Representative Ronald L. Forster

Where Are You?

2005-06-02T08:10:00.000-04:00

I started this Blog with the intent to inform people in my district and the state of Georgia of happenings in the General Assembly. Maintaining this Blog by responding to individual posts (99% of which are outside my district and even Georgia) and by having to remove some uncooth individuals' vulgar comments, seems to not having the value added that I had expected.
I believe this is a good idea and may use it next session (Jan - Apr '06), but for now; I am siging out.

Ron Forster

Federal Taxing Power

2005-05-12T07:48:00.000-04:00

Here is some interesting information that I have read.

Under the Constitution, it seems, Congress DOES NOT have the ability to impose an income tax on incomes derived from purely domestic commerce.
NOTE: The Constitution makes specific statements that gives Congress the power to tax AND the power to regulate interstate commerce (commerce between the states). These are found in Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1 and 3:

"The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States." [Article I, Section 8, Clause 1]

"To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states*, and with the Indian tribes;" [Article I, Section 8, Clause 3]
(*interstate commerce)

The clause that specifically gives Congress the power to tax together with the clause that specifically gives Congress jurisdiction over interstate commerce would give Congress the power to tax incomes that are derived from interstate commerce if not for another specific statement.

The exception where Congress is specifically prohibited from taxing that which it was given the power to regulate is found in Article I, Section 9, Clause 5. Congress is specifically prohibited from taxing exports from any state:

"No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State." [Article I, Section 9, Clause 5]

These are the ONLY sections that address Congress' powers to tax. What is important to recognize is what is missing. Congress is NOT given the power to regulate intrastate commerce (commerce that occurs within the 50 states, from which most incomes are derived). Therefore, the absence of the power to regulate intrastate commerce AND the restriction on taxing exports from the states makes it impossible for Congress to impose a tax on incomes derived from purely domestic commerce (commerce that occurs inside or between the states).

The income tax law is completely consistent with this conclusion. Subchapter N, Section 861 of the federal income tax law (26 USC § 861(b) and 26 CFR § 1.861-8 and following) DOES NOT show that Congress imposed an income tax on incomes derived from purely domestic commerce.

Therefore, by careful examination of the Constitution alone, the reader discovers that the power to impose a broad income tax on the domestically earned incomes of residents of the United States that the public has been “led to believe” Congress possessed does not exist in the Constitution (therefore this power cannot exist in the law). There are two different TYPES of taxes that the Constitution permits Congress to levy - Direct and Indirect.

"Direct" taxes are per capita taxes or taxes on property.
- They must be apportioned.

"Indirect" taxes are taxes imposed upon the "importation, consumption, manufacture, and sale of certain commodities, privileges, particular business transactions, vocations, occupations, and the like" (Flint v. Stone Tracy, 220 U.S. 107 (1911)).
- They must be geographically uniform.

Apportionment means that the tax is divided up among the states according to population (which means that each person pays the same amount of tax).
Geographically uniform means that the tax applies the same regardless of geographical location in the United States (the same in Texas as in Ohio, etc.).

NOTE: The 16TH Amendment DID NOT change these Constitutional limits

House Taxpayer Bill of Rights

2005-05-05T11:53:00.000-04:00

Today House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) appointed State Representative Ron Forster (R-Ringgold) to the House Taxpayer Bill of Rights Study Committee.

The committee will study the conditions, needs, issues, and problems regarding meaningful limits on state government taxing and spending powers as an effective method for accomplishing that citizen tax reduction. The committee was created by the passage of House Resolution 340. The study committee will end its meeting on December 1, 2005.

"I am proud to have the confidence of the Speaker to be selected for this committee. I will do my best in representing the people of Georgia in finding meaningful limits on state government taxing and spending powers", said Representative Forster.

-------------------------
Any suggestions from those of you who have seen examples of excessive taxation and Georgia state government spending?

ALEC

2005-04-26T12:53:00.000-04:00

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is the nation’s largest nonpartisan, individual membership organization of state legislators with over 2,400 legislator members from all fifty states.

Being the State Chair for ALEC, I have had the privilege to travel to conferences and meet other state legislators to discuss current issues. Normally there are three major conferences per year the Task Force Conference, the Annual Meeting and the State and Nation Policy Summit (SNPS).

This year the Task Force meeting will be held in Savannah (this weekend). The Annual Meeting will be in Grapevine Texas, and the SNPS is usually in Washington D.C..

The Conference will have meetings of the following Task Force's:
Civil Justice
Commerce, Insurance & Economic Development
Criminal Justice
Education
Health & Human Services
Natural Resources
Tax & Fiscal Policy
Telecommunications & Information Technology

How it Started - More than a quarter century ago, a small group of state legislators and conservative policy advocates met in Chicago to implement a vision: A bipartisan membership association for conservative state lawmakers who shared a common belief in limited government, free markets, federalism, and individual liberty. Their vision and initiative resulted in the creation of a voluntary membership association for people who believed that the government closest to the people was fundamentally more effective, more just, and a better guarantor of freedom than the distant, bloated federal government in Washington, D.C.

I believe in education. I believe it is continual, that is why I volunteer for this organization to help educate our legislators on the issues, and to remind them of the constitutional principles on which this country was founded, so they (we) can make decisions based on fact and not hype.

Against Meth Labs

2005-04-19T22:45:00.000-04:00

The abuse of methamphetamine (a potent psycho-stimulant) is an extremely serious and growing problem. Although use of methamphetamine initially was limited to a few urban areas in the Southwest, and now rural areas throughout the Southeast are becoming more affected by the drug.

Methamphetamine begins with a normally inactive compound - ephedrine or pseudoephedrine - and other chemicals are added to produce the drug. Over-the-counter cold and asthma medications (containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine), red phosphorous, hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, battery acid, lye, lantern fuel, and antifreeze are among the ingredients most commonly used. These Methamphetamine "labs" create Acute Public Health Consequences.

Fatal kidney and lung disorders, brain damage, liver damage, blood clots, chronic depression, hallucinations, violent and aggressive behavior, malnutrition, disturbed personality development, deficient immune system, and methamphetamine psychosis, a mental disorder that may be paranoid psychosis or may mimic schizophrenia. Know the facts about this horrible drug.

Governor Sonny Perdue today visited the Food Lion Grocery Store in Chickamauga, Georgia to sign House Bill 216. This legislation will help law enforcement combat the manufacture and abuse of methamphetamine by requiring products with pseudoephredine as the sole active ingredient to be sold behind the counter of a retail or pharmacy store. The legislation also establishes reporting procedures for wholesalers and retailers.

Smoking Ban

2005-04-18T08:06:00.000-04:00

The original bill banned smoking everywhere except your home (there was even mention of an amendment so you couldn't smoke in your car if there was a child riding with you). I don't smoke, don't like smoke, but I did not think it was right for the government to remove the right of private business to decide.

An extensive study at UCLA (initially funded by the American Cancer Society) shows no significant correlation between second hand smoke and increased risk of lung cancer or heart disease for adults. However many studies show significant correlation between increased risk of disease in children from environmental smoke.

Polls show that about 70% of people favor a smoking ban. Coincidentally, only about 27% of people smoke. Here in Georgia we passed a smoking ban, but exempted places of business with 10 or less employees, places that don't allow 18yrs old & under, places that have specific ventilation designed to exhaust outside, and the smoking cages at the Atlanta airport. I voted for almost every amendment.

In- & State Laws

2005-04-16T20:45:00.000-04:00

I spent part of the morning Friday at a Hospital in Atlanta. My mother-in-law's mild heart attack turned out to be an "artery spasm". She is OK. Doctor said her arteries were clear - no heart damage - and she was discharged Friday afternoon. Left my wife with her mom & dad and went to the capitol to catch-up on mail and calls until after one [When we are out of session I have to make this >200 mile round trip at least twice a month to clear off my desk. E-mails and phone calls I can handle from my district office].

I then went to a Leadership meeting in Greensboro, GA where we discussed the house rules, legislative processes, and bills that passed last session. Comments were taken for what we did right & wrong. Suggestions were made for how we could improve the process for next session. This leadership meeting (the lunch, dinner and facilities) was not funded by tax dollars but by private funds through a House Political Action Committee.

Week in Work

2005-04-15T07:36:00.000-04:00

This week:
I wrote a recommendation letter for a great student for acceptance into Georgia Military college.
Directed several people to Congressman Deal's office for assistance with Social Security, passports and other matters.
Inquired about an error in a criminal record for a lady trying to get back to work.
Assist several people with insurance matters.
Spoke with licensing boards for processing licenses for constiuents.
Dealt with the Department of Community Health, Secretary of State Office, Commissioner of Revenue, FBI, GBI, Local Sheriffs.
I attended a bill signing with the Governor, a Chamber of Commerce, Association of Health Underwriters, and a Caucus Leadership meeting.

My mother-in-law has had a mild heart attack and I may not post for a few days. Please pray for her.

Have a great weekend. And you non-believers lighten up on me a little.

U.S. Acknowledges God

2005-04-14T07:34:00.000-04:00

[WARNING: to those that were upset by the christian humor posted yesterday. This is fact and may make you cry. If you disagree with the following, just thank God for the freedom you have in the U.S. of A. to have that opinion.]

In my opinion it appears that America's founders did not intend for there to be a separation of God FROM the state, as shown by the fact that all 50 states acknowledge God in their state constitutions:

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution ..

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land ..

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe .

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy ...

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences .

Florida 1845, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty ... establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance . establish this Constitution

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings ..

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government..

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings ... establish this Constitution

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges . establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth of grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy ..

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine .. acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God or our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe...in the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ...

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom ... establish this Constitution

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness .. establish this Constitution ..

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. establish this Constitution

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . establish this Constitution ..

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty ..

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings .

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those..

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common..

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this Constitution ..

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences .

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties . establish this Constitution ..

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution .

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to ... enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ...

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI ... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator . can be directed only by Reason ... and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other...

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution .

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia .. reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God .

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility

Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties ... establish this Constitution.

"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." - William Penn

Openmindness

2005-04-13T12:55:00.000-04:00

Here is a top ten list for those intellectuals who are offended by the mention of the possibility of something greater than themselves. Remember to lighten up, it's just a little humor:

1. You assert that the crimes and failings of some Christians disproves the whole edifice of Christianity, but that the crimes and failings of some atheists should on no account be held against the philosophy of atheism.
2. You assert that there is no absolute categories of good and evil, that all morals are merely personal/social/evolutionary constructs, but then you can still describe Christians and Christianity as immoral, repugnant, and a danger to humanity and not feel even a twinge of hypocrisy at the monumental illogic of your position.
3. You think "lack of evidence is evidence of lack" is a logically robust argument.
4. You get angry when Christians tell you you're going to a place that you don't think exists.
5. You think that by definition an evolutionist is more knowledgeable than a creationist on any subject.
6. You think Christians are narrow-minded for believing in only one religion, but atheists are open-minded for believing in absolutely none.
7. You feel that Christians who go into atheist chat rooms are "shoving their beliefs down people's throats", and that atheists who go into Christian chat rooms are only trying to educate.
8. You demand that theists explain news items where bad things have happened to theists, even though no theists have claimed the idea that God is some kind of a lucky charm that wards off bad luck.
9. You think God was cruel for "killing all of those innocent babies" in the flood, and that Christians are cruel for opposing a woman's right to abort her baby.
10 You dislike how liberal theists try to interpret the Bible for themselves, while you create your own interpretations of the Bible for yourself.

Spring Break

2005-04-10T21:36:00.000-04:00

Ahh the rest and relaxing atmosphere of being on the beach in Panama City Beach FL. Sorry for the delay in response, but I enjoyed your blightful responses where you seemed to be spinning yourself to a tizzy. Intellilectually meaningful, like a masters thesis.
Point 1 - Read the law (pasted below) and not the media's version.
Point 2 - Read about Stalin and compare similarity to (a) the trend in removal of religion from public view and (b) the Hillary comment (in jest?) .

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this Code section, each elector shall present proper identification to a poll worker at or prior to completion of a voteŕs certificate at any polling place and prior to such persońs admission to the enclosed space at such polling place. Proper identification shall consist of any one of the following:

(1) A Georgia driver’s license which was properly issued by the appropriate state agency;
(2) A valid identification card issued by a branch, department, agency, or entity of the State of Georgia, any other state, or the United States authorized by law to issue personal identification, provided that such identification card contains a photograph of the elector;
(3) A valid United States passport;
(4) A valid employee identification card containing a photograph of the elector and issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the United States government, this state, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
(5) A valid United States military identification card;, provided that such identification card contains a photograph of the elector; or
(6) A valid tribal identification card containing a photograph of the elector.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this Code section, if an elector is unable to produce any of the items of identification listed in subsection (a) of this Code section, he or she shall be allowed to vote a provisional ballot pursuant to Code Section 21-2-418 upon swearing or affirming that the elector is the person identified in the electoŕs voter certificate. Such provisional ballot shall only be counted if the registrars are able to verify current and valid identification of the elector as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section within the time period for verifying provisional ballots pursuant to Code Section 21-2-419. Falsely swearing or affirming such statement under oath shall be punishable as a felony, and the penalty shall be distinctly set forth on the face of the statement.

(c) An elector who registered to vote by mail, but did not comply with subsection (c) of Code Section 21-2-220, and who votes for the first time in this state shall present to the poll workers either one of the forms of identification listed in subsection (a) of this Code section or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of such elector. If such elector does not have any of the forms of identification listed in this subsection, such elector may vote a provisional ballot pursuant to Code Section 21-2-418 upon swearing or affirming that the elector is the person identified in the electoŕs voter certificate. Such provisional ballot shall only be counted if the registrars are able to verify current and valid identification of the elector as provided in this subsection within the time period for verifying provisional ballots pursuant to Code Section 21-2-419. Falsely swearing or affirming such statement under oath shall be punishable as a felony, and the penalty shall be distinctly set forth on the face of the statement.

Separation of Church and State?

2005-04-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

Dr. Alan H. Levinson,

I have shown my ID when I went to vote for the last 22yrs. If you think showing your drivers license or other picture ID for verification in order to vote is fanatical "right wing" - I may have to diagnose you with soreloseritist (chronicdemocratus socialistic).

Over 200 years ago, President Thomas Jefferson started a controversey that rages on today. The words "separation of church and state", that are often quoted as part of our "Constitution", really have nothing to do with that founding document. They come from President Jefferson.

But, most liberal politicians (and some moderates) use these words frequently and without ever being challenged about the use of these words. Actually, according to the web site called the "Jeremiah Project", 67% of Americans believe that these words actually exist in our Constitution.

The origin of the words (or term) comes from a letter written by then President Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists (Connecticut) in 1802, in response to their concerns that the new government might impose a state approved and sanctioned religion). Remember here that many left England for that reason, and the Danbury Baptists were still uneasy over that prospect. In his letter of response in Jan. 1802, Thomas Jefferson assured them that there should be a "wall of separation" between church and state. Meaning; that government should stay clear of imposing a state religion (church).

So, to make it clear, Jefferson's words were to protect the church from the state, not the other way around like most liberal politicians would have you believe. In no way did Jefferson infer that the state needed protection from religion, but was stating that he felt a strong need to keep the state from imposing religion. In other words, he knew why many had left England, which was lack of religious freedoms, and he put the Danbury Baptists at ease knowing his feelings were the same as theirs.

This phrase, "separation of church and state" is now used by the likes of the ACLU, and others to take the Ten Commandments, and God in general, out of public buildings, schools, parks, books, city and county logo's, libraries, and on, and on, and on. Who do you fear more - those that want to publicly post words like "Honor your father and your mother"; "You shall not murder"; "You shall not commit adultery"; "You shall not steal"; "You shall not bear false witness (lie)". Or people who say things like Hillary Clinton "We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good."

What's worse is that many of our elected officials are unwittingly helping them with (the ACLU) their dastardly work. Why? Perhaps they are uninformed, although one would think that a Senator or a House Of Representatives member would be educated on this issue, or perhaps they want to see religious symbols removed totally from government. In either case, it's wrong based on the actual foundation and usage of Jefferson's words.

I would suggest that all laws are based on some form of morals or religiousity (real word?). Some times facts are facts whether we agree with them or not. Everyone has an opinion, but in the end - some will be right and some will be wrong.

Safe Elections

2005-03-31T13:03:00.001-05:00

Do you believe that showing a picture ID when you go to vote will "disenfranchise" any voter?? What about bank accounts? Does that disenfranchise account holders?