Wednesday • September 27 • 2023
Vol.XV • No.XXXIX
Manchester, N.H.
On Tuesday a democrat in New Hampshire’s house introduced a bill in support of free software. The House Bill (HB) 1273 would be a step forward for software freedom. It proposes to help protect the user freedom of New Hampshire residents in a number of important ways.
Now much of the legislation is a bit wishy-washy with no real teeth, but there are some parts that in theory if passed could have a beneficial impact on our freedom. Other parts could be a little more problematic for those who are libertarian and do not believe in the use of violence to achieve social and political objectives (outside that of a defensive nature anyway). Fortunately most of the bill is tailored toward government and is more defensive in nature than not. Some not so great parts would likely also not have much real world impact.
One part in particular should get libertarians everywhere excited. While it probably was not intended by the legislator proposing the bill, a democrat, it would none-the-less be an amazing step forward in reducing the harm of violent thugs in government. The bill would ensure that users have the right to access the source code for any device utilized in the creation of evidence. This would in effect result in evidence being thrown out whereby the government could not produce the source code to the device that created it. Evidence from such devices as radar guns would no longer be valid in court for all practical purposes. The reason for this is that the suppliers of such devices will not release such source code and thereby prosecutors won’t be able to comply with the law. Before the socialists get upset by this though it’s something everyone should be concerned about. It’s already well known that these devices are full of bugs and this would likely result in evidence being invalidated everywhere if the code were released- not just in NH- and so the device manufacturers would never want to do this short of significant improvements to the code. The solution is to pass this in more states and force manufacturers hand-else let this stand as a means of eliminating a law that should not be in that there is no party that can actually show injury.
To have any real chance of seeing this pass the legislation would likely need to be significantly trimmed. Some parts are problematic such as the forbidding of employers from using non-compete clauses to prevent their employees from contributing to free software for instance. This would likely be unpopular with many state legislators who otherwise support software freedom while also supporting ones right to negotiate a contract free of government interference. Maybe there is a way to put this into law that were more freedom-focused, like letting such terms be unenforceable via law, but either way much of the legislature isn’t going to want to interfere in the private affairs of employee-employer relations either way. I suspect this is likely to have little impact in either case given non-compete clauses within the free software world are already taboo and many of us (myself included) would not sign (or require it) such in an employment contract.
One interesting aspect of the bill is that it would prohibit NH law enforcement from partaking in investigation or prosecution of copyright claims against free software developers. While I can in good conscious support this and would go farther to argue for the elimination of copyright it’s unclear to me where this is currently an issue. Maybe it’s connected to the breaking of digital restrictions such as would be the case with something like DeCSS. A free software program that breaks encryption on commercial DVDs. This falls under copyright law and might be prosecuted by state agencies although that said it’s normally a federal offense. State law enforcement can generally however prosecute federal crimes as I understand it or otherwise partake in federal investigation and prosecution thereof. Of which is more common I do believe with civil asset forfeiture cases.
In spite of some of the issues with the legislation a small contingent of libertarians showed up to more or less in support the legislation as well as others from the free software community. One Jon “maddog” Hall, the Board Chair for the Linux Professional Institute, for instance came out and spoke in favor of the legislation.
Jon “maddog” Hall is the Board Chair for the Linux Professional Institute
The main theme surrounding the hearing seemed to be that of software security and the cost of implementation. New Hampshire’s head of IT for instance also spoke from what appeared to be a purchased lobbyist point-of-view. Declaring more or less that it would be of significant burden and cost to transition to free software (while saying they’re already using free software humorously). The opposing side of course pointed out the truth in that there is always a cost to migrate from one release of a program to another, but it’s not significantly different from that of migrating to free software. Not to mention that while free software isn’t about price, but the liberty, security, and control, this twisting and confusing of the bill was quite disingenuous. The long term costs are reduced as no license agreements need be acquired. Commercial support is generally available too despite the head of IT trying to confuse the reps by comparing commercial software to free software. These are for all intensive purposes one and the same. You can acquire commercial support from Redhat for instance for free software and even much of Microsoft’s own code is based on free software. This bill was about libre, not gratis where libre means freedom, and gratis means price.
While the head of NH IT argued against free software on the basis of features, commercial support, and security the reality is these are more often than not mute points given features can be added to free software unlike the proprietary software he favored. Security bugs can be fixed not at the whim of a particular company, but that of either, you, the community, or the commercial entity you contract with for said free software (example: Redhat). Yes- you can buy free software and many companies do. Just because something is libre doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t pay for its development/support. And unlike proprietary software free software can be seen, read, and audited by third parties with or without the consent of the company producing it (once released). These are the things that ensure security- not anti-virus software or proprietary software vendors of which the former is a kin to putting up a fence and expecting it to stop ants from coming onto your property. The head of IT didn’t stop there- even implying that free software was insecure through association with Bitcoin. While not said outright during the hearing he referenced recent socially engineered attacks on municipalities. Somewhat recently there were reports of municipalities being ‘hacked’- which were in reality social engineering attacks primarily involving the traditional banking system. It was only after the attacks occurred and the money paid by employees of the municipalities to criminals overseas that said money was utilized to purchase Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. If there is a flaw- it’s not the software- and it’s certainly not the result of it being libre.
Video Of The Hearing On House Bill (HB) 1273
Sports and athletics. This is a major global industry that has defined the course of the planet. Our collective global civilization has championed sports for the past century. These games and pursuits have become predominant leisure activities and interests for billions of people.
2020 and 2021 were largely defined by the Coronavirus Project. This was a globally coordinated effort spearheaded by corporate pharmaceutical companies and international public health institutions to steer public policy for political and financial gain.
The project may or may not be associated with Klaus Schwab’s 4th Industrial Revolution, but it is certainly championed by the WEF and Davos crowd. This is a group of people who overwhelmingly have never been involved in athletics and have little to no consideration for athletic endeavors.
Let’s not be mistaken that the coronavirus project is certainly a moneymaker. It has been successful in generating billions of dollars of profits for a select group of corporations, and generally raising awareness for public health related to influenzas typically referred to as the common cold.
We want to thank Kensley Vitoria for this Op-Ed. If you have an Op-Ed or LTE
you want us to consider, please submit it to Editor@GraniteGrok.com.
We should not be blase to the reality that the people that are steering this project are of a certain characteristic and demeanor. They do not have a clear understanding of how the entirety of the global economy works, mostly because certain sectors of the global economy are typically given little attention.
One of these sectors is sports and athletics. This is an industry composed of professional sports leagues and all of the businesses associated with them from grassroots recreational leagues, to athlete- and team-related merchandising, to physical rehabilitation and training professionals, nutritional specialists, clothing and equipment manufacturers, maintenance and grounds crews, marketing, and branding industries, and more.
This industry includes sports teams, local governments that contribute to infrastructure, entire cities composed of fan bases, and it includes each teams’ considerable farm and development system. It also includes the Olympics, which is a major international event contributing to global security, infrastructure development
In the United States and Europe, this industry is massive, generating hundreds of billions of dollars annually. It is confounding that the largely liberal and progressive politicians championing the Coronavirus Project are not aware of the negative impacts on the sports industries, given these individuals’ frequent championing of minority communities.
Sports and athletics in the United States, especially the NFL, MLB, and NBA, are impressive vehicles for wealth transfer from the middle class to minority communities. Ticket sales and merchandising are largely generated from the middle class (the majority ethnicity) and municipal public funding is channeled into supporting franchises facilities and real estate infrastructure.
These three sports in the USA and UEFA leagues in the EU can legitimately claim that their athletes are some of the highest-paid individuals on the planet.
The average professional sports athlete in the USA makes over 60 times the minimum wage and that is typically upwards of USD$250,000 annually. Presumably, this means they can support 60 people with their salary, and the minimum wage allows supporting at least three or four people comfortably.
It is not rare for athletes to financially support their families and contribute generously to community economic relief initiatives.
Why then, are public health officials insisting that everyone, even the fittest, get vaccines?
Athletes exist on a whole separate spectrum of health and wellness from the average citizen. These are people with physical strength, endurance, and fitness. They have incredibly robust bodies and immune systems. Their chances of dying from a coronavirus are virtually zero.
Unfortunately, not only have public health officials refused to acknowledge natural immunity, but athletes themselves have been demure and obedient, refusing to stand up for their very status as prime physical specimens of the human race.
The result has been disastrous.
Daily, it seems, there are news stories of athletes collapsing on the field in practice or in official matches. The cause is clearly cardiovascular in nature, and this follows these athletes taking the vaccines pushed by the corporate pharma clique. This is a disgusting and warped twisting of reality.
These corporate pharma hacks truly have no understanding or conception of athletics. It is entirely possible that none of them have ever competed in team sports. Certainly, the decision-makers, who are all career executives and approach the Coronavirus Project from a political and financial standpoint, likely have not competed in any sports or athletics for years if not decades.
These decision-makers treat sports as a leisure activity to be done on a free weekend. They consider exercise to be a leisure activity composed of walking more than a mile, going for a slow scenic bike ride, or going on a recreational hike with family in a state park.
They are not powerlifters. They probably have never touched a barbell in their life. They likely have never run interval training with the intent to improve their cardiovascular fitness. They probably do not compete in any sports ever and definitely aren’t competing to win when they do any physical activity. They likely don’t even watch sports.
It is dishonorable and disgusting through and through when these corporate pharma professionals attempt to dictate policy for professional and amateur athletes. They have no scientific conceptualization of immunity when it comes to athletes, and if they do, they are decidedly against athletes.
Whether intentional or not, the Coronavirus Project is a war against professional athletes and the professional sports industry. It is a huge mistake to allow this project to continue. There is no scientific basis for vaccinating those with the strongest immunity. It is the height of stupidity.
Stop the Coronavirus Project now. It must be stopped and reviewed. Klaus Schwab, Bill Gates, and their ilk at the WEF, WHO, and the other decision-making institutions may at one time have been good leaders, but they are not athletes, either. And they are no longer good leaders. They do not deserve to have anyone following them, and no one is obliged to follow bad leadership. They have no idea of the far-reaching effects of their policies.
Stop the Coronavirus madness.
The post Against the Athletes – There Is No Scientific Basis for Vaccinating Those with the Strongest Immunity appeared first on Granite Grok.
This month’s meeting of the Belknap County Republican Committee was last night and as always, they had a special speaker. That turned out to be Conservative stalwart Karen Testerman. She will be running against present NH Governor Chris Sununu (R on taxes and guns, D on most social issues, or so it seems by his actions).
Karen received 9.9% of the vote in the last cycle in the Primary but it will be interesting to see, given Sununu’s absolutely plunging poll numbers, if she can make a huge increase in her previous result.
I think it is certainly plausible as the “don’t switch horses midstream during an emergency” mentality seems to be sublimating away and the Conservative members of the Party are now viewing him through rather dismal lenses.
But this is why we play the game, isn’t it?
The post BCRC – Keynote Speaker Karen Testerman, candidate for the NH GOP Nomination for NH Governor appeared first on Granite Grok.
The J6 Commission is the Establishment’s latest Mueller Investigation. A Total BS wind machine whose only purpose is to fill the media’s sails. Keep their fantasy narrative alive. And seeing it for what it is, some Republicans have refused to cooperate.
As Ian reported earlier today, Speaker McCarthy is refusing to cooperate.
If you recall, the FBI recently sent a spokesperson to a Senate hearing on that same event. Every time Senator Ted Cruz asked her a question — and they were pretty simple questions, to which she clearly knew the answers — she just said, ‘I can’t answer that question.’
…
’Instead of saying that he won’t cooperate with the committee, McCarthy should say: ‘Sure, I’ll cooperte. I’ll give you the same level of cooperation as the FBI.’ Then he should show up and just keep saying ‘I can’t answer that question’ until they get tired of asking questions.
That’s good advice, but I think this may be better.
Officer Michael Byrd murdered Ashli Babbit. The DC coroner declared it murder, but Byrd walked. He was exonerated. What has not been reported is that Byrd refused to cooperate with authorities.
…, investigators cleared Byrd of wrongdoing in the shooting without actually interviewing him about the shooting or threatening him with punishment if he did not cooperate with their criminal investigation.
“He didn’t provide any statement to [criminal] investigators and they didn’t push him to make a statement,” Babbitt family attorney Terry Roberts said in an RCI interview. “It’s astonishing how skimpy his investigative file is.”
Roberts, who has spoken with the D.C. MPD detective assigned to the case, said the kid-glove treatment of Byrd raises suspicions the investigation was a “whitewash.”
The lawyer’s account appears to be backed up by a January 2021 internal affairs report, which notes Byrd “declined to provide a statement,” D.C. MPD documents show.
Asked about it, a D.C. MPD spokeswoman confirmed that Byrd did not cooperate with internal affairs agents or FBI agents, who jointly investigated what was one of the most high-profile officer-involved shooting cases in U.S. history.
“MPD did not formally interview Lt. Byrd,” deputy D.C. MPD communications director Kristen Metzger said. And, “He didn’t give a statement while under the U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation.
MPD, FBI, and DOJ ignored the finding of murder as well as pictures, video evidence, and eye-witness testimony, none of which was of any interest.
And Byrd refused to give a statement. No cooperation at all and he walked away without a mark on him.
Be a learning machine.
Anyone called before the J6 Commission can do what the FBI spokesperson did. Just say I can’t answer that. They could, if so inclined, actually invoke the 5th amendment. But if neither of those things seems like it will play well in the media -if you care – claim the Officer Michael Byrd Defense and dare them to ask you what that means.
The post J6 Commission: Republicans Should Invoke the Officer Michael Byrd Defense appeared first on Granite Grok.
“Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego” was a game that the Eldest and Youngest played when they were younger. The idea was to find a villain by that name who could be anywhere in the world.
Lately, it seems to be that the Belknap County Republican Committee is playing where in the world is Executive Councilor Joe Kenny (R-District 1). They’ve been inviting him to either come to their monthly meetings, just meet with the BCRC Executive Board or even do an online meeting with them.
It would be nice for him to meet with the constituents that helped put him in that seat. After all, his District does cover a number of the Towns and cities that are in Belknap County:
Albany, Alton, Andover, Bartlett, Brookfield, Center Harbor, Chatham, Conway, Cornish, Croydon, Danbury, Eaton, Effingham, Freedom, Gilford, Grantham, Hart’s Location, Hill, Jackson, Madison, Meredith, Middleton, Milton, Moultonborough, New Durham, New Hampton, New London, Newport, Ossipee, Plainfield, Sanbornton, Sandwich, Springfield, Sunapee, Tamworth, Tilton, Tuftonboro, Wakefield, Wilmot, and Wolfeboro, and the cities of Claremont and Laconia.
It was clear that at last night’s meeting, they still are inviting him. His assistant keeps putting out his schedule and Wednesdays are generally clear. Has he secreted himself into an underground bunker somewhere and can’t find his way out? And with Cryans (the Democrat) making noise that he may well run again against Kenney, wouldn’t you think that meeting with the BCRC members be something on his near future bucket list? After all, doing a “Walt Havenstein” (re: acting way too late in reacting to a big political problem) doesn’t do too well.
What I don’t get is why a prior Marine is running AWAY from the sound of [political] gunfire? I don’t know of any of the prior Marines that I know that would be doing so.
C’mon Joe, SHOW!
Joe, Joe…have I heard of another “political” Joe that keeps running away from questions….hmmmm?
The post Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego – the Joe Kenney Edition? appeared first on Granite Grok.
The UK often doesn’t get the credit it deserves when it comes to the beauty of its landscape. There are plenty of breath taking natural sights to see all across the island which people often don’t appreciate. If you are a resident of the UK, or visiting for holiday, you should try to make a note of seeing as much of the great British countryside as possible. If you need some tips on how to do so, consider some of the following pieces of advice.
Have a Great Car
First of all, there aren’t going to be any forms of public transport to help you see this countryside. You are going to need a car to do so. If you are travelling into the UK from another country, there are good car rental services you can use. If you are a resident, then you might need to invest in or potentially upgrade your car. If this is something that you are planning on doing, then you should check out car finance Barnsley for options that would suit you. Once you have a car you can rely on and be comfortable in, you will be all set to hit the road.
Get Some Travel Companions
A road trip isn’t the same by itself. Sure, you can still enjoy the scenic routes, but doing so with others is far more enjoyable. If you have some friends who also want to partake in the adventure, then get them to tag along for the ride. Not only do you get to experience all these wonderful sites together, but it will also provide the chance for you and your friends to do some great bonding.
Make a Bucket List
There are a lot of different places that you are likely eager to go see. So much so that it can be very easy to forget about certain places and missed opportunities. This is why making a travel or sightseeing bucket list can be massively beneficial. The list should include all of the places you are aiming to travel to and experience over the next couple of years. Once you have completed the list, you can start looking at options abroad. This is a great way to encourage you to get out and get moving, as well as making sure no stone is left unturned.
Go in the Summer
For those of you who live in the UK, summertime is really the only viable time to do something like this. The British weather can be far too sporadic and unpredictable to plan the likes of road trips. Although there is plenty of rain in the summer too, it is still the best time to go. This especially applies for any trips you might want to go on by the coast. Winter in the UK can be very cold. This means that long days in nature are probably preferably avoided. Doing your travelling in bulk in the summer could be a good idea. Just spend a few days exploring and staying in various places across the country.
*****
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The post Tips for Exploring the UK Countryside appeared first on Granite Grok.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has announced that he will not cooperate with the committee that is ‘investigating’ the Amble Around the Capitol on January 6 of last year.
I think he’s missing an opportunity here.
If you recall, the FBI recently sent a spokesperson to a Senate hearing on that same event. Every time Senator Ted Cruz asked her a question — and they were pretty simple questions, to which she clearly knew the answers — she just said, ‘I can’t answer that question.’ And Cruz was willing to just let her skate.
Now, this is interesting, because as Professor James Duane has pointed out, one of Justice Scalia’s parting gifts before he left the bench was to guide the Supreme Court to the conclusion that it’s legitimate to interpret someone’s silence as a sign of guilt — yet another place where the oral Constitution diverges radically from the written one.
So remaining silent now means you’re guilty. And asserting your right to remain silent, while not technically remaining silent, also means you’re guilty.
But the FBI spokesperson took a slightly different tack. Instead of saying that she wouldn’t answer questions, she just said she couldn’t answer them, without any explanation for why that was the case. And the Senate seemed willing to just let her get away with that.
Apparently, I can’t answer that question is the new and improved version of I refuse to answer that question. It’s the new Fifth Amendment.
Instead of saying that he won’t cooperate with the committee, McCarthy should say: ‘Sure, I’ll cooperate. I’ll give you the same level of cooperation as the FBI.’ Then he should show up and just keep saying ‘I can’t answer that question’ until they get tired of asking questions.
And if Congress decides to hold him in contempt for refusing to answer? Well, there’s already a line forming over at the FBI…
The post The New Fifth Amendment appeared first on Granite Grok.
There was a time when even Democrats might have opposed the idea of forced medical intervention. That ship has sailed, at least at the elite level. Other agenda items took priority over colloquial notions like ‘our bodies ourselves’ or government not getting between you and your doctor.
Ideas that vaxx-mandate Karens’ of every progressive gender have abandoned.
Did they know their leadership was always lying to sell a different priority? Could they consider the possibility that they are lying now?
Trust is the last thing you should give freely to the government. They don’t deserve it and have not earned it, but they have recruited legions of corporatists to help them sell it. Profit silos that launder fiscal resources back into the hands of activist groups and politicians who further that relationship.
Democrats have sold that co-dependency as a feature strictly of the right, but that’s not entirely correct. It is a feature of statists in both parties of whom the Democrat party is the lead actor. The grand poobah.
All forms of government devolve toward tyranny. It’s human nature to want it and allow it. The American experiment was created to slow or limit that tendency. It’s failing and gloriously.
This descent has made the unimaginable possible. The far-fetched,…um, fetchable.
Going Hungry on PurposeI was asked a question this morning about intermittent fasting. I guess it has been growing in popularity. Maybe a better way to describe it is the corporate media messaging on the practice has amplified in recent years.
It’s a thing, a fad, or is it something else?
I said, not entirely tongue-in-cheek that it sounded to me like a brilliantly disguised propaganda program to get people used to the idea of going hungry.
She laughed, which was my goal, but with a keen understanding that given the trajectory of our nation and the world since Joe Biden was lead into the Oval Office, there might be a grain of truth in it.
A big grain.
There is zero doubt that the media is a partner in our decline. The economic picture is bad and stumbling toward a cliff. The supply chain is ‘toes on the ledge’ and looks ready to slit its wrists before it jumps.
Shortages are real and getting more common.
People are getting priced out of the energy market – as in less mobility and warmth (it is still cold in much of America this time of year – and that is entirely the change in energy prices is a result of deliberate policy decisions.
So are the supply chain problems we have and will have.
How far-fetched would it be to think that messaging that suggests being hungry is good for you isn’t part of a series of political moves that force us to accept unaffordable or inaccessible food as the new normal?
Hey, it’s good for us!
The problem with my theory, maybe “problem” is the wrong word, is that this is where we are headed. And being hungry is being sold as healthy as our elites move pieces (or don’t move them) to make it increasingly difficult to find food and therefore to eat.
Not for them of course, but for everyone else.
Fasting is will be a religious practice secularized out of necessity.
It might just be another coincidence.
The post What if “Intermittent Fasting” is Actually State-Sanctioned Propaganda to Get You Used to Being Hungry? appeared first on Granite Grok.
SAU16’s Co-op Board met for their budget hearing the other night, and the Board got an earful from those in attendance. There was a proposal by Superintendent David Ryan to cut teachers, cut funding to Great Bay Charter School, and hire a STEM and Curriculum Coordinator.
The parents who spoke were having none of this.
Parents never asked for cuts to the teaching staff, they didn’t have an issue with funding the Charter School, and they never asked for more administrators. But that didn’t stop David Ryan from blaming others for his decisions.
The Board did one good thing, they reinstated the teachers, but they failed to cut the unneeded Coordinators and reinstate funding to the Charter school.
It was refreshing to hear parents who live in the district praise school administrators. However, that praise was aimed at the Great Bay Charter School administrators. Many of the parents from the Charter School who spoke shared how well their children are thriving, including the children with special needs.
Parent after parent spoke about how their children feel welcome in the Charter School, and are happy to go to school. They weren’t treated well when they attended some of the schools in SAU16.
One of the members of the Budget Advisory Committee brought the reality to the Board when she mentioned how 200 families had left SAU16, and how they spoke with their feet. These families were dissatisfied with what has been happening in the district. The glaring difference between the Charter School’s leadership and SAU16’s leadership wasn’t missed on this viewer.
Then came Andres Mejia the new DEIJ Director. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) He explained to the Board how he’s been talking to the children in the school who have had to deal with racism and homophobia. So while 200 families have left the district, he was letting the Board know that the kids he spoke with continue to have miserable experiences. What a difference between what he was reporting, and what Great Bay Charter parents were reporting. What’s the difference? Leadership.
SAU16 will pay the DEIJ Director $150k which includes benefits, to help some kids feel happy. At the same time, they will cut $80k from Great Bay Charter School, where many parents reported that their kids are glad to be there. Maybe the Board should replace David Ryan with those running Great Bay Charter, and watch them get the job done.
Then, after all of this, the Board asked how Mejia would have his performance measured. He said he would consult a peer in another district to see how they do it. After he figures this out, he will present it to the Board.
Some parents who work for private companies were shocked by this revelation. David Ryan hired DEIJ Director that makes more money than your average teacher just so he can help some of the kids feel better. Then he gets to determine how his performance will be measured. One mom mentioned that this was just another example of rampant mismanagement from the top. You can’t blame Mejia for capitalizing on incompetence.
Some of this reminds me of the self-esteem movement in the ’90s. Parents eventually rejected that fad so their schools could focus on academics. They wanted leaders who set the tone for the climate in the school in order to improve the culture and climate. Good leadership can accomplish that without this kind of reckless spending. You just need a leader who knows what they are doing. I believe SAU16 had that years ago under Mike Morgan — at least that’s what I’ve been told by many parents.
Taxpayers will see another hike in their taxes if this budget is passed, but where cuts should have been supported, that didn’t happen. Parents offered suggestions on cuts that wouldn’t hurt the quality of education, but again, that didn’t happen.
One parent made the brilliant suggestion that if children are left without a teacher for the day and sent to the auditorium, have one of those numerous administrators go teach them the lessons. It was a great suggestion because if there are not enough drivers, and packages need to be delivered, you will see managers at UPS delivering packages. Parents were not impressed that their kids have been sitting in auditoriums with no teachers while David Ryan was proposing teacher positions be cut.
Parents mentioned how academic achievement has suffered under this Superintendent, as well as school rankings. Now they will just have to pay more for all of this.
The post SAU16/Exeter Taxpayers are About to Be Fleeced appeared first on Granite Grok.
The man club is proud to announce another victory for the patriarchy. Coming off numerous victories in “women’s sports” and beauty pageants we are proud to announce a high-profile win in the heart of wokeistan. A man just won a Golden Globe for ‘Best Actress.’
The quest to replace women in all things is succeeding even in the heart of the entertainment industry.
In an untelevised ceremony, the 79th annual Golden Globes Award show honored Michaela Jaé “Mj” Rodriguez with the distinction of “Best Actress” in a television drama this past Sunday. Rodriguez was born a male and now claims to be a woman. Rodriguez won the award for playing the character Blanca, a nurse on the LGBT dramatic series, “Pose.” NBC News reported that this was the first time a transgender actor has ever won a Golden Globe.
Wait, it gets better. Michaela Jaé “Mj” Rodriguez is also a black latina ‘girl.’
So, women of color are now being denied recognitions and awards thanks to the stealth campaign of leftist infiltrators.
In related news, the actual awards show didn’t even air on television.
Another win for the patriarchy.
The post Quick Shot: Another Patriarchy Stealth Win – “Man” Takes Golden Globe Home for Best Actress … appeared first on Granite Grok.
RFK Jr. is the author of the bestseller book, “The Real Anthony Fauci“, and the founder of Children’s Health Defense. He has been outspoken about the overreach of government mandates and protecting our children from the Covid-19 vaccine. Mr. Kennedy released a public statement on January 2, 2022. His message was clear.
https://zbbb278hfll091.bitchute.com/tpjhtmChu3TK/FsmyiwMlZpg8.mp4It’s time we started standing up to all of these government mandates. You remember when the government told us… when Tony Fauci told us that we were going to lock down. He said it was for two weeks. And now it’s been almost two years.
I’m going to tell you these three things that you need to remember in this critical day and age.1.) Once government acquires a power, it never lets it go voluntarily.
2.) Every power that government acquires, using this pandemic as a pretense, it will ultimately abuse to the maximum effect possible. This is a rule that is as certain as gravity.
3.) Nobody has ever complied their way out of totalitarianism. Every time you comply the demands will get greater and greater.We need to resolve here and now this is the hill we need to die on. They have come for our jobs, they have come for our transport, now they’re coming for our children.
We have an obligation as parents to protect them. There has never been a government in history that has told its people, we are going to demand that children sacrifice and take risks to save old people.
It’s always the other way around. The old, the mature, the adults, always put themselves at risk to protect their children. This is an ethical issue. It’s a moral issue. It’s an issue of character for each of us. And it’s an issue about the preservation of democracy and public health.
We all need to stand up now and do everything that we can to block these power plays by authoritarian powers that are trying to steal from us the health of our children.
The experts warn that our children are at risk – but not from the Covid-19 virus.
Dr. Malone is the inventor of the mRNA technology that is used to produce the Pfizer and Moderna “vaccines”. He warns the mRNA vaccines “will force your child’s body to make toxic spike proteins. These proteins often cause permanent damage in children’s critical organs, including:
Related: NH Governor Sununu: You Are Responsible if a Child is Injured or Dies!
Those are very serious adverse reactions. There are also alarming reports from Germany (here) and Taiwan (here) that reveal death and serious safety concerns regarding their Covid-19 vaccination programs for older children aged 12-17... as well as from Sweden and Denmark, who halted the use of the Moderna vaccine on those 30-and-under due to potential side effects… and from Iceland, who banned the Moderna vaccine FOR EVERYONE!
Despite the serious warnings and reports, NH Governor Chris Sununu recently expanded his program to vaccinate all NH children who are 5 and older. It’s unconscionable to ignore the data and the science, especially when it comes from the scientist who invented the mRNA technology. It’s why RFK Jr. is so vocal about protecting the children.
The Best of Ken Eyring
Ken Eyring [send him an email], is a founder and President of the Government Integrity Project, whose mission is to unite the country and demand action; to hold elected and appointed representatives accountable to their oaths and obligations of office; to protect and restore Liberties as defined in our Country’s Founding Documents.
The post Watch: “Now They’re Coming For Our Children … This Is the Hill We Need to Die On” – RFK Jr. appeared first on Granite Grok.
Now that the Build Back Better Act (sometimes called the Great Giveaway) has stalled, Democrats have decided that their top legislative priority is something called the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (sometimes called the Permanent Majority Act), which will effectively give the federal government the ability to dictate the electoral practices of individual states.
To pass it, the Senate would have to eliminate the filibuster, which would require the support of a couple of Senators who oppose this move. (Perhaps they’re just traditionalists. Or perhaps they’re thinking ahead about what might happen should Republicans ever gain control of the Senate without a filibuster.)
But regardless of whether it passes, the buzz surrounding it makes this a perfect opportunity for the passage of an alternative law at the state level. Unlike the John Lewis Act, this one would actually be constitutional. So constitutional, in fact, that it would make a lot of heads spin.
Remember those 19 states that were told by the federal courts that they didn’t have ‘standing’ to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election?
These states — and other states that want the federal government to respect their sovereigntah — should individually pass something that we might call the James Wilson Voting Act, after the inventor of the Electoral College.
The state legislature, in any state adopting this law, would bypass the traditional collection of popular votes for president and skip directly to appointing a slate of Electors to send to the Electoral College.
Say what? Is that even possible? Check your Constitution. (The written version, not the oral version used by politicians, bureaucrats, and judges.) In Article 2, Section 1, we find this:
Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
A state legislature may choose to use an election to decide which Electors to appoint. But it isn’t required to do that. And as opportunities for vote fraud increase, it seems less and less like a good idea.
This is a huge opportunity for the states to remind the federal government of something that a lot of people have forgotten and that a lot of others never bothered to learn: It’s the states that elect a president. Not the people.
(There’s a big clue that this is the case right there in the name of the country: It’s the United States of America, not the United People of America, or the People’s Republic of America, or anything like that.)
Can you imagine the tempête de merde that this would cause back in Washington?
Better still, can you imagine the wave of reclamation of state sovereignty that this might stir up away from Washington — not just regarding elections, but a whole range of areas in which the federal government has acted as if the Ninth and Tenth Amendments simply don’t exist?
How soon could we make this happen in New Hampshire?
The post The James Wilson Voting Act appeared first on Granite Grok.
The two-party system, voting for the lesser of two evils, you get it already, we all do. We all feel fed up with the results of our representative democracy. We are both frustrated and confused about who our elected officials are. Do you know who represents you in your state's House of Representatives? And if you do know their name, do you know their voting record?
The post 7 Ways To Improve Our Voting System appeared first on The Liberty Block.
Get a load of this—a city run by Democrats forever. A massive urban bureaucracy crafted by leftists for leftists. The so-called champions of people of color, SJW, blah blah blah. They had plenty of opportunities to prevent a tragedy.
But couldn’t get it done, so the problem has to be inequity.
The deadly fire that claimed the lives of 17 people in a high-rise tower in the Bronx is a grim reminder of how space heaters can be a “symbol of inequity,” [Julie Colon, a tenant organizer with the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition] said, representing dangerous housing conditions, poor infrastructure, and neglect in lower-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Many of those displaced in this week’s fire are families originally from Gambia in West Africa.
And if the Democrat-run city had done its job and enforced its kajillion regulations, the safety-first progressives insist are necessary to prevent tragedy (because the government knows better), almost no one, or perhaps no one, at all needed to die.
But let’s blame the space heaters and some notion of inequality associated with them and their ability – when misused at least half as badly as the NYC fire code was by New York Bureaucrats – for the needless deaths of 17 New Yorkers.
Sure.
Let’s do that.
The post SJW Blames Inequity for Bronx Fire That Killed 17 When It Was Actually Just the Fault of Democrats appeared first on Granite Grok.
Many people, like Tucker Carlson, like to talk about how ‘smart’ Ted Cruz is — how articulate he is as a speaker, how carefully he chooses his words, how insightful his questions are during hearings.
But recently, Cruz caught some flak for referring to the January 6 Amble Around the Capitol as a ‘violent terrorist attack.’ The flak was well-deserved because whatever that was, it wasn’t a terrorist attack by any stretch of the imagination.
So then he tried to backtrack, claiming that he just meant that anyone who violently attacks a police officer is a ‘terrorist’ and that he’s been saying that for years, even decades. But that just dug the hole deeper because if you attack a police officer who is trying to arrest you, you might be a ‘criminal,’ but you aren’t a ‘terrorist.’
In another attempt to rehabilitate his image, Cruz recently questioned a spokesperson for the FBI at a Senate hearing. He asked some very straightforward and important questions about whether any of the participants in the January 6, ah, event were working for, or cooperating with, the FBI. The answer to each question was the same: ‘I can’t answer that.’
Now, it’s remarkable that a federal employee would give an answer like that to a United States Senator at a hearing. But what’s more remarkable is that the senator would just let her get away with it.
A couple of pretty obvious follow-up questions spring to mind, such as: Are you saying that you can’t answer because you don’t know? Or that you won’t answer because you think we’re not entitled to the information?
Or: If you can’t answer, the FBI clearly sent the wrong person to this hearing. In which case, please bring someone to your Zoom site who can answer these questions, so we can talk to that person instead of wasting our time with you.
Or, just for fun: Under what circumstances would you — or more to the point, FBI leadership — say that it’s appropriate for employees to keep secrets from their employer?
I have a friend who says that unsettling parallels are developing between the FBI and Rome’s Praetorian Guard, which started as a personal protective service for the Emperor and ended up as an untouchable group of elites who called the shots behind the scenes. I’m starting to see his point.
As for Ted, I’m wondering if he’s lost sight of the difference between (a) winning a debate, something you can do by scoring rhetorical points (which is all he was doing with his questions), and (b) representing his constituents, which requires actually getting answers to the kinds of questions he was asking. Asking the questions makes him sound smart. But allowing them to go unanswered makes him seem dumb.
Someone close to the Senator needs to remind him of the first rule of holes: When you’re in a hole, stop digging.
The post Poor Ted appeared first on Granite Grok.
To whom it may concern: I and my family, have been skiing at Crotched Mountain since my sons were old enough to ski/board. I went out of my way to support Crotched as it is a small local mountain and I want to help keep these types of ski areas running.
Imagine my surprise to see on your website, that you are practicing segregation based on mRNA injection status. This is morally reprehensible and has NO BASIS in reality.
Whoever decided to implement this should take the time to read a history book and begin with 1933 Germany. They should also educate themselves about COVID and the mRNA shots.
The mRNA shots were designed for the WUHAN strain of COVID. They were not effective against that strain and they have no effectiveness with other strains. It is well known that people who have opted to take the shots still get COVID, still spread COVID & still die from COVID.
We want to thank John Cawthron for this Op-Ed. If you have an Op-Ed or LTE
you want us to consider, please submit it to Editor@GraniteGrok.com.
The geniuses that decided to implement this policy should also think of renaming the resort with something that is in line with their belief system.
Here are some suggestions:
“Welcome to 1978 South Africa’s newest ski resort. We practice apartheid.”
“Ski Dachau – Papers please.”
“Pfizer Resort – The wonderful world of experimental gene therapy”
I had planned to come there this weekend. Instead, I am going to let everyone I know that Crotched is no longer practicing freedom and that their ski $ should go elsewhere.
At a minimum, this policy is anathema to morality and at a maximum part of a crime against humanity.
You should be ashamed.
John Cawthron
Nashua, NH
Editors Note: This is an email sent to Crotched Mountain. The inline image was not part of the original communication. We added it or context.
The post Skier Takes Crotched Mountain Ski Resort Down For Mandated COVID Vaxx Policy … appeared first on Granite Grok.
Flight cancellations often result in inconveniences for passengers and as a result, the EU 261 regulation was passed in 2004 to protect passengers’ rights. If you have ever had to deal with cancelled flights, especially at die minutes, you must know how frustrating it is. But then, how do you know if you are entitled to compensation if any?
Know the EU 261/2004 Regulation
The EU 261/2004 regulation protects the rights of passengers if their flights are disrupted in any way. This way, they can get flight cancellation compensation. The law requires airlines in the EU to compensate passengers properly should their flights be delayed or cancelled for reasons within the airline’s control.
What are the Eligibility Criteria of the EU 261 Law?
The EU 261/2004 regulation applies to any air passenger starting their trip from an EU airport or landing in an EU airport with an airline headquartered within the EU. The compensation stands if you were informed of the cancellation less than 14 days from the scheduled date of departure. The reason for the cancellation must also be within the airline’s control. Airlines are not in any way obligated to compensate passengers when the reason for cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances that they couldn’t have taken care of.
What Are You Entitled to?
For cancelled flight compensation under the EU 261/2004 law, you may be entitled to monetary compensation of €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance, as explained below.
You are entitled to a partial or full refund of your flight ticket alongside monetary compensation. You may also choose to reschedule your flight on the same airline for free. If the flight was cancelled after you have arrived at the airport, you may be entitled to the right to care, such as free refreshments and beverages and hotel booking if you have to spend the night.
How to Claim Compensation for a Cancelled Flight
After your flight has been cancelled, you need to check if you fit into the eligibility criteria under the EU 261/2004 regulation. If you do, you can then kick off the process of getting compensated.
Start by asking the airline the reason for the cancellation and demand that they put it in writing. Then proceed to gather relevant documents like your flight ticket and receipts and gather evidence such as replacement flight tickets, expense receipts, vouchers, and more. Putting these documents together will make it easier for you to claim your compensation.
Some airlines have a form on their websites that you can fill to get the process started. You can also contact them directly on the next best steps to take.
Bottom Line
Travelling is already stressful and no one deserves to be inconvenienced for no tangible reason. If your flight was cancelled unjustly, exercise your passenger’s rights under the EC 261 law and claim your compensation in due time.
*****
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The post How to Know if You’re Entitled to Compensation After a Cancelled Flight appeared first on Granite Grok.
The Dems have created a new movement to petition all fifty states. Their gripe? Republicans need to be blocked from running for public office. Why? For alleged misconduct relating to the Capitol Occupation on January 6th. Yes, Insurrection! So what if not one of them has been charged or convicted of that.
None of these candidates who have questioned the election process or refused to help the J6 star chamber donkey show (with RINO backup) has been credibly accused of any crime.
None of them have or will ever be charged with a crime.
None of the people who actually went into the Capitol to take selfies and mill about before leaving has been charged with insurrection.
But since when did facts or the truth matter? This is, after all, nothing more than a narrative vehicle to keep the dream alive. The perception that what happened was an insurrection even if no one ever gets charged, tried or convicted of engaging in or abetting one. And a warning shot to others who might dare to challenge the rubber-stamped details approved for historians to document.
Oh, and wouldn’t it be fun if they could actually get a few key states to block any potential Republican candidate for President? If they can’t even run in some number of states, there’s simply no point.
Oh, and the Democrats are still terrified of Donald Trump.
“On many levels, our democracy is under threat, and grassroots activists are ready to stand up to defend it,” said Paco Fabian, Our Revolution’s campaigns director. “We need to demand that our election officers follow the rule of law and ensure that current and former elected officials who participated in the January 6th insurrection are barred from appearing on any future ballot.”
The letters, addressed to the heads of state election boards, ask them to exclude Mr. Trump from ballots amid speculation that he may run for president again in 2024.
Walk with if you will. The leftist hack who wants to disqualify Republicans says his group is ready to defend our democracy. That we need to demand, election officers follow the rule of law.
Hello, McFly!
The rule of law is the flip side of the rule of man – the arbitrary and capricious whim of partisans, which is what Our Revolution (nice name, by the way) is doing. Cherry-picking political targets for punishment using a standard about which you could clearly care less.
Having said that, see some traction in the bluer states. Blue because they Dem majority, Blue because people are leaving, Blue because they have mandates and still got more COIVD. Blue because of the high crime, high poverty, and they have so much debt and such high taxes that the cure is more of both, but never to solve the problem they’ve created.
Blue.
But just in case, let’s try to keep Republicans off the ballot, you know, in case the voters care about the ruin that has followed decades of democrat rule.
It’s just like free speech. They use it to silence everyone else. SO we won’t stop hearing about J6 or their fantasies about what happened, nor will they stop pursuing innocent people for political advantage.
Ever.
Is there a remedy? You have to fight back.
Try cornering your local Dems on the issue and see if you can get a few of them to put their foot in their mouth.
Rule of Law. But no one’s been convicted, or in most cases, charged. But when “your” people are charged, you want them set free. Explain yourself, please.
The post Can’t Stop Laughing – Dem Groups Invoke “Rule of Law” To Block Republicans From Running for Office appeared first on Granite Grok.
This week, the House met to vote on all remaining 2021 bills. We met in the Center of New Hampshire, rather than the House chamber, to allow more room for distancing and for separate masked and non-masked sections.
This was not optimal, since the acoustics were poor, and it was hard to see who was speaking; if you needed to speak with someone, it was almost impossible to find her. Still, the snow forecast for Friday encouraged us to be efficient and we finished Thursday afternoon.
First, we dealt with the governor’s vetoes: HB 98, moving the state primary election, was upheld, 38-313; HB 239, on changing the statute of limitations for (non-sexual) assaults on minors, was sustained, 35-312 after a rambling debate. HB 242, on the content of an adequate education, was sustained, 165-182. HB 334, a mixed bill that repealed the law against carrying a firearm on an OHRV or snowmobile, as well as the state “gun line,” had some debate before the veto was sustained, 138-212.
The veto of SB 38, which allows medical cannabis centers to be for-profit entities, was overridden in the Senate, and we had to wait for it to arrive. With a lot of confusion due to the scheduling (and because the bill was not listed in our calendar), the veto was upheld, 228-115, one short of the necessary 2/3. As a sponsor of SB 38, I voted against the veto.
We want to thank NH State Rep Carol McGuire for this Op-Ed. If you have an Op-Ed or LTE
you would like us to consider, please submit it to Editor@GraniteGrok.com.
We adopted the House schedule for the rest of the year, setting deadlines for all bills, and rejected, 169-186, an amendment to House rules that would allow remote meetings of committees and the whole House. This was largely partisan, but really, after last year I don’t want to have to chair a Zoom hearing ever again – and the thought of a remote meeting with 400 participants is horrifying!
We voted, 317-40, to suspend the rules to introduce HB 1650, which would allow representatives to receive mileage payments for sessions, wherever the sessions were held. Then we voted 326-34 to introduce the bill and passed it on a voice vote.
HB 60, raising the minimum age of marriage to 18, was debated at some length before being killed, 192-165. It’s currently 16 with parental consent (or a judge’s approval) and there have been 5 such marriages in the state in the last two years. HB 228, adjusting the child support calculations when both parents spend time with the children, was also debated before passing 189-163: apparently, the current statutory language on child support confuses the state supreme court…
HB 65, requiring restaurants to post food allergy info on their menus, was debated on whether this requirement should be in laws or rules, as the raw food warning is. It was referred to interim study, 194-164.
HB 92, which would establish a study committee on regulating animal groomers, was actually debated before being killed, 197-159.
HB 166, which required pools or other water features on foreclosed property be covered, was debated before dying, 186-160.
HB 191, relative to prior authorizations under managed care, was debated even though the incentive for the bill was the health care disruptions suffered under Covid, and it was killed 190-162.
HB 245, repealing the requirement that convenience stores carry $3,000 in groceries, was argued by the sponsor before being killed, 292-62. I voted for it because I can see the point of allowing some stores to specialize, but am not really upset that it failed.
HB 472, a very technical bill on health insurance “clawback” features, was debated in a way that failed to make the issues clear, then was killed on a voice vote.
HB 473, requiring leases have a statement about renter’s insurance, had a rather condescending debate before being killed, 190-166.
At this point (2:30 Wednesday) the chair of the redistricting committee moved to special order the three redistricting bills to the next order of business, citing our slow progress and the constitutional requirement to balance districts after the census. This passed, and it was moved to table HB 50, the House representative districts. The vote was 179-178, and the Speaker voted to tie, so the motion failed.
The majority amendment passed, 186-170, the minority amendment failed, 165-192, after some debate, and the bill passed, as amended, 186-168. I spoke in favor of the plan, and gave some of the reasons we made the choices we did. It seems there are two different approaches to redistricting: either look at the current districts with the new numbers, and tweak as necessary, or start with a blank map and create districts that meet the requirements.
I and the other Republicans on the committee mostly did the latter, while the Democrats almost entirely based their plans on the current districts.
HB 52, the congressional districts, was not tabled, 177-178, before we adopted the majority amendment 184-171, without debate. The minority amendment (which simply moved one town from CD1 to CD2 to balance the population changes) failed, 167-189, after debate, and a floor amendment (creating a much more compact CD1) also failed, 174-182.
The rationale for the majority plan – to actually make a competitive district – was presented before we passed the bill, 186-164. HB 54, county commissioner districts, had the majority plan adopted on a voice vote, then the minority plan rejected 157-182 after a brief debate. This plan also passed, 184-159; these bills were all basically party-line votes (as expected.)
After this excitement, we returned to HB 488, a study committee on out-of-state health insurance, which was sent to interim study on a voice vote. HB 592, which would require bonds from vaccine manufacturers, was debated at length before going to interim study, 168-167. It seemed to be a badly written bill (a good reason for interim study if one agrees with the concept) and many on the committee didn’t agree with the concept, hence the debate.
SB 68, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employers, was debated briefly before going to interim study on a voice vote.
SB 69, about employers providing facilities for nursing mothers, was tabled, 180-155, before the debate.
HB 147, which increases the penalties for assault of an elderly person (over 65!) had no debate before we killed the committee amendment, 66-260, and tabled the bill on a voice vote. We elderly representatives don’t care to be considered so feeble that we need to be considered a special class of victims (I’m not sure about the average age of the House this session, but it’s usually about 60.)
HB 237, legalizing and regulating the sale of cannabis, had minimal debate before the committee recommendation of interim study failed, 158-171, and ought to pass also failed, 163-170. Much of the opposition (including me) supported legalization but didn’t like the regulatory scheme. HB 237 was then tabled, 300-32. A motion to bring HB 607 – local education freedom accounts – to the next order of business failed, 161-172, and we finished up the day.
Thursday began with a short debate on HB 238, prohibiting the so-called “LGBTQ panic” defense. It passed, 223-118; I voted against it because it seemed unnecessary. We should not, by statute, deny anyone their defense in court, even if the defense seems silly and biased.
HB 579, requiring notice before conducting immigration checkpoints, passed 254-85 with no debate. HB 598, allowing parole after 50% of the minimum sentence (current standard is 2/3), was debated and killed, 181-171.
HB 620, requiring local law enforcement agencies to gather and analyze demographic information – race and gender – was tabled on a voice vote before debate. Besides being an unfunded mandate for local agencies, there is no standardized way to determine race: different officers might well classify people differently.
My HB 629, legalizing possession, use, and growing cannabis, but not sales (so no taxes) was not tabled, 144-210, then debated. The committee recommendation of interim study failed, 122-231, and the bill passed, 241-113. It’s off to the Senate, where passage is not assured.
HB 632, prohibiting a life sentence without parole for a juvenile, was briefly debated and killed, 181-174. It seems that life without parole sentences for juveniles are subject to judicial review, so the bill simply eliminates that review.
SB 92, an omnibus bill with the most controversial section being a change to bail release for accused criminals awaiting trial, was tabled before debate: there are a number of other bills on this topic this year.
HB 20, the original education freedom accounts bill, was also tabled before debate, as was HB 136, requiring schools to be able to identify students as “non-binary.”
HB 214, a statewide assessment of facility needs, passed without debate.
HB 255, which the committee had amended to be a ban on vaccine mandates, was tabled, 213-142. As a procedural point, tabling is preferable to killing a bill since it doesn’t prohibit a similar bill being considered; also, tabling is not debatable, so it will be quicker when the result of a vote is known.
HB 607, local education freedom accounts, was tabled, 187-170, as was HB 608, the formula for funding an adequate education, 193-154, and SB 44, establishing a community college workforce program, 201-148.
HB 87, on electioneering – particularly wearing political clothing at the polls – was not tabled, 166-184, debated and then passed, 186-164.
HB 327, requiring voters to show ID when delivering absentee ballots, went to interim study without comment.
HB 514, slightly changing the formula for rotating party position on the ballot, was debated at some length and passed, 188-165.
HB 531, establishing provisional voter registration and provisional ballots, and HB 535, eliminating the qualified voter affidavit, were both tabled without comment (the choice was to further study the issue, or just kill the bill!) HB 554, on temporary absences from home, was likewise tabled.
My committee had only one important bills: HB 275, finalizing the emergency powers reform we worked on last year. This bill limits the governor to three renewals (84 days) but allows the legislature to declare an emergency for 90 days, renewed as often as necessary; it was debated and passed, 190-165. Reconsideration failed, 170-184, so it’s off to the Senate.
HB 84, Ona Judge day, was amended and passed without comment; HB 204, declaring Granny D day was tabled, 229-118. (I made the motion, since there were two representatives speaking in favor of this rather minor bill, and one would not be brief.)
HB 414, codifying the current practice on emergency evacuations, was killed, 198-156, without debate.
HB 91, death benefits for first responders who die by suicide, passed without comment.
HB 254, on Your State House Page 3 of 5 January 7, 2022 placing minors in secure settings, was debated on whether property crimes should be completely ignored when securing minors. It was not tabled, 151-204, debated some more, and finally passed, 264-87 when the responsible committee agreed to bring these issues to the Senate.
HB 398, appropriating funds for some wastewater projects, HB 412, allocating funds to getting federal funds for wastewater projects, and HB 536, death benefits for public works employees killed in the line of duty, all passed without debate.
HB 591, setting a license fee for tobacco-only retailers, was explained and passed, 282-66. Tobacco sellers require the same inspections and audits as beer and wine, or beer and cigarettes, sellers, but had been paying a $6 license fee rather than the $216 for alcohol sellers.
HB 118, on the fish & game commission, was killed 321-31, without debate.
HB 490, on game cameras, passed 195-159, without debate. HB 103, establishing an adult dental benefit in the state Medicaid program, was not tabled, 138-213, debated, and passed, 225-127. I was opposed since it’s a new entitlement, currently available on one of the managed care medicaid programs; many people don’t actually want or won’t use a dental benefit.
HB 359, creating a cause of action for discrimination on the basis of hairstyles or ethnicities, was tabled without comment.
HB 478, requiring St Gobain Plastics to pay for remediation of the water in Merrimack, had a very long debate. It was not killed, 139-212, then passed on a voice vote.
HB 597, detailing the expectation of privacy, passed without debate.
HB 622, protecting the pre-born, was tabled by both sides since the Speaker had declared the committee amendment (repealing the ultrasound requirement) non-germane, and nobody wanted the original bill. The ultrasound is actually only required to verify the fetal age, to make sure it’s not over 24 weeks, but the opponents don’t want to admit that!
HB 517, raising the minimum wage, was tabled, 191-158.
HB 589, requiring worker’s compensation to cover some prophylactic treatments, passed 211-133 without comment.
HB 558, creating a study committee on information technology in the legislature, was killed 183-162, without debate.
HB 122, separating two capital projects, was explained and passed.
HB 571, repealing the prohibition against OHRV travel on Hoit Road Marsh, was debated and passed, 189-158. HB 611, abolishing water fluoridation, was tabled, 187-162, before debate.
HB 153, a study committee on internet access, and HB 167, expanding net metering limits, were both tabled, 194-151 and 185-153. I was surprised by the support for HB 167, since the same language had passed and been vetoed last session, and the veto upheld! Why some expected a different result this time was mind-boggling.
HB 172, setting greenhouse gas reduction goals, was tabled, 180-159.
HB 308, on utility pole attachments, was killed on a voice vote as a similar statute had been approved in the budget.
HB 376, a study committee on electrical microgrids, was tabled 184-152, as was HB 382, a study of demand charges (voice vote), and HB 394, study of carbon pricing, 191-151.
HB 410, a study of assessments of utility property, passed without comment. HB 543, a study commission on nuclear power, was debated briefly and passed on a voice vote.
There was a rare (first time I’ve seen one!) unanimous vote on HB 549, restructuring the systems benefit charge for energy efficiency projects. After debate on the committee amendment (passed on a voice vote), and on a Your State House Page 4 of 5 January 7, 2022 Democrat amendment (which failed 155-189), both sides urged us to pass the bill and the vote was 343-0!
HB 355, a tweak to the laws on Keno, and HB 364, revising the definition of “charitable organization” for the purpose of holding raffles, both passed without comment.
HB 614, exempting the state and its subdivisions from paying the cost of compliance with the renewable power portfolio, was debated at length. One issue was that it would undermine funding for renewables, the other that it would reduce costs for property taxpayers. The bill finally passed, 177-158.
We then dealt with the bills that the committees had put on the consent calendar of noncontroversial bills, but that some representatives didn’t agree.
HB 408, on employment restrictions for registered sex offenders, was debated at some length. A floor amendment to increase the restrictions failed, 73-263, and the bill passed on a voice vote.
HB 526, changing the fines for possession of cannabis, had been listed as to be killed, but actually, the committee wanted an interim study. We voted for further study, with explanations rather than debate.
HB 362, domicile of students for voting purposes, was tabled 312-25, largely to avoid debate.
HB 116, regulation of personal delivery devices, was argued by a representative who wanted more comprehensive regulation: but without this bill, we have no regulation at all and the devices can operate as they please. The bill passed on a voice vote.
Representative Carol McGuire
carol@mcguire4house.com
782-4918
Your
The post Your State House 1/11/22 – Vetoes, Weed, Insurance, LGBTQ, Emergency Powers, and more Redistricting appeared first on Granite Grok.
So the “Esteemed” swamp gods have spoken from the pillars of the CDC and FINALLY admitted what WE, THE PEOPLE, knew – THE WHOLE TIME: the “magic” 14-day-quarantine was too long, vaccines never stopped the transmission or adoption of the virus, and case numbers were and are overreported.
The only person in D.C. who spoke these truths from the beginning is Dr. Scott Atlas, who was overshadowed by the evil minion twins, Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx, and constantly skewered by the media. Wikipedia – who’ll never get a DIME from us portrays him saying: [Atlas] “spread misinformation about COVID-19, such as theories that face masks and social distancing were not effective in slowing the spread of the coronavirus.”
Atlas recently told Fox News he was ‘shocked’ President Trump never fired Fauci and Birx at the time. I’ve asked myself the SAME question as I’m sure many of you have. It was a tragic mistake to have two entire-career swampaucrats allow them to taint the Trump Whitehouse with liberal — and CONSTANTLY CHANGING — hypocritical opinions. Curious and confused as to HOW, on earth, they got there, I researched their paths to The Trump WhiteHouse. In doing so, I stumbled upon a familiar name: Matt. Mowers.
Yes, that’s right, New Jersey’s – oops – I mean “New Hampshire’s” very own — Winnipesaukee lake-home carpetbagger candidate – Matt Mowers, served as the ”Chief of Staff” – for Doctor Birx at the State Department, architecting her infiltration into the Trump White House.
We want to thank Jude Augusta for this Op-Ed. If you have an Op-Ed or LTE
you want us to consider, please submit it to Editor@GraniteGrok.com.
In a 2020 CNN article titled, ‘How Fauci and Birx got Trump to listen to the science,’ Matt Mowers is cited as being *THE* reason Dr. Birx received the top job in the West Wing.
I have heard Matt Mowers speak on the campaign trail many times this election cycle. He likes to talk about his work in the Trump Administration as a ‘Senior White House Advisor’, but conveniently leaves out – WHO – he was advising! He conveniently leaves out that he was the Chief of Staff and ‘friend’ to Dr. Birx in arguably the most corrupt federal agency in the whole Swamp – the State Department.
Open your eyes folks, Matt got his campaign kicked off back “home” in Bergen County NEW JERSEY, New York, and DC. That was AFTER his interview where he stated: “Based upon on what I see & votes that were cast, the guy that got the most votes is sitting in the White House.”
Don’t elect a COVID Swamp Creature in the NH-01 Primary who played a direct role in effectuating the 24/7 COVID-Culture that has annihilated and divided America. We have a chance to beat Chris Pappas. Let’s not do it by electing a career bureaucrat who so desperately wants to escape from New Hampshire back to his peers in DC. I leave you with his huge (anti-Trump) Birx endorsement below.
Live Free or Die.
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