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Thompson's First Test: Raising Funds Fast
The Wall Street Journal ^ | June, 4, 2007 | CHRISTOPHER COOPER

Posted on 06/04/2007 5:47:53 AM PDT by period end of story

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To: Jake The Goose

Nope! That is the funding for the Draft committee. NOT the campaign.
Save your money for the actual run, rather than to convenience him to do what he is obviously going to do.


41 posted on 06/04/2007 10:42:25 AM PDT by Gideon Reader (DEMOCRATS: Not quite American, and proud of it! Palestinians are,...well,... Palestinian.)
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To: Jake The Goose

I’m proposing a new name for us “Fred Heads”

How about “The Dalton Gang”?

I think it will upset liberals a lot more than Fred Heads.


42 posted on 06/04/2007 10:48:20 AM PDT by word_warrior_bob (You can now see my amazing doggie and new puppy on my homepage!! Come say hello to Jake & Sonny)
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To: BubbaBasher; Politicalmom; Sturm Ruger

DO NOT use that site. It turns out Fred’s NEW OFFICIAL site will be up Tuesday.NOT today..

Will keep all posted:)


43 posted on 06/04/2007 11:30:47 AM PDT by SE Mom (Proud mom of an Iraq war combat vet -Fred'08)
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To: SE Mom; Politicalmom; jellybean
This just in as a reply from the author of the e-mail in question:

Dear Mr. BubbaBasher

I don't know exact how my email came to be posted on a web site, but I assume that someone posted an email that I sent in response to one I received. In any event, you can be assured that you have reached someone involved with the official exploratory committee.

If you or anyone else you know is interested in contributing to the exploratory effort, please let me know by a "reply all" email and my assistant Marilee Jones will send you the FEC form that must be completed and accompany any contribution.

Checks should be made payable to "Friends of Fred Thompson" and mailed to the PO Box stated on the FEC form.

Only personal funds may be used-no corporate checks can be accepted- and the legal limit is $2,300 per person. A married couple may contribute a maximum of $4,600 but each spouse must sign the check which must be drawn on a joint account.

If you would like to be added to our data base of volunteers, please let my assistant know-marilee.jones@wallerlaw.com- and she will forward your contact information to the political director on the campaign staff.

I hope I have answered your questions. Thank you for your generous offer of support for Sen. Thompson.

Best regards

Joseph A. Woodruff

**************************
We are required by IRS Circular 230 to inform you that any statements contained herein are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by you or any other taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed by federal tax law.

**************************
The information contained in this message and any attachments is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you have received this message in error, you are prohibited from copying, distributing, or using the information. Please contact the sender immediately by return e-mail and delete the original message. ID442

44 posted on 06/04/2007 12:02:03 PM PDT by BubbaBasher (I reject your reality and substitute my own.)
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To: word_warrior_bob
How about “The Dalton Gang”?

Dalton Gang works too. I'm for anything that scares the Libs into showing their true stripes.

45 posted on 06/04/2007 12:04:22 PM PDT by LimaLimaMikeFoxtrot ("If you don't have my army supplied, and keep it supplied, we'll eat your mules up, sir"-Gen.Sherman)
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To: BubbaBasher

That may well be- all I mean is the official site is not up yet!


46 posted on 06/04/2007 12:07:21 PM PDT by SE Mom (Proud mom of an Iraq war combat vet -Fred'08)
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To: Badeye
‘if Thompson doesn’t hurry, the money will be gone’....ROTFLMAO!

Yeah I love that. Guess what experts?..

Fred is gonna get all the money that I didn't give to RNC and more. And I'll bet I ain't the only one.

47 posted on 06/04/2007 12:09:50 PM PDT by LimaLimaMikeFoxtrot ("If you don't have my army supplied, and keep it supplied, we'll eat your mules up, sir"-Gen.Sherman)
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To: SE Mom

That’s great news. I just wanted to let people know that they can “Officially” contribute today.


48 posted on 06/04/2007 12:11:16 PM PDT by BubbaBasher (I reject your reality and substitute my own.)
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To: LimaLimaMikeFoxtrot

if Thompson doesn’t hurry, the money will be gone’....ROTFLMAO!
Yeah I love that. Guess what experts?..

Fred is gonna get all the money that I didn’t give to RNC and more. And I’ll bet I ain’t the only one.’

Yes, thats going to happen - if he performs as expected.

But more to the point, ‘money’ isn’t in short supply at any point in a Presidential election cycle. The last month contributors to both sides routinely make contributions to ‘the other guy’ just to ensure access no matter who wins or loses.


49 posted on 06/04/2007 12:13:39 PM PDT by Badeye (You know its a kook site when they ban the word 'kook')
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To: period end of story
There is a lot of projection going on with Thompson. The enthusiasm for him derives from who he is, rather than anything he has done, or is doing. To win the nomination he will need perform. He will need raise funds, organize, travel, work. He hasn't performed yet, nor did he in eight years in the Senate. We'll see.

I support Romney, which means that I have to endure flip-flop taunts, but no need to doubt his drive, determination and capability.

50 posted on 06/04/2007 12:17:04 PM PDT by Plutarch
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To: Plutarch

Fred Thompson sponsored or co-sponsored 48 pieces of legislation, most of it aimed at increasing our national security against terrorism, providing tax relief to citizens and small businesses, and cutting government red tape.

http://www.congress.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/?&Db=d107&querybd=@FIELD(FLD003+@4((@1(Sen+Thompson++Fred))+01447))

*

On January 19, 1995, Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee introduced Senate Joint Resolution 21 proposing a constitutional amendment to limit congressional terms to two terms for Senators and three terms for Representatives.

http://www.whereistand.com/FredDaltonThompson/22483

*

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee last month unanimously approved the Government Information Security Act.

The bill, S 1993, aims to reform government information protection by strengthening security practices throughout government.

Committee chairman Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) and ranking minority member Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) introduced the bill in November. It includes seven directives:

• The Commerce Department and the National Institute of Standards and Technology would develop standards and guidance for security training and planning.

• The Justice Department would provide legal remedies for security breaches.

• The General Services Administration would assist agencies with computer security procurements.

• The Office of Personnel Management would review information security regulations covering federal civilian employees.

• Each agency’s chief information officer would designate a senior information security officer.

• A deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget would oversee federal information security efforts.

• The Defense Department and the CIA would provide protection for national security systems and classified information...

http://www.gcn.com/print/vol19_no7/1632-1.html

*

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) today praised Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee for urging passage of legislation requiring greater disclosure of foreign companies that raise funds in American capital markets.

Bachus has introduced the U.S. Market Security Act, which strengthens reporting and disclosure requirements for all foreign governments and government-controlled entities seeking access to U.S. capital markets. The bill establishes an Office of National Security within the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that will review and monitor all securities offered by foreign governments and by any entity the office believes is controlled by a foreign governmental unit.

In a speech on weapons proliferation this morning to the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., Sen. Thompson said Congress should pass legislation to bring greater transparency to all foreign companies in our markets. “The SEC provides little information on these companies now, many of whom, in the case of China, are front companies,” Thompson said. “We need to require more detailed information in prospectuses regarding the specific identity and activities of foreign government related firms applying for entry into our capital markets.”

“Senator Thompson is right on target, and I’m glad to know he’s an ally in this effort,” said Bachus. “By strengthening disclosure and reporting requirements, we can greatly reduce the chances that Americans are unknowingly helping to finance the militaries and intelligence services of potential foreign adversaries. It would also give Congress a mechanism to deny companies or countries who engage in proliferation activities access to our markets.”

http://bachus.house.gov/HoR/AL06/Press+Room/Press+Releases/2000/03-03-00+Bachus+Priases+Senator+Fred+Thompson+on+Joining+Effort+for+Disclosure.htm

*

Federal agencies would have to conduct cost-benefit analyses and health, safety and environmental risk assessments before making major regulatory changes, under a bill introduced in the Senate Thursday.

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., introduced the same bill in the last Congress. Under the bill (S. 746), agencies would be required to perform cost-benefit analyses for rules that would impose at least $100 million in compliance costs on private-sector firms. Risk assessments would also be required for major rules and would be subject to independent peer review. Peer review of cost-benefit analyses would also be required for rules costing at least $500 million.

The Clinton administration signaled its support for the bill last year after getting Thompson and Levin to agree to changes that the administration said would ensure the bill would not undermine health or environmental protections nor add significant costs or delays to the regulatory process.

Business groups, state governments and local governments have all voiced their support for the bill. Unions and environmental groups, meanwhile, oppose it on grounds that it may slow down the regulatory process and weaken federal protections.

http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=12173&printerfriendlyVers=1&;

*

WASHINGTON
A bill introduced in late March by Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., would repeal the 4.3-cent motor fuel excise tax imposed on railroads and inland waterway transportation.

The bill is identical to a House bill introduced earlier in March, and reprises a bill introduced in the last Congress by Sen. John Chafee, R-R.I. Congress voted to repeal the tax as part of the Taxpayer Refund and Relief Act of 1999, which was vetoed by President Clinton.

The tax had been imposed in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 on all transportation fuels as a means to help reduce the federal budget deficit. Prior to the act, the gasoline, aviation and diesel fuel excise tax had been considered “user fees,” and revenue raised from the taxes was deposited into the transportation trust funds dedicated to improving highways, airports and waterways.

In 1997, Congress redirected the 4.3-cent gasoline tax back into the highway trust fund and the 4.3-cent aviation fuel excise tax back into the airport and airway trust fund as part of the surface transportation reauthorization bill, TEA-21.

“However, the final version of TEA-21 did not touch the tax on inland waterway barge fuel or railroad fuel, so that tax revenue is still being deposited in the general fund,” Thompson said. There is no railroad trust fund.

The bill is co-sponsored by Senators John Breaux, D-La.; Frank Murkowski, R-Alaska; Jim Jefford, R-Ver.; Phil Gramm, R-Texas; Don Nickles, R-Okla.; and Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.

http://www.americanshipper.com/paid/MAY01/senate_bill.asp

*

A bill introduced this month by Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) would prevent the lapse of the Government Information Security Reform Act next month.

GISRA, part of the Defense Authorization Act of 2001, called on agencies to assess the security of their IT systems and to include security requirements in their budget requests. The Office of Management and Budget earlier this year told Congress that executive branch IT security has substantial weaknesses.

OMB has used the law to turn down or alter some agency proposals in the latest budget cycle. Under a sunset provision, GISRA would expire Nov. 29. Thompson’s S 3067 would repeal the expiration and make the requirements permanent.

http://www.gcn.com/print/21_31/20289-1.html

*

I’ve heard it said that the “proof” that he was lazy in the Senate was that he didn’t introduce enough substantial legislation. The obvious answer to any conservative is “What, you want MORE laws?!??!”

- TBinSTL, DraftFredThompson.com, March 28, 2007

http://draftfredthompson.com/index.php/topic,2738.msg5871.html#msg5871

*****

- While in the Senate, he waged total war against government waste and fraud. Just one of many glowing reports from Citizens Against Government Waste:

CAGW PRAISES THOMPSON REPORT ON FEDERAL MISMANAGEMENT

Key excerpt: “Once again, Chairman Thompson deserves great credit for exposing the pervasive problems in the federal government,” CAGW President Tom Schatz said. “As CAGW has documented repeatedly, many federal agencies and programs are duplicative, unaccountable, nontransparent, get poor results, lose money, are mismanaged, and outdated. These problems have persisted for decades, and as this report indicates, are growing worse and require rapid action.”

http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=news_NewsRelease_06052001b

-He also ferreted out and brought to light federal abuses of power:

KEEPING BIG BROTHER FROM WATCHING YOU: PRIVACY IN THE INTERNET AGE

Key excerpt: This report brings to light one of Orwell’s worst fears—not only are government agencies sharing private, personal information about individual citizens and failing to inform them, but they are also overstepping checks and balances designed to prevent such abuses from occurring. Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) emphasized that the government was technologically challenged when he said that “the Administration is not enforcing the laws that Congress passed” and that the federal government’s underlying infrastructure is “riddled with vulnerabilities which represent severe security flaws and risks to our national security, public safety, and personal privacy.”

- He doggedly held the line on taxes; as one example, he was one of only 36 congress members and only 9 senators to receive the coveted “Taxpayers’ Friend” award from the National Taxpayers Union:

CITIZEN GROUP SALUTES “TAXPAYERS’ FRIENDS” IN CONGRESS: JUST 36 LAWMAKERS RECEIVE AWARDS FOR SCORES ON NTU’S 2002 RATING

Key excerpt: “Not all Members of Congress fought day in and day out during 2002 for the principle of limited government that is the cornerstone of our country’s greatness,” said NTU President John Berthoud. “Fortunately, at least 36 allies in Congress demonstrated an unwavering commitment to taxpayers. We are proud to honor this fiscal ‘coalition of the willing.’”

http://www.ntu.org/main/press_release.php?PressID=113&org_name=NTU

- He has been a tireless champion of federalism/states’ rights:

THOMPSON EARNS “RESTORING THE BALANCE” AWARD FROM NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES

Key excerpt: WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, has been selected to receive the 2000 “Restoring the Balance Award,” presented by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The award, given annually to national policymakers committed to federalism and its impact on issues involving state legislators, was presented to Thompson last night at the NCSL’s Leader to Leader Dinner in Washington.

-snip of complimentary quote about Fred just for brevity’s sake-

Thompson’s dedication to the principles of federalism and sound government policy has resulted in the Committee’s advancement of the Federalism Accountability Act, and Senate passage of the Regulatory Right to Know Act, the Federal Financial Information Assistance Management Improvement Act, the Truth in Regulating Act, and revision of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

*****

- While in the Senate, he waged total war against government waste and fraud. Just one of many glowing reports from Citizens Against Government Waste:

CAGW PRAISES THOMPSON REPORT ON FEDERAL MISMANAGEMENT

Key excerpt: “Once again, Chairman Thompson deserves great credit for exposing the pervasive problems in the federal government,” CAGW President Tom Schatz said. “As CAGW has documented repeatedly, many federal agencies and programs are duplicative, unaccountable, nontransparent, get poor results, lose money, are mismanaged, and outdated. These problems have persisted for decades, and as this report indicates, are growing worse and require rapid action.”

http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=news_NewsRelease_06052001b

-He also ferreted out and brought to light federal abuses of power:

KEEPING BIG BROTHER FROM WATCHING YOU: PRIVACY IN THE INTERNET AGE

Key excerpt: This report brings to light one of Orwell’s worst fears—not only are government agencies sharing private, personal information about individual citizens and failing to inform them, but they are also overstepping checks and balances designed to prevent such abuses from occurring. Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) emphasized that the government was technologically challenged when he said that “the Administration is not enforcing the laws that Congress passed” and that the federal government’s underlying infrastructure is “riddled with vulnerabilities which represent severe security flaws and risks to our national security, public safety, and personal privacy.”

- He doggedly held the line on taxes; as one example, he was one of only 36 congress members and only 9 senators to receive the coveted “Taxpayers’ Friend” award from the National Taxpayers Union:

CITIZEN GROUP SALUTES “TAXPAYERS’ FRIENDS” IN CONGRESS: JUST 36 LAWMAKERS RECEIVE AWARDS FOR SCORES ON NTU’S 2002 RATING

Key excerpt: “Not all Members of Congress fought day in and day out during 2002 for the principle of limited government that is the cornerstone of our country’s greatness,” said NTU President John Berthoud. “Fortunately, at least 36 allies in Congress demonstrated an unwavering commitment to taxpayers. We are proud to honor this fiscal ‘coalition of the willing.’”

http://www.ntu.org/main/press_release.php?PressID=113&org_name=NTU

- He has been a tireless champion of federalism/states’ rights:

THOMPSON EARNS “RESTORING THE BALANCE” AWARD FROM NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES

Key excerpt: WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, has been selected to receive the 2000 “Restoring the Balance Award,” presented by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The award, given annually to national policymakers committed to federalism and its impact on issues involving state legislators, was presented to Thompson last night at the NCSL’s Leader to Leader Dinner in Washington.

-snip of complimentary quote about Fred just for brevity’s sake-

Thompson’s dedication to the principles of federalism and sound government policy has resulted in the Committee’s advancement of the Federalism Accountability Act, and Senate passage of the Regulatory Right to Know Act, the Federal Financial Information Assistance Management Improvement Act, the Truth in Regulating Act, and revision of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.


51 posted on 06/04/2007 4:57:17 PM PDT by Politicalmom ("Secure the border first. This is our house and we get to decide who gets to come here"- FDT)
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To: All
Drat. I hate my mouse. Instead of repeating the last part, it should have been: When Fred Thompson ran for the Senate he promised the people of Tennessee that he would work to protect our national security, make government work for families, and improve the way Washington does business. Since he took office in 1994, he's made good on those promises with a record of achievement and leadership. Protecting National Security Senator Thompson is a well-respected and knowledgeable leader on foreign policy and national security affairs. He was recently named to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence as well as the prestigious National Security Working Group, which observes and monitors Executive Branch negotiations with foreign governments on a range of national security topics. Senator Thompson believes that the United States has a unique role in the world given our economic prosperity, military power, and the strength of our principles, democratic ideals, and values. He believes the United States should be active in promoting the concepts of free trade and open markets, holding other countries responsible for their actions and affairs, yet acting firmly and clearly where our national interests and values are at stake. As Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Thompson held more than a dozen hearings on important national security issues, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons) and missile technology and the relaxation of export controls and sensitive "dual use" items. Last year, he introduced the China Nonproliferation Act, which confronts proliferation by "key supplier" countries like China and Russia to rogue nations like Iran, Iraq, and Libya. This is a dangerous problem that threatens our nation's security and important interests. The bill requires an annual review of these countries' proliferation activities, establishes clear standards, reasonable penalties, adequate presidential waivers, congressional oversight, and much-needed transparency. In September, Thompson was successful in bringing the measure to the floor during the debate on Permanent Normal Trade Status for China. The debate on the Thompson amendment provided the Senator with a valuable opportunity to bring the proliferation issue to the forefront and highlight the problem for his colleagues and the nation. In the coming year, Thompson will continue his efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Senator Thompson has also been at the forefront of the debate on national missile defense. The threats to our country are growing largely because of weapons proliferation to rogue states. The Intelligence Community and a variety of independent commissions have determined that North Korea may have the means of striking the U.S. with a missile by 2005. As a result of these threats, Thompson is a strong supporter of a robust, multi-tier national missile defense. He also supports increased funding for the military, with particular emphasis on expanding the force structure to deal with known threats, building new weapons and providing better training for our armed forces. Most importantly, he believes that our military personnel deserve higher pay, better benefits, improved health care, and more predictability for themselves and their families. This also includes providing military retirees and veterans with the programs and benefits that our country owes them for their service. Thompson was successful in the 106th Congress in leading a bipartisan effort to pass legislation requiring the federal government to take responsibility for illnesses incurred by men and women who worked Department of Energy (DOE) facilities in Tennessee and across the country. His legislation establishing a compensation program for workers suffering from illnesses linked to their service at DOE facilities was approved as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. "This is a victory for the men and women who helped this country win the Cold War," Thompson said. "It's been a long, hard fight, but Congress made good on its obligation to those who are suffering as a result of their service to our country." In 1998, Thompson was chosen by Senate leadership to serve on the special Senate task force to examine whether the Chinese government improperly obtained American satellite and missile technology. His Governmental Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on International Security and Proliferation held hearings to determine whether export control laws are effective in keeping dangerous, dual-use military technology out of the hands of potential adversaries. As a result, Congress returned satellite export control authority to the State Department. Making Government Work for Families In 1999, Senator Thompson joined the Senate Finance Committee, where he is working to cut taxes and reform our Social Security and Medicare programs so they will be there for future generations. Thompson is a member of a bi-partisan group of senators endorsing a plan to reform Social Security by cutting payroll taxes and allowing workers to invest in personal savings accounts, while at the same time making structural reforms to the program to ensure its solvency for future retirees. Thompson has teamed up with Budget Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-NM) to push for a biennial budget. This bipartisan measure would end the yearly budget battle in Congress and replace it with a less repetitive process that enacts a two-year budget every other year. "We create a lot of expensive agencies and programs, and then we pretty much turn our backs on them while they run for years and years," Thompson said. "A biennial budget would give us time to delve into what's working and what's not � and it would also encourage members of Congress to stay in closer contact with constituents by freeing up more time for them to spend in their home states." Improving the Way Washington Does Business Senator Thompson came to Washington with a basic belief that the federal government should be smaller, more efficient, and more accountable. To make that goal a reality, he has worked for and achieved a string of significant reforms, becoming what USA Today called, "a leader on a range of clean-up Washington issues." Thompson has taken the lead on the issue of campaign finance reform, consistently co- sponsoring a bipartisan bill to ban "soft money," the unlimited, unregulated cash raised by political parties. Thompson said, "We must get back to winning elections, not on the basis of who can raise the most money, but on the basis of competition of ideas." He believes that reform of the way in which campaigns are financed is critical to Congress' accountably in other areas. He recently cosponsored the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2001, the latest version of the McCain-Feingold campaign reform bill, which bans soft money contributions, restricts corporate and union spending on campaign ads, and provides for greater disclosure and stronger election laws. At the start of the 105th Congress, Senator Thompson's colleagues elected him Chairman of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, making him among the most junior senators in history to serve as a major chairman. This Committee is charged with broad oversight of federal agencies, and Thompson used the post to demand accountability in government. During the 106th Congress, he authored and passed several important pieces of legislation to change the way Washington works. Following hearings in the Governmental Affairs Committee that highlighted our nation's vulnerability to computer attacks - from terrorists, crime rings, and hackers - Senator Thompson authored the Government Information Security Act. The legislation, which was signed into law, provides a new framework for protecting the government's computers from outside attack by hackers. "Effective computer security starts with effective management and this legislation will help federal agencies get a handle on preventing hackers from wreaking havoc with citizens' sensitive information," Thompson said. In the area of regulatory reform, Thompson joined a bipartisan group of Senators to pass the Regulatory Right-to-Know Act. The Act requires the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to disclose to the public the costs and benefits of regulatory programs, as well as an analysis of the impact of federal regulations on state, local, and tribal governments, small business, and economic growth. "People have a right to know the costs and benefits of important regulatory decisions. This will help the Congress, the President, and the public better understand whether regulations are sensible and fair," Thompson said. Thompson also scored a victory in the 106th Congress for those concerned about privacy protection on federal web sites. In December, Congress approved his legislation to ensure that Congress and the public are made aware of potential privacy violations on federal agency Internet sites. In October, Thompson released a General Accounting Office report revealing that many agencies were still using cookies - information-gathering devices that can be used to track the activities of Internet users - on their web sites without disclosing their use. The American people have a right to know what information is being collected about them on federal web sites," Thompson said. "This bill will ensure that we know about agencies' data collection practices so that we in Congress can make sure that privacy rights of citizens are not being violated. The federal government should be setting the standard for privacy protection in cyberspace." The Thompson privacy amendment will require the Inspector General of each agency to report to Congress on how the agency collects and reviews personal information on its web site. Shortly after he became chairman, Thompson worked with the General Accounting Office to unveil the first ever audit of the federal government. "The government failed miserably," Thompson said. "The government's deteriorating accounting systems put Congress at a severe disadvantage because we lack reliable information to assess program performance, control costs, and stop widespread waste, fraud, and abuse. We must do better." Thompson has held a series of hearings and released numerous reports highlighting waste, fraud and abuse involving taxpayer dollars. In 2000, he introduced legislation that would require the use of a technique called �recovery auditing,' which would be applied to a federal agency's records to identify improper payments or payment errors made by federal agencies. "Over $20 billion in taxpayer dollars was lost by just a handful of federal programs in 1999," Thompson said. "Most agencies don't even know how much they're losing. This will provide a tool to help discover and eliminate this waste." To address mushrooming federal regulations which are imposed with little public scrutiny, Thompson introduced the Regulatory Improvement Act. Thompson's bill promotes the public's right to know why agencies make regulatory decisions, improves the quality of government decision-making, and increases government accountability to the public. "We all want clean air, clean water, and safer workplaces," Thompson said. "Smarter regulation could help us better achieve these goals." The Harvard Center for Risk Analysis has heartily endorsed the legislation, and estimates that 60,000 lives per year could be saved through smarter regulatory priorities. In 1997, Thompson's committee was designated by the Senate leadership to conduct an investigation into alleged improper or illegal activities growing out of the 1996 federal campaigns. The committee exposed a campaign system rife with abuse and open to foreign influence, and produced a 9,600 page report that led to several indictments and a number of on-going criminal investigations. The New York Times declared that Thompson "forced Attorney General Janet Reno and a snoozing FBI to quit ignoring any and all indications of corruption in the 1996 campaign." Guiding all of Senator Thompson's efforts is a strong belief in the Tenth Amendment - that government closer to the people works best. He believes that federal and state government should be limited to their constitutionally defined roles, and that in recent years those roles have been distorted by interference from Washington. "Each level of government is uniquely qualified to do certain things," Thompson said. "And far too often, Washington politicians involved get involved in matters where they have no business, and where state and local governments are in a much better position to respond to people's concerns. In the 107th Congress, Thompson will continue his efforts to change the way Washington does business, to let working families keep more of their hard-earned money, to ensure Congress works to protect our national security, and to make sure Social Security and Medicare are preserved for future generations. http://web.archive.org/web/20021006205335/thompson.senate.gov/text/record.html
52 posted on 06/04/2007 4:59:18 PM PDT by Politicalmom ("Secure the border first. This is our house and we get to decide who gets to come here"- FDT)
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To: Politicalmom; BubbaBasher

I agree PoliticalMom. It should be fixed, and fast... ESPECIALLY the Google & Amazon ads. I hope these aren’t people who registered this URL and are going to hold it hostage. The website is paid for by Fred Thompson News. Seriously, no offense to any Freepers if this is your site... I know we’re all trying to help Fred in any way we can.

I understand that it has information about the donation, but even if the information is legitimate, the site itself doesn’t give off much confidence to the visitor.

You know what they say about too many cooks in the kitchen. Fred’s staff better start organizing volunteers quick, IMHO.


53 posted on 06/04/2007 5:23:34 PM PDT by LibertyRocks (Liberty Rocks Blog: http://libertyrocks.wordpress.com)
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