PRELIMINARY CANDIDATE PROFILES p 12 CANDIDATE SURVEY p 22 MO LEGISLATION p 6
Voter’s Guide SUMMER 2018 Vol. XXXIX, No. 2 July 5, 2018 $2.50
IN THIS ISSUE taying afe 1 Staying Safe S S cont’d page 3 in an safe 1 Staying Safe in School UN cont’d page 18 6 Missouri Legislation World 8 Prop A 12 Candidate Profiles 19 Healthcare 22 Candidate Survey 24 Orwellian Education
SHORT LINES “What day is it?” asked Pooh. “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day,” said Pooh. Dear Algebra: Please stop asking us to find your “X.” She’s never coming back, and don’t ask “Y.”
Staying Safe in an UNsafe World is a continuation of the articles published in 2016 in our Summer and Fall editions under this same title. hen the children of this were drawn away by a strange procession story window to see who survives. editor of FRONT LINE of small children repeatedly going up the They were going to be prepared! were young, and she was stairs, but never coming down. How can we do the same? Wactive in a community study group, they Suddenly, she saw her six-year old decided they would practice what they daughter fly past her from the upstairs had been preached, e.g., practice makes FLOODS bedroom window into the front bushes. perfect. Accordingly, one summer day at In June, the Upper Peninsula of home with company in the front room, It seems that fire drills were the activity Michigan was quickly hit by seven to her oldest son decided he would train for of the morning (for the merit badge), eleven inches of rain. In a remotely his Boy Scout merit badge. She realized and who better to practice with than the settled area, roads had suddenly flooded her guests were not paying attention to smallest child to test the evacuation plan and buckled becoming impassible. the discussion and knew something was of throwing down a blanket onto the Rising rivers threatened bridges in distracting them. It seems that her guests bushes, and then dropping out the second wilderness areas. Rescue personal were PAID
U.S. Postage cont’d p 3 St. Louis, MO Permit No. 335 Non-Profit Org. Staying Safe in School
P. 12 How Parents Can Push software platforms compile mountains of All the resulting data is analyzed, Back Against Troubling intensely personal data on the operation sorted, and fed into proprietary Trends in Education of the child’s mind. Digital tools, algorithms that can influence or even magnanimously provided to schools by determine the child’s future paths. It Reprinted with permission as published on June 18, 2018 by Jane Robbins at Google, Facebook, etc., suck each student truthinamericaneducation.com into that corporate universe and provide Voter’s Guide a steady stream of data to keep the he trend lines in public profitable engines humming. education are troubling. The system is relentlessly Children are subjected to intrusive Tremolded from liberal-arts education “surveys” about sensitive topics that are to narrow workforce training to benefit manifestly none of the government’s politically connected corporations. business, and class time is spent more
63141 Teachers are marginalized in favor of on probing personalities than instilling machines, as curricula move online and knowledge. Students play classroom video students are relegated to screens instead games that are designed to “nudge” them of face-to-face instruction. Sophisticated into government-approved mindsets.
The Constitutional Coalition FRONT LINE Voter’s Guide P. O. Box 37054 St. Louis, MO RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED cont’d p 18 Letter From the Editor SHORT LINES FRONT LINE Dear Friend of FRONT LINE is published periodically Farewell, Charles! throughout the year. It’s a HOT!!!!! summer – in more than just the outside temperature. On Thursday, June 21, 2018, FOX News commentator and Information on issues of interest conservative icon, Charles Krauthammer, passed away to Missourians is provided in Front The following areas are heating up – Primary August 7th after battling cancer. Line, and it is not intended to with possible control of the Senate decided by Missourians pick Recently, our Educational Policy Conference (2016) was influence or dictate how someone in the primary and then the general in November; issues such as blessed and inspired to host Dr. Krauthammer as our should vote. It is non-partisan. Right-to-Work again on the ballot; a new governor who will or keynote speaker. He was an exceptional addition to our Front Line focuses on those issues, line-up of speakers, and he spent considerable time visiting events and news that do not always will not be signing bills and setting priorities in the September with guests at a special reception off premises. After receive full discussion. It is our hope special session; and finally, violence in the streets against people spending hours with him, including sitting next to him for that it can be used to help neighbor exercising their first amendment rights, usually those promoting the dinner, I was moved by his humility, lack of victimhood talk with neighbor about the Constitution’s Rule of Law and the biblical principles foundational and his dry sense of humor. issues in a rational and intelligent to the Constitution. In all? Staying Safe in an UNsafe World. Rarely in our lifetime do we get to know someone of this manner as well as to encourage amazing character. Thank you Charles for teaching us better citizenship. Thanks to Each issue of FRONT LINE tries to give you information what it is to be a real gentleman of wisdom, graciousness, the many of you who faithfully you would not find elsewhere, either because it is obscure or else integrity and authentic patriotism. send us ideas, clippings, emails, because it does not exist. Donna Hearne, Editor, FRONT LINE and stories. Keep them coming! Laws that impact YOU: This is true of our reporting to you in Notes from Gary Bauer, Campaign for Working Families: FRONT LINE the Spring issues some of the legislation that has been introduced. Charles had a remarkable life. In the 1970s, he was a PO Box 37054 Many times, what we report fails to get traction and dies in student at Harvard Medical School with a promising career 15820 Clayton Road committee. However, you’re the voter need to know both the bad ahead. But in one split second everything changed when he St. Louis, MO 63141 and the good hence, not all bills reported in the Spring will have a dove into a pool and suffering a terrible spinal injury. He was paralyzed from the neck down, with limited use of one Phone: 636-386-1789 recorded vote. Others may survive one chamber only to be killed in arm. Yet those closest to him say they never saw in him any the other. Finally, we are able to report on some that make it into bitterness or sense of self-pity. In fact, he graduated on time Editor with the rest of his Harvard class. Donna Hearne law. Recall that every law can impact YOUR life in some manner, so an informed citizenry promotes a more free and prosperous While Krauthammer was a hero to many conservatives, he Editorial Assistant society. did not start out that way. He once said that he used to be a Landreth Johnson “Great Society liberal.” In 1980, he was a speechwriter for Senior Staff Translating News Headlines into Reality: From fires, tornadoes, Walter Mondale. He once served as the editor of the left- Susan Merrick riots, individual attacks, and even earthquakes, we live in dangerous wing New Republic, way back in the day when it was still a strong voice on defeating Soviet Communism. Advisors/Contributors times. How do you stay safe? We take on this exhaustive subject Mark Hearne Sarah Revel, with ideas from across the realm. These are individualized, practical But the issue that drove his political transformation John Tackes ways you can be comfortable in a stressful situation. was foreign policy. Charles felt that the political left had abandoned everything presidents like Truman and Health and Education: Both of these areas set the stage for living Kennedy once stood for when it came America’s leadership Photos in the world. Fotolia.com, iStockphoto.com a peaceful and productive life. We feature two guest columnists who will take critical and complicated issues and make them easy In fact, it was Charles Krauthammer who coined the term to understand. These hopefully, will provoke positive action on “the Reagan Doctrine” when it came to fighting communism Technical Assistance overseas. And like Ronald Reagan, Charles Krauthammer David Bradsher, Ken Johnson your part. was a strong believer in American exceptionalism. Here’s Productive Elections: Elections have consequences. Knowing what he said about it: Distribution: something about the character of the candidates and where to go “America is the only country ever founded on an Our thanks to the generous to find further information makes a better society. Take some time idea … and the idea is liberty. That is probably volunteers who give of their time the rarest phenomena in the political history of to make mailing and distribution and search out on those candidates as well as the issues at the local the world; this has never happened before. And of this publication possible. level being considered. Local issues often hit your pocketbook not only has it happened, but it’s worked. We are ______faster, so do due diligence since we are not able to cover all those the most flourishing, the most powerful, most issues on the August ballot. influential country on Earth with this system, Digital design by invented by the greatest political geniuses probably Gerald E. Coleman Hot? Stay cool in these hot times and enjoy faith, family and in human history.” friends that can make life a blessing! In 2016, Krauthammer was not a huge fan of Donald FRONT LINE Trump. But during the Trump presidency, Charles was In His Service, supportive of many things Trump did, particularly his wishes to acknowledge the ongoing, strengthening of our alliance with Israel. generous support contributions of its readers. To contribute to our support Please join me in praying for the Krauthammer family, in appreciation for all Charles contributed to the conservative and continuation, please see the Donna Hearne, Editor-in-Chief movement. If there was a Mount Rushmore of conservative Return Coupon on Back. commentators and intellectuals, he would be on it. FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 3
Staying Safe in an UNsafe World cont’d from page 1 spread over thousands of acres. The governor declared a already killed one woman in the church’s parking lot and How Best Can I Stay Safe state of emergency in several counties. Many were left on injured six others inside.”4 In An UNsafe World? their own to fend for food, water and shelter. In December 2015, St. Louis experienced “a deadly, TERRORISTS THE UNTHINKABLE rare winter flood [which] shut down portions of two On Halloween 2017, in New York City, “Eight In 2004, Amanda interstates, threatened hundreds of homes and caused people have been killed and more than a dozen injured Ripley, a reporter who sewage to flow unfiltered into waterways. ‘Now that the after a man drove a truck nearly a mile down a bike path was working on Time in lower Manhattan, striking pedestrians, cyclists and a rain has moved out, the threat has now changed, but it is magazine’s coverage of school bus. … not by any means over, especially for communities along the third anniversary of the rising Mississippi River and its tributaries here in the The New York Times reported that “handwritten 9/11 talked with some St. Louis region,’ former Governor Jay Nixon told the notes in Arabic near the truck … indicated allegiance to of the 9/11 survivors. media. Thirteen flood-related deaths [later twenty-two] the Islamic State,” while CNN said a note was written in Then she also inter have now been confirmed in Missouri, with 12 deaths English, also indicating support for ISIS, and was found viewed survivors from occurring in vehicles caught in the flood waters.”1 inside the truck. Others including the Daily Mail claimed “shipwrecks, plane 5 an ISIS flag was found in the truck.” crashes, and flood EARTHQUAKES AND waters.” What she VOLCANOES NUCLEAR ATTACK found turned into an Dr. Peter Vincent Pry executive director of the Task invaluable book, The Recently, Hawaii’s islanders were suddenly awakened Force on National and Homeland Security, former CIA Unthinkable: Who by massive lava flows and eruptions from earthquakes, and former chief of staff on the Congressional EMP Survives When Disaster and by mid June, Commission just alerted Americans to a real threat from Strikes – And Why. “lava from the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii ha[d] Russia. She warns, “disasters 8 been spewing for over a month, but the thick, slow- “In 2016, Russian state television ‘accidentally’ are predictable, but surviving them is not.” She notes: moving lava ha[d] taken a new shape, transforming revealed plans for an unmanned robot submarine, “About one hundred lightning strikes hit the earth into a wide, hot, flowing river of lava traveling long like a huge intelligent torpedo, armed with a every second, and in many years, these bolts of distances. massive 100-megaton warhead – the largest nuclear fire kill more people than any other weather. But “The 2100-degree lava is flowing together into a weapon ever deployed by any nation. Poseidon lightning is not something most of us worry about 9 molten red river running 9 miles from the fissure would explode underwater to radioactively very much.” 2 contaminate and inundate with tsunamis U.S. into the ocean at Kapoho.” (The flow is resulting in Another example recounts a common disaster that coastal cities and seaboard, where are concentrated a dangerous chemical reaction called laze.) occurred in the 1999 Hurricane Floyd, where 70 percent much of America’s military-industrial strength and of the fifty-two people who died, did so from drowning, population. mostly in their cars. “U.S. intelligence confirms the existence of Poseidon in the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review. Russia is The value of her research and insights is shared in testing a prototype. … the story of two cities, Jantang and Langi: “ ‘On March 1, [2018] the Russian president “The 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia killed an spoke about the creation in Russia of unmanned estimated two hundred thousand people … A underwater machines capable of moving at a very crushing wall of seawater seems like one situation in low depth and at intercontinental range at a speed far which death is nonnegotiable. … But for thousands exceeding the speed of submarines, the most modern of people, the best warning system was old and torpedoes and all types of surface ships, even the homemade.”10 most high-speed ones.’ Putin said Poseidon carries a Why was the survival rate for these two cites near the ‘massive nuclear ordinance.’ … Russia’s 100-megaton epicenter dramatically different? Jantang lost over 50 per 6 doomsday bomb is real.” (Emphasis added.) cent of its people and Langi lost zero. The lesson? Langi Dr. Pry has been one of the loudest voices for a learned the signs of a tsunami from the 1907 tsunami that number of years, warning that North Korea, Iran, China killed about 70 percent of the population and passed the and even Russia could launch an Electronic Magnetic lesson on through the generations. “When the ground Pulse (EMP) bomb above the U.S. that could within shakes, run for high ground and stay there.” the year kill 90% of the population by starvation. He LONE SHOOTERS adds that a solar storm could do the same, similar to the LESSONS FOR TODAY It was a typical Sunday in September 2017, for 1816 “New England Year Without Summer” that some Even though Americans are by nature optimistic those at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch, scientists believe was caused by a solar storm. and think they are invincible, natural disasters occur Tennessee. Suddenly, a masked gunman started firing. Are you panicking yet? Fearful? If you have not everywhere. Hurricanes do hit U.S. coastal areas, tornadoes “One woman was killed and seven other people been calloused by too many horror shows on television and lightning strike almost anywhere, volcanoes erupt in or video games, you should be at least a little worried and were hurt after a suspect identified as a Sudanese the Western states, and earthquakes shake California’s asking yourself one of several questions. One, what are immigrant opened fire at a Tennessee church Sunday, coast and rock Missouri. The biggest earthquake ever the odds of anything like the above happening to me? recorded in the U.S., the New Madrid fault in Missouri police said, as the FBI confirmed it’s launched a civil Two, does it make any difference to learn what I can rights investigation into the shooting. The suspect, in 1811-12, changed the course of the mighty Mississippi do in a dangerous situation? Three, is it futile? Four, River, even reversing the flow and pushing it upstream. 25-year-old Emanuel Kidega Samson, emigrated how hard would it be to be prepared without becoming Because of this memory, in Missouri when the clock from Sudan two decades ago, police said. He’s consumed by it and having it take over my life? turned from 1999 to 2000 many heeded warnings to be suspected of bringing at least two pistols and a prepared for a coming earthquake connected to the New mask to the predominantly white Burnette Chapel It’s true. We do live in a very dangerous world. Madrid fault. Bottled water flew off shelves and dried Church of Christ in Antioch, southeast of Nashville, In 2006 Time, using statistics from the Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute at the University of food merchants got rich. Yet, the earthquake did not before opening fire.”3 South Carolina noted, “About 91 percent of Americans happen and we went back to sleep. Experts still say it is More would have been killed had an usher not “used live in places at a moderate-to-high risk.”7 The list of his personal firearm to subdue a masked gunman who had hazards is endless, but the question is the same: cont’d p 4 4 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018
Staying Safe in an UNsafe World cont’d from p 3 getting more-likely-than-not that the big one will happen survival pathways. In a disaster, we think and perceive in Missouri. St. Louis, a city built of brick buildings and differently. On the plus side, when we have done some of old skyscrapers, is especially vulnerable. the mind exercises to retrain the brain, we learn how to In 1999, many people made an effort to learn what react correctly and increase our chances to survive. to do in a particular disaster. They learned the history of HOW can you train the New Madrid fault. Preparation consisted of physical items to survive the earthquake and fires, but few ever yourself to respond addressed the most important elements of survival – your instantly and correctly, mind set. This is where Amanda Ripley’s book becomes avoiding denial and delay? significant. Staying safe in an UNsafe world involves teaching “our brains to work more quickly even more Start with the simple things like using your eyes and wisely, under great stress.”11 ears to take in your surroundings. If this is a place you Ripley divides her book into three parts covering frequent, are you aware of the normal sounds and would “Denial, Deliberation and The Decisive Moment.” Under you notice something out of place? In times of extreme “Denial,” she covers Delay and Risk, under “Deliberation,” danger, researchers say our hearing changes, and we hear she discusses Fear, Resilience and Groupthink,” and under sounds otherwise not audible. Panic, Paralysis and “Decisive Moment,” she covers When you are walking down the street, are you ©iStock.com/MV_vxw Heroism. In the final section, she takes the reader through aware of those you pass? Those lingering in a doorway? Making New Instincts. How do you carry your briefcase or purse? Do you crime and do not stop the crime. We are eager to buy what All of the different kinds of threats have some have a whistle instantly available to blow should you be we think is security when in many cases, it is just a means similar responses that with proper attention will give personally attacked? Have you scouted out where there is to collect data on all of us. you confidence in a crisis situation. Ripley points out a safe place to run? Sophisticated cameras, attached to every streetlight that humans rely primarily on either intuition or analysis When you are on a commuter train, bus, airplane, that can read and identify a face in three seconds, are for decisions. “The intuitive system is automatic, fast, or in a hotel, do you know the closest escape door and increasingly monitoring streets across America. emotional, and swayed heavily by experiences and images. route? Have you practiced grabbing your identity papers, All of these security systems rely upon several things: The analytical system is the Ego to the brain’s Id: logical, money and cell phone, or are they in different places and remote control via the Cloud, radio waves, data centers contemplative, and pragmatic. The best combination is therefore, not accessible in a split second? with the latest technology, and convincing you that it is to collect the data on the possible disasters and threats By taking a few moments to assess your surroundings all necessary for you to be safe. making sure that if the scare is real, let emotions and and always be alert, you will not only have a greater “feelings point us in the proper direction, take us to the The dark side? As attorney John Whitehead recent chance of survival should something happen, but your appropriate place in a decision making space, where we wrote: comfort level will be higher, and you will feel safer. may put the instruments of logic to good use … [do not] “Nowhere to run and nowhere to hide: this is the avoid emotion – or wish it away – capitalize upon it. OVERCOMING FEAR new mantra of the architects of the police state and Dread, properly tapped, can save our lives.”12 their corporate collaborators. (Facebook, Amazon, Practice makes perfect in a disaster. Fear is normal Netflix, Google, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) DELAY and frequently an asset. It is God’s adrenaline to get our attention and “typically at its peak once we’ve grasped “Government eyes are watching you. Retrain your brain to respond instantly and correctly. the danger we face.”13 What we do with it determines “They see your every move: what you read, how Delay is one of the greatest dangers in a crisis situation whether or not we are a survivor. much you spend, where you go, with whom you where time is critical. Because we first deny what is interact, when you wake up in the morning, what happening, we often under-perceive the risk, and we Because “our abilities to reason and perceive our 14 you’re watching on television and reading on the delay. We know something is wrong, but are not sure surroundings deteriorate,” first and foremost, literally, Internet. what to do, unless we have taken the time to think out a start breathing deeply. “By consciously slowing down the situation like this and have mapped out some of the basic breath, we can de-escalate the primal fear response that “Every move you make is being monitored, mined otherwise takes over.”15 Next get the facts when available for data, crunched, and tabulated in order to form and then let “raw emotion”16 complement the situation. a picture of who you are, what makes you tick, and
Because advertisers and television use fear to motivate cont’d next page us, we can use their research/productions to practice determining whether the threat is real or not and start August 7, 2018 training the brain for what to react to and what not to. Brain research shows the “anterior insula” is activated by Check Your Voter Registration at www. the idea of bad things happening to you. Images motivate sos.mo.gov/elections/voterlookup us. Use images in your mind to map a way out of a Voter Registration Qualifications: scenario. When you see on the nightly news pictures of a raging river with a car floating downstream and a person • 17-1/2 years of age to register EAGLE COUNCIL XLVII • 18 years of age to vote inside, imagine how you would get out. Use other stories • U.S. Citizen of disaster to role-play what you would do. PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN: • Missouri Resident A DIFFERENT KIND OF BEING Embracing Life, Liberty and the • Registration Form must be Pursuit of Happiness POSTMARKED by the 4th Wednesday SAFE – FALSE SAFETY before the election Many Americans have security systems for their September 27-30, 2018 homes, cars, and iPhones/iPads, etc. Some even have Hilton Crystal City, Find your Polling Place at www.sos. systems that can monitor everything in their home Arlington, Va mo.gov/elections/pollingplacelookup while they are hundreds of miles away. What about the Register NOW at: commercials that show someone ringing your doorbell Polling Places are open from 6:00 AM to eagleforum.org and you answer from the grocery store miles away? Some 7:00 PM on Election Day. stop the criminal, but most catch the criminal after the (618) 433-8990 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 5
Staying Safe in an UNsafe World cont’d on page 4
how best to control you when and if it becomes by criminals, with estimates of annual uses ranging from necessary to bring you in line. about 500,000 to more than three million per year, in “When the government sees all and knows all the context of 300,000 violent crimes involving firearms 23 and has an abundance of laws to render even the in 2008.” most seemingly upstanding citizen a criminal and As the national debate on guns rages on, Americans lawbreaker, then the old adage that you’ve got need to practice staying safe in an unsafe world by nothing to worry about if you’ve got nothing to getting their facts, starting with “Section 311 of the U.S. hide, no longer applies.”17 Code Title 10 (as last amended in 1958) says: ‘ The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied What to DO to Stay Safe? males at least 17 years of age and … under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention PREPARATION FOR FOOD, to become, citizens of the United States and of female ©iStock.com/blueringmedia citizens of the United States who are members of the WATER, SHELTER & SAFETY National Guard’.”24 How DO we stay safe in an The Internet is loaded with books listing how to UNsafe world? store water and food, keep warm and dry, and protect CONCLUSION yourself from wild animals and people. Just in Case, Start by making the time, using these basic pieces The best way to boost the odds of surviving is to “get How to be Self-sufficient When the Unexpected Happens of information. Enjoy the positives that will come with to know your disaster personalities before you really need by Kathy Harrison is one of many books that are well your practice such as strengthening your family, getting to to.” Ridley lists six action items. We would add a seventh organized and easy to follow. The best way to really know your neighbors better and having some laughs along item, but making it the first one to consider: prepare is to make a game out what you find in many of the way. And remember, loyal friends and neighbors, the chapters, and yearly refresh your preparations. Acknowledge that there is a Sovereign God family and our faith are the glue that holds it all together. who loves you and wants to be by your side in ACTIVE SHOOTERS all things, especially during times of disasters. (Endnotes) However, sitting by and waiting for God to 1 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/deadly-rare-winter-flood-slams- Confronting an active shooter situation with a act is not enough. God gave you eyes, ears, missouri/ Accessed 6-18-18 gun is only for those who have made a commitment to 2 hands, feet as well as a brain and emotions. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/06/18/lava- train regularly with firearms. Ripley recounts the story river-kilauea-volcano-fissure-spewing-hotter-more-fluid- All of which you need to call into action of a NYPD police officer Jim Cirillo, on a stakeout lava/709391002/ Accessed 6-19-18 instantly – but at the same time, lean on Him 3 confronted with three robbers with guns. Cirillo tells how http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/09/24/multiple-people-shot-at- for the wisdom that provides calmness and tennessee-church-police-say.html Accessed 6-19-18 his subconscious took over and “despite fear coursing 4 decisiveness. Ridley sums this up with her lead http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/11/08/texas-church-shooting- through his body [as an instructor who had taken training not-first-time-good-guy-with-gun-takes-down-mass-shooter. into her six suggestions, “You matter more very seriously], he had created subconscious muscle html Accessed 6-19-18 than you think.” 5 memories for holding his gun in one hand, two hands, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/31/new-york- police-shooting-manhattan Accessed 6-18-18 every conceivable position, so that he did not need to 1. “Cultivate Resilience: Attitude really does make a 6 18 Poseidon Is Russia’s New100-Megaton Monster Bomb, Newsmax think when the time came to fire.” Cirillo illustrated difference [because] people who perform effectively ... www.newsmax.com. https://www.newsmax.com/peterpry/ Ripley’s observation that “the best way to negotiate stress in crises and recover well afterward tend to … poseidon-russia.../866801/ Accessed 6-19‑18 19 7 is through repeated, realistic training.” ‘believe they can influence what happens to them, … Ripley, Amanda, The Unthinkable, p. xiv 8 Ripley, Amanda, The Unthinkable, p. xv On Tuesday, June 19, 2018, “An armed off-duty find meaningful purposes in life’s turmoil and … are 9 Ibid. p. 37 paramedic, who is also a pastor is being hailed as a hero convinced they can learn from both good and bad 10 Ripley, Amanda, The Unthinkable, p. 137 after he shot and killed a shooting suspect at a Washington experiences’.”25 11 Ibid, p. xv State Walmart. …”20 Guns used for defense do stop 12 Ibid. p. 42 2. “Get to Know Your Neighbors: The people who will 13 disaster. Rickey Fievez, the victim of the carjacking, is Ibid. p. 57 save you … will be your neighbors and coworkers.” 14 Ibid. p. 58 still hospitalized, but his “son says the Good Samaritan’s 15 She suggests throwing a neighborhood party and Ibid. p. 78 quick actions saved his dad’s life. ‘That bystander who 16 passing around a sign-up sheet for emails and phone Ibid. p. 50 shot him is a hero’, said Tyler Fievez …”21 17 https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_ numbers and identifying possible special needs in whiteheads_commentary/government_eyes_are_watching_ In America, the number of guns used to stop a disaster with neighbors indicating: a) what they you_we_are_all_prisoners_of_the_surveillance_state Accessed a disaster heavily outweighs those used to commit might need help for and b) what help they might 6-19-18 crimes. “After the Sandy Hook school massacre in 2012, 18 Ripley, p. 69 be able to offer. Each of us has different abilities, 19 President Obama issued an executive order allowing the Ibid p. 75 connections and even possible areas of shelter to 20 https://www.libertyheadlines.com Accessed 6-21-18 [CDC] agency to review existing studies on causes of and offer others. In our impersonal and fast paced world, 21 Ibid 22 ways to reduce gun violence.” The CDC found “Almost most people would be delighted to get to know their 22 https://www.investors.com/politics/columnists/how-many-lives-are- all national survey estimates indicate that defensive gun neighbors in this way. saved-by-guns-and-why-don’t-gun-controllers-care/Accessed uses by victims are at least as common as offensive uses 6-15-18 3. “Lower Your Anxiety Level: Start by practicing your 23 Ibid breathing. Next time you are immobilized in a traffic 24 Ibid 25 jam, practice breathing in for four counts, holding Ibid p. 229-230 26 Ibid. p. 231 for four counts, and breathing out for four counts. 27 Ibid. p. 232 Then repeat. Your driving will improve and, and 28 Ibid possibly your day.”26 4. “Lose Weight [and improve your physical abilities] What helps us in regular life helps us in disasters.” 5. “Calculate Your Risks: Make a list of your SHORT LINES biggest risks … [realizing that] the most deadly, We cannot tell what lies ahead. It may be that even underappreciated threats in most places are fire, greater ordeals lie before us. We shall face whatever is 27 flood, and lightning.” coming ... The right to guide the course of world history is 6. “Train your Brain: By far the best way to improve the noblest prize of victory. 28 ©iStock.com/lvcandy your performance is to practice.” Sir Winston Churchill, August 20, 1940 6 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018
99th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
a few short months since that edition was published, Missouri of the lawmakers’ work has been business as usual with he 2nd Regular Session of the 99th General Assembly has undergone a change in the Executive Branch with the the drafting, sponsoring, debating, and voting on proposed ended May 18, 2018, after four and a half months of resignation of Governor Greitens and the swearing in of legislation. Yet, other work has been much less “business as discussion and debate. As our regular readers know, T Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson as governor. usual” as politicians engaged in the process of impeaching this section of FRONT LINE is intended to highlight the most a governor for actions that were alleged but not proven. recent legislative activity coming out of the Missouri General ric Greitens was elected by the people of Missouri to Ultimately, the resignation of Governor Greitens has removed Assembly including the actions taken on such legislation by the be governor of this state less than two years ago. Many from office a champion for Missouri’s workers, law and order, governor. While focused specifically on the State of Missouri, forces lined up against the duly elected governor, and E families, the unborn, and all those who came out to support the bills are often representative of what is happening in the yet, there are still many questions that remain unanswered an outsider. Lieutenant Governor Mike Parsons is now the rest of the country, because laws reflect culture. Following regarding the serious allegations leveled against him since his governor of the state, and the legislative work must go on. the 2014 Michael Brown1 incident in Ferguson, Missouri, for inauguration. The people of Missouri deserve to know the example, states saw an up-tick in proposed legislation regarding truth about the accusations, true or untrue, made against the he Spring 2018 edition of FRONT LINE highlighted law enforcement officers from body cameras to departmental man they elected governor. Jefferson City however seems to be notable pieces of legislation being considered in oversight requirements. This session of the Missouri General moving forward as if nothing has changed and Eric Greitens TJefferson City. Below is a sampling of various bills on a Assembly has been anything but business as usual and has at was never there. It is as if the maelstrom of political discontent range of topics that impact our communities. Some bills were times looked more like a soap opera chasing villains instead of and upheaval has been calmed, and Eric Greitens was never “Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed” by the General Assembly. legislating. elected; and yet he was by a majority of the people of this state Other bills of note failed to get a “Third Read” or even pass In the Spring 2018 edition of FRONT LINE is a who are left with a new administration, unanswered questions, out of committee. Some of these bills are important to families, quotation from President Washington: “The propitious smiles of and a loss of propitious smiles. businesses, people of faith, patriots, and others concerned with heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal Missouri’s 2nd Regular Session of the 99th General Assembly the direction of our culture. rules of order and right which heaven itself has ordained.” In just began January 3, 2018, and wrapped up May 18, 2018. Some
HB 1266 Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act: informed written consent. Third read and passed in House LIFE & ABORTION Sponsor Donna Lichtenberger (R) District 146. Provides for by a vote of 113 to 37. Last Action 4/5/18 Seniors, Families *UPDATE* SB 5 Provisions Relating to Abortion: Sponsor a definition of “pain capable gestational age” as twenty-two and Children (S) Executive Session Held. Voted do pass. Same Andrew Koenig (R) District 15. SB 5 was passed in 2017 during weeks since the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period, as HB 326 (2017) and similar to HB 1370 (2016) the 2nd Extraordinary Session called by former Governor generally consistent with the time that is twenty weeks after HB 1867 Selective Abortions: Sponsor Shamed Dogan (R) Greitens. On June 15, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 20 fertilization. This bill moved out of the House on 4/3/18 by District 98. Prohibits certain selective abortions relating to Yeas to 8 Nays with 5 members voting absent with leave. The a vote of 117 AYES to 31 NOES. It stalled in the Senate and sex, race, or Down Syndrome. Last Action 4/11/18 Passed Last Action bill then went to the House where it passed on June 20 by a vote never received a Third read. : 4/25/18 Executive Children and Families (H) Committee 7 to 2; referred to Rules/ of 110 Ayes to 38 Noes with 12 members voting absent with session held in Senate committee Legislative Oversight (H) This bill is leave. The vote fell largely along party lines with the Republican HB 1383 Minors Consent to the same as SB 724 (2018) and SB members voting in the affirmative. On July 26, 2017, the bill Obtain Abortion: Sponsor Rocky 96 (2017) and similar to SB 802 was signed into law by the governor Miller (R) District 124. Changes (2016). SB 5 modifies the provision of the law relating to abortion the laws regarding consent for COMMENTARY Update: In the including complication plans, consent to abortion procedures, a minor to obtain an abortion. Spring 2018 FRONT LINE, noted tissue reports, whistleblower protections, the definition of Currently, a person is not permitted the sad “celebration” of Iceland’s to knowingly perform an abortion an abortion facility, inspections of abortion facilities, and news that they had virtually on a minor unless the attending the crime of interference with medical assistance. On June eliminated Down syndrome physician has secured the informed in the country through selective 12, 2018, a federal judge in U.S. District Court denied a written consent of the minor and abortion procedures, because of the challenge from Planned Parenthood, which attempted to one parent or guardian of the introduction of prenatal screening 2 block the regulations on abortion. The complication plan minor. The change requires that the tests nearly twenty years ago.3 HB contained in the legislation provides health protections for the consenting parent or guardian of 1867 sadly never made it out of the minor notify any other custodial woman seeking an abortion, but the court concluded that the the House. In the Senate SB 724 parent or guardian in writing before (FRONT LINE Spring 2018) saw regulation would not be a substantial burden to women seeking an attending physician secures an abortion and therefore was not unconstitutional. ©iStock.com/kieferpix cont’d next page FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 7
MO Legislation cont’d from page 6 similar results. It stalled in committee and never received a third Dream Freedom Act” and provided for a tax deduction for read and vote. any prize or award won by an Olympic medalist. When finally passed, it included a gas tax. The gas tax would begin July 1, 2019, and increases Missouri fuel tax from $.17 per gallon to EDUCATION $.27 per gallon in $.025 increments over four years. This bill SB 690 Student Showers, Lockers, Restrooms: Sponsor only becomes effective upon voter approval on a referendum Ed Emery (R) District 31. Requires all school shower rooms, vote in the fall. Last Action: 5/30/18 Delivered to the Secretary locker rooms, and restrooms accessible for use by multiple of State after being signed by the President Pro Tem (S) students shall be designated for and used by male or female SB 564 Public Utilities: Sponsor Ed Emery (R) District students only. Last Action: 1/10/18 Second Read and Referred 31. This act modifies provisions relating to public utilities. It to Education Committee. Identical to SCS/SB 98 (2017) and allows for electrical corporations to file application to the Public ©iStock.com/MillefloreImages similar to SB 720 (2016) Service Commission for rate schedule adjustment approval. COMMENTARY: There was no movement or actions on this Currently, gas corporations could make such application for HB 2105 Opioid Addiction Prevention and Treatment bill since our spring update. When it comes to protecting our rate schedule adjustments with the Commission. Last Action: Act of 2018: Sponsor Keith Frederick (R) District 121. This sons and daughters in public arenas and private areas there 6/1/18 Signed by governor. bill contains multiple provisions and designations intended should be no room for politics or political correctness. Our to address the opioid crisis in Missouri. It designates the next COMMENTARY: In Missouri, public utilities including children have enough concerns at school with peer pressure, ten years as the “Show Me Freedom From Opioid Addiction water, electricity, and gas are given monopoly status allowing academic rigors, extracurricular clubs and sports to be have to Decade” and gives the Board of Pharmacy authority to develop them to charge rates that cover expenses and guarantee profit worry about who is watching them shower or change in the a drug take-back program for certain controlled substances. The in exchange for safe and reliable service.8 Proponents of SB 564 showers and locker rooms. bill requires the Department of Mental Health to provide an believe the bill gives companies more flexibility on rates changes; information form disclosing risks, benefits, and side effects of HB 1606 Educational Course Access and Options: Sponsor both when and how.9 Those in favor also see positive effects on opioid medication. It creates the Improved Access to Treatment Elaine Gannon (R) District 115. Modifies provisions relating to the regulatory environment in Missouri as well as the peaks and for Opioid Addictions Act (IATOA) to improve dissemination elementary and secondary education by providing students with valleys seen by customers on their bills in extreme weather.10 of information and best practices regarding addiction. 4/10/18 greater access to a variety of course options. This bill will allow Opponents of this legislation fear significantly higher electric Third Read and Passed (H) 128 Ayes to 4 Noes. Last students in all Missouri communities to have access to courses rates and the setting of a dangerous precedent that could impact Action Update: 5/2/18 Executive Session Held (S) in Seniors, including advanced and specialized offerings that may not be the delicate balance in Missouri between reliable electric grids Families, and Children committee. This bill is similar to HCS available in smaller districts.4 HB 1606 offers instruction in a and reasonably priced utilities.11 Proponents however argue HB 1197 (2017). state approved virtual setting to any K-12 student in Missouri; it will create higher paying jobs, improve the economy, and provides for state funding that follows the student to cover provide better service with an upgrade to the electrical grid and HB 1554 Medical Marijuana: Sponsor Jim Neely (R) District costs of coursework; and includes controls to ensure courses are more predictable rates through rate hike caps to Ameren’s 1.2 8. Allows person with certain serious medical conditions to use of a high quality.5 As with all school-related Internet activity, million electricity customers and 127,000 natural gas customers medical cannabis. Would allow an individual who has been dangerous data collection can occur. Last Action: 5/30/18 in Missouri.12 Early on, an attempt was made to couple the bill issued a medical cannabis registration card to possess or use Delivered to governor with the hardening of the infrastructure against an EMP. Those medical cannabis to treat a terminal illness. Last Action: 5/9/18 concerned can make their concerns known to the Public Service Hearing cancelled (S) following Second Read and referral to Commission (https://psc.mo.gov/). Health and Pensions Committee (S). On 5/1/18 Third Read and Passed in the House by a vote of 112 to 44; HB 1554 is GUN RIGHTS/SECOND the same as HCS HB 437 (2017) MED MJ COMMENTARY: The push to fire up interest in legalizing AMENDMENT medical marijuana in Missouri is heating. (See Commentary in the Missouri Legislation section from Spring 2018 FRONT HB 1936 Concealed Firearms: Sponsor Jered Taylor (R) LINE edition.) Proponents of legalization have three avenues District 139. This bill changes the list of locations a concealed to obtain their objective: the legislature, the courts, and the firearm can be carried. It also prohibits political subdivisions ballot initiative process. This session saw nearly two dozen and public institutions of higher earning from imposing pieces of legislation addressing hemp, cannabis, and marijuana polices that would prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms. legalization or modification to existing laws. One of these bills Last Action: 3/29/18 reported do pass (H) Rules-Legislative HB 1554 was passed by the House, but stalled in the Senate. Oversight by a votes of 8 to 3. Similar to HB 630 (2017) As noted in the Spring edition, there are ballot initiatives by COMMENTARY: In our Spring 2018 Commentary, FRONT pro-legalization organizations including Missourians for Patient ©iStock.com/heidijpix LINE noted the current cultural sensitivity to this issue in light Care Ballot Committee, Find the Cures Constitutional Mandate, of recent school shootings. A review of the Missouri House and New Approach Missouri Constitutional Mandate.16 These EMINENT DOMAIN website summary of HB 1936 reveals the support and lack of groups are attempting an end run around the legislation by support for this bill by those who appear to testify on behalf going straight to the people of Missouri. Even if successful HB 1880 Rural Electric Fiber Optic Infrastructure and against the legislation.13 While reasons for and against are in their efforts, the DEA still identifies marijuana as a Development (Eminent Domain): Sponsor Curtis Trent (R) presented equally, there were eleven persons and the Missouri Schedule I Drug.17 District 133: Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed on 5/3/18 (H) Firearms Coalition Organization testifying for the bill. On 138 to 4 Last Action: 6/1/18 approved by the governor. This the other side, there were twenty-two persons and fourteen Ultimately, what Missouri voters will be asked to decide, if one bill allows for the taking of private property to facilitate the organizations testifying in opposition.14 We will follow this or more of these initiatives gets on the ballot this November, development of high speed Internet service rural areas. issue to see if similar legislation is brought forward in the next is whether Missouri should go down the path being forged by states such as California, Florida and Colorado when it comes COMMENTARY: If you have seen the movie “The Little Pink session of the General Assembly. House,”6 you can understand the impact that eminent domain to drug policy and the use of marijuana as a form of treatment. has on an individual, a neighborhood, and a community. The HEALTH & FAMILY As always, it is the responsibility of the informed citizen to United State Supreme Court case of Kelo v. New London (2005) know the issues and impacts of laws on their freedom and how HB 1252 Mammography Screening: Sponsor held that any “public purpose” articulated by the government Dean Plocher they impact society, and that they consider the effects both now would satisfy the public use required of the Constitution for (R) District 89. This bill adds digital mammography and breast and in the long term. 7 tomosynthesis to the definition of low-dose mammography eminent domain. HB 1880 says that the “luxury” of high- PRO: Proponents of medical marijuana argue that the benefits screening. Currently, insurance coverage is required for speed internet service is such a public purpose. for those suffering AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, and other mammograms every two years for women age 40 to 49, unless diseases far outweigh the risks.18 Additionally, as a “natural a physician recommends more frequently and a mammogram product” cannabis is assumed to be safer than pharmaceuticals ENERGY every year for women age 50 and over. This bill modifies that can carry harmful side effects.19 Finally, those who HB 1460 “Olympic Dream Freedom Act” and a Gas Tax: coverage for mammograms to every year for women age 40 15 advocate for medical marijuana say it has societal benefits such Sponsor Jean Evans (R) District 99. Passed in Senate on and over. Third Read and Passed in House on 4/9/18 by a as allowing the government to regulate its growth, sale, and 5/17/18 by a vote of 24 to 8. Truly Agreed to and Finally vote of 145 to 2; Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed in Senate taxation. This, they say, is preferable to forcing users to face the Passed in the House on 5/18/18 by a vote of 88 to 60 with 1 on 5/9/18 with 32 Ayes and 1 No vote. Last Action: 6/1/18 dangers of finding their marijuana on the streets.20 Present. This bill was initially presented as the “Olympic Approved by the governor cont’d p 8 8 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018
MO Legislation cont’d from page 7
CON: Those against the legalization ague it is disingenuous to equate two different substances parent or guardian. On 3/7/18 HB 1569 passed in the Elementary and Secondary Education (H) such as marijuana and alcohol because of the many known harmful risks of using cannabis even committee by a vote of 8 to 4 with all Republicans voting in favor of the bill and all Democrats in moderation that are not comparable to the moderate use of alcohol. Risks such as impaired voting against it.23 Last Action: 5/3/18 Placed back on the Perfection Calendar. memory loss, inhibited learning ability, and potential addiction. They also note the negative HB 1355 Return to Duty in Cases of Emergency or Disaster: Sponsor Don Phillips (R) physical effects from toxins such as ammonia and hydrogen cyanide and damage to the lungs not 21 District 138. Allows retired police officers to return to work when a disaster or emergency unlike that caused by smoking cigarettes. Opponents also point to the negative social effects has been proclaimed by the governor or if there is a national disaster. 5/8/18 Passed Senate like drug-related crime that accompanies legalization and the damage to social norms when the Last 22 32 to 1; 5/16/18 Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed House 138 to 11 with 1 present. stigma of drug usage is removed from societal expectations. Incidents of children ingesting Action Update: 6/1/18 Approved by Governor. 3/1/18 Second Read and referred to Senate marijuana in cookie form and almost dying have been increasing. Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety (S). HB 1399 Parental Rights: Sponsor Bruce DeGroot (R) District 101. Modifies provisions relating to the termination of parental rights of a rapist after a child was conceived and born RIGHT TO WORK as a result of rape. Bill does not prohibit court from ordering payment for reasonable medical On February 6, 2018, Missouri finally joined the ranks of nearly two dozen of her sister states expenses, child support, rights to inherit under probate code, and other rights which benefit the when SB 19, right-to-work legislation, was signed by the governor. Under this law employers child or the mother. Last Action Update: 4/18/18 Passed (H) Judiciary committee and referred are barred from requiring employees to become, remain, or refrain from becoming a member to Rules-Legislative Oversight (H). of a labor organization or pay dues or other charges required of labor organization members as a condition of employment. Similar bills had been filed as far back as 2005.24 The law was to LAW ENFORCEMENT & MILITARY take effect on August 28, 2017, but big labor challenged this perceived threat and submitted HB 1569 Students/Children of Active Military: Sponsor Phil Christofanelli (R) District 105. over 300,000 signatures to block the law from taking effect and placing it on the ballot in 2018. This bill would have excused absences for students whose parent or legal guardian is deployed to a combat zone. The bill provides for no less than five absences for the student to visit the cont’d next page
PROPOSITION A Ballot Measure/Referendum
BALLOT TITLE by a staggering 100 Ayes to 59 Noes. It was signed into law on The official ballot title is as follows: February 2, 2017. “Do the people of the state of Missouri want to adopt Senate Bill 19 (“Right-to- Work”) as passed by the general assembly in 2017, which prohibits as a condition This law prohibits, as of employment the forced membership in a labor organization (union) or forced a condition of employment, payments of dues in full or pro-rata (fair-share); make any activity which violates requiring employees to become, employees’ rights illegal and ineffective; allow legal remedies for anyone injured as refrain from, or remain a member ©iStock.com/tupungato a result of another person violating or threatening to violate employees’ rights; and of a labor organization. It also which shall not apply to union agreements entered into before the effective date of prohibits requiring employees to pay dues, fees, assessments, or other charges to a labor Senate Bill 19? organization; the law shall not apply to union agreements entered into before the effective State and local government entities expect no costs or savings.” date of SB 19. BALLOT SUMMARY Here are some pros and cons regarding this issue that is so vital to economic future of our state: The fair ballot language is as follows: “A “yes” vote will adopt Senate Bill 19 (“right-to-work”), passed by the general PRO: Proponents of right-to-work laws maintain that this law will protect workers’ assembly in 2017. If adopted, Senate Bill 19 will amend Missouri law to prohibit, as freedom and make unions more responsive to the needs of its members. They claim it is a condition of employment, forced membership in a labor organization (union) or necessary to keep Missouri economically competitive against neighboring states and that it forced payments of dues or fees, in full or pro-rata (“fair-share”), to a union. Senate will increase wages for Missourians, and that compulsory union fees violate worker’s rights Bill 19 will also make any activity which violates employees’ rights provided by the bill illegal and ineffective and allow legal remedies for anyone injured as a result of of association. The law will make union dues voluntary, rather than coerced, as a condition another person violating or threatening to violate those employees’ rights. Senate of employment, which gives workers a choice regarding how their dues are spent. Others Bill 19 will not apply to union agreements entered into before the effective date of say that new businesses will be attracted to the state bringing more jobs and improving the Senate Bill 19, unless those agreements are amended or renewed after the effective economy for all workers.3 date of Senate Bill 19. CON: Primary opposition to right-to-work laws comes from union leadership and some A “no” vote will reject Senate Bill 19 (“right-to-work”), and will result in Senate Bill union workers. Those unions that oppose worker freedom to opt out of a mandatory 19 not becoming Missouri law. relationship argue that these laws lower wages for workers and hurt working families. If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes Opponents also argue that the bill is an anti-union piece of legislation that will increase unsafe working conditions. They maintain that workers will not get the same benefits received by union workers and these laws jeopardize that workplace safety.4 he issue of worker’s rights and mandatory union membership as a condition of Missouri, like other once powerful union strongholds, is not the only state that moved employment has been debated for decades in Missouri. On August 7, 2018, Missourians toward worker freedom in the past decade. Recently, both Wisconsin (2015) and Michigan Twill decide which direction they want to take on the issue of right-to-work when they (2013) have chosen to become right-to-work states in the wake of the economic downturn go to the polls to vote on Proposition A.1 of 2008.5 Millions of dollars will pour into the state this summer pushing different narratives regarding the positives and negatives of this issue. An informed and educated electorate is Endnotes: 1 https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2018BallotMeasures necessary for a free people to remain free. 2 Formally the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, creates private sector employees rights to organize In 2016, the people of Missouri selected a slate of candidates who openly advocated for unions, pursue collective bargaining for terms and conditions at work, and to strike. right-to-work as part of their platform and agenda. Many see this legislation as a significant 3 Sherk, James. Right-to-Work Laws: Myth vs. Fact, December 12, 2014 http://www.heritage.org/jobs- opportunity for Missouri. Will she join many of her neighbors in welcoming new businesses and-labor/report/right-work-laws-myth-vs-fact. Accessed 6/20/17 4 and improving the opportunity of its workers by allowing them to choose if and how they https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/after-overnight-debate-senate-oks-changing- date-of-right-to/article_fb145143-1244-5ed5-8e9d-7d3447fd05ee.html#utm_source=stltoday. spend their money, or will she prefer the status quo? Missourians will decide if they want to com&utm_campaign=BreakingNewsNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=6D27D7E622 affirm not only the choice that was made in November 2016, but also the actual legislation C72C9361451C9EDEB98CA4FF848AC2 that was the fruit of that election in the form of SB 19. 5 Mooney, Kevin. Decline of Unions Under Right-to-Work Laws Levels Playing Field for Trump, When it passed SB 19, Missouri became the 28th state to push back on the Wagner February 19, 2017. https://www.dailysignal.com/2017/02/19/decline-of-unions-under-right-to-work- Act of 1935.2 Right-to-work passed in the Senate by a vote of 21 to 12; and in the House laws-levels-playing-field-for-trump Accessed 2/20/17. FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 9
MO Legislation cont’d from page 8 SCR 49 Referendum Election Date for Proposition A: Sponsor Dave Schatz (R) District 26. Pursuant to Article III, Section 52(b) of the Missouri Constitution, SCR 49 changes the date of Missouri Senate Votes the referendum election SS#2/SB19 (2017) to August 7, 2018. Last Action: 5/24/18 signed by the governor. SB 564 SCR 49 HB 1252 HB 1460 HB 1413 HB 1729 ~~~ See sidebar for additional details on right-to-work. ~~~ Name Dist HB 1413 Paycheck Protection: Sponsor Jered Taylor (R) District 139. This bill requires authorization for certain labor unions to use dues and fees to make political contributions and requires consent for withholding earnings from paychecks. This is another significant piece of pro-worker legislation passed by the Missouri General Assembly. On 2/12/18 the House passed the bill 91 to 55 with one vote Present. In the Senate, the measure was passed with Amendments by a vote of 21 Ayes to 11 Noes and returned to the House. The bill was Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed (H) on 5/17/18 with 87 Ayes and 62 Noes. Last Action: 6/1/18 Approved by governor. HB 1729 Prevailing Wage Law: Sponsor Jeffery Justus (R) District 156. Repeals provisions relating to Missouri’s prevailing wages law. Prevailing wage laws establish a minimum wage rate that must be paid to workers on public works construction projects such as bridges, roads, and government buildings. This rate differs by county and for different types of work. Currently, contractors and subcontractors working on public works projects are required to pay employees the prevailing wage for the particular locality in which the project is being completed. Under HB 1729, contractors and subcontractors are required to pay employee’s state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher. Proponents say that the law will eliminate artificially high wages created by the prevailing wage law and will no longer create public works projects that are cost prohibitive in rural areas due to those increased wage rates. Opponents however argue that lowering wages in rural areas for public works projects will result in shifting costs to the state, as more people will seek public assistance.25 Last Action: 5/30/18 Delivered to governor.
Endnotes: 1 In 2014 Michael Brown was shot and killed after attacking a police officer in Ferguson Missouri. The killing of Brown was ruled a justifiable homicide which prompted nationwide riots and civil unrest. 2 Associated Press. Judge Allows Missouri Medical Abortion Rules to Stand. June 12, 2018. https://www. nytimes.com/ Accessed 6/19/18 3 Ibid. 4 Missouri Students Will Have Greater Access to Educational Options as Legislature Passes HB. https:// excelinedinaction.org/2018/05/16/missouri-students-will-have-greater-access-to-educational-options-as- legislature-passes-hb-1606/ Accessed 6/15/18 5 Missouri Passes Course Access Legislation. May 17, 2018. https://www.federationforchildren.org/ missouri-passes-course-access-legislation/ Accessed 6/15/18 6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUptZEZdT-M 7 https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/04-108.ZS.html 8 Kurt Erickson, “Lawmakers reopen discussions on utility rate hikes” 8/23/16, https://www.stltoday.com accessed 3/5/18 9 Larimore, Jordan. Legislature passes bill revamping utility rate structures, May 25, 2018. http://www. joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/legislature-passes-bill-revamping-utility-rate-structures/article_7a3e594f- adfc-5d52-b9d0-f885191b6b38.html Accesssed 6/12/18 10 Ibid. 11 Ibid. 12 Ibid. 13 https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills181/sumpdf/HB1936C.pdf 14 Ibid. 15 Bill Summary https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1252&year=2018&code=R 16 Ben Striker, “Legalizing medical marijuana in Missouri could boost real estate market, according to advocacy group” 2/22/18, www.claytontimes.com accessed 3/10/18 17 Schedule I drugs are classified as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment, and a lack of accepted safety for use. See https://calmca.org accessed 3/10/18 18 “Three Reasons Why Medical Cannabis Should Be Legalized” 10/20/14, www.medicalmarijuanaassociation. com, accessed 3/10/18. 19 Ibid. 20 Ibid. 21 Charles “Cully” Stimson, “The Case Against Legalizing Marijuana in California” 3/3/12, The Heritage Foundation, www.heritage.org/commentary/ accessed 3/10/18. 22 Ibid. 23 https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills181/jrnpdf/jrn036.pdf#page=49 24 http://senate.mo.gov/17info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=57095277 25 Truly Agreed Summary for SS HCS Has 1729, 1621, & 1436 https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills181/ sumpdf/HB1729T.pdf Accessed 6/18/18
CORRECTION: In the Spring 2018 edition, a footnote was incorrectly reported. Footnote #12 should have read: “Schedule I drugs are classified as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical Vote Key: use in treatment, and a lack of accepted safety for use. See Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana, https:// Yes (Y) calmca.org.” No (N) Absent (A) Absent with Leave (AWL) Present (P) Excused from Voting (E) No Vote Recorded (---) cont’d p 10
10 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 MO Legislation cont’d from page 9 Missouri House Votes
SB 564 SCR 49 SB 564 SCR 49 HB 1460 HB 1252 HB 2105 HB 1554 HB 1413 HB 1729 HB 1383 HB 1266 HB 1460 HB 1252 HB 2105 HB 1554 HB 1413 HB 1729 HB 1383 HB 1266 Name Dist Name Dist
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cont’d from page 10 MO Legislation
Missouri House Votes cont’d
SB 564 SCR 49 SB 564 SCR 49 HB 1460 HB 1252 HB 2105 HB 1554 HB 1413 HB 1729 HB 1383 HB 1266 HB 1460 HB 1252 HB 2105 HB 1554 HB 1413 HB 1729 HB 1383 HB 1266 Name Dist Name Dist
SHORT LINES UPDATES Excerpts from Gary Bauer’s End Of Day report, https://patriotpost.us Supreme Court Ruling Conservatives won two huge cases yesterday on national security and our First Amendment rights. First, the Supreme Court upheld President Trump’s authority to limit immigration from nations known to be hotbeds of extremism — countries like Iran, Syria and Venezuela. In an opinion by Chief Justice John Roberts, the Court ruled that Trump’s decision to restrict immigration from such countries was “squarely within the scope of presidential authority.” Responding to the decision, President Trump said in a statement: “As long as I am President, I will defend the sovereignty, safety, and security of the American people, and fight for an immigration system that serves the national interests of the United States and its citizens. Our country will always be safe, secure, and protected on my watch.” The second big decision involved a California law that attempted to force pro-life pregnancy centers to promote abortions. Sadly, both of these cases were decided by the slimmest of margins — on 5-4 votes. Donald Trump’s appointee, Justice Neil Gorsuch, was part of the five-vote majority in both decisions. Kennedy Steps Down Justice Anthony Kennedy is retiring. President Trump now has a historic opportunity. He can cement a conservative majority on the Supreme Court that will defend our First Amendment rights of free speech and religious liberty as well as our Second Amendment rights. The battle to replace Anthony Kennedy will be the biggest and perhaps the most consequential confirmation fight we have ever seen. President Trump announced that he is looking over his list of previous Supreme Court contenders, the same list from which he selected Neil Gorsuch. He expects to make an announcement soon, and he said he expects the Senate to confirm his nominee before the high court reconvenes in October. Unions On its final day of the 2018 term, the Supreme Court handed down a 5-to-4 ruling that public sector unions could not force non-union members to pay union dues. The ruling is a huge blow to organized labor as these dues have been a goldmine for the left. More than 80% of public sector union donations go to Democrats. In 2016, public sector unions spent more than $160 million trying to elect Hillary Clinton and other left- wing candidates.
12 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 MISSOURI CANDIDATE PROFILES Primary Election 2018
he Missouri primary season is already underway with the election on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, fast approaching. The filing period for candidates seeking election ended on March 27, 2018. Many candidates filed for qualifications, we have chosen to highlight information from independent sources Tstatewide and district wide seats including state auditor, United States senatorial as well as the candidate’s own websites and information. Much of this information and congressional terms. With five political parties in Missouri (Republican, can be found on ballotpedia.org and votesmart.org. As always, time and space Democratic, Libertarian, Green, and Constitution), there are many options from limit the amount of information that can be spent on each candidate; for some which to choose. candidates, we have simply provided their websites for further information. This year, there are significant decisions to be made that will impact our state Every effort has been made to be fair and impartial in our presentation of and the nation for many years to come. From the balance of power in the U.S. candidates, as we do not and will not endorse any particular person or party. We Senate and House of Representatives, to the right-to-work issue, i.e., Prop A, many are, however, focused on issues of faith, the economy and free market system, people are watching Missouri to see what kind of future we can hope for as the and education, which impact the family and the culture. Our focus and guide, people choose from a crowded field and complicated issues. therefore, in selecting information is based on the Constitution and the Author of We encourage you to use this information as a starting point to inform Divine Providence on whose principles that document was created. With that in yourselves and others on issues and candidates so you can make a wise and mind please use this information as a guide and then use the available resources to informed decision. In an attempt to give a sense of the candidate’s positions and further inform your own judgment and decisions.
special committee on tax policy for working families and ways and means. ~~~ STATE AUDITOR ~~~ Sergeant/Squad Recruiter, United States Marine Corps (1999-2003); Marines Reservist (2003-2009); financial advisor and small business owner Ratings and Endorsements: Missouri Right to Life 100% (2017); NARAL Democratic Pro-Choice Missouri 0% (2017); Missouri Chamber of Commerce and NICOLE GALLOWAY (Incumbent) Industry 76% (2016); American Conservative Union 94% (2016); BIO: Born in St. Louis, Missouri, married and mother of two; Bachelor’s, WEBSITE: http://paulcurtman.net Applied Mathematics/Economics, Missouri University of Science and Technology (2004); MBA, Accounting, University of Missouri (2008); SAUNDRA MCDOWELL received controversial appointment to her current position as state auditor in 2015 by Democratic Governor Jay Nixon. Appointment made to fill the BIO: Married, mother of five, lives in Jefferson City; JD, Law, Regents position of Republican Auditor Tom Schweich who tragically died shortly University School of Law; Bachelor’s, Philosophy, Politics Drake after being elected in 2014. Current period of appointment filling Mr. University; No prior political experience found; Technical Sergeant, U.S. Schweich’s position ends January 2019; Treasurer, Boone County (2011-2015); previous work Air Force (1999-2007); Attorney-at-Law beginning 2010 with Parmele includes actuarial analyst, auditor, corporate auditor, Secretary/Treasurer, Missouri Technology Law Firm; Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Missouri Attorney Corporation, and certified fraud examiner. General (2014-2017); Director of Enforcement, Missouri Secretary of State (2017-2018) WEBSITE: https://nicolegalloway.com and http://www.auditor.mo.gov WEBSITE: https://www.saundramcdowellformissouri.com
Republican Libertarian KEVIN M. ROACH SEAN O’TOOLE BIO: Bachelor’s, Economics, Washington University (St. Louis); MBA, Forensic Accounting, Webster University; alderman, City of Ballwin, BIO: Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on 1/8/1961 and lives in Kansas City, 2015-present; served as chair and president of Choose Life of Missouri Missouri; BA, Finance/Business Administration, Hamline University, (2005-2016). See website for additional information about candidate. (1983); prior candidate for Missouri State House of Representatives (2010) and Missouri State Treasurer (2012); currently works as a software WEBSITE: https://www.kevinroach.com developer with Phoenix Web Group, Principal, HedgeLogic LLC, and director of information technology with U Incorporated; treasurer for DAVID WASINGER Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Association and Missouri Libertarian Party BIO: Born in Hannibal, Missouri; married father of two; no prior political experience found; BSA, Accounting, University of WEBSITE: https://otoole4mo.com Missouri Columbia (1985); JD, Vanderbilt University Law School (1988); member of Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Green Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and board member of Boy Scouts of Greater St. Louis; former board member of the University of DON FITZ Missouri Board of Curators and Children’s Miracle Network; Of Counsel, Wasinger Daming Legal Consolidation (1991-present). BIO: No prior political experience; PhD, Social Psychology, University of Texas at Austin (1974); worked as an instructor at Austin Community WEBSITE: http://citizensforwasinger.com College, Maryville University, Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis Community College, and Washington University in St. Louis; assistant PAUL CURTMAN professor at Southern Illinois University, Valparaiso University, and BIO: Born 4/21/1981 in Flint, Michigan, and now lives in Union, Missouri, with his wife and University of Missouri St Louis two children; BA, Political Science and Government, University of Missouri-St. Louis (2008); WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/Fitz4MOgov current Missouri State Representative since 2010; served on legislative committees including government accountability, government efficiency, special committee on homeland security, cont’d next page FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 13
Missouri Candidate Profiles 2018 cont’d
Constitution JACOB LUETKEMEYER BIO: No information found on candidate’s campaign for state auditor (2018). No Photo Ratings and Endorsements: Consistently endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (100%), available. NARAL Pro-Choice America (100%) but received a 0% rating from the National Right to Life Committee (2017-2018).13 WEBSITE: No website or social media campaign for state auditor candidacy. WEBSITE: https://clairemccaskill.com and https://medium.com/@mcCaskill4MO Republican ~~~ U.S. SENATOR ~~~ TONY MONETTI BIO: Decorated veteran served as a B-52 bomber pilot; married; founder, Democratic Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Johnson County, MO; Small business owner and assistant dean of aviation at the University of Central Missouri;2 BS, CARLA (COFFEE) WRIGHT Political Science, U.S. Air Force (1987); Master’s degrees from Webster University (1993) and Air University (2002); no prior candidacies for BIO: Graduate of St. Louis Community College at Forest Park;9 no political office; Endorsed by Sarah Palin. See candidate website for stands professional, or prior political experience found. Member, Universal on issues including immigration reform, economy & jobs, healthcare, African Peoples Organization (UAPO); see website for information on education, gun rights, and religion. issues. WEBSITE: http://monetti4senate.com/ WEBSITE: http://www.coffeewrightussenate.com ANGELICA EARL AUSTIN PETERSEN BIO: Born in Independence, Missouri; graduate, Missouri State BIO: AA, Liberal Studies, St. Louis Community College (2015); no prior University in Musical Theatre; candidate, President of the United States political experience found; works as a verification specialist, SERCO, (2016); No religious, civic, or other organizational memberships found.3 Incorporated since 2016; no religious or civic memberships found. Endorsements: Republican Liberty Caucus, Missouri State Representative Endorsements include The Progressive Ballot: LegalizeMissouri; NCPF Mark Matthiesen (District 70), and other former congressmen, and (National Coalition for a Progressive Future), Local Berniecrats.10 individuals.4 WEBSITE: https://teammissouri.net WEBSITE: https://wwww.austinpetersen.com/ JOSH HAWLEY LEONARD JOSEPH STEINMAN II BIO: Josh currently holds the elected position of Attorney General for the BIO: Born in Jefferson City, Missouri; Catholic; education includes state of Missouri. He is married and has two children; BA, History from completion of coursework at Welding Technologies, Nichols Center Stanford University (2002); JD, Yale Law School (2006). He served as (1984); candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010 and a Judicial Clerk in the Court of Appeal and the United States Supreme 2014; candidate for Missouri House of Representatives, 2008; current Court from 2007-2008. He has worked as an attorney from 2008 to 2011 member of the Cole County Democratic Committee; served the Navy and an associate professor of law at the University of Missouri, School of Law. Worked on the U.S. Supreme Court decision Burwell v. Hobby from 1971-1975; has worked owner/operator, instructor, and buyer. Lobby (2014); “Hawley was instrumental to obtaining the landmark victory WEBSITE: None found. that protects the religious liberty of all Americans”10 ISSUES: Supports Ethics Reform in Jefferson City that will include the AGs office; JOHN HOGAN Pro Second Amendment; Pro-life; Protect Missouri farmers by stopping Obama’s “Clean Power Plan” in court; Opposes the EPA’s WOTUS rule; Fix the illegal immigration problem and BIO: Previously a candidate for Missouri Senate (2000), U.S. House of Representatives (2002, border security problems; Stop frivolous lawsuits with Tort Reform; Defend Religious liberty 2004,2006, 2008). No photo available. and continue to push back on Obamacare. WEBSITE: None found. Ratings and Endorsements: National Rifle Association 86% (2016); The Club for Growth (2018); Missouri Farm Bureau Federation (2017); Gun Owners of America (2016) TRAVIS GONZALEZ WEBSITE: http://joshhawley.com BIO: Born in Guam on January 13, 1988; currently lives in Trenton, Missouri. Prior candidate for Missouri House (2012), U.S. House of FRED RYMAN Representatives (2016) and U.S. Senate (2018). No other professional experience or memberships found. BIO: Grew up in Texas where he worked as a mechanic and helped run a vending type business to help pay for college; candidate, U.S. Senate WEBSITE: http://travisgonzalezmo.com (2016). BS, Mathematics from Texas A&M; high school math and computer science teacher; BA, Theology from Howard Payne. Worked DAVID FAUST as pastor for nearly ten years until 2008. He currently works as an assistant sales manager in Columbia, Missouri.5 See website for additional No biographical information or website found. No photo available. information. WEBSITE: voteforfred.org CLAIRE MCCASKILL (Incumbent) BIO: Born 7/24/1953 in Rolla, Missouri; Current United States Senator CHRISTINA SMITH from Missouri; BS, Political Science, University of Missouri-Columbia (1975); JD, University of Missouri Law School, 1978; Missouri House BIO: Attended California School of Law (2014); BS, Political Science of Representatives (1983-1988), ran for governor in Missouri in 2004, (Lincoln University) 2010; certified in Civil and Family Mediation Missouri State Auditor 1999-2006; legislative committees include Armed (Missouri State University) 2009. No prior political experience found; no Services, Finance, Homeland Security, and various other subcommittees; known religious or civic memberships. member, White House Commission for Drug Free Communities; prior work WEBSITE: http://smithussenate.com includes prosecutor, assistant prosecutor, and as clerk for the Missouri Court of 11 Appeals (KC). Ballotpedia.org reports McCaskill’s net worth in 2012 as $20,969,104. KRISTI NICHOLS ISSUES: Senator McCaskill voted “no” on the confirmation vote for Neil M. Gorsuch to be BIO: From Independence, Missouri; Tea Party Organizer and previous an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Voted against an amendment candidate for U.S. Senate from Missouri in 2010 and 2016; has worked as to repeal the ACA (OBAMACARE) on July 26, 2017. Voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs a publisher, pastor, sales manager, and a small business owner; no religious Act (HR 1) on December 20, 2017. In 2008, Senator McCaskill was an early supporter of or civic memberships found. See website for additional information. Barack Obama who she endorsed for president over Hillary Clinton. In 2016, she endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. In 2018 alone, Claire McCaskill has raised over $17.5 million WEBSITE: http://kristinichols.com from contributors including Centene Corp. ($357,178), Washington University in St. Louis 12 ($265,691) and the University of Missouri ($196,420). cont’d page 14 14 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018
Missouri Candidate Profiles 2018 cont’d from page 13
DEMARCO K. DAVIDSON BIO: BS, Industrial Engineering, University of Missouri Rolla (2006); MDiv, Eden Theological Seminary (2018); Co-Op Process Engineer at BRADLEY KREMBS No information, photo or website available for this candidate. Solae Company (2005-2006) WEBSITE: https://www.demarco4congress.com KEN PATTERSON BIO: Born in Blue Springs, Missouri; currently lives in Lee’s Summit with his wife and children; JOSHUA SHIPP holds a bachelor’s degree and MD from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Website for BIO: BS, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, this candidate goes to a site for “Jon Patterson for State Representative” with a “#2018.” The Lindenwood University (2015); Graduated, Massage Secretary of State’s Office shows Ken Patterson with a home address in Eureka, Missouri, as Therapy, Missouri College (2011) a candidate for U.S. Senate from Missouri.6 The pictures of the candidate on his website and from votesmart.org appear to be for the same person. Ken Patterson is listed as candidate for WEBSITE: None found. Candidate can be found on LinkedIn. U.S. Senate from Missouri and Jon Patterson is listed on the Secretary of State (Missouri) 7 website as candidate for Missouri State Representative from District 30. A quick look at the LACY CLAY (Incumbent) candidate’s Facebook page (link found on the website) shows the candidate campaigning for state representative seat. BIO: Born in St. Louis on 7/27/1956; married with two children; BS, Government/Politics, University of Maryland (1983); WEBSITE: https://pattersonformo.com current U.S. House of Representatives since 2000; Missouri State Senator (1991-2000); member of legislative committees including Financial BRIAN G. HAGG Service, Natural Resources, Oversight and Government Reform, and BIO: No information, photo or website available for this candidate. other subcommittees. Ratings and Endorsement: Planned Parenthood Action Fund 100% COURTLAND SYKES (2018); National Right to Life Committee 0% (2018); Club for Growth 5% (2017); Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council 25% (2015-2016) BIO: Holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts (ALB) from Harvard (2014); no prior political experience; prior work experience includes intelligence WEBSITE: http://lacyclay.org and http://lacyclay.house.gov analyst (U.S. Navy 2002-2011), defense analyst (Defense Intelligence Agency 2008-2011), corporate innovation and business development (2014-2015), military and veterans representative (U.S. Congress 2016- Republican 2017) and currently works as a managing director.8 See website for additional information CAMILLE LOMBARDI-OLIVE WEBSITE: https://sykesforsenate2018.com BIO: Born 2/25/1959 in Chicago, now lives in Galena, Missouri. Holds a bachelors from Eastern Illinois University (1994); previously a candidate PETER PFEIFER for the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri in 2016 and 2018. BIO: Former Alderman, City of Brentwood, Missouri; vice president See Facebook page below for campaign information. of sales for Hilliker Corporation (1999-2016); independent real estate WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/politicalinsaneasylum/ professional (2017-present). Member, Sunnyhill Incorporated board of directors (2008-present). ROBERT VROMAN WEBSITE: https://wwwgofundme.com/peterpfeiferforsenate BIO: Born 3-8-81, in St. Louis, Missouri, where he currently resides; holds bachelors in economics from Webster University (2007); previously ran for Missouri State House of Representatives in 2014 and U.S. House of Libertarian Representatives in 2018. Worked as a financial officer from 2007-2010 and JAPHETH CAMPBELL has been a business owner since 2010. WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/ BIO: Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas; No prior political experience found; VoteVroman/ MS, Entertainment Business, Full Sail University; No professional experience found and no religious or civic memberships found. See website for more information. EDWARD L. VAN DEVENTER JR. WEBSITE: https://www.campbell4liberty.com BIO: Born in Evansville, Indiana, 6/8/1941. Currently lives in St. Ann, Missouri. See campaign website for positions on the economy, free trade, Green Party balancing the budget, immigration reform and other issues. WEBSITE: https://edvanderventerforthepeople.org JO CRAIN BIO: See candidate Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ Libertarian jocrainforussenate/ for information on issues and background. WEBSITE: https://www.missourigreenparty.org/jo_crain_for_us_senate ROBB E. CUNNINGHAM BIO: Born in Overland, Missouri; prior candidate for Missouri State JEROME BAUER No substantive information, photo or Senate (2004), U.S. House of Representatives (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, website could be found for this candidate. 2014), U.S. House of Representatives (2016); member of the Missouri Libertarian Executive Committee WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/RobbLibertarian/ ~~~ U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ~~~ 1st Congressional District 2nd Congressional District Democratic Democratic CORI BUSH MARK OSMACK BIO: Born in St. Louis; attended Harris-Stowe State University; RN, BIO: Born in St. Louis, Missouri; Master’s in Public Administration, Lutheran School of Nursing (2008); prior candidate for U.S. Senate George Washington University (2016), BA, English language and (2016); worked as a registered nurse, nursing supervisor, and radio literature, University of Missouri at Columbia (2007); no prior political host. Organizer of the Michael Brown Senior’s Chosen for Change experience; served as field artillery officer in the U.S. Army from 2008 to Foundation; co-director of the Truth Telling Project; pastor, Kingdom 2014; currently works as civil affairs company commander for U.S. Army Embassy International Church (2011-2014) Reserve since 2017; recipient of the Bronze Star (2011). See campaign website for positions on issues. WEBSITE: https://votecoribush.com/issues cont’d next page FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 15
Missouri Candidate Profiles 2018 cont’d
Ratings and Endorsements: U.S. Senator Tammy Duckwork (D-IL), Mobilize Missouri, Distinction: Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, VoteVets, and other democratic leaders and clubs. See website for more information. WEBSITE: https://markosmack.com Libertarian (WILLIAM) BILL HAAS LARRY A. KIRK BIO: Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on 9/30/1944. He currently lives in St. BIO: No substantive information found. See social media profiles for Louis; BA, English from Yale University (1966), JD, Harvard Law School more information. (1972). Prior candidate for Missouri State House of Representatives (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014), U.S. House of Representatives (2008, 2000, WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/pg/KirkforLiberty 2016), Missouri lieutenant governors office (2012) and office of mayor (St. Louis City); has practiced corporate law (1972-1991), taught law, government, and ethics/business from 2000 to the present. See website for Green more information on issues listed there including income inequality, peace in the Mideast, money in politics, animal abuse on factory farms, public DAVID JUSTUS ARNOLD subsidies for business and more. BIO: BA, Biology, University of Kansas (1979); prior candidate for WEBSITE: http://votebillhaas.com U.S. House of Representatives (2010 and 2016); works as an associate at Brilliant Data Limited since 1988. No religious or civic memberships CORT VANOSTRAN found. BIO: Born in Missouri and currently lives in Clayton, Missouri; BA, WEBSITE: https://electdavidarnold.weebly.com Government from Harvard University (2011); JD, Washington University (2014); intern, Senator Claire McCaskill (2012); intern, Judge Richard Teitelman, Missouri Supreme Court (2013); currently an associate with 3rd Congressional District Gray, Ritter & Graham, PC since 2016; member of The Gathering United Methodist Church Democratic WEBSITE: https://cortforcongress.com and https://www.facebook.com/cortforcongress/ KATY GEPPERT JOHN MESSMER BIO: Born in Bound County, Illinois, and attended Quincy University BIO: Born 3/20/1967 in St. Louis, Missouri; BS, Aerospace Engineering (Illinois); BS Chemistry (2004); MS, Chemistry from St. Louis University from Parks College in St. Louis (1988), Master’s, Political Science from (2010); No prior political experience found. See website for additional University of Missouri at Columbia (1993) and PhD, Political Science and information on issues. Government, University of Missouri at Columbia (2001); has no prior political experience; professor of Political Science at St. Louis Community WEBSITE: https://katygeppertforcongress.com College since 2002. WEBSITE: http://johnmessmer.org and https://www.facebook.com/ JOHN KIEHNE Withdrew from election before primary. JohnMessmerForCongress/ ROBERT W. HAZEL Republican BIO: Born in Memphis, Tennessee; no prior political experience found. See candidate website for additional information on issues and positions. CHADWICK BICKNELL BIO: No substantive information found on background, prior experience, or issues and WEBSITE: https://www.robertwhazelforcongress.com endorsements, or picture. Republican WEBSITE: https://chadwickbicknell.wixsite.com/website BLAINE LUETKEMEYER (Incumbent) ANN WAGNER (Incumbent) BIO: Born 5/7/1952 in St. Elizabeth, Missouri; Married father of three; BIO: Born 9/13/1962; married with three children and lives in BA, Political Science, Lincoln University (1974); Missouri State House Ballwin, Missouri; BSBA, University of Missouri at Columbia (1984); Representative (1999-2005); current U.S. House of Representatives since current Representative from Missouri (District 2) to the U.S. House of 2008; served on financial services and small business legislative committees Representatives; served on several legislative committees in the U.S. House and other subcommittees; prior to political service he worked as a bank including Capital Markets, Securities, and Investment Subcommittee, examiner, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, small business Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, Task Force to Investigate Terrorism owner (insurance) and bank vice president; member of multiple religious Financing, and other subcommittees; former U.S. Ambassador to and civic organizations including Knights of Columbus, Eldon Chamber Luxembourg (2005-2010); of Commerce, Saint Elizabeth Care Center, Board of Trustees (Village of 1 Ratings: Planned Parenthood Action Fund 0% (2018); National Right St. Elizabeth), and Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association. to Life 100% (2018); Council for Citizens Against Government Waste Ratings and Endorsements: Planned Parenthood Action Fund 0% (2018); National Right to Life 96% (2017); Club for Growth 65% (2016); National Rifle Association 93% (2016); National Committee 100% (2018); Campaign for Working Families 100% (2018); ACLU 0% (2015- Education Association 0% (2017) 2016); Americans for Prosperity 86% (2017-2018); Heritage Action for America 70% (2017- Issues: Candidate official website lists eight main topics of interest: national security, jobs and 2018); Eagle Forum 60% (2015-2016) the economy, illegal immigration, reining in government spending, fighting sex trafficking, WEBSITE: http://www.blaineforcongress.com and https://luetkemeyer.house.gov/contact supporting conservative values, protecting survivors of assault, and financial services (availability of saving and investment tools for all Americans). See website for further details. WEBSITE: https://annwagner.com and https://wagner.house.gov Libertarian DONALD V. STOLLE NOGA SACHS BIO: No substantive information found on political experience or issues. See social media BIO: No prior political experience; MS, Kinesiology and Exercise Science campaign page for more information about candidate. from University of Illinois (2007), BA, Psychology and Statistics from Boston University (2005); Has worked as a web developer, marketing WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/Donald-Stolle-libertarian-for-congress director, health coach, lifestyle consultant and is currently the owner of a small business and a strategic agent for Transamerica; has served as member of the Midwest Business Group on Health since 2011. See website and social media for more information on candidate and campaign.
WEBSITE: https://nogasachs.com and https://www.facebook.com/noga4congress cont’d p 16 16 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018
Missouri Candidate Profiles 2018 cont’d from page 15 Republican KRESS CAMBERS 4th Congressional District BIO: Married with three children and lives in Independence, Missouri; no substantive information found. Democratic WEBSITE: https://www.cambersforcongress.com RENEE HOAGENSON JACOB TURK BIO: Born in Missouri and lives in Columbia, Missouri; BA, English, BIO: Lives in Lee Summit, Missouri; BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Missouri Columbia (1990); no prior political experience University of Missouri Kansas City (1982); prior candidate for U.S. House found; publisher, Showcase Magazines (2011-present); member, Sacred of Representatives (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016); United States Heart Catholic Church Marine Corps (1974-1977); president, owner of Jacob Turk Enterprises; member, Lee’s Summit Community Church WEBSITE: http://www.reneehoagenson.com WEBSITE: http://www.turkforcongress.com HALLIE J. THOMPSON RICHMOND OAKS No substantive information or website found. BIO: BS, Biochemistry, University of Missouri (2011); no prior political experience found; director of legislative affairs, National Association of Graduate Libertarian professional Students (2015-2016); research network coordinator, Plant, Algae, and Microbial Metabolomics Coordination Network ALEXANDER HOWELL No substantive information or website found. WEBSITE: http://www.halliethompsonforcongress.com CISSE SPRAGINS Republican BIO: BS, Chemistry, University of Tennessee; MS, Chemistry and Physics, University of Wisconsin; PhD, Plasma Physics, University of Wisconsin; vice-chair, Missouri Liberty Party (2008); prior candidate for U.S. Senate JOHN WEBB (2010) and Missouri Secretary of State (2012); employee of Rockwell Labs BIO: Born 12/12/1953 in Kansas City, Missouri; Attended University of Ltd (1998-present) Missouri Kansas City and Missouri Police Academy; prior candidate for WEBSITE: none found U.S. House of Representatives (2014, 2016); president, Jwinc Inc. (1985- 2016); member Willow Creek Evangelical Friends Church, National Rifle Association Green WEBSITE: http://johnwebbforcongress.com and social media MAURICE COPELAND No substantive relevant information or website found. VICKY HARTZLER (Incumbent) BIO: Born 10/13/1960 and lives in Harrisonville, Missouri; BS, Education, Constitution University of Missouri Columbia (1983); MS, Education, Central Missouri State University (1992); incumbent, U.S. House of Representatives E.C. FREDLAND No substantive information or website found. (2010-present); member, legislative committees including agriculture and armed services, and several subcommittees; spokesman, Coalition to Protect Marriage in Missouri (2004); teacher; co-owner, Hartzler 6th Congressional District Equipment Company Ratings and Endorsements: Planned Parenthood Action Fund 0% (2018); National Right to Life Committee 100% (2017-2018); Americans for Democratic Prosperity 100% (2017-2018); Heritage Action for America 67% (2017-2018) WINSTON APPLE WEBSITE: http://www.vickyhartzler.com and http://hartzler.house.gov BIO: MA, Education, University of Missouri Kansas City (1990); prior candidate for Missouri State House of Representatives (2014); author, Libertarian “Edutopia, A Manifesto for the e Reform of Public Education”; owner, song writer, Winston Apple Productions (1999-present); member, Sierra STEVEN KOONSE Club; founder, Populists in Action (2015); inductee, Kansas Music Hall BIO: No substantive information or website found for candidate. of Fame (2015); WEBSITE: https://appleforthepeople.us MARK BLISS: No substantive information found WEBSITE: https://bliss4congress.com HENRY ROBERT MARTIN BIO: Bachelor’s, Mathematics Education, Lincoln, University (1998); Master’s Secondary Education, Lincoln University (2001); Graduate, 5th Congressional District Administrative Leadership, Walden University Online (2011); U.S. Army (1988-1992); principal, assistant principal; math teacher (2014-present); Democratic recipient of multiple military ribbons and medals WEBSITE: https://www.henrymartinforcongress.com EMANUEL CLEAVER, II (Incumbant) ED ANDRES No photo or substantive information found. WEBSITE: http://www. BIO: Married with four children; born 10/26/1944 in Waxahachie, andresforcongress.com Texas; BS, Sociology, Prarie View Agricultural and Mechanical University (1972); member, Kansas City, City Council (1979-1991); mayor, Kansas Republican City, Missouri; incumbent, United States House of Representatives (2004-present); member, financial services legislative committee; senior SAM GRAVES (Incumbent) pastor, St. James United Methodist Church (1969-2005); founder, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (Kansas City) BIO: Born 11/07/1963 in Tarkio, Missouri; married with three children; BS, Agronomy, School of Agriculture, University of Missouri Columbia Ratings and Endorsements: Planned Parenthood Action Fund 100% (2018); National Right (1986); Representative, Missouri State House of Representatives (1992- to Life Committee 0% (2017-2018); United States Chamber of Commerce 44% (2017); 1994); Senator, Missouri State Senate (1994-2000); incumbent, U.S. Americans for Prosperity 0% (2017-2018) WEBSITE: http://cleaverforcongress.com/home.php/# and https://cleaver.house.gov cont’d next page FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 17
Missouri Candidate Profiles 2018 cont’d
House of Representatives (2000-present); member, legislative committees on armed services and other subcommittees; member, First Baptist Church JIM EVANS Ratings and Endorsements: NARAL Pro-Choice America 0% (2016); The Club for Growth BIO: Born 7/12/1948 76% (2017); American Civil Liberties Union 11% (2015-2016) in Springfield, Missouri; married (Terri); MA, Mathematics, Missouri State University (1972); WEBSITE: http://www.gravesforcongress.com and http://graves.house.gov prior candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (2012, 2014); beef cattle farmer, property manager, real estate investor, and teacher; United States Army; volunteer, Meals on Wheels Libertarian WEBSITE: https://jimevansforcongress.com DAN HOGAN Libertarian BIO: Born 4/8/1981 in Huntsville, Alabama; lives in St. Peters, Missouri with wife and one child; faith, non-denominational deist; BS, Ashworth BENJAMIN T. BRIXEY College (2009); AAS, Health Care Management (2009); Continuing Ed Cert, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Kansas State University (2011); No photo or substantive relevant information found. Candidate for this office in 2016. BASc, Management, Peru State College (2013); MS, Organizational Management, Peru State College, (2016); prior candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (2016); sergeant, United States Army (2009-2012); 8th Congressional District conductor, Union Pacific Railroad (2013-2014); conductor, Amtrak, (2014-present) Democratic WEBSITE: http://www.hogan4congress.org KATHY ELLIS 7th Congressional District BIO: Lives in Festus, Missouri with her wife Ann; BS, Administration of Justice from University of Missouri St Louis; MSW, Washington University; licensed psychotherapist, Certified Reciprocal Advanced Democratic Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Experiential Therapist III ; member, board of health center (since 2011); See website for more information VINCE JENNINGS WEBSITE: https://ellisformissouri.com BIO: Born in Lexington, Missouri and lives in Marionville, Missouri; BS, Economics, Missouri State University (1996); prior candidate for Missouri State House (1998, 2014) Republican WEBSITE: none found JASON SMITH (Incumbdnt) JOHN FARMER DE LA TORRE BIO: Born 6/16/1980 in Salem, Missouri; BS, Agriculture Economics, Business Administration, University of Missouri Columbia (2001); BIO: Bachelor’s, Foreign Service, Georgetown University; Master’s, Representative, Missouri House of Representatives (2005-2013); Journalism, University of Missouri Columbia (2015); no prior political Majority Whip (2011-2013); current member, Missouri Farm Bureau; experience; managing editor, Ozark Bohemian Network (2014-present); incumbent, U.S. House of Representatives, (2013-present); legislative On-Air Talent, KSGF (2017-present) committee member, Ways and Means, Budget; member of various other WEBSITE: https://www.farmerfortheozarks.com subcommittees; former attorney, real estate agent; member and Sunday school teacher, Grace Community Church JAMIE DANIEL SCHOOLCRAFT Ratings and Endorsements: Planned Parenthood Action Fund 4% (2018); National Right to Life Committee 100% (2017-2018); Americans for Prosperity 94% (2017-2018); The John Birch BIO: Born 12/6/1975 in Houston, Texas; married Society 705 (2017-2018); National Education Association (NEA) 0% (2017); Gun Owners of with three children and lives in Willard, Missouri; graduate, University of America 90% (2015-2016); National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws 17% Missouri Kansas City (1997); Master’s, Missouri State University (2013); (2015-2016) prior candidate for Missouri House of Representatives (2006); mayor, City of Willard (2007-2011); teacher, fireman, paramedic, medical officer; no WEBSITE: http://electjasonsmith.com and http://jasonsmith.house.gov religious or civic memberships found WEBSITE: https://wwwelectschoolcraft.com Libertarian
KENNETH HATFIELD JONATHAN L. SHELL BIO: Served in the United States Army; no other relevant or substantive information or photo BIO: Born in Fredericktown, Missouri. No substantive information or website found. found WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/kennethhatfieldforcongress/ Endnotes: Republican 1https://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/20400/blaine-luetkemeyer#.Wy_6YS2ZNPU Accessed 6/23/18 2 monetti4senate.com Accessed 6/22/18 BILLY LONG (Incumbent) 3 https://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/166232/austin-petersen#.Wy0-gS2ZNLU Accessed 6/23/18 BIO: Born 8/11/1955 in Springfield, Missouri; married, two children; 4 https://www.austinpetersen.com/endorsements Accessed 6/23/18 5 voteforfred.org Accessed 6/23/18 graduate, Missouri Auction School (1979); legislative committee member, 6 energy and commerce and other subcommittees; former talk radio host; https://s1.sos.mo.gov/CandidatesOnWeb/DisplayCandidatesPlacement.aspx?OfficeCode=SW??&Electio former owner of Billy Long Auctions LLC; member, First and Calvary nCode=750004332 Accessed 6/23/18 7 https://s1.sos.mo.gov/CandidatesOnWeb/DisplayCandidatesPlacement.aspx?OfficeCode=LE-N%20 Presbyterian Church. 030&ElectionCode=750004332 Accessed 6/23/18 Ratings and Endorsements: Planned Parenthood Action Fund 0% (2018); 8 https://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/180496/courtland-sykes#.Wy5Dry2ZNPU Accessed 6/23/18 National Right to Life committee 100% (2017-2018); United States 9 http://www.coffeewrightussenate.com Accessed 6/23/18 10 Endorsement found on candidate website; Accessed 6/23/18 Chamber of Commerce 93% (2017); Americans for Prosperity 100% 11 (2017-2018) ballotpedia.org Accessed 6/23/18 12 https://votesmart.org/candidate/campaign-finance/2109/claire-mccaskill#.Wy7pCy2ZMW0 Accessed WEBSITE: https://billylongforcongress.com and http://long.house.gov 6/23/18 13 votesmart.org/ratings for Claire McCaskill 2017-2018. Accessed 6/23/18 LANCE NORRIS No photo, substantive information or website found.
BENJAMIN HOLCOMB No photo, substantive information or website found. 18 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018
SHORT LINES Staying Safe in School cont’d from page 1
Reflections from a Former Pothead may be sold – even to China – for purposes unknown to the student’s parents. Or I am not a legislator, a medical professional, a business professional, a it may be combined with other data troves within the federal government, so that scientist, or a news commentator. However, I am somewhat of an expert the omniscient State can know everything there is to know about the citizen – or, on marijuana, because I received my pedigree firsthand in the early 1970s by virtue of new algorithms created when his data has been shaken and stirred, even when I was a part of the hippie generation. Fortunately, I escaped from things he doesn’t know about himself. that stronghold unscathed and did not dive any further into the depths Especially since parents tend to give their own local schools high grades even of drug addiction. However, I experimented long enough to know that if they’re disturbed by developments nationally, the tendency is to quietly surrender smoking pot is NOT and should NEVER be a weekend past-time, nor and hope for the best. But for the sake of our children and our society, surrender is not an option. should it be considered a completely harmless “medicine.” Here’s just a brief explanation of a typical Saturday morning back in So what can be done? the day: Get out of bed, have a bite to eat, and review my list of things to For decades the education establishment, federal and state, has operated do, which I had prepared earlier in the week. Because I was in no hurry to with practically free rein. Despite mini-revolts when the train really veered off the accomplish these chores, I would smoke a joint … just to relax before I tracks (for example, the pushback against Outcome-Based Education, now called got started. I might turn on music or TV and smoke another joint before Competency-Based Education, in some states), by and large the educrats have done tackling my list. By that time, I was hungry again (another side effect of what they wanted. This situation must change, and it must start at the local level. marijuana usage), so I would have a second breakfast, walk through the A few practical suggestions for parents. These suggestions address primarily house and try to tidy it up or start the wash. But I would just end up data and privacy issues. The list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a good start. walking around in circles having accomplished absolutely nothing on my • Pay close attention to digital technology in your child’s classroom. Demand to list. know what data the software is collecting and what happens to it. Request to If a friend dropped by, we would smoke another joint, have a bite see the vendor’s contract with the school, and especially the privacy policy that to eat, listen to music … by the time they left, it was 2:00 p.m. I would governs the data. If you’re not satisfied with what you find, refuse to let your sit down to rest again only to fall into a stupor. Waking at 5:00 p.m., I child use that platform. Ditto, regarding the use of platforms that don’t offer realized that it was too late to start any of the things on my list. I scrapped a parent portal so you can see what your child sees. Demand that the school provide an identifying number so that your child doesn’t use his own name it and watched a movie. Perhaps another friend might call and invite me on any platform. And as a to come over, have a beer and smoke a joint. I might accept their offer general rule, tell the school or refuse it with the excuse I have to finish my list … After all, I had so your child is not allowed to much to do. play video games. Period. Because of the lack of motivation from my pot smoking, the list now • Don’t allow your child to use looked twice the size it actually was. I made a final attempt to complete “Google Apps for Education” the overwhelming list, but failed. I finished my day by smoking another or any school-issued device joint and flaking out in front of the TV. (including “wearables,” such as Fitbit). Give the school I regret that I lost a good portion of my young life to marijuana use, limits on how much time but do feel fortunate that it was not a gateway for me into more hard- it can put your child on a core drugs. In my life, the lack of motivation was an extremely harmful screen. effect of smoking pot. However, there are many more that pot smokers • Don’t give the school any experience, such as sexual permissiveness, automobile accidents and the data about your child unless incidence of children injesting marijuana brownies. Many of these effects you understand the need for ©iStock.com/Pixsooz are not being discussed in the push to make marijuana legal. it. No, the school doesn’t Although scientists have identified the five major components of need your kindergartner’s dental records; don’t provide them. Don’t give marijuana, THC, CBD, THCA, CBN and CBC, the research is in its social security numbers either. infancy stages, partially because marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I • Read everything the school sends home with your child, especially handbooks drug. The components have piqued the interest of scientific communities and other information at the beginning of the semester. This may be where for treatment of pain, nausea from cancer treatment, anti-inflammatory the information about objectionable surveys is buried. Opt your child out of for arthritis, mood disorders, glaucoma, etc. All the possible side effects every survey. Every one. are unknown, clinical trials are lacking, and standardized growth of the • Teach your child to notice his educational surroundings and report to you plant material has not been accomplished. Scientists need to discover when something seems amiss. (HT to radio host Shannon Joy in New York) If the positive (and negative) effects of cannabis and have time to develop a test includes unusual questions, he should tell you. If he’s stuck on a screen a product in which the euphoric and psychoactive effects have been in class longer than you have permitted, he should tell you. If he’s told to take a survey, he should politely decline until he gets your permission. (Opting out removed. of assessments is its own category, which is not covered here.) Let’s let the scientists do their work before we You are in Charge enter into widespread The initial reaction of administrators to your instructions will probably be legalization of pot, incredulity. After all, they have rarely, if ever, been challenged. They’ll probably recreational or medicinal. insist you can’t set these boundaries. But you can. You are in charge here, and ~~~ Anonymous ~~~ unless they can show you a state or federal statute requiring you to subject your child to the objectionable mandate (hint: there is rarely such a statute), stand your ground. Get other parents to join you. Maybe we can take back education, one child at a time. ©iStock.com/joshuaraineyphotography FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 19 HEALTHCARE Following is the text from the presentation, Winning the Second American Civil War, by Twila Brase, R.N. at the Educational Policy Conference 29 on January 25-27, 2018. Twila is the president and co-founder of Citizen’s Council for Health Freedom and has been called one of the “100 Most Powerful People in Health Care” and one of “Minnesota’s 100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders.” A public health nurse, Brase has been interviewed by CNN, Fox News, Minnesota Public Radio, NBC Nightly News, NBC’s Today Show, NPR, New York Public Radio, the Associated Press, Modern Healthcare, TIME, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The Washington Times, among others. She is at the forefront of informing the public of crucial health issues, such as intrusive wellness and prevention initiatives in Obamacare, patient privacy, informed consent, the dangers of “evidence-based medicine” and the implications of state and federal healthcare reform. Winning the Individual Health Decision War Restoring Patient Power, Individual Choice, Privacy Rights & Health Freedom
lot of people think healthcare is very, very complex. But it’s only been made state you are in, when the words “reinsurance” comes up in your state, you should complex by all the third-party payers that are in between the patient and the oppose it. What it really means is a brand new government program for the doctor. So, let me share five facts to help you better understand the healthcare individual market that puts everyone in a government program. Government pays A issue. the health insurers taxpayer dollars to get them to lower premiums. Reinsurance Fact Number One: There’s no such thing as healthcare. Healthcare is a socialist term. takes money out of your back pocket in taxes so that you will spend less out of your There is medical care or medical services, and there is health insurance. But front pocket in premiums. Thus, you should oppose reinsurance. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as healthcare. But everyone has grabbed onto that term, this is exactly what Congress wants to do: to give money to the states to create saying for instance, “I get healthcare at my employer.” You don’t get healthcare at reinsurance plans all over the country. Scott Walker is asking for $200 million your employer. You get coverage at your employer. Not healthcare. But because dollars to do it in Wisconsin. everybody is still holding onto that term, you don’t blink twice when the hospitals How did we get here, and how do we change the socialized medicine trajectory of are buying the health plans and the health plans are buying the hospitals creating today? To what extent is privacy a part of it? And how did we get to where it seems like an enormous conflict of interest against the patient: the payer and the deliverer of socialized medicine is imminent? care are the same. “He who pays the piper picks the tune.” You don’t pay the piper anymore. It’s the Fact Number Two: Obamacare: The individual mandate and the penalty for being not government who does it. It’s the employer who does it, and it’s the health plan. Those covered have not been repealed. Thirty percent of people think that Obamacare are the ones who have the control of treatment decisions. What we like to say at Citizens has been repealed, and almost everybody thinks that the penalty and the mandate Council for Health Freedom is, “He who holds the dollars and the data, makes the have been repealed, but they have NOT been repealed. The only thing that has rules.” When you understand that, you’ll understand how to stop socialized medicine. happened is that the penalty has been zeroed-out. So, now instead of a penalty of $695 or 2.5 percent of your income, the law says zero dollars or zero percent of The Socialists are Winning, So Far your income. None of the words have been repealed—of the mandate or of the penalty. Let’s look at a few of the laws leading toward single-payer. In 1942, the War Board decided that offering health insurance to employees could be considered a tax Fact Number Three: Health plans are not insurance. They are prepaid healthcare. They deduction for the business. In the mid 1950s, it was codified into federal law, thereby provide third-party payment for treatment, but true insurance does not set up a grouping you all into individual employer groups and moving away from individually network that limits where you go for treatment, doesn’t tell you what medications purchased and owned health insurance. Then, we have Medicare, Medicaid, the HMO you can have, and doesn’t tell you which doctors you can go to. True insurance Act of 1973 (that was Kennedy and Nixon’s brainchild). The HMO has morphed now sets a price, and then you go wherever you want. Health plans are actually the into the Health Plan. Then there’s the Clinton Health Security Act and little pieces of corporate version of socialized medicine. It is the centralization of dollars, data and that have become law, even though it failed. The Health Insurance Portability Act and decisions in the hands of a corporation. Ted Kennedy, when he set these things up Accountability Act (HIPAA) is how you’ve all lost your privacy. You think you have in 1973, knew exactly what he was doing. They would get you used to the idea of your privacy under HIPAA. You’re not alone. somebody telling you “no” at a corporate level so that eventually it could move to a single-payer system where the government tells you “no,” and you would accept it. Congressional staffers in 22 meetings said that when they sign that HIPAA form it means that their medical information is between them and their doctor. Not true. Fact Number Four: The mandate to cover pre-existing conditions is the cornerstone They haven’t read the Notice of Privacy Practices, which is really a notice of disclosure of Obamacare. It is the centerpiece of any socialized medicine system. It means practices, which says you have no privacy—unless a state privacy law says otherwise. that there is no insurance anymore. We just have third-party payment for medical care. So now you In 1999, the Healthcare Research and Quality Act 1942 – War Board Offers Health Insurance to Employees (HRQA) started the reporting of your medical data to the have to be a little bit concerned when Governor Scott 1950s – Codified Federal Law Walker said he wants a state law that mandates that 1965 – Medicare and Medicaid government, first on a voluntary and later on a mandatory health insurers (or health plans) cover uninsurable 1973 – HMO Act of 1973 basis. The Health IT for Economic and Clinical Health conditions. Preexisting conditions are uninsurable 1994 – Clinton Health Security Act Act (HITECH/ARRA) mandated government-certified 1996 – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability conditions, so this is something that Republicans and electronic health records (EHRs) in the exam rooms. Act (HIPAA) President Obama signed it into law four weeks after his Democrats all like the idea of doing, but it means we 1997 – Clinton Administration Linked Medicare and no longer have insurance in this country, and it means Social Security inauguration. It’s foundational to achieving socialized that we are on our way to single-payer. 1999 – Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999 medicine. Then came the Affordable Care Act in 2010 (HRQA) to further embed government into care and coverage Fact Number Five: Republicans in power are often socialist 2009 – Health IT for Economic & Clinical Health Act decisions. in thinking when it comes to healthcare. Often free (HITECH/ARRA) market in many things, but not when it comes to 2010 – Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) In 2015, the Republicans enacted MACRA, which healthcare. Thus the example of Scott Walker. And as 2015 – Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act requires extraordinary reporting to the government to get (MACRA) paid. The Consolidated Appropriations Act gave funding well, Scott Walker wants to have reinsurance. I want 2017 – The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 to take this opportunity to tell you all that whatever cont’d p 20 20 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018
HEALTHCARE cont’d from page 19
to develop a national patient matching one Gallup Poll shows that 92% don’t want government to have access without their HIPAA Does NOT Protect Privacy strategy. And who cheered the loudest? consent. • Patient consent not required for data The proponents of a national patient However, in 2017, the CDC said they’re planning to use The Cloud to tap into sharing. ID, which will bring us to “no card/ patient information buried in the electronic health record. This is data about you that is • HIPAA is a permissive rule no care.” • 12 National Priority Purposes not sitting in your doctor’s office or the hospital. It is sitting on the servers of the EHR • Treatment, Payment and Health Care The “Merit-based Incentive companies. It is in The Cloud. So, the government is planning to tap into all that data. Operations (TPO) Payment System” graph above is This is a violation of the Fourth Amendment, but HIPAA ignores it. • 2.2 million entities can access with MACRA that the Republicans put in permission from ‘covered entity’ place. This is all the data that doctors Stop Socialized Medicine • Plus … government access without have to report if they want to be fully These are some of CCHF’s initiatives to stop socialized medicine. consent paid by Medicare: Quality Data, Cost • Health Freedom Data, Clinical Improvement Activities, Minute is my recently renamed and Advancing Care Information. Advancing Care Information ( voice on more Promoting Interoperability-ed.) means they have to report that they are using their EHR than 800 radio “meaningfully,” according to the government’s definition, which includes transmitting stations in 47 individually-identifiable patient data to state health departments. states. We use This is right out of the HHS architecture of the National Health Information it to change the Network (NHIN) system. The red oval in the Figure 1 below is the Internet. It means hearts and minds of people and let them know what’s happening, connect the that they anticipate an Internet-based electronic national medical records system that dots, blow holes in the myths, and educate them on healthcare complexities. shares all the information. They • “Big Brother in the Exam Room” is a book that is available on Amazon. It BECAUSE can do it of HIPAA. explains how the EHR is being use to surveil patients and doctors and to Because they don’t have to ask for control their treatment decisions. “Big Brother in the Exam Room” is our your consent to put your data into attempt to change everything that’s happening in healthcare today by going an electronic record where everyone to the root of socialized medicine: outsider control. It has more than 1,500 They don’t have to can access it. footnotes. It is meant to be credible. I expect the health data industry is not ask for your consent to put it going to be happy. The government’s not going to be happy. It was written online or for sharing and using to be completely credible. your data. • Through our Truth About HIPAA Campaign, we tell people not to sign the HIPAA does NOT protect privacy. HIPAA form and then tell us what happens. Some people have been denied access to care. Just yesterday, somebody was being treated for breast cancer • Patient consent is NOT required for data sharing, except in very, very few and the mammography place refused to give her a mammography, because she instances. refused to sign the HIPAA form. But the federal government says you do not • HIPAA is a permissive rule, which means that everybody that holds your data have to sign it. I was is permitted to share it unless they decide not to. It doesn’t matter what you just in conversation think. with the head of • There are twelve National Priority Purposes in HIPAA: things like law the Office of Civil enforcement, administrative hearings, public health, and oversight of the Rights, Roger entire healthcare system, organ transplantation. Severino. I told him the stories about • Then there are Treatment, Payment and Health Care Operations (TPO). I would the people who are encourage all of you to Google “Treatment HIPAA,” or “Payment HIPAA,” being denied access or “Healthcare Operations HIPAA.” You will see that the definitions do not to care because they mean what you think. “Healthcare Operations” is nearly 400 words with a refused to sign the long list of business activities that could each have its own definition. HIPAA form, and • There are 2.2 million entities that could access your information with permission he is very interested from the covered entity, which is the health plan, the hospital, the clinic, etc. in the stories. He Not you. wants to know how many people this is. So, please don’t sign the HIPAA form. And don’t sign that little statement that says, “I agree that I have • Plus, government can access information, too. They are not part of the 2.2 received the Notice of Privacy Practices.” Cross it out. See what happens. We million, which is a federal number in a 2010 HHS rule. The Institute for have a HIPAA button on our website or go to hipaahurtme.com. Tell us your Health Freedom put this list (Insert Chart) together. It includes 1.5 million story and let us use it to reveal the truth about HIPAA. businesses associates. Again, the 2.2 million does not include any of the state, local or federal government agencies that also have data access under HIPAA. • The Wedge of Health Freedom: is our initiative to turn the entire healthcare system back to freedom, back to TRUE insurance, back Americans Want Medical Privacy to a patient/doctor relationship, back to direct payment, Do Americans want privacy? Yes, they do. Only affordability, confidentiality, patient-centeredness and one percent is willing to give access to researchers simplicity. We want every direct pay physician to Join The without their consent. In 1999, fifteen percent said that Wedge (jointhewedge.com). These physicians currently they were protecting their information. How were they accept only cash, check or charge and have no contracts doing it? They’d give false names; falsify questionnaires, with the government, no contracts with health insurers. not go to see the doctor, not tell one doctor about They will see anyone (Medicare, Medicaid, uninsured). another. That was before the electronic health record One doctor looked at the eight Wedge principles and mandate. All of Us (allofus.nih.gov) is the new name responded, “You mean, all I’d have to do is my job?” I for President Obama’s genetic Precision Medicine said, “Yes.” She said, “Oh. That’d be wonderful.” That’s Initiative (PMI). It’s interesting that 20% to 30% who every doctor. That’s your doctor. Let them know that have already agree to participate are refusing to give cont’d next page researchers access to their data in the EHR. Futhermore, FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 21
Healthcare cont’d from page 20 SHORT LINES
there’s a way to get out and back to freedom. This is not insurance. This is care. • Delinking Medicare and Social Security: We’re talking with top people in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services about giving senior citizens the right to opt-out of KNOWS EVERYTHING! Medicare. CMS officials have asked us to build a coalition of groups interested in pushing this forward. Right now, senior CALLER: Is this Gordon’s Pizza? citizens lose their Social Security benefits they’ve worked for GOOGLE: No sir, it’s GOOGLE Pizza. all their life if they refuse to enroll in Medicare. This is not CALLER: I must have dialed a wrong number. Sorry. a law. It’s not a rule. It is something that Clinton put in a booklet and the Social Security Administration is following. GOOGLE: No sir, GOOGLE bought Gordon s Pizza last month. It can and should be undone. CALLER: OK. I would like to order a pizza. We have additional initiatives in which you can actively GOOGLE: Do you want your usual, sir? engage with us at CCHF. Here are two: CALLER: My usual? You know me? • End Coercive Consolidated Consent forms: If the consent form you’re asked to GOOGLE: According to our caller ID data sheet, the last 12 times you called you sign includes not only consent for treatment, but consent for data-sharing, ordered an extra-large pizza with three cheeses, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and if they have only a single signature line, they are coercive, forcing you to and meatballs on a thick crust. sign away your privacy rights to get access to care. Send us your consolidated consent forms. CALLER: OK! That’s what I want. • Pre-Birth Health Insurance: We’re encouraging state legislatures to pass laws GOOGLE: May I suggest that this time you order a pizza with ricotta, arugula, sun- to encourage insurers to offer individual coverage for a child pre-birth. This dried tomatoes and olives on a whole wheat gluten-free thin crust? is one way to move toward portable individually-owned lifetime policies and CALLER: What? I detest vegetables! away from the problem of people getting uninsurable, pre-existing conditions GOOGLE: Your cholesterol is not good, sir. while under employer-based or family-based coverage. CALLER: How the h*** do you know! Conclusion GOOGLE: Well, we cross-referenced your home phone number with your medical Patient and doctor freedom, and the right to make and have personal and affordable records. We have the result of your blood tests for the last seven years. choices for care and coverage, is critical to protecting the right of every American to be CALLER: Okay, but I do not want your rotten vegetable pizza! I already take free. medication for my cholesterol. GOOGLE: Excuse me sir, but you have not taken your medication regularly. According to our database, you only purchased a box of 30 cholesterol tablets once, at Drug RX Network, four months ago. CALLER: I bought more from another drugstore. GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your credit card statement. CALLER: I paid in cash. GOOGLE: But you did not withdraw enough cash according to your bank statement. CALLER: I have other sources of cash. GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your last tax return unless you bought them using an undeclared income source, which is against the law. CALLER: WHAT THE HECK!!!! GOOGLE: I’m sorry, sir, we use such information only with the sole intention of helping you. CALLER: Enough already! I’m sick to death of Google, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and all the others. I’m going to an island without internet, cable TV, where there is no cell phone service and no one to watch me or spy on me. GOOGLE: I understand sir, but you need to renew your passport first. It expired six weeks ago! Photo courtesy of Mark Hoffman, published in the Wisconsin News, November 24, 2010.
Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom is a patient-centered national health freedom organization based in St. Paul, Minn., that exists to protect healthcare choices and patient SHORT LINES privacy. CCHF sponsors the daily, 60-second radio feature, Health Freedom Minute, which airs on approximately 350 stations nationwide, including 200 on the American Victor Hugo in his 1845 essay, Villemain, wrote, “You have Family Radio Network and 100 on the Bott Radio Network. Listeners can learn more enemies? Why, it is the story of every man who has done a about the agenda behind healthcare initiatives and steps they can take to protect their great deed or created a new idea. It is the cloud which thunders healthcare choices, rights and privacy. Contact: CCHF at 651-646-8935, twila@ around everything that shines. Fame must have enemies, as cchfreedom.org light must have gnats. Do not bother yourself about it; disdain. Keep your mind serene as you keep your life clear.” 22 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 CANDIDATES RESPOND TO SURVEY
ach year since the early 1980s, FRONT LINE has queried KEY: Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Undecided (U), Missouri candidates who are running for state and national Disagree (D), or Strongly Disagree (SD) Epublic offices. We have reproduced below the questions that we No Response to question or illegible (NR) or (N/A); asked the candidates, and their responses are shown in the charts. Additional Information (*) During their campaigns, candidates are deluged with this type A “no response” means that the candidate sent a note, of survey, and they are hard-pressed to answer every survey. If your didn’t answer the questions, or left them blank when candidate did not respond to this survey, why not get his phone number completing the survey. An “*” means that the candidate from your local election board, call him and ask these questions? wrote additional information along with the answer. PARTY AFFILIATION: Constitution (CST); Democrat (DEM); Property Rights Libertarian (LIB); Republican (REP) 1) Local/state/federal governments cannot take your property directly/ indirectly unless they fairly compensate you OR if neccessary for a US Senate specific infrastructure need, e.g. highways, energy transmission, water, or sewers and not for private use or increased revenue. Family/Education 2) Local, state, and federal governments should encourage a strong nuclear family (mom and dad) by substantially reducing taxes and regulation and by enabling faith-based organizations to meet family needs, not government. 3) Abortion is the taking of life; all life is sacred from conception to old US House of Representatives age, regardless of disability. 4) Schools should not be teaching subjects that counter the religious beliefs of parents; instructing students in explicit sexual practices considered deviant by many in the community is unhealthy. Law/Goverance 5) Public employees cannot bargain for wages and benefits with government agencies, because it is not the government agencies money that is at stake; the money belongs to the taxpayer who does not have a voice. 6) Only the U.S. Constitution/Missouri State Constitution can be used in deciding a court case and in writing laws and ordinances; not foreign laws or entities of the United Nations. 7) Government cannot force you to purchase or sell any product, perform any service, or do anything that violates your First Amendment rights Missouri State Auditor of exercising free speech or religion. National Defense/Second Amendment 8 ) Missourians should allow refugees to be resettled in Missouri even though their backgrounds cannot be fully documented. 9) The federal government’s primary duty is to protect its citizens from Missouri State Senate foreign enemies; the state/local government’s primary duty is to protect its citizens from criminals and enemies within. 10) The Second Amendment ensures that the right to own and carry guns is an individual right. Missouri Judges cont’d next page FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 23 CANDIDATE SURVEY cont’d Missouri House of Representatives See You Next Year Mark Your Calendars NOW! January 24-26, 2019 AN ACTION PLAN That Anyone and Everyone Can Do! Americans coming together home by home to build a critical mass of understanding of the clear and present dangers to America, the blessings of liberty and freedom, and the hope of a better future. Package includes the Introductory DVD: Reclaiming America through 10 Steps FOR Freedom, the five (5) DVDs of the program, and the Leader’s Guide. $59.00 postpaid. To order, use the coupon on next page, or go to www.10stepsforfreedom.com. 24 FRONTLINE | SUMMER 2018 The Latest Creepy Orwellian Education Tactic By Dr. Karen Effrem and Jan Robbins, as published in The American Spectator, April 20, 2018
t sounds like a sci-fi movie: altering behavior what this portends for and personality by surreptitiously embedding the future of education Ipsychologically manipulative messages into a and student privacy. Education Week, computer platform. But according to he report Pearson that’s what mega-publisher Pearson did in 2017 to presented apparently over 9,000 unwitting college students. And this episode Tdidn’t mention the foreshadows what’s coming soon to a K-12 classroom ethical violation of ignoring the near you. consent requirement applicable Pearson’s project used “social-psychological to psychological research. Nor interventions,” which roughly equate to the “social did SEL proponent Joshua emotional learning” (SEL) being implemented at Starr, who voiced concern breakneck pace in K-12 schools. Rather than putting only about the effectiveness of more effort into teaching genuine academic content Pearson’s tricks: “‘In a narrow As British professor Williamson noted, “’It’s (which might be recommended in light of the wheel- way, it’s great if kids are getting these kinds of messages, concerning that forms of low-level psychological spinning that’s occurring with student achievement and that’s leading to greater persistence,’ said Starr of Phi experimentation to trigger certain behaviors appear to be nationally), many schools – plus the global education Delta Kappan. ‘But it’s certainly not sufficient.’” happening in the ed-tech sector, and students might not establishment – are concentrating instead on probing know those experiments are taking place.’” children’s personalities. The students can then be shaped The only commenter Education Week found who into the kind of people the government thinks they flagged the absence of consent was Ben Williamson, a The Pearson report doesn’t see the problem. The should be. lecturer at a British university: “It’s especially troubling … report touts “the possibility of leveraging commercial that the company did not seek informed consent from the educational software for new research into the emerging As an experiment in people-shaping, last year Pearson young people who became subjects in their study.” science around students’ attitudes, beliefs, and ways “embedded ‘growth-mindset’ and other psychological The failure to obtain consent from the research of thinking about themselves.” Indeed. And when messaging” into some versions of software used in college corporations and the government learn how to influence computer science classes. For example, the software subjects – a tactic that SEL proponents didn’t deem even worth mentioning – illustrates the dangerous road that “attitudes, beliefs, and ways of thinking,” is there any might feed users who missed a problem a chirpy message limit to what they can do? Can they counteract the effect exhorting them to keep trying. Pearson distributed its lies ahead for students from pre-K through college. The SEL pushers seem to simply assume that corporations of family and faith on political or social issues? Can software randomly to 165 colleges and universities. The they mold students to be passive, uncritical receptors of goal was to “track whether students who received the and their allied government schools have the right to conduct psychological experiments on unsuspecting information – information carefully monitored by the messages attempted and completed more problems than same corporations and government? their counterparts at other institutions.” students. earson is selling off its K-12 operations, so for the The point of the Pearson experiment, as well as The minor takeaway from this experiment is that foreseeable future the company will prey only on other SEL schemes, isn’t just to help students do their the manipulative messages had only modest effect (the higher-education students. But for every Pearson best – it’s to change their behavior and indeed their P guinea-pig students successfully solved somewhat more there are hundreds of corporate bad actors – aided and personalities in fundamental ways. The Organisation problems than did the control-group students, although abetted by the government – who will conduct similar for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the control group actually attempted to solve significantly experiments on much younger and more malleable which wields tremendous influence over education more problems than did the guinea pigs). This is in children. Parents should block such platforms from keeping with research showing that schemes to instill practices globally, plans to use data from its new SEL ever being used in schools. “growth mindsets” in students have little benefit. profile for “personality development.” For instance, But the vastly more important questions are OECD identifies “extroversion” as one of the “Big Five” personality traits that schools should assess and develop. ~~~ Dr. Karen Effrem is a pediatrician and president of how a corporate researcher and its education- Education Liberty Watch. A question to ask is has the government determined establishment cheerleaders can justify this ~~~ Jane Robbins is an attorney and a senior fellow with the type of manipulative experimentation on that introverted children are defective, and that SEL tactics American Principles Project in Washington, D.C. human beings, without their consent, and should be employed to turn them into something they’re not?
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