Austin City Council Draws Your Attention with 1972 Agenda

The City of Austin is holding their Council Meeting at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center this Thursday in an effort to make the meeting more accessible.

I think agenda item #4 will motivate you to pay them a visit ...

Authorize the negotiation and execution of a ten (10) year lease renewal with one (1) option to extend for an additional ten (10) years with PLANNED PARENTHOOD, INC, for the use of a City-owned .35 acre tract of land improved with a 3,720 square foot free standing building located at 1823 E. 7th Street, for the purpose of operating a family planning clinic. The lease revenue is $1 annually.

Yes, you read that right. Since 1972, the City has leased a building at the corner of 7th & Chicon to Planned Parenthood (PP). The rate is $1/year. The building dates from 1940 and maintenance is paid by PP.

In addition to the $1 annual rate for PP, they pay $400 per fetus for "termination services". The City does this to save our society from the cost of un-wanted poor children. They do it with your tax dollars, and also demand that "caution signs" be placed on "non-terminal" family planning service providers. If you don't provide "comprehensive family planning", then the public must be warned about you. Are you catching on to the trend?

Friend, please pay the Austin City Council a visit this Thursday.

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010, 9:55 AM
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center
1165 Angelina St., Austin, Texas

Come Early & Stay Late

Ryan Rush Show for Friday Juneteenth on KLGO

Let's GO! Let's GO! Let's GO! It is time to celebrate Juneteenth in Texas!

The City of Round Rock and "The Voice" have big plans for the weekend. It is time to celebrate "Juneteenth", a uniquely Texas event, that is spreading across the nation. Pamela Cotton, of The Voice in Round Rock will tell us about their big events.

You can join the conversation, as we discuss Juneteenth, Emancipation in Texas, William Wilberforce, the NBA Finals, and church-run day care on the Ryan Rush Show, Friday June 18th. Listen Live on 99.3 FM in Austin, the internet at www.klgo.net, or use the Radiolicious iPhone App. Call in with your comments or questions: (512) 637-9673 (WORD) or (888) 960-9673.

Here are some links to consider:

Juneteenth Celebration Begins Friday
Juneteenth Marks a Milestone in History
About The Voice

Panel refuses to loosen church-run day care rules
God Betrayed

Ryan Rush Show for Friday Feb 5th on KLGO

Ryan Rush Show for Friday Feb 5th on KLGO

Listen Live on the internet at http://www.klgo.net/ or using the Radiolicious iPhone App
Call in with your comments or questions: (512) 637-9673 (WORD) or (888) 960-9673.

Rush Limbaugh Thanks God for Obama failures and MA win

“Not that God had anything to do with it.”

Question: Does God have anything to do with Obama’s success or failure?
Watch Rush Limbaugh on Fox & Friends (interviewed over weekend of 1/30/10)
State of Obama Interview starts at 4:30 >>

“The fact that [Obama’s] agenda has totally failed this year is the best thing that could have happened to this country. I thank God every day; that this thing is going down the tubes; that the Massachusetts election happened; not that God had anything to do with it. That's the person I thank.”

God & the Grid Iron:

Question: Is the US church too consumed by football?

New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange, NJ combines God & Grid Iron brining more men & boys to church

Read Story on WCBS TV >>

Read Story by Baptist Standard

2009 NFL Seanson Highest Viewed in 20 years

Question: Did the slow economy cause an increase in NFL viewership?

Question: Who is your Super Bowl Pick?

This writer is pulling for the New Orleans Saints to Win Super Bowl XLIV. First, there is the Austin connection. Drew Brees is a graduate of West Lake High School. The city of Austin in general is rooting for him. Second, this game is about more than the team or any one star player. It is about the city of New Orleans. The Saints are playing for their city. Their victory is a victory for a city in recovery. Third, and most importantly, the Saints are a balanced team. They have many great players on both sides of the ball. While Bush and Brees certainly stand out, they do not detract from the remainder of the team. We could also talk about Coach Payton, stats, etc …
Suffice it to say, Austin, Texas is generally rooting for the Saints. I’ll take this one chance at joining the “keep Austin weird” crowd.

German Home School Family Gets Asylum in US

Question: Do you support Asylum for German Home School Families?

Question: Are you concerned for students in Public Schools?

Light Dawns for Unborn Poor in Austin

Some time around 1974 the City of Austin began turning out the lights on the unborn poor. Tonight the light shines a bit brighter for them. Most would count tonight a great loss. I count it as the small step toward shining the light on a dark part of Austin in need of more exposure.

This past October we became aware of expiring "termination service" contracts between the Travis County Health District (TCHD) and local Austin abortion providers. Thanks to people like Dina Meyer and Dr. Joe Pojman of Texas Alliance for Life the vote on those contracts was pushed out to November. Additional light and pressure was applied and the decision was put off again. Finally, tonight the board voted.

Large complaints could be lobbied over the stacked deck of cards the TCHD staff dealt out tonight at the public hearing. The deception surrounding this issue is astounding. Rather, let's focus on the positive. Railroad Commissioner, Victor Carrillo, spoke boldly on behalf of the unborn poor. TCHD board member Clarke Heidrick publicly acknowledged the deception associated with the presentation and hearings on the 2004 contract accepted from the City of Austin. He also expressed concerns over the counseling offered by money driven abortion providers. Another member offered an amendment to fund abortion alternatives to the tune of $450,000. Much light as been shed on the situation, and faithful followers of Christ have been awaken to this issue.

The Austin community has come together to fight this battle, and we have only just begun. Texas Alliance for Life, the Catholic Diosese of Austin, the Austin Pregnancy Resource Center, Austin Coalition for Life, Free Market Foundation, the Austin Area Pastor Council and many taxpaying citizens have united to bring an end to "termination services" funded by Travis County property taxes.

Ultimately we know that being born poor is much better than being killed in the womb. Ultimately we know that good triumphs over evil, mercy triumphs over judgement, and life wins out over death. We will persist. We will stay in this battle to give light to the unborn poor. We will remain faithful to the end.

Pray for the unborn poor tonight and tomorrow and in the days and nights following. Pray, talk to others, and attend the TCHD meetings until the full light of dawn shines for the most vulnerable among us ... the unborn poor.

Brent Bullock, Minister

City of Austin Termination Services

I hope that title stirs your imagination. There are all kinds of services provided by the City of Austin. Most of them are legitimate for a civil community. Yet, we’ve recently come to realize that some of the “services” provided by the City of Austin are more like a hit man contract from the City of Corruption, Chicago.

Termination services “required” by the City of Austin were picked up by the Travis County Healthcare District (TCHD) in 2005. We’re talking about pregnancy termination services. We’re talking about abortion; the termination of innocent human life. And we’re talking to the tune of $450,000 per year.

Actual expenses for “termination services” paid by TCHD from Oct 2008 - Sep 2009 were $282,313. While I am grateful it wasn’t $450,000, it does represent over 600 aborted human babies. Travis County had 3,748 abortions and 16,152 live births in 2006.

TCHD is providing free “termination services” to low income women that qualify for the Medical Assistance Program (MAP) or State of Texas Medicaid. Your Travis County property tax payments fund these abhorrent termination services. With the City of Austin contract expiring, we have a great opportunity to terminate taxpayer funded ”termination services”.

Express your viewpoint an the TCHD public hearing on Thursday, Dec 10th.

Related News Stories & Blogs:
Notice: the stories below contain various viewpoints

Property Taxes Funds Abortions

by Fox news Austin, Wednesday, 02 Dec 2009

www.myfoxaustin.com

For the past several years property taxes n Travis County have been funding abortions through the Travis County Health Care District. Some taxpayers, including the Catholic Diocese of Austin, want the practice to stop. Finish reading this story >>

$450,000 Taxpayer Dollars for Abortions & Planned Parenthood in Travis County?

by Free Market Foundation, Wednesday, December 2, 2009

www.FreeMarket.org

Action Item! Update! A vote will come next Thursday, December 10! Call now to stop this! Email us if you can come testify against this proposal next week!

The Travis County Health District will meet next week, Thursday, December 10th to have a public hearing, discuss and vote on $450,000 of taxpayer dollars to pay for abortions. We also have reason to believe that Planned Parenthood will be seeking a portion of this money. Finish reading this story >>

Austin Texas' Travis County to Consider Spending $450K on Abortions at Meeting

by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com Editor, November 30, 2009

www.LifeNews.com

Austin, TX (LifeNews.com) -- Travis County officials in Austin, Texas are set to discuss, at a December 10 meeting, whether or not they will spend $450,000 to directly pay for abortions. The county has paid for abortions in prior budgets and the Texas Alliance for Life pro-life organization hopes to stop officials this time around. Finish reading this story >>

The State of Abortion in Travis County

by Anna Russo, Daily Texan Columnist, Wednesday, November 18, 2009

www.DailyTexanOnline.com

In the shadow of the national buzz over women's reproductive choices, Austin has its own reproductive battle to fight. In the last month, the Travis County Healthcare District board meetings have been fraught with controversy over abortion. Finish reading this story >>

Health district considering renewal of contracts with abortion providers

At meeting, citizens urge district board not to continue using tax money to support clinics.

By Mary Ann Roser, AMERICAN-STATESMAN, Friday, October 23, 2009

www.Statesman.com

The Travis County Healthcare District board is considering renewing two contracts with organizations that perform abortions, its first public tussle with the controversial issue. Finish reading this story >>

FACT SHEET on Travis County Health District (TCHD) Taxpayer Funded Abortion

In 2005 the Travis County Health District accepted assignment of a 2004 agreement between the City of Austin and Whole Woman’s Health of Austin for “termination services”.

The 2004 City of Austin Pregnancy Termination Contract:

• Provides elective abortions to healthy low-income women (MAP or Medicaid).
  o States, “the City has a requirement for a licensed facility to provide pregnancy termination services to women enrolled in the Medical Assistance Program (MAP) or the State of Texas Medicaid program”.
• Limits abortions to the first 13 weeks based on gestational age.
• Specifies exact charges for “termination services”.
• Specifies $450,000 payable to three abortion providers. The fifth year contract term, Dec. 2008 extension, was not to exceed $787,053.

TCHD has a new contract proposal with “women’s services” providers who perform abortions.

• THCD is considering a $450,000 contract proposal.
• Actual expenses for the expired contract from 10/1/08 – 9/30/09 were $283,313. (1)
• $450,000 of taxpayer money could fund over 1,000 abortions. (2)

Travis County reported 3,675 “induced terminations” (abortions) in 2007. (3)

• In 2006 Travis County had 3,748 abortions and 16,152 live births (TDHS).
• Only 216 of 77,881 abortions performed in Texas during 2007 were NOT associated with common elective abortion procedures. (4)

A recent Gallup Poll on abortion among U.S. Citizens finds:

• More citizens now describe themselves as “pro-life”. (5)
• Fifty-seven percent say abortion should only be legal in certain circumstances. (5)

Fifty-nine percent of Protestant Christians describe themselves as “pro-life”. (6)

End Notes:
1) THCD Board package for 11-12-09, http://www.traviscountyhd.org/2009_meeting_agendas_and_info_packets.html
2) Texas Alliance for Life – October 2009 (www.texasallianceforlife.org)
3) http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/CHS/VSTAT/vs07/t34.shtm
4) Intra-Uterine, Sharp Curettage (D&C), Hysterectomy and other/not stated
5) http://www.gallup.com/poll/122033/U.S.-Abortion-Attitudes-Closely-Divided.aspx
6) http://www.gallup.com/poll/118399/More-Americans-Pro-Life-Than-Pro-Choice-First-Time.aspx

Property Rights & Appraisal Reform for Texas?

Texas Constitutional Amendment Election
Official Ballot Language and Order for the Nov.3, 2009

Read the House Research Report >>

Proposition 1 - HJR 132
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the financing, including through tax increment financing, of the acquisition by municipalities and counties of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to a military installation for the prevention of encroachment or for the construction of roadways, utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the mission of the military installation."

Proposition 2 - HJR 36-1
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property's value as a residence homestead."

Proposition 3 - HRJ 36-3
"The constitutional amendment providing for uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes."

Proposition 4 - HJR 14-2
"The constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund."

Proposition 5 - HJR 36-2
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to authorize a single board of equalization for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated equalizations."

Proposition 6 - HJR 116
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the Veterans' Land Board to issue general obligation bonds in amounts equal to or less than amounts previously authorized."

Proposition 7 - HJR 127
"The constitutional amendment to allow an officer or enlisted member of the Texas State Guard or other state militia or military force to hold other civil offices."

Proposition 8 - HJR 7
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the state to contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veterans hospitals in this state."

Proposition 9 - HJR 102
"The constitutional amendment to protect the right of the public, individually and collectively, to access and use the public beaches bordering the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico."

Proposition 10 - HJR 85
"The constitutional amendment to provide that elected members of the governing boards of emergency services districts may serve terms not to exceed four years."

Proposition 11 - HJR 14-1
"The constitutional amendment to prohibit the taking, damaging, or destroying of private property for public use unless the action is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, a political subdivision of the State, the public at large, or entities granted the power of eminent domain under law or for the elimination of urban blight on a particular parcel of property, but not for certain economic development or enhancement of tax revenue purposes, and to limit the legislature's authority to grant the power of eminent domain to an entity."

Read the House Research Report >>

Coalition Calls for a Renewed Focus on Western Civilization and Ethics Coursework in Texas Colleges and Universities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Bill Noble
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 512-474-2005 Office

Coalition Calls for a Renewed Focus on Western Civilization and Ethics Coursework in Texas Colleges and Universities Asks lawmakers to study the value of fostering greater civic knowledge

AUSTIN – As classes begin today at the University of Texas at Austin and other institutions around the state, a new coalition has launched an effort to enhance the quality of higher education in Texas. Responding to a diminishing emphasis on Western civilization coursework in Texas and elsewhere, the Coalition for American Traditions and Ethics (CATE) is encouraging Texas colleges and universities to develop coursework and programs that give students a strong background in American ideals, institutions, and traditions.

“There is an increasing demand for an emphasis on the fundamental values and principles of our country,” said Bill Noble, spokesman for CATE Texas. “We will work with lawmakers and other interested parties to achieve our goal to provide Texas college and university students a solid grounding in civic responsibility and ethical character.”

The coalition believes that Texas colleges and universities will have an opportunity to attract new students and professors and to stand out on the national level by establishing and developing these programs. Students will benefit from the skills they learn as employers increasingly seek graduates with a comprehensive education who also demonstrate civic responsibility and ethical behavior.

“Coursework that captures American ideals, institutions and traditions from the Greek and Roman classics to the original documents of our country’s founding helps to develop a student’s critical thinking skills and makes them – and our state – more competitive in today’s global economy,” said Bill Hammond, president of the Texas Association of Business. “More importantly, thorough exposure to coursework exploring moral questions and the founding principles of our great country serves to prepare students to face the myriad of ethical challenges that arise in their day-to-day lives.”

In addition to encouraging Texas colleges and universities to create coursework and programs focusing on Western civilization and American traditions, the coalition is asking lawmakers to study the value and benefits of such coursework and programs and to determine the most appropriate structure for facilitating these programs on university campuses.

“We want all interested parties to have an opportunity to present their thoughts and ideas to lawmakers during an interim study of the issue,” said Noble. “We believe there can be strong agreement from across the political spectrum to the value and benefits of strengthening university students’ knowledge of the ideas and ethical principles that have contributed to the foundation of our country.”

# # #

The Coalition for American Traditions and Ethics in Texas (CATE) is a broad-based coalition including university faculty, civic leaders, students and employers united in an effort to promote the establishment of coursework and programs studying Western civilization and American traditions to foster the development of ethical character and civic responsibility among Texas college and university students. On the web at www.HigherEduCATE.org.