Fröhliche Weihnachten!

That's "Merry Christmas" in German. Fox 29 in Philadelphia reports that, in a triumph of common sense over "political correctness", Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter reversed a decision that would have forced the organizers of a German "Christmas Village" on city property to rename itself "Holiday Village" in an attempt to make it "more inclusive."

Anyone who knows anything about German culture knows that renaming Christmas to anything else in that context would make no sense whatsoever.

However, let's call it the way it is: "political correctness" when related to Christmas is simply an attempt to suppress freedom of cultural (let alone religious) expression for Christians. Philadelphia Managing Director Rich Negrin inadvertently acknowledged as much when he defended a related decision on Tuesday:

"This is not about taking Christmas out of the holiday. It's about being more inclusive," Negrin said. He went to add, "I am a preacher's kid. I love Christmas. This is not about political correctness or trying to say something negative about Christmas."

In an interesting side note, Negrin defended the city's decision to light its annual Tree on Thursday. (The city calls the tree a Holiday Tree and not a Christmas Tree.) The tree is OK, Negrin said, because it's "not a discreet* religious symbol. It's a pagan symbol."

Uh-huh. Point proven.

* The writer probably intended to use the word discrete.

Need more evidence that the feds are out of control?

Then check this out, from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Seems that some anti-war activists (including historically peaceful Quakers) and Tea Partiers had rallies that aroused the suspicion of the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response, a federally-funded organization advising agencies in Pennsylvania of possible terrorist threats.

And oh, yes, participating in public hearings will get you on their radar screen as well:

The reports ignited controversy earlier this week when opponents of Marcellus gas drilling learned that gas companies had received the "Pennsylvania Intelligence Bulletin" listing their planned participation in public hearings as part of a warning about potential terrorist threats to public infrastructure.

The Tea Party rallies were suspect because they "might attract white nationalists."

The bulletins alarmed Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell enough that he announced that the Institute's $103,000 contract will not be renewed in October. The State Senate is planning an investigation.

This is where our ultra-security psychology has taken us. Now, it is not enough to watch for crime being committed so the perpetrator can be brought to justice; we have to assume that some people are criminals because they hold certain political opinions.

Does anyone besides me have a problem with this? Courts can judge actions -- only God can judge what is in our hearts. But when government gets too much power, it wants to play God.

Virtual buckeye to Rebellion for the article and the graphic.

State Sovereignty Resolution Update - 3/23

Sam Rohrer's resolution was officially introduced in the Pennsylvania House today, and is numbered HR 95, as previously reported. In the Pennsylvania Senate, Mike Folmer (R) introduced a resolution Mar. 19 modeled on Oklahoma's as SR 51.

In Nevada, Pete Goicoechea (R) introduced AJR 15 in the Assembly Mar. 16, modeled on Oklahoma's.

The Michigan State Senate received SCR4, introduced by Bruce Patterson (R). This resolution is unique and quite brief. While it contains elements of Oklahoma's, it contains this interesting statement:

"Whereas, All government agencies and their agents and employees operating within the geographic boundaries of the state of Michigan, or whose actions have an effect on the inhabitants, lands, or water of Michigan, shall operate within the confines of the original intent of the Constitution of the United States or be subject to penalty of law as provided for now or in the future within the Constitution of the state of Michigan, the Michigan statutes, or the common law."

Now this is language even a Buckeye can love!

State Sovereignty Resolution Update - 3/17

Two States that had introduced resolutions in their House of Representatives have also introduced similar resolutions in their Senate:

Arizona SCR1038 was introduced Feb. 2 by Sen. Randy Gould (R). It is identical to their House Resolution (HCR2024).

Texas SCR39 was introduced Mar. 4 by Sen. Glenn Hegar (R). While generally modeled on Oklahoma's, it has some interesting features, unique to this resolution:

In the clause that states that "Congress may not simply commandeer the legislative functions of the States", in addition to the New York v. United States case (1992) cited in the other resolutions, the Texas Senate has added Printz v. United States, 521 US 898 (1997).

It also includes quotations from both Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton(!) in support of limiting the role of the Federal government; and reinforces the right of individuals to bear arms.

According to the John Birch Society's Tenth Amendment Movement site, Sen. Sam Rohrer's resolution in Pennsylvania has been introduced and numbered HR95, but I am unable to confirm it on the Pennsylvania General Assembly website.

State Sovereignty Resolution Update - 3/14

Greg Campbell (R) has introduced HJR 298 to the Alabama House of Representatives. The text is not yet available, but the summary suggests that it is modeled on Oklahoma.

In Pennsylvania, a rally is scheduled in support of their State sovereignty resolution at noon on Monday, Mar. 16 in the State Capitol rotunda in Harrisburg. I imagine that will be when Rep. Sam Rohrer finally introduces it in their House.

I would also like to give a fond farewell to the blog mrstep.com, one of my best sources of new information, which is ending for the blogger's personal reasons. And I had so hoped to see Ohio in green (resolution introduced) on his pretty map! Other sources for this information are the Tenth Amendment Center, Google Alerts, and an occasional e-mail.

State Sovereignty Resolution Update 2/20

Tennessee: On Wednesday, State Rep. Susan Lynn (R-Mt. Juliet) introduced HJR 108, modeled on Oklahoma's.

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State Rep. Samuel Rohrer (R-Berks County) has announced plans to introduce a similar resolution to the Pennsylvania House.

New Hampshire: Despite that "inexpedient to legislate" tag, New Hampshire's HCR0006 is not dead yet. Several blogs (including the New Hampshire Campaign4Liberty) have announced a rally at the State House in Concord March 4, 8-9 am in support of the resolution.

One Ohio legislative staffer has indicated that there is movement here in Columbus to introduce an Oklahoma-style resolution here. The staffer indicated that the New Hampshire resolution was read, but was "too flowery." (More like it, the resolution was too scary -- it contains a secession trigger).