Showing posts with label 2014 Midterm Elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2014 Midterm Elections. Show all posts

Friday, November 21, 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT: Tim Scott to Be Featured as a "2014 History Maker" in Houston Business Connections Magazine

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"Senator Tim Scott, South Carolina's first black elected senator is the first black senator elected in the Southern Region of the United States since the Reconstruction era."

United States Senator Tim Scott is working daily to ensure that every American has the opportunity to succeed. 

Growing up poor in a single parent household in North Charleston, South Carolina, Tim learned the importance of faith, hard work, and living within your means. By understanding the basic economic principles Washington so often forgets, and with the same determination he brings to advancing conservative principles in the Senate, Scott grew from his humble beginnings to build one of the most successful Allstate agencies in South Carolina. 

An unbridled optimist, Senator Scott believes that despite our current challenges, our nation’s brightest days are ahead of us. As a teenager, Tim had the fortune of meeting a strong, conservative mentor, John Moniz. Moniz helped instill in Tim the notion that you can think your way out of poverty, and that the golden opportunity is always right around the corner. The American Dream is alive and well, and Tim’s story is a concrete example of that. 

Senator Scott was sworn in to the U.S. Senate in January 2013. He has launched his Opportunity Agenda, a new way forward including robust initiatives that give our students and workers the greatest chance to succeed. Tim knows that success is created in studio apartments and garages, at kitchen tables, and in classrooms across the nation - not in government conference rooms in Washington. 

His agenda will empower Americans through economic freedom and high-quality education. Senator Scott will work with anyone else committed to building a better future to develop bold ideas that break away from our past failures. This includes tax reform to increase economic freedom, expanding school choice so every child has a chance at a quality education, and providing alternatives for single parents to work their 40 hours a week by allowing for wider use of comp time. 

Senator Scott is also working to find ways to help redevelop our poorest areas without pushing current residents out, bring down energy costs that consume a quarter of after-tax income for families making $30,000 or less, help young offenders and those aging out of the foster care system to receive the vital opportunity for education, and ensure our kids who want to attend college can do so without incurring debilitating debt. 

Tim also continues his work to get our nation’s spending under control, and has opposed measures he believes do not go far enough. In his first hundred days as a Senator, he worked with colleagues to introduce a Balanced Budget Amendment, and was an original cosponsor on a bill to permanently ban the wasteful earmarking process. 

Prior to being sworn in to the Senate, Senator Scott served in the United States House of Representatives from 2011-2013, where he was a member of House leadership and sat on the influential House Rules Committee. Tim also served on Charleston County Council for 13 years, including four terms as Chair and in the South Carolina House of Representatives for two years where he was elected Chairman of the Freshman Caucus and House Whip. He was the owner of Tim Scott Allstate and partner of Pathway Real Estate Group.

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To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved. 

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Mia Love is Being featured as a "2014 HISTORY MAKER" in Houston Business Connections Magazine

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"Congresswoman Elect Mia Love (4th Congressional District of Utah) is the first black Republican woman to be elected to the United States Congress."

Mayor Mia Love is the daughter of Haitian-American parents who legally immigrated to the United States in the 1970s with the hope that they would one day achieve the American Dream for themselves and their children. Born in Brooklyn, Mia was raised primarily in Connecticut and graduated from the University of Hartford with a degree in Fine Arts. Soon after graduation she moved to Utah and married her husband, Jason Love.

Mia won a seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council in 2003, and six years later she was elected Mayor of Saratoga Springs with nearly 60 percent of the vote.

During her one full term as mayor, Mia pursued an agenda focused on reducing city spending, fighting against intrusions on personal liberty, and implementing sound fiscal policies. Despite the recent economic downturn, Saratoga Springs continues to hold the highest bond rating possible for a city of its size. Over the past three years the city has also been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Only about 20 cities and towns in the state of Utah receive this prestigious award each year.

Citing the importance of getting federal spending under control, Mia announced last May that she is again running to represent Utah’s 4th congressional district. At the 2014 Utah Republican Nominating Convention, Mia received over 78 percent of the delegates’ votes to become the Republican nominee in Utah’s 4th congressional district.

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To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved. 

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Will Hurd is featured as "2014 HISTORY MAKER" in Houston Business Connections Magazine

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"Congressman Elect Will Hurd (23rd Congressional District of Texas) is a former CIA Officer who recently defeated a powerful Democratic Congressman by the name of Pete Gallegos to become the first black Republican from Texas to ever win a United States Congressional seat."

Since June 2010 Will has been a Senior Advisor with the cybersecurity firm FusionX, which he joined following a decade of federal service and a run for public office in Texas. As a member of the FusionX team Will helps tackle a wide range of complex cybersecurity challenges facing large manufacturers, financial institutions, major retailers and critical infrastructure providers. 

Additionally, from 2010 to 2013, Will was a partner with a strategic advisory firm, Crumpton Group LLC, where he provided leadership across the full range of Crumpton Group’s service offerings—helping companies capture opportunities in international markets while managing risks to their physical assets, intellectual property and human resources. 

Prior to returning to Texas in 2010, Will served for almost a decade as an undercover officer at the Central Intelligence Agency. At the CIA, he worked at the nexus of some of America’s most important national security issues leading intelligence operations on counterterrorism, cybersecurity and other critical threats. The majority of his career was spent overseas in South Asia and the Middle East where his primary mission was the recruitment of foreign assets, collection and dissemination of intelligence in support of the President and senior government policymaker’s national security decision making. 

Will has the pleasure of serving on a School Advisory Committee within the Northside Independent School District (NISD) and he had the honor of being recognized as one of NISD’s “Pillars of Character” for the 2011-2012 school year. He is also a board member of the World Affairs Council of San Antonio. 

A native of San Antonio, Texas and the youngest of three siblings, Will graduated in May 2000 from Texas A&M University in College Station with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. While at A&M, he served as the President of the Student Union and was elected Student Body President.

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To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved. 

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Monday, October 27, 2014

The Early Voting Period for the 2014 Midterm Elections in Harris County, Texas will End on Friday, October 31, 2014


Check Out Page 17 for our Endorsements and Preferences Published for Open-minded Harris County Voters to Consider in the 2014 Midterm Election on Tuesday, November 4th

Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine strongly encourages all open-minded non-straight-ticket voters in Harris County to consider candidates endorsed by the C-Club of Houston, Houston Realty Business Coalition (HRBC), Harris County AFL-CIO Council, Texas Home School Association (THSA), Houston GLBT Political Caucus, and the Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU) in your quest to make an informed and empowered voting decision in the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Election. To assist you in making a more informed voting decision in the judicial races on the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Election ballot Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine strongly encourages you to use the (HBA) Houston Bar Association Judicial Preference Poll as a guide to help you identify the most qualified and respected candidates on the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 General Election ballot. *Please note that the results of the Houston Bar Association 2014 Judicial Preference Poll are not a Houston Bar Association endorsement. Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

U.S. Senator: John Cornyn (R)

U.S. Representative, District 2: Ted Poe (R)

U.S. Representative, District 7: John Culberson (R)

U.S. Representative, District 8: Kevin Brady (R)

U.S. Representative, District 9: Al Green (D)

U.S. Representative, District 10: Michael McCaul (R)

U.S. Representative, District 18: NO ENDORSEMENT

U.S. Representative, District 22: Pete Olson (R)

U.S. Representative, District 29: Gene Green (D)

U.S. Representative, District 36: Brian Babin (R)

Governor of Texas: Greg Abbott (R)

Lieutenant Governor: Leticia Van de Putte (D)

Attorney General: Sam Houston (D)

Comptroller of Public Accounts: Glenn Hegar (R)

Commissioner of the General Land Office: George P. Bush (R)

Commissioner of Agriculture: Sid Miller (R)

Railroad Commissioner: Ryan Sitton (R)

Chief Justice, Supreme Court: Nathan Hecht (R)

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6, Unexpired Term: Jeff Brown (R)

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7: Jeff Boyd (R)

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8: Phil Johnson (R)

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3: Bert Richardson (R)

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4: Kevin Patrick Yeary (R)

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9: David Newell (R)

Member, State Board of Education, District 4: Lawrence A. Allen Jr. (D)

State Senator, District 7: Paul Bettencourt (R)

State Senator, District 15: John Whitmire (D)

State Senator, District 17: Joan Huffman (R)

State Representative, District 126: Patricia Harless (R)

State Representative, District 128: Wayne Smith (R)

State Representative, District 129: Dennis Paul (R)

State Representative, District 130: Allen Fletcher (R)

State Representative, District 132: Mike Schofield (R)

State Representative, District 133: Jim Murphy (R)

State Representative, District 134: Sarah Davis (R)

State Representative, District 135: Gary Elkins (R)

State Representative, District 137: Gene Wu (D)

State Representative, District 138: Dwayne Bohac (R)

State Representative, District 144: Mary Ann Perez (D)

State Representative, District 148: Jessica Cristina Farrar (D)

State Representative, District 149: Hubert Vo (D)

State Representative, District 150: Debbie Riddle (R)

Chief Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District: Kyle Carter (D)

Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 3: Jim Sharp (D)

Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 7: Ken Wise (R)

District Judge, 55th Judicial District: Jeff Shadwick (R)

District Judge, 113th Judicial District: Michael Landrum (R)

District Judge, 157th Judicial District: Randy Wilson (R)

District Judge, 180th Judicial District: Catherine Evans (R)

District Judge, 184th Judicial District: Jan Krocker (R)

District Judge, 185th Judicial District: Susan Brown (R)

District Judge, 189th Judicial District: Bill Burke (R)

District Judge, 190th Judicial District: Farrah Martinez (D)

District Judge, 208th Judicial District: Denise Collins (R)

District Judge, 230th Judicial District: Brad Hart (R)

District Judge, 234th Judicial District: Wesley Ward (R)

District Judge, 246th Judicial District: Sandra Peake (D)

District Judge, 247th Judicial District: John Schmude (R)

District Judge, 248th Judicial District: Katherine Cabaniss (R)

District Judge, 262nd Judicial District: Denise Bradley (R)

District Judge, 263rd Judicial District: Jim Wallace (R)

District Judge, 269th Judicial District: Dan Hinde (R)

District Judge, 270th Judicial District: Brent Gamble (R)

District Judge, 280th Judicial District: Lynn Bradshaw Hull (R)

District Judge, 281st Judicial District: Sylvia Matthews (R)

District Judge, 295th Judicial District: Caroline E. Baker (R)

District Judge, 334th Judicial District, Unexpired: Grant Dorfman (R)

Family District Judge, 308th Judicial District: Jim Evans (D)

Family District Judge, 309th Judicial District: Sheri Y. Dean (R)

Family District Judge, 311th Judicial District: Sherri L. Cothrun (D)

Family District Judge, 313th Judicial District: Glenn Devlin (R)

Family District Judge, 314th Judicial District: Natalia Oakes (D)

District Attorney, Unexpired Term: Kim Ogg (D)

Judge, County Court at Law No. 2: Theresa Chang (R)

Judge, County Court at Law No. 3: Linda Storey (R)

Judge, County Court at Law No. 4: Roberta Loyd (R)

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 2: Bill Harmon (R)

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 4: John Clinton (R)

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 5: Ramona Franklin (D)

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 6: Linda Geffin (D)

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 7: Pam Derbyshire (R)

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 8: Jay Karahan (R)

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 10: Dan Jeffrey Spjut (R)

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 13: Don Smyth (R)

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 14: Mike Fields (R)

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 15: Jean Spradling Hughes (R)

Judge, County Probate Court No. 1: Loyd Wright (R)

Judge, County Probate Court No. 2: Mike Wood (R)

Judge, County Probate Court No. 3: Rory Robert Olsen (R)

Judge, County Probate Court No. 4: Christine Riddle Butts (R)

District Clerk: Chris Daniel (R)

County Clerk: Ann Harris Bennett (D)

County Treasurer: Orlando Sanchez (R)

County School Trustee, Position 5, At Large: Mike Wolfe (R)

County School Trustee, Position 7, At Large: Melissa Noriega (D)

County Commissioner, Precinct 4: R. Jack Cagle (R)


*The recommendations listed above are the expressed opinion of Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine. These recommendations do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other person, candidate, advertiser, sponsor or supporter of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. The early voting period for the 2014 Midterm Election in from Monday, October 20th and will continue until Friday, October 31, 2014. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

Monday, September 1, 2014

OPINION: We Must Make it Our Business to Elect Godly People into Positions of Authority Says Aubrey R. Taylor; Early Voting for the 2014 Midterm Elections Will Begin in 48 days



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The police gunfire that echoed through a Ferguson, Mo., neighborhood in August, killing an unarmed black teenager, reverberated around the world.

The gunshots that ended the 18-year-old’s life also resonated in the Houston area, which has seen its share of questionable police shootings and reported beatings of citizens – especially of African-American and Hispanic descent.

Michael Brown, 18, was unarmed when he was fatally shot Aug. 9 by Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson. The shooting sparked riots, protests, looting and clashes with police, who patrolled the streets with military-grade weapons and equipment. 

A St. Louis County, Mo. jury comprised of nine white and three African Americans is pouring over evidence in the case. 

To be sure, Missouri is certainly not the only state with high-profile and questionable police activities. 

In May 1977, Joe Campos Torres, a 23-year-old Vietnam veteran, was arrested in an East End bar after a disturbance. Campos, who was wearing his Army fatigues and combat boots, drowned after he was beaten by Houston police officers and thrown into Buffalo Bayou. 

The officers were convicted of negligent homicide in state district court and placed on a year’s probation. Federal charges resulted in prison sentences of a year and a day for civil rights violations, and a decade of probation for conspiracy, according to The Houston Chronicle.

In September 2012, two Houston police officers responded to a disturbance call at Healing Hands, a residential group home in central Houston for men with mental illnesses. Brian Claunch, a mentally ill, wheelchair-bound double amputee, was shot and killed when he waved a shiny object that turned out to be a ballpoint pen.

A Harris County grand jury last year declined to indict the officer who fired the fatal shot.

Last June, a former Houston police officer was convicted of official oppression for his role in the 2010 beating of Elsik High School sophomore Chad Holley, who was a suspect in a burglary.

In a security videotape of the March 2010 arrest, Holley is seen falling to the ground after trying to hurdle a police squad car. He's then surrounded by at least five officers, some of whom appear to kick and hit his head, abdomen and legs.

Two other former officers charged in the Holley case pleaded no contest and were sentenced to two year’s probation. A fourth ex-officer was acquitted in May 2012.

Most recently, a federal magistrate on Aug. 17, 2014, set a September 2015 trial date for Robbie Tolan’s lawsuit against Bellaire police over a 2008 shooting that wounded him in his parent’s driveway in that city.

Bellaire police Sgt. Jeff Cotton was found not guilty in 2010 of aggravated assault, and the case was sent to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

If there is a common thread to the police misconduct cases, it’s “the fact that nothing has changed,” said Minister Robert Muhammad, southwest regional representative of the Nation of Islam.

“The police relationship, particularly with the black community, has always been to maintain the status quo, which is social-economic inequity,” he said. “That’s the purpose of it.”

The history of law enforcement in the U.S. is replete with cases of brutality against African Americans and other people of color, Muhammad said. 

“Our first encounter was with slave catchers who were after runaway slaves,” he said. “Then it was those who enforced the ‘black codes’ – you couldn’t gather on the corner together in the era of Jim Crow segregation. 

“They (law enforcement officers) were the ones who enforced the War on Drugs, and now, the War on Gangs and Terror,” Muhammad said. “It’s all targeted on our (minority) communities, and Houston is no different.”

The solution to the problem, the civil rights activist said, is for law-enforcement officers to “have a respect for human life and respect for the citizens they are charged to protect and serve. Black people are not against law and order. They are against brutality and mob attack and inequality under the law.”

Doug Griffith, first vice president of the Houston Police Officer’s Union, said he takes issue with the assertion that police officers target minority communities. He spoke about law enforcement in general, and not about specific cases.

“When you go into a neighborhood, nine times out of 10 the officers are there because they are called,” said Griffith, a 24-year HPD veteran. “In reality, it has nothing to do with race. It has to do with who calls us.”

Griffith acknowledged that law-abiding citizens sometimes get stopped by police in high-crime neighborhoods.

“If you’re coming out of an apartment complex where narcotics sales are prevalent and hundreds of cases are made there,” he said, “it’s still an offense. It’s called probable cause. The officer has the discretion to stop or not stop that vehicle. 

“Cops don’t go out every day saying, ‘I’m going to stop somebody because they’re Asian, black, Hispanic, or whatever,’ ” Griffith said. “We go out to do the best job we can, whether it’s in River Oaks, Bellaire, Sunnyside or South Park. My job is to go out there and prevent crime and help the community.”

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Our nation must play as a team for us to be successful as a body of people. And just like any sports team, we must play within the established system, rules and guidelines for us to be SUCCESSFUL. We must also play out every quarter to claim true VICTORY as a nation. So view this crucial moment in our nation’s history as the final quarter of a crucial game for the team you love. 

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On Tuesday, November 4, 2014 the Midterm Elections will be taking place in America. Early voting will be taking place from Monday, October 20, 2014 to Friday, October 31, 2014. So make sure to draft the most qualified candidates to represent you.

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This message is being written to “OPEN-MINDED AMERICANS”. So, if you’re not “OPEN-MINDED” and “AMERICAN” you can read on; but you may not find much value in this message. 

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This message is the expressed written opinion of Aubrey R. Taylor, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of any candidate, advertiser, sponsor or supporter of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. And please keep in mind that the people associated with the (ONE AMERICA) – “Leaders Celebrating Freedom Series” are not connected to one another in anyway unless otherwise noted. If you have any questions or concerns about this message or Aubrey R. Taylor, please send them to: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com

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Are you a team player? Do you believe in God? Are you striving to reach your full potential? Do you strive to make informed decisions? Do you use your own mind when it comes to making crucial decisions about your life? Do you try to find the best candidates on Election Day? Do you vote for people of God or simply vote for people who belong to a specific political party? Do you have a dream? Do you want to see America come together for the betterment of every American citizen? Do you hate racism in any form? What about injustice: Do you hate injustice in any form?

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If you answered yes to any of the questions listed above, congratulations, this message was written just for you. You are a crucial and very important part of the process of making sure our generation “ANSWERS THE CALL” and moves America forward.

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If you take a moment to read Jeremiah 23:5 you will find that God raises up people and causes them to reign and prosper for the purpose of executing judgment and justice in the earth.

If you take a moment to read 1 Peter 2:13-17 you will find that God’s desires for us to honor and submit ourselves to those He’s allowed to be placed in authority and leadership. But do not worry about those governments and those in authority who prove to be cruel and unjust; for every person in authority will have to give an account of their actions come judgment day. Governments are established and allowed to rule by God. And our governors as authority figures are established by our Creator for the punishment of those who do wrong and the praise of those who do right. Scripture is very clear on this point, as it teaches us to honor all people, and to love our brothers and sisters as we fear God.

If you take a moment to read Romans 13:1-2 you will find that every person should be subject to the governing authorities. The scriptures goes even further in teaching us that there’s no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. So when you see people disrespecting and resisting “GOD’S SERVANTS” they’re actually disrespecting and resisting God. Furthermore, they’re in complete and total rebellion against God’s elect.

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If you take a moment to read Genesis 1:21-22 you will find that God created great whales, and every living creature that moves, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their own kind, and every winged fowl He also created after their own kind. And the bible says that God saw that it was good for the creatures that He’d created to procreate in the earth. The scriptures furthermore teaches us that God blessed the creatures, and instructed them to be fruitful, and multiply in the earth.

If you take a moment to read Genesis 1:27-28 you will find that God created man in His own image; but He made us as male and female for the purpose of reproducing and repopulating the earth. God also called us blessed, and has commanded us to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth, and to subdue it.

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We are “ONE NATION UNDER GOD” in America. We are a nation of laws divinely ordered and established by our Creator. And in this, our Creator has given us a say in who governs over us as a nation. However, far too many of us are choosing to not participate in the process which God has established to assist us with putting godly people in authority and control of our nation. 

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New Living Translation

"When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan." - Proverbs: 29:2

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As a “COLLECTIVE BODY” of people we must make a more concerted effort to be a part of the solution our nation needs during this crucial hour and moment in history. 

Our responsibility as Americans is to take part in the elections process; then once we have spoken as a “COLLECTIVE BODY” of people we must honor the choices we have made. Our “PUBLIC SERVANTS” are elected by a majority of voters on Election Day. This is why every eligible American citizen should be a part of the process of voting.

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In the best interest of our nation, we should submit to whichever government we find ourselves under once we have spoken as a people on Election Day. We can do this by working with our “ELECTED OFFICIALS” to accomplish what’s best for us as “ONE NATION UNDER GOD”.

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Our founding fathers under the direction of our Creator has established a system that affords us the opportunity to choose our leaders every four years. In this system, our Creator affords us the opportunity to elect other “SERVANTS OF GOD” to positions of authority as a counter balance to guard against the abuse of power by any one we have elected as our president; that's why our founding fathers were divinely directed by our Creator to establish the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives.

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Even though those in authority are “SERVANTS OF GOD” our Creator has afforded us a system of government that is kept in check by our constitution and not by whomever is acting as our "PUBLIC SERVANTS" at any particular time. So don’t ever forget that America is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. And under this God-ordained political system of democracy we are granted certain rights. With this said, we must know our rights to be EFFECTIVE AND EMPOWERED as citizens of America.

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(From: Hartley, William H., Vincent, William S.. American Civics. N.Y., 1974, pp. 34ff) 

HOW OUR GOVERNMENT WORKS

Government is the authority or power that people establish to help them run their affairs. 

Governments serve many important purposes, but the most important one is that government makes it possible for people to live and work together. Government provides us with rules of conduct we can follow. Government makes it possible for people to live by known laws, and helps provide many services that citizens acting alone could not perform themselves. 

Our nation's government is based on the American Constitution. This Constitution, together with its Bill of Rights and other amendments, provides us with a workable plan of government. The Constitution also guarantees to all Americans many priceless rights and freedoms. 

Our nation's government is based upon the approval, or consent, of the people who are governed. It is a federal system in which certain powers are given to the national government and other powers are left to the states and to the people. Certain powers are shared by both federal and state governments. In both federal and state governments, powers are separated and balanced among three branches of government.

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The Rights and Freedoms of Americans 

In drafting the Constitution, most of the Founding Fathers believed that the safeguards written into it would protect the rights of Americans. But when the Constitution was sent to the states in 1787 for ratification, a great roar of disapproval went up. In Virginia, Patrick Henry protested vigorously against the lack of a specific statement of rights. Other Americans from different states demanded that a Bill of Rights be added to the Constitution. A number of states ratified the Constitution only conditionally. That is, they would approve the Constitution only if it were changed to include these rights.

Two years after the new American government went into effect, the Bill of Rights was added as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Congress discussed nearly 200 proposals for amendments before it presented these ten to the states for approval. The states ratified these amendments, and they became part of the Constitution in 1791. 

THE BILL OF RIGHTS 

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, or the Bill of Rights, set forth the priceless rights or freedoms that all Americans may enjoy. A brief summary of these great freedoms is given here. 

FREEDOM OF RELIGION 

The first right, or freedom, guaranteed in the Bill of Rights is freedom of religion. This right is guaranteed in the First Amendment. Freedom of religion guarantees to all Americans the right to practice any religion they choose, or to practice no religion at all.

Congress is forbidden to establish any religion as our nation's official religion. Congress cannot favor any one religion over others or tax citizens in order to support any one religion. 

FREEDOM OF SPEECH 

The right to express your ideas and opinions when you speak is called freedom of speech. Freedom of speech also means the right to listen to the thoughts and opinions of others. This freedom guarantees that Americans are free to express their thoughts and ideas about anything. They may talk freely to their friends and neighbors or speak in public to a group of people. Of course, no one may use his freedom of speech to injure others. If a person knowingly says things that are false about another, he may be sued in court by the person or persons who believe they have been harmed by what he said.

Americans are free to express opinions about their government or anything else. They are free to criticize the actions of the government and of government officials. In a dictatorship, where the nation's government has all the powers, the people have no right to speak like this. They do not dare to criticize the actions of the government. If they do, they may be imprisoned. But all Americans enjoy the freedom of speech, which is guaranteed in the First Amendment. 

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS 

The freedom to express your ideas and opinions in writing is known as freedom of the press. This freedom is closely related to freedom of speech and is also guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Freedom of the press gives all Americans the right to express their ideas and thoughts freely in writing. This writing may be in newspapers, books, magazines, or any other printed or written form. Americans are also free to read what others write. They may read any newspaper, book or magazine they want. Because they are free to read a variety of facts and opinions, Americans can become better-informed citizens. 

FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY 

Another priceless freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment is freedom of assembly, or freedom to hold meetings. Americans are free to meet together to discuss problems and to plan their actions. Of course, such meetings must be carried on in a peaceful way. 

FREEDOM OF PETITION 

The freedom of petition is the right to ask your government to do something or to refrain from doing something. The First Amendment contains this guarantee, also. The freedom of petition gives you the right to write to your Congressman and request him to work for the passage of laws you favor. You are free to ask him to change laws that you do not like. The right of petition also helps government officials to know what Americans think and what actions they want the government to take. 

THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS 

The Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees Americans the right to bear arms. In the early years of our nation, Americans needed weapons in order to serve in the militia, or volunteer armies, that were established to defend our states. The militia provided protection during emergencies, too. Many Americans also believed that without weapons they would be powerless if the government tried to overstep its powers and rule by force. 

"NO-QUARTERING" RIGHT 

The Third Amendment states, "No soldier shall, in times of peace, be quartered in any house. . . ." Under British rule, the colonists sometimes had to feed and house British soldiers against their will. As a result, Americans wanted this practice forbidden under the Bill of Rights. 

THE RIGHT TO EQUAL JUSTICE 

The Bill of Rights contains many rights that are guaranteed to persons accused of a crime. Amendments Five, Six, Seven, and Eight are all concerned with these rights. Our nation places great importance on these rights in order to guarantee equal justice for all Americans.

A person must be indicted, or formally accused of a crime, by a group of citizens called a "grand jury" before he can be brought into court for trial. 


A person accused of a crime is guaranteed the right to know what law he is accused of breaking. 

A person accused of a crime has a right to a prompt public trial by a jury of his fellow citizens. 

An accused person cannot be put into prison and kept there for weeks or months while awaiting a trial. He has the right to leave jail, in most cases, if he can raise a certain sum of money, or bail, as a pledge that he will appear at his trial.

An accused person has a right to a lawyer to represent him in court. 

All the testimony and evidence against an accused person must be presented publicly in court. 

The accused person has the right to call any witnesses to appear if their testimony will help him.

The accused person cannot be forced to testify or give evidence against himself.

If the accused person is found guilty, he cannot be given cruel or unusual punishment. If the accused person is found not guilty of a serious crime, he cannot be tried a second time for this same crime. 

THE RIGHT TO 
OWN PRIVATE PROPERTY 

The Fifth Amendment guarantees Americans the right to own private property. No person may take away anything that we own. Nor can the government seize our land, money, or other forms of property without cause, or without paying for it. The right to own private property is one of America's basic freedoms. Our free economic system is based upon this right. 

THE RIGHT TO ENJOY 
MANY OTHER FREEDOMS 

To make doubly sure that Americans should enjoy every right and freedom possible, Amendment Nine was added to the Constitution. This amendment states that the list of rights contained in the Bill of Rights is not complete. There are many other rights that all Americans have and will continue to have even though they are not mentioned in the Bill of Rights. Among them are the following.

Freedom to live or travel anywhere in our nation

Freedom to work at any job for which we can qualify

Freedom to marry and raise a family

Freedom to receive a free education in good public schools

Freedom to join a political party, a union, and other legal groups 

As a final guarantee of our rights, the Tenth Amendment set aside many powers of government for the states. This Amendment says that all powers not given to the federal government by the Constitution, nor forbidden to the states, are set aside for the states, or for the people. This provision leaves with the states the power to act in many ways to guarantee the rights of their citizens. 

SUMMARY 

Government is the authority or power that people establish to help them run their affairs. 

Governments serve many important purposes, but the most important one is that government makes it possible for people to live and work together. Government provides us with rules of conduct we can follow. Government makes it possible for people to live by known laws, and helps provide many services that citizens acting alone could not perform themselves. 

Our nation's government is based on the American Constitution. This Constitution, together with its Bill of Rights and other amendments, provides us with a workable plan of government. The Constitution also guarantees to all Americans many priceless rights and freedoms. 

Our nation's government is based upon the approval, or consent, of the people who are governed. It is a federal system in which certain powers are given to the national government and other powers are left to the states and to the people. Certain powers are shared by both federal and state governments. In both federal and state governments, powers are separated and balanced among three branches of government. 


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MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "We must actively participate in the process of selecting our "Public Servants" on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. Proverbs 29:2 says, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." So let's do our best to try to elect righteous "Public Servants" using the acronym 'FREEDOM' during the early voting period (Monday, October 20th through Friday, October 31st) right on through Election Day!"


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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Judge Christine Riddle Butts is another one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Judge Butts is the Republican incumbent running for reelection for Judge, Harris County Probate Court No. 4. Judge Christine Butts is facing a challenge from Democrat James Horowitz in this race. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Judge Christine Riddle Butts. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Judge Christine Riddle Butts is the only candidate in the race for Judge, Probate Court No. 4 who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Judge Loyd Wright is another one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Judge Wright is the Republican incumbent running for reelection for Judge, Harris County Probate Court No. 1. Judge Loyd Wright is facing a challenge from Democrat Kim Bohannon in this race. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Judge Loyd Wright. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Judge Loyd Wright is the only candidate in the race for Judge, Probate Court No. 1 who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Attorney John Schmude is one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Attorney John Schmude is the Republican candidates running for District Judge for the 247th Judicial District Court in Harris County. Attorney Schmude will face off against Democrat Clinton "Chip" Wells in this race. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Attorney John Schmude. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Attorney John Schmude is the only candidate in the race for District Judge for the 247th Judicial District Court who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Congressman Kevin Brady is one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Congressman Brady currently represents the 8th Congressional District of Texas and does not have a Democratic challenger on Election Day. However, Ken Petty is a Libertarian candidate also running for United States Congress for the 8th Congressional District. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Congressman Kevin Brady. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Congressman Kevin Brady is the only candidate in the race for United States Congress for the 8th Congressional District who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Judge Kyle Carter is one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Judge Carter is currently serving as Judge for the 125th Civil District Court in Harris County. However on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 he will be on the ballot running for Chief Justice for 14th Court of Appeals District in Texas against Justice Kem Thompson Frost the Republican incumbent. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Judge Kyle Carter. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Judge Kyle Carter is the only candidate in the race for Chief Justice for the 14th Court of Appeals who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Judge Wesley Ward is another one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Judge Ward is the Republican incumbent running for reelection for District Judge, 247th Judicial District Court in Harris County. Judge Wesley Ward is facing a challenge from Democrat Barbara Gardner in this race. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Judge Wesley Ward. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Judge Wesley Ward is the only candidate in the race for District Judge, 234th Judicial District Court in Harris County who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Lt. Col. Sean Seibert is one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Lt. Col. Seibert is the Republican candidate running  for United States Congress for the 18th Congressional District. Lt. Col. Seibert is challenging Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for this seat. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Lt. Col. Sean Seibert. As of the date of this blog post Lt. Col. Sean Seibert is the only candidate in the race for United States Congress for the 18th Congressional District who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Judge Jay Karahan is one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Judge Karahan is the Republican incumbent running for reelection for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 8 in Harris County. Judge Karahan is facing a challenge from Democrat Kelli Johnson in this race. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Judge Jay Karahan. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Judge Jay Karahan is the only candidate in the race for Judge, Harris County Criminal Court No. 8 who is seeking your vote.

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Pastor Robert L. Thomas, his wife Tracey and daughters, Mariel and Taylor

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Why We Should All Go Vote in the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Elections

By Pastor Robert L. Thomas

 I know many of us will say the old cliché’ “Our forefathers died for this right!,” which is very true; but that alone as an argument to motivate us to do what we should already be excited to do – just isn’t enough.

 Why we have to extol the virtues of voting to a people just a few decades removed from one of the worst atrocities ever perpetuated against mankind in the detestable act of slavery is really beyond me.

 It really boils down to this: if you are interested in having a better quality of life – you should go out and vote; if you want your children to be able to afford to attend college – then go vote; if you think your taxes are too high for the services you receive – go out and vote; if your school system is not what you want it to be – yep, you should get up and roll to the polls.

 It really is true – your vote is your voice! We have to be stronger in voice, so that what we say, when we say it, matters – and we are responsible for doing that at the voting booth. Elected officials work for the taxpayers, not the other way around, and as such, they should not be able to tell us what they are going to do…they are to push forward the positive agendas for bettering our safety, opportunities, prosperity and quality of life.

 The choice is yours, accept things as they are, or vote and seek the systemic change we all so richly deserve!

 Be Safe, and Stay Informed!

 Robert L. Thomas, Jr.
Robert Thomas Ministries
Senior Pastor of Olivet Missionary Baptist Church
Contact: (713)224-1515

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Go vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election for Harris County

By Bishop K.J. Brown

Voting is an empowered opportunity to choose leadership which should be exercised every time we have the opportunity. Our collective voice is of great value to our neighborhoods, communities, city and country.

Our political system affords us the opportunity to vote…and every vote matters. Everyone who is eligible to vote should do so. Never buy into polls and percentages put out in the media…and figure that your vote won’t make a difference. Every vote counts and every voice will be heard by you participating in this very important and pivotal election taking place on Tuesday, November 4th.

Be attentive to the issues and think forward. When I cast a ballot at the polls I use a biblical example as my guide. God chose David as King. When I read the story of David, I see a lesson we can all use in voting. God chose David because of the following reasons. ONE: His heart. TWO: His History. THREE: How he would handle the issues. FOUR: How he would help the people. FIVE: How he would be used to heal the land.

God knew that David wouldn’t be perfect; but God was able to use him in civil government in order to fulfill his divine purpose. Voting is not only valuable to the candidates. Voting is valuable to you and your family too. Our families are counting on us at the polls. Your right to vote is very valuable. So use it to be a part of the collective voice that leads this country forward. God Bless America!!!

Bishop K.J. Brown Ministries
“Building Winning Lives!”

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http://www.directlinkupload.com/uploads/172.56.15.170/Bishop%20Anthony%20A%20Allen%20-%20The%20American%20Dream%20Song%20and%20Message%20%28audio-joiner.com%29.mp3

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY BISHOP ALLEN

The American Dream Is Ours...So Let's Go Get It -- You have authority to walk in dominion. So don't let anything stop you from doing what you've been called to do. We must bring our community at large to another level of existence. To do this we must put some principles into perspective and practice.


We must put people into office who are not afraid to stand up for righteousness, and walk in the authority given to them by God.



We must put entrepreneurs in their rightful place as leaders in our communities and the marketplace. We must do this by making sure that we support our businesses. But we must also make sure our banks are supporting our businesses and empowering them to be competitive in the marketplace.



We must also educate and empower our communities on the concept of how the economy and free market really works.

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LISTEN TO BISHOP ALLEN

The American Dream - This is an inspirational hip hop message from Bishop Anthony A. Allen and Billy Cook a legendary hook singer and rapper. Bishop Allen and his wife Matishe, are the founders of Anthony Allen Ministries and one of the "FEATURED SPONSORS" of the Houston Business Connections Magazine "Celebrating Freedom" series June 2014 - January 2015. Billy Cook has been featured on over 500 records including Chamillioanire's "The Sound Of Revenge". He's worked with just about every big name rapper in Texas. Bishop Anthony A. Allen is an apostolic leader who also serves the community at large as a businessman, entrepreneur, investor, author, and entertainer. He is the founder and president of Anthony Allen Ministries, a ministry called to serve the urban community.

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The individuals featured on this page are not connected to one another directly or indirectly unless noted. Being featured on this page does not constitute and endorsement or recommendation by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications unless noted.