I want to remind all that there will be no Post meeting in July due to the State Convention and installation of Post Officers July 23rd. I hope to see a good turnout of Post 21 members for both events. The Convention starts July 8th and goes through July 11th.

This will be my last newsletter article and I want to take the opportunity to thank all of you for the support during my term as Post Commander. Its been an honor and a privilege to serve. Mike Sweeney will be the incoming Post Commander. He’s been there before. He deserves all the support you as members can provide him.

The drawing for the Commemorative Department of Missouri Rifle will be conducted on installation evening, July 23rd, so those of you who have

not purchased you tickets, you still have time,

Again, I want to thank the Post 21 members for their support.

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS (ALR)

The weather for our June 3rd meeting was finally "riding weather" and we had a good turnout. We introduced three new riders to their first meeting. Our membership is now 40+ however we still need a few good riders. If you are a member or eligible to become a member of the American Legion, Axillary or SAL and own/ride a motorcycle you can become an American Legion Rider. Applications are available at the Post or contact a member, who will be happy to walk you through the process.

The June meeting was held in our recently acquired meeting room. This meeting room was made available to us by Commander Pace and Commander elect Sweeney. We very much appreciate and thank them for this.

ALR Chapter 21 has participated in several Patriot Guard missions so far this month. Among them were Carl Utter - WWII and member of Post 21. Firefighter John Glaser - Shawnee Fire Dept. who lost his life while preforming his duty. Col, John Mchugh - KIA in Afghanistan. Kenneth Trigg - WWII & Korea. Albert Verdusco - WWII. And the dedication of a section of 69 Highway, to CWO Matthew Kelley in Cameron Mo.

I would remind you that the more you put into the ALR, the more you will get in return, active participation is encouraged. if you have an idea for a ride of any type, contact our Ride Captain, Dennis Mooney.

The ALR email list has been updated and should include all members who have email. If you belong to the ALR and are not receiving emails please contact me .

Although the Post will not have a meeting in July, The ALR will have their regular meeting on Thursday July 1st, 6pm, unless otherwise notified.

The riding season is here, so get out and ride safe. Remember cars and trucks are bigger than we are so "LOOK OUT" for them, do not depend on them to look out for you.

Submitted by………………..  Jerry Price, Director

Post 21 ALR Page

8/31/2009

Officers for 2010-2011 were elected at the June meeting, they are:

President-Marsha Mooney

Vice-President-Dorothy Balllew

Secretary-Linda Mitchell

Treasurer-Bonnie Sweeney

Chaplain-Fran Meyers

Historian-Maxine Strobel

Sgt-at-Arms-Judy Nash

As we look forward to the new year I would like to thank all the many volunteers who make the things that we do possible. If it wasn’t for our members participation the support we give to our Veterans, communities and charities would not be possible. Our volunteers are our most important members. It doesn’t matter who is an officer if we cannot count on our members to make our work possible. Let’s try to make the upcoming year one of our most successful yet but we will need your help. If you haven’t served on a committee please consider doing so, new ideas are always welcome.

The Installation Dinner will be July 17th, it would be nice if we had a good turnout. There will be entertainment in the lounge after the Installation and dinner. State Convention will be July 9,10 and 11. If you haven’t signed the delegate list we can still sign you up at Jefferson City, attending the Convention helps you understand the different programs the Auxiliary has and a chance to hear new ideas from other Units across the State. I would personally encourage your attendance if you want to learn more about our organization.

SAL Squadron Officers voting results were read at our meeting June 3,

Commander, Kent Groom

Adjutant, Chad Taylor

Vice Commander, John Winfield

Finance, Jim Coldwell

Chaplain, Ed Richardson

Sergeant-at-arms, John J. Williams

Historian, Bill Taylor

Constitution and By-laws were accepted.

Sons of the American Legion State Convention 2010, July 10 & 11, 8:30 am. It will be at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, 415 W. McCarthy, Jefferson City, Mo.

A small, 3-year-old boy waddles into a bakery with his mother. Caramel candied apples and toasty chocolate muffins line the trays for all to see. The mother firmly instructs her 3-year-old not to take any of the goodies. Although the treats appealed to the boy, he obeys his mother and keeps his chubby hands to himself. The mother knew that it would be stealing if her son took one of the goodies. Ultimately, the boy did not understand the reason behind the forbidden treats; he simply knew that he could not take one.

Sadly, this story is the very relationship that many Americans have towards their own Constitution. The people of the United States of America know that a Constitution exists - some even express pride in it, but many do not know why they follow it, or even understand its purpose. Politicians, teachers, even constitutional law attorneys have all admitted that they do not fully understand and have not even read the Constitution of the United States of America. In fact, Professor Thomas Reed Powell of Harvard University has reportedly discouraged his constitutional law students from reading the document because he believes that it will "confuse their minds." This distressing revelation of the encouraged ignorance of American students has led me to research this important document and to pose the question: What exactly is the purpose of the United States Constitution?

When we reflect on this great document, many Americans think of our Founding Fathers and the legendary stories that surround them. But ladies and gentlemen, our Constitution is not the mere result of interesting stories or characters in a history hook. On the contrary, our Constitution is the result of honor, freedom, and integrity. Because of the brave men that fought and died for these freedoms, we have a successful government and a relevant constitution that we follow to this day. But the process of writing this document was not a simple one.

For just a moment, let us take a journey back into history and back to days of the Constitutional Convention, where the Constitution was eventually signed and ratified. It is May 25th, 1787. This convention is not the modern picture that we often imagine. Fifty-five tired and heated men restlessly move about in a tiny room far too small to house them all. The heat of the room has already caused several of the men to faint, but the windows are not to be touched or opened. You see, ladies and gentlemen, this convention was treason! Originally, these men were summoned to only ratify amendments to the existing law. The Articles of Confederation. But after much discussion, the amendments along with the actual Articles of Confederation were thrown out. To completely destroy the presiding government and ratify a new system, all without the consent of the people, could have been devastating. In fact, many of the renowned Founding Fathers were not even present. Edmund Randolph, John Adams, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, even Patrick Henry. None of these men came. On bearing of this meeting. Henry even stated, "I smell a rat!"

But why did these men refuse to attend the Constitutional Convention? Why was it treason? The answer to this question lies in a dialogue between James Madison, one of the strongest supporters of the Constitution, and Thomas Jefferson, the American ambassador to France who was not even in the country when the meeting was called. Madison sent Jefferson a copy of the document, asking for his thoughts on the issue. Jefferson replied that

even though there was much good in the document, he could not support it without a Rill of Rights. This was the very reason all ot the opposing Founding Fathers refused to come or sign the document. They believed that a Bill of Rights was necessary for the freedom and liberty of the people. Just as England had taken hold of their civil rights as Englishmen, they knew that the government could later take hold of American’s civil rights unless amendments were made.

So after days of debate and discussion, a document was finally written. Following the writing of the closing words of the Constitution, an agreement was made: if the Constitution was passed, then a Bill of Rights would immediately follow to ensure that the rights of the people were indeed protected. Thus, the very purpose of the Constitution was and is to protect the rights of the people while keeping the government in check and limited.

The exact phrase "the rights of the people or of the citizens" is used over eight times in the Bill of Rights alone. In addition, two entire amendments, amendment nine and 10, specifically address the application of the rights of the people. Overall, these amendments have been more than effective. Thousands and thousands of court rulings such as, Barron v. Baltimore, Twining v. New Jersey, Palko v. Connecticut and Duncan v. Louisiana, have all depended on the Bill of Rights. The purpose of the Constitution - upholding the rights of the people - seems obvious. The Founding Fathers outlined a clear path for the government to succeed in keeping these rights. But the government is not the only aspect that must uphold the Constitution. We, as the people, are also faced with this responsibility to stand by the rights endowed to us.

William Penn, the Founding Father of Pennsylvania, once stated, "Though good laws do well, good men do better, for good laws may want good men and be abolished or evaded by ill men; but good men will never want good laws nor suffer ill ones." Penn realized that if ill men came into power, that good laws would become irrelevant. Yes, we may have a Bill of Rights that protects our freedom and liberty, but if we elect corrupt men into office, then these rights and liberties will be nullified. Sadly, we can already testify to this today! Our duty, privilege, and honor is to stay informed about our officials and vote for the deserving candidates. But this duty has not always been upheld. Following the Great Depression, poll turnouts dropped below the lowest point that researchers had ever seen. This trend continued for some decades, that is, until the past two elections. In the past two presidential elections, poll turnouts have risen and been the highest since 1968. As recent as 2000, voters’ interest in the election was only 42 percent. In contrast, the voters’ interest in 2008 was 72 percent. Interest alone rose 30 percent. We are on the right path, but it is our duty, as citizens of this nation to march forward. Samuel Adams explained our duty by stating, "He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man."

Are you a friend to liberty? Will you fulfill your duty, a duty that should be and is a privilege? I would like to share with you ladies and gentlemen, friends, one last story of the truest friends to liberty. While the final signers of the Constitution gathered together, Benjamin Franklin sat gazing at a half sun painted on the back of George Washington’s chair. After several minutes, he finally turned to his peers and sighed, "I have often and often, in the course of the session, looked at that behind the President, without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting; but now at length, I have the happiness to know, that it is a rising, and not a setting sun." Franklin understood that even though the battle was tough and at times seemingly impossible, a positive beginning for our nation lay in the future. As the citizens of the greatest nation in the world, we have seen the rays of this rising sunbeam upon us. And in fulfilling our duty, upholding our rights, we have the opportunity to gaze upon this shining sun for years and years to come!

Once again, the level of competition ranked high for the 2010 American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, "a constitutional speech contest." There were53 contestants representing each Legion department. Torie Beth Black, a home-schooled high-school junior from Iva, SC. was crowned the 73rd champion

Oakland A’s Vs. Kansas City Royals July 17th at 6:10 pm

The American Legion is teaming up with the Kansas City Royals to invite you to Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, May 15, 2010, when the Chicago White Sox come to town during our Salute to Armed Forces Day as well as Saturday July 17th vs, the Oakland A’s for the official Legionnaire Days at The K!

Tickets will be offered at a special rate for members, families, and supporters of the American Legion with a portion of each purchase going back to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund as well as the Kansas Veterans Affairs Fund to assist veterans and their families.

Join us at Kauffman Stadium during the summer to honor our uniformed heroes and assist their cause!

Section Regular Price Your Price

Field Box $33.00 $22.00

Field Plaza $26.00 $18.00

View Box $18.00 $13.00

Estate Tax Repealed - The federal estate tax is scheduled to be eliminated for estates of individuals who die in 2010. It is expected that Congress will act to keep the tax alive.

Roth IRA Conversions - Starting in 2010, individuals with more than $100,000 of modified Adjusted Gross Income are free to switch a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. For conversions in 2010, taxpayers can spread the tax due over two years. Half the tax will be due in 2011, and the remaining half will be payable in 2012. Removing the limit on conversions effectively eliminates the income limit on contributions to Roth IRAs. A taxpayer with income too high to use a Roth will be able to contribute to a traditional IRA (which does not have income limits for contributions) and immediately convert to a Roth.

Domestic Production Activities Deduction - In 2010, this deduction increases to nine percent of qualifying business net income. This deduction applies to businesses engaged in construction, engineering or architectural services, film production, or the lease, rental or sale of equipment you manufactured. However, the rate remains 6% for oil and gas companies.

State and Local Sales Tax Deduction - The opportunity for itemizers to choose to deduct their state sales tax payments instead of deducting their state and local income taxes ends after 2009, unless Congress acts to extend it.

Educators’ Deduction - This deduction for up to $250 of classroom supplies purchased by educators lapses after 2009, unless Congress acts to extend it.

Nontaxable Combat Pay Allowed for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - The election to include nontaxable combat pay in the calculation of earned income for the Earned Income Tax Credit is not available after 2009, unless Congress acts to extend it.

Tuition and Fees Deduction - The deduction for up to $4,000 of college tuition and fees expires after 2009, unless Congress acts to extend it.

Direct Donations of IRAs to Charity - Beginning in 2010, the opportunity for IRA owners age 70½ to directly donate part of their IRA balance to charity will disappear, unless Congress acts to extend it.

Additional Standard Deduction for Property Taxes - Starting in 2010, non-itemizers will no longer be allowed to increase their standard deduction by up to $1,000 of property taxes paid, unless Congress acts to extend this break.

Limits on Deducting Farm Losses - Beginning in 2010, the amount of farm losses you can enter to offset nonfarm income is capped at the greater of $300,000 or your net farm income over the past five years. But this limit will apply only if you get federal farm payments or Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loans. You can take suspended losses in later years. The caps will also apply to partners and S firm owners.

Exemptions for the Alternative Minimum Tax - For 2010, the exemption levels drop to $45,000 for married filing jointly, $33,750 for singles and heads of household, and $22,500 for married couples filing separately. Congress is likely to act in 2009 to prevent this from happening. Otherwise, more than 20 million filers will be added to the AMT rolls.

Partial Exclusion for Unemployment Benefits - For 2010, the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits you receive is no longer tax-free.

Sales Tax Deduction for New Vehicles - Beginning in 2010, buyers of new vehicles no longer get a tax benefit for sales tax paid on new vehicles, unless they itemize and elect to deduct sales taxes instead of state income taxes.

[Source: Military.com Taxes Jan 2010 ++]

                     Help plan for tomorrow -
Make a charitable bequest to Tirey J. Ford Post 21 through your will - it will be greatly appreciated.

The Bingo Games are vital to the fiscal stability of our Post and Auxiliary.

Please tell your friends and relatives who may not know of our bingo games you can make new friends and perhaps meet old ones and have the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to the upkeep of the Post and helping to support many organizations that we make donations to.

SHOW YOUR COLORS ..............

FLY THE FLAG!

THANK A VETERAN EVERY DAY.

TAKE TIME TO VOLUNTEER.

   BE A HERO ------- RECYCLE