Curly-Haired Conservative

We've Moved!!!

2010-07-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hey, party people! Just wanted to apprise you all that I'm moving my political blogging over to Rational Conservatism, joining the top-notch team of bloggers my friend Jeff is assembling.

Per the mission statement:

I’ve long advocated a type of conservatism that I’ve not found to be nearly prevalent enough in society. I believe that Humans are both rational and emotional beings. I find no contradiction in this either. Indeed, it is the blending of the two that gives humanity its depth and its capacity for sustainable growth. By growth, I mean economically, personally, societally, spiritually and in other ways that are not coming to mind.

Pure reason is insufficient, and so is pure emotion. To be ruled by either is folly.

Rational Conservatism is to allow oneself to be informed by both, and to do so uncapriciously. The dispassionate consideration of values, reason, emotion and the impact of each before coming to a conclusion is the essence of Rational Conservatism.

This is not intended to become a dry collection of academic writings that no one wants to read. Instead it should serve as a window into not only the conservative mind, but the conservative soul. (Yes, conservatives have souls)

So, if you're interested, please add us to your Google Reader and join in the fun!

Also, we're still recruiting writers, so if this looks up your alley, let me know, and we can look into adding you to the team!

The Sanctity of... Property?

2010-01-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

When the Founding Fathers penned the Declaration of Independence, they borrowed from British philosopher John Locke - but with a marked alteration. Where Locke cited "life, liberty and property" as three Natural Rights endowed to mankind by its Creator, the Founding Fathers delineated the unalienable rights as life, liberty and "the pursuit of happiness," and it is the role of government to protect these rights.

Does this mean, then, that the Founders valued the tangible of property less than they cherished the vague pursuit of happiness (whatever that means)? How do the two ideas relate - or do they?

Life, liberty and property are inextricably bound up together. In order to sustain life, there must be industry. But industry is robbed when there is no respect for or protection of property - and when there is such a respect, and people have the liberty to pursue what they do best, then a society thrives on a macro scale, and individuals are happy as they improve their lives and pursue their interests.

Locke went so far as to argue that a threat to property was a threat to the essence of life itself.

So, those were Locke's thoughts on the matter. But did the Founders agree? I'd say that John Adams's view is one politicians today should hear. Adams said:

The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence. Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist.

I love this concept, particularly in today's political climate that sees my beloved America slipping toward a socialist society in which lawmakers feel they have the right to play Robin Hood in order to help the needy.

Did you realize, though, that it was considered downright unconstitutional for the government to redistribute wealth until the Butler case in 1936 changed that precedent and interpreted "general welfare" to mean giving federal funds to the poor and needy. Contrast that concept with this 1795 Supreme Court ruling:

No man would become a member of a community in which he could not enjoy the fruits of his honest labor and industry. The preservation of property, then, is a primary object of the social compact... The legislature, therefore, had no authority to make an act divesting one citizen of his freehold, and vesting it in another, without a just compensation. It is inconsistent with the principles of reason, justice and moral rectitude; it is incompatible with the comfort, peace and happiness of mankind; it is contrary to the principles of the social alliance in every free government; and, lastly, it is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Constitution.

(This, of course, once again reinforces my issues with judicial review - what right did the court in 1936 have to turn its back and fundamentally shift the nation's thinking toward government-funded charity?! ... But that's an entry for another day.)

James Madison (my personal favorite Founder) put it like this:

Government is instituted to protect property of every sort... This being the end of government, that alone is not a just government, ... nor is property secure under it, where the property which a man has in his personal safety and personal liberty is violated by arbitrary seizures of one class of citizens for the service of the rest.

The fact of the matter is that equality and liberty simply cannot coexist. They are mutually exclusive - they have to be. If we are free to excel, then inevitably, some will fail. If everyone gets the same results, regardless of their labors, then they are not free, for an outside party is forcibly taking one man's increase and giving it to another who did not earn it.

Equality of opportunity is liberty at its best. When you see someone excel, doesn't it inspire you to do the same? Who doesn't love those American Dream stories of the poor kid from the streets who has a stroke of genius and creates an entire industry, changing the world with passion, determination and tenacity? When they succeed, we all benefit - not because their gain is stripped from them, but because that spark of ingenuity creates opportunity for others. It doesn't take away pieces of the economic pie from others; it expands the pie for all.

Furthermore, that economic freedom to succeed or fail has major social implications, as pointed out by renowned economist Dr. Ludwig von Mises:

If history could prove and teach us anything, it would be the private ownership of means of production as a necessary requisite of civilization and material well-being. All civilizations have up to now been based on private property. Only nations committed to the principle of private property have risen above penury and produced science, art, and literature. There is no experience to show that any other social system could provide mankind with any kind of the achievements of civilization.

Scottish economist Adam Smith's theory of a free market economy dovetailed with the American founding - his seminal The Wealth of Nations was published in 1776, and its emphasis on liberty meshed perfectly with the Founders' views. Thomas Jefferson called it the "best book extant" in the realm of political economy. So, naturally, as the Constitution was the basis for American law, Smith's concepts became the basis for America's economy.

And how did that work out for us? The United States became, far and away, the most prosperous nation on the face of the Earth until the early 1900s, when progressives began tinkering with the system, imposing tax after tax. Not surprisingly, after a century of such fiddling, our economy is hurting - and yet, not seeing the forest for the trees, lawmakers seem to think the solution is to impose yet more taxes and to increase the government's chokehold upon the people's pocketbooks.

Personally, I'd like to see a return to respecting private property rights. Locke had it right - when people take something and improve upon it, then they take ownership of it, for their labor and special touch has upped its value. The object then becomes an extension of the individual. There is a spiritual nature involved in work - yet another post for another day - but somehow today's society has lost touch with the innate value of a solid work ethic. Instead of worrying about feeding the poor for a day, we must teach them to fish and inspire them to excel so that they, too, can gain the intangible benefits that come from diligence. That will help them to truly pursue happiness far more than handouts ever will.

* Giving credit where due, all of the quotations in this post were pulled from W. Cleon Skousen's The 5,000 Year Leap, from his 14th principle of freedom, in particular. The commentary, however, is from my heart and mind. Skousen just gave me some good materials from which to springboard. AMAZING book, by the way. If you haven't read it, you must!

Harry Reid: The Grinch who stole Congress?

2009-12-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

*Photo courtesy of OpinionTimes.com

Lame, lame and more lame.

I just got an email about how Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is threatening to torture lawmakers by making them miss Christmas in order to force a decision on the health care bill (er, debacle, in my humble opinion).

Here's the word from the North (San Diego) County Tea Party Patriots:

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid threatens to be the Grinch who stole Christmas. Sen. Reid is saying that he will keep the Senate in session to shove government takeover of health care down our throats on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

This is an outrage! It shows the an absolute disrespect to the most sacred Christian holiday. In an era of political correctness, it is stunning that the Senate Majority Leader is willing to disregard the most sacred of Christian holidays. [Sidenote: Sad to say Reid is a Christian - and of the Latter-day Saint variety, at that. Gives us a bad name!]

In addition to shunning the Christians of America, he is preventing the Senate staff members on the Hill in DC from going home for the holidays. The staff members in Senate district offices will also have to pull longer hours. This will prevent them from being able to spend the Christmas holiday with their families around the country.

Now, there is a major winter storm warning in Washington DC. If the weather is as bad as predicted the ability to travel in and out of DC will be very difficult over the weekend. If the travel is difficult over the weekend, then it will back up into next week making it even more difficult for travel next week during a peak travel period.

If this bill passes the Senate in 2009, the taxes on the health care bill will go into
effect on January 1, 2010 but the benefits do not go into effect for another four years. How can it be so important to pass the bill in the next few days when benefits do not begin for years? How can the Senate be so disrespectful to Americans?

It is time to call your Senators to express your frustration about these actions. Call your 2 Senators in DC today and call their district offices as well. In addition to calling your 2 Senators, call the targeted Senators listed below.

Our intelligence on the Hill tells us that the Senators still undecided about the health care bill are: Sens. Webb. Warner, Ben Nelson (of Nebraska), and Lieberman. Be sure to call these Senators as well to tell them to vote no on the health care bill. If you have trouble calling the DC offices, call the district offices.

Sen. Ben Nelson, Nebraska
DC Office Number: 202-224-6551, DC Fax Number: 202-228-0012

Washington, D.C.
720 Hart Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: 1-202-224-6551
Fax: 1-202-228-0012

Omaha
7602 Pacific St.
Suite 205
Omaha, NE 68114
Tel: (402) 391-3411
Fax: (402) 391-4725

Lincoln
440 North 8th Street
Suite 120
Lincoln, NE 68508
Tel: (402) 441-4600
Fax: (402) 476-8753

Scottsbluff - Tel: (308) 631-7614
Kearney - Tel: (308) 293-5818
South Sioux City - Tel: (402) 209-3595

Sen. Jim Webb, Virginia
DC Office Phone Number: 202-224-4024, DC Fax Number: 202-228-6363

Danville
308 Craghead Street
Suite 102A
Danville, VA 24541
Phone: 434-792-0976
Fax: 434-972-0978

Hampton Roads
222 Central Park Ave.
Suite 120
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Phone: 757-518-1674
Fax: 757-518-1679

Northern Virginia
7309 Arlington Boulevard
Suite 316
Falls Church, VA 22042
Loehmann's Plaza
Phone:703-573-7090
Fax:703-573-7098

Norton
756 Park Avenue, N.W.
Norton, VA 24273
Mail to: 756 Park Avenue, N.W.
P.O. Box 1300
Norton, VA 24273
Phone: 276-679-4925
Fax: 276-679-4929

Richmond
507 East Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-771-2221
Fax: 804-771-8313

Roanoke
3140 Chaparral Drive
Building C, Suite 101
Roanoke, VA 24018
Phone: 540-772-4236
Fax: 540-772-6870

Washington, D.C.
248 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4024
Fax: 202-228-6363

Sen. Mark Warner, Virginia
DC Office Phone Number: 202-224-2023, DC Fax Number: 202-224-6295
459A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-2023
Fax: 202-224-6295

Abingdon
180 West Main Street
Abingdon, VA 24210
Phone Number: 276-628-8158
Fax Number: 276-628-1036

Norfolk
101 W. Main Street
Suite 4900
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone Number: 757-441-3079
Fax Number: 757-441-6250

Richmond
919 E. Main Street
Suite 630
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone Number: 804-775-2314
Fax Number: 804-775-2319

Vienna
8000 Towers Crescent Drive
Suite 200
Vienna, Virginia 22182
Phone: 703-442-0670
Fax: 703-442-0408

Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut
DC Office Phone Number: 202-224-4041, DC Fax Number: 202-224-9750

So, folks, there you have it. Hit the phones and remind your Senators what really matters this Christmas season - spending time with family and not burdening future generations with massive amounts of debt to unconstitutionally foist universal healthcare upon us all.

Let freedom ring (from those phone lines)!

Joe Legal vs. Jose Illegal

2009-12-17T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hey there, readers!

Been a while, hasn't it? Sorry about that - almost immediately following my last post, I lost my job, got walking pneumonia, moved out of state and started a new job and a new life (oh, and I did a production of The Sound of Music in there, too, as executive producer/Sister Sophia). It's been a little nutty, to say the least, but now that the dust is settling, I'm hoping to get back into the swing of blogging here, giving my take on the latest political happenings.

And on that note, the information below came to me in a forward, and I thought it was too good not to pass along. These numbers are astounding.

Do people not realize that if someone's reaping the benefits of the system without paying into it, they're stealing? Or do they truly, honestly not care? Maybe it's because "The System" is this nameless, faceless entity - "The Man" and all that. But you know who it really hurts? You and me, my friends and family who have to subsidize hundreds and thousands of freeloaders. It simply is not fair. It's wrong.

I think former Rep. Ron Packard (R-CA) summed it up wonderfully:

"Giving assistance to illegal immigrants who broke the law to enter this country undermines the integrity of our laws. Every dollar spent on illegal immigrants is a dollar denied to taxpaying citizens."

And so, without further adieu...

Joe Legal vs. Jose Illegal

You have two families: "Joe Legal" and "Jose Illegal." Both families have two parents, two children, and live in California.

Joe Legal works in construction, has a Social Security Number and makes $25.00 per hour with taxes deducted.

Jose Illegal also works in construction, has NO Social Security Number, and gets paid $15.00 cash "under the table."

Ready? Now pay attention...

Joe Legal: $25.00 per hour x 40 hours = $1000.00 per week, or $52,000.00 per year. Now take 30% away for state and federal tax; Joe Legal now has $31,231.00.

Jose Illegal: $15.00 per hour x 40 hours = $600.00 per week, or $31,200.00 per year. Jose Illegal pays no taxes. Jose Illegal now has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays medical and dental insurance with limited coverage for his family at $600.00 per month, or $7,200.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $24,031.00.

Jose Illegal has full medical and dental coverage through the state and local clinics at a cost of $0.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal makes too much money and is not eligible for food stamps or welfare. Joe Legal pays $500.00 per month for food, or $6,000.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $18,031.00.

Jose Illegal has no documented income and is eligible for food stamps and welfare. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays rent of $1,200.00 per month, or $14,400.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $9,631.00.

Jose Illegal receives a $500.00 per month federal rent subsidy. Jose Illegal pays $500.00 per month, or $6,000.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has $ 31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays $200.00 per month, or $2,400.00 for insurance. Joe Legal now has $7,231.00.

Jose Illegal says, "We don't need no stinkin' insurance!" and still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal has to make his $7,231.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, etc.

Jose Illegal has to make his $31,200.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, and what he sends out of the country every month.

Joe Legal now works overtime on Saturdays or gets a part time job after work.

Jose Illegal has nights and weekends off to enjoy with his family.

Joe Legal's and Jose Illegal's children both attend the same school. Joe Legal pays for his children's lunches while Jose Illegal's children get a government sponsored lunch. Jose Illegal's children have an after school ESL program. Joe Legal's children go home.

Joe Legal and Jose Illegal both enjoy the same police and fire services, but Joe paid for them and Jose did not pay.

You see how this works now?

If anyone votes for or supports any politician that supports illegal aliens...
Then that person is part of the problem..

Obamacare Supporter Bites Off Elderly Protestor's Finger

2009-09-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

This bizarre-but-true story really makes me wonder how such maniacal frenzy can drive people to such outrageous behavior. I mean, when is the last time that you got so worked up in a political debate that you BIT OFF A STRANGER'S FINGER?!

The L.A. Times reports:

Authorities are searching for a healthcare reform activist today who they said bit off the finger of a 65-year-old counter-demonstrator during a fight at a MoveOn.org rally in Thousand Oaks.
“It all started with their difference in philosophy over healthcare reform,” said Senior Deputy Eric Buschow of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
The incident occurred about 7 p.m. Wednesday at a “We Can’t Afford to Wait Vigil” organized by affiliates of the activist group MoveOn.org, which drew supporters of President Obama’s healthcare plan, Buschow said. The rally also attracted several counter-protesters, he said.
During the rally at Lynn Road and Hillcrest Drive, near the Oaks Mall, the two men got into a heated argument and began fighting.

“At which point, one man bit off the left pinky of the other,” Buschow said.
The injured demonstrator then drove himself to Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center about a mile away, he said.
Ilyse Hogue, director of political advocacy and communications for MoveOn.org, called the incident “a regrettable act of violence” in a statement released this morning.
“While we do not have any more facts about what happened than what we saw in press accounts, MoveOn condemns violence in all forms,” Hogue said. “We support the Ventura County sheriff’s investigation into the situation. It is in our firm hope that this event does not detract from the tens of thousands who were out peacefully making their voices heard for health care reform and a public option.”
Authorities said they are looking for a white male in his late 40s or 50s who was last seen wearing black shorts and a black shirt.
“We’re still trying to figure out who was the aggressor,” Buschow said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Ventura Sheriff’s Department at (805)
494-8201. -- Ruben Vives

Unbelievable, honestly. I understand that this is a hot-button issue on both sides of the aisle, but resorting to physical violence is totally unnecessary. And that does go for the injured man, who threw the first punch. That was stupid of him in the first place.

But still. Just plain wrong.

Everything's Amazing, Nobody's Happy

2009-09-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not a fan of the thought of capitalism crumbling, obviously, but I loved this clip. It's pretty danged true!!! We're in such an age of entitlement that we often overlook so many of our modern marvels.

I love being on the cusp of the old way and the new way - like, I distinctly remember my first time going online, the first time I saw a cell phone, etc. My little 12-year-old sister will never be able to understand how things were pre-Internet!

In other news - I will be one of those people in a mere 36 hours to fly across the country in five hours or less. Thank you, modern technology awesomeness. Fall asleep in Long Beach, wake up at JFK. I promise not to take it for granted!

Dr. Krauthammer's Take on the Obama-Nation

2009-09-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

I received this email today and thought it was too good not to share. I've heard Dr. Krauthammer on Fox News before and find him to be extremely thoughtful and intelligent. His analysis here makes a lot of sense.

Dr. Charles Krauthammer is on Fox News. He is an M.D. and a lawyer and is paralyzed from the neck down. A close friend went to hear Charles Krauthammer. What he says here is a summary of Dr. Krauthammer’s comments. The ramifications are staggering for us, our children and even their children. Last Monday was a profound evening, hearing Dr. Charles Krauthammer speak to the Center for the American Experiment. He is a brilliant intellectual, seasoned and articulate. He is forthright and careful in his analysis, and never resorts to emotions or personal insults. He is neither a fear monger nor an extremist in his comments and views. He is a fiscal conservative, and has received a Pulitzer Prize.

He is a frequent contributor to Fox News and writes weekly for the Washington Post. The entire room was held spellbound during his talk. I have summarized his comments, as we are living in uncharted waters economically and internationally. Even two Democrats at my table agreed with everything he said! If you feel like forwarding this to those who are open minded and have not yet drunk the ‘Kool-Aid,’ feel free.

Summary of Dr. Krauthammer’s comments:

1. Mr. Obama is a very intellectual, charming individual. He is not to be underestimated. He is a cool customer who doesn't show his emotions. It's very hard to know what's behind the mask. The taking down of the Clinton dynasty by a political neophyte was an amazing accomplishment. The Clintons still do not understand what hit them. Obama was in the perfect place at the perfect time.

2. Obama has political skills comparable to Reagan and Clinton. He has a way of making you think he's on your side, agreeing with your position, while doing the exact opposite. Pay no attention to what he SAYS; rather, watch what he DOES!

3. Obama has a ruthless quest for power. He did not come to Washington to make something out of himself, but rather to change everything, including dismantling capitalism. He can’t be straightforward with his ambitions, as the public would not go along. He has a heavy hand, and wants to level the playing field with income and capital redistribution. He would like to model the USA to Great Britain or Canada.

4. His three main goals are to control ENERGY, PUBLIC EDUCATION, and NATIONAL HEALTHCARE by the Federal government. He doesn't care about the auto or financial services industries, but he got them as an early bonus. The cap and trade will add costs to everything and stifle growth. Paying for FREE college education is his goal. Most scary is his healthcare program, because if you make it FREE and add 46,000,000 people to a Medicare-type single-payer system, the costs will go through the roof. The only way to control costs is with massive RATIONING of services, like in Canada . God forbid!

5. He has surrounded himself with far-left academic types. No one around him has ever even run a candy store. But they are going to try to run the auto, financial, banking and other industries. This obviously can’t work in the long run. Obama is not a socialist; rather he's a far-left secular progressive bent on nothing short of social revolution. He ran as a moderate, but will govern from the hard left. Again, watch what he does, not what he says.

6. Obama doesn’t really see himself as President of the United States , but more as a ruler over the world. He sees himself above it all, trying to orchestrate & coordinate various countries and their agendas. He sees moral equivalency in all cultures. He is not concerned about American sovereignty and is allowing foreign interests to determine far reaching American policy decisions. His apology tour in Germany and England was a prime example of how he sees America as an imperialist nation that has been arrogant, rather than a great noble nation that has at times made errors. This is the first President ever who has chastised our allies and appeased our enemies!

7. He is now handing out goodies. He hopes that the bill (and pain) will not come due unt il after he is reelected in 2012. He would like to blame all problems on President Bush. He has a huge ego, and Dr. Krauthammer believes he is a narcissist.

8. Republicans are in the wilderness for a while, but will emerge strong. Republicans are pining for another Reagan, but there will never be another like him. Dr. Krauthammer believes that Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty & Bobby Jindahl (except for his terrible speech in February) are the future of the party. Newt Gingrich is brilliant, but has baggage. Sarah Palin is sincere and intelligent, but is an unlikely candidate in the future. We need to return to the party of lower taxes, smaller government, personal responsibility, strong national defense, and state’s rights.

9. The current level of spending is irresponsible and outrageous. We are spending trillions that we don’t have. This could lead to hyperinflation, depression or worse. No country has ever spent itself back into prosperity. The media is giving Obama, Reid and Pelosi a pass be cause they love their agenda. But eventually the bill will come due and people will realize the huge bailouts didn’t work, nor will the stimulus package. These were trillion-dollar payoffs to Obama’s allies, unions and the Congress to placate the left, so he can get support for #4 above.

10. The election was over in mid -September when Lehman brothers failed, fear and panic swept in, we had an unpopular President, and the war was grinding on indefinitely without a clear outcome. The people are in pain, and the mantra of change caused people to act emotionally. Any Democrat would have won this election; it was surprising it was as close as it was.

11. In 2012, if the unemployment rate is over 10%, Republicans will be swept back into power. If it's under 8%, the Dems continue to roll. If it's between 8-10%, it will be a dogfight. It will all be about the economy.

I hope this gets you really thinking about what's happening in Washington and Congress. There is a left-wing revolution going on, according to Krauthammer, and he encourages us to keep the faith and join the loyal resistance. The work will be hard, but we’re right on most issues and we can reclaim our country, before it's far too late.

Do yourself a long-term favor by sending this to all who will read an intelligent assessment of the big picture.

Our future and our children's future will depend on understanding what is really going on in Washington D.C. !! It really IS up to each of us to take individual action!!

The Critical Obamacare Ad NBC and ABC Won't Show You

2009-08-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

Once again, the Mainly Marginalized Media are showing their stripes: two of the "Big Three" networks are refusing to air the above ad that takes a critical look at Obama's health care plan. Now, it's not like we actually expect objectivity from our mass media these days - but, as Dick Morris pointed out, the networks are cherry-picking how they implement their own standards.

See, ABC's claim as to why they opted out of the ad is that it is "partisan":

"The ABC Television Network has a long-standing policy that we do not sell time for advertising that presents a partisan position on a controversial public issue," spokeswoman Susan Sewell said in a written statement. "Just to be clear, this is a policy for the entire network, not just ABC News."

Okay, but as Morris notes, "It's the ultimate act of chutzpah because ABC is the network that turned itself over completely to Obama for a daylong propaganda fest about health care reform," he said. "For them to be pious and say they will not accept advertising on health care shuts their viewers out from any possible understanding of both sides of this issue."

NBC's spokeswoman said the network will consider running the ad - with revisions. "We have communicated with the media agency about some factual claims that require additional substantiation," spokeswoman Liz Fischer told FOXNews.com. "As always, we are happy to reconsider the ad once these issues are addressed."

In better news, CBS approved the ad to run nationwide, and Fox is in talks to distribute the ad as well.

Meanwhile, it's up to those of us so-called Astroturfers in the front lines to spread the word. So, go viral, my friends!

To SEN. Barbara Boxer: "You are not a person of superior rank or position."

2009-08-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

This morning, this little gem of a letter was in my inbox, courtesy of my awesome father. As a refresher, view the YouTube clip first so you can fully appreciate the letter in context. All I can say about Jim Hill's response is, "Oh snap!"

Many of us witnessed the arrogance of Barbara Boxer as she admonished a brigadier general because he addressed her as "ma'am" and not "Senator" before a Senate hearing. This letter is from a National Guard aviator and Captain for Alaska Airlines. I wonder what he would have said if he were really angry. Long fly Alaska!!!!!

Babs:

You were so right on when you scolded the general on TV for using the term, "ma'am," instead of "Senator." After all, in the military, "ma'am" is a term of respect when addressing a female of superior rank or position. The general was totally wrong. You are not a person of superior rank or position. You are a member of one of the world's most corrupt organizations, the U.S. Senate, equalled only by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congress is a cesspool of liars, thieves, inside traders, traitors, drunks (one who killed a staffer, yet is still revered [Remember Mary Jo]), criminals, and other low level swine who, as individuals (not all, but many), will do anything to enhance their lives, fortunes and power, all at the expense of the People of the United States and its Constitution, in order to be continually re-elected. Many democrats even want American troops killed by releasing photographs. How many of you could honestly say, "We pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor"? None? One? Two?

Your reaction to the general shows several things. First is your abysmal ignorance of all things military. Your treatment of the general shows you to be an elitist of the worst kind. When the general entered the military (as most of us who served) he wrote the government a blank check, offering his life to protect your derriere, now safely and comfortably ensconced in a 20 thousand dollar leather chair, paid for by the general's taxes. You repaid him for this by humiliating him in front of millions.

Second is your puerile character, lack of sophistication, and arrogance which borders on the hubristic. This display of brattish behavior shows you to be a virago, termagant, harridan, nag, scold or shrew, unfit for your position, regardless of the support of the unwashed, uneducated masses who have made California into the laughing stock of the nation.

What I am writing, Senator, are the same thoughts countless millions of Americans have toward Congress, but who lack the energy, ability or time to convey them. Under the democrats, some don't even have the 44 cents to buy the stamp. Regardless of their thoughts, most realize that politicians are pretty much the same, and will vote for the one who will bring home the most bacon, even if they do consider how corrupt that person is. Lord Acton (1834 - 1902) so aptly charged, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Unbeknownst to you and your colleagues, "Mr. Power" has had his way with all of you, and we are all the worse for it.

Finally Senator, I, too, have a title. It is "Right Wing Extremist Potential Terrorist Threat." It is not of my choosing, but was given to me by your Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. And you were offended by "ma'am"?

Have a fine day. Cheers!
Jim Hill

16808 - 103rd Avenue Court East
South Hill, WA 98374

Please circulate this to remind every voter that the "cesspools" MUST be pumped out when we go to the polls in November, 2010. Honoring and respecting the voters is a thing of the past for many of those in our congress and senate.We need to vote their arrogant, self-serving rears
out of office if America is to get on the long road back from the devastation that these self -serving cowards have brought upon us!

No Treat from Barack Obama?

2009-08-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

Just a quick clip - I saw this on Glenn Beck's site and found it chuckle-worthy:

Apparently the dog isn't a Democrat. Smart doggie.

More MSNBC Goodness: "Socialist" = Conservative Codeword for N-Word?

2009-08-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here's some more scintillating food for thought from our good friends at MSNBC:

Okay, let me get this right: referring to Obama et. al. as "socialists" is on par with people on the Left calling Obama critics "right-wing nutjobs."

So now it's a "generic Conservative bludgeoning tool" to refer to someone as a "socialist," or one who believes in socialist policies?

Let's have a little refresher as to what constitutes socialism:

Socialism refers to various theories of economic organization advocating state, public or common worker (through cooperatives) ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and a society characterized by equal access to resources for all individuals with an egalitarian method of compensation...

Socialists mainly share the belief that capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital, creates an unequal society, does not provide equal opportunities for everyone to maximize their potentialities and does not utilize technology and resources to their maximum potential nor in the interests of the public. Therefore socialists advocate the creation of a society that allows for the widespread application of modern technology to rationalize the economy by eliminating the anarchy in production of capitalism, allowing for wealth and power to be distributed more evenly based on the amount
of work expended in production, although there is considerable disagreement among socialists over how and to what extent this could be achieved....

Economically, socialism denotes an economic system of state ownership and/or worker ownership of the means of production and distribution.

Nah, that doesn't sound like what Obama's doing at all. Slapping someone whose policies promote increased state ownership of industry (Government Motors, anyone? Banking bailouts? Government-run health care?) with the label "socialist" is definitely name-calling. It MUST be a codeword for... that one word that starts with N and rhymes with Tigger. There's no way I'll type that one out.

I mean, how on earth could we possibly come up with such a crazy idea that Obama's a Socialist?!

Oh yeah. Because we're racist right-wing nutjobs.

PS: I think Winston Churchill had it right when he said:

...socialist policy is abhorrent to the British ideas of freedom. Socialism is inseparably interwoven with totalitarianism and the object worship of the state. It will prescribe for every one where they are to work, what they are to work at, where they may go and what they may say. Socialism is an attack on the right to breathe freely. No socialist system can be established without a political police. They would have to fall back on some form of Gestapo, no doubt very humanely directed in the first instance.

MSNBC Edits Clip to Play the Race Card - Shocker, I Know

2009-08-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Talk about a complete lack of journalistic integrity! As posted on Hot Air, MSNBC did a segment earlier this week about a man wearing a semi-automatic rifle and a pistol outside of where Obama was speaking to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Phoenix.

Now, as you watch the clip, listen closely to how the journalist race-baits the situation - she doesn't specify the race of the armed man, but she then goes on to talk about angry white people showing up armed to events with the black president. The entire discussion into which these three get into centers on race - basically invalidating the opinions of those who disagree with or dislike Obama as being racists (since racists' voices don't matter, of course, right?).

Well, funny how if you look at the AZCentral.com photo of the gunman, you'll notice why the racist accusations don't work:

HE'S BLACK.

Hmmmm... a black man who disagrees with a (half-)black president's policies. Yep, yep, racist indeed.

If you notice, MSNBC's footage never shows the armed man's skin. That took some careful framing of the shot by the videographer. There's a chance that he wasn't purposefully trying to mislead viewers... but let's be honest - that chance is pretty slim.

I'd like to say this is unbelievable... but we're talking about an NBC outlet here. They seem to be so in bed with the Obama administration, I wouldn't trust their spin on anything! (And not to nitpick here, but it was John Hinckley - not Mark - who tried to assassinate Reagan. Come on, people - you call yourselves journalists?!)

Once again, it goes back to the Saul Alinsky handbook - in Rules for Radicals, Alinsky's Rule No. 12 says:

Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it and polarize it. Cut off the support network and isolate the target from sympathy. Go after people and not institutions; people hurt faster than institutions. (This is cruel, but very effective. Direct, personalized criticism and ridicule works.)

Huh. Alinsky was the father of community organizing. Obama started his career as a community organizer and was heavily influenced by Alinsky. Funny how all the anti-Obama critics get labeled and written off as right-wing whack jobs and racists. After all, how could their arguments have any merit, right?

(And for the record - I don't necessarily promote carrying a gun to a rally. That's just bound to incite anger. But it is that man's Second Amendment right to bear arms.)

"I Have Faith in America"

2009-08-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

I'm currently in the middle of reading The 5,000 Year Leap (a MUST-READ if I've read one!), and today's lunch break was spent reading about the Founding ideas behind abolishing an abusive government. Oh, that John Locke was a smart man.

Well, I got back to my cubicle feeling all feisty and wondering how to save our system - after all, I don't think it's the form of government that's our problem. It's the people in it.

"How do you know a politician's lying?"

"If his lips are moving."

Anyways, a dear friend must have been inspired to send this my way, because it was sitting in my inbox:

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world.

"Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won't fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges. I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through." -- Spencer W. Kimball, 12th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Ye Are the Light of the World, 350-51)

Well, I don't know about you, but this was a great reminder to me. This country was founded on correct principles by wise men raised up to the task. The more we study those ideas and ideals, and the more we discuss them and return to our ideological roots as a people, the better off we will be. We're off track, yes, but I don't think we're beyond hope, my friends.

Obama Gaffe: USPS-Gate?

2009-08-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

While speaking in town halls last week, Obama compared government-run healthcare to United States Postal Service competing with FedEx and UPS - insulting USPS as being the one always having problems. (How he thought this would actually help his argument for a government-run option, I'll never know.)

Well, apparently USPS didn't appreciate being disparaged as the lesser of the three - check out this letter from the National Association of Postal Supervisors:

With all of these efforts underway within the Postal Service community, it was a kick to the chest to have you take a shot at a group of federal employees who are working hard every day to support this country.

Employees of the Postal Service are largely represented by unions and management associations, all of whom strongly supported your candidacy last year. For our support we do not expect any special consideration. However, we would like to be treated fairly and not have our current situation misrepresented, especially by the Commander-in-Chief.

Oh snap.

Meanwhile, at a town hall meeting in Grand Junction, Colo., on Saturday, Obama's toughest question came from college student Zach Lahn:

I like Lahn's comment about how if you can't ride a bike, don't get on the motorcycle. If Medicare and the government-run health care for veterans were shining examples of success, then I might not be so critical. But they're not successful. They need improvement, and they need it badly - so let's get those fine tuned before we try taking on health care for the entire country.

If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say...

2009-08-18T09:26:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't remember that classic scene in Bambi where Thumper's mom reminds him of some priceless wisdom:

"If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all."
--Thumper, from Disney's Bambi

Well, apparently this is a lesson that's getting lost in the heat of today's political debates - namely that surrounding Pres. Obama's healthcare proposal. I read a great piece on Examiner.com that eloquently makes this point - I don't want to steal his thunder too much, so I definitely recommend reading it.

Meanwhile, I do have to wonder at political leaders who mock citizens standing up for their rights (many for the first time) and call them "Astroturf" demonstrators - especially when they lauded demonstrators who stood up against the Bush administration. How do they do this with a straight face?! I love, love, love this clip by Glenn Beck - it's a little long, but PLEASE, take the time to watch it and to see what the media and the Obama administration are saying about you, how they're trying to shut up the protests of those who disagree with their plan. It's wrong and downright unAmerican!

The Government Way of Getting Things Done

2009-08-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, this video is a little cheesy - but it makes a good point. If the government goes in to "help" an industry, often they seem to do what's counter-intuitive and simply make a mess! The California Legislature is particularly adept at it (bless their hearts!) - as the video points out, they would rather divert water to the tiny little Delta smelt fish instead of sending it to farmers in the Central Valley, which produces much of the produce for the country. Apparently a tiny fish has more value to them than the farmers whose livelihood depends on water rights and to the people of this state who will have to pay more and more for food as it becomes scarce due to farmland drying up into dust. Does that make sense to you? It sure doesn't to me!

Which is why the Tea Party Patriots of California have planned a March on Sacramento for Aug. 28. If you can, go make your voice heard!

FROM THE SAC 828 BLOG:
MARCH ON SACRAMENTO 8.28.09
There is no political affiliation associated with the March on Sacramento 8.28.09.

This is the residents of California: business owners AND workers, taxpayers AND consumers, demanding economically sound, environmentally sensible solutions rather than impossible politically-driven regulations.

We won’t be distracted by politicians who attempt to “divide and conquer”…we are resolved to remain united and and strong.

We don’t have to agree on EVERYTHING, but we agree on this.

All other issues aside, we are marching together in Sacramento to protest business-and-job-killing, price-and-tax-raising policies that originate in our Capitol under the guise of “protecting the environment.”

Check out more information at Sac 828 Blog

Defining the curl... -ly-haired conservative

2009-08-17T20:59:00.001-07:00

Thanks to these lovely things called genetics, I have curly hair. Really, really curly hair. While some people find this enchanting or enviable, I find it just plain annoying. I have fought my curls tooth and nail for the better part of the last 10-plus years, at times spending upwards of an hour to straighten my locks and one-up the curse of nature.

Or, at least, I used to.

Then the 2008 elections came up, and before I knew it, I was busier than a one-armed paperhanger, trying to keep up with all of the breaking news and then get the info disseminated on my marriage blog.

And suddenly I couldn't fathom spending upwards of an hour on something as trivial as my hair. Suddenly perspective crept in, and my priorities realigned. Suddenly something so superficial really didn't matter - and instead of fighting the curl, I embraced it.

Now here I am, almost a year later, and I can proudly say that with few exceptions, I've accepted my curls. When I'm in a humidity-free zone I put that flat iron to work (because, after all, it takes less time and effort there), but for the most part, I'm learning to use what I've got and to make the most of it.

And that goes beyond just hair - I didn't spend years acquiring knowledge of our country's Founding, a passion for newsgathering and a (sometimes oblivious) lack of a filter in making my voice heard for nothing, right? As a wise woman once told me, if you've got it, flaunt it.

The (Re)birth of a Patriot

2009-08-17T15:51:00.001-07:00

Photo: Pam Roth by way of stephen.moore on Flickr

My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of Liberty,
To thee I sing;
Land where my Fathers died,
Land of the Pilgrims' pride.
From every mountainside -
Let Freedom Ring!

For as long as I can remember, I have passionately and wholeheartedly loved my country. From childhood memories of singing about the Constitution (thanks to some well-meaning person from church who gifted me a cassette tape and book combo about the Founding - bet they didn't realize what seeds they were planting!) to my college years spent studying and teaching the American Founding and other aspects of our nation's character as both an American Studies major and an American history TA, America has been near and dear to my heart.

But as much as I love my country, life sure can be distracting. I graduated from college and jumped straight into a career in journalism, and at 22 my focus was more on working hard and playing harder than it was on my civic duty. I loved America, sure - but for a journalist, I was abysmally out of the loop as to what was happening in the news beyond the Orange Curtain. And, I'm ashamed to admit, that wasn't new, either. I think I was more informed as a middle-schooler banished to the nearby college campus to study until 6 p.m. (during which time I read TIME, Newsweek and the like after doing my homework) than I was in high school, college or beyond.

Until now.

Last fall, leading up to the 2008 election season, I got more involved politically than I had ever been before. Where I had been happy enough before to gather news nuggets from my almost-too-informed parents and to rely on their judgment calls, it was no longer enough. I started reading. And reading. And reading. Through the election much of my energy was funneled into helping Prop. 8 pass in California, but my interest in politics and what was happening in the world around me quickly grew beyond defending the traditional family.

The fire of patriotism and of action for our country was fanned into a conflagration, and before I knew it, all I could talk about was politics! It's as if a sleeping giant had been awakened, and I couldn't stop. The scales of complacency had fallen from my eyes, and I realized that this amazing Republic about which I had read and studied and revered my entire life was suddenly dangling by a thread, on the brink of becoming altered beyond recognition.

Yes, I know that it wasn't really a sudden change - nay, the seeds of the situation before us began ages ago. Some peg it on the radicals of the 1960s; others blame FDR and all of his New Deal programs that expanded big government like never before (and actually may have prolonged the Great Depression). Yet others take it back to before immigration reforms in the 1920s which sought to stave off a new kind of immigrant, one with radical philosophical leanings based in European socialism and Russian Communism instead of in the American values of liberty, self-reliance and faith in God. Let's not forget Woodrow Wilson's progressivism, either. Heck, I recently heard someone trace the roots of where we are today all the way back to the 1880s!

Well, it's like Billy Joel said in his epic "We Didn't Start the Fire" - we didn't start the fire, sure, but that's irrelevant at this point, really. We need to collectively take a stand and start to fight it, to maintain what ground (Conservative principles, religious freedoms, capitalism, etc.) we can.

And that's why I'm starting this blog. Posting links on Facebook is no longer enough for me. Besides alienating my liberal friends aplenty on there, it doesn't give me enough of a sandbox and creative space to express my thoughts and share my learning on this journey back to the principles that make this nation great (and to exposing all of the lies and the hypocrisy out there that the mainstream - or, shall I say, mainly marginalized - media isn't going to make known). I hope that you'll enjoy joining me in this journey and helping me fight for what's truly amazing about this country, to fight for the phenomenal principles upon which we were founded so long ago which empowered America to make what Cleon Skousen calls a "5,000-year leap."

More on that later. For now, let me just say that I echo the clip before - I'm mad as... well... That Hot Place - and I'm not going to take it anymore!