Archive for the 'RIRA' Category

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‘Victory Over Statism’ Day BBQ Event | August 15th

Published on July 27, 2009 in RIRA. Closed

Please join us for the first “Victory Over Statism” Day on Saturday, August 15th, 2009!

Rhode Island is now the only state in the Union which still celebrates Victory Day — commonly known here as “VJ-Day” — as an official state holiday. Although the holiday is observed on the second Monday of August, the actual date of “Victory Day” was August 15, 1945 — the day that the Empire of Japan surrendered to the United States in World War II.

Considering that this is a uniquely Rhode Island state holiday, we thought it appropriate to celebrate the holiday in a unique way. More importantly, we want to recognize the enemy which we fought against — which in many respects, we are still fighting against to this very day — both at home and especially abroad. The enemy wasn’t simply Japan or Germany or any other country or people. The real “enemy” was an insidious ideology: STATISM.*

The Rhode Island Republican Assembly PAC will be hosting a “Victory Over Statism” Day barbecue outdoors at the Buttonwoods — Masonic Shriners’ Family Center located at 116 Long Street in Warwick, from about 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 15th, 2009.

Besides acres of well-kept park land and walking paths, this great place has volleyball courts, horseshoes, a pool, a wading pool for children, swing sets, and other amenities for you and your whole family to enjoy for the day. We are anticipating brilliant sunshine and blue skies for the event! However, in case of rain, we will have use of a nearby pavilion, so this is a “rain or shine” event.

There will be plenty of barbecued chicken, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, kosher hot dogs, various sides dishes, desserts, and all the fixings. In addition to all the great food, we will have a speaking program of partisan and non-partisan leaders who will share their thoughts about what we can do as conservative Rhode Islanders to get more engaged in the political process. We will publish the full speaking list shortly.

Any funds raised in excess of our costs will go towards helping the Rhode Island Republican Assembly Political Action Committee (RIRA-PAC) support quality conservative state and local candidates in 2010 and beyond.

Tickets for this great event are only $25.00 per person.
Children 12 and Under are only $10.00 each.
Children 5 and Under get in for FREE!

PAY BY MAIL: If you would like one or more tickets, please send your request and personal check or money order payable to “RIRA-PAC” to:

RIRA-PAC
Attn: Raymond McKay
19 Bakers Creek Road
Warwick, RI 02886

PAY ONLINE: If you would like to securely and easily pay for your BBQ tickets by credit card or e-check online, please visit the RIRA-PAC website at http://rirapac.org/victory/:

Please note: Rhode Island State Campaign Finance Law limits contributions to a maximum of $1000.00 per calendar year. We are required by law to record the name, address, employer and occupation of all contributors. We can only accept contributions from individuals, as well as from other state political action committees. Business and corporate contributions are prohibited.

* Statism is a term that may refer to either one or both of the following:

A major government role in the direction of the economy, both directly through state-owned enterprises and indirectly through the central planning of the overall economy.

A political viewpoint “that sovereignty is vested not in the people but in the national state, and that all individuals and associations exist only to enhance the power, the prestige, and the well-being of the state. The fascist concept of Statism repudiates individualism and exalts the nation as an organic body headed by the Supreme Leader and nurtured by unity, force, and discipline.”

Raymond McKay can be reached at chair [at] rirapac [dot] org or president [at] ri-ra [dot] org

RIRA Says Time For Change: Daughters And Pole Dancers

Published on July 22, 2009 in Press Releases and RIRA. Closed

RI Republican Assembly Urges General Assembly Overhaul

What a wonderful feeling to be covered by the national news when you are from a state as small as Rhode Island. One’s pride must swell at such an honor! But wait…

Thanks to over 40 years of Rhode Island Democrat Control, we can legally Prostitute our Daughters and have Career Pole Dancers at Age 16 in our home state as was reported on Fox News, locally by the Providence Journal, posted on Facebook, and other outlets today and this evening.

As many of us heard this evening, even the big players in “Sin City”, Las Vegas, require their strippers to be of legal drinking age, which happens to be 21.

Rhode Island Democrats have financially bankrupted our state for years using the tobacco settlement to balance budgets and this past year used $266M of stimulus money to balance their 13% increased State budget.

Now we see that while the Democrat Controlled General Assembly was busy running businesses out of the State, giving free reign and benefits to illegal immigrants, not making the hard choices to control and shrink our government in these hard economic times, they quietly allowed laws to be in place that morally bankrupted us and brought us this infamous night of recognition in our nation.

With Law Makers enacting laws or creating Laws with such unforgivable loopholes that allow minor children to be exploited, there is no longer any room for discussion: The one Party, Democrat controlled General Assembly is bad for Rhode Island. The “General Assembly is bad but my Democrat Senator / Representative is good” lie can no longer be allowed.

There is no such thing as “too big” to not be run out of office. It is time for the Taxpaying, hard working American Citizens of Rhode Island to rise up and to “tar and feather” those that will embarrass us and make a mockery of this once great State.

In 2010, we Rhode Islanders must take back our State, our integrity, our honor and replace all those that are in the General Assembly.

Media Contact: President Raymond McKay
president [at] ri-ra [dot] org / 487-2514

RIRA Urges Protest of Congressman Kennedy and Speaker Pelosi

Published on July 10, 2009 in Press Releases and RIRA. Closed

It is times like these when opportunity presents itself, that a grassroots movement must seize the moment and make itself heard.

There are a number of different organizations who are planning to get together this Saturday afternoon, July 11th — people from the RI Tea Party, We the People, the RIGOP, and people from RIRA — to Protest against Statism, Liberal Fascism, the Obama Administration, PATRICK KENNEDY and House Speaker NANCY PELOSI, who will be in Rhode Island on Saturday hosting a swanky fundraiser for Patrick Kennedy and other House Dems.

Tickets for the event are about $20,000.00 a plate, but we are going for FREE!

After the Democrats attend another event in Middletown, they will be heading to Jamestown for the big backyard fundraiser under a tent at a waterfront home located at 13 Walcott Ave, in Jamestown, RI.

All the groups of protesters will be set-up across the street from there from about 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For maximum flexibility, you can drive directly there and park nearby. The home for the fundraiser is just beyond Jamestown Center, past the BankNewport branch.

If you’d like, you can also meet others at 3:30 p.m. sharp at the ‘Park and Ride’ on Route 102 (next to the North Kingstown Home Depot and across from the Stop and Shop Plaza), where there will be a caravan to 13 Walcott Avenue. The Peaceful protesters will be setup across from the home to assemble at about 4:00 p.m. It is thought that the “guests of honor” will arrive sometime around 5:00 p.m.

Things to bring and remember: Signs expressing feelings towards Speaker Pelosi and Congressman Patrick Kennedy, and the Cap & Trade, lawn chairs or blankets, snacks and drinks, and possibly rain gear (however, the current forecast looks okay). This is a peaceful protest to send a message to our congressional delegation and our “leaders” in Washington that we are fed up! The Tea parties across America have been a great success. By organizing peacefully and legally across the street from the home we will send Nancy Pelosi, Patrick Kennedy and the Democratic Socialist movement a message: GET BACK TO WORK for all Americans! or get FIRED!

RIRA needs to support this Call for Freedom / Peaceful Protest by coming out in force!

Jamestown is a beautiful little town with quaint restaurants and shops for your extra-curricular enjoyment, supporting the American economy the way true conservatives do, with our own earned money, not with government tax handouts that came from other people’s pockets. So after the protesting is done, feel free to go shopping or go out to dinner, or stop by nearby Newport for the music festival and other weekend activities!

It should be a night to remember! Hope to see you there!

P.S. If you have access to a boat, we understand you can also protest from the water on Narragansett Bay, as this is a waterfront home. ;)

Best Regards and Conservatively yours,

Raymond T. McKay
President, RIRA

RIRA Urges Gubernatorial Veto of General Assembly Budget

Published on June 29, 2009 in Press Releases and RIRA. Closed

Republican Assembly Urges Governor to Veto Budget

The Rhode Island Republican Assembly (RIRA) urges Governor Carcieri to veto the budget bill passed by the General Assembly last week and recommends the Governor’s original budget be approved.

Governor Carcieri submitted a balanced budget to the General Assembly that directly addressed three of the most important economic issues facing our state: reform of an actuarially unsound pension system that is far more generous than what prevails in the private-sector; a fair contribution by state employees to healthcare costs in line with what private-sector workers are paying; and reform of our tax system which is a primary factor in making our state one of the most unfriendly business environments in the nation. The Governor’s budget recognized that the best way to grow revenues to our state and local governments is to grow the economy by encouraging job-creating businesses to stay in, or come to Rhode Island.

The changes made to that budget by the General Assembly do not represent a constructive compromise or even “kick the can” a few months down the road. We note that the Assembly’s budget increases taxes on investments in businesses, fails to reduce any taxes, and increases the gasoline tax at a time when Rhode Islanders are already hard hit by the recession. The token changes in the state pension system and health-insurance premiums for government employees are ineffectual in the face of enormous, and increasing, unfunded liabilities that Rhode Islanders in the private sector simply cannot afford. We note that the Assembly, in a self, cynical gesture, voted to continue free health insurance for themselves. The longer we wait to address these issues head-on, the worse they will be.

RIRA believes that raising taxes beyond the level that the people consider fair has the perverse effect of reducing, rather than increasing, state revenue. We have the current examples of California, Maryland, New Jersey and New York as evidence of that simple economic reality. The exodus of once-proud Rhode Island companies to other states or overseas will not be turned around by higher taxes. We believe that the Assembly’s budget will fail to meet its revenue projections and even worse, that shortfall will be due to lower incomes for Rhode Islanders as our economy is damaged further.

The Rhode Island Republican Assembly believes that the solution to our state’s fiscal problems lays in reducing the burden of government on our economy and making Rhode Island an attractive state for job-creating, private-sector businesses to locate. Governor Carcieri understands this businesslike approach to Rhode Island’s cash-flow problem. RIRA supports the Governor and hopes that when given a chance to reconsider its budget, the members of the General Assembly will focus realistically on the key issues of pension and tax reform.

Press Release: For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Raymond T. McKay at president [at] ri-ra [dot] org or (401) 487-2514.

Remembering, Honoring, and Thanking our Veterans

Published on May 25, 2009 in RIRA. Closed

On this long Memorial Day weekend in 2009, let us remember that besides the cookouts, the family and friend get-togethers that many get to enjoy, Memorial Day is about honoring those United States of America soldiers who have died during war or military conflict.

I would like to take this moment to briefly reflect on what our men and women in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have provided for us . . . and Honor those fallen soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation and her people . . .

The saying goes that “Freedom is NOT Free . . .”
http://www.usmemorialday.org/poetry/notfree.htm

In defending the Constitution that “All men are created equal”, the Union fought the Confederates in the American Civil War that claimed approximately 620,000 soldiers’ lives. We have the abolishment of slavery and the reunification of our nation due to sacrifices of the Union soldiers.

For World War II, after the initial loss of 2,350 military men and women at Pearl Harbor, America’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines death toll grew by the end of the war to approximately 405, 000 with 20,000 alone dying during the one month Battle of the Bulge. We have the defeat of dictators that had designs of world domination, genocide of a people, and the creation of the “Master Race” to thank and Honor our dead American sons and daughters for.

From World War I to Korea, to Vietnam, to the terrorist attack on the marine barracks in Lebanon, to Desert Shield and Desert Storm, to the terrorist attack on the Cole, and then to IRAQ II, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have given their lives approximately 221,000 additional times being in harm’s way, ready to keep us and our nation free, safe, and secure.

Memorial Day is our day to Honor our fallen heroes. Remember that it is because of them that we enjoy our freedom and security. We must also remember and support the family members left behind by those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, as well as our wounded military veterans who come home with combat wounds that are life changing for them and their loved ones.

When you see a Veteran, Thank a Veteran. If you are a Veteran, Thank You!

I wish you, your family, and your friends, God’s speed and blessings for a safe Holiday.

Warmest regards and Conservatively yours,

Raymond T. McKay

President, RIRA

Phil Hirons Elected President of RIGOP Chairmen’s Caucus

Published on April 10, 2009 in RIRA. Closed

Congratulations to Rhode Island Republican Assembly Vice President Phil Hirons for being elected as the new chair of the Rhode Island Republican Chairmen’s Caucus.

The R.I. GOP Chairmen’s Caucus is the coalition of the 39 GOP City & Town Chairmen. It represents the grass-roots local leaders of the state GOP. Among other things, the Chairmen’s Caucus raises money; and helps veteran Chairs mentor newer Chairs on practical political activities of local Parties. The President of the Chairmen’s Caucus and the 5 Vice-Presidents (one from each County) also serve on the Executive Committee of the State GOP. At the April 6 re-organization meeting, Phil Hirons was elected President. Phil is the GOP Town Chair in Smithfield, where Republicans took over both the Town Council and the School Committee in 2008.

Officers chosen were:
President: PHIL HIRONS (Smithfield)
Providence County: BOB CARLIN (East Providence)
Washington County: DIANE ALLEN (Exeter)
Kent County: JUDY ORSON (West Warwick)
Bristol County: TOM CARROLL (Bristol)
Newport County: TONY VIVEIROS (Middletown)

RIRA in Projo: GOP to discuss voting law changes at convention

Published on February 26, 2009 in RIRA. Closed

PROVIDENCE, RI — When state Republicans gather at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet for their annual RIGOP convention March 19, their more conservative members will be seeking support for a proposal to restrict Republican primaries to registered Republicans, and require that voters produce a photo identification before they are allowed to vote.

Republican Governor Carcieri pushed Vote ID last year, but it foundered on a shoal of objections from the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union and 20 other organizations, ranging from the AARP to Common Cause to the Commission for Human Rights.

Carcieri said in his mind there is “no downside.”

But the ACLU argued: “These laws disenfranchise eligible voters, pose a particular burden on poor, elderly, disabled and minority voters, and divert attention from more serious problems facing the voting process – all in an attempt to ‘fix’ a largely non-existent problem of alleged voter impersonation.”

On the primary front, anyone who is unaffiliated – which describes most of Rhode Island’s registered voters – can vote in either a Republican or Democratic primary now, and then disaffiliate again on their way out the door.

Both proposals have emanated from the Rhode Island Republican Assembly, which bills itself as the Republican wing of the Republican party…working to unite all conservatives — both economic and social — whose interests range from tax cuts and reform to national defense, from Pro-Life to education concerns, from Second Amendment to national sovereignty.”

Also on the agenda for the state Central Committee RIGOP Convention: the election of a state GOP chairman.

Asked today if he intended to step aside, the current state GOP chairman Giovanni Cicione e-mailed this response: “I was seeking a successor, but no such luck. The deadline for nominations has passed and I’m the only candidate. There are races for 1st Vice Chair (3 way) and Treasurer (2 way). 2nd Vice and Secretary have only a single candidate.”

“The voting will likely take up the bulk of the evening,” he said.

Source: The Providence Journal