www.jerrystout.us

Following scant debate, the Senate last week approved an amendment to an Indian health care bill that would permanently prohibit the use of federal dollars to fund abortions for Native Americans except in rare cases. The move has prompted an outcry from women’s health advocates — who point out that a similar ban has existed on a temporary basis for years — and from tribal groups, who are asking why Native American women should be subject to restrictions not applicable to other ethnic groups. Some charge that the Senate proposal is overtly racist.

The issue is a sensitive one in American Indian communities, where women are statistically more likely to be victims of rape or sexual assault than other American women — but also where victims very rarely use the exceptions to the current federally funded abortion ban in the wake of those crimes. In the face of that discrepancy, advocates say, Congress should encourage victims to take advantage of the available services, not impose tighter restrictions. More »

After long and serious thought, I have decided to endorse Senator John McCain for President. I have always voted for the person and have not voted for anyone because some political party was telling me who I should vote for.

We all know the choices by now and, that said, I do believe that the process of selecting a chief executive is deeply flawed. The words “money” and “special interests” come to mind, among many others.

Here’s the way I see it:

Barack Obama, you are a fine public speaker. You are also an extremely liberal Senator from the State of Illinois, which has a long and rich history of political corruption of the first magnitude. You are indeed a child of that system.

You have finally insulted my intelligence far beyond my capacity to tolerate your insults. It has nothing at all to do with your skin color. As a matter of fact, it would be so cool to finally have an African-American for President. What a great statement that would be to the entire world that we are indeed the greatest country on earth!

But, unfortunately, General Colin Powell is not running, and YOU are NOT the man for this job ! More »

The right to keep and bear arms is clearly protected by both the U.S. Constitution and the Florida Constitution. “Bear” means transport and “keep” means you can take it with you. Further, the Florida Constitution specifically makes it clear that the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense is pre-eminent.

Neither Constitution says “except in a parking lot or on a piece of asphalt.” And lest we forget, the Constitution begins, “We the People,” not “We the Corporation.”

Businesses have no right to usurp the constitutional and statutory rights of workers, shoppers or invitees simply because of a political position against the lawful ownership of firearms. And, make no mistake, it is a political position that has nothing to do with your safety.

The right to have a firearm in your private vehicle, just like your right to have a firearm in your home, is protected by the Constitution and state law — and the state has a duty to uphold and protect these rights from those who violate them. More »