EIA on the HSTA

GRASS IN REVIEW

GRASSROOT INSTITUTE OF HAWAII

Nurturing the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a civil society.

WEEKLY GRASS IN REVIEW - July 4, 2007

EIA on the HSTA
A Message from Dick Rowland

Dick Rowland Mike Antonnucci's report from his famous "The Educational Intelligence Agency" on May 29, 2007 contained this gem (Item 5 on http://www.eiaonline.com/archives/20070529.htm):

Hawaii Faculty Union to Divert Dues to PAC

The NEA-affiliated University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) will begin to transfer $5 per member in dues revenue from its general fund to its political action committee starting in September.

The transfer will take place as a "negative check-off" process, meaning members will have to object in writing to having that portion of their dues diverted to the PAC. Though the process will begin in September, members won't be notified of the appropriation or the objection procedure until August.

Are you struck by the lack of attention to individual choice and preference in this action? If you were a HSTA member (and some of you are) would you ask to resign from the organization? Keep in mind that HSTA dues are taken from individual pay in an incestuous arrangement between the state and HSTA. This in spite of the fact that teachers could arrange for payment free through their banks if they were allowed to do so. Let's see: That would allow individual choice in political donations... The state would save processing fees... Union leaders would have to persuade and lead teachers. Any thoughts from you?

IN THE NEWS - HIGHLIGHTED COMMENTARIES
Grassroot Institute is regularly featured in news articles and broadcasts around the state. Here is a sample of some of our recent articles, research stories, and other articles of interest.

Vaclav Klaus, Freedom Fighter
By Michael R. Fox, Ph.D.

Describing life under tyrannical rule to Americans is beyond the educational experience. We can learn a lot from people who have actually lived under tyranny and terror. A case in point is the Czech Republic, which has been blessed with at least two outstanding leaders.

(To read more, click here.)

Michael Moore Confirms that Government Health Care is Sicko
By Diana M. Ernst

Michael Moore showed up in Sacramento last week to promote his film Sicko. Senator Sheila Kuehl hailed Moore as a prophet of truth to the American people but the filmmaker is so mired in his own health hysterics that he regularly contradicts himself.

(To read more, click here.)

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Opportunity for Young Adults:
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii created the Fresh Perspective column exclusively to publish the work of high school and college students. In addition to work appearing on GRIH’s website, their work is also submitted to Hawaii Reporter. Submissions are welcome from any interested young adult, and we will publish work that is clearly written and grammatically sound. For earlier Fresh Perspectives please click here.

Contact: roz@grassrootinstitute.org for more info.

TRY OUR BLOGS
Use these links to access various topics.

The Mystery of Hawaiian History>>>Blog Archives>>>An attempt by Kamehameha Schools and OHA, led by Hawaiian sovereignty secessionists, to intimidate GRIH

The Mystery of Hawaiian History>>>Blog Archives>>>The People on the Sidewalk

Dash of Calabash>>>Blog Archives>>>The Misuse of Taxpayer Money

Read what others have written or add your own thoughts. Click here for more blogs.

UPCOMING EVENTS

All of the Institute’s events, research publication dates and speaking engagements are available on our website.

July 31, 2007
A Luncheon Celebration in Honor of Milton Friedman's 95^th Birthday in the Card Room, Pacific Club
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Save the date! All over the country, events will be held on July 31^stto honor Milton Friedman's vision and the impact he has had on our society. Doug Bandow will be the main speaker at this event. Co-sponsors include Small Business Hawaii, The Federalist Society, The Heritage Foundation and others. Lunch will be a sandwich buffet with salads, cookies and iced tea. Cost is $25 payable by July 20. Send checks to the GRIH office. Call or email to charge. Seats limited.

Doug Bandow is the Cobden Fellow in International Economics, Institute for Policy Innovation; Robert A. Taft Fellow, American Conservative Defense Alliance; Bastiat Scholar in Free Enterprise, Competitive Enterprise Institute; and Vice President for Policy, Citizen Outreach. A former Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan, he is the author of the recently published Foreign Follies: America's New Global Empire. His other books include The Politics of Envy: Statism as Theology, Tripwire: Korea and U.S. Foreign Policy in a Changed World, and Military Manpower and Human Resources. Doug is a columnist for the American Spectator. Click here for a list of his columns and links. (You will need to choose Doug Bandow from the drop down list and click on "Show Results".)

How fast does the state spend your money?
State spending is out of control. Watch the dollars fly out the window.....

Have an Institute speaker at your next meeting!
From taxation to education, from health care to transportation, the Institute’s staff is ready to address your group regarding the important policy issues facing all citizens of Hawaii. Call (808) 591-9193 to check availability and make arrangements, or e-mail us at roz@grassrootinstitute.org.

Grassroot Institute is a proud member of the State Policy Network and Townhall..

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