Category: Activism

Casey, Coons Iran Vote Scorned

The tri-state Independence Hall Foundation  voiced utter disdain, Sept. 1, for the announced decisions of Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Chris Coons (D-DE) to back the Iran deal.  Casey, Coons Iran Vote Scorned

“This is a major miscalculation on the part of both politicians,” said Foundation spokesperson Teri Adams.

“Most importantly, passage of this treaty will lead to a more unstable world–starting with an increase in Middle East violence and ending with Iran as an irrational and unpredictable
nuclear power.

“Secondly, one or both of these men can and will be defeated if they stand for re-election in 2018.  That is not a threat, it’s an observation.

“With upwards of two-thirds of Americans opposing all or parts of this deal in recent surveys, Senators Casey and Coons are alienating big voting blocks in their respective states,” said Ms. Adams.

The following is a copy of a letter the Foundation sent to Senators Casey, Coons, and Corey Booker (D-NJ):

August 28, 2015

Dear Senator (Casey, Coon, Booker),

The Independence Hall Foundation, a non-partisan, non-profit civic organization with over 10,000 adherents in the tri-state region (DE, NJ, PA), is writing to inform you of our overwhelming opposition to the Iran Deal negotiated by the Obama Administration.

While our objections are long, for the sake of brevity, we are going to list our five main reasons for opposing this agreement:

1.  The Iranian government currently holds four American hostages: Washington Post
journalist Jason Rezaian; former U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati; pastor Saeed Abedini; and former FBI agent Robert Levinson.

Their release should have been a prerequisite for any negotiations.

2.  The Iranian government sanctions anti-American protests in which its supporters chant “Death to America” — clearly demonstrating that the current regime is our enemy.  Iran, until this year, has been listed as a top exporter of worldwide terrorism.  What has changed?

3.  Lifting sanctions will give the Iranian dictatorship access to upward of $150 billion — enabling them to increase their funding of terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah which operate throughout the Middle East.  The agreement also allows unfettered activity at its Arak nuclear facility.

4.  The agreement is much too lax regarding the inspection of known nuclear facilities and does not adequately address the problem of hidden sites.

5.  Most importantly, we believe this deal could actually hasten Iran’s development of a nuclear bomb by allowing it to continue to enrich uranium in addition to developing and testing centrifuges.  Such an outcome puts all of our allies in the Middle East, especially Israel, in imminent danger.
 
In the short run, the violent activity of Hamas and Hezbollah will surely escalate.  In the long run, one can imagine disaster, not only for Israel and our other Middle Eastern allies, but for the United States as well.  Will it be a nuclear disaster?  God forbid it.

Is this the legacy the Obama Administration seeks?

On behalf of the Foundation Board,
Teri Adams, 267.531.8169

Casey, Coons Iran Vote

Valley Forge Prayer Event

Faith and Freedom Coalition and the Valley Forge Patriots are  sponsoring a pray for America event, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 12 at Valley Forge Park. Valley Forge Prayer Event

“We as a nation are in trouble, and believers from all faiths need to come together and humble ourselves before God,” say event organizers. ” Please, can’t you set set hours aside for the good of America? Invite all your church friends and leaders for this most important morning.”

The event will be held in the Artillery Park section on Inner Line Drive.

The organizers note there will be plenty of parking near the area and restrooms along with picnic space. They suggest one brings a lunch and make a day of it with family and friends, and to  bring chairs.

Hat tips Jamie Cox and Bob Guzzardi

Valley Forge Prayer Event

Gary R’nel Leaves WPHT

Gary R'nel Leaves WPHT Don Adams of Independence Hall Foundation tells us that center-right WPHT radio host, Gary R'nel, will no longer occupy the mic at the Big Talker studio in Old City. Don Adams of Independence Hall Foundation tells us that center-right WPHT radio host, Gary R’nel, will no longer occupy the mic at the Big Talker studio in Old City.

“R’nel, who is affectionately known to listeners as “Gary ba-by,” will be impossible to replace due to his quirky sense of humor and his congenial personality,” Adams said. “We found his show most interesting because he quite often refused to tow the ultra-conservative line.”

Gary R’nel Leaves WPHT

Iran Rally Features Dom Giordano

WPHT 1210 talk show host Dom Giordano will headline the Delaware Valley Stop Iran Rally tentatively scheduled for 2 to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13 on Independence Mall, Philadelphia, according to Teri Adams of Independence Hall Foundation.  Iran Rally Features Dom Giordano

The rally, initiated by the Foundation, will be spearheaded by the new Delaware Valley Stop Iran Committee. Any legitimate, locally-based, non-profit group wishing to join the Committee should call 215-620-3055 for  details.

“The purpose of the event is to unite opponents, educate the public to the dangerous nature of the agreement, and convince undecided members of our area Congressional delegation to oppose the deal,” said Ms. Adams.

Iran Rally Features Dom Giordano

Happy Independence Day 2015

A few July 4 facts courtesy of the Delaware County Patriots. AmericanFlag

  • There were 56 signers to the Declaration of Independence.
  • Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston comprised the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration. Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer, wrote most of the document.
  • John Hancock, President of the Second Continental Congress, was the first signer to the Declaration of Independence. He did so in an entirely blank space making it the largest and most famous signature — hence the term John Hancock, which is still used today as a synonym for signature.
  • Benjamin Franklin (age 70), who represented Pennsylvania, was the oldest of the signers. Edward Rutledge (age 26), of South Carolina, was the youngest.
  • Two future presidents signed, John Adams (second President) and Thomas Jefferson (third President). Both died on the 50th anniversary of signing the Declaration (July 4, 1826).
  • Robert Livingston, who represented New York, was on the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence but was recalled by his state before he could sign it.
  • Charles Carroll, who represented Maryland, was the last surviving signer of the Declaration. He died in 1832 at the age of 95.
Happy Independence Day 2015

Independent Presidential Candidates At Swarthmore Forum

Democracy Unplugged will present, July 9,  independent presidential candidates in its initial Declaration of the Independents 2015 series of Forums. Independent Presidential Candidates At Swarthmore Forum -- Democracy Unplugged will present, July 9, independent presidential candidates in its initial Declaration of the Independents 2015 series of Forums

As of now, four candidates are scheduled.

The presentation is 7 p.m. at Swarthmore Borough Hall, 121 Park Ave., Swarthmore, Pa. 19081.

“All four of these Candidates are not connected with any political party machine nor funded by any corporation,” said Robert Small of Democracy Unplugged. “They can and will propose their ideas which you will not hear in the mainstream media.”

There will  be a table for informational flyers on any other political candidate or movement. Admission is free though donations are accepted.

Small said the four scheduled to make presentations as of June 23 are  Dr. Piotr Blass of Boynton Beach, Fla; Tom Lineaweaver of Lebanon, Pa.;  Thomas Menier of Cape Coral, Fla. and  Sho Muhammad of Houston, Tx.

Independent Presidential Candidates At Swarthmore Forum

John Fund Philly Bound

Noted Commentator John Fund will be the keynote speaker at the Independence Hall Foundation's July 3 event at the Independence Visors Center Ballroom, 6th and Market streets, Philadelphia. It runs 4 to 5:30 p.m. and celebrates the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta and the 239th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
John Fund

Noted Commentator John Fund will be the keynote speaker at the Independence Hall Foundation’s July 3 event at the Independence Visors Center Ballroom, 6th and Market streets, Philadelphia.  It runs 4 to 5:30 p.m. and celebrates the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta and the 239th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Fund’s topics will be those documents along with Pope Francis’ recent encyclical Laudato Si.

Also speaking will be Charlie Gerow, who is founder of Quantum Communications and was an advisor to President Ronald Reagan.

The event will also feature the presentations of this year’s Thomas Jefferson Defender of Liberty Award; the Franklin Award for Excellence in Journalism and the Betsy Ross Activist of the Year Award.

Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door; with a student rate of $7.50 in advance and $10 at the door.

There will be an after party at the Independence Beer Garden, 100 S. Independence Mall West.

To RSVP, mail checks to: Independence Hall Foundation, The Continental, 615 Chestnut St., Box 39725 Philadelphia, PA 19106.

The group is also sponsoring a lunch with Fund at 2 p.m. at City Tavern, 2nd and Walnut streets. Seating is limited. For cost and details, call 215-620-3055.

John Fund Philly Bound

Pamela Geller Defending A Friend

Pamela Geller Defending A Friend

Pamela Geller Defending A Friend
This is the cartoon that the establishment media is reluctant to show to help understand what the fuss is about. Mohammed’s balloon says “You can’t draw me”. The cartoonist is replaying “That’s why I draw you.”

By Don Adams 

ISIS has issued a fatwa against a dear friend of the Independence Hall Foundation, Pamela Geller.

Just writing these words seems so bizarre.

Ms. Geller keynoted our 2012 American Exceptionalism July 4th Celebration held at the Independence Visitor Center.

The event location had to be moved in doors, from the original  location on Independence Mall, due to threats that had been made against Ms. Geller (even then) in relation to her appearance.

Occupy Philadelphia was hosting a national gathering on the Mall and some of their attendees had  also threatened to interrupt our program.

In the end, over 300 friends packed the banquet hall to hear a terrific keynote address from Ms. Geller–the best speech ever delivered to our organization–with the exception, perhaps, of 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney’s Tax Day talk at the Franklin Institute.

Pamela Geller Defending A Friend July 4 2012
Pamela Geller flanked by Don and Terri Adams at the Independence Hall Foundation’s July 4, 2012 event.

The event went off without interruption–thanks, mostly, to the National Park Service security officers and the assistance of Internal Affairs Division of the Philadelphia Police.

ISIS Operatives Attempt to Carry Out a Texas Massacre
In Texas, earlier this, the situation was quite different–as Ms. Geller’s Muhammad Cartoon Contest ended with the killing of two
ISIS terrorists and the wounding of a security guard.

As quickly as the violence erupted in Texas, a national debate unfolded around the merits of the the contest and the supposed limits of free speech.

At the center of the storm–Ms. Geller–who was quickly labeled “hater” by the left–the same left that applauded “Christ in Urine” and a tasteless depiction of the Blessed Virgin that was praised as “art” by Catholic-bashers everywhere.

In all of our interactions with Ms. Geller, we have found her to be
principled, honest, hard working, dedicated, thoughtful, sincere, and caring. Of all the numerous conservative politicians, pundits, and operatives that we have hosted, she is one that we greatly admire.

While we wholeheartedly support Ms. Geller–and vouch for her tremendous character, we also firmly believe that with our rights, including free speech, come responsibilities.

Holding a single contest to prove several points–that free speech is preferable to the alternative, that a fatwa can be issued against American citizens, that ISIS is alive and well on the US mainland, and that Jihaddists will stop at nothing to destroy the West and all that it represents–may have been worth the price of the Texas shootings.

But conducting such contests over and over again, here and there, will prove nothing new–and will increasingly bring into question the motives of those holding the contests rather than the would be terrorist-murderers who seek to carry out fatwas and the extinction of western culture.

The following are two fascinating, yet contrary, opinion pieces written by conservative pundits – –Rich Lowry, for Politico, and Kathleen Parker, for the Washington Post.
For the record, we completely disagree with Ms. Parker’s view of Ms. Geller.  Media hound Parker knows far too well of which she speaks–as most of what she says about Geller applies to herself, instead.

Update: Don has asked to add that another good thing concerning Ms. Geller’s contest was the way it exposed the hypocrisy of the left.

Mr. Adams is among the founders of the Independence Hall Foundation.

Pamela Geller Defending A Friend

 

Independence Hall Foundation Fundraiser

Independence Hall Foundation Fundraiser
Sen. Pat Toomey at the Independence Hall Foundation’s Pro Blue Rally on Jan. 10.

The Independence Hall Foundation is  holding a Pot of Gold Money Drop Campaign. The goal–to raise $5,000–would help it retire a small debt and fund upcoming projects says the Foundation’s Don Adams.
​
“Without your continued support, we could not host events like the recent Delaware Valley Pro-Blue Rally and our 2013 What Difference Does It Make Press Conference denouncing the decision of the Board of the National Constitution Center to award Hillary Clinton the 2014  Liberty Medal on the eve of the 1st Anniversary of the Benghazi attack,” said Adams.

He noted that if everyone who had participated in a Foundation event contributed just $5, the fundraising needs would be greatly surpassed

Contributions should be sent to:

The Independence Hall Foundation
The Continental
615 Chestnut Street, Box 39725
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Independence Hall Foundation Fundraiser

French Academics Like Tea Party

Marion Douzou, a French PhD candidate who is researching the history of the Tea Party in Pennsylvania, will the speaker at tomorrow night’s (April 10) meeting of the Valley Forge Patriots. It starts 6:30 at P J Ryan’s Pub, 233 Bridge St., Phoenixville, Pa. 19460.French Academics Like Tea Party

Say what you want, French academics like the Tea Party. Here is Agnes Trouilet (third for left) marching with the Delaware County Patriot contingent in Springfield Township’s 2014 Independence Day Parade. Agnes was writing a thesis on the Tea Party movement for the University of Paris.

French Academics Like American Tea Party