Hey Guys, 
Check out how much money the city manager makes from Myrtle Point. 
http://www.sgrjobs.com/position.php?JobID=163864
Tressa

Hey Everyone,
Here are a few comments from property owners in the Coquille Valley. 
Rob Taylor

************************************************************************************************************
From Sharon
Hi.all!

As you can see it is after 3am and  I'm still upset over finding the above document on the internet this evening. If
for some reason this attachmet does not open, please go to google, do a search "china camp creek restoration project grants" and you will find the document around the second or third down on the list "PDF: Analysis of the Economic
Benefits of Salmon Restoration Efforts on the Lower Coquille River and Associated Economic Impacts Report to The Nature Conservancy" dated February 2012, Draft copy, Ecotrust. This was put on the web by Wild River Coast Alliance better know as the conservation arm of Bandon Dunes/Bandon Biota/Michael Keiser.  This is the economic impact analysis for the China Camp Creek Project which you are all aware of.

Where in this report does it address the financial impacts to the other landowners in the District that will be affected by this project as well as to Coos County, its businesses, and agriculture? The State of Oregon and the federal government have expended millions of dollars on writing plans: oregon salmon plan, Oregon Coastal Coho ESU plan, Oregon Conservation Strategy, Coquille Sub-basin plan and all this is about is fish and how we landowners, primarily ag and timber, have denuted the land and ruined the fisheries. Yet, these lands were converted to productive agriculture land in the early 1900's and fish production was at high levels for years. One document I looked at showed the downturn I believe in the 60's or 70's. Could the downturn have been contributed to overfishing or lack of predator control? Due to the environmental movement that food sources were removed by cleaning up the streams. We were told to remove the logs, etc. in the streams and now we must put them back in. OOPS, guess the agency made an error! The cheese plant used to put whey into Ferry Creek and the fish counts flourished and when that food source was no longer available to them there was a decline in fish counts.  Predation is running rampant via sea lions and cormorants and yet who but us landowners end up paying for the lack of predator control? ODFW introduces species which feed on the smolts but we must spend millions of dollars to restore habitat and take private land off the tax rolls and out of agriculture production. I find it appauling the NGO's become rich on our dollar while our schools, county governments, judicial system suffers due to lack of funds. I personally would prefer to keep those criminals in JAIL and our kids in school rather than have this wetland built right next to me. We worked hard to get this property in the condition it is and now we're expending dollars to protect the very investment which was going to provide an income for our retirement years. I almost died working this land from daylight to dark but the "fish" are far more important than the people.

Legislators, lobbyists, and the public must stand up for what is right! Protect your natural resource industries, private
land ownership, our children, the food supply, local businesses. Stop this crazy move to remove private productive agriculture and forestry land off the tax rolls and out of production through these wetland restoration projects. Charlie
figures that 300 acres probably produces in the neighborhood of a quarter of a million, quarter pound hamburgers a year. How many burgers do the sea lions and cormorants eat? My guess is that beef and lamb have a much more "safe"  economic return with no million dollar public investment of taxpayers dollars.

Now that I've got this off my chest, I should probably delete the email but instead I'm going to send it out to you so you have some idea of how we landowners feel when these types of activities are supported by our government. Thanks to the environmental movement, we landowners/business people have so little value in this day and age. Go look at a converted wetland and then go look at our property and tell me which is most productive for fish and wildlife.....

Thanks for listening.

sharon

PS: I want you to understand how all this wetland conversion is actually affecting us landowners and I have just given you a taste of what is to come. Wait until the whole Coquille Valley is restored to a wetland as proposed by your favorite environmental agencies and NGO's. Think what it will do to Coos County and its people. But remember, it is about fish and not people, jobs, businesses, families, and private lands.

THE END!

From Marilyn
a very quick scan of the report offers these repudiations to the study:

• it appears they are not including cost of the land in the cost of the project.  the costs listed are just for the restoration work, not the cost of acquisition of the land.
  
• they are not accounting for the loss of revenue to the local economy for all the small businesses currently on this land.  this is year-round  revenue, not revenue for a very short period during salmon fishing season.  this
  should be easy to tilt the other direction.
  
• they are taking as "normal" an unusually high number of fish present after we had decimated the Indian population.  there is probably a better way to phrase this, but need to go back much further to get a realistic count of fish on the river.
  

it should actually be easy to refute their study, but the challenge is getting attention paid to our presentation.  nature conservancy has recognition and respect, thus carries great clout.  we're just a bunch of hicks who are resistant to change.
 
1 billion people on the planet, hunter-gatherers.  7 billion people on the planet - you need agriculture.  agriculture by its nature changes the face of the land.  we can find a way to accommodate both the environment and agriculture, but as the drought continues in the center of our nation do we really want to be taking land out of production here?
 
wish i could help more.  the comment letter i sent in several months ago has the seeds of some of these thoughts in it.
 
thanks -
marilyn

Oregon Firearms Federation
PO Box 556
Canby, OR 97013

Voice: (503) 263-5830
http://www.oregonfirearms.org
OFF ALERT 07.05.12
Raffle Ticket Winner Announced.

The winning ticket in the raffle for the Black Rifle Company AR-15, donated by MK Tactical and Black Rifle Company was picked yesterday.

We want to thank everyone who contributed to our cause by purchasing tickets. We greatly appreciate your
support.

For the whole scoop please see this link.

You may also use this link:  http://tinyurl.com/7pwkf3o
OFF ALERT 07.05.12
Raffle Ticket Winner Announced.
 

The winning ticket in the raffle for the Black Rifle Company AR-15, donated by MK Tactical and Black Rifle Company was picked yesterday.
 
We want to thank everyone who contributed to our cause by purchasing tickets. We greatly appreciate your
support.
 
For the whole scoop please see this link.
 
You may also use this link:  http://tinyurl.com/7pwkf3o

Related Links:
OFF ALERT 06.29.12 Eric Holder Held In Contempt of Congress.
Oregon Firearms Federation OFF ALERT 05.14.12

How do Speculators and Oil Mix? Next Week: Dr. Nickolas Drapela, Professor and Climate Warming Critic, fired from Oregon State University The I Spy Radio Show 


Saturday, 11a.m.-noon (West Coast time).
Listen live on KYKN (1430-AM) or, if you’re outside of the Salem (Oregon) listening area,  go to www.kykn.com and hit the listen live button. 
 

Guest:
Dr. Daniel Fine, Associate, New Mexico Center for Energy Policy; Affiliate,  Massachusetts Institute of Technology


 This week:
The  I Spy Radio staff is taking a break to enjoy the 4th of July holiday and what that means to all of us: Our freedom and independence. Sometimes it seems our own Government doesn’t agree with that anymore. In fact the Fish and
Wildlife forced Depoe Bay, a small town on the Oregon coast, to cancel their fireworks display—the very celebration of our independence—because they were afraid a few birds might be scared.  And we all know that the EPA has done
everything possible to stop our country from becoming energy independent. 
 
Tomorrow, listen to this “best of I Spy” to hear how American ingenuity can’t be stopped and how we truly can become energy independent—if big government gets out of the way.  Enjoy the show!

What do money markets, corn, wheat, gold, antiques, and stocks in companies like Google or Apple all have in  common?  They’re bought by speculators. Speculation itself isn’t bad, it’s simply buying something now that you think will be more valuable in the future.   And yet “speculators” have become the bogeyman of economics. Especially in oil. 
 
Tomorrow on the I Spy Radio Show, we talk with Dr. Daniel Fine about America’s energy resources, and our Energy Policy. Why are we paying so much at the pump? What role do speculators have in oil prices? And what would we be paying if we truly tapped into our resources? And find out how those who think high gas prices might hurt Obama’s reelection are likely in for a big surprise. 
 
Join us tomorrow for the I Spy Radio Show, and get a little more intelligence on big government.

Have you heard our very popular “I Spy Minute,” aired weekdays at 10:00 a.m. during KYKN’s peak listenership? We’re looking for personal and corporate sponsorships to help keep these educational and informative minutes on the air. Are you a business owner (or know one) that would like “prime real estate” to advertise? We have two :30 ad spots following the I Spy Minute available, but you need to contact [email protected] or [email protected] to take advantage of these.


The show will be aired on KYKN(1430-AM), this Saturday at 11:00 a.m., West Coast time.  If you’re outside of the Salem listening area, just go to www.kykn.com and hit the listen live button.  Busy on Saturday?  Not a
problem.  After the show airs, you can go to our webpage www.ispyonsalem.com and download it from our “past shows” page.


Go here for the International Perth Clock

Related Links:
ISpy Radio Show talks about The Bandon Marsh Expansion
The I Spy Radio Show Erosion of our Property Rights and Agenda 21 in Action, Part III
The I Spy Radio Show  discussing The Bandon Marsh Expansion
The Erosion of our Property Rights from 1700’s thru Today, Part I

July 5, 2012

SAOVA friends,

As you know APHIS has proposed a rule to regulate sellers in the retail sector. For the majority of us compliance with
USDA Licensing is not an option. It does not matter how well you think you care for your animals, Federal regulations are not flexible and do not allow for your own discretion.  You must strictly adhere to what the regulations and your
inspector say are acceptable equipment, care, and husbandry practices.

The rule will penalize many hard-working Americans caught up under this regulation who are not operating as true businesses. If required to hold a license, you can be fined by USDA simply for being at work and not being home to
let the inspector onto your property.

APHIS released a revised FAQ today in which they attempt to answer questions concerning who will be regulated under the proposed rule.  While the FAQ contains new APHIS staff explanations of "face-to-face" contact, primary enclosures, and kennels, none of  these interpretations are carried over into the regulations. A revision to the
AWA containing a separate set of regulations for in-home breeders has not been written or posted; therefore nothing in this fight has changed. The comment period still ends July 16. 

JOIN THE SAOVA OPPOSITION LIST

Urge Congress to take action to stop APHIS from regulating us out of existence.  To add your organization's name send an email signed by an officer of the organization stating opposition to: Susan Wolf [email protected].  
Please include organization address.

View the list at
http://www.saova.org/APHIS_Opposition.List.html 

Many thanks to all who have already signed on! Cross posting is encouraged.  



Susan Wolf
Sportsmen's & Animal Owners' Voting Alliance
Working to Identify and Elect Supportive
Legislators
[email protected]


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NPRM DOCKET No. DOT-OST-2010-0211
Reports by Air Carriers on Incidents Involving Animals During Air Transport

DOT is proposing to amend its existing rule regarding the reporting of incidents involving animals during air transport, 14 CFR 234.13, to expand the reporting requirement to U.S. carriers that operate scheduled service with at least one
aircraft with a design capacity of more than 60 seats, to expand the definition of "animal" to include all cats and dogs transported by the carrier, regardless of whether the cat or dog is transported as a pet by its owner or as part of a
commercial shipment (e.g., shipped by a breeder), and to require all covered carriers to provide in their December reports the total number of animals that were lost, injured, or died during air transport. 

 
BACKGROUND
On August 10, 2010, Senators Richard Durbin, Robert Menendez, and Joseph Lieberman wrote to the Secretary of Transportation urging the Department to amend the rule so that airlines would be required to report all incidents involving the loss, injury, or death of cats and dogs that occur while they are traveling in an airline's care. In addition, the DOT received a petition for rulemaking from the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF). In its petition, ALDF requested that regulation requiring the reporting of loss, injury, or death of animals in air transport be revised to require airlines to report any such incident involving animals they carry. In a press release ALDF stated, "Current Regulations Ignore Deaths, Injuries to Animals Shipped by Puppy Mill Operators. Whether an animal is shipped as a pet or as an item of commerce has no bearing whatsoever on that animal's ability to suffer." ALDF contends
that the data currently collected by the Department capture only incidents affecting pets, even though pets make up only part of the total number of animals transported by airlines. ALDF's proposal would apply to ALL species of
animals, not just cats and dogs. 

This NPRM proposes to expand the applicability of the rule to require all U.S. carriers that operate scheduled service with at least one aircraft with a design capacity of more than 60 passenger seats to submit a report to the ACPD on any incidents involving the loss, injury, or death of an animal during air transportation within 15 days after the end of the month during which the incident occurred.

The DOT seeks comments on whether the definition of an animal should be expanded further to include not only dogs and cats in commercial shipments but all species of animals in commercial air transportation. The DOT is seeking
comment, rather than proposing specific language on expanding the definition of an animal to apply to all species of animals, at this time as the overwhelming majority of incidents currently reported to DOT by airlines have involved cats
and dogs.

The DOT also seeks comments on whether the number of cats, dogs, and household pets has been increasing or decreasing in recent  years; and whether the total number of animals transported should be reported each month.

COMMENTS should be filed by August 28, 2012. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable.

Comments may be submitted at the Federal Register Portal 
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=DOT-OST-2010-0211-0008

CASES SEEK "LEGAL PERSONHOOD" FOR ANIMALS
The NBI CLE Blog posted a comment by Michael Kaiser, president of the Kaiser Legal Group, founder of Seattle Legal Research, and contributor to what is expected to be globally ground-breaking animal-law litigation.   Kaiser writes, "The Nonhuman Rights Project is currently preparing to bring cases in multiple state courts seeking
legal personhood for animals. Legal personhood is similar to, but more encompassing than, "standing," with the overall goal being for animals'  interests, as purported sentient beings, to be representable in court. Currently
animals are viewed, in almost all instances, as various forms of property, and property, in itself, obviously does not have rights. These expected court actions are no secret. Professor Steven Wise, noted animal-law scholar, lawyer,
and founder of the Nonhuman Rights Project, has presented details of the cases in many forums."
More at http://tinyurl.com/ct3v8zp

Related Links:
SAOVA  Alert
the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensing and regulations

Hey Everyone,

I wrote an article on this story several months ago.  Well, it has gone national and will help fighting against the marsh expansion.  

Oregon firework ban to save birds makes international headlines
Politicians give us less rights to celebrate July 4th vs.other states
Fireworks  Symbolize Freedom

Rob Taylor

enterprise zone expansion‏
Perhaps this explains why Facebook is making $1,000 contributions to
Wayne Krieger and Arnie Roblan

http://tdn.com/news/state-and-regional/oregon/oregon-expands-tax-break-that-brought-facebook/article_5930226f-ba1a-5959-b1b1-d159d31ad3b2.html

Related Posts:
Mary makes a good point in her latest article

Mary Geddry  covers the Governance Committee

MGX Blog report

Mary Geddry:  Political Alliance Committee......

Mary Geddry on Campaign Contributions 

Mary Geddry on Campaign Contributions 

Happy 4th - sorry, did some venting‏

http://mgx.com/blogs/2012/07/04/independence-day-2012/

Related Posts:
Mary makes a good point in her latest article

Mary Geddry  covers the Governance Committee

MGX Blog report

Mary Geddry:  Political Alliance Committee......

Mary Geddry on Campaign Contributions

Mary Geddry on Campaign Contributions

GIVE VOTER'S A VOICE IN REEDSPORT
by Rick Hoffine 

In the city of  Reedsport those on the losing side of Petition 2011-001, which became Measure  10-119, recently declared, 'foul' when the mayor and city council decided they  wanted "clarity" on the newly passed measure--constitutional clarity.  They  are trying to find some fault with it on potential grounds that it is  unconstitutional and that the recently passed measure by voters might violate  contracts and thus, needs
to go before judicial review.  You may recall  that Measure 10-119 was created by the Committee for Fiscal Responsibility of  Reedsport and obligates the city to let residents vote on any fee increases.  Organizers say they’re trying to curb government spending. Opponents say the  bill would paralyze city services and be powerless to stop waste water rate  increases, a fee targeted by the organizers.  “This measure passing  has given back to us a little control over our pocketbooks,” Victoria Morrison  said.  “Maybe now the city will stop
spending money we don’t have.   Hopefully, things will start turning around, and the city will become fiscally  responsible.”

The vote for passage  gained almost 60% of the vote.  The measure will establish a Charter  Amendment that will require the City of Reedsport to submit the creation or  increase of fees and taxes to the voter for approval.  Those in local  government leadership and the other 40% who voted against it do not like this.  Reedsport  citizens ("Give Voters a Voice") wanted an initiative (2011-001) to amend the  City Charter, because the Charter may only be amended by public  vote.  They knew that if it were an ordinance, the city council could  change it. So they had a consultant set it up that way. Now, Mayor Keith  Tymchuck and the council are trying to overcome it.   They have the idea  that a judicial review might set the successful measure
aside.  But with  the recording of the vote, which will happen soon, the Charter will have  been amended and become part of the Reedsport City Charter.   This is the same Charter that council members have taken an oath to  "protect and defend".
 
This is all quite  puzzling to supporters of the measure, who are in possesion of a Certified  letter from the City, signed by the City Manager, and dated February 28th, 2011,  which said  ." As provided in
ORS 250.270, I have  determined that the proposed Charter Amendment complies with Sections 1 (2)(d)  and (5), of  the Oregon Constitution. This was a requirement that was faced  early on,
in establishing the initiative.

One concerned citizen  who chosen to remain anonymous has said, "This has been a difficult time, because the press is too  quick to climb in bed with the status quo of government.  The fortunate  thing is that the press does not have great readership.  Still, those  scanning the paper read the false headlines and story  titles.  Because they already have spent money with  attorneys, a claim will be made for those funds to be replaced.   Likely it will be distributed among those Councilors voting in favor of this  action.  I wonder
if it was a unanimous vote?  The Chief  Petitioner will soon advise them of their duty in a Registered Letter. The  letter will also advise them that claim is being made for funds spent for legal  advice in connection with council's resistance to the Charter Amendment. 

"Establishing tax bases and  allowing annual increases in Oregon was a mistake. This alone has caused the  unmanageable growth of all municipal and special district operating  budgets.  With a 6% annual increases, a budget doubles in only eleven  years.   Imagine what over thirty years of that program did to increase  taxes and spending in Oregon. 

"Having  the people approve budgets had a dampening affect on the preparation of budgets  at an earlier date. We need to get back to that.  Besides it will  affix much more importance to citizen participation.  If the  legislature could return to voter approval for all operating budgets,  Oregon could again experience some residential growth.  We have  unparalleled livability and it is being destroyed by run-a-way spending.   Affordability is a huge part of livability!"

Hi--
On July 11th, Americans for Prosperity--Coos County chapter, will feature  Richard Burke, Interim Executive
Director of the Western Liberty  Network, based out of Tigard, Oregon.  This month's meeting will be held at The Red Lion Inn and begins at 5:30PM.  Dinners can be ordered as  early as 5:00PM.   The Western Liberty Network will teach limited government activists how  to successfully engage in electoral politics
at the local level.  WLN is organized as a 501c(3) non-charitable organization.  Contributions are  tax-deductible.  WLN exists to:  Enlarge the Talent Pool of Potential Leaders, Develop Grass Roots Organizations, and Reduce the Role of Government in Our Daily  Lives.

Richard P. Burke was the Grass Roots Director for Oregon  Americans for Prosperity, building a network of thirty-one local and  county chapters. Richard established AFP University, providing training  in political activism to members.  He has won six elections to various local offices, currently serving as a commissioner for the Tualatin  Valley Water District.  A senior legislative aide in the Oregon Senate  during it's 2001 biennial session, he was a minor party nominee for  Oregon governor in 1998.  Burke hosted a radio talk show on KVAN, and  currently guest hosts for a couple of radio personalities on KUIK.  He's managed campaigns at every level,  helping dozens of people secure  election to local non-partisan offices.  Burke holds a Bachelor of  Science in Social Science from Portland State University and is married  to Natasha, a marketing executive, and has one stepdaughter, Anastasia,  17.

Regards,
Rick Hoffine
Asst Chapter
Leader
Coos County AFP


"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the  sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their  country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have  this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more  glorious the triumph..." --Thomas Paine

Related Posts:
Final Push to Qualify Repeal of the Death Tax for Ballot‏

Oregon Ranks 45th for Economic Outlook‏

AFP Memorial Day Training for Activist

Americans for Prosperity June 14, meeting

Americans for Prosperity Monthly Meeting

Oregon Tea Party
http://3ib.in/5u

Hello,

I found your website when doing a search on urban/renewal and redevelopment agencies in Idaho.  I live in Kootenai County and I am part of a group currently trying to stop the ULUC (Unified Land Use Code) our
commissioners are trying to pass later this year.  It has Agenda 21 written all over it. 

I created this website after reading Rosa Koire's book, Behind The Green Mask: UN Agenda 21 www.kcrights.com.  I am starting to realize these redevelopment agencies like LCDC we have in Coeur d' Alene are a big part of
pushing agenda 21.   I am saw that you had something about trying to see if the voters in your county could vote on what these redevelopment agencies could do.  I think this is great.  Any information you can provide on this would be great.  

I am also on the central republican committee and we are currently drafting a resolution to tell the commissioners to stop the ULUC.  It also it will contain sustainable growth and Agenda 21 language.  I would even like to
include, if not in this resolution but another, something about these renewal urban/redevelopment agency.   I like the idea of the county voting on what they can do.

Any information you can provide on this would be great.  

Thank you!
Jennifer

----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected] 
  To: John Sweet
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 9:31 PM
Subject: Re: Charter May 9, 2012.pdf


Hello John,
 
Thank you for taking the time to read the Charter  before making decisions.  That seems to be a rare
instance.
 
Personally I like our Constitutional Republic as is  now the law, whether or not they follow it.  It seems to be the trend
these  days for the government to 'micro-manage ' the citizens.  If they are going  to insist upon taking our money, our assets, our time and our lives from us  without even a by-your-leave it seems to me appropriate for the citizens to 
require a 'contract' that limits what they can do without our  approval.
 
Regards,
Jaye
 
 

----- Original Message -----
From:John Sweet
To: [email protected]
Sent:  Tuesday, June 12, 2012 2:58  PM
Subject: Re: Charter May 9,  2012.pdf
 
Hi Jaye,  
Thanks for sending me a copy of the proposed  County Charter.  I have read it through and appreciate the time and   thought that has gone into drawing it up.  I wish all citizens would take their government as seriously as you do.  You are to be commended for   your participation.  Having said that, I have serious reservations about the charter.  There are some   specifics that I would like to discuss with you, but my general concerns are   that the proposed
charter would make county government very unresponsive and   that it works against the sentiment of most people I talk to who are content   with the concept of a representative democracy.  The charter in many ways   almost
returns us to the time the Greeks first developed the concept of a   democracy when matters of government were put to a vote of the   citizens.  Over the years  that has, in all instances of which I am   aware, evolved to a representative
form of democracy in which matters of   government, within specified limits,  are turned over to elected   officials.--
 
Thanks again for all you have done and for sending me a copy of the proposed charter.
 John Sweet

From:[email protected] 
  To: John Sweet
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 1:58     PM
Subject: Charter May 9, 2012.pdf


Hello John,
 Thank you so very much for wanting to read what the proposed Charter actually says.
 
Jaye

Hello,

The Bandon City Council is going to vote on an ordinance dictating the type of outdoor lighting that can be used by property owners. 
This is part of AGENDA 21 being promoted by the USFWS......
Here is the link to the June meeting when they delayed the vote and here is a link to the current meeting agenda.

June Meeting  
http://www.ci.bandon.or.us/council/council-06-04-2012/
ORDINANCE 1594 - OUTDOOR LIGHTING REGULATIONS in June
http://www.ci.bandon.or.us/council/council-06-04-2012/5-b-2.pdf

July Meeting
http://www.ci.bandon.or.us/council/council-07-02-2012/
ORDINANCE 1594 - OUTDOOR LIGHTING REGULATIONS in July
http://www.ci.bandon.or.us/council/council-07-02-2012/5-b-2.pdf


Please show up and help stop this intrusive law.  The people of Bandon do not need the City Council telling us how to light up our property.  It is a matter of saftey and personal choice.  I will file a referendum petition for this measure if it is enacted. 

Feel Free to forward this to anyone who may be interested.  
 
Sincerely,
Rob Taylor
PO Box 973
Bandon, OR 97411
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 541-347-9942

June 15, 2012
SAOVA friends,

Animal ownership continues to be under attack at an alarming rate.  The APHIS proposed rule changes the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and USDA responsibility forever by broadly extending regulation throughout the retail sector. Concerns for potential invasions of privacy that would result if federal inspectors began enforcing cleaning, sanitation, handling, and other regulatory requirements in private homes is why Congress has previously not amended the AWA and USDA has not revised its long-standing policy to regulate only within the wholesale sector.  In the retail sector breeders, sellers, and rescuers work in widely varied environments utilizing practices which work best for them, their breeds, and their goals.  Attempting to cover retailers with a one-size fits all blanket of regulation is not only unworkable but will be disastrous for many animal owners.

If you are not clear on the impact federal licensing and regulation will have on you, please read the attached document, "Living with USDA Licensing".  The file is also posted at the SAOVA website.

 If you care about the future of pets, health and genetic diversity of breeds, the ability to exchange breeding stock between friends, or the ability to maintain a small business, then you MUST submit a comment through the Federal
Register portal before July 16.  

This is not a race for signatures so petitions and form letters to APHIS only count as one comment from
the organizer.   Your individual comments and how this affects you make the difference.  

Susan Wolf
Sportsmen's & Animal Owners' Voting Alliance

Working to Identify and Elect Supportive Legislators
[email protected] 

WMC - INDUSTRY WARNED OVER UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF CHANGES
08 June 2012. FRANCE - The global meat industry was warned to take a lesson to from the decline of the horse slaughter industry in the US at the World Meat Congress in Paris last week, writes Chris Harris. 

Former congressman Charlie Stenholm said that the complete decline of the horse slaughter industry and the closure
of slaughterhouses for horses led by animal rights activists had had severe implications for animal welfare and for the entire horse industry in the US. He warned that other sectors in the meat industry are also at risk from activists
demanding changes to welfare conditions - "the unintended consequences," he said.

The closure of horse abattoirs had meant that horses were being transported long distances for slaughter in Canada or Mexico or they were being left to die by owners who could no longer care for them, he told the World Meat Congress. 

Mr. Stenholm said the situation had arisen because of a vocal minority, who believed horse slaughter was cruel. However, he said that the loss of the slaughter industry had increased the number of cases of poor treatment and welfare because owners could not afford to either care for the animals or have them euthanized.

He warned the world meat congress that if animal rights activists through well-meaning but misguided campaigns turned on other sectors of the meat industry; it could have similar detrimental effects on the entire industry in some countries.

"It is coming in other areas,"  former congressman Stenholm said.

"We have it in cages for layers and sow stalls - but what should the size of the cage for layers be and what should the
size of the stall be?  We are going ahead with it without taking a look at the cost of it."

He warned that excessive ill-thought out changes to regulations of how animals are produced and reared and slaughtered could bring problems in producing food to feed the world.

"If we in the meat industry do not come together and do a better job of educating consumers about what we do
and the way we are doing it, we face the possibility of losing out beef, pork and poultry industry," Mr. Stenholm said.

Chris Harris,
Editor-in-Chief

Reprinted with permission

http://www.thepigsite.com/swinenews/29968/wmc-industry-warned-over-unintended-consequences-of-changes  
 
http://tinyurl.com/78btfdr 

 STOP THE PROPOSED APHIS RULE IN THREE EASY STEPS
The Cavalry Group, June  14, 2012.  
Once again, we face a fundamental threat to our right to animal ownership in the United States.  USDA, through its bureaucratic agency APHIS, is proposing a new regulation to require that ALL pet breeders who have five or
more intact females and sell pets outside of the area where they were bred (i.e. online or at a tradeshow) obtain a USDA license and come into compliance with the Animal Welfare Act.

That means if you sell even ONE animal outside of the premises of your breeding facility, you will be required to spend
thousands of dollars complying with the AWA and to open your business for USDA inspection.   As you know, small breeders cannot afford these onerous regulatory burdens.  MANY small American breeding businesses will be bankrupted by this rule, and MANY American jobs will be lost.  We have also engaged our attorneys and experts at Olsson, Frank, and Weeda to provide a legal opinion and flowchart  for your reference.
http://tinyurl.com/7mof5hk   

THIS RULE MUST BE STOPPED!
The Cavalry Group, a member-based organization which supports and defends the Constitutional rights of American animal owners, has prepared a plan of action to DEFEAT THIS RULE.  If you do nothing else, please complete
Step 1, as political pressure from Congress will have a HUGE effect on the decision made by USDA.  Steps 2 and 3, however, are also important parts of our program.  These easy steps should take no more than a few minutes of your time and could very well save your business!

Step 1: Contact your Congressman
Congress determines the levels of funding for USDA and APHIS. 
When a Congressman calls, USDA is sure to answer.  We need to let OUR
Congressmen know that we do not support this rule, and that its passage would
cost their district JOBS.  The Cavalry Group has developed a sample letter and
contact form to make this process as simple as possible. Remember it is always
best to customize your letter and make it personal.  Follow this link here and
TAKE ACTION NOW! http://tinyurl.com/7qqdlqn  

Step 2: File a Comment with USDA
APHIS is required by federal law to accept and respond to any comments
about the proposed rule that are submitted.  The Cavalry Group has provided an
easy to use guide to commenting on proposed rules.  We need to let the
bureaucrats know how this rule will affect our businesses!  Follow this link and
comment today! http://tinyurl.com/7vd9xd5  

Step 3: Contact Secretary Vilsack
Everyone knows 2012 is an election year.  We need to let the current
administration know that putting pet breeders out of business is not the way to
turn this economy around!  The Cavalry Group has prepared a sample letter and
contact form to get our message to the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. 
Follow this link and send a letter today!  http://tinyurl.com/82qnr3l

The Cavalry Group believes that American citizens have the right to raise and sell animals without federal agents regularly snooping through their property.  If everyone follows the above steps and lets their elected representatives know that we can raise our own animals without help from the nannies in Washington DC, we will DEFEAT this rule and deal a major blow to the enemies of American agriculture.



BILL TO BAN BEAR HUNTING WITH DOGS SET FOR HEARING ON JUNE 26TH
CALIFORNIA. SB 1221 (Lieu), legislation that would outlaw the use of dogs for hunting bears and bobcats in California, has been officially set for hearing on June 26th in the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife.  The hearing will begin at 9:00 AM.  Room number is yet to be determined.
 
It is critical that all of those who care about the future of hunting in California join COHA in strong opposition to this bill at the hearing and let their voice be heard.  It is also important that members of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee hear from you prior to the hearing. CALL and WRITE committee members TODAY! For a sample opposition letter and Legislator contact information. http://tinyurl.com/6t7js3u  

 If you hunt with dogs - or if you hunt at all - this measure is a severe threat to you. SB 1221 is largely based on the argument that hunting of bears and bobcats with dogs does not represent the "fair chase" of these species. As
such, this legislation not only threatens the long-standing tradition of hunting these species with hounds, but would set precedent placing the hunting of pheasants, quail, ducks and other species with dogs in serious jeopardy.  Further, the bill is fully consistent with the statement of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) that they will attack hunting in California first, taking it one species at a time, until all types of hunting are eliminated - then take their forces to other states.

 

FLORIDA ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST CLAIMS THREATS ARE FREE SPEECH
A Florida animal rights activist is arguing that discussions of graphic violence against a Wayne State University animal researcher, Dr. Donal O'Leary, are federally protected free speech and not stalking. In Detroit's 36th District Court, Camille Marino, 47, said she never intended to act on the violence she wrote about in an Oct. 22, 2011, e-mail to Dr. Donal O'Leary. The physiologist is in charge of cardiovascular research at Wayne State's medical school and conducts research on dogs and rats.

"I'm not a violent person," said Marino, accompanied by two women wearing T-shirts with the words "Wayne State murders and tortures dogs" on the back. Her defense attorney, Matt Savich, said Marino's actions are free speech protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Marino is charged with aggravated stalking and unlawful posting of messages online, both five-year felonies, and trespassing.  One email  included threats to strap O'Leary down and cut off his limbs with rusty saws, rip his teeth out one-by-one with pliers and pound them into his skull.  Full story at Detroit Free Press  http://tinyurl.com/7r5ctty 

We are excited to announce that the 6th Annual Celebration of Freedom and Barbecue is coming up on Saturday August 4,  2012.


We sincerely hope you will join us again this year.  Gathering of the Eagles is an annual educational, family-friendly,
patriotic picnic/party hosted by Ames Research Laboratories, Inc., Ames Eagles, Inc., Dr. William Ames and Dama Curtright.  Join us along with business leaders, elected officials, conservative grassroots organizations and concerned
individuals for the purpose of exchanging ideas to promote smaller government and lower taxes in Oregon.
Registration:
 Online:  www.gatheringoftheeagles.com/register
 Print: Registration form

 Fax at: 503 364-2380 

Email: [email protected] 


Agenda:  View invite
 Questions? Call Dama Curtright at
503-588-7000


Register soon!!!!!
  Space is limited and ticket prices increase on July 15th.

Hey Rob,
I came across this today.  Sandra Giser-Messerle is on the advisory group for the Governor. This is the Governor's Regulatory streamlining and simplification project.  Final Proposal to be approved by the project sponsors
and submitted to the gov. by May 31, 2012.  http://www.oregon.gov/COO/docs/RegStream/RegulatoryStreamliningInitialProposal.pdf.
  There was an article on it by Fred but I can't find it again.
Tressa