This bill, introduced by Rep. Ed Setzler (R-35),

H.B. 276 needs your immediate support.  This extremely important bill introduced by Representative Ed Setzler (R-35) needs every ounce of support grassroots Georgians can supply, because big government and big business with big bucks will be fighting it tooth and nail.  Individual privacy is at stake.

 H.B. 276 protects individual privacy as follows:

1.  It requires prior written personal consent before a person could be implanted with biometric sensors, personal location tracking technologies or other devices - commonly referred to as radio frequency identification (RFID) or "spy chips".

 2.  It prohibits the collecting, storing or use of genetic, biometric or unique identification data unless the individual has signed a prior written consent form.

 3.  It prohibits life insurance companies from using genetic information to determine an applicant's eligibility for life insurance policies or rates to be charged.

 4.  It prohibits employers from using genetic data to screen prospective employees.

 5.  It prohibits educational institutions from using biometric information to screen potential students.

 6.  It prohibits the use of biometric data, personal or unique ID information and medical information on government issued ID or access cards or devices, as well as cards and devices that can be remotely read without the knowledge or consent of the holder.

 7.  It declares it to be an unfair business practice to give preferential treatment to those that agree to the use of their personal biometric information as opposed to individuals who refuse to allow such to be collected, stored or used.

 8.  It directs the proper collection, storage and sharing of biometric data and provides penalties for the negligent, reckless, or intentional compromising and use of unauthorized data.

 9.  Convicted violators could be charged with misdemeanors or felonies.  Misdemeanors could result in a fine of $500 with no jail time or one to three years prison and $5,000 in fines for felonies.

 Action - Support.  Call House Non-Civil Judiciary Subcommittee Representatives Knox, 404-656-7855; Bearden, 656-0287; Byrd, 656-0126; Collins, 656-0188; Everson, 656-0188; Franklin, 656-5087; Levitas, 656-0116; Mumford, 656-0254; Randall, 656-0109; Ralston, 656-5943 and encourage them to pass this out of committee.

Also, please call Rep. Setzler at 404-656-0177 and thank him for introducing this important legislation. 

This bill, introduced by Senator Don Balfour (R-9), "requires that prior to admission into the sixth grade at any school in this state, all female students must be vaccinated for human papillomavirus [HPV] unless the parent or guardian certifies in writing that he or she cannot afford, with or without health coverage, the costs associated with the vaccination and excerpt as otherwise provided in subsection (e) of this Code section." The bill does allow for children to be exempted from the certification requirement for medical or religious reasons.

A companion bill, H. B. 11 pre-filed by Rep. Judy Manning (R-32) gives parents the opt-out option, but requires insurance companies to pay for the vaccination. The vaccine involves three shots at a cost of $120 each.

I have been in touch with pediatricians in Georgia who object to that provision. They tell me, if the bill passes with an insurance mandate, they have to stockpile a certain amount of the vaccine which involves an upfront cost to them, and oftentimes the insurance companies will not pick up the entire cost of the vaccine which means they have to absorb the difference.

If you would like to read more about the HPV virus and the vaccine go to http://acpeds.org and click on "College States Position on HPV Vaccine."

*****

"The United States for over 220 years has enjoyed the freedoms and responsibilities of an independent nation. We have served as a beacon to the world of the glories of a democratic republic. To allow our country to participate in a rumored ‘North American Union’ would take away our sovereignty and place an undue burden on the citizens of America.

"It would be a terrible mistake for the U.S. government to engage in any proposal that would diminish our independence or lessen our strength. I wholeheartedly oppose any such effort."

It is easy to imagine the looks of skepticism on the faces of the readers hearing this for the first time. It seems that the blueprint for the "integration of North America" detailed in the 2005 Council on Foreign Relations report "Building a North American Community," promulgated in countless think tanks and taught and promoted in many universities - including Emory - has failed to qualify as news to the huge majority of the mainstream media.

* A proposed Permanent Tribunal on Trade and Investment to lay the groundwork for North American business law - and a March 2005 announcement of a trilateral Security and Prosperity Partnership? No news here?