SEPTEMBER 27^TH DOUBLE SYMPOSIUM

AM:  “THE COMMON CORE CHALLENGE”            PM:  “THE GOVERNMENT AND YOUR MONEY”

HOSTED BY:  Citizens Constitutional Caucus

9:00 AM: Welcome – Don R. Watson

9:15: “The Lt Governor’s Common Core Position” – presented by Jamey Falkenbury

9:45: Q & A – Rocco J. Piserchia – Moderator

10:00: “Common Core Facts & Constitutional Implications” – presented by Dr. Greg Brannon

10:30: Q & A – Rocco J. Piserchia – Moderator

10:45: Break

11:00: “Watching Out For A Common Core Rebrand” – A. P. Dillon

11:30: Panel dialogue: Falkenbury, Brannon, & Dillon – audience interactive panel – Rocco J. Piserchia – Moderator

12:00: Lunch break

1:15 PM:  Welcome – Don Watson

1:30: “Bitcom” and the “Basics of Monetary Policy” – Luis Chiang

2:15: Q & A – Rocco J. Piserchia – Moderator

2:45: Break

3:00: Panel/Audience interactive dialogue: Luis Chiang, & Rocco J. Piserchia

4:00: “Returning to Constitutional Governance” – Jeff Lewis & Glen Bradley

5:00: Official end of Symposium

6:15: Welcome – Rocco J. Piserchia – Moderator

6:30: Round table discussion on today’s topics.  Panel of experts: Jeff Lewis, Dr. Greg Brannon, Glen Bradley, Luis Chiang, Jamey Falkenbury, Rocco J. Piserchia.  Brief review of the day’s information followed by audience participation in developing follow up action plans – Strategy and Tactic session. 

(CCC: Educate-Activate-Legislate-Perpetuate)

LOCATION: Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Cary – I 40 Exit 290 (PNC Arena) 111 Hampton Woods Lane

COST: $10 PER AM & $10 PM SESSIONS – $15 ENTIRE DAY FOR PREREGISTRATION – EVENING FREE                                     Make check payable  to “Covenant Restoration” & Mail to 963 N. Harrison Ave – #107 – Cary, NC 27513                                    For your convenience PayPal at: www.patriotinstitute.com/  or www.constitutionalistgatheringplace.com 

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SHORT BIOGRAPHIES

MEET A. P. DILLON: A.P. Dillon (Lady Liberty 1885), is a Conservative minded wife and mother living in the Triangle area of North Carolina. She has been fighting Common Core in NC for two years. Mrs. Dillon was a panel member of Glenn Beck’s Common Core Live Event, “We Will Not Conform”.
A.P. Dillon founded the blog LadyLiberty1885.com in 2009. After the 2012 election, she added an Instapundit style blog called The ConMom Blog. Mrs. Dillon’s writing, in addition to Da Tech Guy’s Magnificent 7, can also be found at StopCommonCoreNC.org, WatchdogWireNC and WizBang.

MEET GLEN BRADLEY:   Glen is a 3C Patriot Leader, a former Marine (Intelligence Analyst) and former member of the NC Legislature.  He attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Baptist Seminary studying Logic, History of Ideas, Hebrew and Greek.

MEET JAMEY FALKENBURY – James Stephen “Jamey” Falkenbury is from Concord, North Carolina.  He is a graduate of Elon University, Class of 2007.  After college he worked for the South Carolina Worth Trade Center and the Ginn Development Company in Charleston, South Carolina all while working towards his Master’s in Business Administration, which he received in 2010 from The Citadel.  After an opportunity with Senator Jim DeMint, he moved to Washington DC where he worked for Rep. Sue Myrick as her Office Manager.  Jamey now works for Lt. Gov. Dan Forest as his Director of Operations.

MEET Dr. GREG BRANNON: – Greg’s story is not unlike the miracle so many in our great nation have experienced through hard work and God’s providence. Born in a working class neighborhood in South Central Los Angeles, Greg and his brother were raised by a single mom who set an example of hard work and determination.  In a tribute to this example, Greg was the first member in his family to go to college, earning a scholarship to the University of Southern California, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Science in 1982; his Medical Degree from the Chicago Medical School in 1988; his OB/GYN Residency was performed at Los Angeles County/ USC Women’s Hospital in 1992; and he was a Clinical Professor at UNC/Wake AHEC from 1993-1994 before opening his OBGYN practice in Cary, NC in 1993.

Greg and his wife, Jody, have been married for 25 years and have 7 children.  As a Christian, Father and devoted husband, Greg is involved in coaching his children’s athletic teams, was a Charter Family Member of Cary Christian School, is a leader in men’s Bible Study for over 14 years, and has traveled the globe on Christian and medical missions in Africa and Central America.  Strongly committed to the sanctity of life, Greg is a Board Member of Hand of Hope, a pregnancy support group in Fuquay-Varina, NC, and is a member of AAPLOG, an organization of pro-life OBGYN doctors.

MEET JEFF LEWIS: – Jeff Lewis is founder of Patriot Watchdog, co-founder and National Director of the Patriot Coalition, and National Director of the Federal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Coalition, aka FIRE Coalition.

As a four-time cancer survivor, and veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Jeff knows personally a thing or two about defending life and liberty. There can be no honorable “pursuits of happiness” without defending our God-given inalienable rights, and there can be no honor without giving our “all” to preserve the Blessings of Liberty our Constitutional Republic provides.

MEET LUIS CHIANG:- Luis Chiang is a native from Lima, Peru and has lived in the US for the past 25 years.  He is an industrial engineer by training, plus having an MBA, and a MS in Operations Research.  After working for many years for an international development institution in Washington DC, he relocated to the Raleigh area, where he worked for NCR, IBM, and is currently at Oracle. 

He has an avid interest in understanding and helping others realize the paramount importance of understanding the global financial system, and its role in the current economic crisis.  On the surface, global finance seems overwhelming, intimidating, and difficult to understand, but after several years of research, Luis believes the basic concepts of global finance are very simple and intuitive.  He is convinced every American should clearly understand the current economic crisis and exercise his political will making informed conscious deliberate decisions. 

He is married with children and enjoys cooking, playing the guitar, and cheering the Railhawks.

MEET ROCCO PISERCHIA: – Rocco Piserchia was born in NJ and lived there until he relocated to southeast PA, outside of Philadelphia, for 11 years.  He’s resided in Raleigh since March 2005.  His interests include the US Constitution and history especially in relation to current events, the Bible, historical theology and doctrinal development.  He holds a B.A. in Economics from Rutgers College and has done graduate studies at Baptist Bible Seminary in Clarks Summit PA and Calvary Baptist Seminary in Lansdale PA.  Rocco spent one year living abroad as a missionary in Uruguay, South.  He writes on his blog Paradshift.net.  Rocco appears weekly on the Bill LuMaye show, Monday’s at 5:30 PM.

To discover what you were not taught about the Bible, Founding Docs, & how they are correlated. (Correlated – Having a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another)

Bible Reality Checkup

A Book of Mythology or Reality? The Christian Lifestyle Reality Check. Constitutional Reality Checkup A Living Document? Need to Renew?

THE CORRELATION VISITED

WHEN

SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

12 PM TILL 4 PM

WHERE

Danny’s Bar-B-Que

9561 Chapel Hill Rd, Morrisville, NC 27560 (919) 468-3995  www.dannysbarbque.com

Hosted by: http://www.christianpartync.com

Presented by: http://www.patriotinstitute.com/

Recommended by: http://www.citizensconstitutionalcaucus.com/

Dwatson83@att.net

Before the Lone Ranger’s “magic silver bullets” there was the constitution. Do you recall Dr. Franklin’s statement upon exiting the Constitutional Convention, “we have given you a Republic, if you can keep it.” What was and has been the one tried, true and proven basis for maintaining the Republic?

The Republic has deteriorated to the point that many are seeking that magic bullet. Is there such a magic bullet available? We will be testing three potential magic bullets under the microscope of the constitution as per the following format.

The “Magic Bullet” Agenda

The synopsis versions

9:00 – 9:40 The NC legislative nebulous rules

9:40 – 10:20 Nullification & Interposition

10:30 – 11:10 People’s Grand Jury

11:10 – 11:50 The Liberty Amendments & Restoring Constitutional Governance

The expanded versions

1:00 – 2:00 The Liberty Amendments & Restoring Constitutional Governance

2:00 – 3:00 The People’s Grand Jury

3:15 – 4:15 Nullification & Interposition

4:15 – 5:00 The NC legislative nebulous rules

6:30 – 8:00 Panel discussion – what are the solutions?

Each of the 3 candidates for “magic bullet” will consist of a panel dialogue. Each presentation will consist of a panel of 2 to 3 members, who will present the topic, Richard Fry and Jeff Lewis will dissect the material under the constitutional microscope. Each discussion will be divided into 3 equal segments. The panel will have 1/3rd of the time, Richard and Jeff 1/3rd, followed by audience participation of equal time.

Will any of the topics prove to be the “magic bullet”? You be the judge. Meet and communicate with CCC Constitutional Consultant Richard D. Fry Renowned Constitutional Attorney

When

SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 21, 2013

Where

Voice of Faith Studios

335 Sherwee Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603

 Office Phone 919-661-6902

Mobile: 919-624-7436 – Office Phone 919-661-6902

Cost

$15 at the door, $10 Paypal pre-registration on the websites or Make check payable to Covenant Restoration, LLC and mail to Covenant Restoration, LLC – 963 N. Harrison Ave – #107 – Cary, NC 27513

Hosted by

http://www.citizensconstitutionalcaucus.com/

http://www.christianpartync.com

http://patriotcoalition.com

Recommended by

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http://firecoalition.com

September 17th

moderating an informal constitution dialogue. A list of pertinent questions will be issued and discussed, e.g.: our newest NCCP member, Frank Livingston, will be

KNOW YOUR CONSTITUTION AND YOUR RIGHTS

1. What is the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?

2. The first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence explains the foundation of Individual Liberty. What is that foundation (2 laws)?

3. The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence explains the relationship between We the People and government in the United States. What is that relationship?Also a detailed outline of the constitution will be given to all preregistered attendees. To register and reserve your copy email dwatson83@att.net.

O/L Example:

Outline of the Constitution

Preamble: – “We the people… hold the power… in Order to form a more perfect Union… to …secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…

Article I – The Legislative Branch:

1.1 – Legislative authority & composition of Congress

1.2 – The House of Representatives

1.2.1 – Election and term of members

1.2.2 – Qualification of members

1.2.3 – Apportionment of representatives, direct taxes & census

Note: The 16th did not change apportionment rules for direct taxation

Note: Obsoleted by the 13th & superseded by the 14th sec 2

1.2.4 – Filling House vacancies

1.2.5 – Selection of officers and impeachment charge authority

1.3 – The Senate

1.3.1 – Number and election of members

Note: Superseded by the 17th sec 1

1.3.2 – Terms split into three classifications

Note: Final clause superseded by the 17th sec 2

1.3.3 – Qualification of Senators

1.3.4 – Vice President is President of the Senate and has a “Casting Vote”

1.3.5 – Selection of other officers

Note: See 25th

1.3.6 – Authority to try impeachment’s

1.3.7 – Limited judgment in cases of conviction

TIME

6:30 – 7:00 PM

Constitution Fellowship Meal

7:00 – 8:30

Discussion

LOCATION

Captain Stanley’s Seafood Restaurant

3333 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC

919-779-7878

Was there Devine guidance in the Founding Documents, the Founders called it “Manifest Destiny”? The Scriptures were Divinely Inspired, thus the teaching of the Scriptures and the Founding Documents in unison seem to be a very logical approach to enhancing the meaning and understanding of each.

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There is NOTHING in Article V that requires states to even list a subject matter in their application for a convention. There is NOTHING in Article V that suggests Congress has the authority to refuse to call one unless two thirds of the states submit the same or similar application for a convention. What it does say is that when two thirds of the states request a convention that Congress “shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments…”

Note it says “Amendments” plural, not singular. ANY state that attends a Convention can propose ANY Amendment they want, including those who “volunteered” to include a reason/subject matter in the their application.

D.C. isn’t the problem. It’s a symptom. We the People are the problem. We refuse to demand our public servants actually “keep” their oath past the photo-op of them taking it. We refuse to turn them out of office, and instead play left vs. right political games.

Before we go tinkering with the Constitution, we should try upholding it. I don’t trust the political animals at the state legislatures any more than the feds. In fact, for those getting warm fuzzies about a term limit amendment: What state legislator is going to vote for that? They are already at the pinnacle of state government. For most, the only place they have to go up the “political ladder” is Congress. What state senator or state rep is going to handicap their own political future by placing a limit on how long they can serve? This is just one of many things to consider.

Several of the GOP governors ran on campaigns that Obamacare was unconstitutional, that they would fight it if elected, then turned around and took the fed money to set up exchanges while joining unconstitutional lawsuits in lowly federal district courts on behalf of their states. (See Article III, Section 2, Clause 2).

This whole charade is designed to waste people’s time, give them false hope of a fix, and pad the political or financial wallets of those promoting it, while evading the real issues. It’s a three card monte game on steroids.

It is playing Russian roulette with the Constitution, except instead of one bullet chambered, there is only one chamber empty. And in case you thought I overlooked the alternative method of ratification, a convention in the states, I did not.

Congress decides which method. Do you think they’ll trust “We the People” at a convention over their political cronies in the state legislatures? Care to take any bets? And even if they did, would you trust the ratification convention election/appointment process to not also be dominated by political operatives? Care to gamble on that, too?

I do not. Restore Constitutional governance. Adopt a zero-tolerance policy for the people you vote for that violate their oath. Stop compromising and being suckers to party hacks and political entertainers. They ALL profit off of your misery index, and none want to solve problems. They simply to want to manage them, and YOU.
Jeff Lewis serves on the Advisor Council of the Citizens Constitutional Caucus
The Citizens Constitutional Caucus
The Purpose of the Caucus is Four Fold:
First: Seek out Constitutional legislative “Servants”.
Second: Support those “Servants”.
Third: Work with the “Servants” to generate, present and pass Constitutional resolutions and legislation.
Fourth: Reach out to the citizens via social media and traditional communication methods to give them the opportunity to review proposed legislation in legal and lay formats and then respond with their opinion. They can share this information with family, friends, and acquaintances.
Preparing and passing Constitutional legislation in a broken system
The Citizens Constitutional Caucus is planning a day-long symposium to discuss “Preparing and Passing Constitutional Legislation in a Broken System.” Richard Fry, a nationally-recognized Constitutional expert, will conduct the session.

The symposium will be September 21st at the Voice of Faith Studios, 326 Tryon Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a break for lunch. Cost is $10 prepaid $15 at the door. There will also be a town hall discussion from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
“What we citizens are experiencing with our political systems in America is what I call a representative disconnect,” Fry said. “The majority of our ‘public servants’ either do not understand or do not care that after supporting and defending the Constitution, securing our fundamental rights, their job is to do what the majority of citizens want, not what they think is best for us, within the bounds of the Constitution.”
Fry, who is general counsel for the Patriot Coalition, said that for some time most elected officials have served the interests of special interest groups, which include the major political parties.  Public servants are “fiduciaries,” Fry explains. That means they owe citizens the highest level of fidelity.  “They (public servants) have a duty of transparency and disclosure,” Fry said. On the other hand, citizens have a duty to hold public servants accountable.  In some circumstance, he said that public servants have “an affirmative duty to disclose information” to the people and they are “never to conceal or otherwise hamper” the ability of the people to know what they are doing.  “This should be non-negotiable,” Fry said. “Unless they are transparent in their actions we cannot fulfill our duty to hold them accountable and the whole system crumbles.”  Public officials also have a duty to reveal and change any procedure that conceals their actions, and the people have a duty to uncover them.  Fry notes that Congress routinely operates using such concealed rules.

“Hidden within the House and Senate rules, especially those related to committee actions, there are rules that serve no real purpose but to obscure the actions of our elected officials,” Fry explained.
One such rule is the failure to record votes, especially terminal votes (those that effectively end or “kill” a bill).
“Likewise if there are votes that relate to whether a vote should be recorded that vote needs to be recorded so we can judge whether such procedure was used for the sake of efficiency or has the effect of concealment,” he added.
“Although some will defend these rules as necessarily for the sake of efficiency, trading transparency for the sake of efficiency is no trade off at all it is a short road to disaster and despotism.”
“Remember this regarding transparency and all issues with which you deal with your legislators: You are the boss and you are paying the freight,” Fry said. “If you want more transparency, at the cost of efficiency that is your right. Their only question should be how quickly they can get it done.”
Fry lives in Olathe, Kansas. He served as a legislative intern to the Kansas Senate President, as a financial analyst for a Fortune 100 company and civil litigation attorney for 15 years. He has testified before state legislative committees, and consulted and advised state legislators, Congressman and presidential candidates on Constitutional issues.
Symposium Conducted by Richard Fry
Nationally Renowned Constitutional Attorney
“Preparing and Passing Constitutional Legislation in a Broken System.”
“Focusing on the {hidden} NC legislative rules and proposed constitutional changes”
For example where do you find the “stop light” rule?

DATE:
September 21, 2013 – 9 AM to 12 PM – 1:15 PM to 5:00
Cost $10 Prepaid – $15 at the door
Town Hall 7 PM to 8:30 PM – No charge
Lunch and Dinner are Dutch
See http://www.citizensconstitutionalcaucus.com/ for PayPal

LOCATION:
Voice of Faith Studios
326 Tryon Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
Mobile: 919-624-7436 – Office Phone 919-661-6902
Mail your check to:
Covenant Restoration, LLC – 963 N. Harrison Ave – #107 – Cary, NC 27513

*****************************************************************************

Make check payable to Covenant Restoration, LLC
For PayPal & More Details:
http://www.citizensconstitutionalcaucus.com Or dwatson83@att.net.

WHAT IS AN OATH?

In a REPUBLIC an oath OF OFFICE is a contract by the recipient and his/her employer, the citizens, and THE CREATOR, to uphold and obey the CONSTITUTION, thus encompassing all the laws of the land.

NC Oaths of Office: How Many and By Whom?
Article VI, section 7 of the State Constitution sets out an oath of office that is to be taken by any person elected or appointed to a public office, basically swearing to uphold the constitution and laws of the United States and of North Carolina. Obviously, any person elected or appointed to an office must take this oath. But many local officers, particularly those in counties, must take a second oath as well.

Both G.S. 153A-26, for counties, and 160A-61, for cities, provide that all county or city officers, respectively, must take the constitutional oath of office. In addition, and somewhat redundantly, G.S. 160A-284 directs that municipal police officers take the constitutional oath. You’d think that might be enough, but it is not. Most of the duplication arises from G.S. 11-11, which sets out a variety of oaths of office to be taken “after taking the separate oath required” by the Constitution. Among the offices listed in this statute, each with its specific oath, are the Register of deeds – Sheriff – County attorney – Law enforcement officer.

Article VI, Sec. 7. Oath.
Before entering upon the duties of an office, a person elected or appointed to the office shall take and subscribe the following oath:
“I, _______________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States, and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as _______________, so help me God.”

The legislative session is coming to a close, but HB 794 is stuck in the Senate Rules Committee.

The original bill would have dramatically lowered our state’s high ballot access barriers. We agreed with the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jason Saine, when he urged us to support transforming the bill into a study bill in order to get it passed. And it did pass the House with an overwhelming 109-5 vote.

That was a month ago. Since then, both houses have been busy working on various budget and tax reform bills. The bill has been left dormant in the Senate Rules Committee.

Time is running out. The legislature may adjourn by the end of June. We need to take action now if we want real ballot access reform to begin.

Please call Sen. Tom Apodaca, Senate Rules Committee chair, at 919-733-5745 and urge him to move HB 794 Voter Freedom Act to the Senate floor.

Call your state Senator as well and ask them to let Sen. Apodaca know they support this legislation. You can look up you state Senator here.

HB 794 is a study bill. It would make no change in the law.

But it would authorize the Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee to study amending the definition of political party, and the nomination process, amending the requirements for unaffiliated and write-in candidates, allowing for nomination by convention by smaller parties, and providing that smaller parties electing to have primaries will have the results determined by plurality.

These are all the points covered in the original bill.

If the bill is not passed by the Senate, we will essentially be back to square one. We’ll have to begin the process again in January 2014, during the short session when the legislature is supposed to focus solely on budget issues. And even if this study bill is passed, the results of the study will not be ready for the 2014 election.

Making a direct telephone call is the best way to have your voice heard.

Ask to speak to the Senator; but if that is not possible, leave a message with the secretary or legislative assistant, and be sure to mention you are a constituent (if appropriate) and that you support the Free the Vote Coalition.

Click here for more information.

The symposium will be June 28 at the Hampton Inn, (I-40 Exit 290) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a break for lunch. Cost is $15 prepaid, $20 at the door. There will also be a town hall discussion from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Preparing and Passing Constitutional Legislation in a Broken System

by Richard Fry
General Counsel, Patriot Coalition

What we citizens are experiencing with our political systems in America is what I call a representative disconnect. The majority of our “public servants” either do not understand or do not care that after supporting and defending the Constitution (securing our  fundamental rights) their job is to do what the majority of citizens want (not what they think is best for us) within the bounds of the Constitution.

Currently, and frankly for some time now,  a majority of our “elected officials”  have not served our interests but the interests of special interest groups including the major political parties themselves. The parties are more concerned about staying in power than our wishes or the Constitution (or even winning elections), hence the GOP leadership’s effort to support open borders in hopes of garnering more special interest support.  Our public servants do not listen to us but to groups such as the Chamber of Commerce who is openly supporting amnesty for illegal aliens, open borders and Sustainable Development.

Our public servants are fiduciaries. That means they owe us the highest level of fidelity. They have a duty of transparency and disclosure and we have the duty of accountability i.e., to hold our public servants accountable.  

In some circumstance they have an affirmative duty to disclose information to us and they are never to conceal or otherwise hamper our ability to know what they are doing. This should be non-negotiable. Unless they are transparent in their actions we cannot fulfill our duty to hold them accountable and the whole system crumbles.

If there is a system or procedure which conceals the action of our “public servants” they must inform us of such and work to change that procedure. And, we have a duty to try to root such out.

The failure to record votes especially terminal votes (those that effectively end or “kill” a bill) should be recorded so all know who was responsible for the bills demise. Likewise, if there are votes that relate to whether a vote should be recorded that vote needs to be recorded so we can judge whether such procedure was used for the sake of efficiency or has the effect of concealment.

Hidden within the House and Senate rules, especially those related to committee actions, there are rules that serve no real purpose but to obscure the actions of our elected officials. These must be identified and stricken. Although some will defend these rules as necessarily for the sake of efficiency, trading transparency for the sake of efficiency is no trade off at all, but is a short road to disaster and despotism.  

Remember this regarding transparency and all issues with which you deal with your legislators: You are the boss and you are paying the freight. If you want more transparency at the cost of efficiency that is your right; their only question should be how quickly they can get it done.

On matters of principle do what is right and then stand in faith knowing God is the ultimate Chairman of the Board.  Don’t back down.  Don’t compromise.  Don’t stop fighting for the Republic.

http://www.patriotcoalition.com/ ‎

HB 379 would add the following section to Article 36 of Chapter 106 of the General Statutes:

Ҥ 106-421.1 Authority of Board of Agriculture to Regulate Plants.

The Board of Agriculture shall have the sole authority to prohibit the planting, cultivation, harvesting, disposal, handling, or movement of plants as defined in G.S. 106-202.12. This section shall not prevent the designation of plants as noxious aquatic weeds pursuant to Article 15 of Chapter 113Aof the General Statutes, nor shall it prevent the adoption or enforcement of city or county ordinances regulating the appearance of property or the handling and collection of solid waste.”

Incorporate the language from the existing statutes referenced in the bill, and H.B. 379 would read:

Ҥ 106-421.1 Authority of Board of Agriculture to Regulate Plants.

The Board of Agriculture shall have the sole authority to prohibit the planting, cultivation, harvesting, disposal, handling, or movement of any member of the plant kingdom, including seeds, roots and other parts or their propagules. This section shall not prevent the designation of plants as noxious aquatic weeds which:

(1) Grows in or is closely associated with the aquatic environment, whether floating, emersed, submersed, or ditch-bank species, and including terrestrial phases of any such plant organism;

(2) Exhibits characteristics of obstructive nature and either massive productivity or choking density; and

(3) Is or may become a threat to public health or safety or to existing or new beneficial uses of the waters of the State., nor shall it prevent the adoption or enforcement of city or county ordinances regulating the appearance of property or the handling and collection of solid waste.”

The first sentence of HB 379 is what’s new, and essentially gives the unelected Board of Agriculture sole authority to prohibit “the planting, cultivation, harvesting, disposal, handling, or movement of any member of the plant kingdom” in North Carolina. This would include the authority to prohibit plants grown from, or that produce non-GMO “heirloom seeds.”

The North Carolina Board of Agriculture is a statutory agency with members appointed by the Governor. The Board is a policy- and rule-making body that adopts regulations for many of the programs administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The North Carolina Board of Agriculture is “appointed,” meaning it is not answerable to the voters.

We’re not sure of the motivation for this bill. Was the authority previously spread out over multiple agencies? Is this simply intended to be a consolidation? Who knows, but the authority is dangerous, no matter who has it.

The existing statute pretends to prohibit penalizing a landowner beyond the actual costs of the removal / eradication of the targeted plant, seed, etc…, but if they so choose, your heirloom apples, tomatoes, etc… could also be destroyed as an evil plant. That there is no fine is no consolation.

G.S. 106 – 202.12 (7)

“Plant” means any member of the plant kingdom, including seeds, roots and other parts or their propagules. (Emphasis added.)

Article 15, Chapter 113A-222

222. Designation of noxious aquatic weeds.

(a) The Secretary, after consultation with the Director of the North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service, the Wildlife Resources Commission, and the Marine Fisheries Commission, and with the concurrence of the Commissioner of Agriculture, may designate as a noxious aquatic weed any plant organism which:

(1) Grows in or is closely associated with the aquatic environment, whether floating, emersed, submersed, or ditch-bank species, and including terrestrial phases of any such plant organism;

(2) Exhibits characteristics of obstructive nature and either massive productivity or choking density; and

(3) Is or may become a threat to public health or safety or to existing or new beneficial uses of the waters of the State.

We strongly recommend opposing this bill, and the underlying authority in the existing statute that allows the government, without redress, to not only prohibit any plant they choose, but to enter property, remove the plants, and send the landowner the bill. It turns landowners into mere custodial tenants.

Download this analysis

House Bill 586 PUV/Repeal Forest Planning Requirement,  introduced by Rep Larry Pittman (R-Cabarrus) and endorsed by the Citizens Constitutional Caucus, is held up in the House Agriculture Committee.

The bill will roll back the control now possessed by the state government over North Carolina tree farmers. This control is based on principles designed by the United Nation’s program of sustainability, which violate the Constitution and private property rights.

We believe HB 586 is beneficial for our state because it will promote freedom in agriculture, reduce unnecessary government control over farmers, and increase productivity in the farming industry. We’re grateful to Rep. Pittman for sponsoring this bill

However, Speaker of the House Thom Tillis has coded House Bill 586 with a color that stops the House Agriculture Committee from putting it on their calendar so they can vote on it.

So far HB 586 has been passed over by a number of bills the committee received after HB 586. These bills include HB 614, HB 628, HB 663, HB 821 and HB 686.

We’re not sure why the Speaker coded the bills the way he did.

In order for HB 586 to make it to the next committee in time, it needs to be heard by the Agriculture Committee by tomorrow.

Otherwise the tree farmers will still have to keep giving the government control of their land.

Therefore we are asking everyone to take time now to pray and call the speaker today to ask him to recode HB 586 to a better color so the Agriculture Committee will vote on it.

Call the Speaker today at (919) 733-3451.

Let him know we’re praying for him. Thank him for his service to the people of North Carolina. Tell him you would like him to recode HB 586 so it will be heard by the committee.

In addition please contact your representative and ask them to support HB 586.

Don R. Watson, M.A.
Citizens Constitutional Caucus
National Coordinator