Love for Life

THE DEMISE OF THE AMERICAN IDENTITY
PART 1 of 2
By CJ Graham
June 15, 2008
NewsWithViews.com

From this moment forward, all Citizens of the United States of America must insist we be addressed in this very precise manner by media, academia and our politicians. Our treasured identity as Americans has been wrenched from us and diluted until it no longer holds the same significance. It is our responsibility to restore our precious identity once more.

The purpose of this article is to inform the Citizens of the United States of America that our sovereignty is in peril. Not everyone believes in the value or importance of our constitution. Some are in positions of authority and power and can and will do great harm to our nation if left unchecked.

The following statements are absolutely true. I have sourced my writing so that you can verify it for yourself. Once you read and explore the links, you will better understand the perilous circumstances our nation faces today.

Here is the simple truth:

All Peoples of the Western Hemisphere are now being called Americans by the elite power structure. In treaties, documents, declarations, speeches, media reports, government, academia, and non-governmental organizations.

All nations of the Hemisphere are called STATES in the Americas. The OAS or Organization of American States has a membership of 35 countries. The United States of America is a member of the OAS. In decisions of policy making the United States is one vote of 35. In most cases a vote of two-thirds of the members is all that is needed to move a declaration forward. The OAS is an agency of the United Nations and is authorized to act by the Summit of the Americas institution.

While people are talking about a North American Union conspiracy, they are missing the fact that a fully integrated hemisphere much like the European Union has already been formed. Treaties have been signed. Membership has been established. If you read nothing else, go down to the links at the bottom of this article and explore them. You will see that all that I have written will be confirmed there.

As a faithful Citizen of the United States of America and a USAF Veteran, I have lived my life with the absolute knowledge that as Americans we have a system of government, brilliantly conceived by our Founders, and guaranteed by our Constitution. With this simple truth the destiny of our country and her Citizens are protected.

By this truth we have been raised and have raised our children. It is an ideal young men and women for generations have fought and died to protect. In a world of perpetual danger, a world so often without reason or consistency, this knowledge is our rock. Our constitution, our culture and our identity is our way of life.

We, as Americans embrace our unique identity as a melting pot, assimilating the many into the one - a nation indivisible. In this context I set forth in search of answers to questions I had not been able to reconcile about the state of our domestic affairs today. What I have come to understand has shattered my sense of stability, shaken my respect for many American legislators, and destroyed belief I had in their integrity and honor in the protection of our national sovereignty. As a faithful American, I am infuriated!

If you have tried to speak with your Representative lately, you may have come away convinced your concerns have not been seriously considered. The politicos, who once courted your vote, and made the pretense of caring about you, now seem too preoccupied by other obligations to feign interest in your frustrations. With unprecedented arrogance, Citizens of the United States of America are being shown the door and given a deaf ear. It would seem our legislators have bigger fish to fry than to worry about the concern of the American Citizen.

They have. Much bigger fish!

A constant outcry can be heard from citizens who seem more baffled and frustrated daily by the lack of simple common sense measures that could be taken so easily to secure our country, prosperity and citizens. We know what needs to be done and we have made ourselves very clear time and again. And, yet nothing changes for the better. Things consistently change for the worse. One might even speculate the worsening condition of the American way of life is intentional. But, why would that be desirable and who benefits?

If you correctly surmise your best interests are no longer being served by many in government sworn to protect and your well being is no longer their first priority, it is because the Citizen of the United States of America and the United States Constitution are no longer a real factor in the grand scheme of things.

With a heavy heart and an outraged spirit I pass on to you information I have discovered, substantiating all I am about to share with you. I believe every Citizen of the United States of America has a right to know the truth.

Time is of the essence. While we were dutifully serving our country in her defense, educating ourselves to prosper, raising our young ones to say the Pledge of Allegiance with pride and certainty, ‘Grand Schemers’ have been formulating the foundation for treachery against the U.S.A. In the ‘Grand Scheme’, our constitution is outdated, outmoded, and an unnecessary hindrance.

There is a reason. There is an expected outcome. And it is not good.

From the OAS website:

All 35 independent countries of the Americas have ratified the OAS Charter and belong to the Organization http://www.oas.org/documents/eng/memberstates.asp Cuba remains a member, but its government has been excluded from participation in the OAS since 1962.

Draft Social Charter of the Americas:

Preamble (excerpt)

Bearing in mind that the United Nations Millennium Development Goals commit us to making our best efforts to attain the poverty reduction targets set for 2015;

Mindful that the Charter of the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the Protocol of San Salvador, the Declaration of Margarita, and the Declaration of Nuevo León are the principal documents http://www.venezuela-oas.org/SocialCharteroftheAmericas.htm in which our hemispheric forum has set forth its intention to eradicate poverty, equity, and social exclusion in the region;

There is a reason for the difficulties facing our country today. Our borders have been left open and vulnerable, unprecedented during a time of war. So called representatives blather on relentlessly, accomplishing little, a circus of the absurd for our distraction while aided and abetted by a complicit media, greedy corporations and agenda driven educators.

From the Charter of the OAS:

Confident that the true significance of American solidarity and good neighborliness can only mean the consolidation on this continent, The Organization of American States, in order to put into practice the principles on which it is founded and to fulfill its regional obligations under the Charter of the United Nations http://www.oas.org/juridico/English/charter.html

There is a reason for our economic meltdown and the resultant deterioration of our middle class. Our jobs are being exported to every third world country on the planet enriching them, draining our treasure and dissolving our manufacturing capabilities at an astounding and terrifying rate. We are accepting dangerous and substandard goods from third world economies breaking the back of U.S. corporations who cannot compete with unfair trading policies and practices. OAS trading agreements favor poorer nations. This practice is a redistribution of wealth and it is very intentional.

From the Charter of the OAS:

Article 34

The Member States agree that equality of opportunity, the elimination of extreme poverty, equitable distribution of wealth and income and the full participation of their peoples in decisions relating to their own development are, among others, basic objectives of integral development. To achieve them, they likewise agree to devote their utmost efforts to accomplishing the following basic goals:

Equitable distribution of national income;

Article 40

The Member States reaffirm the principle that when the more developed countries grant concessions in international trade agreements that lower or eliminate tariffs or other barriers to foreign trade so that they benefit the less¬developed countries, they should not expect reciprocal concessions from those countries that are incompatible with their economic development, financial, and trade needs http://www.oas.org/juridico/English/charter.html

There is a reason Citizens of the United States of America are treated with a heavy hand under our rule of law, while encroachers, marauders, and infiltrators pour over our borders, from unknown destinations, at an alarming rate. Americans, burdened with intrusive laws that strain the limits of sovereignty, are at the same time being forced to dodge drunken, unlicensed, unregistered, illegal aliens on our roadways, fight for jobs at depressed wages and spend fortunes trying to restore credit when personal identity has been stolen.

There is a reason every effort is being made to give voting rights to foreign nationals. An assortment of organizations with agendas will work to break the spine of a small town like Hazelton Pa. with a league of lawyers and unlimited funds. Safe Havens are being established in our towns and cities giving privileges and tax dollars to unidentified, sometimes dangerous unknown foreign nationals. Illegal aliens feel entitled to protest in our nation, flying the flags of their homelands above our up-ended American Flag in a statement of dominance. Americans are dying on American soil, every day at the hands of illegal aliens and yet we are unrepresented in our grief, our confusion and our rage.

From the Social Charter of the Americas

All cultures are, legally and socially, of equal importance http://www.venezuela-oas.org/SocialCharteroftheAmericas.htm No people may be renamed, relocated, or assimilated into another culture without such initiatives emanating from collective decisions taken within the communities themselves in the free exercise of their civil and political rights, without prejudice to all human rights enshrined in national and international laws.

From the Charter of the OAS

The Member States recognize that, in order to facilitate the process of Latin American regional integration, it is necessary to harmonize the social legislation of the developing countries http://www.oas.org/juridico/English/charter.html

There is a reason we are giving billions in foreign aid to impoverished countries while American families struggle to hold onto our homes and parents struggle to keep jobs to preserve any potential for a secure future for their children.

From the Charter of the OAS

The Member States agree that technical and financial cooperation that seeks to promote regional economic integration should be based on the principle of harmonious, balanced, and efficient development, with particular attention to the relatively less-developed countries http://www.oas.org/juridico/English/charter.html

There is a reason dangerous Mexican trucks are on our roads despite the best efforts of a few in our Congress to stop them. Despite the outcry of truckers already burdened by excessive gas prices and despite the cries of citizens, afraid for their safety on the roads.

There is a reason our lands are being confiscated by eminent domain for the building of infrastructure, benefiting everyone but the American citizen. Foreign entities without a stake in the well being of Americans are becoming enriched while we are being ripped from our homes in a heart wrenching, ruthless manner

From the Charter of the OAS

Article 42

The Member States recognize that integration of the developing countries of the Hemisphere is one of the objectives of the inter-American system and, therefore, shall orient their efforts and take the necessary measures to accelerate the integration process, with a view to establishing a Latin American common market http://www.oas.org/juridico/English/charter.html in the shortest possible time.

There is a reason words like ‘xenophobia’, ‘racist’ and ‘intolerance’ are thrown around with such ease, marking and silencing the accused with an overused hate label. There is a reason groups remaining unassimilated, balkanize our fracturing nation by gathering in large numbers to lobby our American lawmakers as Americans struggle to protect our culture never fully understanding the forces gathering against us. Anyone concerned with national sovereignty and unsecured borders is an obstacle to the integration of the hemisphere and is contrary to the thinking of the integration minded.

From the Charter of the OAS

The spiritual unity of the continent is based on respect for the cultural values of the American countries and requires their close cooperation for the high purposes of civilization; http://www.oas.org/juridico/English/charter.html

There is a reason our hospitals are closing from exhausted finances after being forced to care for those who came without invitation and stay without welcome. Our schools are overcrowded and falling apart and our children have no understanding of the basic principles of our Constitution and the history of America.

Education has become so agenda driven, dangerous, and devoid of content that children drop out in utter hopelessness and desperation. The OAS plan is for a Universal Health Care plan and a Universal Educational Program.

From the Social Charter of the OAS

All peoples are entitled to health. The states undertake to provide their citizens with universal and comprehensive primary health care, at no cost.

Education shall be rooted in the principles of universality, http://www.venezuela-oas.org/SocialCharteroftheAmericas.htm pluralism, freedom, equity, relevance, quality, justice, and training for employment and for life.

From the Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man

Right to education.

Article XII. Every person has the right to an education, http://www.hrcr.org/docs/OAS_Declaration/oasrights3.html which should be based on the principles of liberty, morality and human solidarity. For part two click below.

Get educated:

1, Organization of American States: (website) http://www.oas.org

2, Summit of the Americas: (website) http://www.summit-americas.org

3, Civil Society: (website) http://www.civil-society.oas.org

4, Inter- American Democratic Charter: (Signed by Colin Powell 9/11/01) http://www.oas.org/charter/docs/resolution1_en_p4.htm

5, Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man: (Ratified Treaty) http://www.hrcr.org/docs/OAS_Declaration/oasrights.html

6, OAS Charter: (Ratified Treaty) http://www.oas.org/juridico/English/charter.html

7, Social Charter of the Americas: (Draft: In process) http://www.venezuela-oas.org/SocialCharteroftheAmericas.htm

8, Inter-American system: (website) http://www.oas.org/OASpage/Inter-American_System.asp

9, CRS Report For Congress: (U.S. Foreign Assistance To Latin America and the Caribbean) http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RL32487.pdf

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THE DEMISE OF THE AMERICAN IDENTITY
PART 2 of 2
By CJ Graham
15th June 12008
NewsWithViews.com

Citizens of the United States of America, My brothers and sisters:

Reasons do exist for the intended demise of our sovereign nation. The answer for this is the unanticipated pride and patriotism of the Citizen of the United States of America.

Bringing an end to the era of silence and complacency, Americans can and must keep our country strong and sovereign under the Constitution of the United States as intended. We must gather the strength of the Founding Fathers to take back what rightfully belongs to every citizen.

While we have been betrayed by some in our government, it is important to note that there are also those who have fought against this tide of national destruction. They have been honest and faithful in their service but their voices have often been silenced and ridiculed. They must have our support. The fact that we have not yet lost our nation is a testimony to their efforts.

We must make very clear to those in government, in no uncertain terms, if they do not represent and, at all times, work for the good of the Citizen of the United States of America then we will identify them without exception and remove them from office.

Globalists have forgotten the pride and deeply patriotic spirit of the Citizen of the United States of America when united in resolve. So sure are they of our people’s weakness and complacency they have not anticipated our strength and they have mistaken our silence for acceptance and that is to their detriment.

We must reassert our Authority as Citizens of the United States of America by insisting on input and demanding oversight. Accountability and vigilance must be restored.

The next time you listen to a politician, the media, big business or academia, Remember the facts listed below and listen in this context. You will hear a very different message.

All Peoples of the Western Hemisphere are now being called Americans.

All nations of the Hemisphere are called STATES in the Americas. The distinction of ‘Nation States’ is not made.

The United States of America is ONE state of thirty-five in the Organization of American States.

Politicians, big business, media, academia and agenda driven organizations are not speaking exclusively to the Citizens of the United States of America, or our Nation. They are speaking to the peoples of the Americas in the whole of the Western Hemisphere.

They know when they say Americans and America that we assume that they mean the Citizens of the United States of America and the Nation of the United States of America but we are incorrect in that assumption and they have done nothing to correct this misunderstanding for their own purposes.

When you have seen the Legislation, Plans of Actions, Declarations and Treaties, you will see the foundations that they are laying to combine us into a conglomerate of homogenized peoples with allegiance only to their Grand Scheme…that of a single democratic hemispheric unit. Do not take my word for this. The links at the bottom of the page will take you right to the documents and plans.

This framework they have worked so diligently to build may seem insurmountable; I assure you it is not. It is a house built on a foundation of sand and therefore it can be eroded. We still have a constitution as of the writing of this article and that is the only true law of our land, just as it was intended to be.

I humbly ask that you pass this information via this article to everyone and anyone you can. Leave no Citizen of the United States of America uninformed. I have only begun to share what I have learned. I will continue in my efforts to expose this power structure that has our national sovereignty by the throat.

My hope is, knowledge being power, this information can help to heal the wounds of our nation. You have my implicit permission to reprint my words and distribute them at will to every gathering, website, email address, or any other method desired. Our fellow citizens must be informed and empowered. That is my objective and my only goal.

For those of you who wish to delve more deeply, I have included links. This will confirm that all that I have stated is indeed verifiably true. The information has been here all along. We only needed to ask the right questions in order to find the truth. Please dig deeper and expose their plans to the light of day. For part two click below.

Get Educated:

1, Organization of American States: (website): http://www.oas.org

2, Summit of the Americas: (website): http://www.summit-americas.org

3, Civil Society: (website): http://www.civil-society.oas.org

4, Inter- American Democratic Charter: (Signed by Colin Powell 9/11/01): http://www.oas.org/charter/docs/resolution1_en_p4.htm

5, Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man: (Ratified Treaty): http://www.hrcr.org/docs/OAS_Declaration/oasrights.html

6, OAS Charter: (Ratified Treaty): http://www.oas.org/juridico/English/charter.html

7, Social Charter of the Americas: (Draft: In process): http://www.venezuela-oas.org/SocialCharteroftheAmericas.htm

8, Inter-American system: (website): http://www.oas.org/OASpage/Inter-American_System.asp

9, CRS Report For Congress: (U.S. Foreign Assistance To Latin America and the Caribbean): http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RL32487.pdf

© 2008 CJ Graham - All Rights Reserved

ABOUT CJ GRAHAM

"CJ" Graham is a Veteran and the proud wife of a retired USAF Veteran. She is a dedicated mother, activist, conservative, independent, who's allegiance is to her country and not to a particular political party. She is a firm believer in the power of the Citizen of the United States of America to whom she writes with a empowering and encouraging spirit. She knows that the Citizen of the USA can make a difference through peaceful, focused, knowledge empowered, activism working within the system and with media and legislators to effect change. As an author, she writes from the heart but backs up her work with facts.

E-Mail: cjgraham2008 @ gmail.com

Link to this article:
Part One: http://www.newswithviews.com/Graham/cj.htm
Part Two: http://www.newswithviews.com/Graham/cj1.htm

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THE GODS OF GLOBALISM: THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
By CJ Graham
June 28, 2008
NewsWithViews.com

The Constitution of the United States of America-Preamble

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Gods of Globalism will require a new Preamble. Perhaps this one will do.

We the people of the Integrated Western Hemisphere, in order to form a more harmonized union, redefine justice, socially engineer domestic tranquility, redistribute wealth for the social good and higher purposes, encourage hemispheric welfare, and confiscate the blessings of liberty from our former selves to our new and more desired posterity, do abstain from any former sovereign constitutions and embrace a new social order under the guise of democracy.

I have been made aware of two pieces of legislation, thanks to the constant vigilance of the patriots at SOSUSA.US. I send my most sincere thanks to them, for bringing it to my attention, so that I might bring it to yours. This legislation has just confirmed the opinion I have long held that members of our congress have either lost their damn minds, are complete incompetents, or are intentionally complicit in the destruction of our national sovereignty. Either way, I am tired of being the hog tied, blindfolded, gagged passenger in a vehicle driven by suicidal maniacs.

Yet another piece is being added to the framework, set in place for the demise of our national sovereignty. I hope, by now, you have read my past article The Demise Of Our American Identity, which exposes and explains that a deeply embedded program is already in place to move our nation into a fully integrated Western Hemisphere.

This framework strives to harmonize our nation with international law through the United Nations, the Summit of the Americas, The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American System and has been moved progressively forward by way of NAFTA, the SPP and the soon to come NAU which will finally complete the permanent dissolution of our nation into a hemispheric conglomerate where all knees shall bend to the Gods of Globalism and a new social order shall reign supreme. God help us all.

The following are just a few excerpts from one more piece of the integration puzzle. As you are reading, what is obviously the bankrupting of our nation, think of the lives that have been lost for the cause of our liberty. Think of the past generations who suffered and struggled to bring us to the comfort, security and national wealth we have all enjoyed and often taken for granted. Think of our soldiers fighting and dying, even now, in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Then, think of your children and grandchildren. Read the words that will enslave and impoverish them. Our children will not be free as we have been. They will never know the liberty we have known. They will never know the prosperity that was possible for us, if we worked hard and studied and applied ourselves to our successful endeavors. They will not be Americans, as we perceive America, unless this generation wakes up, pays attention and makes significant changes, quickly. Time is short.

If you are waiting for someone else to rush in and save the day, stop waiting. This is your country, your sovereignty, your freedom, you home, your family and your future. This is your problem. You must be a part of the solution or you have no one to blame but yourself.

The move to Progressive socialism marches on and we are woefully behind is stamping it down. To make changes, you must understand the plan. Remember; this is just ONE piece of the puzzle.

(Excerpts)

Social Investment and Economic Development for the Americas Act of 2007

Senate Bill 2120 - http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-2120

OCTOBER 1, 2007

Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. MARTINEZ, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. DODD, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. SALAZAR, Mr. KERRY, Mrs. CLINTON, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. NELSON of Florida, and Mr. CARDIN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

A BILL

To authorize the establishment of a Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas to provide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere, and for other purposes.

(3) The United States contributes, on average, $820,000,000 in bilateral development assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean each year and has continued to strengthen its commitment to promoting our shared values, heritage, and culture while confronting the common challenges we face.

(4) The United States has also contributed through the Millennium Challenge Account more than $269,000,000 in development assistance.

(5) Poverty and inequality remain historic and persistent problems in the region, which undermine progress on social and economic development. These problems contribute to the rise of populist ideas and add to inequality.

The President, acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and working with foreign governments and civil society, shall provide increased and sustained assistance to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere by helping to—

(1) improve the quality of life and invest in human capital, specifically by promoting education, improving health and disease prevention, and increasing the access to and quality of housing;

There is established within the United States Agency for International Development an advisory committee to be known as the Western Hemisphere Economic Investment and Development Advisory

They are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter, including for purposes of reducing poverty, expanding the middle class, and fostering increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere, in addition to amounts of United States Foreign Assistance Funds (Function 150) otherwise authorized and appropriated and the $820,000,000 in bilateral development assistance provided by the United States, on average, to Latin America and the Caribbean each year, the following amounts:

$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.

$75,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.

$100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

$125,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.

$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.

$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.

$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.

$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2015.

$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.

$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2017.

The Inter-American Development Bank Act

The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Director at the Bank to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to urge the Bank to establish an account to be known as the ‘Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas

The Fund shall be used to provide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the size of the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere by helping to:

(3) leverage personal remittances and reduce the cost of remittances sent to Latin America and the Caribbean, for the purpose of advancing economic and social development by

(A) increasing access to financial institutions for the poor, and working with local financial institutions to reduce fees and other costs associated with sending or receiving remittances;

(B) working with local financial institutions to develop programs whereby personal remittances can be used as the basis for credit for mortgages and loans for small business, microenterprises, housing, and other enterprises;

(C) providing matching funds for private entities in the United States that send donations for development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean; and

It is the sense of Congress that—

(1) the amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act should be used to help countries in Latin America and the Caribbean focus on improving indicators in the area of investing in people, as that term is used in section 607(b) (3) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7706(b)(3)), and consistent with the transformational development program of the Department of State; [Read http://www.state.gov/e/eeb/rls/othr/19458.htm ]

(1) the Multilateral Investment Fund, which was fully established in 1993 as part of President George H.W. Bush’s Enterprise for the Americas Initiative, has been successful in promoting inclusive economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean;

(4) as stated in section 499L of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as added by section 3, amounts authorized to be appropriated pursuant to the amendments made by this Act for a fiscal year for initiatives to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere are in addition to amounts that would be allocated or projected in the President’s budget request for Latin America and Caribbean for such fiscal year. [Read http://www.iadb.org/mif/home/index.cfm?language=English ] [Read http://www.developmentgap.org/americas/EAI_Description_and_Update.pdf ]

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Treasury $51,000,000 for payment to the Inter-American Development Bank http://www.iadb.org/ of arrears owed by the United States to the Multilateral Investment Fund. [Read http://www.developmentgap.org/americas/EAI_Description_and_Update.pdf ]

You might wonder if the members of the House will save us from the insanity of the members of the Senate sponsoring this legislation. It will not be reassuring to learn that the House has its own version of this monstrosity.

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HOUSE VERSION -- H.R.3692 -- (introduced 9/27/2007): http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-3692

Sponsor Rep Eliot Engel and thirty co-sponsors

Title: To authorize the establishment of a Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas to provide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere, and for other purposes.

H.R. 3692: Social Investment and Economic Development for the Americas Act of 2007

Bill Status

Introduced: Sep 27, 2007

Sponsor: Rep. Eliot Engel [D-NY]

Status: Introduced

Go to Bill Status Page

You are viewing the following version of this bill:

Introduced in House: This is the original text of the bill as it was written by its sponsor and submitted to the House for consideration.

Text of Legislation

HR 3692 IH
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3692

To authorize the establishment of a Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas to provide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - September 27, 2007

Mr. ENGEL (for himself, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. LANTOS, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. HONDA, Mr. BACA, Ms. LEE, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. SIRES, Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, and Ms. NORTON) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To authorize the establishment of a Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas to provide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Social Investment and Economic Development for the Americas Act of 2007'.

(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Amendment to Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Sec. 4. Amendment to the Inter-American Development Bank Act.
Sec. 5. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 6. Payment of arrears owed by United States to the Multilateral Investment Fund.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress makes the following findings:

(1) It is in the national interest and national security interest of the United States to help foster security and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.

(2) Over the past 25 years, there has been tremendous progress on democracy and economic growth in the Western Hemisphere, and the hemisphere is now a region dominated by democracies and democratic values.

(3) The United States contributes, on average, $820,000,000 in bilateral development assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean each year and has continued to strengthen its commitment to promoting our shared values, heritage, and culture while confronting the common challenges we face.

(4) The United States has also contributed through the Millennium Challenge Account more than $269,000,000 in development assistance to countries in the region that have demonstrated a commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investing in their people.

(5) Poverty and inequality remain historic and persistent problems in the region, which undermine progress on social and economic development. These problems contribute to the rise of populist ideas and add to inequality. The poverty rate in Latin America is almost 40 percent, with little significant change since the 1980s, and Latin America remains the region with the most unequal distribution of wealth in the world.

(6) The region must also face the challenges of staggering crime rates, weak judicial systems, and inadequate housing, health care, and educational systems.

(7) By expanding the middle class through promoting microenterprise, improving the investment climate, and creating a competitive workforce in Latin America and the Caribbean, the United States will be able to help respective governments improve economic development in the region, and the countries of the region will become stronger trading partners with the United States.

(8) Working in partnership with the countries of the region, the United States can play a positive role in addressing these challenges.

(9) As President George W. Bush said on March 5, 2007, `The working poor of Latin America need change, and the United States of America is committed to that change. It is in our national interests, it is in the interest of the United States of America to help the people in democracies in our neighborhood succeed. When our neighbors are prosperous and peaceful, it means better opportunities and more security for our own people. When there are jobs in our neighborhood, people are able to find work at home and not have to migrate to our country. When millions are free from poverty, societies are stronger and more hopeful.'

(10) In order to effect significant reduction of poverty and enhance sustainable development, the United States must continue to make a long-term commitment of significant resources to programs that impact on housing, health care, and educational systems.

SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1961.

Part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:

`CHAPTER 13--SOCIAL INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS

`SEC. 499H. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE.

`(a) Assistance- The President, acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and working with foreign governments and civil society, shall provide increased and sustained assistance to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere by helping to--

`(1) improve the quality of life and invest in human capital, specifically by promoting education, improving health and disease prevention, and increasing the access to and quality of housing;

`(2) reduce crime, particularly violent crime, including murder, kidnapping, gang violence, and violence against women;

`(3) generate rural development and reduce poverty in the agricultural and non-agricultural rural sector;

`(4) strengthen the rule of law, governance, and democracy through the establishment of independent judiciaries, efficient processes to adjudicate claims, and trusted law enforcement bodies; and

`(5) reduce poverty and eliminate the exclusion of marginalized populations, including indigenous groups, people of African descent, women, rural and urban poor, and people with disabilities.

`(b) Contribution Requirement- To receive United States assistance under this chapter, a recipient country must contribute at least 10 percent of the total value of the funds the United States provides for projects in the recipient country. Such contribution is in addition to the funds such country regularly provides for these types of programs. Additional contributions may be required at the discretion of the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development.

`(c) Ineligibility To Receive Assistance- The President shall be prohibited from providing assistance under this section to the government of a country that is ineligible to receive assistance under section 620, this part, or chapter 4 of part II.

`(d) Terms and Conditions- Assistance under this chapter may be provided on such other terms and conditions as the President may determine.

`(e) Coordination With Other Federal Agencies- The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall coordinate with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies as necessary to carry out subsection (a).

`SEC. 499I. WESTERN HEMISPHERE ECONOMIC INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

`(a) In General- There is established within the United States Agency for International Development an advisory committee to be known as the Western Hemisphere Economic Investment and Development Advisory Committee (hereafter in this chapter referred to as the `Advisory Committee'). The Advisory Committee shall serve as a link among the United States Government, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and other interested parties and review projects funded under this Act.

`(b) Membership-

`(1) IN GENERAL- The Advisory Committee shall be composed of 6 members, of whom--

`(A) 1 member, who shall act as co-chairperson, shall be appointed by the President;

`(B) 1 member, who shall act as co-chairperson, shall be appointed by--

`(i) the majority leader of the Senate, in consultation with the senior member of the leadership of the House of Representatives belonging to the same political party as the majority leader of the Senate, if the majority leader of the Senate does not belong to the same political party as the President; or

`(ii) the minority leader of the Senate, in consultation with the senior member of the leadership of the House of Representatives belonging to the same political party as the minority leader of the Senate, if the majority leader of the Senate belongs to the same political party as the President;

`(C) 1 member shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate;

`(D) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate;

`(E) 1 member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and

`(F) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives.

`(2) QUALIFICATIONS- Each member of the Advisory Committee shall be--

`(A) an individual with technical expertise with respect to the development of Latin America or the Caribbean; or

`(B) a citizen of the United States with--

`(i) regional experience related to development in Latin America or the Caribbean;

`(ii) technical or functional experience with respect to development issues; or

`(iii) extensive expertise in small business issues or international business experience in Latin America or the Caribbean.

`(c) Duties- The Advisory Committee shall--

`(1) consult with, provide information to, and advise the United States Agency for International Development and other United States Government agencies, as appropriate, on, and work closely with the United States Agency for International Development Regional Director, the Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the Department of State, and the United States Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank on matters related to this chapter;

`(2) meet at least twice annually and at other times as necessary;

`(3) serve as a liaison with, and provide information and counsel to, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations in relation to the projects covered under this chapter; and

`(4) review all impact evaluations on projects proposed for funding using assistance provided under section 499H(a) and make recommendations and submit a written report to the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development with respect to the effectiveness of the projects and future changes to the program.

`(d) Conflicts of Interest- A member of the Advisory Committee shall not be permitted to review an application submitted by an organization with which the member has been or is affiliated or in which the member has had a financial interest.

`(e) Staff and Travel- Using funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under section 499L, the Advisory Committee may establish and maintain a staff of no more than 2 persons to provide administrative support and may maintain a budget for travel expenses.

`SEC. 499J. EVALUATION.

`(a) In General- The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall ensure that projects carried out under this chapter are subject to rigorous, independent impact evaluations at the original design stage and conclusion of the projects to determine if they are helping to reduce poverty and foster social and economic development in the countries of the Western Hemisphere. When possible, such evaluations shall be conducted in coordination with evaluations of similar projects funded by other donors in order to expand the evidence base for decision-making.

`(b) Use of Evaluations- The Advisory Committee shall use information from the evaluations conducted under subsection (a) to inform future project decisions.

`SEC. 499K. REPORT.

`Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Social Investment and Economic Development for the Americas Act of 2007, and annually thereafter, the President shall prepare and submit to Congress a report on the specific programs, projects, and activities carried out under this chapter during the preceding year, including an evaluation of the results of such programs, projects, and activities. This report may be submitted with the budget justification materials submitted to Congress together with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code.

`SEC. 499L. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

`(a) In General- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter, including for purposes of reducing poverty, expanding the middle class, and fostering increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere, in addition to amounts of United States Foreign Assistance Funds (Function 150) otherwise authorized and appropriated and the $820,000,000 in bilateral development assistance provided by the United States, on average, to Latin America and the Caribbean each year, the following amounts:

`(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.

`(2) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.

`(3) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

`(4) $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.

`(5) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.

`(6) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.

`(7) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.

`(8) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2015.

`(9) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.

`(10) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2017.

`(b) Additional Authorities- Amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (a)--

`(1) are authorized to remain available until expended;

`(2) are in addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes; and

`(3) may be used to fund staff and travel expenses of the Advisory Committee.

`(c) Funding Limitation- Not more than 7 percent of the amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection

(a) for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses.'.

SEC. 4. AMENDMENT TO THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK ACT.

The Inter-American Development Bank Act (22 U.S.C. 283 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

`SEC. 39. SOCIAL INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR THE AMERICAS.

`(a) In General- The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Director at the Bank to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to urge the Bank to establish an account to be known as the `Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas' (in this section referred to as the `Fund'), which is to be operated and administered by the Board of Executive Directors of the Bank consistent with subsection (d). The United States Governor of the Bank may vote for a resolution transmitted by the Board of Executive Directors which provides for the establishment of such an account, and the operation and administration of the account consistent with subsection (d).

`(b) Other Contributions- The Fund may accept funds from other member countries of the Bank, private entities in the United States and in other member countries of the Bank, and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

`(c) Matching Requirement- No funds may be expended from the Fund until the total amount contributed by the United States in the first year of operation of the Fund has been matched.

`(d) Contribution Requirement- To receive assistance under this section, a recipient country must contribute at least 10 percent of the total value of the funds the Fund provides for projects in the recipient country. Such contribution is in addition to the funds such country regularly provides for these types of programs. Additional contributions may be required at the discretion of the Board of Governors of the Bank.

`(e) Use of Funds- The Fund shall be used to provide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the size of the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere by helping to--

`(1) nurture public private partnerships and microenterprise development;

`(2) reduce the time and cost of starting a business and increase access to credit for small- and medium-sized businesses;

`(3) leverage personal remittances and reduce the cost of remittances sent to Latin America and the Caribbean, for the purpose of advancing economic and social development by--

`(A) increasing access to financial institutions for the poor, and working with local financial institutions to reduce fees and other costs associated with sending or receiving remittances;

`(B) working with local financial institutions to develop programs whereby personal remittances can be used as the basis for credit for mortgages and loans for small business, microenterprises, housing, and other enterprises;

`(C) providing matching funds for private entities in the United States that send donations for development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean; and

`(D) fostering enabling environments for partnerships between civil society and local authorities that lead to greater accountability and improved processes for establishing priorities for remittances, including income-generating and wealth-building activities;

`(4) in conjunction with changes implemented by recipient countries, improve the investment climate in individual countries by strengthening the rule of law and implementing judicial reforms to increase transparency and predictability in judicial, tax, and regulatory systems;

`(5) increase workforce competitiveness in the global economy, specifically by focusing on application of technology and workforce training and development; and

`(6) reduce poverty and eliminate the exclusion of marginalized populations, including indigenous groups, people of African descent, women, rural and urban poor, and people with disabilities.

`(f) Ineligibility To Receive Assistance- The President shall be prohibited from providing assistance under this section to the government of a country that is ineligible to receive assistance under section 620, part I, or chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.).

`(g) Terms and Conditions- Assistance under this section may be provided on such other terms and conditions as the President may determine.

`(h) Authorization of Appropriations-

`(1) CONTRIBUTIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Treasury for United States contributions to the Fund for the purpose of carrying out this section the following amounts:

`(A) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.

`(B) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.

`(C) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

`(D) $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.

`(E) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.

`(F) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.

`(G) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.

`(H) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2015.

`(I) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.

`(J) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2017.

`(2) ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES- Amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1)--

`(A) are authorized to remain available until expended; and

`(B) are in addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes.

`(3) FUNDING LIMITATION- Not more than 7 percent of the amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses.'.

SEC. 5. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

It is the sense of Congress that--

(1) the amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act should be used to help countries in Latin America and the Caribbean focus on improving indicators in the area of investing in people, as that term is used in section 607(b)(3) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7706(b)(3)), and consistent with the transformational development program of the Department of State;

(2) the Multilateral Investment Fund, which was fully established in 1993 as part of President George H.W. Bush's Enterprise for the Americas Initiative, has been successful in promoting inclusive economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean;

(3) creating a public-private partnership working in coordination with the Multilateral Investment Fund will accelerate the work of the Multilateral Investment Fund and allow it to expand economic opportunity to the people in the Western Hemisphere; and

(4) as stated in section 499L of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as added by section 3, amounts authorized to be appropriated pursuant to the amendments made by this Act for a fiscal year for initiatives to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere are in addition to amounts that would be allocated or projected in the President's budget request for Latin America and the Caribbean for such fiscal year.

SEC. 6. PAYMENT OF ARREARS OWED BY UNITED STATES TO THE MULTILATERAL INVESTMENT FUND.

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Treasury $51,000,000 for payment to the Inter-American Development Bank of arrears owed by the United States to the Multilateral Investment Fund.

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Citizens of the United States of America, we can no longer entrust the sovereignty of this nation to most of those who are now in positions of power in our government. Our best interests are not being served. I pray that Americans will finally understand the consequences of our apathy or lack of understanding and will begin to step forward into the political arena and replace those disgraces that now hold our national sovereignty by the throat.

Until we see the truth and understand it, until we vote these scoundrels out of office and replace them with constitutionally directed candidates, we are on a collision course with disaster. Our future leaders are out there somewhere, maybe even reading this now. If so, I am asking that they step forward, trust in the citizen of this nation to see their value, and begin to bring our nation back towards a sound, sane foreign policy.

We can defeat this insanity and we must. The very survival of our nation now depends on all of us. Do all that you can to support candidates who will defend our constitution. Send the rest of them back to the obscurity they so deserve. They should hang their heads in shame for the disservice they have done this nation and our citizens. Unfortunately; I don’t believe shame is a part of their DNA.

It is time for the awakening of our citizens. Do your part.

Godspeed and God Bless the USA

Additional Resources:

1 - SOSUSA (website): http://sosusa.us

2 - Organization of American States (website): http://www.oas.org

3 - Summits of the Americas (website): http://www.summit-americas.org

4 - Inter American System (website): http://www.oas.org/OASpage/Inter-American_System.asp

5 - North American Development Bank (website): http://www.nadbank.org

© 2008 CJ Graham - All Rights Reserved

ABOUT CJ GRAHAM

"CJ" Graham is a Veteran and the proud wife of a retired USAF Veteran. She is a dedicated mother, activist, conservative, independent, who's allegiance is to her country and not to a particular political party. She is a firm believer in the power of the Citizen of the United States of America to whom she writes with a empowering and encouraging spirit. She knows that the Citizen of the USA can make a difference through peaceful, focused, knowledge empowered, activism working within the system and with media and legislators to effect change. As an author, she writes from the heart but backs up her work with facts.

E-Mail: cjgraham2008 @ gmail.com

Link to this article: http://www.newswithviews.com/Graham/cj2.htm