There is a story making its way through the blogosphere concerning the “white flag” from White House pertaining to the public option. Nobody is buying it. What is being bought is time – time to allow someone to turn the pressure relief valve and time for RHINOCare to make its way out of the Senate Finance Committee. Obama and the liberals in Congress, well aware that co-operatives are a Trojan Horse for a single payer system, are only to happy to assist in keeping the pressure off in the hope of one of two outcomes. The first – by removing pressure from the public, the administration is free to apply its own pressure to ensure a public option. Second, less public pressure increases the chance the RHINOcare option makes its way out of the Senate Finance committee. But as I have said before, there are already procedural amendments in place to kill ObamaCare as long as pressure is brought to bear on five Republican Senators in the Finance Committee. Read on.

Memorize and repeat the following like a mantra:

A cooperative is nothing more than a Trojan Horse for single payer healthcare.

Remember these five Senators:

• Chuck Grassley
  United States Senator, Iowa
• Olympia J. Snowe
  United States Senator, Maine
• Susan Collins
  United States Senator, Maine
• Michael Enzi
  United States Senator, Wyoming
• Lindsey Graham
  United States Senator, South Carolina

You can contact them here.

What do they all have in common? All are members of the Senate Finance Committee, the only committee with a chance at a reaching a bi-partisan compromise on health care reform. Many are already touting the end of the public option, which is slated to be replaced by co-operatives. But is this really a victory? The answer is a resounding NO. These five Republicans with an annoying proclivity to reach across the aisle are about to sell out America.

Read the rest of this entry »

The White House’s strategy of stonewalling the flagging operation becomes more difficult by the day. Here is yesterday’s exchange between Major Garrett and Robert Gibbs. Major Garrett was contacted by numerous people confounded as to how in the world they received an unsolicited email communication from the White House. It is unclear whether all of the complaints came from people who flagged themselves or were flagged by others using the flag@whitehouse.gov email. I love watching Robert Gibbs squirm whenever this issue is raised. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite pastimes. His reference to Organizing for America and Obama for America having nothing to do with the White House is completely unrelated to the question Major Garrett is asking. An indication of panic on the part of Gibbs?

Like many of my readers, I flagged myself – multiple times. It now appears the White House is not only collecting this data and is forced by the Presidential Records Act to keep this information, but they are also using the same information gathered by these emails to create an additional database or multiple databases which are subsequently used for list building – the process of collecting emails for marketing, advertising, or information sharing. As someone who does internet marketing on the side, there is a right way to collect peoples emails and a wrong way to do it. Collecting solicited emails – good. Collecting unsolicited emails – bad.

It is interesting to note this unintended consequence of the flag yourself campaign. White House staff, including lawyers now seem completely clueless. Unaware of the backlash created by spying on citizens, they never guessed the flag program would lead to evidence that emails are being collected and used to create additional databases for White House communications; communications that were never solicited in the first place. Lucy, you gotta lota of splainin’ to do.

Here is a partial screenshot of the email I forwarded to another account and that I received, unsolicited, from the White House. Just click on the thumbnail to see the full image.

Note the senders address (info@messages.whitehouse.gov). Hmmm, sounds like the White House to me.

I would recommend to anyone who receives an unsolicited email from the White House to save that email. Note how my email is from whitehouse.gov, and nothing to do with Organizing for America or Obama for America which, thanks to Gibbs own admission, are unrelated to the White House. Shout out to Mr. Gibbs for helping make our case for us – your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Related: Obama Could Be In Trouble: ACLJ Legal Analysis of White House Flag Program

In other news and opinion:

How to kill ObamaCare and get real reform.

Michelle Malkin’s culture of corruption a hate crime? I read it, and if telling the truth equates to a hate crime, then I agree, it’s a hate crime.

Green Czar vs. Glenn Beck; Britain vs. Michael Savage.

The Etiquette Czar’s Rules for Patriotic Protest

Democrats Having Trouble Getting Cap & Trade Passed Because of Democrats. Good news here, now if we can just kill that health care bill.

Is Palin getting ready to tweet again?

Is the White House losing urban Democrats on health care reform?

Don’t forget to check out my discussion with Lewis K. Uhler and how 5 Republican Senators may hold the future of healthcare in their hands. A must read.

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Original Post

Update: Contact Lee Ellis at 202-501-0282 and send an email to lee.ellis@gsa.gov. Provide the website URL, which is http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Facts-Are-Stubborn-Things and lodge a complaint against the .gov website. If he gets enough calls, I am sure someone will get the message this is getting pretty serious. I just called Senator Cornyn’s office and was very well received. The person I spoke with ensured she could reach the link for the guidelines and where the relevant sections were. I could hear a lot of typing in the background as I was talking to her. Also read White House Spy Program Violates .Gov Domain Guidelines And Privacy Act of 1974 – Updates And Who To Contact.

Here is a copy of the email I sent to Lee Ellis. I setup my email program to get a read and delivery receipt. I just received the delivery receipt:

It has come to my attention that the site http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Facts-Are-Stubborn-Things/ violates the guidelines for use in .gov websites as outlined at http://www.dotgov.gov/program_guidelines.aspx.

In particular, the wording “No political or Campaign Information: The Gov domain is for the operation of government, not the political, political party, or campaign environment”.

As you can see from the above referenced .gov site, a request is made to provide personal information of individuals to the email address flag@whitehouse.gov who are expressing their freedom of speech in
disagreeing with the President’s health care reform. This is blatantly political and the guidelines provide for domain suspension or for the site to experience operational issues or termination based on the severity of
the issue under two levels of incidents: Critical and Administrative.

I am sure you would agree this is a direct violation and will take the appropriate steps to ensure the guidelines are enforced as they would be for any .gov website.

Thank you for your time and patience.

Best Regards

Here is the link to the guidelines:

Here is the pertinent information:

This overview of Gov Internet domain registration requirements is meant to further explain and clarify some sections of the Federal Policy about registering second-level Gov Internet domains. The Federal Policy on Gov Internet domains focuses on purpose and jurisdiction.

The Gov Internet domain facilitates collaboration among government-to-government, government-to-business, and government-to-citizen entities. The domain hosts only official, government sites at the federal-, state- and local-government levels, including federally recognized Indian tribes, known as Native Sovereign Nations (NSNs). The Gov Internet domain provides the official and trusted Internet presence for these government entities.

Every Gov Internet domain name application is carefully examined to ensure domain names requested will not create misunderstandings about the purpose of domains and their Web site content. GSA arbitrates domain name issues and reserves the right to deny domain name requests that do not adequately meet requirements.

The Gov Internet domain operates in accordance with the Interagency Management Council for Telecommunications. The policies and guidelines construct have been developed through communications with Federal, State and Local government groups to provide the most effective management of the government web presence.

For further assistance with domain names and eligibility requirements, please refer to http://www.dotgov.gov/help_qualify.aspx or call the Help Desk toll free at (877) 734-4688 or locally at (703) 306-6740.

1. Guidelines for All Second Level Gov Internet Domains

The following applies to all Gov Internet domains:

a. No non-Government Advertisements: A Gov Internet domain may not be used to advertise for private individuals, firms, or corporations, or imply in any manner that the government endorses or favors any specific commercial product, commodity, or service.

b. No Political or Campaign Information: The Gov domain is for the operation of government, not the political, political party, or campaign environment. No campaigning can be done using Gov Internet domains. The Gov Internet domain websites may not be directly linked to or refer to websites created or operated by a campaign or any campaign entity or committee. No political sites or party names or acronyms can be used. Separate webites and e-mail on other top-level domains (TLDs), such as .org, will have to be used for political activity.

Continuing:

Domain Suspension: Organizations that operate Web sites that are not in compliance with the Gov Internet conditions of use may have their domain name suspended or experience operational issues or terminated based on the severity of the issue. There are two levels of incidents:

1. Critical – Content restriction on the Gov Internet Domain does not allow criminal activities or obscene images, inappropriate sexually oriented material or material being accessed through a Gov domain URL could result in an expedient suspension. A process for resolution with escalation procedures is in place with the RRA. The RRA will contact the registratin points of contacts and the Authorizing Authority (AA) advising them of an imminent domain suspension. The AA is the CIO for Federal level domains. The Authorizing Authority (AA), for State and Local governments and Native Soverign Nations is the highest elected official that authorizes the domain to operate and contain information reference to their government responsibilities.

2. Administrative – Domains that have content with advertising materials, political or campaign information, substantial incorrect information, inappropriate web links (i.e. to sites that violate content policy), and incorrect redirects are not in compliance or not consistent with original intent or approved purpose. The domain POCs will be contacted by the RRA to get issues resolved. The expectation is these administrative compliance issues are handled in a timely manner and suspension is reserved as a last resort.

The actual suspension of a domain without concurrence of a registrant requires the internal GSA approval at the Senior Executive level. Generally, for GSA initiated suspesions, the suspension will become effective 3 hours to 24 hours after notification of the points of contacts (POCs), depending on the severity of the issue. The notification of the contacts is the time at which one of the URL points of contact is contacted or the time that the voice and email messages are sent to all contacts, which ever is first. This provides an opportunity for the registrant to remediate the issue to avoid suspension. The RRA will review the site to see if the policy violation has been remediated prior to the suspension.

Now the question: who to contact? The FCC and CIO?

While nothing may come of the matter – these are only guidelines and the language is not very stringent as sites “may have their domain name suspended or experience operational issues or terminated based on the severity of the issue”. However, it sure would draw attention to the fact Obama does not believe he is required to play by the same rules as us lowly citizens.

Related:

ACLJ Petition On White House Spy Program – Also Senator John Cornyn Joins Jay Sekulow Tomorrow

Is Obama Or Executive Branch In Violation Of The Privacy Act of 1974?

Bush Vs. Obama – Wiretapping Terrorists Vs. Spying on Citizens.

In other news and opinion:

“I hope Glenn Beck kills himself”

Thug life: Enter the unions

ACORN Watch: Louisiana investigates

Cornyn to Obama: Shut down Snitch Central

Don’t forget to check out my discussion with Lewis K. Uhler and how 5 Republican Senators may hold the future of healthcare in their hands. A must read.

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Original Post

Update: ACLJ has Lawyers in Government Affairs Office working now on the legality of the White House spy program. Via the radio show today. To listen, see below (around 14:48 seconds into the show). Also read White House Spy Program Violates .Gov Domain Guidelines And Privacy Act of 1974 – Updates And Who To Contact.

Sign the petition The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ – think of the ACLU, only the opposite) website that asks Congress to remove abortion services from mandatory coverage in the health reform bill. Included in the petition is the following language (emphasis mine):

As a firm supporter of protecting life, I am deeply concerned about the official White House release calling on Americans to report those who make “fishy” statements about health care reform. The release is an attack on free speech and designed to stifle public debate about the health care issue.

Hear live casts and listen to archived radio shows at Jay Sekulow Live!. Play today’s show “Attack on Free Speech”, it’s a real eye opener. Forward the audio. GOP Sen. John Cornyn will be on the show tomorrow.

Related:

Is Obama Or Executive Branch In Violation Of The Privacy Act of 1974?

Bush Vs. Obama – Wiretapping Terrorists Vs. Spying on Citizens.

In other news and opinion:

“I hope Glenn Beck kills himself”

Thug life: Enter the unions

ACORN Watch: Louisiana investigates

Cornyn to Obama: Shut down Snitch Central

Where is the left’s outrage now?

Sound of crickets.

Obama is now asking citizens to spy on citizens (emphasis mine):

There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.

Let that sink in – Obama is authorizing the spying of citizen against citizen.

In the least, such a request is disingenuous. It may border on an abuse of power. If tax payer dollars are being used it is beyond the pale.

Recall when Bush authorized NSA wiretaps to intercept the international communications of people with known links to al Qaeda and related terrorist organizations? Recall how ballistic the left went?

The juxtaposition is amazing to behold. President Bush authorizes spying on terrorists plotting to kill Americans – people like you and me, our parents, grandparents, children, and siblings. Obama is authorizing spying on citizens who spread the truth about health care reform – what he calls disinformation. He is authorizing spying on those who disagree with him and his tactics. Warning sirens scream at top decibel upon reading the draconian words “through casual conversation”. At what point do we stand up and say, “enough is enough”?

As conservatives, we can walk and chew gum at the same time. This issue is such an abuse of power that, alongside protesting health care reform, it is our duty as citizens and bloggers to ensure this perversion of federal power reaches every nook and cranny of America; that it become household knowledge. Let’s help Obama burn through his political capital faster than he is burning a hole in our wallets.

Nobody wants their government spying on them. Even liberals should find themselves shocked at such arrogance and corruption of the power of the federal government. Remember, one day there will be a Republican in the White House again. This is something all of us should stand firmly against.

Get the message out. Use every tool at your disposal. Remember, with ObamaCare, at some point in the future your life will, literally, be in hands of some bureaucrat. You may even have a parent whose life will hang in the balance with passage of the current legislation. It is your duty to ensure that as many people know about Obama’s Orwellian corrupt abuse of power.

The actions Obama is taking should so outrage the public that national scrutiny has the potential to sink his presidency – and it should. These types of tactics may be acceptable in Venezuela, China, and Russia. Spying on your citizens in this country – no way.

Just imagine the grand mal seizures on the left side of the aisle had Bush tried this.

Vodka, comrade?

Here are a few things you could do:

• Given the update above that the White House may not be subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, it is imperative you contact the RNC – melt the phones (202.863.8500). I talked with them today and was told something was in the works for this month. Put the pressure on to get a nationwide commercial that will inform the American population of this abuse of power. Donate if you can. Insist they run the commercial as often as possible starting as soon as possible – August is crucial, it must be done in August. We are a “don’t tread on me” bunch and if this information goes viral, look for Obama to lose all his political capital and health care reform to be DOA come September. I don’t think even the mainstream media will be able to ignore this. If a case does exist, look for lawsuits in the future. Contact your Senators and Representatives and tell them pass a law that prohibits the collection of such data and requires the destruction of the current data. Make them go on the record as supporting spying on American citizens or protecting our rights. The RNC add should ask the viewers to do the same. Any Congressional member against such action can be targeted by opponents in primary elections. Believe me, most of them will act and act accordingly.
• Use the “Share This” button at the bottom of this post to email this story to all your friends. Ask them to forward it on.
• The Share This button can also be used for social networks.
• Just copy the URL above in the address bar and email it. Again, ask that it be forwarded.
• Same as the first two items, but if you don’t like my wording, link to the White House spy page and describe your own thoughts on the matter in the email. Send it and ask it to be forwarded. Feel free to just copy some of my post and add your own thoughts. You don’t have to link back to this site. Find another site that also talks about this issue. I am really impressed with a post by the American Thinker titled Citizen Informants.
• Call your favorite talk show and make the comparison between Bush and Obama. While Bush was spying on terrorists, Obama is spying on the American public, he is spying on us. Express your concern regarding this matter.
• If you run a blog – blog about it. If you are a lawyer or scholar you may have additional insights to share.
• Email and call your Senators and Representatives. Point out the hypocrisy of how Bush was treated vs. Obama. Ensure they understand that what Obama is doing is unacceptable by any sane standards of what it means to be an American.

P.S. I am still waiting for any news from the American Center for Liberty and Justice (ACLJ) – the good twin to the evil ACLU.

In other news and opinion:

Cornyn to Obama: Disband the Internet Snitch Brigade. The Anchoress chimes in.

Don’t forget about Operation Go Flag Yourself.

Well, well: Dems revoke gag order on GOP health care chart

Culture of corruption: Hill edition

Iran: 3 Americans could be tried for espionage

Democrats accuse GOP of inciting mobs. Looks like the CNN Political Ticker is shutting out the truth. Neither of my two comments has appeared. One of them linked to this story and the other to Michelle Malkin’s exposure of liberal hypocrisy concerning unruly mobs. The timestamp on both of my comments is well within the range of existing comments. Hmm, sounds fishy. I think I need to email the White House.

Want to know what mob rule really looks like?

DU Thread of The Day: What Birthers Really Want To Say Outloud.

DNC: Resistance to ObamaCare is futile

Dear White House: Look who’s funded by the health care industry

“Coordinated mobs”? Think again

For The Fatherland

Update: Bush Vs. Obama – Wiretapping Terrorists vs. Spying on Citizens. Obama and the abuse of power.

Well, that did not last long. Right when the Obama Serfs were out trying to discredit Drudge after Matt released a tape where Obama admits right on camera that his fairy dust wish is a single payer system – also known as socialized medicine or the die, grandma, die bill – the argument from the Chosen One’s apologists centered around an accusation that Matt Drudge cut the video up so that Obama was taken out of context.

Well, Matt now points to the unedited version of that tape on Breitbart TV, which means Obama and his Ministry of Propaganda are left with one option: hoping we are too busy clinging to our guns and religion to notice the liars and thieves amongst us.

Hope and change? More like hopeless and clueless.

More from The Boss: Coming next: A texting czar? and Obama lied, transparency died, Pt. 10,001: No Cash for Clunkers disclosure.

It really amazes me that some people still think our Dear Leader is anything but a front-man and cheerleader for socialism. The only good thing about ObamaCare – I’ll probably live long enough to see its current supporters cry and whine as they experience first-hand the horror of what they have done as their parents, grandparents, and children suffer under this draconian system. It will be worth suffering right along with them and looking into their hopeless and confused eyes and laughing my way to the deep sleep.

Here’s a doozy: Obama is now spying on U.S. citizens. Don’t mind those terrorists, let’s waste time spying on those who disagree with us because, as the White House site states, “Facts are stubborn things”. That right Obambi, your job would be a lot easier if you could just rid yourself of those inconvenient truths. Come to think of it, how do you know the facts if you admitted to not reading the bill? Wow, you graduated from where again?

Bring. It. On.

I’m looking into the legality of this and will be talking with my lawyer friends. If this is a violation of my rights or an over-reach of the federal government, then for the first time in my life I will take up the mantle and sue the pants off anyone involved.

Now I’m really mad. Try bringing Chicago down here to Texas and see where it gets you Obama. That’s right, I just challenged you, Rahm, and your idiot health czar to a showdown at high noon.

Here is the referenced page. I have saved a copy in the event it is taken down or changed.

Is this meant to scare us? If so, your proclivity for miscalculation is reaching legendary levels. I am quite the opposite of scared – more like mad as hell.

A great suggestion from one of Michelle Malkin’s readers:

Danceswithdachshunds said:

Start the chain email machines!

Dear Citizen,

If you see something about Obama’s plan to socialize US healthcare and think there is something ‘fishy’ about it – let him know! Write to flag@whitehouse.gov and tell them what you do not like.

Pass it on!

(And don’t forget, every single person in Congress who doesn’t want to vote for HR 615 should be voted OUT of office. If Obama’s health care plan isn’t good enough for them – THEN THEY ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR US!)

UPDATE: I just talked with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and they are looking into this as we speak.