Category: Independence Hall Foundation

Independence Hall Foundation Endorses Health Act — After agonizing deliberation, the 12-member board of the Independence Hall Foundation is announcing, today, (March 24)  its support for the American Health Care Act–with reservations.

“President Trump’s recent ultimatum suggesting that today may be the last opportunity to repeal ObamaCare has given greater urgency to the passage of this bill,” said Foundation spokeswoman, Teri Adams.

“For years, our organization has strenuously opposed ObamaCare, in every aspect, and we welcome the opportunity to replace it with free markets solutions–such as Health Savings Accounts and insurance competition across state lines.

“While the AHCA doesn’t achieve all of our immediate objectives, it’s a good first step in a three-pronged approach.

“AHCA eliminates the detested ObamaCare mandates (employer and individual); repeals taxes on insurers, medical devices manufacturers, and pharmaceuticals; reduces costly federal subsidies; encourages Health Savings Accounts; gives states more flexibility and control–especially in relation to Medicaid; and ends funding for Planned Parenthood,” said Ms. Adams.

“The architects of this legislation have promised a follow-up to this bill which includes two additional phases. Phase 2 would entail action on the part of the administration to initiate regulatory changes and provide the states with even greater administrative flexibility.

“The final phase, Phase 3, is the one we greatly support but have reservations regarding the will of Congress to enact at a future date–and that involves allowing health care insurers to compete across state lines.

“In order to achieve this objective, such a bill would have to clear a 60-vote filibuster proof majority in the Senate and we’re not confident that the votes are there.”

“All in all, though, we can’t keep second-guessing Congressional leaders and the Administration. We must act.

“We trust they have brought forth this legislation in good faith. Let’s pray it succeeds–for the good of the people and our nation,” said Ms. Adams.

Independence Hall Foundation Endorses Health Act

Independence Hall Foundation Praises Gorsuch — The Independence Hall Foundation is praising President Donald Trump’s selection of Judge Neil Gorsuch, of Colorado, a federal judge who currently serves on the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, to fill the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

“We believe Judge Gorsuch is cut out of the same cloth as Justice Scalia and will arrive at his court decisions after giving careful consideration to the orginal intent of the framers of the U.S. Constitution,” said Foundation spokeswoman, Teri Adams. 

“We are impressed with Judge Gorsuch’s written opinions and his recent decision affirming religious liberty.               

“Although we anticipate a confirmation battle from Democrats on the far left of the political spectrum, we think reasonable Democrats will defer to President Trump on this choice given Judge Gorsuch’s stellar record as a judge and his tremendous intellectual prowess.

“Our organization will do everything in its power to make sure Judge Gorsuch is confirmed,” said Ms. Adams.

“We also note that Judge Gorsuch clerked for former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White, a Democrat appointed to the court by President John F. Kennedy.

“We are grateful to Republican senators, led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, for postponing, indefinitely, a vote on President Barach Obama’s choice to fill the Scalia vacancy, Judge Merrick Garland,” said Ms. Adams.

Independence Hall Foundation Praises Gorsuch

Independence Hall Foundation Honors Scott Garrett — The conservative Independence Hall Foundation has chosen Congressman Scott Garrett (NJ-5) as its 2016 Frederick Muhlenberg Legislator of the year.

The Award is named in honor of Pennsylvania Congressman Frederick Muhlenberg, the first Speaker of the US House of Representatives and is awarded annually to a legislator from the tri-state region. 

Congressman Muhlenberg, born January 1, 1750 in Trappe, Montgomery County, PA, served in the Continental Congress and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives before representing the Keystone State’s At-Large and 2nd Congressional Districts from 1789-1797.  As House Speaker, Congressman Muhlenberg had the distinct honor of being the first signer of the Bill of Rights.

Previous Foundation Legislator of the Year award recipients are Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8), 2015; Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA-6), 2014; and Pennsylvania State Representative Steve Barrar, 2013.

“This year’s recipient, Congressman Scott Garrett, a staunch defender of religious liberty and the Bill of Rights, was a natural choice for this award,” said Foundation spokeswoman, Teri Adams.

“A consistent conservative over the years, outgoing Congressman Garrett, who represents a portion of Northern New Jersey, has a lifetime rating of 99.3 from the American Conservative Union. 

“A founder of the House Constitution Caucus and the House Freedom Caucus, Congressman Garrett is also a member of the Republican Liberty Caucus,” said Ms. Adams.

“While serving on the House Budget Committee, the Congressman fought for accuracy in government accounting by introducing the Budgetary and Accounting Transparency Act of 2014.

“Among a myriad of other concerns, the Congressman also fought against government earmarks and for the First Amendment Defense Act.  In 2007, he sponsored legislation supporting United Nations Membership for the island of Taiwan.”

Born in Englewood, NJ, Congressman Garrett spent most of his life in the Garden State–serving in the New Jersey State Assembly from 1992-2003. The Congressman received a BA in Political Science from Montclair State College and a JD from Rutgers School of Law, Camden.

He and his wife, Mary Ellen, have two adult daughters.

Independence Hall Foundation Honors Scott Garrett

241st Year Agenda

By Don Adams

As our nation enters its 241st year, there are so many serious issues confronting us that it often seems overwhelming.

It appears there are three overarching problems currently threatening our Right to Life, Liberty, and pursuit of Happiness.

On the international front, no one can deny that the violence of Islamic Jihadism has been so pervasive over the past several decades, both in the US and abroad, as to warrant a most serious effort to defeat it.

Yet world leaders such as President Obama, Pope Benedict, and Angela Merkel focus far too much energy and resources on the supposed long term threat of “global warming” rather than the eminent danger of global terrorism. This colossal failure of leadership must radically change now or our way of life will be the next casualty.

We must declare war on Islamic Jihadists and determine to defeat them within this decade.

On the domestic front, we face pending economic and cultural decline due to excessive centralized government and a lack of individual responsibility.

Federal, state, and local governments, whose spending is largely out of control, continue to regulate and tax us into submission. As the arm of government attempts to reign supreme, it diminishes the importance of church, community and family in our personal lives. As a result, the economy remains stagnant and we the people grow restless.

The diminished church, the apathetic community, and the embattled family leave us vulnerable to negative cultural influences that peddle drug and alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity, and other irresponsible behaviors.

Too many of our current elected officials and bureaucrats–in all levels of government–are attempting to control rather than to empower us to lead productive, happy lives.

But, alas, it is not too late to rise up, as our Founders did 240 years ago today, and fight to preserve our cherished freedoms and institutions.

As Brexit has shown, the pendulum is swinging against big, centralized government and in the direction of decentralized, limited government; individual empowerment; and personal responsibility.

If our nation can defeat ISIS and the onslaught of tyrannical government, we will have successfully brought the American Revolution into the 21st century.

Our Foundation hopes to be at the forefront of this ongoing, never-ending American Revolution–with all of you!

We pray God continues to bless you and our great nation.

Mr. Adams is on the board of the Independence Hall Foundation.

241st Year Agenda

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. 

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

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