Home Prices – Interest Rates – The Perfect Storm

I ran some numbers today just to show what “Fence Sitters” may be costing themselves by taking no action when the conditions are ideal for most anyone who is in the market and qualifies to buy a home.

The “Fence Sitters” are the ones who will sit and watch and wait, and wait, and wait… they wait for ideal conditions to appear. They are the ones who just know, they can feel it in their bones they know that rates are going to get better, even though rates are at close to 40 year lows – right now! They also know that home prices are going to come down and still go lower maybe another 5% or even 10% lower than they are right now, even though home prices in Utah are close to what they were back in 2003! Are you a fence sitter? Don’t miss it, Don’t blink!

First time home buyers or those that haven’t owned in the past three years more than likely will qualify for the governments’ $7500.00 tax credit. Provided they don’t use a grant program. I qualify folks on what they can afford as a Monthly Payment which translates into a Home Price Range. I want to illustrate what waiting will actually cost in real dollars.

If you want a $320,000 loan or if you qualify for a $1766. P&I Payment
$320,000.00 @ 5.25% = $1,766.00 - $1,766.00 @ 5.25% = $320,000.00

$320,000.00 @ 6.00% = $1,918.00 - $1,766.00 @ 6.00% = $294,700.00

$320,000.00 @ 6.50% = $2,022.00 - $1,766.00 @ 6.50% = $279,540.00

$320,000.00 @ 7.00% = $2,128.00 - $1,766.00 @ 7.00% = $265,566.00

$320,000.00 @ 7.50% = $2,237.00 - $1,766.00 @ 7.50% = $252,680.00

$320,000.00 @ 8.00% = $2,348.00 - $1,766.00 @ 8.00% = $240,775.00

Payment will go up substantially for the exact same home!
OR
You simply can’t buy as much home for the very same payment!

FACT: Rates are Phenomenal - now!

FACT: Home Prices are Lower and Fantastic!

FACT: We are in the PERFECT STORM! Remember the movie?

Home prices and interest rates are subject to change and both most likely will go up.

I truly believe that once Obama is sworn in as President on January 20th - interest rates are going to go up. I believe they will be around 8% sometime in 2009 - they have to go up to help fix the economic disaster our country is currently facing!

Who do you know who is currently renting but who should buy a home? CALL ME

Who do you know who wants to invest in real estate? CALL ME

Who do you know who want to move up or move down? CALL ME

And don't wait......CALL ME today!

Bill Gillane
(801) 573-2146 Direct Line
(801) 838-8150 Office
Service One Home Loans
Senior Loan Officer
Principal Lending Manager

I do expect & encourage folks to copy & paste this. I would ask only that you leave my contact information in place. Thank you.

Delightful Water Universe

There is a movie premiere at "The Rose" on Saturday night (my birthday) called: "Delightful Water Universe". I have a small part in it. This is a Trent Harris film. The guy who made the cult classic "Ruben & Ed"

EXTRAVAGANZA AND MOVIE PREMIERE!

Be the first to see Trent Harris' new film Delightful Water Universe (revolting ideas on revitalizing the American Dream)

The film plus…Movie stars! Limos! Spotlights! Prizes! The Delightful Girls! General Weirdness! Strange Things! And The March of the Big Foot! And that's before the shows even start!

Saturday, November 1, at the Rose Wagner Center. It begins at 6:30 with shows at 7:30 and 9:30.

Tickets are $21 and are available online at ArtTix, at all ArtTix Ticket Office locations or by calling 355-ARTS

Check out the trailer here or go to the website: Delightful Water Universe
AND… we forgot to mention the BIG CONTEST! Bring your camera, take pictures of this historic event and submit your best photo to Delightful Water Universe
Prizes for the best photos!

Long live the revolution!



See Ya,
Bill

Finally Someone's Telling the Truth & Has Gotten It Right!

You'll need to sit through a short commercial before the video starts...


Watch CBS Videos Online

OK So the last two were Funny, however Craig expressed more how I feel about the whole thing.

These next two are actually historically accurate, and frighting. We Need To Wake Up!

This is the truth, not some political spin on "their" truth, but the facts revealed. Facts that they can't hide, over time the truth cant help but be revealed. "Liars don't make the truth any less real"

What we know from history if nothing else, is that it always repeats itself.

Clearly Explains How This Could Happen

Craig Ferguson on McCain & The Bailout!

Want to see some original shows?

Want to support several community theatres?

Then take part in the Page-to-Stage Festival.

The festival features a full-length original play (Breaking the Shakespeare Code by John Minigan) and 6 original short plays (The Short-Shorts Festival). Tickets are $12.00, which includes admission to both shows (www.arttix.org).

Performance dates and times (8:00 p.m. unless noted):

Breaking the Shakespeare Code: 9/11, 9/13, 9/19, 9/20 (2:00 p.m.), 9/ 25, 9/27

Short-Shorts Festival: 9/12, 9/13 (2:00 p.m.), 9:18, 9/20, 9/26, 9/27 (2:00 p.m.) Featuring Several Talented Lounge Actors.

All parts of the festival will take place in the Studio Theatre at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center (150 West 300 South).

Details:

Breaking the Shakespeare Code, a full-length play by John Minigan. A gifted but jaded acting teacher (Garrick Dean) reluctantly coaches an aspiring young actor (Alicia Washington) for an upcoming series of auditions. As the play unfolds over a sixteen year period of time, we delve into the richness of Shakespeare’s text and watch the couple discover a way to decode not only the great monologues of Shakespeare, but the intricacies of their own relationship. The show is directed by Sallie Cooper.

The 8^th Annual Short-Shorts Festival features six original short plays.

The first script, “Hot Spot”, by Jim Lord, finds a couple (Nancy McAffee and Matt Mascaro) in an awkward predicament after their affair is interrupted and they are trapped in non-conventional eating establishment ran by a mysterious stranger (Bill Gillane). The short is directed by Charlene Adams and also features Chris Laird.

Symptoms, written by Jim Martin and directed by Mary Lee Anderton, tells the story of a woman (Maline Hairup) looking for special medical attention from her doctor (Daniel Torrence) and receiving an unexpected prescription. ClaraSusan Morey II also stars as the nurse.

Ryan J Poole and Scott Thompson find themselves searching for answers and exits in Gene Washington’s Beckettesqu Destination. Jacob Bruner directs.

L. Isabella Iasella’s Kurosawa, Sake, and Lovers and Strangers, examines the contrasts between two couples as they explore their reactions to Kurosawa’s Rashomon, rice balls and each other. Directed by Candace Christensen, this short features Bill Gillane, Kyoko Ito, Nancy McAffee, Gail McCulloch, and Daniel Torrence.

JC Carter directs a short about a dying grandmother (ClaraSusan Morey II) who reveals a tragic secret to her granddaughter (Lindsay Marriott) in Linda Eyring’s “Torrid”.

Finally, the very pregnant protagonist (Nicole Pilling) of Megan Crivello’s A Night in the Life finds herself in the center of a matchmaking scheme masterminded by her brother (Ryan J. Poole) and his boyfriend (Carl Evans). Also starring Brian Pilling, the short is directed by Jim Martin.

---

Theater notes: Local playwrights get a chance to shine at Page-to-Stage FestivalCompiled by Roxana Orellana

Salt Lake TribuneArticle Last Updated:

The work of local playwrights will be showcased at Wasatch Theatre Company and Utah Association of Community Theatres' annual Page-to-Stage Festival.
The festival includes productions of short and full-length plays as well as writing and directing workshops. Productions include John Minigan's play "Breaking the Shakespeare Code," about the relationship between a theater professor (Garrick Dean) and his student (Alicia Washington), directed by Sallie Cooper, which will alternate with performances of six short plays.

A free playwriting workshop, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon, will be led by Karrie Ann Ogilvie and George Plautz, while Mary Lee Anderton and Sallie Cooper will lead a free directing workshop Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition, free staged readings will take place at 5 p.m. each Saturday of the festival.

When: Opens Sept. 11 and continues Thursdays through Saturdays through Sept. 27; performances at 8 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. and readings at 5 p.m. Saturdays. "Breaking the Shakespeare Code" will be performed Sept. 11, 13, 19, 25 and 27, with a 2 p.m. matinee Sept. 20; short plays will run Sept. 12, 18, 20 and 26, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sept. 13 and 27.

Where: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center's Studio Theatre, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City.

Tickets: $12, at www.arttix.org or 801-355-ARTS. For more details about the festival or to reserve a workshop spot, call 801-446-5657. 446-5657.

Event: “Hot Spot” – A Short Play

Actors: Bill G., Matt M., & Chris L. – All from the Lounge

Just an update since I haven't updated my blog in a few months.

I got the part of Desmond in a film called "Devil Drink". We filmed all this last week. Long days. It was great fun and lots of work. Lots of dialogue to remember. I think it went well and I'm excited to see the end product. I even got to keep my wardrobe, so I got a brand new, well, now slightly used suit.

I am in 2 plays over at the Rose Wagoner theater in September, starting on the 12th. It is a series shorts featuring 5 plays from local playwrites. I haven't done theater since I was 19, so I am a bit nervous about it all, but I'm sure it will be fine.

I did the "Slippery Kittens" show last Saturday night and as always they were great and I had a great time as their Emcee. They are featured this week in the city weekly because of their making it into the top 40 on Americas Got Talent. Copy & paste this link to read more:

Slippery Kittens - CityWeekly

See Ya,
Bill

Well Its time once again for the "Slippery Kittens" Annual Fundraiser and Amateur Dance Contest.

This is always a great time plus we'll have over $1000.00 in cash & prizes!

The Kittens are Baking Up Some of Their Very Own Tasty Treats for the Annual Fundraiser.

I get to be your Master of Ceremonies, and have been lovingly dubbed "Bourbon Bill" by the soon to be World Famous Slippery Kittens.

See the poster below for more information. You'll also want to check out the rules and requirements to enter the competition, also below.

Come Play With Us...

You Know You Want To!!!



Details of the Contest:

I got to take part in this years “48Hour” film project. This marks the second year in Salt Lake. Last year I was part of a team that got mentioned in the “City Weekly Best Of 2007” edition. Here’s what they had to say about our entry:

BEST SPEED CINEMA

48 Hour Film Project

For the first time, Salt Lake City filmmakers participated in the test of creativity and stamina. Thanks to the Salt Lake Film Society, we saw a delightful array of short flicks that had to be completed in 48 hours. Some were deliciously awful (such as the campy fantasy The Stone Talice); others (like Reader Pick winner Klaus) were of the caliber you’d be delighted to find at Sundance. Ah, the benefits of Final Cut Pro.

You can read about all of the other “Best’s” here:

http://www.slweekly.com/index.cfm?do=article.details&id=F634A88E-0AF0-B28F-6A34936219A2E806&page=3

Then I get this from a friend who was also on the team from last year.

“I was reading facebook today and noticed you had sent a pic to someone saying that your 48 hour thing won the audience award? Congrats! Way to go from the Loosing-est team to a winner in one year!!!”

You can read about this year’s adventure in the post below or on the 48Hour site clicking here:

http://www.48hourfilm.com/saltlakecity/blog.php

The “48Hour” wrap party was Saturday night and it was where lots of the film makers, actors and crew came together to play and celebrate both survival and completion. Lots of familiar faces and most of them were even friendly. We showed up a bit late as we were at our friends sons wedding reception, which I didn’t really want to leave, but I was the only one from our film in town that night, so I had to go and represent our team. I did have a great time at both events.

The award ceremony was on Monday night. It started late and the theater was full. I guess the folks at the “Tower” theater don’t realize that when you have a full house it’s best to actually run the A/C.

There were 44 teams and I think a total of 43 films made it in, although not all were on time which eliminated them from the awards.

Our screening was Thursday last week we were in “Group C”. I think about 8 of the 11 films that screened with ours won awards including ours. We won the “Audience Favorite” award, and I got to accept it for our team. See below.

BACKSTROKE is slated to have its world broadcast premiere on LOGO on Wednesday, May 7th. LOGO is MTV's GLBT channel with over 27 million subscribers. The film will air as part of the 5th season of "The Click List: The Best in Short Film." This has been a long time coming and I'm really excited! For those of you in Utah, LOGO is carried by Direct TV and will actually screen at 8pm (for most of you, 10pm EST). The day after the premiere, Backstroke will be available to view online as well as an interview Amy Bronson did, and you can vote (so please do).



Also, the brilliant Niki Nielsen has created an official website for BACKSTROKE . It's still under construction, but it looks fantastic. Check it out, and please do so often!

Yep, it’s that time of year again, time for the 48Hour Film Project in SLC, Utah.

This year I am part of Josh Samson's team. His company "Mishu Productions” are in "Group C" of the lineup and our screening will be Thursday May 8th at 7:00pm. There are 4 groups of 11 teams competing, and the films will be screened at the Broadway on the 7th & 8th with a wrap party and awards on May 12th.

BROADWAY CENTRE CINEMAS

111 East 300 South

Salt Lake City, UT.

(801) 321-0310

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Tickets will sell out, so be sure to get yours early!

We almost didn’t get in to see our film!

We ended up waiting at the door for scalpers!

So definitely get them right NOW!

Each film must contain these "Elements"

Character:	Jacob or Janice Simon, Instructor
Prop:	a jewel
Line of Dialogue:	"Just wait and see."

I think everyone who played last year learned a lot and will take that knowledge and put it to good use this time out, so I’m excited to see how much improved this years entries are.

Our team pulled "Road Movie" as the theme or genre. The ideas were flowing on the drive home and the script was written within the first few hours. Josh called me ad told me that we would not be filming Friday night, but to be at his house early Saturday morning, and we’d go from there.

After picking up a few items and a lovely lady, we headed up Emigration Canyon to shoot. We started shooting somewhere around 9:30 and finished just before 3:00 pm. It was a beautiful day and I have the sunburn to prove it! This is a fun little story and I cant wait to see what Josh has done with it.

In summary, there are 44 films being made in Salt Lake City for the 48 Hour Project this weekend and that means there are at least 44 local filmmakers and actors to come support, probably more like a few hundred locals to come and support. It's a very fun & exciting experience, plus you'll get to see lots of local talent and how they all work under some pretty intense pressure.

In other news:

BACKSTROKE - Check out the official website designed by the lovely Niki Nielsen, (who also stars in this multiple award winning movie.)

World Broadcast Premiere of "Backstroke"

THIS Wednesday, May 7th at 8pm MST. Backstroke will be airing on the LOGO network (available to DirecTV subscribers in Utah)

This is the first time it will air on television!

After it airs, go to Logo Online and vote for "Backstroke"

See Ya,

Bill

Blog Update 04-18-08

OK So I’m just sure you all are wondering and maybe even asking yourselves “What the heck is Bill up to lately?”

I’m feeling it, I get it! Some folks even call it their “Bill Fix”, so here you go…

Over the last year, yes year, OK well, maybe not quite a year, I have been involved with students in the film department up at the U.

I’ve had parts in several student films this year including a part in a film called “10 Letters”. I play a preacher who, lets just say, is in it for himself, and who enjoys the perks he receives being trusted by the prayerful females of his flock.

There are many local actors involved in this particular project including the lovely Niki Nelson. The story is about a typical email chain letter that is ignored and the consequences of that inaction. Niki plays a principal role and I play a very small part.

This was shot on 35mm film and was made possible by a grant from Kodak who donated the film, equipment, camera, processing and so on. Some of the students went to California to pick up a van full of equipment and get trained on its use and care. Most of the “Big” boys and girls in the advanced film department had their talented hands in this project in one way or another. The film is being billed as a “David Sutera” film, so, I can hardly wait to see it.

Here is the Official Announcement;

"Ten Letters" is being screened tonight - April 18th - at the University of Utah’s Fine Arts Auditorium.

The short will be part of the Persistent Visions show that starts at 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Admission is $5.00 dollars at the door.

The Fine Arts Auditorium is on the basement of the Fine Arts Building. If you have any questions regarding where to park and how to get there you can call the Film Division Office 585 0424

Seems like all the work in local TV & Film get completed and set for screening at the same time of year, at least for stuff that I’ve been involved with anyway.

In this next one, I play a small part in a Candlelight Media full length feature film called “RESCUED” which premieres at 7:30 pm Thursday April 24^th at JORDAN COMMONS Megaplex, Theater #16 - 9400 South State Street – in Sandy. These are the same great folks that did “Turn Around”. You’ll want to arrive early and be seated no later than 7:10 pm – Always sell a out! Watch the trailer: Rescued

Saturday the 26^th is going to be a very busy day for me too! First off, I’m holding a FREE “First Time Home Buyers Seminar” at the Keller Williams office in Midvale. If you haven’t been to one of my seminars, and are even thinking about buying a home of your own now or anytime in the future you don’t want to miss this one. I cover the do’s and don’ts and “How to” actually buy a home. I have lots of great information and the seminar runs about 90 minutes. It starts at 9:30 am. If Saturday won’t work for you, come this next Tuesday evening the 22^nd at 6:30 pm. Call 800-391-4020 and hit extension 772 for more information and to register.

After the seminar, I’m headed over to a private screening of “Lifeless” at a local theater that is exclusively for the cast and crew and a few invited guests. I get to be one of the first to see all three episodes. This is the Zombie TV series that is finally complete and is currently being shopped all around the industry. Here is the trailer: LIFELESS

And I get to bring a busy Saturday to a close by opening up the night as the official Emcee for the one and only Slippery Kittens, Utah’s best Burlesque dance troop. These ladies are amazing!

Is this even Legal???!! (It is, but just barely.)

Come join us and the Slippery Kittens NEXT Saturday night, April 26th @ Bar Deluxe!!!!

The "Salt Town Greasers" take the stage @ 10:00 pm & for the record, these guys are great, they always put on a really good show.

Now the main event! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Gorgeous, Talented, Seductively Stunning, Lovely Ladies who call themselves the “Slippery Kittens”, take to the stage @ 11 pm along with me as your Emcee and Salt Lakes' Queen of Karaoke, Miss Kate Le Deuce, for a few hours for both grown up and even some childish fun for all.

Come and Play With Us.
Come On, You Know You Want To!

CHECK THIS OUT!

OK, now here is some really BIG news from the most humble, Miss Amy Bronson a former student at the U who made a little film that has been all around the world this past year. A film which has won numerous awards including the audience favorite at the Utah Arts Festival this last summer, a film that was noticed by MTV and was recognized and discussed in a major magazine who called it one of the top ten short films currently on the film festival circuit. The film is called "Backstroke" and it is gonna be airing on TV, and I was lucky enough to have had a small part in it.

The film stars Niki Nelson and Amee Walden with Linda Erying, Paul Johnson and myself.

Backstroke is slated to have its world broadcast premiere on May 7th at 10pm, on LOGO - MTV's GLBT channel with over 27 million subscribers.

Backstroke will air on LOGO's "The Click List: The Best in Short Film.

"A day after the premiere, the film will be available to view online at www.logoonline.com and there will be voting!

If you live in Utah, LOGO is only available through DirecTV. If you don't get DirecTV, no worries, rumor has it there's a screening party in the works.

So what else have I got going on?

Well the 48 hour film festival contest is the 2nd - 4th of May and it looks like I'm on Josh Samsons team this year.

I was also cast in a ultra low budget SAG short film project called "Old Time Radio" that was written by Miss Shilo Panter. I have two call dates which are May 2nd and May 23rd. The 23rd is an overnighter! Here is a brief synopsis:

"The new title of (A Shiloh Dawn Painter Film) is Old Time Radio. Cynthia is driving through the mountain listening to old time radio; little does she know that he story she is listening to will happen to her before the night is over."

My IMDb page is starting to fill up a bit and I think it looks really cool, take a look: Bill Gillane

Isn’t that about enough of a “Bill” fix??? Probably.

Until next time, “Own and Live Your Dreams”

See Ya,
Bill

Dr. Paul’s Writings › “Not Yours to Give”

Originally published in "The Life of Colonel David Crockett," by Edward Sylvester Ellis.

One day in the House of Representatives a bill was taken up appropriating money for the benefit of a widow of a distinguished naval officer. Several beautiful speeches had been made in its support. The speaker was just about to put the question when Crockett arose:

"Mr. Speaker--I have as much respect for the memory of the deceased, and as much sympathy for the suffering of the living, if there be, as any man in this House, but we must not permit our respect for the dead or our sympathy for part of the living to lead us into an act of injustice to the balance of the living. I will not go into an argument to prove that Congress has not the power to appropriate this money as an act of charity. Every member on this floor knows it.

We have the right as individuals, to give away as much of our own money as we please in charity; but as members of Congress we have no right to appropriate a dollar of the public money. Some eloquent appeals have been made to us upon the ground that it is a debt due the deceased. Mr. Speaker, the deceased lived long after the close of the war; he was in office to the day of his death, and I ever heard that the government was in arrears to him.

"Every man in this House knows it is not a debt. We cannot without the grossest corruption, appropriate this money as the payment of a debt. We have not the semblance of authority to appropriate it as charity. Mr. Speaker, I have said we have the right to give as much money of our own as we please. I am the poorest man on this floor. I cannot vote for this bill, but I will give one week's pay to the object, and if every member of Congress will do the same, it will amount to more than the bill asks."

He took his seat. Nobody replied. The bill was put upon its passage, and, instead of passing unanimously, as was generally supposed, and as, no doubt, it would, but for that speech, it received but few votes, and, of course, was lost.

Later, when asked by a friend why he had opposed the appropriation, Crockett gave this explanation:

"Several years ago I was one evening standing on the steps of the Capitol with some members of Congress, when our attention was attracted by a great light over in Georgetown. It was evidently a large fire. We jumped into a hack and drove over as fast as we could. In spite of all that could be done, many houses were burned and many families made houseless, and besides, some of them had lost all but the clothes they had on. The weather was very cold, and when I saw so many children suffering, I felt that something ought to be done for them. The next morning a bill was introduced appropriating $20,000 for their relief. We put aside all other business and rushed it through as soon as it could be done.

"The next summer, when it began to be time to think about election, I concluded I would take a scout around among the boys of my district. I had no opposition there but, as the election was some time off, I did not know what might turn up. When riding one day in a part of my district in which I was more of a stranger than any other, I saw a man in a field plowing and coming toward the road. I gauged my gait so that we should meet as he came up, I spoke to the man. He replied politely, but as I thought, rather coldly.

"I began: 'Well friend, I am one of those unfortunate beings called candidates and---

"Yes I know you; you are Colonel Crockett. I have seen you once before, and voted for you the last time you were elected. I suppose you are out electioneering now, but you had better not waste your time or mine, I shall not vote for you again."

"This was a sockdolger...I begged him tell me what was the matter.

"Well Colonel, it is hardly worthwhile to waste time or words upon it. I do not see how it can be mended, but you gave a vote last winter which shows that either you have not capacity to understand the Constitution, or that you are wanting in the honesty and firmness to be guided by it. In either case you are not the man to represent me. But I beg your pardon for expressing it that way. I did not intend to avail myself of the privilege of the constituent to speak plainly to a candidate for the purpose of insulting you or wounding you.'

"I intend by it only to say that your understanding of the constitution is very different from mine; and I will say to you what but for my rudeness, I should not have said, that I believe you to be honest.

But an understanding of the constitution different from mine I cannot overlook, because the Constitution, to be worth anything, must be held sacred, and rigidly observed in all its provisions. The man who wields power and misinterprets it is the more dangerous the honest he is.'

" 'I admit the truth of all you say, but there must be some mistake. Though I live in the backwoods and seldom go from home, I take the papers from Washington and read very carefully all the proceedings of Congress. My papers say you voted for a bill to appropriate $20,000 to some sufferers by fire in Georgetown. Is that true?

"Well my friend; I may as well own up. You have got me there. But certainly nobody will complain that a great and rich country like ours should give the insignificant sum of $20,000 to relieve its suffering women and children, particularly with a full and overflowing treasury, and I am sure, if you had been there, you would have done just the same as I did.'

"It is not the amount, Colonel, that I complain of; it is the principle. In the first place, the government ought to have in the Treasury no more than enough for its legitimate purposes. But that has nothing with the question. The power of collecting and disbursing money at pleasure is the most dangerous power that can be entrusted to man, particularly under our system of collecting revenue by a tariff, which reaches every man in the country, no matter how poor he may be, and the poorer he is the more he pays in proportion to his means.

What is worse, it presses upon him without his knowledge where the weight centers, for there is not a man in the United States who can ever guess how much he pays to the government. So you see, that while you are contributing to relieve one, you are drawing it from thousands who are even worse off than he.

If you had the right to give anything, the amount was simply a matter of discretion with you, and you had as much right to give $20,000,000 as $20,000. If you have the right to give at all; and as the Constitution neither defines charity nor stipulates the amount, you are at liberty to give to any and everything which you may believe, or profess to believe, is a charity and to any amount you may think proper. You will very easily perceive what a wide door this would open for fraud and corruption and favoritism, on the one hand, and for robbing the people on the other. 'No, Colonel, Congress has no right to give charity.'

"'Individual members may give as much of their own money as they please, but they have no right to touch a dollar of the public money for that purpose. If twice as many houses had been burned in this country as in Georgetown, neither you nor any other member of Congress would have Thought of appropriating a dollar for our relief. There are about two hundred and forty members of Congress. If they had shown their sympathy for the sufferers by contributing each one week's pay, it would have made over $13,000. There are plenty of wealthy men around Washington who could have given $20,000 without depriving themselves of even a luxury of life.'

"The congressmen chose to keep their own money, which, if reports be true, some of them spend not very creditably; and the people about Washington, no doubt, applauded you for relieving them from necessity of giving what was not yours to give. The people have delegated to Congress, by the Constitution, the power to do certain things. To do these, it is authorized to collect and pay moneys, and for nothing else. Everything beyond this is usurpation, and a violation of the Constitution.'

"'So you see, Colonel, you have violated the Constitution in what I consider a vital point. It is a precedent fraught with danger to the country, for when Congress once begins to stretch its power beyond the limits of the Constitution, there is no limit to it, and no security for the people. I have no doubt you acted honestly, but that does not make it any better, except as far as you are personally concerned, and you see that I cannot vote for you.'

"I tell you I felt streaked. I saw if I should have opposition, and this man should go to talking and in that district I was a gone fawn-skin. I could not answer him, and the fact is, I was so fully convinced that he was right, I did not want to. But I must satisfy him, and I said to him:

"Well, my friend, you hit the nail upon the head when you said I had not sense enough to understand the Constitution. I intended to be guided by it, and thought I had studied it fully. I have heard many speeches in Congress about the powers of Congress, but what you have said here at your plow has got more hard, sound sense in it than all the fine speeches I ever heard. If I had ever taken the view of it that you have, I would have put my head into the fire before I would have given that vote; and if you will forgive me and vote for me again, if I ever vote for another unconstitutional law I wish I may be shot.'

"He laughingly replied; 'Yes, Colonel, you have sworn to that once before, but I will trust you again upon one condition. You are convinced that your vote was wrong. Your acknowledgment of it will do more good than beating you for it. If, as you go around the district, you will tell people about this vote, and that you are satisfied it was wrong, I will not only vote for you, but will do what I can to keep down opposition, and perhaps, I may exert some little influence in that way.'

"If I don't, said I, 'I wish I may be shot; and to convince you that I am in earnest in what I say I will come back this way in a week or ten days, and if you will get up a gathering of people, I will make a speech to them. Get up a barbecue, and I will pay for it.'

"No, Colonel, we are not rich people in this section but we have plenty of provisions to contribute for a barbecue, and some to spare for those who have none. The push of crops will be over in a few days, and we can then afford a day for a barbecue. 'This Thursday; I will see to getting it up on Saturday week. Come to my house on Friday, and we will go together, and I promise you a very respectable crowd to see and hear you.

"'Well I will be here. But one thing more before I say good-bye. I must know your name."

"'My name is Bunce.'

"'Not Horatio Bunce?'

"'Yes

"'Well, Mr. Bunce, I never saw you before, though you say you have seen me, but I know you very well. I am glad I have met you, and very proud that I may hope to have you for my friend.'

"It was one of the luckiest hits of my life that I met him. He mingled but little with the public, but was widely known for his remarkable intelligence, and for a heart brim-full and running over with kindness and benevolence, which showed themselves not only in words but in acts. He was the oracle of the whole country around him, and his fame had extended far beyond the circle of his immediate acquaintance. Though I had never met him, before, I had heard much of him, and but for this meeting it is very likely I should have had opposition, and had been beaten. One thing is very certain, no man could now stand up in that district under such a vote.

"At the appointed time I was at his house, having told our conversation to every crowd I had met, and to every man I stayed all night with, and I found that it gave the people an interest and confidence in me stronger than I had ever seen manifested before.

"Though I was considerably fatigued when I reached his house, and, under ordinary circumstances, should have gone early to bed, I kept him up until midnight talking about the principles and affairs of government, and got more real, true knowledge of them than I had got all my life before."

"I have known and seen much of him since, for I respect him - no, that is not the word - I reverence and love him more than any living man, and I go to see him two or three times every year; and I will tell you, sir, if every one who professes to be a Christian lived and acted and enjoyed it as he does, the religion of Christ would take the world by storm.

"But to return to my story. The next morning we went to the barbecue and, to my surprise, found about a thousand men there. I met a good many whom I had not known before, and they and my friend introduced me around until I had got pretty well acquainted - at least, they all knew me.

"In due time notice was given that I would speak to them. They gathered up around a stand that had been erected. I opened my speech by saying:

"Fellow-citizens - I present myself before you today feeling like a new man. My eyes have lately been opened to truths which ignorance or prejudice or both, had heretofore hidden from my view. I feel that I can today offer you the ability to render you more valuable service than I have ever been able to render before. I am here today more for the purpose of acknowledging my error than to seek your votes. That I should make this acknowledgment is due to myself as well as to you. Whether you will vote for me is a matter for your consideration only."

"I went on to tell them about the fire and my vote for the appropriation and then told them why I was satisfied it was wrong. I closed by saying:

"And now, fellow-citizens, it remains only for me to tell you that the most of the speech you have listened to with so much interest was simply a repetition of the arguments by which your neighbor, Mr. Bunce, convinced me of my error.

"It is the best speech I ever made in my life, but he is entitled to the credit for it. And now I hope he is satisfied with his convert and that he will get up here and tell you so.'

"He came up to the stand and said:

"Fellow-citizens - it affords me great pleasure to comply with the request of Colonel Crockett. I have always considered him a thoroughly honest man, and I am satisfied that he will faithfully perform all that he has promised you today.'

"He went down, and there went up from that crowd such a shout for Davy Crockett as his name never called forth before.'

"I am not much given to tears, but I was taken with a choking then and felt some big drops rolling down my cheeks. And I tell you now that the remembrance of those few words spoken by such a man, and the honest, hearty shout they produced, is worth more to me than all the honors I have received and all the reputation I have ever made, or ever shall make, as a member of Congress.'

"Now, sir," concluded Crockett, "you know why I made that speech yesterday. "There is one thing which I will call your attention, "you remember that I proposed to give a week's pay. There are in that House many very wealthy men - men who think nothing of spending a week's pay, or a dozen of them, for a dinner or a wine party when they have something to accomplish by it. Some of those same men made beautiful speeches upon the great debt of gratitude which the country owed the deceased--a debt which could not be paid by money--and the insignificance and worthlessness of money, particularly so insignificant a sum as $20,000 when weighed against the honor of the nation. Yet not one of them responded to my proposition. Money with them is nothing but trash when it is to come out of the people. But it is the one great thing for which most of them are striving, and many of them sacrifice honor, integrity, and justice to obtain it."

March 19, 2008 2:02 pm EST

Ron Paul Statement After

10 Years of War with Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2008



ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – On the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Congressman Ron Paul, member of the House Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement:

“The occupation of Iraq began five years ago today, but few realize that the march to war began ten years ago under Bill Clinton, when regime change became official U.S. policy. In 1998, I took to the House floor in protest of the Iraqi Liberation Act to warn that, ‘I see this legislation as essentially being a declaration of virtual war. It is giving the President tremendous powers to pursue war efforts against a sovereign Nation.’ My warnings were largely dismissed at the time, but five years later, we were bombing Iraq.

“After five years of occupation, today is a good time for reflection. The cost to America has been great: 4,000 soldiers are dead, 30,000 have been severely wounded, and over 100,000 have applied for disability. In addition, the war has put a tremendous strain on our economy. As we spiral toward recession and experience an assault on our dollar, we spend $12 billion per month financing our Iraqi operations. The war has cost us nearly $1 trillion dollars, or over $3,300 per American man, woman, and child.

“In a recent presidential debate, I was asked whether the war was ‘worth it.’ I said, and still say, ‘absolutely not.’ In addition to the tremendous costs to America, the war has been helpful to our enemies. The war has strengthened Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda, and Iran. And yet the other presidential candidates want to keep troops there for at least five more years. One even says we should keep American troops in Iraq for 100 years.

“As I have repeatedly said when discussing United States policy in Iraq, when you find yourself going the wrong way down a one-way street, you need to look for the nearest off-ramp. The only solution to the mess in Iraq is to promptly bring our troops home. Our bad policy spans at least ten years and two presidents and has had severe costs in lives and economic consequences. Continuing down the same road will solve nothing and compound our already substantial problems.”

"Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want."

This is a must watch.

This is a response to a story on the L. A. Times Blog Site. You can read the entire story here:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/02/paul.html

Open Letter to Dr. Ron Paul…….
It all started when we saw the first presidential debate over a year ago. My wife and I thought our voice could never make a difference. A government mostly comprised of constitutional traitors holding office. After hundreds of hours of reading, and learning, one cannot help question the workings. When we heard the honorable Dr. Ron Paul speak it gave us hope, and the feeling “Wow, finally a true statesmen.” So desperately needed.. As if something were in the water, in the halls of power and only Paul were immune!”. Began the research, more and more, not just words from faces but the substance in record and content in character. As it progressed, scary and shocking things were stumbled upon. Policies that put fear to ones bones as if the lives sacrificed upon the alter, of sovereign liberty to mean nothing.
Paul a humble elderly congressman from Texas. Him and his wife Carol married now some 51 years. To those hands which have guided thousands of new lives to the light of the world. A voice bringingt chills. Enthralling to the marrow. Searching for a single sentence, A fractured statement. From this hero country doctor, Ron Paul.
Read and watched searched and sought, until finally, triggered to action. I (we) signed on, with heart, soul, wallet and purse. We went for the first time in our life, to a meet-up group for a political organization. Ordered and made signs, cards, slim jims.. Started a family crusade to inform as many people as possible about the good doctor. As I discovered, he was nearly flawless in every way, and was directly in line with my thoughts. A Jeffersonian reincarnation. Just could not believe that we had found somebody that alone had fought so long. A crusader for rights and sovereignty for all , yet so honest, forthright and the will to speak truth to power.
Signs in the yard, stickers on a car, and wherever we traveled, always had Ron Paul items with us. Discovering many innovative ways to get this great message out.Spent days at the Daily Paul, excited and learning. Throughout the entire journey was triggered to research and understanding. To monetary policy. an economic expert on Fiat Currency, The Federal Reserve, The Gold Standard, The monetizing of Debt, IRS, Fractional Reserve Banking, The World Oil Trade, CFR (council for foreign relations) Nafta, The Patriot Act, the central bank and the list goes on. Having dug deep, We have informed our friends and family and strangers. To further seed the continuation of a revolution started our founders. When just a year ago, you could of asked any us about these topics, To receive a blank stare! What could have caused this bend of freedom to fascism, socialist corporate welfare, warfare, globalization industrial war mongering machine.
As we marched, participated in money bombs. To watch our numbers skyrocket, donated to our max. Watched the Blimp go into flight. Ron Pauls race car dream for fruition. Day after Day, the excitement built, and I could not believe we were part of such a great cause. So important to all. To many with excitement… “Have you heard of Ron Paul?” and when they would say no, over and over, to see the excitement. The birthing, another patriot awakened. One by one, day by day.

Blinded by enthusiasm, thinking that with all of this excitement, and with such an awesome candidate, and money raised, how could we lose?
The second debates came, Then came this sinking feeling. Soon we noticed that something was wrong. Ron Paul was not allowed to speak. He was given very little time. Then banned entirely. We started to wonder why? Debate after debate, we all witnessed the same thing. As this was going on, I noticed an entire switch in the media. No photos of the Dr. Not many mainstream articles, and the media calling him a kook, for believing in the constitution and the rule of law.
The continuation to deny the best candidate his due time of air. Belittlization and ignorization .. Then it all became too clear. After doing all of the research the Diebold machines, Caucus events, Primaries, Voter Fraud, To look in the mirror and say, how could one be so naive? Study and research, points to one thing. The powers to be do not want our champion anywhere near the white House. Congressman Paul challenges every single status quo the world government has built upon. Against the corrupt policies of a darkened government at every level. Has taken nearly a century to get these organizations ans policies in place, and they that run this country in high places, to pull out the stops to deny an honest voice.
Day after Day, Caucus after Caucus, Primary after Primary, The writing on the wall. Voting problems abound. New Hampshire broken chains of custody. Not counting all the votes. The Granny Warriors fighting for us in the NH recount. Washington state, Beverly Harris of Black box voting & Albert Howard shouting aloud, Jane Aitken doing her best. Everywhere hour after hour. The election process and the media have chosen there appointees.
Why did we fall into this? Why is the establishment so corruptrd? As if in a coherent deliberation trying to destroy this the greatest nation a blue jewel in blackest space could produce. Why are so many so blind?
I sometimes wish I could just erase this knowledge, had to find out. Had to play the hand all the way.
Don’t get me wrong…I (we) are more awake than ever. It just sickens me to see the continuation. Feeling so lost in regards to god and country. Like a single black sheep in a herd of a millions, trying to scream“Don’t run off that cliff!” Fearing such a small voice can’t be heard as they fall off the cliff unaware.
As we continue on, to march to Washington, I would like to tell you Ron Paul we will never give up. We will never surrender. If this country truly believes in our divinely inspired Constitution. Our leaders must not just promise to support and defend “but obey.” Yes”obey”

Wars, rumors of Wars, war with no end, restarting cold wars with Russia. Singing Bomb Iran. The devaluation of our monies. Oil 27 dollars a barrel attack Iraq under a UNITED NATIONS resolution 100 dollars barrel. The suspension of habeas corpus, Warrantless searches. Millions losing their houses and dreams.
Putting missiles in Poland. Stoking for war..Russia, the threatening of pre-emptive Nuclear
Attack.
Rights being stripped away, layer by layer, day by day. Attacks upon the 1st and 2cd amendment
infringed..
Opec switching away from the dollar. China holding $1,500,000,000,000 of our debt. Buying up our lands. Us having $56,000,000,000,000 in debt obligations. Inflation, taxation de-evalution
The list goes on and on….. What the hell’s going on!
As I close this letter, one families personal journey, Something else to say. That is, I (we) will keep up the fight, and will always be here, unless they shut down the net, and take a last bastion of freedom. We will get our chipped national ID, just like you all will. We’ll pay our taxes to continue wars negating our own national defense, allowing millions upon millions of illegal’s who hold no loyalty to our flag. We will continue doing our part. Support Ron Paul. Our champion. Our standard bearer. Never give up. So no matter how the remaining election plays, We will continue the fight! Dr Paul re-kindled the fire that will never go out.
To thoughts come a story my grandfather told “Virgil Gordon”. Of the Ferrol hogs that made (the blue ridge mtns.) their home. That if you put out food pigs would come. If you put up a wall they would scramble to the freedom of the forest, keep feeding, and continuously. They’d return. Put up another wall, and another they would flee,, slowly to return, over and over, until there were four walls with slight opening. Cautiously they’d enter until you could leave the pen open. still they would stay. To a point they’d squeal in terror. If prompted toward an opening and freedom.
And finally to you Dr. Ron Paul. In the days to come, and from what you have done in all our lives, even after you pass from this earth, just let to tell you, you have awakened the drowsing giant. You have showed a path, a tiny light in a vast sea of darkness an opening of light. As you said, “This is not about me, it is about the Message.” My god, you are so right. Tears comes to my eyes.. From every emotion of the last year, for every American, for every soldier that has died for the concept of a lie’s. Sorrow for the American not given the chance to awaken. Dr. Ron Paul, you have left a mark upon the few among the many, etched in stone. You have achieved your goal. An inspiration of soul. You said that this will last way beyond you, to now understand. Some of us have never met you, you sent a signed letter for what we have done. It is framed right over our hearth…Forever you have changed …us....the message will live... though our bones be dust. Promise in Passing a message, to our children and our children’s , children. To live forever. Should they plant you in the good earth prior our passing we will be there. As you ask assemble in Washington. Duty bound be there.
Whether it's at home or in passing. Never let it be said that you heard the voice of liberty and did not answer her call. Tell all of liberty and freedom. Which unites and binds us like no other.
Dr. Ron Paul and Carol……Thank You.
Sincerely,
An American Family.

Posted by: Cherry

This is what I was doing at 9am yesterday morning. It's for a YouTube - Swiffer contest. It is only one minute. Enjoy!

When I get the info about voting, I'll pass it on.

BTW, I don't die in this one.

See Ya,
Bill

Hi All,

I've posted a short film I am a part of and I'm asking for your votes. Today I've found out the "proper" way for us all to vote is by following the link below, and hit the "Vote" button.

The PIA here is that you'll need to register. But that keeps the contest fair, one vote per person vs some of the other contests that allow repeated voting and a lot of the time, some truly awful films win when everyone knows that they shouldn't have.

PLEASE register and VOTE for our film. It's called "Strangers To Kindness". You'll only need to vote one time, thats it. Thank you again.

48 Hours In UTAH - Film Competition

http://arts.utah.gov/48HoursinUtahFilmContest.html

See Ya,
Bill