Friday, March 31, 2023

Play

Donald Trump indicted by Manhattan grand jury, Georgia campaign fights to reopen local hospitals, and New Mexico creates first-ever $100M conservation fund.

Play

Former President Donald Trump is indicted by Manhattan's district attorney, House Republicans take aim at renewables in new energy bill and House Dems introduce the Women's Protection Health Act.

Play

Small towns respond to a hidden housing and homelessness crisis, a new national weather prediction system will help close the gap between urban and rural forecasting, and more rural communities are eligible for a design project to boost economic development.

“Tin Foil Hat Caucus” Debates “Mind Control” at NH State House

Play

Thursday, February 7, 2013   

CONCORD, N.H. - State lawmakers considered a measure on Wednesday to prohibit local communities from participating in a United Nations program. Critics said the debate was full of conspiracy theories and a waste of legislators' time.

Zandra Rice-Hawkins, executive director of Granite State Progress, dubbed the conservative lawmakers who supported the measure the "Tin Foil Hat Caucus." She found it hard to believe that they took time for this discussion when the state is facing more pressing issues, like the need for jobs.

"They're talking about such extreme things as 'mind control' and saying the United Nations is trying to take over our country," she said. "This is ridiculous. It's a waste of our time, when there's real, important issues that could be addressed in the State House."

HB 144 sought to prevent communities from participating in a United Nations program that supports local sustainability, clean energy and climate protection initiatives.

Bill supporter Rep. Lenette Peterson warned that the U.N. program was part of an effort at "global control and redistrict over your daily life, including your private property, individual rights and civil liberties."

Rice-Hawkins warned that Concord is not the only state capitol where conservative lawmakers are railing against the United Nations.

"This bill is being pushed by groups like the John Birch Society and ALEC," she explained. "It's the type of legislation we've seen pop up in other states - it's a ridiculous effort and it needs to be stopped."

Lawmakers heard testimony from locals, such as Nashua Mayor Donalee Lozeau, that they appreciate United Nations involvement in their towns, Rice Hawkins added.

"This is something that communities in our state have volunteered to participate in and they are finding value in. The conspiracy theories being thrown around by some of these extreme legislators really don't match how the programs are being enacted in our state."

In the end, the New Hampshire House killed the bill, with 141 votes in favor and 211 opposed.

A recording of the debate, which begins about 45 minutes into the morning session, is available online at www.gencourt.state.nh.us.




get more stories like this via email

Parents, students and teachers are raising concerns over proposed education policies in the Sunshine State. (Pixabay)

Social Issues

Some students, parents and educators plan to rally to send a message to Gov. Ron DeSantis on April Fools' Day. The group of unions, parents and …


Health and Wellness

Small-business owners in North Carolina are reaching out to legislators for help, citing hospital mergers as one reason their health-care costs are …

Environment

A REASONS TO BE CHEERFFUL/SOLUTIONS JOURNALISM NETWORK/WISCONSIN NEWS CONNCECTION COLLABORATION Milwaukee is tied to a wave of freeway removals in th…


Initial money through the American Rescue Plan Act provided education funding to 140 school districts in Tennessee to support post-pandemic academic recovery, student mental health and schools' ability to reopen safely. (f11photo/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

Tennesseans aren't the only ones mourning the tragic loss of three children and three adults at this week's shooting at Nashville's Covenant School…

Health and Wellness

Doctors in Iowa are studying the brains of babies to learn more about sleep patterns in adults and teens. The United Health Foundation reports one-…

While more than 3,500 people have been awarded the Medal of Honor since it was created by President Abraham Lincoln, only 65 of them are alive today. (The White House)

Social Issues

While National Medal of Honor Month is ending, plans to develop a museum and monument for the award are continuing. Numerous Medal of Honor …

Social Issues

Construction of the Medal of Honor Museum and Foundation is under way in Arlington, Texas - a place to pay tribute to those who've earned the …

Social Issues

Labor leaders in various industries recently celebrated the 85th anniversary of a federal law that laid the groundwork for registered apprenticeship p…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021