Race to the Top has too many strings, critic says

Kaye Beach

Sept. 30, 2011

Make that critics.

From the Tulsa Beacon, Sept, 29, 2011

Applying for federal funds to increase early childhood education is a huge mistake, said the leader of a grassroots organization that is determined to restore traditional values to Oklahoma education.
In 2009, Jenni White and Julie McKenzie of Oklahoma City formed ROPE (Restore Oklahoma Public Education) when they discovered the history of America’s Founding Fathers and basic civics was not being sufficiently taught through the Oklahoma PASS curriculum.
White spoke last week at a meeting of the Tulsa Area Republican Club and criticized a move by Gov. Mary Fallin and State School Superintendent Janet Barresi to apply for federal Race to the Top money for early childhood education.
Fallin and Barresi – both Republicans – announced that Oklahoma will submit an application to the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) program. RTT-ELC is a $500 million state-level grant competition designed by liberal educators who want to pump money into early childhood education.
Under RTT-ELC, participating states submit a detailed application to the United States Department of Education, outlining their plans to increase early childhood education. Should Oklahoma be chosen as a “winner,” the state would be eligible for a grant of up to $60 million.

Read more

NewsOK Sept. 28, 2011

Letter to the Editor-

Grants equal greed

Listen up all elected officials! As of this moment we don’t want anything that has the word “grant” attached to it. The city wants a $17 million grant for the downtown rail station. We don’t want it! Now, Gov. Mary Fallin and state schools Superintendent Janet Barresiwant a $60 million grant for early childhood learning. It is a grant! We don’t want it!

Read more

Read more: http://newsok.com/grants-equal-greed/article/3608690#ixzz1ZPYrd2Ce

 

 

‘Stingray’ Phone Tracker Fuels Constitutional Clash

Kaye Beach

Sept. 28, 2011

The Wall Street Journal and Fox News reports on the latest revelation of extra constitutional tracking.

 

Oklahoma Representative Wants to Downsize Representation

Kaye Beach

Sept. 26, 2011

From a Oklahoma House Press Release dated Sept. 8, 2011

As lawmakers seek to downsize state government, state Rep. Gary Banz believes they should include themselves in the process and has filed legislation to downsize the Oklahoma Legislature.

“As lawmakers, we constantly talk about the need for smaller government,” said Banz, R-Midwest City. “My legislation lets legislators prove it in a way that shows we are truly committed to reducing the size of government.”

Under House Joint Resolution 1021, voters would have the opportunity to approve a constitutional amendment reducing the Oklahoma Legislature by approximately 10 percent. That would cut the number of seats in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 101 to 91, and reduce the number of state senators from 48 to 43.

Am I the only one who sees a distinct difference between government and representation?  Many complain that the government is too big and intrusive but I have yet to hear one person complain that they they are suffering under too much representation

When we talk about reducing the size of “government” we mean the SYSTEM that governs.   That is to say the agencies, the bureaucracy, the confusing tangle of rules and laws that govern and burden our daily lives.  The government system is definitely too big.

Our representatives are the individuals elected by the us to protect our rights and represent us in the legislative process. They are our most direct line of access that allows for input into and influence on policy our state government.

We are sorely dissatisfied with politicians and government, no doubt but to be clear on the message,  people are clamoring for less government and more real representation.

New Gallup Poll-Americans Express Historic Negativity Toward U.S. Government

What Rep. Banz is suggesting here is NOT about downsizing government.  This is downsizing REPRESENTATION.

Bantz continues his line of reasoning;

“I believe the Legislature needs to look at itself first,” Banz said. “If we ask agencies to consolidate, it is important for the Legislature to take the lead and do the same.”

The amount of consolidation that is going on in our state is something that many have been watching carefully.  We should be watching very carefully to make sure that consolidation efforts are really cutting out the fat and not dangerously consolidating power.

In defense of his proposal (which died a deserved death last session) Banz says;

“But it [reducing the number of elected represntatives] is probably more true to the nature of long-term reduction of our overhead than some of the things that we have done this last session, that kind of tap dance around the edges, as it relates to consolidating agencies and some of those kinds of things,” he said.  Source:  JRLR Insiders Report, June 7, 2011

Bantz’ comments that reducing the number of elected representatives of the people is in keeping with the true purpose of state agency consolidation is even more vexing because we are told that the purpose of consolidation is to increase efficiency in government and save money by cutting out what is NOT necessary.

And as a cost cutting measure, this proposal is laughable.

The measure would reduce legislative expenses by $1.2 million a year, Banz said. (the Tulsa World, Sept. 26, 2011)

1.2 million dollars doesn’t even qualify as a drop in the bucket compared to other expenses in this state’s budget!

I will agree that the American system of representative government is not the most efficient or cost effective form of government. That model is known as a Dictatorship.

To bolster his argument Rep Banz offers that new communication technologies justify less representation.

“I don’t think there has been a time in state history where if you want to be involved as a citizen, as a constituent, you have greater access to your representation in the House and Senate,” he said. “With a push of the button, with technology, you can communicate with more folks and more folks can communicate with me.” Sept. 26, 2011, the Tulsa World

Emails are great, aren’t they?  What about “virtual townhalls”?

Those things are great for making people feel like they are doing something but it is no substitute for direct, human interaction. Personally speaking, I do not visit the state capitol for fun.  I do it because emails don’t cut it.

I would go so far as to say that 50 visits from constituents beats 500 emails hands down when it comes to making an impression.  No one necessarily sees those emails but everyone is going to notice 50 constituents.  Even a phone call beats email hands down.  Don’t be fooled.  Do you think lobbyists have stopped visiting the capitol because they have email?  Hardly.  They know it is not a replacement for face to face interaction and it never will be.  Now that I think about it, I’ll bet the lobbyists would love to see a smaller, more manageable legislative body.

This justification, in my opinion, is a lame one.

Back in July Banz said;

“I think it will be an idea that will be widely accepted by the public,”

Really?  What am I missing here?  It doesn’t save any money to speak of and weakens the voice and influence of the people.  Why on earth would they support this idea?

House Floor Leader Dan Sullivan concurs.

“I suspect if it were submitted to vote of the people, it would pass,” link

I find their assertions doubtful but who am I to argue?  These two men are, after all, elected representatives of the people of Oklahoma and they should be very in tune with the voters.

Dan Sullivan also said it is a proposal that needs to be looked at and will get some serious consideration.  link

OK.  If this is such a great idea, maybe we should implement this right away and let the people choose which representatives goes first.

Seriously.  What are they thinking?

The Unplugged Mom talks School Surrveillance

Kaye Beach

Sept. 26, 2011

I had the extreme pleasure of talking to my good friend Laurette Lynn, The Unplugged Mom recently about data collection and surveillance in public schools.

Here is her excellent write up and you can listen to that show by following the link to The Unplugged Mom website.

Surveillance: Somebody’s watching you – does it matter?

 

 

 

Will Rogers World Airport to Install Body Scanners

Kaye Beach

Sept. 25, 2011

The Will Rogers World Airport is expecting to receive it’s naked body scanners soon.

Body scanners produce detailed, three-dimensional images of individuals. Security experts have described whole body scanners as the equivalent of “a physically invasive strip-search.” EPIC

From the Journal Record Sept 12, 2011;

. . . Tulsa was one of the first airports to receive the new technology at the time. Higgins confirmed that some travelers expressed concern or outrage that strangers with the federal government were invading their privacy by studying their bodies. Read more

The scanners are expected to be installed at Will Rogers World Airport before the end of the year.  But these scanners,  we are assured, will be less naked-izing that previous versions.

Promises, promises

In 2009 the TSA assured us that

“these technologies cannot save, print, or transmit images.”

And those assertions have proved to be patently, provably FALSE.

Information obtained through a FOIA request showed that the machines are able to store and transmit the raw images by design and furthermore this capability was required by the TSA.

Not only are the images capable of being kept,we know they have been.

Leaked Images Belie Our Implicit Pact with TSA  Gizmodo’s Joel Johnson writes, “At the heart of the controversy over ‘body scanners’ is a promise: The images of our naked bodies will never be public.” But the Florida marshals who saved 35,000 of those images, suggesting that promise may be a lie. “That we can see these images today almost guarantees that others will be seeing similar images in the future. If you’re lucky, it might even be a picture of you or your family.”

Really, do official assurances of anything mean anything after so many of them have turned out to be lies?

So, rather than your nekked body in ll it’s bald and bluish glory, the new software, we are told, will generate an image of a fully clothed, generic, genderless cartoon figure.
Will Rogers World Airport spokeswoman Karen Carney says she expects that the new and improved body scanners will be accepted by the public. (Read more from the Journal Record published Sept. 19, 2011)

Modesty aside, there are health, safety and questions about effectiveness surrounding the devices that have not yet been satisfactorily answered.

EPIC v. DHS Lawsuit — FOIA’d Documents Raise New Questions About Body Scanner Radiation Risks : In a FOIA lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, EPIC has just obtained documents concerning the radiation risks of TSA’s airport body scanner program. The documents include agency emails, radiation studies, memoranda of agreement concerning radiation testing programs, and results of some radiation tests. One document set reveals that even after TSA employees identified cancer clusters possibly linked to radiation exposure, the agency failed to issue employees dosimeters – safety devices that could assess the level of radiation exposure. Another document indicates that the DHS mischaracterized the findings of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, stating that NIST “affirmed the safety” of full body scanners. The documents obtained by EPIC reveal that NIST disputed that characterization and stated that the Institute did not, in fact, test the devices. Also, a Johns Hopkins University study revealed that radiation zones around body scanners could exceed the “General Public Dose Limit.” For more information, see EPIC: EPIC v. Department of Homeland Security – Full Body Scanner Radiation Risks and EPIC: EPIC v. DHS (Suspension of Body Scanner Program). (Jun. 24, 2011)

Some countries have rejected the machines entirely and even scoffed at the machines, saying that they simply aren’t worth it.

For example;

Full-Body Scanners Don’t Work, Israeli Security Expert Says

The whole program has been plagued with problems from start to finish.

Federal Appeals Court: TSA Violated Federal Law, Must Take Public Comment on Body Scanners: As a result of a lawsuit brought by EPIC, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the TSA violated federal law when it installed body scanners in airports for primary screening across the country without first soliciting public comment. The Administrative Procedure Act requires federal agencies to provide notice and opportunity for comment when implementing a rule that affects the rights of the public. Writing for a unanimous court, Judge Ginsburg found there was “no justification for having failed to conduct a notice-and-comment rulemaking,” and said, “few if any regulatory procedures impose directly and significantly upon so many members of the public.”

EPIC’s brief alleged that airport body scanners are “invasive, unlawful, and ineffective,” and that the TSA’s deployment of the devices for primary screening violated the U.S. Constitution and several federal statutes. For more information, see EPIC: EPIC v. DHS and EPIC: Whole Body Imaging Technology. Press Release. (Jul. 15, 2011)

So the TSA unlawfully implemented the body scanning program, lied to the public about the capabilities of the machines, lied about safety testing, may be overstating the detection abilities but now we are supposed to be pacified by some supposed “privacy enhancing” software?

Oh, and did I mention the mobile naked body scanners that may be coming to a mall or highway near you?

DHS Refuses to Disclose Details of Mobile Body Scanner Technology: New documents released by the Department of Homeland Security to EPIC indicate the the agency continues to hide details about body scanners. In November 2010, EPIC filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the agency regarding the deployment of body scanners in surface transit and street-roving vans. In its latest document release the agency supplied several papers that were completely redacted. As a result of the agency’s failure to comply with the Freedom of Information Act, EPIC has filed suit to force disclosure of the records. For more information, see: EPIC: Body Scanner Technology and EPIC: FOIA Note #20. (Aug. 17, 2011)

Digital nudity and health risks are what we are asked to trade for dubious security value but the nekked scanners do make some people smile..

SIEGEL: In your current role as a consultant, do you have an interest in body scanners?

Mr. CHERTOFF: You know, I, to be – we consult with all kinds of firms including firms that you manufacture body scanners.

SIEGEL: You do have some interest in…

Mr. CHERTOFF: Correct. That’s correct.

SIEGEL: …in more sales of body scanners.

Mr. CHERTOFF: As well as a lot of other security measures.

NPR Dec. 29, 2009

Body Scanners Create Profits for Chertoff and Others

No, No- A thousand times NO! 

There is no satisfying the governments need to watch, track, scrutinize and control every facet of our lives.  Whatever we give up, they will always want more.

If you have an opinion on this you should share it with Will Rogers World Airport.

Karen Carney  405.316.3262 

Email:  karen.carney@okc.gov

What Ever Happened to REAL ID?

Kaye Beach

Sept 23, 2011

What did ever happen to the REAL ID Act?

In a word-NOTHING.

Remember when roughly half the states in the US said NO! by passing either a law or resolution against participating in DHS’s national ID program?  Most of us assume that “no” means “no” and breathed a sigh of relief when so many states took a stand against it.

“. . .many state motor vehicle departments are quietly doing the work to meet the law’s initial 18 benchmarks.” http://tinyurl.com/4rgrv87

The fact is that  little has changed.

The world is being enrolled into a single global system of identification and financial control.
One’s body is now directly linked to the control of financial transactions through biometric ID, an international ID system that uses computers to automatically identify individuals based on unique physical characteristics, such as a facial image. Facial recognition and digital fingerprinting are common forms of biometrics.  Almost all states and nations now use biometrics to identify their residents.  From Your Body Is Your ID

On Tuesday Sept. 21, 2011 my legal council filed suit against the state of Oklahoma for the violation of my religious freedoms and right to privacy (Okla. Constitution Article II Sec. 30) on my behalf.   You can read the petition as filed here (top left)

I have watched with dismay as comment after comment in response to the  news of this lawsuit express surprise even outrage that Oklahoma is collecting biometrics as they then wonder if their state is doing the same.

The answer?  I know of no state that is not doing so.

Real ID and that little gold star on your driver’s license

Here are two updates on the ever forward march of Real ID across the US.

Public Safety to launch STAR I.D. pilot project

Sept. 22, 2011

Alabama will launch a pilot project Oct. 3 for a new, secure form of identification created to comply with the REAL-ID Act of 2005.

The Alabama Department of Public Safety has developed the STAR I.D. program, with STAR standing for Secure, Trusted and Reliable.

The IDs will be available at driver license examining offices in Montgomery, Autauga and Chilton counties as part of the pilot project. There will be a statewide launch at the start of the year.

Read more

Connecticut about to begin controversial ‘Real ID’ program | The Connecticut Mirror

Sept. 22, 2011

Connecticut launched a campaign today to publicize how to obtain a driver’s license that meets the stricter verification standards of a federal “Real ID” law passed in 2005, but never implemented in face of objections from two dozen states.

Read more

How to create a global, biometric system of identification;

To create a global biometric system, states and nations must:
1. Enroll their citizens (DL/ID cards, passports, national ID, school ID, etc.)
2. Adopt international standards for documents, photos and data sharing
3. Link databases for global information sharing, global ID-tracking and surveillance

Read more

Find out more about REAL ID and Biometric Identification

AxXiom for Liberty 09-23-11: Gary Graham and Amanda Teegarden

Sept. 22, 2011

by Howard Houchen

This Friday, 23 September 2011, Kaye and I ask:  “How Free Do you want To Be?” and welcome a couple of very special guests.  First up will be Conservative  Hollywood actor, writer, producer, director, etc, etc…Gary Graham!  Then we have the pleasure of bringing back OK-SAFE’s Amanda Teegarden.  Tune-in or ListenLive this Friday from 6:00 – 8:00pm CST www.ruleoflawradio.com.

“Many of us in Hollywood feel that since they pay us so well to do something so relatively easy, that we owe it to ourselves, and to the world, to ‘give back’.  Many of us, with that artificial sense of self-importance that comes with being in the movies or on television, feel we are poised and even obligated to ‘weigh in’ on important issues of national or geo-political nature.  When really, most Americans would just prefer we ‘shut up and sing’ (or dance or act or whatever it is we do).  Yet we blather on and many of us expose our idiocy (not naming names) — and some of us perhaps even intellectually raise the debate (again, no names… ahem).  And forgive me if I reduce the seemingly mind-boggling chasm between our disparate philosophies to this simple point:   The Left wants the government to exercise and disseminate compassion towards our fellow man…and the Right wants the individual to do it.” — Gary Graham

Gary Graham.  Gary is a member of a group that was once thought to be near extinction — Hollywood conservatives.  We are going to talk with Gary about what is so “controversial” (see below) about his opinions, just how “liberal” is Hollywood, his thoughts on the current state of political affairs, his latest movie project – “Dust of War” – and that thing that has special place in his heart…The Gary Graham Garage Band!

Gary Graham was born in Long Beach, California and grew up in and around Orange County. The son of a medical doctor, he too aspired to a career in medicine. However, despite showing prowess in the medical sciences, Gary left pre-med to study theater arts at the University of California, Irvine, in the early seventies.

His first feature film role was opposite George C. Scott in “Hardcore.” Since that time Gary has appeared in numerous feature films such as “Robot Jox,” “The Last Warrior,” “Man Trouble,” and “Hollywood Knights,” many TV movies and series. From 1990 to 1996, he starred as Matt Sikes in FOX TV’s “Alien Nation.” More recently he was seen in recurring roles as Capt. Ingles on “J.A.G.” and as Ambassador Soval in “Star Trek: Enterprise.” He’s played more than 30 TV roles, and has also been in more than 30 movies.

Gary’s also very active and vocal politically, and writes a regular column on [Big Hollywood], voicing his ever controversial opinions as well as appearing at several political rallies, where he really can get the crowd going.

Still active in the film business, Gary now is a producer for the new reality TV show, “The Ultimate Shooter,” and is working with Jace Hall and HD FILMS at Warner Brothers writing and producing the new internet web-series, “What If..?” He also stars in the popular web-series “Dead End City,” on Strike.TV.

He lives in a small town outside of Los Angeles where he enjoys spending time with his family, working weekends as a volunteer Ski Patroller, golfing, and flying.

Oh…let’s not forget the MUSIC!  The G3 Band – The Gary Graham Garage Band.

Next up, our very own Oklahoma Star, Amanda Teegarden, the Executive Director of  OK-SAFE. 

Last week the first committee hearing on the Federal Health Care Reform Law was held at the Oklahoma state capitol.  This was an all-day meeting and figuring out what it all means is very difficult for most but what happens during these meetings is extremely important.

The stated purpose of the hearings according to OK. State Sen. Stansilawski;

“Oklahoma patients, taxpayers, businesses, health practitioners, insurers and others all have wide-ranging questions and concerns about this largely unwanted new federal law. The law will affect all Oklahomans, some in significant ways, so this committee will seek to address all relevant questions and concerns for the benefit of all Oklahomans.”

Oklahoma Health Insurance Exchange or Faustian Bargain?

Lucky for us the ever diligent Amanda Teegarden was there and this Friday she will be with us to decipher what it all means.  While we are at it, we have asked Amanda to apply her government-speak translation skills to an upcoming event to be held in Norman, OK. in October.

What is the “New Economy”?  Why is our Governor now being referred to as “Oklahoma’s CEO”?  What exactly is Foreign Direct Investment?

Join us Friday September 23, 2011 on AxXiom for Liberty 6-8 PM CST on Rule of Law Radio Network!

Edmond Residents Rise Up Against Smart Meters

Kaye Beach

September 21, 2011

Smart Meter installment began with little warning in some areas of Oklahoma. Since February of 2010 OG&E has already installed 350,000 smart meters. They plan on installing smart meters for nearly 800,000 customers by the end of 2012.

Edmond residents are getting the jump on them and have started a petition drive to allow customers to have a choice in the matter.

From News 9 published Sept 19, 2011

EDMOND, Oklahoma — A group of concerned citizens from Edmond are asking Edmond Electric to avoid a Smart Meter System.

The Smart Meter System is the newest technology available for electric companies. The system is designed to track a customer’s use of electricity without sending a utility worker to review each meter.

Edmond Electric believes the system could help with overall cost and energy efficiency. Not everyone supports the move.

Don Powers is an attorney in Edmond who believes the Smart Meter System is not a smart idea.

Read more 

If you are an Edmond Electric customer and would like to have a say in the matter you can read and sign the petition online here

Privacy is one of the concerns cited by Edmond residents and I will tell you that this concern is a very valid one.  I did some research into the matter of privacy and smart meters a few months ago and was astounded by the implications on our personal privacy in our own homes.   The capabilities of Smart Meters/ Smart Grid, at the moment,  is not being fully utilized but as the systems mature their invasive nature will be revealed.  Better study up now before they go on your home.

According to Cheryl Dancey Balough, Balough Law Offices, Chicago;

Three factors fuel the concern of those advocating for additional, specific measures that will protect privacy compromised by the installation of smart meters.

• First, the wealth of information that smart meters and affiliated appliances and devices make available can threaten both consumers’ privacy within their homes and their ability to control the distribution of their personal information outside the home.
• Second, as necessary consumers of electricity, people do not have other options.
• Third, despite the multiple information privacy laws passed in the past few decades, none of them adequately address the new challenges to privacy posed by smart meters

Legal scholars have proposed various concepts of privacy over the past 120 years or so, and the country’s founding fathers certainly contemplated privacy rights when drafting the Bill of Rights. A discussion of those concepts and their origins is beyond the scope of this article. It is important to note, however, that the threats to privacy connected to smart meters lie primarily within the concepts of a right to be left alone within one’s home and the right to control personal information. The first right is embedded in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution:

The right of the people to be secure in their person, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The second right—to exercise control over the disclosure of personal information— has been discussed by a number of legal scholars.22 The U.S. Supreme Court also recognized this right in 1977 in Whalen v. Roe.

Source: Privacy Implications of Smart Meters By Cheryl Dancey Balough, Balough Law Offices, Chicago, Illinois, 2011 http://www.balough.com/uploadedFiles/Privacy%20Implications%20of%20Smart%20Meters%20-%20Cheryl%20Dancey%20Balough.pdf

 

There is a new Facebook group for Oklahoman residents who want to share information about the Smart Grid or the new Smart Meters being installed in this state.

Oklahoma Smart Meter Info Swap on Facebook

Rutherford Institute Challenges Biometric Photo Requirement for Oklahoma Drivers’ Licenses

9/21/2011

Rutherford Institute Challenges Biometric Photo Requirement for Oklahoma Drivers’ Licenses, Demands Religious Accommodation

NORMAN, Okla. — The Rutherford Institute has come to the defense of an Oklahoma woman who has been denied accommodation of her sincerely held religious objection to having a high-resolution biometric photograph used on her driver’s license. In filing suit against the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS), Rutherford Institute attorneys contend that the state’s demand for a biometric photograph as a condition of being licensed to drive violates Kaye Beach’s rights under the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act and the provisions of the Oklahoma Constitution forbidding unreasonable searches and seizures.

The Rutherford Institute’s complaint in Kaye Beach v. Oklahoma Department of Public Safety is available here.

“Whether a biometric ID card in the form of a driver’s license or other government-issued form of identification is the mark of the Beast or merely the long arm of Big Brother, the outcome remains the same—ultimate control by the government,” said John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute. “As Kaye Beach’s case makes clear, failing to have a biometric card can render you a non-person for all intents and purposes, with your ability to work, travel, buy, sell, access health care, and so on jeopardized.”

In March 2011, Kaye Beach applied to renew her driver’s license with the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Upon learning that the biometric photographs used by DPS are stored in a database that is managed and accessed by international organizations, Beach repeatedly voiced her religious objection to the practice and asked to be allowed to use a low-resolution photograph for her license. Kaye Beach subscribes to the Christian belief, detailed in the Bible’s Book of Revelation, that Christians must not participate in a global numbering identification system.

Although Beach met all other requirements for renewing her license, DPS refused her request for an accommodation of her religious beliefs, as well as her offer to submit to a low-resolution photograph for her license, insisting that the state law does not provide for alternatives or exemptions. As a result, Beach was not permitted to renew her driver’s license. Consequently, Beach has also been deprived of common benefits and services that hinge on possessing a valid driver’s license, including the ability to acquire prescription medications, use her debit card, rent a hotel room or obtain a post office box.

In filing suit in the District Court of Cleveland County, Okla., attorneys for The Rutherford Institute allege that DPS’ refusal to accommodate Beach’s religious beliefs and grant Beach a license violates the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act. Institute attorneys point out that the state’s requirement of a biometric photograph does not serve a compelling state interest and that the state has other means for furthering any such state interest. The lawsuit also alleges that the use of Beach’s biometric photograph violates her right of privacy as guaranteed by Okla. Const. Art. II, § 30. Attorneys Eileen Echols, Jonathan Echols and Benjamin Sisney of Echols & Assoc. are working with the Institute in its defense of Kaye Beach’s right to religious freedom.

http://www.rutherford.org/

Kentucky Lawmakers Ponder the Plight of Jailed Amish

Kaye Beach

Sept. 19, 2011

Today I posted a story about the plight of a group of Amish men in Kentucky that were jailed as a result breaking a state law that requires them to affix a bright orange triangle to their buggy’s for safety and visibility purposes.

If they Won’t Leave the Amish Alone-They Won’t Leave Anyone Alone!

Problem is that these Amish subscribe to a strict Old Order Swartzentruber sect that prohibits sporting flashy colors or symbols and while they did place reflective tape on the carriages, that was not enough to satisfy the requirements of the law sponsored by Rep. Fred Nesler after some residents complained that they could not see the carriages well. It doesn’t seem to trouble Rep. Nesler that this law is impossible for these people to follow without violating their religious beliefs.

I wonder why Rep. Nesler seems more  attached to the orange triangle than the 1st Amendment?

Rep. Nesler see no problem with his law.  Other legislators disagree and wonder if there isn’t a way to solve this problem without violating the rights of the Amish.

This story was just released by the AP and posted at Chron.com;

Lawmaker tries to find Amish buggies compromise

Republican Sen. Ken Winters of Murray told The Paducah Sun that he has asked legislative staff to look at laws in other states in an effort to find some common ground (http://bit.ly/r5npYL ).

Rep. Mike Cherry says;

“I think there may be some room to allow some latitude to the Amish and their traditional religious beliefs and customs,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to sacrifice the safety of all, but I think there’s some room in there to come up with a solution short of incarcerating these people.”

Read more