An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Someone Please Explain?
Hardin County Driver Service Center Temporarily Closed for Maintenance
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security today announced that the Hardin County Driver Service Center located at 60 Brazelton Street, Unit 10, in Savannah is temporarily closed due to a building maintenance issue. The facility will be closed until further notice.
Seriously? Homeland Security? Why on earth would Homeland Security have diddly to do with a building maintenance? Wouldn’t that be more like the, oh…I dunno….maintenance department?
Out Of Nashville
Death Tax Repeal Moves Out of House Finance Subcommittee
Rep Vance Dennis Newsletter
But let me ask….is cutting the tax on food from 5.5% to 5.25% really going to be saving Tennesseans all that much on their grocery bill? The cost of a gallon of milk, or a pound of butter has risen by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years, much more than that .25% that they would be allowing us to keep of our own money. Now, if they REALLY want to make an impression, cut out the food tax altogether. 
Ok, maybe that isn’t an answer, but at least cut it by a FULL 1%!Court Ordered Salvation?
Mother faces contempt, jail for baptizing children
A Shelby County mother faces contempt-of-court charges and possible jail time for baptizing her two children without the knowledge or consent of her ex-husband.
This week the Tennessee Court of Appeals said Lauren Jarrell must face a criminal contempt hearing for violating a court order that said major decisions regarding the religious upbringing of her two children should be made jointly with the children’s father.
Both parents are Christian. Emmett Blake Jarrell, the father, is a member of the United Methodist Church, and she’s a Presbyterian.
Are these people serious? Baptism IS a big deal, but honestly, I don’t see the difference between the Methodists and Presbyterians. I’ve been to both, and they are quite similar in ‘rituals’ and teachings. Depending on the church, they’re both pretty left in my opinion. But that’s not the issue.
The father, according to court records, thought the children should be baptized when they are older and better able to understand the significance of the baptismal ceremony. The couple, according to court records, had even consulted a minister when they were married because they couldn’t agree what age was best for the kids to be baptized. Records show the children will be 5 and 7 next month.
I was about a year the first time I was baptized. My dad was Lutheran, my mom was Presbyterian, and I was baptized in the Lutheran church. My understanding was that it didn’t matter where, it just mattered if anything happened to me begore I was old enough to understand the whole process, you know, like DIE, or some such, that I would have a slot in heaven. It made my parents feel better. Then, I was raised in the Presbyterian church. It started changing back when, and that pretty much put a stop to my church attendance. Of course, I was also going through “that stage”. I don’t suppose the father has considered that the mom was concerned about her kids souls? Yes, it’s a decision that the kids can make when they are older, but no one ever said you can’t be baptized more than once. I’ve done it 3 times.
“Obviously she knew that the father did not want the children baptized at that age and she did that without telling him,” Memphis attorney Any Amundsen, who is not involved in the case, said of the mother. “She violated the court order.”
Where’s all the hoopla about ‘separation of church and state’, which doesn’t exist, but it’s always dragged out when anyone has the audacity to go against someone’s ‘wishes’. And let me ask this….if they are both REALLY Christians, why are they divorced? I know that sometimes, things happen and that 2 people can no longer live together as man and wife, but usually, it’s because at least one of them are NOT really Christian, and they are not following the teachings of Christ. Just sayin’.
The Court of Appeals decision sides with the father, who had asked that his ex-wife be convicted of criminal contempt after discovering that she baptized the kids against his wishes.
A lower court has already found the mother in contempt of court. The appellate court decision overturned that decision and said criminal contempt proceedings are more appropriate because the mother can’t undo the baptisms.
Yeah…ok…so they were suppose to discuss the important issues, and yes, baptism is a very important issue, but honestly, it seems to me that the father is being petty. It doesn’t sound like his concern is for his kids, but getting back at his ex-wife for making a decision, I would assume, in the hopes that her children will be saved? It’s not the water that is the most important part of baptism, although, yes, it is meant to ‘wash away sin’, but it is symbolic. What is important is the cleansing of the soul, and that is a decision the kids will make as they get older.
Court records show that the mother argued that it was wrong for the lower court to find her in contempt it was tantamount to preferring the father’s religious views on baptism over hers.
But the Court of Appeals disagreed.
Why are the courts even involved? Does daddy have ties with the legal system? Just askin’.
“Mother is correct that courts `must maintain strict neutrality in cases involving religious disputes between divorced parents’ and they may not `prefer the religious views of one parent over another unless one parent’s religious beliefs and practices threaten the health and well-being of the child,” Judge Alan E. Highers wrote. “However, simply put, this is not a religious dispute.” Highers said the court is only being asked to determine whether the mother can be found in contempt for failing to follow the court order.
Well yeah…actually, it is a religious dispute. Obviously, I don’t know all the facts…just what I’m reading here, but it actually sounds like a power play. Mom is concerned for the kids’ salvation and dad got his knickers in a twist because he was left out. There’s a reason why he is the EX, meaning former, husband. I’m rather curious as to whether or not he’s a control freak. Just speculation on my part. And I do not understand why this was part of the divorce agreement to begin with. This is a very personal matter, and not one for the courts to decide.
Nashville attorney Helen Rogers says the courts ought to stay away from these kinds of decisions.
“How would a court decide between baptizing a Presbyterian and a Methodist or a Catholic,” Rogers asked. She wondered whether a court could step in and order the child of a Muslim and a Jew to attend a synagogue or a mosque. The problem, she said, is that the standard parenting plan in Tennessee orders many parents to mediation if they can’t jointly decide on major decisions involving religious upbringing. If they can’t agree even after mediation, she said, it ultimately means that a court has to decide.
Why does the state have ANY say on how or where a child should be brought up, or baptized? To me, that is a complete violation of personal liberty.. personal RELIGIOUS liberty!
“The bigger kind of global look at this is should religious decision-making be a private matter or should it be something that a court orders to begin with,” Rogers asked.
That would be a ‘definitely NOT!”
However, Amundsen said the courts are only following state law, which says the courts have to consider religious upbringing when it comes to parental decision making.
Both attorneys said it’s not unusual for parents to disagree on religious upbringing.
Why are the courts involved, at all, in ‘parental decision making’? Someone got their head screwed on wrong, and forgot that the parents have the final say in their kids’ upbringing?
If the mother is convicted, she could face up to 20 days in jail and a $100 fine.
She can’t undo the baptism, and daddy should pull his head out of his hinder, and let it drop. The kids are more important than him and his desires. Yeah, I understand he wanted to be involved, but shouldn’t the salvation of his children come before his wants? Seems to me, that’s what mom’s concern was when she took this action. Unless, of course, it was to get back at him for some reason, which has been known to happen on a regular basis. Women can be quite vindictive. Then again, so can men. There is no mention of whether or not the kids wanted to be baptized, and really, shouldn’t THAT be the first consideration, of both the parents, and (*gritting teeth*) the courts? Seems to me that neither the court or the dad are considering what would happen to the kids if mom spends 20 days in jail. As for the fine? Well, I’d be happy to take up a collection if it comes to that!
Medical Marijuana in Tennessee?
Medical marijuana bill advances in Tenn. House
A proposal to legalize medical marijuana is advancing in the state House.
The House Health Subcommittee approved the measure on a voice vote on Tuesday after similar measures had quickly failed in previous years.
I’m not one of those people who thinks legalizing drugs is a good idea, but when it comes to medical marijuana…that’s a whole ‘nuther story! The problem with the medical version? Well, it doesn’t work as well as the stuff from the good old days. You know the stuff they didn’t add a bunch of dangerous stuff to that could kill you, or make you totally nuts. The real NATURAL pot!
Democratic Rep. Jeanne Richardson of Memphis, the bill’s main sponsor, said the measure would create the toughest access standards among the states that have enacted similar laws.
In Richardson’s words: “Medical cannabis is no longer a radical idea — this is not Cheech and Chong with a bong.”
Ok, gotta admit! That cracked me up! I could tell ya why, and the connection, but I’ll refrain. Hey…I wasn’t always an OL’ broad, y’know! 
Republican Rep. Joey Hensley, a Hohenwald physician, raised concerns that doctors aren’t trained on how to prescribe marijuana.
Seriously? Most doctors are pretty up to date on new medical procedures and such, at least I should HOPE so, and I’ve no doubt that if this bill passes, they could require all doctors who would be affected go to class or some such. From my understanding, the pill version doesn’t really help all that much. I can tell you from experience, a LONG time ago, that smoking it DOES help migraines, and the nausea that goes along with it. I had one for over a week…saw the doctor 3 times, gave me meds that did NOTHING! Got talked into trying it, took a few hits, and voila! Cancer patients lose their appetite, and going through treatments makes it worse. Many suffer from a LOT of nausea. What does pot do? Well, it gives you the munchies, which would aid in the loss of appetite, and it works wonders on nausea. FACT! Luckily, the Mr wasn’t one of those who suffered from any of the side effects from the treatments, but he sure could have used an appetite. Since he’s been declared cancer free, this hasn’t been an issue.
The companion bill has yet to be scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Government Operations Committee.
Now, I’m none too fond of Dem politicians, but in this case, I am hoping Republicans will do some research, talk to people who have had to suffer through migraines and cancer, and their families. Talk to actual doctors who have dealt with medical marijuana, and I don’t mean those pot shop types out in California. I mean legitimate doctors!
Dennis Running For Re-election
Dennis to seek third term as state rep
Vance Dennis today announced plans to run for re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives.
Calling himself a “proven conservative,” Dennis said he works hard to create jobs, balance the state’s budget, and cut taxes for working families and senior citizens.
“I am running for state representative because I want to improve the quality of life for all Tennesseans,” Dennis said. “I will continue to work to create new jobs for our region and to provide the best educational opportunities for our children.”
“Vance Dennis is a true conservative. He is an effective leader in the General Assembly who has worked to cut the size of government and to reduce spending,” said House Speaker Beth Harwell. “Vance is a reliable voice in the capitol for families and employers.”
I should hope he’s gonna run again. Gracious sakes. I can’t imagine him not being our rep! Now, if I could just convince him they need to knock off the nanny nonsense, and allow businesses to decide whether or not they allow smoking…. Hey…does this mean I’ll get to go to the dove hunt this year? The knee should be healed up by then, shouldn’t it?
An Unfounded Rumor In Tennessee
TICS employees have been receiving inquiries from some Tennessee FFL about whether we have heard anything about Wal-Mart intending to start selling handguns in March.
This morning I contacted the person in Bentonville, Arkansas who oversees Wal-Mart’s firearms program. Here is his response to my question (direct quote):
“We have no plans to sell handguns in any state in the near future (except for Alaska where we currently sell and have always sold handguns).”
So, if you have someone tell you Wal-Mart intends to sell handguns in Tennessee, you should realize they have no clue what they are talking about and MAY be blowing smoke at you for some ulterior motive.
Via Jack.
Training Against Terror
I’ve no doubt you’ve heard all about the uproar caused by CAIR concerning the training of the New York Police Department using a little film called “The Third Jihad“. They are even going so far as to demand the resignation of the Police Commissioner. I’d really like to know….who gave this Hamas linked terror group so much power over what we do, or do not do, in the training of police officers? If the jihad fits…….
What you may not have heard about is the training session in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Unfortunately, Tennessee has been the recipient of a large number of muslims, and for our law enforcement officers NOT to be trained in how to counter any terror threat brought by said ‘immigrants’ would be pure negligence! CAIR, of course, has its nose all up in the LEO’s business. Perhaps, if CAIR, and other such muslim groups, weren’t consistently violating OUR 1st Amendment rights, if they would denounce the war on innocents, refrain from destroying our Constitution and trying to replace it with Sharia, we might be inclined to listen. However, instead of acclimating themselves to the country in which they live, the goal is to force the majority into following the minority. If they don’t like it here, they are quite free to return to their place of origin, where they hang homosexuals, stone women for being raped, murder their children for their ‘honor’ and cut off the heads of the heads of anyone who disagrees with them. But please, don’t expect us to fall into line with your teachings of the murderous pedophile and his fake god.
And just who is running the other ‘training session‘, and why is it so secret? Are they bringing the fox into the chicken coup? Enquiring minds want to know!
Tear It Down
The folks of Murfreesboro, DeKalb County, and from around the state, did their best to prevent a mosque from being built in their community. Evidently, the city powers that be don’t give a flip about the safety of their citizens, and allowed the building to go forward. Now, there are even bigger problems, and naturally, the city powers aren’t addressing the issues. Honestly, I don’t understand how we continue to allow these people to invade our cities and towns. Some will say it’s a 1st Amendment issue. IMHO, since Islam isn’t a religion, but a cult of politics, it isn’t covered under the freedom of religion, not to mention the teachings violate many of our laws, and common sense.
No Welcome Mat For Criminal Invaders
Illegal immigrants involved in fatal crashes may face higher bail
A Republican lawmaker wants higher bails set for illegal immigrants involved in serious injury or fatal crashes.
A bill proposed by state Rep. Joe Carr of Lascassas would lead to higher bail amounts for illegal immigrants in those situations by automatically treating them as a flight risk — making it harder to bond out before trial.
Carr said the bill follows his philosophy of tackling illegal immigration one issue at a time, something he says the state should do to “de-magnetize itself from the dependency illegals have on state services and the fact that they feel like they’re welcome here.”
“They’re not welcome in Tennessee,” he said.
I have a much better idea….how about NO BAIL at all! First they are in the country ILLEGALLY, which is the first law they broke. They are not ‘immigrants’, they are criminals. Second, they are driving on the streets, ILLEGALLY, since they are not allowed to have driver’s license because they are in the country ILLEGALLY. And third, being involved in vehicular crash with fatalities (also known as KILLING people) while driving without a legally obtained license, after sneaking into the country ILLEGALLY, should carry the heaviest of all penalties. That’s 3 strikes right there!
How about let’s use a wee bit of common sense, and not offer criminal invaders ANY bail! I would suggest we enforce our own laws, and perhaps make them even stronger, as so many other countries do. The Mexican government has a strangle hold on their southern border, why don’t we? Other countries, like North Korea, or Afghanistan, just shoot the invaders. No fuss, no muss! I’m not saying we have to shoot anyone coming over our borders, but it is a sort of war, and we are being invaded. Just sayin’.
Tennessee’s RINO Senators!
Alexander, Corker voted in line with Obama more than peers did
You might expect Tennessee’s senators to clash with President Barack Obama on most of their congressional votes.
After all, Republican Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker are no fans of the president’s policies.
After the president’s State of the Union address Tuesday, Alexander nicknamed the nation’s economic doldrums the “Obama economy,” and according to Bloomberg, Corker told its next-day breakfast panel the speech signaled “that for the next year we’re really not going to do much.”
But Alexander and Corker voted in line with Obama’s positions 63 percent and 61 percent of the time last year, respectively — more often than all but a few other Republican senators.
I know I can’t be the only person in the state of Tennessee who KNOWS we need new Senators! Last go round, I couldn’t, in good conscience, vote for Alexander. I didn’t vote for the other guy either. I just left it blank. This time, Corker is up for re-election, and once again, unless we have someone who actually reflects the values of Tennesseans, instead of the elites of D.C., I won’t be able to cast my vote for him either!
I honestly wish we could find a CONSERVATIVE primary challenger. I have asked at least one person I know who would make a great Senator, but he has other obligations right now. 
Perhaps Marsha Blackburn could challenge him? At least she hasn’t fallen so far into the trap of D.C. insider politics, she can’t see the light! Hmm…. I wonder if Stacey Campfield would be up for the challenge? Just a thought!
How can we have any trust in our representatives who vote so overwhelmingly WITH a man/child whose sole purpose seems to be the destruction of our nation? The answer is quite simple. We can’t.
In English Please
Why is it necessary for the Tennessee Legislators to introduce bills that requires driver’s license exams to be in English? That should be a given, considering that is what we speak! HOUSE BILL 454 and SENATE BILL 10 do just that, but I have to ask, since the House Bill was introduced in December of 2010, why has this not been passed and signed into law? I realize that gubmint moves really slow, unless they are sucking money out of our pockets, then they can get things moving in at the speed of light. Common sense law? Meh….not so much!
From Governor Haslam
I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season. While Crissy and I are excited to be back in Nashville and working towards moving Tennessee forward, we really enjoyed spending some time with our kids, family and friends.
As you may know, today marks the start of this year’s legislative session. And just a few minutes ago in the Old Supreme Court Chambers, I announced my 2012 legislative package aimed at moving Tennessee forward. This year, my focus remains: working to make Tennessee the No. 1 state in the Southeast for high quality jobs. We hope to get closer to this goal through economic development efforts, meaningful education reform, a more efficient and effective state government and improved public safety. Our 2012 legislative package is aimed at impacting key issues that are absolutely crucial to tackle now. Here’s a sampling of these issues:
- Strengthening the Department of Economic and Community Development’s FastTrack program by budgeting more for the grant program and giving the department more flexibility in utilizing those grants to attract and grow Tennessee jobs
- Lowering the state portion of the sales tax on food from 5.5 percent to 5.0 percent over three years.
- Providing innovation opportunities to local school districts by eliminating the outdated requirement of state and local salary schedules based strictly on seniority and training.
- Taking a first step in reaching my goal of raising the state’s inheritance tax exemption from $1 million to $5 million by increasing it to $1.25 million to lower the burden on family farmers and family business owners as these businesses span generations
- Restructuring a number of state boards and commissions to eliminate duplicative functions and provide more accountability and oversight of these agencies
- Addressing a number of public safety issues including prescription drug abuse, tougher sentencing for certain types of gang-related crimes, tougher sentencing for gun possession by those with prior violent felony convictions and mandatory jail time for repeat domestic violence offenders
- Updating and reforming the state’s antiquated employment system through the TEAM Act (Tennessee Excellence Accountability and Management) by simplifying the hiring process, providing flexibility to retain and reward outstanding employees and streamlining the appeals process for employees. Watch a video detailing some of the employment issues facing the state »
These examples just scratch the surface of what we’re working on in 2012. I hope you’ll visit forward.tn.gov to learn more and watch a video about some of the issues with our state’s employment system. Thanks so much for your support and please feel free to share your feedback.
Best,
Bill (source)
Why would it take the state 3 years to lower taxes on food from 5.5 to 5.0? They can raise the tax in a day but can’t lower it? Riiiiight. Paying tax on food, which is a necessity, is absurd to begin with, but to piddle around lowering the tax? That’s just ridiculous!
Pee In The Cup
Drug testing for workers’ comp, welfare sparks worries
Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey expects Tennessee will put in place a law that requires drug tests for people drawing government assistance or workers’ compensation. Other high-ranking Republicans aren’t so sure.
What’s not to be sure about?
The House speaker and the governor have voiced concerns about the cost and whether federal rules that govern the programs, including food stamps and welfare, give the state enough flexibility to start drug-testing programs that can survive a legal challenge.
Well, what you do, see, is take the cost out of whatever monetary benefits said testee will be getting. Yup. Charge them for the test. If they pass, fine. If they fail, just think how much money the state would save by not paying said benefits for the flunker. Our hard earned money should not be supporting someone’s drug habit. So, what’s the problem?
Ramsey, R-Blountville, recently told the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce that a similar proposal last legislative session carried a $12 million price tag but did not take into account the savings the state or employers will see from cutting off benefits to drug users.
See? It really would come out to our benefit. And, like I said, make the testee pay for the test. If they want state and federal benefits, then while they are looking for employment, they should be stone cold sober, right? Not to mention the test should be given on a monthly basis, with the cost being deducted from any compensation they’d receive.
“This is your money that we’re trying to protect here,” Ramsey told the business group. “Folks, we don’t need to give any support to that lifestyle.”
Ramsey said he’s confident that lawmakers will be able to make a strong case based on other states’ experience that the proposal would be revenue neutral.
Why, oh why, isn’t Ron Ramsey our governor instead the RINO we got? sigh….
House Speaker Beth Harwell said that while she agreed with the aim of the drug-testing proposal, addressing the state’s financial picture is a bigger priority.
“With the budgetary constraints that we face in this state, we want to make sure that those who are receiving assistance from the state are qualified and are doing everything they personally can do to take care and provide for themselves,” said Harwell, a Nashville Republican. “I think there will be a thorough discussion, but I think it’s too early to predict whether it will pass.”
If our state legislators don’t give a damn about spending OUR money on junkies and drunks, then I really don’t think they should be sitting in Nashville with the power to take from us, and give to them, do you? How about we use some common sense once in a while? The state’s financial picture includes giving benefits to people who don’t deserve them. I’d say that’s a pretty big priority as well, and it would end up saving US in the long run.
Gov. Bill Haslam said recently that he hasn’t seen specifics of the proposal but that there are still a series of questions that need to be addressed.
“We need to see what sort of federal leeway we have there, and I haven’t gotten that data back yet,” he said. “And No. 2, who would implement that and how would it be implemented?”
Ya know, Haslam is pretty nice guy, but I’m not all that impressed with him in a leadership role. Those questions that need to be addressed includes how much will this save the state of Tennessee in the long run. I’d say, quite a bit. And honestly, has anyone looked at the 10th Amendment lately? Stop handing over power that belongs to the state to the feckless…I mean federal government. Sheesh!
Florida became the first state to enact drug testing for welfare applicants since Michigan tried and failed more than a decade ago. Michigan’s random drug-testing program for welfare recipients lasted five weeks in 1999 before it was halted by a judge, kicking off a four-year legal battle that ended with an appeals court ruling it unconstitutional.
How is it unconstitutional? If that’s the case, then no company should be allowed to drug test either. If I own a company, I’m going to make sure I don’t have people who are high working in my business. It’s BAD for the business, and there are major safety concerns. The same should apply for those getting “free stuff”. It shouldn’t be free to them. Drug use is a crime. Why reward criminal behavior? They should earn the benefits! I’m kind of fed up with judges making decisions contrary to the will of the people. This is one area where Newt is right. These libtards bozos have no business changing the laws to suit THEIR political agenda. They do NOT have that power, however, they have taken it away from the people. Oklahoma is a good example.
H/T: Rod Williams via Facebook
Testing The Teachers
Gov. Haslam calls for more study of teacher evaluations
Gov. Bill Haslam is calling for more study of Tennessee’s new process for evaluating teachers, in a bid to head off legislative action spurred by complaints over the system’s fairness and practicality.
Haslam said Wednesday that he has appointed SCORE, a Nashville advocacy group that pushed for reforms to teacher evaluations, to conduct a formal review of how well the state’s new system is working. The review will coincide with an internal analysis by the Tennessee Department of Education.
The study comes after state lawmakers, including some fellow Republicans, questioned whether efforts to grade teacher performance are being rolled out haphazardly. Haslam defended the new system and urged lawmakers not to take action until after the state and SCORE reports have been delivered.
All teachers need to be evaluated. If they are unionistas, they need to be examined even more closely! 
I’d also like to exactly what they are teaching, how much common knowledge is being taught, so while they are examining the teachers, they also might want to take a real good look at the teacher’s curriculum.
I have no idea what exactly is entailed in this plan, but I’d suggest that looking back over the years on how well each teacher’s students have done in their classroom would be a real good start. If the large majority of students are learning, then I’d say that teacher is doing fairly well. If not, then odds are, that particular teacher sucks, and should find a different line of work.
If the system that Gov Haslam came up with needs tweaking, then, by all means, have at it, as long as students are learning what they need to know to survive when they hit the REAL world. It would also be nice if they were learning the TRUE history of the country, civics, and a bit of ethics. These seem to be sorely lacking in today’s education. Teaching the to recycle is all well and fine, but without some knowledge of our past, the kids will undoubtedly continue on the path of what we are seeing today with the likes of OWS and Obamabots. Ignorance is NOT bliss! It’s dangerous!
Election Stuff
For your state info for primaries and such, go here.
