Freedom turned OFF

Some claim it was only an outage, others know the Internet went dead. Shortly after midnight on January 27^th, Internet providers turned the Internet lines leading into and out of Egypt OFF. It can and was done.

iovation, an Internet Security company here in the United States that helps secure internet transactions from every country in the world, has just shared the following graph. Typically seeing up to 1000 transactions per hour from Egypt, iovation saw traffic literally disappear from every Egyptian ISP other than one. It is very clear that the below graph shows that this is not an outage, the Internet was turned OFF.

Killed Communication

It’s news that should be receiving a larger echo of concern, as a simple call from the government can force Internet providers to shut down the Internet. Too many people have glanced over this and said, “no way, you can’t shut off the Internet” or “that’s Egypt, it can’t happen here”, but they are wrong.

When a government has the power to stop or restrict the information flow into and out of a country, the people have lost their freedom.

There is a renewed push in Washington DC to approve Senator Lieberman’s “Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset” bill. Within the bill, the term “kill switch” is not used, but it does allow the president to declare a state of national cyberemergency. Yesterday we saw the Egyptian government declare a cyberemergency during massive protests throughout the country. This bill allows the President of the United States to turn off parts of or the entire Internet into and out of our country.

“Cyberspace” is actually infrastructure all over the world owned by businesses and corporations. The Lieberman Internet Killer bill allows the government to turn off parts or all infrastructure for the Internet in the United States. In other words, the government can tell a company to shut down all or part of its business without due process of law. In turn, citizens do not have access to information on that infrastructure. Is this what we want from our Government?

This bill should concern every citizen of the United States of America on two levels – free markets and a free society. What’s next Senator Lieberman, are you going to turn off our cellular services in a “communicationsemergency”? Egypt attempted that as well.

What’s the Fuss? Good Riddance Hospira.

Hospira has decided to shut down production of the drug used for lethal injection, because they and the Italian government oppose the death penalty. Today 35 states use lethal injection as the only or primary execution method to carry out the death penalty.  Hospira doesn’t seem to care about the simple fact that the drug is also used and often required to save lives in high-risk surgical situations.  So Hospira, I say to you, leave and know there are alternatives for execution.

Interesting enough our regulations won’t allow the pharmaceutical industry to purchase anesthetic thiopental sodium, the drug used for lethal injections and anesthesia, from overseas sources, as they have not been FDA approved. The FDA does allow prisons to purchase the unapproved overseas versions for the purpose of lethal injection, so they should.

Hospira and crying activists who are attempting to block executions need to get over it. In fact, lethal injection has been deemed the more “humane” way to end a life of one that deserves to be ended, so get over it and move on. I say if Hospira wants to move the production of the drug to Italy, let them with the guarantee that the drug won’t be used for lethal injection.  At the same time, the United States needs to allow another drug manufacturer to create the drug and have it be FDA approved.

It’s also time for Americans to face the non-politically correct reality and allow States to purchase an unapproved FDA product for execution.  Or hey, lets bring back hanging or the electric chair.  Execution is execution, why worry so much about the “humane” way, do the job and get it over with.

In reality, for serial killers and criminals who actually deserve the death penalty, hanging or the electric chair is more humane than what they could face in prison. Take Jeffrey Dahmer for example, the original Hannibal Lector who raped and ate his victims. Yes, Mr. Humane himself. He received life in prison, not the death sentence.  However, Jeffrey Dahmer died of complications due to severe trauma. His reported cause of death… severe head trauma from a weight machine bar striking him multiple times. For all those activists out there, wouldn’t it have been more humane for the system to put him in the electric chair?  We know he committed the crimes worthy of an execution, however he was sentenced to life and a movie was made after him.

Executions are not just a matter of being humane; it’s a matter of balance. Crime is on a rise and already this month we have had eleven police officer fatalities caused by gunfire. If a murderer knew that they would receive the death penalty and executed with a bit of pain within 3 months of being convicted, don’t you think they might think twice? No more thinking they can sit in prison and be cared for until they die – hey, it’s not that bad! No more thinking if they get there hands on the right defense attorney, they can find a loop hole and have the sentence dropped to life, instead of death.  No more working the system for less time. No more attempts to rehabilitate evil on the dime of good law-abiding citizens.

For all you “save the criminal”, “he’s innocent” activists out there, lets change the game. In a world full of technology and the information we have access to now, it’s not unreasonable to believe that you should be able to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, whether or not an individual is guilty of a heinous crime worthy of execution.

Give the defense attorney and activist world three months to battle and prove their convicted criminal isn’t guilty of murder, on their dime. Notice I said, “convicted”, yes the individual has been found guilty, now it’s your burden to prove that he didn’t do it within three months or he is put to death. If they can’t prove it, it’s time to cash in a social security number and save law-abiding citizens money. Not only is this swift justice, but it also brings closer for the victims families and the families of the criminal.

Lets think about adding a bit of pain to an execution, instead of worrying about the morality judgment from Hospira.

A Pandering Rant

I remember the story told years ago of America being one big wonderful melting pot, a land where individuals could pursue and obtain their dreams if they worked hard enough. I reflect upon those teachings and wonder when did they change, or was it simply that my teachers were believers in the greater good of the Country, instead of one group of people.

The focus on diversity, our differences, and image has become so dominating that it has become damaging.  When we want to advance and move forward, one typically begins by finding common ground. Common ground needs to be found in values, not race, gender, or social behaviors. One group of individuals should not have more rights or “say” than another – we are and should be treated equally. So, why are we still “pandering” to race and gender?

Republicans better wake up and stop taking the bait. By pandering to one race, one gender or another you stay in reaction mode. Stand up, be proud, and talk about the values that you represent. Quit taking the “race” bait, the “elitist” bait, the “all male” bait and so forth.  Here’s a news flash for you, we are all from a different race or maybe we are all one race, the human race – get over it. An individual either cares about fiscal responsibility, or they don’t. An individual either believes they should do for themselves, or they don’t. An individual is for smaller government, or they aren’t.  What does being of one race have to do with fiscal conservatism? Nothing, so quit trying to make it so.

I’m sick of the pandering to special interest, to the Latino voter, to the Black voter, the left and the right…. stand up, sit down, fight, fight, fight! There are core issues and values that will attract the majority of the voters. Is it not insincere to try to attract one race over another, instead of attracting voters based upon principals?

There will always be individuals of one race or another that wants the government to take care of them, that’s a value, not a race issue. There will always be individuals who want others to pay for actions in the past that had nothing to do with their personal opportunity, that’s principal, not a race issue.  People will both step up and take care of themselves, or they will continue their cry of discrimination and hand outs, it’s not a race or gender issue, it’s a principal. We all know some people are more principled than others and some people still have values.

For those individuals who want a greater advantage, work for it. Demonstrate values, demonstrate abilities and do for yourself what you want for yourself. Don’t put your hand out and expect a hand out, put your hand into something and work for it and actually be proud! Those wanting elected officials to pander or give special treatment due to one thing or another, just stop it, you are making me sick. Our Country is a big wonderful melting pot, a land where individuals can pursue and obtain their dreams – if they work for them.

Republicans, stand up and talk about your values. Get over the fear of not having enough of one group or another; if you deliver on values and principals, you’ll have more of every group! I’m just sayin’.

Leadership Shines During Tragedy

Our Country is so much better than the individuals who have pointed fingers and who have attempted to use the Tucson tragedy to incite the hatred they claim to condemn.

An incredible statement, which is what our Country needs during a time of tragedy, has been provided by Sarah Palin.   I urge you to read or listen with an open mind and heart, if you do so, you to will hear what I have.

America’s Enduring Strength, by Sarah Palin

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=487510653434&id=24718773587

Transparency Trips a Fuse

Is a call for “Transparency” what is tripping fuses throughout our government? My own experiences tend to lead me down this road, but it’s one experience in particular that comes to mind.

Rufus Montgomery at The Gold Dome

On December 4^th I attended the Atlanta Young Republicans Holiday Party.  The evening became the catalyst for this blog. What took place was a verbal assault by a well-known political insider, Rufus Montgomery.

I approached Rufus to say hello, only to be met with an odd greeting of being told the rules wouldn’t allow me to hold the GA GOP Vice Chair position. I attempted to brush it off and explained that I wasn’t familiar with that rule, but if it were the case, I’d ask the 2^nd Vice Chair to switch with me. For your reading edification, a rule does not exist within the GA GOP saying that the chair and vice chair can’t be the same sex.

The oddity didn’t stop there. Rufus launched into an odd attack saying new comers didn’t understand how things worked and it should be left alone. Ignoring the comment, I turned to the others in the circle and continued the discussion on transparency in campaign finances, only to be interrupted again and told I didn’t know what I was talking about and financial transparency in the GOP party and elected officials was not necessary and would cause problems. I tried to explain to Rufus that donors have a tendency to give when they know their money will be used wisely or know what it is being spent on. Again, but a bit louder, he told me to stay out of what wasn’t broken and that I wasn’t wanted.  But it got worse, when I didn’t back down and quiver, he started pointing his finger at me, while leaning over me, screaming the GOP didn’t need or want “Losers” like me.

On a side note, you need to understand – I’m 110 pounds at best and 5 foot 2 inches, Rufus is probably about 290 pounds and 6 foot 4 inches. I’m a woman and he’s a man.

Now, I’ve never been called a loser and I don’t consider myself a loser. I told Rufus that yes, I may have lost my congressional race, but he was being rude and I did not appreciate his tone or him calling me a loser. Rufus didn’t stop, instead his behavior escalated. I was being called an “F’ing Loser” and that “L” didn’t stand for Liz, it stood for Loser. I was a bit shocked by this and I had my hands in a defensive position trying to move him away from me, which got the attention of other bystanders, including my husband. When he kept it up, I did snap and swear back at him requesting him to stop. At that point, Rufus pushed it further by leaning directly over me screaming “F*** you and your F***ing husband to, where ever he is”.  To my rescue was my husband who lunged and pushed Rufus away from me and onto a tabletop. Security quickly jumped between the two and my husband sat back onto his stool.  We left shortly thereafter, with no apology given from Rufus and no action taken toward him.

I tell this story because I believe “Transparency” is what blew the fuse. During my campaign I preached accountability and transparency – making many, in both parties, uncomfortable. I pledged to continue that quest, as I believe if we don’t have transparency, we can’t end the corruption that riddles our political system.

I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I didn’t know that Rufus is a big connected lobbyist and that there would be individual after individual telling me so.  I can only hope that the legislators that do business with this man don’t know what his overt aversion to transparency is. So Rufus, I gave you more than a month to apologize for your actions and you were not man enough to do so.  You see, I do believe in transparency at all levels – whether it is within a State political party, with State legislators and with lobbyists who attempt to shape policy.

It’s been my experience that those who scream loudest typically have something to hide or protect.

When you turn on the lights, cockroaches typically scatter, even the big ones!

*UPDATE – It seems that Mr. Montgomery has an odd history of supporting or attacking GOP Congressional Nominees. What took place in 2008, read here.

Withdrawal from GA GOP Race

After much thought and consideration, I have decided to withdraw from the GA GOP 1^st Vice Chair race. Where I appreciate the incredible support that I have already received, I believe it is the best course of action at this time. There are some great individuals running for GOP leadership positions and I look forward to helping those individuals build a stronger party.

When I take on responsibilities and make commitments, I do so with the expectation that I can give 110 percent and with the knowledge that I can accomplish the desired goals.  At this time my family, company and radio show will take more of my attention, leaving less time to dedicate to the role of 1^st Vice Chair. As important, the events leading to this decision have proven to me that I can make a greater impact by not taking a role within the State GOP.

We are at a critical point in each area of our government. Local and State governments are faced with decreased revenues and increased demands. Our Federal government is faced with the largest deficit and potential economic crisis.  We as individuals must stay vigilant, educate others and engage in the political process. Those seeking to influence policy and creating policy must be held accountable to conservative ideals and promises made to the people. Increased transparency in all areas of government is also necessary to rid our systems of corruption, basic misappropriation of tax dollars and mismanagement.

I will stay involved, as I promised during my bid for Congress; I will hold our leaders (Party, Local, State and Federal) accountable for their actions and I will not be bullied, intimidated or silenced.

Those seeking to hide in the weeds and decrease transparency know what is right and what is wrong. I will be shedding light on these actions on behalf of taxpayers and for the overall good of the GOP party.

Liz Carter Goes Live with Future Movement Radio

A Fresh Mix of Politics

(Atlanta) – Liz Carter announced today the launch of her political talk show on Future Movement Radio (FMR). The show will air live every Wednesday at 3:00 pm on 1420 AM WATB, 1430 AM WGFS and on the Internet at www.futuremovementradio.net. Listeners and callers will be able to engage in the Local, State and Federal Politics that impact businesses and their personal lives. The show will launch Wednesday, January the 5^th at 3:00 pm EST.

“I am excited about the opportunity to educate and hold our elected officials accountable on the air” said Carter. “It’s an opportunity to share what happens behind the scenes, how legislation really impacts business and your life – not just what a politician wants you to think. I know at times my show will be controversial and lively, just what is needed today!”

Carter plans to cover what is happening in Congress, as well as local issues. She will have special guests and welcomes listeners to call in and discuss the facts.

Individuals interested in being on the show, suggesting topics and questions can email Liz at liz@lizcarterlive.com for consideration starting Wednesday the 5th.  To talk live on the show, listeners can call 404-292-1420

“People need to stay engaged and some simply need to wake up and realize what is happening around them,” Carter added. “I’m no longer tied to a campaign, so I can call out the errors and ways of all our elected officials and those who influence policy.”

“I am pleased to have Liz on Future Movement Radio and share how politics impacts all of us” said Pat Baccas, CEO, founder and producer of FMR. “Future Movement Radio is pleased to expand our programming into the political arena, and Liz is the perfect person to do it.  I’m looking forward to her keeping us informed.”

About Liz Carter
Liz Carter is a business owner, political correspondent and former Republican Congressional Nominee in Georgia. Among Liz’s many professional accomplishments is the successful management of multi-million dollar business units, a track record of increasing revenues, cutting costs and helping companies architect winning strategies and structures for growth. She aspires to positively effect important issues as fiscal policy, national security, illegal immigration, education, healthcare, energy independence and most important – Accountability to the people.

To learn more about Liz Carter please visit the following sites –
Political Writings  http://lisbethcarter.wordpress.com/
Business Profile http://www.linkedin.com/in/lisbethcarter
Company http://www.lisbethcarter.com
Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/lizziecarter
Twitter https://twitter.com/lisbethcarter

About Future Movement Radio
Today Future Movement Radio can be heard on 1420 AM WATB and 1430 AM WGFS Monday – Friday 1-6pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm. WATB and WGFS have an estimated 70,000 listeners daily and a 1.56 market share based on a Metro Atlanta population of 4.5 million. Millions of listeners also tune in daily on the Internet at www.futuremovementradio.net.