Boston's Tea Party in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana, had a huge tea party, today, April 15th, 2009, in protest of the government which is out of control in spending and pretty much all aspects. This was by far, the most peaceful assembly of citizens in the history of Indiana. These eyes never saw one riot, never saw one squirmish, never saw one police officer do much, other than trying to keep their hands warm and smile at the citizens that went by smiling at them. Here are a few of the loyal citizens of Indiana who came out to voice there concerns in public about an abusive government out of control.























All pictures taken by Ann Boston.

Bostons Going to a Tea Party

If you see Pastor Ed and Annieb in Indianapolis at the Tea Party, give us a shout out. We are looking forward to this event and seeing Thomas Paine (Dr. Basso).

We will be taking pictures for the blog, and trying to get info for our BTR online show, but most of all we plan to enjoy being with hundreds or thousands of other Patriots who believe that the government is out of control.

We the people are taking to the streets and let me encourage all of you to do it in a manner that would be pleasing to God!

Heavenly Father,

Forgive us as a nation for turning away from you. Please bless us as You have so many times in our history. Help us to return to the ways of our Founding Fathers and to rely on You to guide us.

We pray this in the Holy and precious name of Jesus!

Amen

Latest Post from Mike Pence's Facebook Page

We Can Do Better

Fri 6:50pm

The American people know, and House Republicans know, our nation is facing a serious recession. American families are hurting. Many have lost their jobs, many millions more are worried that they’ll be next. House Republicans know that Congress must do something, but it’s important that we do the right thing.

As this debate begins today, we just heard moments ago from a distinguished colleague and others that somehow Republicans are about saying ‘no.’ Well let me say with great respect to the gentleman: this is not about saying ‘no.’ This is about saying ‘yes’ to solutions that will put Americans back to work.

Republicans have brought forward such solutions, built on the time-honored experience of President John F. Kennedy, of President Ronald Reagan, in the experience of this nation with the impending recession that followed September the 11th. We didn’t go on a spending spree on Capitol Hill. We didn’t offer Americans a $13-a-person tax cut. John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, this Congress and this government after September the 11th under George W. Bush cut taxes across the board for working families, small businesses and family farms. And, the economy grew. But what has the majority brought to the floor today?

The truth is this stimulus bill will do nothing to stimulate this economy in the long term. The only thing the Democrats’ stimulus bill will do is stimulate more government and more debt. The American people are asking, ‘What’s $13 bucks a week gonna do to get this economy moving again for the average American? What’s $2 billion for community organizing to organizations like ACORN going to do to get Americans from the unemployment line to the factory line? Or millions to begin rationing health care or to purchase green golf carts going to do to put families back to work in Indiana?’

As the gentleman said, I had a town hall meeting Monday myself in Indiana. A thirteen-year-old girl stood up, told me that her dad raising her and her sibling alone as a single parent had lost half of his hours at work, gone from 40 hours to 24 hours. And she stood up bravely in front of 300 Hoosiers and she said, ‘Anything in that bill, Congressman, that can help my dad get back to full time?’ And I looked at little Hillary, congratulated her for her courage, and I said, ‘Hillary, because I can’t answer “yes” to your question that there’s anything in this bill that’s gonna help get your dad get back to full time, I can’t vote “yes” on this bill.’ And the 300 Hoosiers in that room exploded in agreeing applause.

The American people know what’s going on here. The American people know that this Administration and this Congress are about to pass a bill that will not grow our economy; it will merely grow our government. We can do better. We must do better. This Congress owes the American people no less.

Sandy Allen - World's Tallest Woman, Passes Away at Age 53

Fellow Hoosier and World's Tallest Woman, Sandy Allen died today at age 53. Ms. Allen lived about 17 miles from us in a Shelbyville, Indiana nursing home.

At 7 foot 7 1/4 inches, Ms. Allen was listed by the Guiness World Records as the tallest living woman.

The following was at the Guinness World Records site.

Sandy Allen has sadly passed away.

We have been informed that Sandy Allen has sadly passed away this morning. Sandy held the record for tallest living woman since 1975, standing at 2 m 31.7 cm (7 ft 7.25 in) until today. Sandy was an amazing and inspiring record holder and will be missed by all of us at Guinness World Records.

Our thoughts are with her friends and family at this time.

Sandy’s death leaves the category of tallest woman open.

From Indystar.com:

Funeral arrangements were pending at Murphy-Parks Funeral Services in Shelbyville.

Allen, who is 7-foot-7 1/4, is listed by the Guiness World Records as the tallest living woman.

Sandy Allen was a 6.5-pound baby, and her abnormal growth began soon after her birth in June 1955. By the age of 10, she stood 6-3 tall, and was 7-1 by age 16, according to the Guiness Web site.

A tumor on her pituitary gland caused her abnormal growth, said Rose, who is publishing a book about Allen's high school days in Shelbyville. The tumor was removed in 1977.

Sandy had a dream to break free of a world that she felt she had outgrown. In her first letter to Guinness World Records in 1974 she wrote: "I would like to get to know someone that is approximately my height. It is needless to say my social life
is practically nil and perhaps the publicity from your book may
brighten my life," Guiness World Records reported.

The accolade did help to bring about a reversal of fortunes for the Indiana secretary.

First, there was an offer from film director Federico Fellini to take a role in his film "Casanova" in 1975, and then her first date with a 7-foot Illinois man.

Poor circulation and weak leg muscles meant she was dependent on a wheelchair, and Rose said Allen had had health struggles since June.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Sandy Allen Scholarship Fund at the Blue River Community Foundation, 54 W. Broadway, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Make checks payable to the foundation with "Sandy Allen Scholarship Fund" in the memo line. The scholarship will benefit Shelbyville Senior High School.

Several More Ways to Help Flood Victims in Indiana

Dear Friend,

I hope this email finds you well. I just wanted to express my warmest sympathy to those who were affected from the flood and express my deepest gratitude to everybody who has been helping during this great time of tragedy.

Many people have contacted me asking how they can volunteer and who has the greatest need in the community. I am now stepping aside and letting the professional disaster relief organization take the lead in our community. I am now directing everybody to The Samaritan's Purse, which is located at Community Church of Columbus on N. Marr Rd. and Rocky Ford.

Samaritan's Purse is a non-denominational ministry geared towards helping disaster victims to physically rebuild their homes and spiritually rebuild their lives. The ministry was founded by Franklin Graham and they are based out of Boone, NC but have set up an office for the next month here focusing on Bartholomew County.

They have a very strong grasp on the families who are in need and the ability to mobilize volunteers for relief efforts. If you are already involved with another church or non-profit organization like Red Cross, please continue your efforts. But if you are looking for a way to get involved and would like to serve the people of our community then please consider working with Samaritan's Purse.

Here is a link to a video of the work that they have already been doing in our community.

Rapid Response Team Brings Hope of Christ to Residents of flooded Columbus, Indiana

Please consider giving some of your time in any manner with the flood because there are a lot of families who urgently need your help.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your time and willingness to serve. Take care and God Bless!

Your Servant,

Travis Hankins

P.S. Please continue to pray for our community, those who are helping with disaster relief and especially those who were flooded. And if you see somebody who was affected from the flood, please give them a hug. That is what they really need right now…prayers and love.

Feel free to pass this along. Thanks!

----------------------------------------------------

From: Michael Dean

Please pass this along: Lowe's is giving 10% off for flood related purchases. Just tell the check out person. If you give gift cards to victims - write this on the gift cards as a reminder.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Michael - We have brand new counter tops at our RC distribution center here in Columbus, if one is needed. They are in 8 and 10 foot sections and really nice! They are extremely heavy though and would need an appropriate truck and help to come and get one.

Mary Ellen Anable, Executive Director

Bartholomew/Brown/Decatur County Chapter

American Red Cross

931 Repp Dr.
Columbus, IN 47201

(812)379-9551

Indiana's Voter ID Law - How It Worked at My Polling Place

Yesterday was election day in our great state of Indiana (with all the news coverage I suppose that sentence is unnecessary, but I'll leave it anyway). I have been waiting to see how the Indiana Voter ID Law, which was appealed all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States, would work right here in our small town in South Central Indiana. 

When you live in a small town, and even though our family has only been here for 5 years, pretty much everyone knows everyone (and all their business too). So when I walked in someone said "you don't have to worry about checking this guy, he's a preacher". 

Now to me, as a strong supporter of the Voter ID Law, the next line was like fantastic. The poll worker said, and I quote, "I don't care if his last name is God, he's going to show us his photo ID."

My hopes are that every poll worker at every precinct in the state took the same approach. 

Court Upholds Indiana Voter ID Law

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court has ruled that states can require voters to produce photo identification without violating their constitutional rights. The decision validates Republican-inspired voter ID laws.

The court vote 6-3 to uphold Indiana's strict photo ID requirement. Democrats and civil rights groups say the law would deter poor, older and minority voters from casting ballots.

I wanted to get this up quickly for a couple of reasons. 1) It's an Indiana case, and 2) it's a very important victory. I will write more in depth later on but for now, this is very good news! - CP

What others are saying: 

Don Surber: Indiana 1, Vote Fraud 0 

Spree: Supreme Court Upholds Indiana's Photo ID Law

Ace of Spades HQ: http://minx.cc/?post=261240

Latest on Indy Bank Teller Shooting

Bank teller's unborn twins died

Tragic developments in the shooting of a bank teller. Both of Katherin Shuffield's unborn twins have died.

Katherin Shuffield was five months pregnant when a bank robber shot her in the stomach during a robbery Tuesday morning at the Huntington Bank on 21st and Post.

24-Hour News 8's Mary McDermott was with the babies' grandmother when she learned the sad news. Although the bullet missed the twins, surgeons had to remove a section of Shuffield's intestine and her appendix. Shuffield first lost one of her babies then the other.

Greta Wagers was too shaken to talk about the tragedy. A good friend spoke for her.

Judy Bullock said, "She's really takin' it bad. And the only reason why I'm over here is to stick beside the family and my friend Greta."

Katherin's husband Jason released a statement:

"On behalf of our family, I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and concerns regarding Katherin's condition. While Katherin remains in critical but stable condition, we are sad to announce that our twin babies died late Thursday night. Katherin's recovery is our top priority and she continues to receive the best possible care. Her comfort has been aided by her mother, a native of Peru, South America, who was granted a tourist visa from the U.S. Embassy to help us during this very difficult time. We will update the media at a later date and ask for privacy as we recover.

We appreciate the community's collaboration with law enforcement as they continue to investigate this case, and encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward."

Marion County Prosecutor news conference:

"Clearly when we have the shooter, we will be looking at what the appropriate charges will be based upon the death of these two babies," said Marion County Deputy Prosecutor David Wyser.

Wyser said it won't be manslaughter because Katherin Shuffield was only five months pregnant and her fetuses wouldn't have been considered viable under Indiana law.

Legally in Indiana, fetuses aren't considered able to survive outside the womb until the seventh month of pregnancy. Feticide is one potential charge in this case.

"This isn't something we're just going to jump into. We have to fully analyze it, investigate it and make sure that we understand all the facts before we make a charging decision," said Wyser.

Police release four men arrested in bank shooting

Three of the men arrested in connection with the robbery walked free and a fourth man now faces charges for lying to police.

The man told police on Wednesday he knew everything about the robbery and was in one of the cars headed to the bank. He's no longer charged with conspiracy, instead he's charged with lying.

According to police reports, 25-year-old Shed James told police he helped plan the Huntington Bank robbery. He also provided officers with a list of accomplices.

On Wednesday night, police arrested James and three other men. All faced preliminary charges of conspiracy to commit a bank robbery.

Police later found James' story didn't pan out. Police said James has still not explained why he lied.

Four days after the robbery and shooting, police have little to show. The gunman and as many as five accomplices remain at large. Police continue to press hard as they search for information and leads.

"We're putting the pressure on. We will continue to put pressure on those individuals who we know have violent crime histories and things of that nature," said Lt. Jeff Duhamell of the IMPD. 

The prosecutor's office admits manpower was wasted dealing with Wednesday's four arrestees but officers had to take time to verify James' story.  In the end, innocent men walked free.

"That part is what's good. We're not accusing someone of doing something they didn't do. And we have no evidence to support what they did," said Deputy Prosecutor David Wyser.

"We're far from over as far as closing this case. One, the shooter is still out there. We need any information. Anything that can help us," said Lt. Duhamell.
 
Police are asking for tips that will lead them to find the gunman. The suspect is described as dark-skinned, 6'1" to 6'2" and weighs around 215 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray jacket, blue jeans, and a blue stocking cap.

Police are asking anyone with information on this crime to call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS. 

A fund in Katherin Shuffield's name has been set up to help the family. Donations can be made at any Huntington Bank location or mailed to the following address.   

Katherin Shuffield Benefit Fund 
C/O Huntington Bank - Main Office 
45 N. Pennsylvania St. 
Indianapolis, IN 46204 

Update on Indy Shooting Story

Here are several links with additional information on the shooting of the pregnant bank teller in Indianapolis. There have been several arrests, but the shooter still remains at large. 

Police: Car found matching description in bank shooting 

4 nabbed in Ind. shooting of bank teller pregnant with twins

Neighbors shocked at shooting of pregnant woman

The shooter is described as a dark-skinned male, about 6'1" to 6'2" tall, around 215 to 220 pounds. Tuesday night, they said he wore a blue stocking cap, a dark face covering, a gray collared jacket, blue jeans, dark-colored shoes with light-colored heels, and surgical gloves.

The shooting victim, 30-year-old Katherin Shuffield of Franklin, IN, is pregnant with twins. 

Hoosier Soldiers Heading to Iraq

Families bid farewell to

3400 National Guard troops

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - More than 3400 National Guard troops set to deploy to Iraq were sent off with a bang Wednesday afternoon. A special ceremony was held for the troops and their family and friends at the RCA Dome.

Over the last couple of weeks, guard members have been gathering at Camp Atterbury. They will deploy to Iraq in March as the 76 brigade combat team. It's the largest deployment of National Guard troops since World War Two.

But before they head overseas, they must first deploy to Fort Stewart Georgia for more training. Half of the combat team will head to Fort Stewart after the sendoff ceremony. The other half will return to Camp Atterbury and then deploy to Fort Stewart on Thursday.

To go to the WISH-TV 8 website, click here.

Email About Indiana Governor Daniels

I got the following email from the Mitch for Governor campaign. As in most places, property taxes are a huge subject here in Indiana, especially since many got increases in the 25% range this year. Governor Daniels served in President Bush's administration prior to becoming Governor of Indiana six years ago.

It's great to see a tax change that includes manditory caps on spending!

Tax reform rests on reduced local spending
My view: Rex C. Early

Local spending in Indiana has increased from $2.1 billion in 1984 to $7.9 billion last year. These massive increases are neither fair, nor sustainable to the property taxpayers of Indiana.

That's why I support Gov. Mitch Daniels' proposal to cut property taxes for every Hoosier homeowner, capping them forever at a maximum of 1 percent of a home's value.

Make no mistake: This plan is a big change. It will provide real and permanent property tax relief that homeowners need and deserve.

First, it's appropriate that the state assume the costs of child welfare and the remaining school funding. We can pay for this with a one-cent increase in the state sales tax, gaming revenue already earmarked for property tax relief, and a portion of the state's surplus, which Daniels achieved by controlling state spending the last three years.

I do not support tax increases, and this isn't one. I support the governor's plan because it shifts the tax burden away from property taxes, but remains revenue neutral.

Permanently capping property taxes at 1 percent of assessed value will give homeowners stability and prevent massive property tax increases. We should demand that this cap be permanent.

I have read that 55 percent of Hoosiers pay more than 1 percent of their home's assessed value in property taxes every year. But it is important to remember that the 1 percent cap is a maximum. Even those homeowners who currently pay less than 1 percent of their home's value will receive a property tax cut under Daniels' plan.

Perhaps the more critical components of the governor's plan are those that limit the growth of local government spending.

Indiana's 2,400 taxing units have far too much authority and far too little oversight in the way they raise property taxes. Much of the increases in our property taxes come from major construction projects and debt service.

Under the current system, each of Indiana's 2,400 taxing units sets its budget and you get the bill. At no point are those costs added together until they reach the taxpayer.

Daniels' plan would end this practice and mandate that tax boards in each county review all local spending plans to keep budgets in check and protect homeowners from overspending.

Hoosier taxpayers deserve this extra level of accountability, and a more significant role in determining local spending.

The governor's call for replacing the burdensome remonstrance process with a more direct referendum process only makes sense.

In Indiana, new school construction and the necessary borrowing to pay for it has been the single largest factor in rising property taxes. A referendum process not only gives taxpayers a say on the validity of major construction process, but also will serve to directly involve homeowners in these decisions.

When the General Assembly reconvenes, property taxes will be the most significant issue. There will be competing property tax plans and every legislator will have opportunities to bring ideas to the table.

Rightly, much of the focus will go toward Daniels' proposals to cut property taxes and cap them forever.

It is equally important that any plan adopted by the legislature also include the governor's proposals to limit local government spending. Hoosiers should demand nothing less.

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Mr. Early is a former candidate for Governor and former Chairman of the Indiana Republican Party. His letter appeared in today's Indianapolis Star.