March 15, 2000 Volume 3, Issue 5
Catherine Ellis, Editor
On March 6, 2000 Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) introduced H. J. RES.
90, a resolution to withdraw the United States from the World Trade
Organization. The passage of this Resolution will be a major victory
for American Sovereignty.
On the floor of the House Rep. Paul related why the WTO is bad for
America. He recounted a report that detailed how the U.S. recently
suffered a defeat in a tax dispute with the European Union. This unelected
international board that issued the judgment ruled that $2.2 billion of
U.S. tax reductions for American business violates the WTO’s rules and
therefore these tax cuts must be abolished by October of 2000. Ron Paul
declared:
By what authority does the World Trade Organization
assume jurisdiction over the United States Federal tax policy?
"Taxation without representation was a predominant reason for
America’s fight for independence during the American Revolution. Yet,
now we face an unconstitutional delegation of taxing authority to an
unelected body of international bureaucrats."
Under the 1994 legislation that approved U.S. membership in the WTO,
any member of Congress could file a resolution demanding U.S. withdrawal
after five years. This law guarantees a vote within 90 days from the time
the resolution is submitted—it cannot be bottled up in committee!
It is also important to note that the vote can happen at any time
from now until May 24, 2000. We must contact our Congressmen NOW!
"The U.S. should be part of a global economy –
but not part of global government."
***ACTION TO TAKE***
1. Join Rep. Paul’s electronic march on Washington in support of H.J.
Res. 90. Visit
www.StopWTO.org.
By going to this web site you can see if your Representative is
currently a cosponsor and if not, you may send them an email through this
site urging their support.
2. Call your Congressman and request that he/she cosponsors and
votes for H.J. Res. 90 which would withdraw the approval of the United
States from the Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization.
Capitol Hill Switchboard (202) 225-3121.
Vote to Protect Private Property in the House
Thursday, March 16!!!
We have a very rare opportunity to protect our private property rights
as provided to us in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This
Thursday the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 2372, "The
Property Rights Implementation Act of 2000" sponsored by Rep. Charles
Canady (R-FL).
The American Land Rights Association (www.landrights.org)
asserts that this bill reforms our court systems so property owners have
the same access to federal court as other constitutional claimants. If an
individual claims that his first amendment constitutional right to free
speech, for example, has been violated, he can take that claim directly to
federal court. By contrast, property owners whose Fifth Amendment rights
have been infringed on by the Endangered Species Act, or other laws, are
forced to take their case through years of state administrative and court
battles before getting access to federal court.
Environmental extremists living in trees who claim
violations of their free speech have immediate access to federal courts.
Property owners should have the same rights as environmental activists.
Defend your property rights TODAY!
***ACTION TO TAKE***
Call this free number 1-877-228-4533 (the Property Rights Action
Hotline) to be connected to your Member of Congress. Press 2 to be
connected directly to your Representative. Tell them: 1. to OPPOSE the
Boehlert amendment because it will prevent immediate access by landowners
to federal courts. 2. to SUPPORT H.R. 2372 because it clears away unfair
and administrative hurdles property owners face when trying to bring their
takings claims to court.
