Neda, the young and beautiful freedom-loving Iranian student was slain in cold-blood by the current Islamic regime in Iran. Almost instantly, Neda became, not only the divine call of the Iranian uprising, but, she symbolized the call for liberty around the globe. Here’s the video of Richard Roth’s report which contained the image of Neda.

If either President Ronald Reagan or President John F. Kennedy were alive today, they would stand in solidarity with the Iranian people. In fact, they would declare “Today we all are Iranians.” It appears the Iranian people are showing the world what a revolution looks like and some Americans have started paying close attention and taking notes.

Neda knew the value of freedom. She died for it. Her blood was not wasted and she did not die in vain. Headlines have heralded the young woman as a martyr and some even dubbed her Iran’s Joan of Arc. Not only has she become a “symbol of goodness” battling against her brutal oppressor, her story has laid open a much larger issue, freedom and liberty. There is a site dedicated to Neda proclaiming, “We are all Neda.”

Each year, on the fourth of July, we celebrate America’s birth and independence. This is a day that the heart of every American must glow with pride and appreciation. On this special occasion, the Iranian martyr, Neda, has a special message for all freedom-loving Americans: “Do not take your liberty for granted” “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure,” said Thomas Jefferson. I think Neda would have said, “I have given my blood for the cause of liberty for my country and I hope you don’t have to give yours once again.”

We are going through some troubled times in America. We Americans need to wake up and realize that our liberties and freedoms that we are taking for granted are slowly and inexorably being taken from us. Once we lose it, it is very hard to get it back. Let the blood of the Persian freedom-fighter, Neda, inspires all of us to cherish our liberty. “We are fighting and dying on the streets of Tehran to have what you have had for more than two centuries. You, America, have been an inspiration to millions of us in Iran to become free, free to roam, free to grow, and free to bloom” Neda would have said.

As we celebrate the 4th of July, it is my hope that all freedom-loving Americans remain mindful of how precious that day is to our country’s storied history. On July 4, 1776, America declared its independence from England, the old white grandfather across the sea.  The miracle of America happened, and its dynamic birth rapidly changed the entire world. Neda would have wished her blood would cause the Iranians to gain their freedom and our two countries once again become the staunchest friends.

The Star Spangled Banner, like you've never heard it

As we continue to celebrate America's Independence, please note Meet the New Press radio is taking the weekend off. Really, as much as we think we're worth a couple of hours of your time every Saturday, who wants to spend Independence weekend near the radio when there's so much celebrating to be done?

Sarah Palin in Laconia, NH (GG file photo)

Wow! Wonder what this means? And the timing-- biggest holiday weekend of the summer? I hope that nothing is wrong with Sarah Palin, shining star of the GOP. Our buddy John Hawkins-- taking time out already from his vacation--speculates on five possibilities over at RightWingNews.com. I'm pulling for reason number one...

The more one learns about Kelly Ayotte, the more worrisome the prospect becomes of her gaining the GOP nomination for the crucial Senate seat being vacated by present Senator Judd Gregg. Following the initial stumble (as first reported in this GraniteGrok exclusive) when the New Hampshire Attorney General reneged on her acceptance of a keynote speaker's gig at a prominent GOP function-- which insiders claim was at the request of Governor Lynch himself-- the most recent "buzz" surrounding her potential candidacy is a mixed bag at best. Given the far-ranging damage being wrought by President Obama and the Democratic majority in Congress, New Hampshire  needs a Republican that can get elected, and, more importantly, that can be counted upon to go to Washington and undo the destruction as quickly as possible. With John E. Sununu and former Gov Merrill both out of the picture, it’s questionable-- from a conservative point of view-- as to whether Ms. Ayotte becomes the next best choice, despite what some are saying...

"But Doug, look at today's polling-- SHE CAN BEAT DEMOCRAT HODES! Surely you want to win, right?" Whoa, there now. While I certainly note that the UNH survey shows Ayotte the only Republican beating likely Democratic nominee Paul Hodes in hypothetical "trial heat" matchups, I agree with the authors of the survey in that we are still a long ways off, and only a small number of Republicans have made up their minds, given the wide open nature of the upcoming primary. And don't fail to account for the fact that Ayotte, while certainly a savvy player with regards to how she performs in an appointed position free of the usual politics and muckraking, has yet to stand up to the scrutiny and open commentary a political campaign will no doubt bring. Despite the initial knee jerk exuberance on the part of some Republicans at the prospect of a young, female candidate with little to no political track record, there are a few items that others, giving this a little thought, view as potential problems for a candidate Ayotte down the road.

First of all, conservatives and Republicans seeking real "change" with regards to the present economic situation that understand all of the problems built into the so-called "stimulus" package and what it will do to us down the road, ought to put great care into who they pick to take Judd Gregg's place. Do they want a Republican in the mold of Mainers Olympia Snowe or Susan Collins, both of whom VOTED FOR THE STIMULUS stinker, turning their backs on fiscal sanity and party? Of course they don't! Most true conservatives I know DESPISE these constant Republican traitors from the Pine Tree State. That is why they should take note of who is among the so-called Party bigwigs promoting Kelly Ayotte…

In an exclusive story found today at James Pindell's NHPoliticalReport.com, it being reported that Ayotte has been talking with Judd Gregg, Sen John Cornyn, and, SUSAN COLLINS about a possible run for the NH seat. Yes- THAT Susan Collins. I challenge ANY good conservative to tell me that Collins has done anything good for the cause lately, or even ever. I am skeptical of anybody that, given the present times of economic upheaval and the rise of the Tea Party movement, is associated with the likes of stimulus-backer Collins. This could spell trouble in lost enthusiasm for a base seeing little difference between a squishy moderate in the mold of a Susan Collins versus a Paul Hodes. I know I would rather vote for nobody, given that option. Why endure the heartache and heartburn of entrenching such a Republican empowered with incumbency status forever? Is it not better to work on the up and coming prospects for the NEXT opportunity?

Then there's the Lynch connection. The sign at the June 24 Concord Tea Party said it all:

I'm sure that, given his latest stretch of broken campaign promises and a lack of effective leadership through the perilous economic straits, many Republicans now agree that John Lynch is indeed, when you look at the lasting damage he has allowed, the worst governor ever. What should be made of the fact that Kelly Ayotte was reappointed to the Attorney General position by this governor? As the state's top lawyer, she has been defending his programs and policies, including the present debacle involving the JUA funds some say have been "stolen" to balance the not-so-frugal state budget.

Pindell's aforementioned exclusive story also reports that

New national bird to replace Bald Eagle?

As we prepare to celebrate yet another Fourth of July, I cannot help but feel a bit melancholy as I review and contemplate the Declaration of Independence, and think about the birth of this “great experiment”, known as America. Have we reached the end of the line, as far as our belief in and adherence to the principles upon which this Nation was founded? When reading the beautiful and eloquent words as created and agreed to by the Founding Fathers, how can you not feel a sense of distance and unfamiliarity when comparing them against the realities we see today.

Consider what is unquestionably the most famous part of the Declaration:

“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness…”

Are there any “self evident truths” and “unalienable rights” here in the new Age of Obama, or are these things just merely quaint, outdated ideas from a bygone era? Do these words somehow mean the “Creator” gives a woman the right to “terminate” pregnancies? As she exercises “choice,” what about the unborn child’s right to “life?” President Obama has famously declared that that he wouldn’t want his young daughters “punished” with a pregnancy. So much for the unalienable right to life for his grandchildren-- Such a fine example set by our “dear leader.” What part of the Fourth does he honor?

In our supposed enlightened age, how many Americans even acknowledge some sort of “Creator,” anyway? While many claim to believe, they willingly turn a blind eye as the rights given us by the Creator are systematically stripped away—even to the point of a knowing chuckle or two at those who suggest that much of what our present government does is immoral. “What old-fashioned notions,” they say. “Don’t be so melodramatic.” One must conclude that if they actually believed in a God as a giver of rights to begin with, they would be more vehement in the defense of such. Think about that—why would a person go to the mat for something he or she doesn’t believe in?

Does “pursuing Happiness” give a person the right to the fruits of the labor of others? I suppose one could be happy with getting an extra “slice of the pie” that somebody else has paid for. But what if you happen to be the person that actually earned the “pie?” How happy will you be at the prospect of watching more and more of your just due taken and distributed to others? Is this not what’s happening on a grand scale all around America today? No matter where you look-- whether it’s the federal, state, county, or local government—it’s all the same: all are poised to take an even greater share of the fruits of our labors through taxation. They say money can’t buy happiness, but it sure does help. No matter what consists of “happiness” for a person in 2009, the fact is, it’s going to cost more.

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.  Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, Picnics and baseball games.

(H/T: Tim)

 "To take from one, because it is thought that his own industry and that of his father's has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association--'the guarantee to every one of a free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it.'"

-Thomas Jefferson

(Concord) According to a report released today by the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, the legislature has so far passed 38 tax and fee increases costing $318 million. The number of tax and fee increases has risen dramatically in recent years from a low of nine increases in 2003-04.

The report, "A Rising Tide of Taxes and Fees" found that the number of tax and fee increases has grown in each of the last three budget cycles. According to Center president Charlie Arlinghaus, "A study of the total number of tax and fee increases over the last decade shows a consistently high number with the exception of the 2003-04 legislature. The current total so far is 38, nearly double the 19.5 average of the four previous budget cycles."

The report shows the number of tax and fee increases declined from 20 in 2001-02 to 9 in 2003-04. Since then, the number has increased to 20 in 2005-06, 29 in 2007-08 and 38 this year, with more to come in the next 18 months.

Arlinghaus delineates the 38 tax and fee increases passed this year and the budgeted cost of each. Over two years, the budget cost is $318.64 million.

The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy is a free market think tank based in Concord, New Hampshire.

Read the full report by clicking here.

Here is a new ad from Team Guinta:

[H/T Kevin N]

Bad guy comes back to town...

According to a story by Gail Ober in today's Citizen newspaper, area "leaders" and law enforcement officials knew that a real bad actor recently came to town...

[New Hampton] Selectmen have known since early May that convicted child murderer Raymond Guay is living in their community, but when they discussed the matter officially, they did so in a closed-door session.

Minutes of the May 7 selectmen's meeting say that Police Chief Merritt "Doug" Salmon "asked selectmen to consider a nonpublic session to discuss an issue ... brought to him by the U.S. Probation Office regarding the locating of an individual on probation."

According to Town Administrator Barbara Lucas, the nonpublic session was at the recommendation of town counsel.

Salmon said Wednesday he has received about 10 phone calls from concerned residents since the news of Guay's move to New Hampton was made public. He said he could not release any information about Guay or his "host" family.

Raymond Guay's residency in New Hampshire has been the topic of nearly constant controversy since he was released from a federal prison in September of 2008 and ordered by a California court to serve his three-year supervised release in his home state — New Hampshire, said the chief of U.S. Probation and Parole in New Hampshire Thomas Tarr.

It appears that, when you look at this man's record, the concern is well founded. While Gail reports that the lead parole overseer in the state acknowledges has served all of his sentences in full, he

Anyways, I just HAD to ask - "So, what do you think about healthcare reform?" (he knows about the website and the radio show but I doubt that he reads the 'Grok or listens to the show as I believe he tends non-political).  His answers were a bit vague as:

• Not sure he ever expected a patient to ask
• Not entirely sure he's thought it through
• Had to get to the next patient
  

However, he did allude to:

• The status quo cannot go on: "something has to change"
  
• Is in favor of a public option (but not strongly)
• Thinks Medicare may be more efficient than private insurers (until I mentioned the $60-80 Billion / year fraud rate for lack of investigation)
  
• Reform has to happen

His emphasis seemed to be that something HAS to be done - it is getting too unreasonable from his point of view.  However, I think it was more of "Hope and Change" - the devil for me is WHAT change?   I ran a couple things past him - he agreed with a couple, struggled with a couple of my answers but smiled as we parted ways.  Methinks I will ask him again - after all, the docs, whether they like it or not, are going to be greatly affected by whatever happens in the political arena.

In the mean time, I've been putting my own ideas together.  Next post...

Gizmodo reports:

John Carnett modded brand new Polaris RZR 2-seater ATV with a grey market, 40-year-old turbine. The result is a 114db joystick-driven vehicle that spews out 1300°F exhaust to achieve around 60MPH. And it sounds glorious.

Also, from the Pop-Sci site, there's a video after the jump(take a while to load)...

Yup, just as silly.  Dukakis is a pacifist to the core - even thought his handlers knew he had to "man up" his image, not even they counted on how silly he looked (and at the time during the Presidential Debate, he completely lost EVERYONE buy not advocating the death penalty for a hypothesized rapist / murderer of his wife).  Wimpiness all around!

The true damage is that he spoke the truth - the veil was pierced and a glimpse of the true Mike Dukakis was revealed.  He got buried in the election.

The ABC Obama infomercial last Wednesday may well turn out to be another one of those moments as Obama claims that Universal Healthcare is fine for all of us, but he'll get the best care he can for his family outside of it (he wants us to languish under what he thinks is the Manchurian Medical plan, yet he has no problem in telling the rest of us that he would spend what is necessary outside of that program for his family.

After all, that's what elitists do - fine for thee but not for me (and mine).  They truly believe that they know what's best for all of us, but decline to restrict themselves to that which they wish to restrict the rest of us to.

Sorta like Congress - a set of rules for us that they do not have to follow or embrace.

Thanks to Steve for the Photoshop!