Create A New Path For America

Join America Speaking Out

Friends,

I am proud to introduce Hoosiers to America Speaking Out today.  This official program, spearheaded by the House Republican Conference, is an internet forum that provides a new way for you - The People - to impact the process of policymaking.

To summarize America Speaking Out for any interested Hoosiers, it is a social networking program, similar to Facebook or Twitter, but completely dedicated to the exchange of policy ideas.  If you create a profile, you will have the opportunity to join thousands of policy-oriented conversations about jobs, national security, immigration, and many other topics.  From there, you can earn 'participation points' by voting or commenting on another user's idea, or by submitting a policy idea of your own.

Ultimately, ideas on America Speaking Out will assist House Republicans in creating a new national policy agenda.  As Republicans, we absolutely remain committed to our principles of small government, fiscal responsibility, protecting the unborn, and strong national defense, to name a few.  However, we hear the public outcry for a more open, accessible, and attentive Congress, and this initiative is the latest Republican innovation in keeping the public's priorities first as we use our principles to forge a new direction for America.

While personal contact and public gatherings will always be my primary way of working with constituents, I think a policy-networking utility like America Speaking Out keeps Congress at the forefront of how people are communicating in their everyday lives, and makes legislating a more inclusive process for every American. So, I hope to see a lot of Hoosiers contributing to americaspeakingout.com as we make a new path for our nation.

Sincerely,

Dan Burton
Your Member of Congress

You may be interested to know that I recently joined 17 other Representatives in sending a letter to Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), regarding her recent statements in reference to a DHS report regarding “Right-wing Extremism.”

I, along with many of you, are confused and upset by the report and her statements regarding the “disgruntled veterans” section.  The inclusion of veterans with terrorists like Timothy McVeigh is unacceptable, and completely unwarranted.  Sadly, it appears that DHS overlooked the fact that the incarceration rate for military personnel and returning veterans is substantially lower than the general population.

I have requested a clarification from Secretary Napolitano and hope to receive a detailed explanation about how DHS came to their conclusions, the process followed for producing their report, and the data used as a basis for their report.

Keep your identity safe and don't be fooled by scam artists asking for bank account information to ensure a stimulus rebate. For your protection, I am doing everything I can to ensure that the package has mechanisms to thwart identity theft. To find out more, visit my page at.....

My office attended a meeting in Kokomo for salaried retirees of Delphi Corp. who will soon be losing their health benefits because the company has chosen to part ways with their former employees. This matter is now being held in the court in the Southern District of New York. The court plans to meet on Tuesday, February 17 to make a determination. I am encouraging all Delphi employees to write a letter to the Southern District Court that now holds jurisdiction over the terms of Delphi’s decision. The following is a list of whom you should call/write to:

1. United States Bankruptcy Court or the Southern District of New York
Court Help Desk Phone Number – 212.668.2870 x 3920
Law Clerk: Joshua Gohl – 212.668.2870 x 3651
Law Clerk: Mark Hightner – 212.668.2870 x 3562

2. United States Bankruptcy Court for the South District of New York
One Bowling Green Room Room 610
New York, NY 10004-1408
ATTN: Honorable Robert D. Drain

3. Office of the United States Trustee for the Southern District of New York
33 Whitehall Street, Suite 2100
New York, NY 10004
**ATTN: Brian Masumoto (employees were told by a bankruptcy attorney last evening that Mr. Masumoto might be the best person to write to because he acts as a middleman in this situation at the Trustee’s office).

4. Yahoo Groups Page that will be updated on a daily basis for Delphi employees to use – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Delphi_SR_Network/
** If you have trouble accessing the page, please contact the group moderator and Delphi Retiree Paul DoBosz.at pjdodobosz@verizon.net

IF YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE TO THE COURT FEDEX YOUR LETTER OVERNIGHT. MONDAY IS A FEDERAL HOLIDAY WITHOUT MAIL DELIVERY.

Americans now have a new way of receiving their favorite TV shows.  There was a switch from analog to digital format.  If you have not switched over yet and are looking for information, please visit my webpage at ..... or read below to find out more.

On February 17, 2009, American television stations are required to shut down their current analog broadcasts and broadcast exclusively in the digital format.

The older, analog TV sets will not display these broadcasts.

You have three options:

   1. Buy new digital TV receivers
   2. Hook each older set to cable, satellite or other services (instead of using antennas)
   3. Buy a converter box for each older, analog set


There is a Federal government voucher program to help people buy converter boxes. The information can be found on this website: https://www.dtv2009.gov/ 


Click here to visit the website of the Indiana Broadcasters Association to learn more about your options.


www.indianadtvanswers.com