December 05, 2006

National Heritage Areas

Tom DeWeese, the president of the American Policy Center, appeared in the first half hour to discuss an effort to sneak a massive heritage area land grab through the "lame duck" session in Congress.

A National Heritage Area is an area that has historic significance. DeWeese, however, feels these areas are pork barrel programs for the congressmen that designate them. By creating these designations, congressmen receive federal funds for their areas which makes them look good to their constituents.

The specific area discussed on this Crosstalk is called the "Journey Through Hallowed Ground Heritage Area". This area runs all the way from Thomas Jefferson's home in Charlottesville, Virginia, all the way to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

DeWeese explained that heritage areas themselves don't take private property from landowners. It's the fact of the heritage area existing, means that local communities, in order to comply, begin creating their own zoning laws. It's those zoning laws going into affect that cause private property concerns.

Ingrid also mentioned the following stories:

-A baby girl, born to her 18 year old mother who was waiting for an abortion at a Florida clinic, was bagged by a business worker and thrown on the roof so the police wouldn't find her.

-Emergent Church leader, Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan, is working on a new book entitled, Sex God.

More Information

American Policy Center
http://www.americanpolicy.org

Action Points

To comment on HR-5195/SB-2645, which establishes the "Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area", contact the following individuals:

John Boehner--House Majority Leader
202-225-4000

Roy Blunt--Majority Whip
202-225-0197

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland
202-225-2721

Other Senators and Representatives can be reached through the following Capitol Switchboard numbers:

Senate Switchboard
202-224-3121

House Switchboard
202-225-3121