A few weeks ago, our 10-year-old son & I saw about 5 protesters, holding signs on a street corner. As we drove past, he asked me what they were doing. He had already detected I was disgusted when I saw what their signs said (which were extremely helpful foreign policy suggestions, like "Honk For Peace.") I told him they were protesting the war in Iraq. He asked why and I told him because they don't like war. He was quiet for a minute, then said, "But, Mom, no one does." I asked him how is it that he's only 10, but he gets it, while there are so many adults who do not. I told him that, even if a person doesn't believe in fighting, if someone attacks you, you're GOING to fight back! That's only human instinct and it was instilled in us by our Creator. It makes me think of one of our nation's brilliant founders, Benjamin Franklin. Mr. Franklin thought our nation's symbol should be a rattlesnake. His reasons were, a rattlesnake never SEEKS a fight, it always give ample warning before striking and once it engages, it does NOT give up. What a great analogy. Hence, the Join Or Die Flag we sometimes see today.
Children learn at a very young age to show respect for others' feelings, the majority rules in group decision-making and you don't always get your way. Based on those values, I say we have 10-year-olds run this country until our next election.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Is Any Offense Too Great??
After the news today that the BHO administration granted an Obamacare waiver to the entire state of Nevada, I suddenly became aware there is a deep-seeded rage in me toward this government. Is it even possible for this group to become more corrupt?? This, after learning 20% of the waivers granted last month went to Nancy's CA district. How dare Harry and Nancy stand up there in Congress in their condescending, arrogant, entitled manner and cram through such spiteful, piece of junk "legislation", despite all the screaming, across this whole nation from the American people, ordering them to STOP. And now 2 of the most crooked architects of the whole disgusting mess have secured a disproportionate number of waivers for the areas they "represent." I could not possibly be more repulsed by this crowd, but they sure keep trying to ratchet it up, don't they? What's next? Flag burning as the first order of business each day Congress is in session? What's it going to be?? I cannot WAIT to off-load another crowd of these thugs. I am so entirely sick of being offended each and every day by the developments in my nation's capitol. I started feeling really bad one day about the fact that city is called Washington D.C. President George Washington doesn't deserve such an insult.
On the upside: every rotten, repulsive move they make only serves as nutrient-rich fertilizer for this conservative insurgency--much the same as what manure does for the crops in the field.
On the upside: every rotten, repulsive move they make only serves as nutrient-rich fertilizer for this conservative insurgency--much the same as what manure does for the crops in the field.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Newt Personifies the Problem
Newt's comments regarding his view of Cong. Paul Ryan's proposed budget as "right wing extremism" only confirms what many of us have suspected: He's a fake. He's a RINO. If elected, he would utterly fail at supporting solutions to our very dire problems. It would appear Newt wants what will promote Newt. Catch phrases and clever remarks only go so far. Once those wear out, a person has got to back it up with solid and serious action or plans of action. I am thoroughly disgusted with him and extremely thankful he made such a glaring blunder. Thank God he eliminated himself from serious consideration so we wouldn't have to waste the energy ourselves. Of course, the conservative movement has been on to him for a long time. He has not performed well in polls taken within the tea party movement and this weekend's showing with David Gregory is precisely why. These comments from him only back up his early actions of endorsing Dede Scozzafava in NY-23 and Mike Castle in Delaware, rather than the tea party candidates the people were promoting.
The people got real many, many months ago, but the politicians, for the most part, are painfully behind in following suit. No matter. We'll just leave them in the dust and move on. This is what excites me so much about We the People and this conservative insurgency. All I have to do is reflect on my tea party experiences, including the 912 marches on the capitol and my heart swells with pride and excitement over what's cooking in this nation. The people are on it. The people are bringing it. I have talked with many, many fellow patriots at those events, which is the best part of attending and it never ceases to amaze me how I could just as well have a conversation with myself. Every person there is on the same page. Everybody at those events gets it and we all know we're in the same boat, rowing in the same direction. We'll hit shore together and celebrate when we do. There's an unspoken current of energy that binds us all together, from sea to shining sea and we instinctively know what needs to be done. We instinctively support each other's efforts and contributions and nothing is too small to be considered unworthy. Every single gesture, every single penny, every single word MAKES A DIFFERENCE. I know it makes our opponents feel good about themselves to say the tea party is dying out. HA. That's like the captain of the Hindenburg singing "Don't Worry, Be Happy," while struggling in vain to maintain control.
Candidates like Newt are a waste of time and energy and I'm glad we likely won't have to spend time on him or Trump anymore. Let's separate the wheat from the chaff and start vetting people who have shown themselves to have depth of character and a grasp of the issues. We'll get it done and it will be well worth all the effort.
The people got real many, many months ago, but the politicians, for the most part, are painfully behind in following suit. No matter. We'll just leave them in the dust and move on. This is what excites me so much about We the People and this conservative insurgency. All I have to do is reflect on my tea party experiences, including the 912 marches on the capitol and my heart swells with pride and excitement over what's cooking in this nation. The people are on it. The people are bringing it. I have talked with many, many fellow patriots at those events, which is the best part of attending and it never ceases to amaze me how I could just as well have a conversation with myself. Every person there is on the same page. Everybody at those events gets it and we all know we're in the same boat, rowing in the same direction. We'll hit shore together and celebrate when we do. There's an unspoken current of energy that binds us all together, from sea to shining sea and we instinctively know what needs to be done. We instinctively support each other's efforts and contributions and nothing is too small to be considered unworthy. Every single gesture, every single penny, every single word MAKES A DIFFERENCE. I know it makes our opponents feel good about themselves to say the tea party is dying out. HA. That's like the captain of the Hindenburg singing "Don't Worry, Be Happy," while struggling in vain to maintain control.
Candidates like Newt are a waste of time and energy and I'm glad we likely won't have to spend time on him or Trump anymore. Let's separate the wheat from the chaff and start vetting people who have shown themselves to have depth of character and a grasp of the issues. We'll get it done and it will be well worth all the effort.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Reluctancy is a Beautiful Thing
Reluctancy is not a good quality when entering a marriage.
Reluctancy is not a sought-after trait in military recruits.
Reluctancy, however, is a great attribute when considering political office. The example of such was set by no less than George Washington. Reluctancy inherently prevents the tendency to cement or abuse power because power is not what motivates a reluctant candidate. Reluctancy is proof positive one's heart is likely elsewhere. I remember reading somewhere that President Washington would include instructions regarding his garden when writing home to report on events in the nation's capitol. His heart was in Mount Vernon, but his drive was to throw himself into securing our nation. A reluctancy to serve is evidence a person recognizes that, while serving in political office is not one's desire, the indisputable importance of being willing to do such over-powers hesitation. It would seem a reluctancy to even be in the political position in the first place, would result in a no-holds-barred, no nonsense, get-it-done attitude; such as, "Look, I don't want to be here, but since I am, I'm NOT wasting my time." This is the opposite of a career politician whose only objective is to keep enough deceit afloat that it keeps the electorate from really noticing what's actually going on.
We need a reluctant candidate to run for president.
Reluctancy is not a sought-after trait in military recruits.
Reluctancy, however, is a great attribute when considering political office. The example of such was set by no less than George Washington. Reluctancy inherently prevents the tendency to cement or abuse power because power is not what motivates a reluctant candidate. Reluctancy is proof positive one's heart is likely elsewhere. I remember reading somewhere that President Washington would include instructions regarding his garden when writing home to report on events in the nation's capitol. His heart was in Mount Vernon, but his drive was to throw himself into securing our nation. A reluctancy to serve is evidence a person recognizes that, while serving in political office is not one's desire, the indisputable importance of being willing to do such over-powers hesitation. It would seem a reluctancy to even be in the political position in the first place, would result in a no-holds-barred, no nonsense, get-it-done attitude; such as, "Look, I don't want to be here, but since I am, I'm NOT wasting my time." This is the opposite of a career politician whose only objective is to keep enough deceit afloat that it keeps the electorate from really noticing what's actually going on.
We need a reluctant candidate to run for president.
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Truth
As usual, there are a number of people inside the beltway and otherwise who have begun to beat the moderate drum. Because conservatism is by nature diplomatic, there seems to be a tendency to accept the notion we who are conservative should work at getting others to accept us--that we should DO something so others are comfortable with our viewpoints. I categorically reject the idea of watering down our stand on the issues. A Republican governor recently called for a "truce" on social issues. Now what on earth is that supposed to mean?? I'm sure the child, growing inside his mother, eagerly anticipating his day of birth would openly welcome a "truce." What a pathetic, weak and inexcusable approach to any issue. No, what we need to be doing is patiently, persistently and firmly presenting our point of view over and over and over. We don't cave. We don't relent. The truth of the matter is this: one of the things this nation was founded on is personal responsibility. Taking ownership gets things done. Conservatism is founded on the concept that each human being is accountable to himself and should have no alternative but to face the consequences, or claim the reward, of his choices. This is not harsh. It is empowering. When we accept what our daily choices produce, we are claiming control over our own lives.
This nation was not founded by a club of sissies. These were people who took a great risk, including risking their very lives, because they had a clear understanding of the potential reward. Because of the enormous risk involved, they fought with everything they had to ensure victory. And look at the reward!! I can only imagine the heated debate during the constitutional convention--each man fighting tool and nail for his own viewpoint. What an amazing gift they gave us in their determined pursuit of truth and freedom. What would have happened if they had accepted the status quo and continued to allow Great Britain to run the show? It was not going well. Mushy, squishy, middle-of-the-road, can't-really-tell-what-it-is approaches are almost worse than flaming liberal approaches. It's almost more dangerous because there could be times when a person doesn't quite catch the uncommitted approach of a moderate. The truth is there is absolutely no way to ensure nothing bad ever happens. The only guarantee the government can fulfill is to complicate your life and make you miserable. Forget turning to the government to take care of your problems and challenges. They are lying when they say, in their snake-like way, "I'll take care of it. Just give it to me." Weed out everyone whose message rejects the individual. Stand firm on the truth of personal responsibility and it will make you strong.
This nation was not founded by a club of sissies. These were people who took a great risk, including risking their very lives, because they had a clear understanding of the potential reward. Because of the enormous risk involved, they fought with everything they had to ensure victory. And look at the reward!! I can only imagine the heated debate during the constitutional convention--each man fighting tool and nail for his own viewpoint. What an amazing gift they gave us in their determined pursuit of truth and freedom. What would have happened if they had accepted the status quo and continued to allow Great Britain to run the show? It was not going well. Mushy, squishy, middle-of-the-road, can't-really-tell-what-it-is approaches are almost worse than flaming liberal approaches. It's almost more dangerous because there could be times when a person doesn't quite catch the uncommitted approach of a moderate. The truth is there is absolutely no way to ensure nothing bad ever happens. The only guarantee the government can fulfill is to complicate your life and make you miserable. Forget turning to the government to take care of your problems and challenges. They are lying when they say, in their snake-like way, "I'll take care of it. Just give it to me." Weed out everyone whose message rejects the individual. Stand firm on the truth of personal responsibility and it will make you strong.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
What This Country Needs is Pizza
Herman Cain, former Godfather's Pizza executive, has bragging rights over the fact that he has never held public office. In this day & age, to say, (as Senator Orrin Hatch from Utah has on more than one occasion,) something like, "Well, one thing I bring to the table is I've held public office since the Beatles were on the charts" does not have the impact the person speaking likely intends. When you rip it right down to the jute, hearing that someone has been in office longer than I've been alive does NOT make me sit up straight and pay attention. Herman Cain pointing out he's never held public office, but rather, has held a long and highly successful career in the private sector, commands attention. We NEED someone who can clean up this mess and recycled politicians are NOT the answer! They had their turn and it is not working. That's not to say we don't have anyone good serving in public office. Of course we do. However, we are in such a mess, I would love to put in place someone who tells the truth with no attempt to sugar-coat it and--let's see--oh, yes! Some ACTUAL experience cleaning up messes would be quite helpful. Let's quit chasing our tail and try a whole new approach, shall we? Let's try putting a business man with a math degree and a clear head in the Oval Office and just see what he can do. New blood sounds awesome. Let's shake it up. I am so totally impressed with that man. I know he tells the truth because he dishes it out with no grease. I am so sick of being lied to. I know it is early and we need to keep all our options open, but, boy, am I intrigued by what he's offering. Fearlessness and patriotism and truth, all mixed together, is a potent combination.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
There's a Difference
I was thinking today about the celebrations we've seen across America this week, regarding the news of our Navy Seals' accomplishment on our behalf and how some criticism has come forward, questioning the appropriateness of celebratory appearances by our citizens. It occurred to me there is a huge difference between what I believe most Americans are doing and what those offering up criticism are saying they're doing. I, too, disagree with the idea of celebrating death. This death is not what gives me deep satisfaction over what our military did. What brings such satisfaction is the fact that we have secured a victory over our enemies and thereby have prevented further death. What we celebrate is justice. We celebrate the PROTECTION of human life. This man never once relented. He never once expressed remorse. It was quite the opposite. He continued to breathe out murderous threats and continually mocked the United States and her allies. The bottom line is we had no choice. If someone is chasing you with a knife and you're holding a gun, do you hold back because you don't believe in killing? Of course not! WE DEFEND LIFE. Period. The evidence we held was this man was determined to kill again and again and again. Life was saved by his death, which was the only option we had. How unfortunate he made that choice.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Does Not Compute
"...Shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta...to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda." -Barack Obama, May 1, 2011
I don't know why I continue to be shocked by things said and done by this president. It is not like I am unaware of who he is, but I was shocked when I heard yesterday that the prez told his national security team he needed to "sleep on it," when told the special forces had bin Laden in their sights. Subjecting them to a 16-hour delay does not compute with the above statement made Sunday night. I cannot imagine the excruciating wait of the military commanders who had their "finger on the trigger." I just keep thinking, if I could have posed this question to ANY American across this country, "Say, I have the sight of a gun set on Osama bin Laden. Do you think I should wait awhile and think it through or should I go ahead and pull the trigger?"--would there have been ONE person who said, "Ya know, you'd better lull it over, just to be safe." WOW. No brainers seem to be a big struggle, though. I have reached the conclusion that I do not care for indecision in my commander-in-chief. A lack of core values is a glaring short-coming to be possessed by the president of the United States. It is much easier to follow a confident leader, whose mission is clear and who is sure-footed. Chaos and tension are the fruits of uncertainty and lack of commitment. To be honest, I'm very sick of this. LEAD, ALREADY. Of course, I do not expect anything of the sort from this president and I never did, but my strong desire for a firm, confident, patriotic, clear-headed, sure-footed, unapologetic, loyal leader is growing by the moment. The "I need to think about it" thing when the most dangerous man in the world, responsible for killing almost 3,000 of our fellow citizens, is within our grasp, is not a confidence-inspiring development in this whole story and is par for the course. Maybe next time the Seals should skip seeking proper authorization and just accidentally push the red "bomb" button in their aircraft and report back with, "Oops." We'll all know what really happened and it will be our little secret.
I don't know why I continue to be shocked by things said and done by this president. It is not like I am unaware of who he is, but I was shocked when I heard yesterday that the prez told his national security team he needed to "sleep on it," when told the special forces had bin Laden in their sights. Subjecting them to a 16-hour delay does not compute with the above statement made Sunday night. I cannot imagine the excruciating wait of the military commanders who had their "finger on the trigger." I just keep thinking, if I could have posed this question to ANY American across this country, "Say, I have the sight of a gun set on Osama bin Laden. Do you think I should wait awhile and think it through or should I go ahead and pull the trigger?"--would there have been ONE person who said, "Ya know, you'd better lull it over, just to be safe." WOW. No brainers seem to be a big struggle, though. I have reached the conclusion that I do not care for indecision in my commander-in-chief. A lack of core values is a glaring short-coming to be possessed by the president of the United States. It is much easier to follow a confident leader, whose mission is clear and who is sure-footed. Chaos and tension are the fruits of uncertainty and lack of commitment. To be honest, I'm very sick of this. LEAD, ALREADY. Of course, I do not expect anything of the sort from this president and I never did, but my strong desire for a firm, confident, patriotic, clear-headed, sure-footed, unapologetic, loyal leader is growing by the moment. The "I need to think about it" thing when the most dangerous man in the world, responsible for killing almost 3,000 of our fellow citizens, is within our grasp, is not a confidence-inspiring development in this whole story and is par for the course. Maybe next time the Seals should skip seeking proper authorization and just accidentally push the red "bomb" button in their aircraft and report back with, "Oops." We'll all know what really happened and it will be our little secret.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Thank you Military!
Boy, our military just compels a person to love them, don't they? They command respect. How on earth does one plan a surprise attack on the most wanted man on the planet, in hopelessly hostile territory and have it end with him on the wrong end of a gun and all the good guys leaving the scene unscathed, deceased enemy in tow? Unbelievable. I wanna be them when I grow up. The privilege of claiming the military has got to be one of the best benefits of American citizenship. Look at what freedom does. Freedom breeds undefinable bravery, uncontainable patriotism and unbridled fearlessness. Freedom commands action and rewards it. The dogged determination and unrelenting will of our military dwarfs all the static and buzzing that tries to attach itself and claim ownership in their accomplishments. Our military, with all its glory, all its humility and all its faithfulness causes insincerity in its company to become inconsequential and pushes it beyond the periphery, where it eventually fades into barely a footnote. The victory of securing bin Laden's demise is theirs and, by default, ours. What a glorious thing they did for us.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The American Miracle
Well, it appears bringing our kids to tea parties, teaching them the words to patriotic songs, instilling respect for our military and talking with them about the gift of our nation is sinking in. The other day we were parked outside the post office. Our 4-year-old noticed Old Glory, waving in the breeze, and said, "Look, Mommy! A Miracle Flag!" Yes. EXACTLY.
That reminded me of one of the best books I've read lately, called Miracle At Philadelphia by Catherine Drinker Bowen, which tells the story of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. One of my favorite scenes described in the book is an encounter between 2 French noblemen and an American farmer. The noblemen quiz the farmer at length about his prospects and his obligations to others. The author eloquently describes the noblemen's astonishment at the farmer's lack of obligation to anyone but himself and also the farmer's sheer inability to comprehend the idea of a feudal system and being subservient to anyone. It is such a heartening scene she describes. That one scene is a synopsis of the American Miracle. It is the fruit of the American Experiment. It is the vision of our Founders, come to life.
Anyone who has lived with a 2-year-old has heard the words, "I do it myself!!!" Pride and ownership in self-accomplishment is a powerful experience and 2-year-olds demand the opportunity for such. So do adult Americans. This is weaved into the very fabric of our being and I believe the majority of us resent our government's attempt to take away our chance to do everything for ourselves. It is only natural that we wish to live OUT FROM UNDER our government, just as children separate from their parents. It is human nature. This is why there is no way this conservative resurgence is fizzling out anytime soon. We are the stubborn 2-year-old who will not relent until our government complies (by being forcibly downsized) with our demand to "do it ourselves."
Many of us are intelligent, reasonable people with foresight and have become well aware of the dire need to make responsible decisions and choices. We are going to do this ourselves and we started on November 2, 2010, by sending a whole crop of people, right from our own neighborhoods, who will see to it the responsible thing is done. They know their mandate and they know we're watching every move. It is difficult to get away with disobedience when the disciplinarian is standing over you, casting a shadow.
I have thought often of what patience, stamina and determination the Founders had to possess to get through the process of establishing this nation. What we're experiencing is not new and it will not be void of struggle and frustration. The wicked witch is going to emit an ear-piercing scream as she melts, but so be it. The pain of the fight will be well worth the outcome.
That reminded me of one of the best books I've read lately, called Miracle At Philadelphia by Catherine Drinker Bowen, which tells the story of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. One of my favorite scenes described in the book is an encounter between 2 French noblemen and an American farmer. The noblemen quiz the farmer at length about his prospects and his obligations to others. The author eloquently describes the noblemen's astonishment at the farmer's lack of obligation to anyone but himself and also the farmer's sheer inability to comprehend the idea of a feudal system and being subservient to anyone. It is such a heartening scene she describes. That one scene is a synopsis of the American Miracle. It is the fruit of the American Experiment. It is the vision of our Founders, come to life.
Anyone who has lived with a 2-year-old has heard the words, "I do it myself!!!" Pride and ownership in self-accomplishment is a powerful experience and 2-year-olds demand the opportunity for such. So do adult Americans. This is weaved into the very fabric of our being and I believe the majority of us resent our government's attempt to take away our chance to do everything for ourselves. It is only natural that we wish to live OUT FROM UNDER our government, just as children separate from their parents. It is human nature. This is why there is no way this conservative resurgence is fizzling out anytime soon. We are the stubborn 2-year-old who will not relent until our government complies (by being forcibly downsized) with our demand to "do it ourselves."
Many of us are intelligent, reasonable people with foresight and have become well aware of the dire need to make responsible decisions and choices. We are going to do this ourselves and we started on November 2, 2010, by sending a whole crop of people, right from our own neighborhoods, who will see to it the responsible thing is done. They know their mandate and they know we're watching every move. It is difficult to get away with disobedience when the disciplinarian is standing over you, casting a shadow.
I have thought often of what patience, stamina and determination the Founders had to possess to get through the process of establishing this nation. What we're experiencing is not new and it will not be void of struggle and frustration. The wicked witch is going to emit an ear-piercing scream as she melts, but so be it. The pain of the fight will be well worth the outcome.
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