrat handbook.

Sorry, this is a concerted Constitutionalist effort by some of the finest and most respected leaders of the Conservative movement. I doubt they even care what's in the "democrat handbook", if anything.

[The_Victor]

Do you think David Keene, of the American Freedom Agenda, is a member of the "the Al Qaeda Protection League"?

He's the Chairman of the American Conservative Union.

If he endorses the above, then yes, he's a member too.

[ohioman]

Ron Paul is as popular as a turd in the punchbowl. However, I will concede that he may get more votes than Mickey Mouse.

If you are against the war you are against the troops Mr. Paul.

[TexasCajun]

what gives me hope in reading this website and watching the presser today is that these conservatives appear to want what WE want! a restoral of habeus corpus, restoration of our bill of rights, checks and balances in government, war by following the CONSTITUTION instead of executive whim, AND oversight and balance between the branches of government!

From the rabid moonbats at Daily Kos

[TexasCajun]

Fixed Kos Link

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

So now -- You're claiming that the Chairman of the American Conservative Union is an Al Queda sympathizer.

That's just downright wacky.

[VRWCmember]

I'm having a bit of difficulty reconciling the claim that "RON PAUL is the ONLY 100% Anti-Terrorist candidate" with these two terrorist wish-list items from his agenda:

* End National Security Agency warrentless wiretapping.
* Amend the Espionage Act to permit journalists to report on classified national security matters without threat of persecution. (not to mention the inflammatory characterization of "prosecution" as "persecution")

[Leatherneck_MT]

Other than allowing Reporters (99% who are dedicated to the destruction of this country) to print and publish Classified Military information without prosecution, he definately is more to my liking than Rudy, Romney and Mclame.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

a restoral of habeus corpus, restoration of our bill of rights, checks and balances in government, war by following the CONSTITUTION instead of executive whim, AND oversight and balance between the branches of government!

OK, I've read your list -- and I must ask you: What, exactly, is wrong with any of those things?

[KDD]

The Republicans who are screaming for all these new big government powers under Homeland Security and the Patriot Act are not thinking of a Hillary Clinton or some other politician they have yet to fear will assume these powers.

[DB]

Ron Paul isn't the man he was back then. He's changed substantially over the years.

As far as lying - what a stupid statement.

I'm expressing an opinion - and I believe it - so it isn't "lying"...

And what was your previous user name?

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

his agenda: * End National Security Agency warrentless wiretapping. * Amend the Espionage Act to permit journalists to report on classified national security matters without threat of persecution. (not to mention the inflammatory characterization of "prosecution" as "persecution")

Actually, Ron Paul didn't write this "agenda", he was just the first Candidate to sign on.

The "agenda" was written by, among others, the Chairman of the American Conservative Union.

[kidd]

Ron Paul loses my support on his Iraq position.

There are better candidates.

[P-Marlowe]

I thought you were smarter than that.

[geo40xyz]

Right, your list of six items are prime examples of why, after taking a second look at Ron Paul as a leader, I would not support him. National Defense is the only reason we need or WANT a Federal Government.

He did vote with the democRATs against the Iraq war which blows away any other reasons to support him.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Other than allowing Reporters (99% who are dedicated to the destruction of this country) to print and publish Classified Military information without prosecution,

I think the idea is to allow for legitimate "whistleblowing", not printing up the latest USN Seawolf diagrams in Reader's Digest. I expect that the actual legislation drafted by Mr. Keene and his Conservative compatriots will make that distinction.

he definately is more to my liking than Rudy, Romney and Mclame.

Yes.

[The_Victor]

That's just downright wacky.

This is what's wacky:

End the use of military commissions to prosecute crimes.
Prohibit the use of secret evidence or evidence obtained by torture.
Prohibit the detention of American citizens as enemy combatants without proof.
Restore habeas corpus for alleged alien combatants.
End National Security Agency warrentless wiretapping.
Empower Congress to challenge presidential signing statements.
Bar executive use of the state secret privilege to deny justice.
Prohibit the President from collaborating with foreign governments to kidnap, detain of torture persons abroad. Amend the Espionage Act to permit journalists to report on classified national security matters without threat of persecution.
Prohibit of the labeling of groups or individuals in the U.S. as global terrorists based on secret evidence.

Anyone who endorses this rubbish is working for the defeat of the United States in the War on Terror.

[John D]

That is because he is on the left when it comes to the most important issue of the day. The War on Terror. He is another cut and runner.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

And what was your previous user name?

Why do you wish to know? Just curious.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Anyone who endorses this rubbish is working for the defeat of the United States in the War on Terror.

Riiiiiiight... the Chairman of the American Conservative Union is seeking the defeat of the United States in the War on Terror. Yeah, that's the ticket.

(Wacky!)

[TexasCajun]

Ron Paul and those that think like him want to treat enemy combatants that have declared war on you and me and would love to slit our throats and destroy American like poor misunderstood, impoverished delinquents that should be afforded all the rights and privileges of a US citizen in criminal court of law.

I believe these enemy combatants should be treated as prisoners in the WOT and tortured if need be to extract information that will save American lives.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Right, your list of six items are prime examples of why, after taking a second look at Ron Paul as a leader, I would not support him.

Do you suppose there's any reason why the Chairman of the American Conservative Union (not Ron Paul -- he simply signed on) actually wrote that list of items, amongst others?

Do you think it's possible, just possible, a True Conservative might actually be concerned about overly expanding the Power of the Executive?

[YellowRoseofTx]

He is another cut and runner.

I thought I remembered that about him.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

I believe these enemy combatants should be treated as prisoners in the WOT and tortured if need be to extract information that will save American lives.

Well, you're hardly a Conservative, then. Ending the use of government torture is one of the higher Moral achievements of Christian Civilization.

[The_Victor]

Riiiiiiight... the Chairman of the American Conservative Union is seeking the defeat of the United States in the War on Terror. Yeah, that's the ticket.

(Wacky!)

Step up and argue the point instead of defending someone base on their presumed credentials and making ad-hominim attacks.

Defend this...

End the use of military commissions to prosecute crimes.
Prohibit the use of secret evidence or evidence obtained by torture.
Prohibit the detention of American citizens as enemy combatants without proof.
Restore habeas corpus for alleged alien combatants.
End National Security Agency warrentless wiretapping.
Empower Congress to challenge presidential signing statements.
Bar executive use of the state secret privilege to deny justice.
Prohibit the President from collaborating with foreign governments to kidnap, detain of torture persons abroad. Amend the Espionage Act to permit journalists to report on classified national security matters without threat of persecution.
Prohibit of the labeling of groups or individuals in the U.S. as global terrorists based on secret evidence.

...as apposed to arguing like a four year old.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Defend this... End the use of military commissions to prosecute crimes. Prohibit the use of secret evidence or evidence obtained by torture. Prohibit the detention of American citizens as enemy combatants without proof. Restore habeas corpus for alleged alien combatants. End National Security Agency warrentless wiretapping. Empower Congress to challenge presidential signing statements. Bar executive use of the state secret privilege to deny justice. Prohibit the President from collaborating with foreign governments to kidnap, detain of torture persons abroad. Amend the Espionage Act to permit journalists to report on classified national security matters without threat of persecution. Prohibit of the labeling of groups or individuals in the U.S. as global terrorists based on secret evidence...

Okay.

None of it's authorized in the Constitution.

That's why these fine, nationally-renowned and respected Conservative Movement Leaders are proposing to abolish these abuses.

[geo40xyz]

Hell NO!! In addition, I do not know what 'your' definition of a 'True Conservative' is, nor do I really give a damn.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

What now, Marlowe?

[Wormwood]

Anyone who endorses this rubbish is working for the defeat of the United States in the War on Terror.

It is possible to desire a rollback of Executive power without being anti-American.

James Madison was eerily prescient on that point:

If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Do you think it's possible, just possible, a True Conservative might actually be concerned about overly expanding the Power of the Executive? ~~ Hell NO!! In addition, I do not know what 'your' definition of a 'True Conservative' is, nor do I really give a damn.

Ahh. So, according to you, a Conservative should NOT be concerned, whatsoever, about overly expanding the Power of the Executive.

So, when shall we get on with Crowning a Dynastic Monarchy to rule over us?

[The_Victor]

Okay.

None of it's authorized in the Constitution.

That's why these fine, nationally-renowned and respected Conservative Movement Leaders are proposing to abolish these abuses.

Okay *bzzzzzt* Incorrect.

Foreigners are not protected by our Constitution.

[VRWCmember]

The "agenda" was written by, among others, the Chairman of the American Conservative Union

Regardless of who wrote it, Ron Paul is credited as a leader of the group rolling it out. The bulletted section of the legislative agenda looks like an Al Qaeda wish-list. This group could score 100% on Pro-Life, Economic, and Bill of Rights issues, but the legislative agenda listed here is a complete surrender, worthy of France, to terrorists and their sympathizers.

[WhiteGuy]

Just ask yourself,

"Do I want hillary to have this kind of power?"

if the answer is no, perhaps you should reconsider your opposition to this initiative.

[willk]

Ron Paul is the right candidate to get Hillary elected!

[Wormwood]

Movement Leaders are proposing to abolish these abuses.

I would go a step further: those who and defend these practices are enabling more long-term harm to this Republic than any of the inhabitants of a dozen secret CIA prison cells.

Terrorists cannot destroy the Constitution---only Americans can.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Okay *bzzzzzt* Incorrect. Foreigners are not protected by our Constitution.

Actually, Foreigners do enjoy certain fundamental rights. You can't walk down the streets shooting Japanese tourists and expect to get away with it, just because they're Foreigners.

Beyond that, much of the list concerns a rollback of domestic excesses, including some concerning US citizens. Didn't you read it?

[VRWCmember]

Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate calling for an immediate END to all Military and Financial support for the criminal Islamic Terrorist thug-regime of Iraq.

As such, he is a vocal ally of the current "insurgency" in Iraq that attacks our troops and the Iraqi civilians there.