AN EVENING OF THEATRE WITH WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY
Under the direction of Professor Tifton Graves
April 1st and 2nd at 7:00 PM
To be performed at:
Xenia Area Community Theater
45 E. Second St. in Xenia
372-0516
Admission is FREE
Please join us for an evening of Music, Theatre, Opera and Operetta
The Ohio Enterprise Zone’s (OEZ) Annual Report was presented to Xenia City Council recently with recommendations from Greene County Tax Incentive Review Council.
When the Council agreed to Wal-Mart’s Superstore wishes, Wal-Mart dropped its sizable tax incentives, which means they didn’t have to pay us taxes. Thank you Wal-Mart.
Another profitable business has dropped its tax abatements. Barco Simulation asked that its two enterprise zone agreements be discontinued. Barco Simulation is a U.S. subsidiary of Barco of Beligium.
The city still has Enterprise Zone Agreements with the following ten companies:
1. Brown Publishing’s OEZ is 62% abatement of applicable real and personal property taxes.
2. CIL Isotope Separation, Inc. (Agreement #2) continues at 61% abatement of applicable real and personal property taxes.
3. CIL Isotope Separation, Inc. (Agreement #3) consists of a 65% abatement of applicable real and personal property taxes that may be eligible in the current tax year.
4. CRG has a 70% abatement of applicable real taxes that may be eligible in the current tax year.
5. Lowe’s Home Centers, Inc. receives a 50% abatement of applicable real taxes that may be eligible in the current tax year, contingent upon filing of DTE 23.
6. Ohta Press US, Inc. (OEZ Agreement #2) is a 45% abatement of applicable real and personal property taxes.
7. SAS Automation, LLC. (OEZ Agreement #1) is a 36% abatement of applicable real and personal property taxes.
8. Superion, Inc. (OEZ Agreement #2) is 40% abatement of applicable real and personal property taxes.
9. Twist, Inc. (OEZ Agreement #4) is 75% abatement of applicable real and personal property taxes.
10. Yoder Die Casting Corp has a 75% abatement of applicable real and personal property taxes.
Some readers might be asking whether those businesses that have been in operation more than 5 or 10 years should be given any tax breaks. Isn’t the purpose of a tax abatement to give new businesses time to grow a profitable business? Is a free ride really beneficial to the city i.e. citizen of Xenia?
It turns out that these businesses are not given a free ride. They paid
$265,365 in 2008 and were given OEZ tax breaks amounting to $116,009. As Mr. Brodsky pointed to Mayor Penewitt, the City “abated less than half the total amount collected on those agreements.”
I don’t know about you but I like the word a-bait-ment. I wonder who is baiting whom, really.
State Rep. Jarrod B. Martin is now communicating with his blog savvy constituents at jarrodmartin.blogspot.com. Rep. Martin is to be commended for utilizing a unique communication tool while that is just right for our ailing economy–he isn’t spending a penny of taxpayer money.
As mentioned in a previous post, Rep. Martin is one of the primary sponsors of the Ohio Sovereignty Resolution. Its purpose is to end the federal government’s abuse of power. The yardstick of the federal power is clear delineated in the 10th Amendment to the Constitution. The State Sovereignty Resolution is a message demanding that Capitol Hill cease and desist violating the Constitution and state sovereignty.
In his post about the need for Ohio State Sovereignty Resolution, Rep. Martin presented the following example:
Today, the federal government continuously dictates to the states. The federal government tells the states that they must pass this legislation or that legislation if they are to receive federal funding. One most egregious example is in the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, states are required to raise Medicaid eligibility standards to 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Here’s an example of what that means: Federal poverty guidelines for a four person household equals a yearly income of $21,200, 300% = 21,200 X 3 = $63,600!!! Therefore, in my house with my wife and three kids and my income as a State Representative, I can qualify for Medicaid!! Do we really need to give handouts to people with that kind of income?
Like the State Children Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Act, the above Act is a prime example of socialist lawmakers seeking to bring all Americans under their illegal control. Such laws show how the Supreme Law of the Land is continuously violated by our nation’s high and mighty lawbreakers.
And remember, they always claim it is for the good for us all.
To add insult to injury, Congress has passed another law that gives citizens with above average income entitlements to any and all entitlements (welfare). Thus, according to Rep. Martin,
[W]e are now providing social benefits to individuals based on a “categorical eligibility” meaning that if you qualify for one program (like unemployment) then you automatically qualify for other entitlement programs without any further verification of need! The result is that we are now giving food stamps to individuals with multiple rental properties and one family with a net worth of more than $400,000!
If you ask me, I think Rep. Martin is off to a very good start. I hope a majority of his constituents read his blog and back his efforts to restore freedom under the rule of law and advance our economy for the good of all and not just rich special interest. What better way than to deprive the federal government of its continual efforts to rob us of both local/state accountability and those tax-based benefits that only local communities and state government can most effectively provide.
In this last installment of his sermon, Rev. Atwood shares some more personal thoughts and an appeal.
by Rev. Nate Atwood
And so I sit, in my driveway, hymnal in hand, meditating on the words of the past hymns, “My Country ’tis of Thee,” and thus upon the thoughts of those who had a much higher vision for America than I hold—“Our father’s God to Thee, Author of liberty, to Thee we sing; long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light; protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.” I open my Bible and drink in the Scriptural truth recorded by Moses, “I am the Lord thy God that
brought thee out of the land of slavery. . . .” “Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof. . . .” Yes, it is God who gave us liberty.
And as I think on these things I watch my two-year-old son playing in our backyard, this blond-haired little boy wandering from swing set to flower bed . . . in his own way rejoicing in the gifts of God. He is happy. He is safe. He is free. May God grant that he will continue to grow up in a nation of liberty wherein he will have the privilege of pursuing the dreams God has for His life. May he live in the dignity which only freedom can fully afford and which cost our founding fathers and their families so very much.
As I sit, and meditate, and watch my son, it seems my sanctified imagination gets swept away, and in this holy moment I sense a peculiar variation of the “cloud of witnesses” round about me. I imagine–and it is only inspired imagination—General Washington, President Adams, and Patrick Henry standing around my chair, their hand upon my shoulder, their gaze also fixed upon little Noah. I see them in my mind’s eye smiling at this blond boy’s freedom, safety, promise, and pleasure at swings and slides and flowers.
I can almost hear their voices, softly saying, “This is what we did it for . . . so that you could raise your son in the dignity, potential, and joy which freedom affords. We delight with you, young citizen. Our sacrifices were well worth it. Now, raise him to the Light and introduce him to the Author of Freedom. And in that introduction make sure that he knows the sacred story of this nation as well as the history of Israel. Teach him to think Biblically. Yes, make him a student of history.”
Reverend Nate Atwood has been in the ministry for sixteen years as an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church. He has been Senior Pastor at Kempsville Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, since Palm Sunday, 1999.
In the largest study yet of the association between vitamin D and respiratory infections, people with the lowest blood vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu. The risks were even higher for those with chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma.
Vitamin C has been used for the prevention of colds for decades, but little scientific evidence supports its effectiveness. In contrast, evidence has accumulated that vitamin D plays a key role in the immune system.
The wintertime deficiency of vitamin D, which the body produces in response to sunlight, has been implicated in the seasonal increase in colds and flu, and previous small studies have suggested an association between low blood levels of vitamin D and a higher risk of respiratory infections.
The newest study analyzed blood levels of vitamin D from almost 19,000 adult and adolescents, selected to be representative of the overall U.S. population.
How much D is enough?
Dr. Mecola also wrote that the late winter average vitamin D level is only about 15-18 ng/ml, which is considered a very serious deficiency state. It’s estimated that over 95 percent of U.S. senior citizens may be deficient, along with 85 percent of the American public.
It’s not so surprising then that the average American adult typically gets two colds per year. And those who are seriously deficient may suffer at least one additional one. But that’s under the current, now outdated, guidelines for normal vitamin D levels. I strongly believe you could avoid colds and influenza entirely by maintaining your vitamin D level in the optimal range.
So what is the optimal level of D?
Dr. Mercola’s chart below provides a good estimation.
To see Dr. Mercola’s report on these medical findings, go here.
Source: Mercola.com Newsletter, March 21, 2009.
Tagged asthma, common cold, Dr. Mercola, enfluenza, Vitamin D
Yesterday, according to John Mitchel, Marilyn Reid violated his First Amendment right to free speech by confiscating copies of a news article describing a pending lawsuit against Reid, Greene County Commissioner and Executive Chair for the Greene County Republican Party. Before the monthly Greene County Republican luncheon meeting at a public restaurant, Reid gathered up the handouts that were placed on the tables, saying, “This is a Republican meeting, not a lawsuit meeting.” Former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel John Mitchel is an elected member of the Greene County Republican Central Committee and challenged Steve Austria in the March 2009 U.S. District 7 Republican primary.
In response to the incident, Mitchel commented, “Ms. Reid has taken it over the top. For years she has exploited her leadership position with the Greene County Republican Party for personal and family gain, but this flagrant violation of a constituent’s right to free political speech seals the deal on her self-interested motives. Elected members of the Greene County Central Committee who are invited to the meeting, have just as much a right to express their opinions as Ms. Reid. Apparently Marilyn has no use for dissenting viewpoints coexisting with her agenda. This is an embarrassment to the Republican Party and an insult to Greene County citizens, particularly those who have served in the military. It’s time for Ms. Reid to step down as Greene County GOP Chair in favor of someone who is willing to listen to those who may have opinions different from their own.”
Posted in events, Greene County, news, politics
It’s tax time! D-day for filing your income tax returns is only 21 days away. If you can’t submit your return on time ask for or download an extension form.
Xenia’s has a helpful website with forms, instructions, and other information for filing your local tax return. Click here to see for yourself.
The Ohio Department of Taxation also has a website with all of the forms and instructions you will need. The web address is tax.ohio.gov.
Last, but not least, is the user-friendly IRS website. Although I think every tax payer owes it to themselves to read the research of Bill Benson on the 16th Amendment entitled “The Law That Never Was“, all of the IRS tax forms and instructions, and on-line tax tools are at www.irs.gov/formspubs.
It is sincerely hoped that you receive an impressively stimulating refund for all of your hard work this year.
A refund reducing your part in the current $24,000 average tax debt you owe Uncle “Guido” Sam. It is reported that the mostly liberal and colored version of Uncle “Guido” plans to increase your share of national debt to $32,000. Don’t you just love their spending of money they nor you have?
Sorry, I couldn’t resist the urge to give a political jab.
HCR 11, Claiming State Sovereignty, was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 18 by its two primary sponsors Rep. Jarrod Martin and Rep. Kris Jordan. Along with 18 co-sponsors,they are trying to assert Ohio’s Constitutional Right under the Tenth Amendment.
Ohio, along with 30 other States, are sending a strong message not only to the Obama administration but Congress in general letting them know enough is enough! The Federal government has long overstepped it’s authority as was intended by our Constitution. This was precisely the reason for the Tenth Amendment. The Tenth Amendment provides that “powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
If your tired of the FED and Washington’s “blank check” mentality that is enslaving you and your childrens’ future through the printing of “un-backed fiat money and inflation,” I encourage you to make your voice heard. Call, fax or email your State Representative and make sure they support this important piece of legislation.
If you would like more information, you can go online at sovereign.ohiofreedom.com or attend a meeting at the Xenia Library on Wednesday, March 25th at 7PM in downstairs meeting room. You may sign the petition at that time as well.
By Andy Myers
Posted in news
Most of us take dry cleaning services for granted because when we need clothes dry cleaned, we just take them to our favorite most accessible and convenient dry cleaning establishment and obtain the service. But for over a year, the City of Xenia has endured a time without any local dry cleaning services after the last two dry cleaning outfits closed shop. The first dry cleaner to leave Xenia years ago was Snow White Dry Cleaner on Cincinnati Avenue. Then, in 2007, Capitol Dry Cleaning on West Second Street closed, followed by Clark’s Dry Cleaning on East Second Street in 2008. There was a long “dry spell “period when Xenia was completely without dry cleaning services — and residents noticed!
Seeing a market need for this important service, one drop off dry cleaning entity opened in January 2009 at 75 West Main Street in the former space occupied by Country Joe’s Coffee and Gift Baskets. In February 2009, the Xenia Shoe and Leather Store at 21 East Main Street expanded their operations to include a drop-off dry cleaning service. Also this month, a zoning permit was issued for Capitol Dry Cleaner to re-open at 631 West Second Street next to the Blockbuster Video Store.
Xenia has again several dry cleaning service outfits to choose from. So, now once again, Xenia residents will not have to travel far to have their clothing cleaned and pressed.
Other new business openings reported in Xenia Development Corner are:
by Rev. Nate Atwood
In the second installment of Rev. Atwood’s sermon on the biblical basis of our nation’s legal history, he focused on the definitive biblical aspects of the Declaration of Independence. Secular authors like Alan Dershowitz argue that its primary author, Thomas Jefferson, was a deist. This is the point at which we begin the third installment of Rev. Atwood’s sermon.
Now some of you are thinking, “But Thomas Jefferson was a deist, not an evangelical Christian. How can we claim such firm Biblical footing for his document?” First of all, it’s important to note that Thomas Jefferson was not the sole author of the Declaration of Independence. In June of 1776 a committee of five people were tasked by the Continental Congress to write a Declaration. John Adams, the devout and deeply Biblical Christian, was the chairman of that committee. He tasked Jefferson with the work of writing as he recognized Jefferson’s literary talent. But it must be said that the work came out of Adams’ committee and under his oversight. It also must be said that while Jefferson was not an evangelical Christian, he was still deeply affected by the Biblical imprint of his time. Thus, in reflecting on the Declaration of Independence, he wrote, “We do not claim these rights under the charters of kings or legislators, but under the King of Kings.”
The truth of the matter is that liberty had been developing as a national idea for many years. Jefferson and Adams, as well as the whole of the Continental Congress, did not live or write in a vacuum. Franklin Cole, in a book entitled, They Preached Liberty, extensively studied the sermons preached from Colonial pulpits during the years leading into the Revolutionary War. His thesis was that all of the ideas found in the Declaration were first found in America’s pulpits. For example, in 1768, Reverend Daniel Shute of Hingham, Massachusetts, declared, “life, liberty and property are the gifts of the Creator.” (Sound familiar?) In 1770, in an election sermon Rev. Charles Turner insisted, “The Scriptures cannot be rightfully expounded without explaining them in a manner friendly to the cause of liberty.” In 1768 Rev. Richard Slater of Mansfield, Connecticut assured his listeners, “God never gives men up to be slaves till they lose their national virtue, and abandon themselves to slavery.”
Given this careful devotion to God in the writing of the Declaration of Independence, it is not surprising that when it was first read publicly on July 4, 1776, a bell was rung to call the people of Philadelphia together. That bell is the “Liberty Bell,” and you can still read on it the inscription placed on it for that day. . . . “Proclaim liberty unto all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof.” In case you don’t recognize it, that’s a Bible verse Leviticus 25:10. In fact, this might well be called America’s verse. Yes, our forefathers knew it and built their lives upon this truth . . . it was God who gave us liberty. And because liberty came from God they entitled it “the holy cause of liberty.”
Furthermore, because liberty came from God and was therefore sacred, these signers of the Declaration of Independence were more than willing to die for their convictions. Adams and Jefferson survived the war without great loss. Other signers of the Declaration did not fare so well. Of those fifty-six men, five were captured by the British, tortured, and then executed. Twelve had their homes ransacked or burned. Two lost their sons serving in Revolutionary Army.
Another two had sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died in the war from wounds or the hardships of battle. Indeed, they did pledge their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Such were the sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabblerousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. And they valued liberty, because they knew that liberty came from God and was therefore holy. Remember, these fifty-six men were the ones who added two more clearly Scriptural references to God to Jefferson’s version of the Declaration as it came out of Adam’s committee. The historical record is clear: they were motivated by their belief in God (God as He is defined by Scripture). No wonder they were willing to put their lives on the line. . . . After all, during the war one of the favorite slogans of the Americans was “No King but Jesus!”
In 1831, in Albany, New York the French author Alexis de Tocqueville recorded yet another July 4th celebration. Found in his book Democracy in America, in which this celebrated author repeatedly noted the unbreakable connection between American democracy and American faith in God, de Tocqueville recorded that on this particular July 4th he was awakened by the firing of guns in a federal salute and the ringing of all church bells. He came out to see what was going on
and was invited to join in a great parade, devoid of “any real military splendor” but marked by people from all walks of life, floats representing every conceivable occupation, and “three or four old soldiers, who fought with Washington, whom the city preserves like precious relics, and whom all the citizens honor.” They “carried with great pomp a tattered old American flag, bullet torn, which came down from the war of independence.”
De Tocqueville expected the parade to end in some fine government building but was surprised to see it ended, instead, in a Methodist church where the entire Declaration of Independence was read with “much warmth and dignity.” He recalled that the reading was preceded by “a prayer made by a Protestant minister . . . I recall this fact,” he said, “because it is characteristic of this country, where they never do anything without the assistance of religion.”
Let’s remember the lesson of history . . . religion can survive in the absence of freedom. But freedom without religion is tenuous at best and can even be dangerous. George Washington reminded the country of this truth in his farewell address, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” So how might you celebrate the 4th of July? I think the record of history I just went through should give you some ideas. I just hope you will celebrate it. I also hope that you will, as families worshipping together. And perhaps you’ll experience a moment such as I knew and which I recorded in my prayer journal….
Posted in Bible, politics, religion
Tagged Alex de Tocqueville, Church, Declaration of Independence, John Adams, liberty, preachers, Thomas Jefferson
