That NGA event included the first-ever U.S.-China Governors Forum( document here.) Chinese provincial leaders and Governors, all members of the CPC, spoke at both events.
Chinese intelligence collecting efforts in the last decade have been spectacularly successful. But now there’s a problem. The rest of the world is coming to realize the extent of this success, and that is bad news for China. Collecting information, both military and commercial, often means breaking laws. China has broken a lot of laws. Technically, China has committed acts of war because of the degree to which it penetrated military networks and carried off highly secret material. The U.S. has been warning China there will be consequences. As the extent of Chinese espionage becomes known and understood, the call for “consequences” becomes louder.
Communist China is a tremendous national security issue. The only cut Barack Obama is willing to
make in federal spending is in our military power, which means he will be ceding our military superiority
to China and other hostile totalitarian nations.
While Obama is shutting down our U.S. space program, China is going full-speed ahead to achieve space dominance along with the ability to deny it to America. Space is essential to the gathering, transmission and use of information necessary to fight and win future wars.
This year China unveiled a new, high-tech stealth fighter plane that could pose a significant threat to our air superiority. A Chinese military milestone was passed when China's first aircraft carrier completed its maiden voyage.
The chairman of the Tulsa County Republican Party is alarmed about the prospects of Communist China owning companies and property in Oklahoma.
Chairman J.B. Alexander will meet with state GOP officials Aug. 27 to consider a resolution that he thinks echoes the views of most Oklahomans - that getting jobs is not worth getting in bed with the Chinese.
In July, Governor Fallin attended the National Governors Association annual meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. This meeting also included the inaugural U.S.-China Governors Forum and was the product of a “memorandum of understanding” signed in January 2011 between U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the Communist Chinese government.
Chinese continue to invest in a wide range of industries. Their investment interests are in power generation, aviation, information technology, consumer electronics, telecommunications, transportation, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. One of the most alarming transactions was a $1.23 billion takeover in power generation. Two other acquisitions just as concerning were in aviation valued at $200 million each.
Listen to America in the Balance on Truth in Focus Internet radio.
8/14/11 - Guest Richard Fry of November Patriots in Kansas discusses that state's rejection of the Early Innovator Grant, the exchanges, and the conflict of interest in the KS GOP Chair's links to the Cerner Corp.
8/7/11 - Guest Mark Croucher discusses the Notice of Proposed Rule Making issued by the US Dept. of HHS about the establishment of state-based exchanges - would exchanges decide who gets care and who doesn't? Are brokers even needed?
7/24/11 - Guest Dr. Michael Coffman, author, researcher and president of Environmental Perspectives, Inc. discusses the Bank of International Settlements; the move toward a carbon currency; the rise of "Technocracy'; environmental ties; and China's involvement.
7/17/11 - OK-SAFE's Amanda Teegarden calls in from Salt Lake City, Utah after attending the U.S.-China 2011 Conference. Don Wyatt and Ronda V. Smith discuss Tulsa 912 Project developments.
7/10/11 Guest Vince Wade, award winning investigative reporter, analyst, and videographer, has produced a series of videos appearing on the china-threat.com website detailing the role American universities have played in transferring sensitive defense technologies to China.
7/3/11 - Guest Prof. William "Bill" Kauffman, Retired, Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, President, Explosion Research and Investigation Corporation, was forced into retirement when he began questioning the University's ties with Communist Chinese, including sharing defense technology. Kauffman is a contributor to the china-threat.com website.
4/3/11 - Guest Michael F. Cannon, Director of Health Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, discusses why "Obamacare Can't Be Fixed, and Now is the Time to Dismantle It"; federal grants for state-based health insurance exchanges; and why states should not institute insurance exchanges.
Liberty Forge is a social network devoted to connecting voters and groups who support a constitutionally limited government. Since elections are the only part of our Republic that is democratic, and the representative to citizen ratio is so low, it only makes sense to have a discussion forum to enable voters to vet candidates and issues. The power of Liberty Forge is in assigning a discussion forum to each individual voting district. As a member you enroll in your voting district discussion groups and focus your time and energy on the aspects of government which you have the most power and responsibility to effect.
Oklahoma's Department of Commerce Seeking a China Representative
As evidence of the growing efforts to deepen U.S.-China involvement, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce issued this RFP on August 2, 2011, seeking a Statement of Qualifications for a China Representative.
The Commerce Department issued an RFP for a Mexico Representative for their International Trade Office on the same date.
"Dated August 2, 2011 The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is requesting Statement of Qualifications from persons or firms interested in serving as the representative in the Department's International Trade Office for China. The person or firm selected must have experience in export development and assistance, foreign investment recruitment, knowledge of the local culture and customs, and the ability to open doors in the business and governmental communities. To be considered, persons or firms interested in serving as the Department's China Representative must submit their qualifications in accordance with this Request for Statement of Qualifications."
This RFP goes on to state that the China Representative would also be responsible for seeking foreign direct investment in Oklahoma.
Commerce's request follows the Governor's July trip to Salt Lake City, Utah for the annual NGA meeting and the first-ever U.S.-China Governors Forum. It may also be part of the federal initiative to "double exports" in the next five years. See www.export.gov for more details.
Utah's Governor Gary Herbert mentioned this export initiative in Salt Lake City, Utah at the U.S.-China 2011 Trade, Culture & Education conference, July 14-17, citing Utah's recent export numbers.
Herbert noted Utah's export figures in his speech to Chinese officials, where he also stated Utah that is "focused on international collaborations", and "On behalf of the people of Utah, I beg you for your continued partnership with Utah."
The U.S.-China 2011 Conference conference coincided with the National Governors Conference, and featured the same Chinese officials. In one speech on July 15th, one Chinese official commented that 40 different Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed during their visit to the U.S.
OK Governor Mary Fallin attended this conference. On August 9th her office issued a press release announcing she has been re-appointed to the NGA's Executive Committee, as well as the Economic Development and Commerce Committee.
Foreign Trade Zones - FTZs
There are four foreign trade zones in Oklahoma, and about a dozen subzones. Nationally, there are approximately 250 FTZs, and 450 sub-zones. FTZs offer special customs procedures and deferment payment of duty - to foreign interests.
The four OK FTZs are:
1. FTZ 106 - The largest of the 4 in Oklahoma, this zone is located adjacent to the Will Rogers World Airport and oversees 11 subzones. 2. FTZ 164 - Port of Muskogee 3. FTZ 53 - Port of Catoosa 4. FTZ 227- The International Business Park in Durant.
The question remains, which Governor Fallin has yet to answer publicly, does her administration plan to seek foreign direct investment in the Oklahoma by the Chinese?
Calls and emails are needed to Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, who answered “Yes” to the question “Is your office planning to actively seek foreign direct investment in the state of Oklahoma?”
OK-SAFE Blog - The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against the individual mandate called for in the controversial Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, aka "Obama Care", passed in March 2010. (Read full opinion here.)
"Appeals court strikes health insurance requirement
Legality of the individual mandate is expected to go to the Supreme Court By Greg Bluestein, AP 8/12/11
Washington - A federal appeals court panel on Friday struck down the requirement in President Barack Obama's health care overhaul package that virtually all Americans must carry health insurance or face penalties.
The divided three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the so-called individual mandate, siding with 26 states that had sued to block the law. But the panel didn't go as far as a lower court that had invalidated the entire overhaul as unconstitutional.
The states and other critics argued the law violates people's rights, while the Justice Department countered that the legislative branch was exercising a "quintessential" power.
The decision, penned by Chief Judge Joel Dubina and Circuit Judge Frank Hull, found that "the individual mandate contained in the Act exceeds Congress's enumerated commerce power."
"What Congress cannot do under the Commerce Clause is mandate that individuals enter into contracts with private insurance companies for the purchase of an expensive product from the time they are born until the time they die," the opinion said.
Circuit Judge Stanley Marcus disagreed in a dissent." More here.
OK Attorney Scott Pruitt Comments:
OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Scott Pruitt released a statement in support of the ruling by the U.S. appeals court: “I am pleased the 11th circuit ruled today that the federal government cannot force Americans to buy health insurance. “Indeed, the ruling affirms and strengthens Oklahoma's... more.
So Where Does That Leave Oklahoma’s Health Insurance Exchange?
A joint legislative committee created by the Oklahoma legislature in May 2011 is to examine the impact of PPACA on Oklahoma. The committee will begin its' series of 5 meetings in September 2011, with the first one scheduled for Wednesday, September 14, 2011 in Oklahoma City, OK. (Time and location to be determined.)
The subject likely to take center stage is the terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad Health Insurance Exchanges. These exchanges, or so-called clearinghouses, are a cornerstone of the ObamaCare nightmare and most people can see the problems with their establishment.
The ones to be convinced, of course, are the legislators, who have to make a decision on how to move forward – follow the will of the people and common sense, or establish a state-based exchange.
See House press release with the names of the committee members here.
Psalm 118:8,9 "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes."
Smart Meter Smack Down in Maine
OK-SAFE - The article below from the law firm Skelton, Taintor & Abbott was forwarded by a colleague in Texas who happens to be a God-fearing, liberty-loving attorney. (They do exist.)
The point of the lawsuit was the installation of those invasive Smart Meters, a component of the (global) Smart Grid, against the wishes of the residents of Maine.
[Smart meters are electric meters that record consumption of energy usein a time-differentiated basis (hourly rates), communicates that information electronically to the utility company (or anyone else with the right scanner), for monitoring and billing purposes, and for remote control of consumption. "Unlike home energy monitors, smart meters can gather data for remote monitoring."]
The meters can be used to reduce load limit, shut power off remotely, and interface with other meters. All without your knowledge - real Big Brother.
In 2010, Speaker of the House Chris Benge authored HB 3028, the OK Energy Security Act, which states that "every electricity generating entity in Oklahoma may use energy efficiency and demand side management measures to assist the state in meeting its renewable energy standard." Demand side consumptionmeans "the management of customer consumption of electricity, or the demand for electricity, through the implementation of:
a. load management or demand resource technologies, management practices or other strategies in residential, commercial, industrial, institutional or government customers that shift electric loads from periods of higher demand to periods of lower demand, or
3. "Energy efficiency" means technologies, management practices or other strategies in residential, commercial, institutional, or government customers that reduce electricity use by those consumers."
OG&E's $130 Million Grant
The U.S. Energy Department's Smart Grid Investment Grant program is helping to fund OG&E's deployment of 771,000 meters to customers in Oklahoma. OG & E was reportedly installing 1,000 smart meters per day; the utility uses various billing methods, including a 'time of use' billing option, charging more during 'peak hours'.
OG&E has contracted with Silver Spring Networks Resources for the webportal/tracking of power usage. Link to descriptive video here.
On behalf of several Maine residents, Skelton, Taintor & Abbott secured a landmark decision that will benefit utility customers throughout the country. Alan Stone, chair of the firm's energy law group, successfully convinced the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to find that it was an unjust and unreasonable practice for Central Maine Power Company (CMP) to refuse to permit residential and small commercial customers to opt-out of CMP’s smart meter program.
Skelton, Taintor & Abbott represented a group of customers in a complaint against CMP, and convinced the MPUC to order CMP to offer customers the option of opting out of the smart meter program and retaining their existing electromagnetic meters. Stone proved that because of unresolved concerns relating to health, privacy and cyber security resulting from the installation of wireless meters on their homes, customers should have a choice concerning the installation of those meters. CMP argued vigorously that customers should not be allowed to opt out, and the MPUC found that position to be unjust and unreasonable.
The Portland Press Herald has described the decision as a “landmark” case that represents the first time any state had ordered an electric utility to permit customers the choice to opt out of a smart meter program. The case has been followed by other Public Utilities Commissions and utility experts around the country, and will serve as precedent for others in the determination of how to resolve what has become a growing debate about customer choice and smart meters. Rest here.
OK-SAFE REPORTS
July 26, 2011
In The News
OK-SAFE Newsletter
7/26/2011
In this issue:
OK Governor Fallin Attends U.S.-China Governors Forum The Best Little Whorehouses in...uh, Utah?
Selling U.S. Out to China
150 Sq. Ft - Livin' Large in Hong Kong
Reclaiming America for Christ Event
NEW! Idaho-SAFE
Contact Us!
Links
Visit our website: ok-safe.com
Sign up for Newsletter/Action Alerts
Radio
Listen to America in the Balance on Truth in Focus Internet radio.
7/24/11 - Guest Dr. Michael Coffman, author, researcher and president of Environmental Perspectives, Inc. discusses the Bank of International Settlements; the move toward a carbon currency; the rise of "Technocracy'; environmental ties; and China's involvement.
7/17/11 - OK-SAFE's Amanda Teegarden calls in from Salt Lake City, Utah after attending the U.S.-China 2011 Conference. Don Wyatt and Ronda V. Smith discuss Tulsa 912 Project developments.
7/10/11 Guest Vince Wade, award winning investigative reporter, analyst, and videographer, has produced a series of videos appearing on the china-threat.com website detailing the role American universities have played in transferring sensitive defense technologies to China.
7/3/11 - Guest Prof. William "Bill" Kauffman, Retired, Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, President, Explosion Research and Investigation Corporation, was forced into retirement when he began questioning the University's ties with Communist Chinese, including sharing defense technology. Kauffman is a contributor to the china-threat.com website.
4/3/11 - Guest Michael F. Cannon, Director of Health Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, discusses why "Obamacare Can't Be Fixed, and Now is the Time to Dismantle It"; federal grants for state-based health insurance exchanges; and why states should not institute insurance exchanges.
Date: July 28-29, 2011 Times: Thursday, 6:15 pm - 10:15 pm. Friday, 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm, and 6:15 pm - 10:00 pm. Location: First Baptist Church of Moore, OK 301 NE 27th St., Moore, OK
Special speakers: Bob Carnuke, Dr. G Thomas Sharp, Pastor Dan Fisher, Pastor Paul Blair, Matt Barber, Jenni White, US Representative James Lankford, State Attorney General Scott Pruitt, and State Representative Sally Kern
Liberty Forge is a social network devoted to connecting voters and groups who support a constitutionally limited government. Since elections are the only part of our Republic that is democratic, and the representative to citizen ratio is so low, it only makes sense to have a discussion forum to enable voters to vet candidates and issues. The power of Liberty Forge is in assigning a discussion forum to each individual voting district. As a member you enroll in your voting district discussion groups and focus your time and energy on the aspects of government which you have the most power and responsibility to effect.
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin attended the controversial National Governors Association meeting held in Salt Lake City, Utah July 13-17, 2011.
Only 'authorized' media was allowed into the closed-door sessions, Security was extremely tight, with the Governors, along with their entourages, entering and exiting their tour buses at the back entrance to The Grand America Hotel.
The photo above was taken during Saturday's Health & Human Services Committee Session on 7-16-2011.
This link takes one to the NGA video on this particular session, where Governors asked questions about a proposed federal rule dealing with state-based exchanges and PPACA compliance.
Governor Fallin's question (albeit a long, confused one) about establishing a state-based exchange begins at minute-marker 35:49.
Video links to the entire NGA Conference, including the U.S.-China Governors Forum held on Friday, July 15, 2011 are available at the National Governors Association website.
Other NGA Sessions dealt with Foreign Direct Investment, and included several Memorandums of Understanding signings.
The state of Utah, for one, is dedicated to developing "unprecedented partnerships" with the Communist Chinese, at the government level, as well as at the business and University levels.
From the front page of China Daily USA - present at both conferences - on Thursday, July 14, 2011:
"Utah Governor Gary Herbert (left) shakes hand with Qinghai Governor Luo Huining after they signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday. Tom Smart / Deseret News"
Questions
Questions should be directed to each state Governor asking exactly what are their intentions with Chinese "investment" in their state?
Calls and emails are needed to Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, who answered “Yes” to the question “Is your office planning to actively seek foreign direct investment in the state of Oklahoma?”
7/24/11 - Guest Dr. Michael Coffman, author, researcher and president of Environmental Perspectives, Inc. discusses the International Settlement Bank and the move toward a carbon currency.
7/17/11 - OK-SAFE Exec. Director Amanda Teegarden calls in from Salt Lake City after attending the U.S.-China 2011 Trade, Education & Culture Conference, held in conjunction with the NGA Conference. Don Wyatt and Ronda V. Smith discuss Tulsa 912 Project developments.
7/10/11 - Guest Vince Wade, award winning investigative reporter, has produced a series of videos appearing on China-Threat.com.
7/3/11 - Guest Prof. William "Bill" Kauffman, Retired, Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, President, Explosion Research and Investigation Corporation, was forced into retirement when he began questioning the University's ties with Communist Chinese, including sharing defense technology. Kauffman is a contributor to the china-threat.com website.
Imagine: The Best Little Whorehouses in...uh, Utah? From the OK-SAFE Blog
The U.S. is being sold out to the Chinese. And the U.S. Governors are greasing the wheels.
The Little America Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah, site of the U.S.-China 2011 Trade, Culture & Education Conference July 14-17, 2011.
Excerpts:
"You are part of making history today. July 14, 2011 will be one of those days that you will be able to say to your children, and your grandchildren, that you were here when history was made.” Lew Cramer, President and CEO World Trade Center Utah.
"On behalf of the people of Utah, I beg you for your continued partnership with Utah" Utah Governor Gary Herbert to the Chinese officials and business interests present at the U.S.-China 2011 Trade, Education & Culture Conference, 7-14-11. _________________________________________________________
OK-SAFE, Inc. had the opportunity to send its' representative, Amanda Teegarden, to the U.S.-China 2011 Trade, Education & Culture Conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah July 14-17, 2011.
The Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah. July 14, 2011.
The U.S.-China 2011 event, sponsored by the Mormon-run American-Chinese Friendship Promotion Society, took place across the street from The Grand America Hotel, where 32 U.S. Governors met under tight security for the Annual National Governors Association conference.
That NGA event included the first-ever U.S.-China Governors Forum (document here.) Chinese provincial leaders and Governors, all members of the CPC, spoke at both events.
Qin Guangrong, Governor of Yunnan Province, Salt Lake City, Utah, July 14, 2011. Biography says he began his career as a member of the Communist Youth League in Hunan in 1975. Hotels - Or The Best Little Whorehouses in...Utah?
Over the four-day span these two otherwise fine hotels could have more appropriately been named the “The Best Little Whorehouses in... Utah”. (Where ‘whorehouse’ is defined as a place where those seek after that which is immoral and idolatrous.)
Chinese Government officials at the U.S.-China 2011 Trade, Culture & Education Conference, Little America Hotel, 7-14-11.
The object of both events was matchmaking; a sort of high-level, speed-dating event aimed at introducing and pairing up government officials, University R & D department heads, and Utah businesses (the “girls”) with potential Chinese partners (the “johns”) who are, after all is said and done, all still COMMUNISTS. (See bios of Chinese officials below).
Transcript and rest of blog post here. Full report and more photos here.
Acts 17:30-31 "Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed...."
Selling U.S. Out to China Recently, OK-SAFE had the opportunity to interview award-winning investigative reporter, researcher, and analyst Vince Wade on America in the Balance. (Link here.)
This followed our of interviewof Prof. William "Bill" Kauffman, retired, Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan, who re-counted some of the university's activities with regard to the Chinese - including the sharing of sensitive defense technology.
Both are contributors to a site we all should become familiar with - www.china-threat.com. Vince has produced two videos in a series of three dealing with the "Chinafication" of America.
The first, entitledU.S. Governors Selling Us to China, is now at this link:
Are you asking the right questions of your governor about their intentions with Chinese investment in your state?
OK Governor Mary Fallin's number: 405-521-2342, or 800-865-5853. Email: info@gov.ok.gov Psalm 118: 8,9 - "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man; It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes."
Source: WSJ Video: Living in Hong Kong’s Tiny Apartment Units
Hong Kong's home prices have skyrocketed in recent years, forcing residents like Yang Lianchun and her family to live in subdivided apartments. She talks to the WSJ about what it's like for a family of four to live in 150 square feet of space.
OK-SAFE Comment: Are you ready for sustainable development living?
OK-SAFE REPORTS
June 6, 2011
In The News
OK-SAFE Newsletter
6/06/2011
In this issue: Sleeping with the Enemy? National Governors Association
Health Insurance Exchange Update
Selling Out Texas?
NEW! Idaho-SAFE
Contact Us!
Links
Visit our website: ok-safe.com
Sign up for Newsletter/Action Alerts
Radio
Listen to America in the Balance on Truth in Focus Internet radio.
6/5/11 - Guest Vicky Davis discusses her latest article "Quislings to Collaborate with Communist Chinese" about the upcoming National Governors Association meeting where U.S. Governors will be partnering one-on-one with Chinese party officials
05/15/11 -Guest Charl Van Wyk, Missionary with Frontline Ministries and author of Shooting Back: The Right and Duty of Self-Defense, recounts the day terrorists stormed the South African church he attended and how his shooting back saved lives. Charl reveals what is happening under communist rule in South Africa, particularly the increased murder rate since the government restricted gun ownership.
5/1/11 - Guest Terri Hall, founder of Texas Turf, gives and update on the re-imergence of the Trans-Texas Corridor, public-private partnerships, toll roads on existing highways, and selling off the state's infrastructure to foreign interests, all under Republican leadership.
4/3/11 - Guest Michael F. Cannon, Director of Health Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, discusses why "Obamacare Can't Be Fixed, and Now is the Time to Dismantle It"; federal grants for state-based health insurance exchanges; and why states should not institute insurance exchanges.
Liberty Forge is a social network devoted to connecting voters and groups who support a constitutionally limited government. Since elections are the only part of our Republic that is democratic, and the representative to citizen ratio is so low, it only makes sense to have a discussion forum to enable voters to vet candidates and issues. The power of Liberty Forge is in assigning a discussion forum to each individual voting district. As a member you enroll in your voting district discussion groups and focus your time and energy on the aspects of government which you have the most power and responsibility to effect.
Sleeping with the Enemy? National Governors Association Meeting to Pair U.S. Governors and Chinese Party Leaders
OK-SAFE 6/6/11 - U.S. Governors will be saying more than "Ni hau" (Hello) to Chinese party officials at an upcoming National Governors Association (NGA) meeting.
The U.S. - China Governors Forum, scheduled for July 15-17, 2011 in Salt Lake City, Utah, is set to include one-on-one pairing of U.S. Governors with Chinese provincial party secretaries and Governors. The pairings, called "peer-to-peer exchanges," aim to "strengthen bilateral cooperation." Topics are to include items of "mutual interest," i. e. "job creation, education, health and economic cooperation."
A second session will take place in China in late 2011 or early 2012.
This forum is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the establishment of the U.S.-China Governors Forum to Promote Sub-National Cooperation, signed by Sen. of State Hillary Clinton on January 19, 2011.
Secretary Clinton shakes hands with the Chinese foreign minister after the memorandum of understanding signing, 1/19/2011 Photo Source: U.S. Dept. of State
The Governors Forum will be held behind close doors.
The collaboration is indicative of the deepening U.S. involvement with the Chinese government, particularly at the sub-national (state and local) level.
Increased Agreements
A the Third Round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue held in May 2011 the U.S. and China agreed to 48 strategic outcomes, including "further cooperation between U.S. and Chinese enterprises and institutions on healthcare, disaster response, and smart grids."
The Rhodium Group, (RHG) has a China Investment Monitor map, indicating that between 2003-2010 there were 230 deals between states and China, totaling $11.7 Billion in "greenfield and acquisition" investments. This includes Oklahoma.
Oklahoma
According to The Rhodium Group investment map, Oklahoma has one Chinese investment so far, totaling $4 million in "consumer products".
Governor Mary Fallin, a member of the NGA's Economic Development and Commerce Committee, will most likely be promoting more Chinese investment in Oklahoma.
From this committee's May 2011 briefing:
"Attracting Foreign Direct Investment into the States On May 17, 2011, the NGA Economic Development and Commerce Committee hosted a briefing for governors' staff about the role of foreign direct investment from the perspective of U.S. subsidiaries of foreign parent companies. Topics discussed included how to recruit investment, tax challenges, conflict-of-laws and the importance of physical infrastructure to global competitiveness. Panelists: Tom Langan, director of U.S. government relations and public affairs, Unilever (NGA Corporate Fellow); Nancy McLernon, president and CEO, Organization for International Investment (OFII); and, John Lettieri, senior director of public policy and government affairs, OFII. Audio link (mp3)"
Oklahoma's universities have been busy developing Chinese partnerships, including OU's Confucius Institute, which aims to "foster a permanent place for the teaching and study of Chinese in Oklahoma K-12 schools courses."
Where's the Document?
According to the Chinese Embassy in the U.S website, describing President Hu Jintao's U.S. visit: :
"During Hu's January visit, the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding commissioning the CPAFFC and the NGA to create the governors forum mechanism.
According to the document, the forum will serve as an important communication platform aimed at promoting practical cooperation at the sub-national level in areas such as trade, investment, energy, environment and culture"
No amount of searching of the State Department, White House, and Chinese embassy websites has revealed the actual Memorandum of Understanding document.
The 2011 NGA Winter Meeting , held in Washington D.C. featured Zhou Qiang, Party Secretary, Hunan Provincial Committee, pictured above. Zhou encouraged increased sub-national cooperation. Photo Source: National Governors Association. What are the intentions of the Fallin administration regarding expanding Chinese involvement in Oklahoma?
Does Gov. Fallin intend to partner with a Chinese party official at the July meeting in Salt Lake City and seek increased "sub-national cooperation"?
Does Fallin intend to encourage Chinese foreign direct investment in Oklahoma or seek public-private partnerships with the Chinese in developing Oklahoma's infrastructure?
These and other questions need to be answered by this "conservative" governor.
Health Exchange Update - Public Meetings OK-SAFE, 6/6/11 - The substitute language for the failed HB 2130 (HUB board bill, establishing governance of the health insurance exchange) finally appeared in SB 971, introduced on 4/27/11.
Due to all the calls, emails and legislative visits by the Oklahoma grassroots, OK leadership decided not to hear SB 971, choosing instead to form a special joint legislative committee to study the issue this fall.
From the 5/23/11 Tulsa World article by Wayne Greene: "OKLAHOMA CITY - Two Tulsa lawmakers have been chosen to deal with one of the hottest of political hot potatoes next fall.
Sen. Gary Stanislawski, R-Tulsa, and Rep. Glen Mulready, R-Tulsa, are the leaders of a special joint legislative committee that will study how the state should respond to the federal mandate to create a state health insurance exchange." Rest here.
These public meetings should be attended by anyone with concerns about the controversial health care reform act.
Psalm 118: 8,9 - "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man; It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes."
From Texas Turf: Texas for Sale: New laws sell Texas to highest bidder by Terri Hall, June 2, 2011
Excerpt:
Name your price & they’ll sell you Texas
A steady stream of bills to sell-off Texas infrastructure to private corporations flooded the pipeline during the 82nd Regular Session of the Texas Legislature with a key bill, SB 1048, to authorize state and local governments to privatize virtually every kind of public infrastructure (except roads) and charge user fees or lease payments for the public to access its own buildings: schools, hospitals, nursing homes, water supply facilities, ports, mass transit, libraries, even telecommunications and pipelines.
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The Great Chinese Take-Out Exposed-Strategy Page - James Dunnigan
