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National Federation of Republican Assemblies "The Republican Wing of the Republican Party" ©
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National Federation of Republican Assemblies "The Republican Wing of the Republican Party" ©
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PRESS RELEASES
RIRA Strongly Opposes “Comprehensive Amnesty” Legislation now before Congress
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PRESS RELEASE
RIRA Strongly Opposes “Comprehensive Amnesty” Legislation now before Congress
Certain members of the United States Congress, in collusion with our President, have introduced legislation which they are calling “comprehensive” immigration reform, but in reality is “comprehensive amnesty” for illegal aliens. The Rhode Island Republican Assembly (RIRA) strongly opposes this legislation, which if enacted will undermine the sovereignty of our country. It will render American citizenship nothing more than a mere formality, rather than what it is: a privilege. This is not merely a partisan call by “the Republican Wing of the Republican Party,” but a plea by citizens who love this country and the bedrock principles underlying its founding – all of which are under assault by this Legislation.
This Legislation – crafted behind closed doors to the general public – has provisions for the so-called “enhanced enforcement” of our nation's immigration laws. The infamous Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 did as well – and its enforcement provisions were themselves never enforced. “But it will be different this time, right?” One definition of insanity is said to be “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This Legislation truly is insane, because it not only richly rewards past lawbreaking, but it actually encourages future lawbreaking. The Legislation now before Congress also makes a mockery of the valiant efforts of all those immigrants throughout our nation's history who obeyed our laws to emigrate to here legally. The “enforcement” provisions included are merely a thinly-disguised “bait and switch” mechanism used in order to provide political cover in a desperate attempt to gain enough congressional support to pass it, despite overwhelming public opposition.
A classic example of the “bait and switch” occurs as when a lender offers one set of loan terms when you apply, then pressures you to accept higher charges when you sign to complete the transaction. The “open borders” proponents of this legislation are, in effect, attempting to impose a “reverse mortgage” on the “equity” that citizens have in the United States of America. Citizens will “make the payments” through increases in taxation to provide numerous services - including increased welfare, medical, and educational expenses in Rhode Island - and ultimately will “lose title” to our country as the privileges of citizenship, and indeed the very sovereignty of the United States of America, are eroded into irrelevance by the pounding waves of uncontrolled illegal immigration.
This “immigration reform” Legislation is not about the “melting pot,” but about the meltdown of our nation's sovereignty. It boils down to is this: Cynical politicians betraying our country in a shallow and unscrupulous effort to buy political support from a defined voting bloc. This Legislation must not stand! We urge all Americans to contact your senators and representatives to let them know that you oppose this misguided Legislation.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Membership,
President, Rhode Island Republican Assembly
RIRA 19 Bakers Creek Road Warwick, RI 02886 (401) 487-2514 State website: http://www.ri-ra.org National website: http://www.gopwing.com |
Rhode Island Republican Assembly supports URI College Republicans
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 20, 2007 The Rhode Island Republican Assembly (RIRA) hereby announces its support for the University of Rhode Island College Republicans (www.urigop.org) in their efforts to exercise their Constitutional rights and uphold the tradition of spirited political discourse in America. The Founding Fathers recognized the critical importance of free and unfettered political speech, as embodied in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. RIRA applauds President Carothers, who appears to understand the critical importance of political free speech, particularly in an academic setting whose very raison d'être includes the rough-and-tumble competition between competing ideas and sometimes unpopular viewpoints. Though the membership of the URI Student Senate have a right to disagree with the content of an advertisement, their efforts to demonize those who put forth differing intellectual ideals (White Heterosexual American Male Scholarship) indicate weakness in their chosen position; those arguing from a compelling position enthusiastically engage in vigorous discourse, while those whose position is weak or indefensible seek victory by hobbling those with whom they disagree. In today’s politics of extremism, it must be understood that when a member of the majority has an opinion that some members in the minority disagree with, the offered opinion does not automatically constitute racism or discriminatory intent. Based upon the views being forwarded by the URI Student Senate and other URI students, one may say that the Black Caucus and the Hispanic Caucus in Congress are discriminatory and they should therefore apologize to the nation and be disbanded. The Rhode Island Republican Assembly is an organization that believes in equality -- not only among and between individuals, but also among and between the provisions of the Constitution of the United States, such as the Tenth Amendment; the Second Amendment ... and the First Amendment! Raymond T. McKay Thomas Wigand, Esq. William Ricci, Jr. 19 Bakers Creek Road State website: www.ri-ra.org
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RIRA President Raymond McKay: Reject Lynch’s stand on gay marriage
Put it to the voters
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RIRA President quoted in the February 24, 2007 Edition of The Washington Times
Rhode Island official OKs gay 'marriage'By
Cheryl Wetzstein Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch says research persuaded him to decide that Rhode Island can recognize same-sex "marriages" from Massachusetts -- not his sister's recent same-sex union in Massachusetts. "No disrespect to my sister, who I love very much, but it has zero impact on it," Mr. Lynch told the Providence (R.I.) Journal last week, saying his nonbinding legal opinion made on Wednesday was well researched and based on a 1904 Rhode Island State Supreme Court ruling on interstate marriage. On Feb. 15, Mr. Lynch attended the "marriage" ceremony in Attleboro, Mass., of his older sister, Pawtucket, R.I., City Solicitor Margaret Lynch, and her longtime partner, Patricia Gadaleta. The women have twin daughters. On Wednesday, Mr. Lynch issued a six-page opinion to the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education that said their homosexual employees who have "married" in Massachusetts should be treated as spouses. "Rhode Island has not enacted any legislation prohibiting same-sex marriages or stating a public policy against same-sex marriage, even though they have been validly performed in neighboring Massachusetts for approximately three years," Mr. Lynch wrote. Mr. Lynch later said his opinion was "essentially guidance" and nonbinding. However, Steven Maurano, a spokesman for the Board of Governors, which oversees higher education in Rhode Island, said the board intends to follow Mr. Lynch's advice. Bishop Thomas Tobin of the Catholic Diocese of Providence criticized Mr. Lynch's opinion as being overly influenced by a "relentless gay agenda." Raymond T. McKay, President of the Rhode Island Republican Assembly, said Mr. Lynch should have deferred to lawmakers or [to] federal law, specifically, the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which says states do not have to recognize same-sex unions from other states. "This is a great miscarriage of justice and law by the individual who is charged with the responsibility of enforcing Rhode Island law and protecting our state constitution," Mr. McKay said. Source: The Washington Times -- http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20070223-104641-9487r.htm |
RIRA: Attorney General Patrick Lynch's opinion reviewed
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02.23.07 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Attorney General Patrick Lynch's opinion reviewed With complete disregard to the citizens of Rhode Island, the General Assembly, and the State’s Constitution, Attorney General Patrick Lynch on Wednesday, February 21, 2007, took on the role of sole legislature for the citizens of this state by proclaiming that "Rhode Island will recognize same sex marriages lawfully performed in Massachusetts as marriages in Rhode Island." His proclamation of this recognition comes without the citizens of Rhode Island being given the right to vote on the matter as the citizens in other states have exercised. He has also lifted himself above the Legislative and Executive branches of the State government which have passed no laws recognizing these Massachusetts “activist judges allowed unions”. This is a great miscarriage of justice and law by the individual who is charged with the responsibility of enforcing Rhode Island law and protecting our State Constitution, not Creating Laws and issuing Executive Decisions from the office of the Attorney General. For the past several legislative sessions, the General Assembly has not been able to move any bills out of committee to be considered to be made into laws regarding Same Sex Marriages. The General Assembly is composed of elected officials voted into office by the people to represent the citizens’ views and craft laws based on those views. The Attorney General ignored this fact and crafted his opinion based upon personal judgment, rather then reviewing the body that was created to draft legislation and create laws, nor by looking to the Federal Law. In the absence of succinct law on the matter, the Attorney General should have deferred the issue to the General Assembly enabling them to exercise their power as lawmakers, or based his legal opinion on Federal Law. That Federal Law which was voted upon in 1996 by the United States Congress and signed into law by then President William J. Clinton is the "Defense of Marriage Act." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_of_Marriage_Act Attorney General Lynch refers to same sex marriages lawfully performed in Massachusetts without mentioning that it was indeed an activist court and judges which dictated that the State Legislature must enact law supporting same sex marriage. Here again we have the Judicial Branch taking a role in government that it does not rightfully have. These members of the Massachusetts’ Bench should be impeached for usurping powers not set aside to them and dereliction of duty by disregarding their constitutionally defined roles. The question one must ask is: Does the Attorney General’s “Opinion” dictate what “MUST” be followed? Can one Public University adhere to the” Opinion” and the President of another State University opt to disregard the “Opinion”? Must a private education entity, Bryant College for instance, now adhere to this “Opinion” as precedence is now established at State Schools? In a report from the Associated Press – the following statement is made: “For more than a century, state courts have generally recognized marriages performed in other states even if those unions would have been illegal in Rhode Island”. In the above statement, we see the blatant abuse of power by the “Courts recognition” which is against the will of the people and the lawmaking body which is the General Assembly. What Attorney General Lynch sees as a Civil Rights issues, 26 states saw as a citizen’s issue and put the question to the voter and the voters declared that marriage is defined as the bond between a man and a woman. Further on in his statement to the Associated Press, the Attorney General has now declared Law by inferring the Attorney General’s office will prosecute an entity if it does not follow suit or at the least, the Attorney General’s office will not be on a State Agency’s side in a lawsuit, even though no law has come from the legislature. Michele Granda, a staff attorney for Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders stated in the same Associated Press report that: “The reality is this decision makes clear that there aren't any good reasons to deny these marriages”. The reasons not to move forward and to deny are threefold. First, the citizens have not voiced their opinion in a statewide vote. Second, the General Assembly has not been able to get a bill out of committee to vote on, so therefore no Law is in place to base an opinion on. Third, Federal Law was ignored in making this opinion. Is this a case that in the absence of State Law on a subject matter, one can ignore Federal Law and assume whatever one wants, dig in, and then claim grandfather rights should a law come out against the Attorney General’s opinion? The larger questions are: Did a same sex couple reside in Rhode Island, go to Massachusetts to get married as Rhode Island law does not allow same sex marriage, and then return to Rhode Island and petition for benefits that they would not normally have received in this state? If this is the case, then the Rhode Island Laws and Constitution have been set aside for more favorable Massachusetts laws. With that said, does this mean if a Rhode Island voter / taxpayer gets a permit in one state to carry a weapon that is not addressed in Rhode Island Law, then that person is allowed to carry that weapon here based on the Attorney General’s disregard for Rhode Island Law? As part of the assault on our State Rights, Massachusetts has a court now taking “Constitutional Authority” away from Rhode Island by saying Rhode Island citizens can marry in their state legally and then, Rhode Island’s Attorney General Lynch comes forth and states that based on a Massachusetts ruling that couples can get married there, they can have benefits here in Rhode Island. Under this scenario, the Rhode Island taxpayers have no say as to whether they support or are against Same Sex Marriage and benefits, but based on activist courts, judges and a power grabbing Attorney General, the voter / taxpayer must accept this and foot the bill. The Attorney General states, that based on Legal reasoning, which means ignoring the legislature, he is confident that his ruling can stand a court test. The elected officials of the General Assembly have not acted on any Same Sex Marriage laws. The courts should be ruling based on law, not creating law. The Attorney General’s opinion should be based on Law created by the Rhode Island General Assembly or the Federal Government. This question should be put forth in front of the voters as has been done in several states. Until that has happened, no benefits should be allowed due to an absence of State Law and / or the ignoring of Federal Law. When will the Rhode Island voter / taxpayer who raise their children with their values and will inevitably foot the bill for any given benefits get a say in this matter? All media inquires should be directed to:
President, Rhode Island Republican Assembly
RIRA 19 Bakers Creek Road Warwick, RI 02886 (401) 487-2514 State website: http://www.ri-ra.org National website: http://www.gopwing.com
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Rhode Island Republican Assembly decries Attorney General Lynch's unilateral actions
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02.21.07 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: Attorney General Patrick Lynch's unilateral approval of MA same-sex marriages for RI
Attorney General Patrick Lynch exercises powers not within his office ...
In an unprecedented attack on the Rhode Island Constitution and with complete disregard to the citizens of Rhode Island, Attorney General Patrick Lynch has today, taken on the role of Lord and Master of the citizens of this state by proclaiming that "Rhode Island will recognize same sex marriages lawfully performed in Massachusetts as marriages in Rhode Island."
He has proclaimed this recognition without the citizens of Rhode Island being given the right to vote on the matter as the citizens in other states have. He has also lifted himself above the Legislative and Executive branches of the State government which have passed no laws recognizing these Massachusetts “activist judges allowed unions”.
This is a great miscarriage of justice and law by the individual that is charged with the responsibility of enforcing Rhode Island law and protecting our State Constitution, not Creating Laws and issuing Executive Decisions from the office of the Attorney General.
All media inquires should be directed to:
President, Rhode Island Republican Assembly
RIRA 19 Bakers Creek Road Warwick, RI 02886 (401) 487-2514 State website: http://www.ri-ra.org National website: http://www.gopwing.com
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Conservative Republicans to hold national board meeting at Crowne Plaza
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The Warwick Beacon By John Howell Thursday, July 20, 2006
If Republicans are considered red and Democrats blue, then Raymond McKay is crimson.
McKay is president of the Rhode Island Republican Assembly, a group that is affiliated with the National Federation of Republican Assemblies that will conduct their semi-annual board meeting from July 21 to July 23 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick.
McKay calls the assemblies, which claim to have 2.1 million members nationally, “the Republican wing of the Republican party.”
He said he lobbied to bring the board meeting to Rhode Island in an effort to “move the conservative effort up the East Coast into a very blue [Democratic] area and make it more red.”
To do that McKay hopes the meeting, open to the public, will create some buzz and attract more than the 100 to 110 delegates from 27 states expected to attend. A lineup of speakers and events is planned.
McKay said the branch of the party is “true to” Republican values. “We don’t have to be a big tent operation.” A goal of the state organization is to grow the state party.
The Rhode Island Republican Assembly has endorsed Donald Carcieri for Governor and Stephen Laffey over incumbent Lincoln Chafee for U.S. Senate.
And while the state party endorsed Chafee, McKay insists the objective of the conservative group is “to enhance, not replace” the state party.
The NFRA Northeast Conservative Conference will open tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. with a "Welcome to the Ocean State" general reception and Republican candidates fundraiser at the hotel.
The reception is open to all Rhode Island Republicans. An RSVP is not required to attend this great event. A suggested minimum donation at the door of $15/person or $25/couple Attorney Rebecca O'Dell Townsend will speak on the topic: "Our Current Constitutional Crisis: the Loss of our Republican Form of Government."
On Saturday, from 2 to 5 p.m. attendees will be able to participate in a number of interactive speaking panels on a range of topics of conservative interest. Panel topics include: Casino Gaming in R.I., Right to Life, Traditional Family, Illegal Immigration Reform, Public Education Reform, Winning the War on Terror, Conservatives in Media and Tax Reform.
"Walk in" registration for all of the Saturday afternoon conference panels is available to the general public for $25, or at no charge for lunch and/or dinner attendees.
In addition, on Saturday, the RIRA will host an all-day Northeast Conservative Conference. Conference meal attendees will have the opportunity to hear from United States Senator Dr. Tom Coburn (R-OK); United States Senate candidate Stephen Laffey (R-RI); Rhode Island Right-to-Life Committee Executive Director Rita Parquette RN; mayor of Bogota, N.J., Steve Lonergan; and Susette Kelo, lead plaintiff in the landmark Kelo vs. City of New London Supreme Court eminent domain decision, from nearly all of the statewide Republican candidates – and from many other federal, state and local Republican candidates seeking your support during this important election season.
Mayor Scott Avedisian [of Warwick] said he would bring the greetings of the city to the conference but doesn’t expect to participate in other conference activities.
More information is available from [their] web site at www.ri-ra.org, or by contacting President Ray McKay at president@ri-ra.org or by calling (401) 487-2514 or NFRA Northeast Region Vice President Will Ricci at NEVP@GOPwing.com.
Source: The Warwick Beacon
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Rhode Island Republican Assembly forms new state Political Action Committee (PAC)
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05.31.06 - The Rhode Island Republican Assembly (Conservative GOP group) recently filed to form the Rhode Island Republican Assembly State Political Action Committee (RIRA-PAC). The RIRA-PAC is currently accepting contributions from generous individuals like you. RIRA-PAC was formed to make sure that needed resources are targeted to the "right" candidates. Republican state candidates (i.e., for R.I. House, R.I. Senate, or R.I. general offices), who have received the endorsement of the Rhode Island Republican Assembly, and whom have otherwise met RIRA-PAC's criteria for consideration, are eligible to receive financial or other assistance. The Rhode Island Republican Assembly PAC will be hosting a "Welcome to the Ocean State" General Reception on Friday, July 21, 2006, from 7:00PM to 10:00PM at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, in conjunction with the National Federation of Republican Assemblies Board of Directors Meeting & Northeast Conservative Conference (July 21-23). Admission to this General Reception is complimentary, with "all you can eat" Hors d'oeuvres and a Cash Bar. In addition to being a means to welcome our out-of-state conference visitors to Rhode Island, and to network with fellow Republicans, it will also serve as a major fundraiser for the benefit of our endorsed state Republican candidates. Donations made to RIRA-PAC during this event will be used to support RIRA-PAC endorsed Republican state candidates. If
you have any questions about the RIRA-PAC, or might be interested in
making a financial contribution (R.I. State law limits individual
contributions to $1000 per calendar year; business or corporate checks
cannot be accepted), please visit the RIRA-PAC's new website at
www.rira-pac.org . You can
also e-mail
chairman@rira-pac.org or treasurer@rira-pac.org,
or you can write to them at the following address:
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Rhode Island Republican Assembly to host National Conservative Conference
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05.31.06 - The Rhode Island Republican Assembly is excited to have been chosen to host the summer Board of Directors meeting of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies, which will be held at The Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings in Warwick, Rhode Island, from July 21 to 23, 2006. The RIRA looks forward to providing many opportunities for grassroots Republicans to interact with members of our national board and to learn more about how the state and local Republican Assemblies ® work within the framework of the Republican Party. In conjunction with the NFRA Board Meeting, an all-day Northeast Conservative Conference will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2006. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from an impressive selection of national conservative speakers, and of course, from plenty of Republican politicians looking for your support during this important election season. Among the many invited conservative speakers are Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and former Rep. Pat Toomey (R-PA). As part of the Northeast Conservative Conference, there will also be a number of interactive speaking panels on a diverse range of topics and issues of conservative interest. "Early Bird" Registration Package pricing for the NFRA Board Meeting and Northeast Conservative Conference is only $135.00 (if postmarked by June 11, 2006). This "all inclusive" price includes admission to all meetings, all conference speakers, and to all sit-down meals during the event. A special "registration only" rate of $45.00, as well as other a la carte registration options are also available. In addition to the Board Meeting and Conference, there will be a Sunday morning Prayer Breakfast. We are also offering a special opportunity later on Sunday to tour the world famous Gilded Age mansions ("pre-income tax summer cottages"), as well as to enjoy a waterside lunch in the Colonial-era downtown of our "City by the Sea," Newport. Detailed information regarding hotel reservations, travel options, the agenda and speaking program, and online registration may be found on the RIRA website at: http://ri-ra.org/NFRAboardmeeting.htm You may also contact RIRA President Ray McKay at president@ri-ra.org or (401) 487-2514 or NFRA Northeast Region Vice President Will Ricci at NEVP@GOPwing.com for more information. The members of the Rhode Island Republican Assembly cordially invite you to participate in what is sure to be a history-making "must attend" event!
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05.01.06 -
The
Rhode Island Republican Assembly
is excited to have been chosen to host the summer Board of Directors
meeting "Early Bird" Registration Package pricing for the NFRA Board Meeting and Northeast Conservative Conference is only $135.00 (if postmarked before June 11, 2006). This "all inclusive" registration package price includes admission to all meetings, all conference speakers, and to all meals during the event. In addition to the Board Meeting and Conference, we are also offering a special opportunity to tour the world famous "Gilded Age" mansions ("pre-income tax summer cottages"), as well as to enjoy a waterside lunch, in the Colonial-era downtown of our "City by the Sea," Newport, RI. Our excursion on Sunday to Newport will also include an interior and exterior tour of the most lavish and extravagant mansion of them all -- the Vanderbilt family's palatial 70-room The Breakers. We highly encourage anyone who wishes to to extend their stay with us a little longer, to take full advantage of our special hotel group rate, and to learn more about and to explore the "Greatest Little State in the Union" -- Rhode Island! Detailed information about hotel reservations, traveling to Rhode Island, as well as Board Meeting and Conference registration, may be found on our NFRA Board Meeting and Northeast Conservative Conference Information Page. As additional information regarding the complete speaking program and agenda becomes available, it will be posted below. The members of the Rhode Island Republican Assembly cordially invite you to actively participate in what is sure to be a history-making "must attend" event for our organization!
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08.25.04 - Come to the New Yorker Hotel for a variety of events during the day, and for rest and relaxation during the evening sessions of the Republican National Convention.The National Federation of Republican Assemblies (NFRA) will host a Hospitality Suite throughout the Republican National Convention at the historic New Yorker Hotel, which is only steps away from Madison Square Garden on 8th Avenue at 34th Street. The luxurious 1300 sq. ft. suite is called the Herald Square Suite, which is located on the hotel's 3rd floor. All credentialed RNC Delegates, Alternates, and Guests are welcome (you need not be a NFRA member to make use of our Hospitality Suite; it is entirely complimentary for all RNC credentialed persons). The Hospitality Suite will be decorated in a theme celebrating the life of our late President Ronald Reagan, who was an early supporter of the Republican Assembly movement. Visitors to the NFRA Hospitality Suite will have the opportunity to find out about a very ambitious and exciting project, being sponsored by the NFRA, memorializing our late President. NFRA President Richard Engle and other leaders of the NFRA will be present during the Convention to answer any questions about this exciting project and about our organization. Each morning will start with an hour of prayer from 9 AM to 10 AM, each lead by a different nationally known leader. Building on the theme of faith, each day at 12 PM, the new movie "George W. Bush: Faith in the White House" will be premiered for Convention Delegates. During the Monday through Thursday evening Convention sessions, the Hospitality Suite will be a place of relaxation for all credentialed Delegates, Alternates, and Guests of the RNC to visit and to enjoy refreshments while viewing the Convention proceedings live on TV. 24 hour on-site security will be provided. Among the most exciting of events is the official release of the book, "Thank You President Bush," edited by NFRA Vice President Rod D. Martin. World Ahead Publishing will release the book to the public on Monday at 2PM. Contributing writers included Gov. Jeb Bush, Phylis Schlafly, Gov. Mike Huckaby, and many others. Several of the contributing writers will be on hand in the Hospitality Suite to sign copies of the new book for those wanting their own copies. Ambassador Alan Keyes, U.S. Senate candidate for Illinois, will be present for two NFRA events honoring President Reagan. On Monday evening, after the close of Convention festivities, Ambassador Keyes will host an "After Glow" event in the NFRA Hospitality Suite. Tuesday, starting at 6PM, the nationally known former Presidential candidate will host another event, also open to all Convention credentialed persons. Additional events honoring Republican Assembly endorsed candidates for Congress will occur throughout the Convention dates. If you are planning to attend the Republican National Convention, we hope that you will find the time to stop by and learn more about the NFRA nationally. Below is the tentative schedule of events in the NFRA Hospitality Suite.
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| Date | Event | Start | End | |
| 30-Aug | Prayer Meeting for President Bush and the GOP Convention-William Federer ( Candidate MO-3) | 9AM | 10AM | |
| 30-Aug | Press Conference - George W Bush: Faith in the White House | 10AM | Noon | |
| 30-Aug | George W Bush: Faith in the White House - Movie; Delegate Premier | Noon | 2PM | |
| 30-Aug | Thank You President Bush - Book Release | 2PM | 6PM | |
| 30-Aug | Tribute to Ronald Reagan - Hospitality Suite - Live Convention Feed | 8PM | 11PM | |
| 30-Aug | After Glow with Ambassador Alan Keyes | 11PM | 12AM | |
| 31-Aug | Prayer Meeting for President Bush and the GOP Convention- Father Frank Pavone (Priests for Life) | 9AM | 10AM | |
| 31-Aug | George W Bush: Faith in the White House - Movie; Delegate Premier | Noon | 2PM | |
| 31-Aug | Dr. Tom Coburn for Senate Committee (OK) | 4PM | 6PM | |
| 31-Aug | Ronald Reagan Tribute with Ambassador Alan Keyes | 6PM | 8PM | |
| 31-Aug | Tribute to Ronald Reagan - Hospitality Suite - Live Convention Feed | 8PM | 11PM | |
| 1-Sep | Prayer Meeting for President Bush and the GOP Convention- Rev. Louis Sheldon (Traditional Values Coalition) | 9AM | 10AM | |
| 1-Sep | George W Bush: Faith in the White House - Movie; Delegate Premier | Noon | 2PM | |
| 1-Sep | Tribute to Ronald Reagan - Hospitality Suite - Live Convention Feed | 8PM | 11PM | |
| 1-Sep | After Glow with Dr. Alexandria Coronado for Congress (CA-47) | 11PM | 12:30AM | |
| 2-Sep | Prayer Meeting for President Bush and the GOP Convention- Pat Boone | 9AM | 10AM | |
| 2-Sep | George W Bush: Faith in the White House - Movie; Delegate Premier | Noon | 2PM | |
| 2-Sep | Tribute to Ronald Reagan - Hospitality Suite - Live Convention Feed | 8PM | 11PM |
Will Ricci elected Northeast Regional Vice President of NFRA
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08.31.03 - WILLIAM RICCI, JR.
of
East Providence, Rhode Island, was elected to the position of Vice President of
the National Federation of Republican Assemblies (NFRA), at the conservative
group’s Biennial Convention August 7-10 in Burbank, California. Will, who
is also the Treasurer of the East Providence Republican City Committee and a Delegate to the GOP State
Central Committee, was chosen as Northeast Regional Vice President, and will
oversee NFRA chapters in the 6 New England states, as well as New York,
Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. 2 other leaders of the R.I. chapter (NFRA-RI) joined Will at the convention: Martha Stamp from South Kingstown (the National Committeewoman from R.I.) and Dave Talan from Providence (the Candidate Recruitment Director for NFRA-RI). As part of the convention, on Friday they visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley; and had lunch with one of his Secret Service agents, who told personal anecdotes about President Reagan. That night, they had dinner with a number of conservative Hollywood celebrities, including Jane Russell, Gavin McLeod & Wink Martindale. On Saturday, they attended an all-day training course on practical politics and campaigning, put on by the Leadership Institute. That evening, they had dinner with the 2 most serious conservative GOP candidates for Governor of California in the October 7 recall election: 2002 nominee Bill Simon (whose father was Reagan’s Treasury Secretary and whose daughter lives in Barrington), and tax-cutting State Senator Tom McClintock. (Simon has since dropped out of the race). Sunday morning, they went to a prayer breakfast hosted by singer Pat Boone. For more info about NFRA Rhode Island Chapter, contact William Ricci at NEVP@gopwing.com or President Fred Diel at president@nfra-ri.org or check out their excellent web site at www.ri-ra.org. |
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08.11.03 - The four day Biennial Convention of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies concluded with the endorsement of President George W. Bush for re-election and election of a new board of directors for 2003-2004. The highlights of the weekend were the two Friday events: the tour of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and the Salute to Hollywood Banquet. The Library Tour wowed delegates and had them talking all weekend about the experience. A new exhibit featuring “President Reagan’s West Wing” was especially interesting to delegates. The tour was followed by a luncheon at the Library featuring Human Events political columnist John Gizzi. Gizzi, a regular speaker at CRA events, gave his insight on a host of subjects, including President Bush’s performance. “The jury is still out on this President,” he told the banquet attendees. Gizzi noted that President Bush “pushed through a $1.6 trillion tax cut, second only to Ronald Reagan and Jack Kennedy.” As a result, the Republican Party is known as “the party of tax cuts.” In addition, under President Bush’s leadership, “The Republican Party is the party of the war on terrorism.” “Just as Ronald Reagan won the cold war, this President will win the war on terrorism,” he predicted. “This party is the party of judges,” Gizzi said. “If George W. Bush only appointed judges, that alone would get me to vote for him again.” “The best commentary on this President was a comment Michael Reagan made to me. He said George W. Bush is more like my dad than his.” However Gizzi also voiced some concerns about the administration. “Cutting spending and rolling back government – that used to be a cornerstone of Ronald Reagan’s philosophy,” he pointed out. “In 1992 the budget for the Department of Education was $37 billion. Today it is $50 billion – an increase of 55% since Republicans won both houses of the Congress and the Presidency.” In addition, Gizzi told delegates, “The budget for the National Endowment of the Arts is larger under George W. Bush than it was under Bill Clinton.” “Four Republican platforms since 1986 called for abolishing the Department of Education,” he pointed out. But today, “the term 'abolish' is no longer in the Republican platform.”
Ronald Reagan Freedom Fighter Award
The NFRA presented the “Ronald Reagan Freedom Fighter Award” this year to the Young America’s Foundation, a group that is training an up-and-coming generation of conservatives. John Barletta, a member of the Board of Directors of Young America’s Foundation, accepted the award. Barletta, a former secret service for President Ronald Reagan took a few minutes to share some stories about President and Mrs. Reagan. “Every time they finished riding, he (Ronald Reagan) would jump off his horse – literally, he would jump,” said Barletta. “Then he would go over to Mrs. Reagan on her horse, No Strings. He would reach up, and Mrs. Reagan would slide down to him. Then they would stand there kissing like teenagers at a drive-in.” He told a tale of a new secret service agent assigned to the Presidential detail. The agent once tried to help Mrs. Reagan down from her horse. “The President looked at him and said, ‘excuse me, that’s my job.’” “He [President Reagan] reached up, she slid down and they kissed. Then the President looked at the secret service agent and said ‘I suppose you want to do that too!’”
Salute to Hollywood
Ted Baehr, founder of the Christian Film and Television commission, and President of MovieGuide served as emcee for NFRA’s “Salute to Hollywood.” Before introducing the honored guests, Baehr discussed the history of Hollywood, noting that the Christian community played an active role until the 1950’s in holding Hollywood accountable for the material they produced. However once the church stepped away from the entertainment industry, movies began a steady decline into immoral and violent pictures. When the Christian Film and Television Commission was founded in 1978, “only two pro-family films were produced that year. By last year, 117 pro-family films were produced, and this year 126 have been produced so far,” he explained. “In 1978, 80% of the films were rated ‘R,’” noted Baehr. “Less than 40% are rated ‘R’ today.” The purpose of the salute to Hollywood was to honor those working both on screen and behind the scenes to uphold a positive pro-family view. The first honorees were Gary, Joan and Dave Johnson, producers of the PAX television series “Doc.” “It can get lonely in Hollywood when you’re a conservative and a Christian,” noted producer Dave Johnson. “USA Today will not cover us,” he pointed out. “They say that PAX has a ‘religious’ foundation and is therefore ‘anti-gay.’ The entertainment editor has said he won’t cover us.” In discussing the media frenzy over the “Queers” show, Johnson stated that, “every week we have twice as many viewers as that show, yet that show gets covered in the media and on the Tonight Show.” Film star Jane Russell also was honored. She told the audience that she often gets questions about how difficult it is to be a Republican in Hollywood. “I tell them, when I was in Hollywood, it was in the 40s. We were fighting the communists and everyone was a Republican,” she said to sustained applause. “We’re so embarrassed about the Hollywood of today.” In accepting his award, former game show host Wink Martindale (To Tell the Truth, Match Game, etc) praised President George W. Bush as “the right man at the right time for this country.” Lance Wilder, an animator for the Simpsons television program discussed how he became a Republican. “I grew up in Massachusetts where everyone was a Democrat. I liked Jimmy Carter, and he has done a lot of good things, but I’m glad I listened to what Ronald Reagan said … listened to his words,” Lance noted. “While I was in junior high I realized I didn’t want to be a Democrat. I wanted to be a Republican.” He noted that with a good sense of humor and a strong commitment to his beliefs he enjoys his work. He talked about animating a sequence featuring the local Republican Party headquarters, “complete with dark clouds and lightening bolts.” “That’s the beauty of the Simpsons, we poke fun at everyone in a good natured way.” Lance’s wife Marie talked about her concerns with the direction of television. “There are so many people trying to get our children to grow up too fast,” she pointed out. “We’ve got to preserve our children’s childhood.” Famed for his roles in the Mary Tyler Moore show and as Captain Steubing on the Love Boat, Gavin MacCleod shared about his faith and the answers to prayer God gave him on the set of the Love Boat. He also shared his admiration of President Bush, and asked delegates “aren’t we fortunate today that we had a President that loves the Lord?” Bruce Marciano, who played Jesus in the video series based on the book of Matthew thanked attendees saying, “it’s good to be with people who believe in goodness and our precious, precious country.” In discussing Hollywood, he noted that, “it’s not ugly people – they’re lost people just like I was lost.” He urged everyone to “just pray and pray and pray and watch God flow through this country.” Former Dallas star Morgan Brittney (Fairchild) is a devoted Christian who testified that she “always let God guide me in the things I do.” “In the 80s, when I was successful on Dallas, Billy Graham called and asked me to do the movie ‘The Prodigal,’” she said. “At the time, if you did a religious film your career was pretty much over.” However she did the film, and her career continued to blossom. On being a Republican, she stated, “I kept it in the closet for a long time. But I have to let me feelings be known. I have to let people know what I believe.”
Other honorees included:
The convention also included dynamic presentations from:
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