I have long held an interest in the inequality of women across the world. It is tragic to me that so many women are in poverty (in fact, most people globally living in poverty are women) and are denied rights at the hands of men. I thought this was a thoughtful article on the subject. Here is an excerpt. Click on the text below to read the entire article:
The good news for those who want to continue the fight for women is that there is plenty of work left to do — abroad.
The plight of women in other countries is not only dire, it’s central to global poverty and the war on terrorism. Jihadism is largely a male problem. This shouldn’t be a surprise, given that jihadis commit mass murder in pursuit of a virgin bonus in the afterlife.
Islamist extremism and oppression of women go hand in hand. And while the correlation between poverty and terrorism is often overstated, the correlation between prosperity and women’s liberation is profound. Female education is tightly linked with GDP growth, lower birthrates, and even higher agricultural yields.
It’s also tightly linked with human freedom and decency, which is why no Islamic “spring” is possible without a feminist revolution. Countless Islamist countries practice gender apartheid and countenance wife-beating, honor killings, and female genital mutilation. Islamist radicals have thrown acid in the faces of young girls for trying to go to school.
In Turkey, long the crown jewel of secular, modern, and moderate Islam, the murder rate of women has gone up 1,400 percent since the country lurched toward Islamism, notes my American Enterprise Institute colleague Michael Rubin. In Egypt, those who hoped for a secular and democratic revolution are dismayed by the army’s burgeoning partnership with the Muslim Brotherhood and reports that the military forced “virginity tests” on female protesters taken from Tahrir Square.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Trump should make this fun
So, Donald Trump is running for President? Well, I like it. Do I think he should be President? Not necessarily. But, a guy that says it like it is will sure make the debate much more interesting. And, I think the other candidates will be forced to react to his strong message, which is good. No weaklings this time, please.
Also, he has a lot of popular appeal which will make this election cycle more interesting to those who tend not to be as involved.
So, go Trump! The next year and a half should be very interesting, if not entertaining, to watch!
Also, he has a lot of popular appeal which will make this election cycle more interesting to those who tend not to be as involved.
So, go Trump! The next year and a half should be very interesting, if not entertaining, to watch!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Great Job, Sarah Palin
Every time I think to myself, "wouldn't it be nice if we could just focus on issues?" I am jolted back into reality as I see those whose full-time jobs is to produce nothing of importance, but simply to criticize those who do. These people make up a well-organized and well-funded opposition who work tirelessly to riducule, mock, and tear down conservatism in the US. This is not their past-time or hobby. This is all-out war. They are at war with conservatism and will not rest until the entire nation is undesputedly liberal.
I appreciated Sarah Palin's comments on her Facebook page recenlty where she addressed this. Here are excerpts:
Upon my return from an outstanding and productive trip to India and Israel, I’ve been inundated with requests to respond to petty comments made in the media the past few days, including one little fella’s comment which decent people would find degrading. (I won’t bother responding to it though, because it was made by he who reminds me of an annoying little mosquito found zipped up in your tent; he can’t do any harm, but buzzes around annoyingly until it’s time to give him the proverbial slap.)
I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I’d like to share my thoughts on the never-ending issue of media bias.
When it comes to responding to the media, the standard warning is: Don’t pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel because calling out the media and holding them accountable is a risky endeavor. Too often the first instinct is to ignore blatant media bias, crudeness, and outright lies, and just hope the media instigator will grow up and provide fairer coverage if you bite your tongue and not challenge the false reporting of an openly hostile press. But I’ve never bought into that. That’s waving the white flag. I just can’t do it because I have too much respect for the importance of a free press as a cornerstone of our democracy, and I have great respect for the men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much to defend that First Amendment right. Media, with freedom comes responsibility.
Friends, too often conservatives or Republicans in general come across as having the fighting instinct of sheep. I don’t. I was raised to believe that you don’t retreat when you’re on solid ground; so even though it often seems like I’m armed with just a few stones and a sling against a media giant, I’ll use those small resources to do what I can to set the record straight. The truth is always worth fighting for...
But two decades in politics have taught me that when it comes to picking battles, often it’s best to ignore the truly petty, ugly personal media shots because engaging in a counter argument with disreputable, intolerant people doesn’t vindicate me; it merely gives those people the attention they seek. It wastes my time and it distracts from what we should focus on.
We must always remember the big picture. The media has always been biased. Conservatives – and especially conservative women – have always been held to a different standard and attacked. This is nothing new...
Let’s just acknowledge that commonsense conservatives must be stronger and work that much harder because of the obvious bias. And let’s be encouraged with a sense of poetic justice by knowing that the “mainstream” media isn’t mainstream anymore. That’s why I call it “lamestream,” and the LSM is becoming quite irrelevant, as it is no longer the sole gatekeeper of information.
Let’s keep pivoting around media bias, and not get distracted with the vulgar personal shots. Even with limited time we can try to call out lies and set the record straight, but always keep the ball moving. No one ever won a game only playing defense.
I’ll keep correcting false reporting, and I’ll defend others to the hilt; but I won’t spend any more precious, limited time responding to personal, vulgar, sexist venom spewed my way...
Petty comments from the small-minded are used to distract. Stay focused, America. Don’t wave any white flag. Simply put, let’s spend our precious time on causes that are worthy.
I appreciated Sarah Palin's comments on her Facebook page recenlty where she addressed this. Here are excerpts:
Upon my return from an outstanding and productive trip to India and Israel, I’ve been inundated with requests to respond to petty comments made in the media the past few days, including one little fella’s comment which decent people would find degrading. (I won’t bother responding to it though, because it was made by he who reminds me of an annoying little mosquito found zipped up in your tent; he can’t do any harm, but buzzes around annoyingly until it’s time to give him the proverbial slap.)
I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I’d like to share my thoughts on the never-ending issue of media bias.
When it comes to responding to the media, the standard warning is: Don’t pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel because calling out the media and holding them accountable is a risky endeavor. Too often the first instinct is to ignore blatant media bias, crudeness, and outright lies, and just hope the media instigator will grow up and provide fairer coverage if you bite your tongue and not challenge the false reporting of an openly hostile press. But I’ve never bought into that. That’s waving the white flag. I just can’t do it because I have too much respect for the importance of a free press as a cornerstone of our democracy, and I have great respect for the men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much to defend that First Amendment right. Media, with freedom comes responsibility.
Friends, too often conservatives or Republicans in general come across as having the fighting instinct of sheep. I don’t. I was raised to believe that you don’t retreat when you’re on solid ground; so even though it often seems like I’m armed with just a few stones and a sling against a media giant, I’ll use those small resources to do what I can to set the record straight. The truth is always worth fighting for...
But two decades in politics have taught me that when it comes to picking battles, often it’s best to ignore the truly petty, ugly personal media shots because engaging in a counter argument with disreputable, intolerant people doesn’t vindicate me; it merely gives those people the attention they seek. It wastes my time and it distracts from what we should focus on.
We must always remember the big picture. The media has always been biased. Conservatives – and especially conservative women – have always been held to a different standard and attacked. This is nothing new...
Let’s just acknowledge that commonsense conservatives must be stronger and work that much harder because of the obvious bias. And let’s be encouraged with a sense of poetic justice by knowing that the “mainstream” media isn’t mainstream anymore. That’s why I call it “lamestream,” and the LSM is becoming quite irrelevant, as it is no longer the sole gatekeeper of information.
Let’s keep pivoting around media bias, and not get distracted with the vulgar personal shots. Even with limited time we can try to call out lies and set the record straight, but always keep the ball moving. No one ever won a game only playing defense.
I’ll keep correcting false reporting, and I’ll defend others to the hilt; but I won’t spend any more precious, limited time responding to personal, vulgar, sexist venom spewed my way...
Petty comments from the small-minded are used to distract. Stay focused, America. Don’t wave any white flag. Simply put, let’s spend our precious time on causes that are worthy.
Media Matters Is Dispicable
The George Soros-funded organization has decided to wage war on Fox News. It will be focusing all of its attention on sabotaging Fox. Fox is the highest-rated news channel and has provided a medium to counter the likes of MSNBC on the far left and those who claim to be in the middle, but actually are left of center (CNN, ABCNews, etc).
So, Media Matters decided that all of the media should left of center, I guess, and have decided to focus all resources on destroying Fox News. Arcording to reports, they are:
-Doing "opposition" research on Fox's top executives
-Going after Fox's advertisers
-Assembling a legal team to support litigation against Fox, wherever it may come from
-Hiring "reporters" to research and publish a book "expose" on Fox operations
-Hiring a team to influence regulators against the network here and abroad
-Going after shareholders
-Going after Ruport Murdoch's other financial interests
“We made a list of every single person who works for Fox and tried to figure out who might be disgruntled and why, and we went out to try to meet them,” he said. “Clearly, somebody in that organization is giving us primary source documents.”
Media Matters, he said, is also conducting “opposition research” on a dozen or so “mid- and senior-level execs and producers,” a campaign style move that he and Brock said would simply involve recording their public appearances and digging into public records associated with them."
Isn't this illegal? Of course, I'm sure Obama is thrilled.
So, Media Matters decided that all of the media should left of center, I guess, and have decided to focus all resources on destroying Fox News. Arcording to reports, they are:
-Doing "opposition" research on Fox's top executives
-Going after Fox's advertisers
-Assembling a legal team to support litigation against Fox, wherever it may come from
-Hiring "reporters" to research and publish a book "expose" on Fox operations
-Hiring a team to influence regulators against the network here and abroad
-Going after shareholders
-Going after Ruport Murdoch's other financial interests
“We made a list of every single person who works for Fox and tried to figure out who might be disgruntled and why, and we went out to try to meet them,” he said. “Clearly, somebody in that organization is giving us primary source documents.”
Media Matters, he said, is also conducting “opposition research” on a dozen or so “mid- and senior-level execs and producers,” a campaign style move that he and Brock said would simply involve recording their public appearances and digging into public records associated with them."
Isn't this illegal? Of course, I'm sure Obama is thrilled.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Great Leadership Series - Brigham Young
Brigham Young served many roles in his 76 years, including "colonizer, territorial governor, and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (source). He has been called the "American Moses" as he led thousands of people across the country into unsettled territory. Under Brigham Young's direction, thousands of people were able to safely cross the rough terrain into the Rocky Mountains. This required vision and fortitude. According to his biography, "within ten years, nearly 100 colonies had been planted; by 1867, more than 200; and by the time of his death in 1877, nearly 400 colonies. Clearly, he was one of America's greatest colonizers."
Brigham Young's "practical decision making," attention to details, and conviction have been identified as some of his strongest attributes.
"Learn to be good for something." - Brigham Young
Brigham Young's "practical decision making," attention to details, and conviction have been identified as some of his strongest attributes.
"Learn to be good for something." - Brigham Young
Monday, March 21, 2011
Voting Present
When Obama was in the state senate of Illinois, he voted "present" 129 times (source). Recently, it appears Obama is taking the same tactic, traveling to Rio and playing golf when the world is experiencing difficulties in Japan and Lybia, to name a few.
A recent article on the Wall Street Journal vocalized what many Americans are observing. "One knock on Barack Obama in the 2008 election was his record as an Illinois state senator, where he repeatedly ducked tough issues by voting "present." It seems old habits die hard.
If you'd like to know where the leader of the free world stands on those NCAA rankings, just turn on ESPN. ("I think Kansas has more firepower," he explained as he filled out his bracket.) Wondering what the commander in chief thinks about gun laws? Don't worry—he's in favor of those already on the books, according to a recent op-ed.
If, however, you are curious about where the most powerful man in the universe stands on Libya, radiation, a possible government shutdown, the future of Social Security, or rising oil prices, don't look to the White House. Those issues are tough. Those issues risk mistakes. Those issues might mean unhappy voters. And right now, it's approval ratings the White House cares about."
Later in the article, the author writes, "The Americans who voted in 2008 didn't vote "present." They voted for a leader." Perhaps if Obama supporters had voted "present," we wouldn't be in the mess we are now.
A recent article on the Wall Street Journal vocalized what many Americans are observing. "One knock on Barack Obama in the 2008 election was his record as an Illinois state senator, where he repeatedly ducked tough issues by voting "present." It seems old habits die hard.
If you'd like to know where the leader of the free world stands on those NCAA rankings, just turn on ESPN. ("I think Kansas has more firepower," he explained as he filled out his bracket.) Wondering what the commander in chief thinks about gun laws? Don't worry—he's in favor of those already on the books, according to a recent op-ed.
If, however, you are curious about where the most powerful man in the universe stands on Libya, radiation, a possible government shutdown, the future of Social Security, or rising oil prices, don't look to the White House. Those issues are tough. Those issues risk mistakes. Those issues might mean unhappy voters. And right now, it's approval ratings the White House cares about."
Later in the article, the author writes, "The Americans who voted in 2008 didn't vote "present." They voted for a leader." Perhaps if Obama supporters had voted "present," we wouldn't be in the mess we are now.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Great Leadership Series - Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher is one of the most influential women in politics in modern times. According to her biography, "born in October 1925 at Grantham, a small market town in eastern England, she rose to become the first (and for two decades the only) woman to lead a major Western democracy. She won three successive General Elections and served as British Prime Minister for more than eleven years (1979-90), a record unmatched in the twentieth century."
"Margaret Thatcher became one of the founders, with Ronald Reagan, of a school of conservative conviction politics, which has had a powerful and enduring impact on politics in Britain and the United States and earned her a higher international profile than any British politician since Winston Churchill."
During her lifetime, she worked to revitalize the British economy, strengthened foreign ties, and demonstrated what a difference a strong woman with a passion for her country and people can accomplish. She is known for her ability to be dedicated, plain-spoken, and knowledgeable of the intricacies of world politics.
One of the major accomplishments of her administration was partnering with Ronald Reagan to bring down communism. The Washington Times describes this as her legacy. In fact, it is impossible to discuss President Reagan's successes without mentioning his relationship with Prime Minister Thatcher. In his article for the Telegraph, John O'Sullivan stated, "Ronald Reagan's last official act as President of the United States on January 11, 1989 was to sign a letter of thanks and appreciation to Margaret Thatcher, then beginning her last two years in Downing Street. That letter marked the end of a great political partnership - one as important historically as the wartime alliance between Churchill and Roosevelt but arguably both warmer and more successful."
For a detailed description of her contribution to Britain and the world, visit http://www.margaretthatcher.org/.
"A man may climb Everest for himself, but at the summit he plants his country’s flag." - Margaret Thatcher
"Margaret Thatcher became one of the founders, with Ronald Reagan, of a school of conservative conviction politics, which has had a powerful and enduring impact on politics in Britain and the United States and earned her a higher international profile than any British politician since Winston Churchill."
During her lifetime, she worked to revitalize the British economy, strengthened foreign ties, and demonstrated what a difference a strong woman with a passion for her country and people can accomplish. She is known for her ability to be dedicated, plain-spoken, and knowledgeable of the intricacies of world politics.
One of the major accomplishments of her administration was partnering with Ronald Reagan to bring down communism. The Washington Times describes this as her legacy. In fact, it is impossible to discuss President Reagan's successes without mentioning his relationship with Prime Minister Thatcher. In his article for the Telegraph, John O'Sullivan stated, "Ronald Reagan's last official act as President of the United States on January 11, 1989 was to sign a letter of thanks and appreciation to Margaret Thatcher, then beginning her last two years in Downing Street. That letter marked the end of a great political partnership - one as important historically as the wartime alliance between Churchill and Roosevelt but arguably both warmer and more successful."
For a detailed description of her contribution to Britain and the world, visit http://www.margaretthatcher.org/.
"A man may climb Everest for himself, but at the summit he plants his country’s flag." - Margaret Thatcher
Saving Lives
According to the Center for Diseases Control & Prevention (CDC), the leading causes of deathin the US are heart disease: 616,067, cancer: 562,875, stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 135,952, chronic lower respiratory diseases: 127,924, and accidents (unintentional injuries): 123,706 (stats as of 2007; click here for source).
The CDC left off the leading cause of death. Approximately 1.3 million children are killed each year in the United States through abortion (click here for source). 1.3 million. 1.3 MILLION! That is more people that we lost in WWI, WWII, and the current wars in Iraq and Afganistan (source). 1.3 million. Total abortions since 1973: 52,000,000 (source).
One organization is making a difference. Heroic Media is a "faith-based non-profit that reduces abortion by creating a Culture of Life through television, billboard and internet advertising which connects women in crisis with life-affirming pregnancy centers." I appreciate that Heroic Media helps women identify alternatives for themselves and their child. In the areas that Heroic Media has run ads, abortion rates drop by 20%. 20%! What a great start. If you want to know how to help, click here. If you believe in the right to life, this is a great cause to support. If you believe in the right to choice, giving women healthy options should be included in your mission to help women make informed decisions. That includes the option to choose life.
Thank you Heroic Media for your efforts.
The CDC left off the leading cause of death. Approximately 1.3 million children are killed each year in the United States through abortion (click here for source). 1.3 million. 1.3 MILLION! That is more people that we lost in WWI, WWII, and the current wars in Iraq and Afganistan (source). 1.3 million. Total abortions since 1973: 52,000,000 (source).
One organization is making a difference. Heroic Media is a "faith-based non-profit that reduces abortion by creating a Culture of Life through television, billboard and internet advertising which connects women in crisis with life-affirming pregnancy centers." I appreciate that Heroic Media helps women identify alternatives for themselves and their child. In the areas that Heroic Media has run ads, abortion rates drop by 20%. 20%! What a great start. If you want to know how to help, click here. If you believe in the right to life, this is a great cause to support. If you believe in the right to choice, giving women healthy options should be included in your mission to help women make informed decisions. That includes the option to choose life.
Thank you Heroic Media for your efforts.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Um, Obama, Do You Remember That You Are The President?
I don't really golf, but that's okay since President Obama is golfing enough for everyone. Does he ever work? This used to be a minor concern and now I am really starting to wonder, since we are in the middle of multiple sensitive and tragic international crises and our President seems to barely be paying attention.
New Gingrich expressed it well on Sean Hannity today:
HANNITY: Well, first of all, let's start with Japan, which, you know, we're watching all of this. You know, he was out playing golf and the tsunami hadn't even receded at the time on Saturday. He's taking time for brackets. He's meeting, you know, all about St. Patrick's Day today -- your reaction?
GINGRICH: Well, I think what is increasing clear that we have a spectator in chief instead of a commander in chief. And I think each situation is very different. But the way in which -- remember, this is in a background still of terrible economic news. It's in a background of rising gasoline prices. It's in a background where the deficit is enormous and he's showing no leadership on the budget. It is maybe the most passive and out of touch presidency in modern American history. He makes Jimmy Carter's micromanaging the tennis courts at the White House look tiny compared to the degree to which he's avoiding doing his job right now. And I think you have to go sort of item by item.
On Japan, we ought to have a scientific commission made up of nuclear physicists and nuclear engineers -- not politicians, not people who already have a predisposed opinion -- but real experts to start digging into what has happened, what is happening, what are the implications for American policy. I think that's a very important first step. We've obviously indicated we will do all we can to help the Japanese and we should. I've talked to a number of people who are close to the American military who realize we have considerable military assets and personnel taking some real risks to try to help the Japanese. It is a tremendous tragedy. And all of us should I think keep the Japanese in our prayers, this is the worst crisis they've had since World War II. And we don't know yet how bad this whole thing is going to be. It's an enormous crisis.
HANNITY: Well, but I'll just want to put -- he is taking a trip, another vacation to Rio. He has played golf 61 times. He played the last two Saturdays. He's filling out his brackets and making a big deal about this. The only thing on his agenda today was meeting with people from Ireland and that one quick comment that he made, fundraisers that he's been too. And you are talking about that he should have immediately set up a commission of some of the best, brightest, smartest nuclear minds and engineers in the country and help the Japanese out, but he didn't do it.
New Gingrich expressed it well on Sean Hannity today:
HANNITY: Well, first of all, let's start with Japan, which, you know, we're watching all of this. You know, he was out playing golf and the tsunami hadn't even receded at the time on Saturday. He's taking time for brackets. He's meeting, you know, all about St. Patrick's Day today -- your reaction?
GINGRICH: Well, I think what is increasing clear that we have a spectator in chief instead of a commander in chief. And I think each situation is very different. But the way in which -- remember, this is in a background still of terrible economic news. It's in a background of rising gasoline prices. It's in a background where the deficit is enormous and he's showing no leadership on the budget. It is maybe the most passive and out of touch presidency in modern American history. He makes Jimmy Carter's micromanaging the tennis courts at the White House look tiny compared to the degree to which he's avoiding doing his job right now. And I think you have to go sort of item by item.
On Japan, we ought to have a scientific commission made up of nuclear physicists and nuclear engineers -- not politicians, not people who already have a predisposed opinion -- but real experts to start digging into what has happened, what is happening, what are the implications for American policy. I think that's a very important first step. We've obviously indicated we will do all we can to help the Japanese and we should. I've talked to a number of people who are close to the American military who realize we have considerable military assets and personnel taking some real risks to try to help the Japanese. It is a tremendous tragedy. And all of us should I think keep the Japanese in our prayers, this is the worst crisis they've had since World War II. And we don't know yet how bad this whole thing is going to be. It's an enormous crisis.
HANNITY: Well, but I'll just want to put -- he is taking a trip, another vacation to Rio. He has played golf 61 times. He played the last two Saturdays. He's filling out his brackets and making a big deal about this. The only thing on his agenda today was meeting with people from Ireland and that one quick comment that he made, fundraisers that he's been too. And you are talking about that he should have immediately set up a commission of some of the best, brightest, smartest nuclear minds and engineers in the country and help the Japanese out, but he didn't do it.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
We Must Stand Up
Today is one of those days where I am reminded why I have such a drive for topics covered in this blog. My interest in politics and culture is not just a hobby. I feel strongly that I have an accountability to the direction of the government and of society. I cannot sit here and watch people who laugh at my value system dictate the discourse of this country. I know that I don't have much influence, but I do what I can, and I have passion. My vote, this little blog, my support of candidates, attending Tea Party and Republican events when possible, and staying informed is what I have to offer. If I had tons of money and didn't need to work, I would dedicate much more time to supporting these causes - such as helping people understand the tragedy of abortion, that freedom means a small government, that the only way that capitalism works is with a Judeo-Christian frame (as I heard Pastor Stephen Broden say one time at a rally - great man), that families are the central unit of society, that conservative women do have a place in politics and in the world, that individuals can make a difference, that more welfare is bondage and what people need is the decency of a job in a robust economy that encourages organic growth (without excessive government intervention), that anybody can crawl their way out of whatever situation they were handed in life and succeed because that's the kind of country we live in, and that it isn't the government's job to fix every problem we face. These are not naive statements but real truths that we have fundamentally drifted away from. We have a world headed toward a dismal reality concocted by those that think they know what is better for everyone else.
What brought all of this up, you ask? I read this article about some of the decisions made by courts in Great Britain that has me scared out of my mind. It should scare you, too. It should scare all of us into action. We do not want to go down this path and yet we already are well on our way. We have judges legislating from the bench on gay marriage, we have decades of abortions due to Roe v. Wade where Christians and others who oppose abortion are vilified for daring to consider the life of the child, we have court cases across the country demanding that crosses and other references to God be stripped from public places, we have outrage when high-school students want to begin a football game with a prayer and the list goes on and on. So much of the public discourse is being driven by those who aim to shatter our fundamental value system.
I and those like me are more and more being marginalized into a caricature, a symbol to be laughed at, hated, despised, ostracized into an irrelevant existence. Television, radio, magazines, newspapers and movies take those who aren't paying attention down a path of moral irrelevance.
We have to stand up and not be afraid to be who we are. It is only going to get more and more difficult, but this is what we have to do.
What brought all of this up, you ask? I read this article about some of the decisions made by courts in Great Britain that has me scared out of my mind. It should scare you, too. It should scare all of us into action. We do not want to go down this path and yet we already are well on our way. We have judges legislating from the bench on gay marriage, we have decades of abortions due to Roe v. Wade where Christians and others who oppose abortion are vilified for daring to consider the life of the child, we have court cases across the country demanding that crosses and other references to God be stripped from public places, we have outrage when high-school students want to begin a football game with a prayer and the list goes on and on. So much of the public discourse is being driven by those who aim to shatter our fundamental value system.
I and those like me are more and more being marginalized into a caricature, a symbol to be laughed at, hated, despised, ostracized into an irrelevant existence. Television, radio, magazines, newspapers and movies take those who aren't paying attention down a path of moral irrelevance.
We have to stand up and not be afraid to be who we are. It is only going to get more and more difficult, but this is what we have to do.
Funny Video
Sometimes you've got to laugh. Ann Coulter sent this out today via Twitter. It definitely got me to chuckle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrmtF1trv50
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrmtF1trv50
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Marco Rubio Tells It Like It Is
I am getting tired of watching Congress pass these short-term resolutions because everyone is so afraid of a government shutdown. I was happy to see that Senator Marco Rubio has the same view. He wrote a great article today. It is so well-written, I couldn't just copy excerpts, so I bring you the whole thing:
Our country faces a brutal reality: for far too long, the federal government has been recklessly spending money it does not have. It is the reason we now have a $14 trillion debt that threatens to bankrupt our country and why, each day, our government borrows $4 billion - almost half from foreigners and most of that from China.
Despite the seriousness of this debt crisis, an absurd pattern has clearly developed in Washington. Last year, when they still controlled the House, Senate and White House, the Democrats failed to pass a budget at all. In the first two months of this year, Senate Democrat leaders have spent invaluable time not on tackling the debt but on re-authorizing the F.A.A. and reforming the patent system. Their only attempt at addressing our debt was a plan to cut $4.7 billion in spending, which only equals what our government borrows approximately every 30 hours alone.
Democrats’ unwillingness to engage on this issue is leading us closer to a catastrophic debt spiral that will irreversibly damage our government, our economy and ultimately our country.
The absurdity of what we have witnessed on the Senate floor is only eclipsed by the lack of leadership demonstrated by the White House, and a President who has been absent from this debate and even sent his lead negotiator on a five-day foreign trip.
All this has led to a very predictable outcome: Washington politicians of both parties scrambling to put together two and three week plans to keep funding the government, while not fundamentally changing the behavior that has gotten us into this mess to begin with.
Running our government on the fumes of borrowed spending is unacceptable, short-sighted and dangerous. I commend the efforts of House and Senate Republican leaders to deal with this, but I did not come to the U.S. Senate to be part of some absurd political theatre.
I will no longer support short-term budget plans. While attempts at new spending reductions are commendable, we simply can no longer afford to nickel-and-dime our way out of the dangerous debt America has amassed. It is time our leaders in Washington wake up and realize that we are headed for a debt disaster.
With Congress set to begin another week-long recess next week, every senator and representative should feel ashamed if they have to go home again, look their constituents in the eye, and explain why nothing is being done about our debt crisis.
If the federal government keeps spending money we don’t have, we are going to do permanent damage to our economy’s ability to grow and create jobs while ultimately destroying Medicare and Social Security.
Despite the lack of leadership demonstrated so far in Washington, we still have a choice. A government shutdown is entirely avoidable if the President steps up to lead and if politicians from both parties finally get their act together, pass a budget for the rest of the year, and move on to the real debate to save entitlements and tackle America’s debt crisis.
If we deal with these issues seriously and immediately, we can leave our children with a country better than the one we grew up in. If we don’t, we will be the first Americans to leave our children worse off than ourselves.
Our country faces a brutal reality: for far too long, the federal government has been recklessly spending money it does not have. It is the reason we now have a $14 trillion debt that threatens to bankrupt our country and why, each day, our government borrows $4 billion - almost half from foreigners and most of that from China.
Despite the seriousness of this debt crisis, an absurd pattern has clearly developed in Washington. Last year, when they still controlled the House, Senate and White House, the Democrats failed to pass a budget at all. In the first two months of this year, Senate Democrat leaders have spent invaluable time not on tackling the debt but on re-authorizing the F.A.A. and reforming the patent system. Their only attempt at addressing our debt was a plan to cut $4.7 billion in spending, which only equals what our government borrows approximately every 30 hours alone.
Democrats’ unwillingness to engage on this issue is leading us closer to a catastrophic debt spiral that will irreversibly damage our government, our economy and ultimately our country.
The absurdity of what we have witnessed on the Senate floor is only eclipsed by the lack of leadership demonstrated by the White House, and a President who has been absent from this debate and even sent his lead negotiator on a five-day foreign trip.
All this has led to a very predictable outcome: Washington politicians of both parties scrambling to put together two and three week plans to keep funding the government, while not fundamentally changing the behavior that has gotten us into this mess to begin with.
Running our government on the fumes of borrowed spending is unacceptable, short-sighted and dangerous. I commend the efforts of House and Senate Republican leaders to deal with this, but I did not come to the U.S. Senate to be part of some absurd political theatre.
I will no longer support short-term budget plans. While attempts at new spending reductions are commendable, we simply can no longer afford to nickel-and-dime our way out of the dangerous debt America has amassed. It is time our leaders in Washington wake up and realize that we are headed for a debt disaster.
With Congress set to begin another week-long recess next week, every senator and representative should feel ashamed if they have to go home again, look their constituents in the eye, and explain why nothing is being done about our debt crisis.
If the federal government keeps spending money we don’t have, we are going to do permanent damage to our economy’s ability to grow and create jobs while ultimately destroying Medicare and Social Security.
Despite the lack of leadership demonstrated so far in Washington, we still have a choice. A government shutdown is entirely avoidable if the President steps up to lead and if politicians from both parties finally get their act together, pass a budget for the rest of the year, and move on to the real debate to save entitlements and tackle America’s debt crisis.
If we deal with these issues seriously and immediately, we can leave our children with a country better than the one we grew up in. If we don’t, we will be the first Americans to leave our children worse off than ourselves.
Monday, March 14, 2011
MSNBC Admits Hypocracy
I've gotten so used to the media's double-standard with Obama that it almost doesn't phase me anymore. The only people noticing are conservative blogs such as this one and the perceptive folks at FoxNews. So, to hear it on MSNBC is refreshing. However, I won't hold my breath on any widespread correction of this problem.
Great Rush Limbaugh Quotes
I don't usually get to catch Rush's show (due to work), but today I was able to catch a few minutes of it. Great stuff! He is brilliant and funny at the same time. Here are some quotes from today's show that I found on his site:
"I will bet you that the Japanese make more ground in their rebuilding and recovery sooner than we get the World Trade Center rebuilt -- and we got a ten-year head-start."
"You know, the longer you live and the more disasters you see, the more you realize, ladies and gentlemen, that an almost equally important part of the story is the media. It really is."
"Meanwhile, Obama was out playing golf this weekend. I didn't even play golf. I stayed glued to gathering the news."
"You remember the old joke, 'More people have died at Chappaquiddick than have died in nuclear power accidents'? That was true for the longest time."
"Sarah Palin or Obama? Look, I don't understand all this. The problem is Obama! The Democrat Party is destroying the freaking country! Sorry to yell here, folks."
"If you to want be an accredited intellectual, one of the tests is, 'Do you hate Sarah Palin? Do you think she represents a pox?' And if you answer yes, then you will pass the test."
"John Edwards, as a human being, is clearly... what? Lacking? And yet there were intellectuals who thought that John Edwards was just the cat's meow."
"David Brooks was smitten with Obama because of the freaking crease in his pants. He said that! And these are the intellectuals."
"Remember how they said Gitmo was going to create a whole new generation of terrorists? Well, how about this? Any criticism of the Tea Party will create a whole new generation of freedom lovers."
"There is no one like me, Keith, but I appreciate your sentiment nevertheless."
"I will bet you that the Japanese make more ground in their rebuilding and recovery sooner than we get the World Trade Center rebuilt -- and we got a ten-year head-start."
"You know, the longer you live and the more disasters you see, the more you realize, ladies and gentlemen, that an almost equally important part of the story is the media. It really is."
"Meanwhile, Obama was out playing golf this weekend. I didn't even play golf. I stayed glued to gathering the news."
"You remember the old joke, 'More people have died at Chappaquiddick than have died in nuclear power accidents'? That was true for the longest time."
"Sarah Palin or Obama? Look, I don't understand all this. The problem is Obama! The Democrat Party is destroying the freaking country! Sorry to yell here, folks."
"If you to want be an accredited intellectual, one of the tests is, 'Do you hate Sarah Palin? Do you think she represents a pox?' And if you answer yes, then you will pass the test."
"John Edwards, as a human being, is clearly... what? Lacking? And yet there were intellectuals who thought that John Edwards was just the cat's meow."
"David Brooks was smitten with Obama because of the freaking crease in his pants. He said that! And these are the intellectuals."
"Remember how they said Gitmo was going to create a whole new generation of terrorists? Well, how about this? Any criticism of the Tea Party will create a whole new generation of freedom lovers."
"There is no one like me, Keith, but I appreciate your sentiment nevertheless."
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Family And Religion Foundational To American Freedom
Thinking a lot about family this weekend. It is good to remind ourselves as often as possible the importance of family in our society:
Family and religion are foundational to American freedom and the common good. For example, the married family plays an important part in promoting economic opportunity: children raised by never-married mothers are seven times more likely to be poor when compared to children raised in intact married families. Meanwhile, religious institutions and individuals form the backbone of America’s thriving civil society, providing for the welfare of individuals more effectively than government programs. Yet the role of these institutions in maintaining ordered liberty is poorly understood, and policy and social developments have factored in undermining their important contributions.
The most important thing we can do to strengthen society is strengthen the family.
Family and religion are foundational to American freedom and the common good. For example, the married family plays an important part in promoting economic opportunity: children raised by never-married mothers are seven times more likely to be poor when compared to children raised in intact married families. Meanwhile, religious institutions and individuals form the backbone of America’s thriving civil society, providing for the welfare of individuals more effectively than government programs. Yet the role of these institutions in maintaining ordered liberty is poorly understood, and policy and social developments have factored in undermining their important contributions.
The most important thing we can do to strengthen society is strengthen the family.
Tragedy In Japan
Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Japan for the tragedy that is still unfolding.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/13/partial-meltdown-possible-japan-nuclear-plant-death-toll-estimates-soar/
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/13/partial-meltdown-possible-japan-nuclear-plant-death-toll-estimates-soar/
Where Is The Outrage On The High Gas Prices?
I've been watching the price of gas get higher and higher and waiting for the media to start blaming Obama for this the way they went after Bush. Where is the outrage? I remember the media's continual hounding of Bush. Doing a little research, I found this article on Newsbusters.org:
As gas prices rose in 2008, network reporters mentioned President Bush in 15 times as many stories than they brought up President Obama in a similar period in 2011.
Bush drew gallons of coverage in 2008. Comparing a 20-day span of rising gas prices in 2008 to 24 days of rising prices in February 2011, the Business & Media Institute found the networks did more than 2 ½ times as many stories during the Bush years versus Obama.
Some 2008 reports including the March 6, 2008, "Early Show" exaggerated the already rising prices by emphasizing extremely high prices. That morning CBS showed viewers a California gas pump that was charging $5.19-a-gallon for regular unleaded before mentioning the national average for that day, which was $2.02 lower. Some 2011 reports have reversed that trend by downplaying the impact of currently high gas prices on consumers by using words like "inching" to describe rising prices, or calling U.S. prices "a bargain compared to Europe."
But it was more than just the amount of coverage that showed the media's willingness to spin gas prices one way under Bush, and another way under Obama. In 2008, network reporters mentioned "Bush," the "president" or "government" in gas price reports 15 times more often than in 2011 under President Obama (15 stories to 1). A number of stories portrayed Bush as out-of-the-loop when he was asked about the possibility of $4-a-gallon gas and hadn't yet heard that prediction.
In contrast to the 15 reports referencing the Bush administration when gas prices were "through the roof," the only 2011 story to mention the president was NBC "Nightly News" on Feb. 24. Tom Costello's report on the impact of surging gas prices quoted President Obama who was "optimistic."
As gas prices rose in 2008, network reporters mentioned President Bush in 15 times as many stories than they brought up President Obama in a similar period in 2011.
Bush drew gallons of coverage in 2008. Comparing a 20-day span of rising gas prices in 2008 to 24 days of rising prices in February 2011, the Business & Media Institute found the networks did more than 2 ½ times as many stories during the Bush years versus Obama.
Some 2008 reports including the March 6, 2008, "Early Show" exaggerated the already rising prices by emphasizing extremely high prices. That morning CBS showed viewers a California gas pump that was charging $5.19-a-gallon for regular unleaded before mentioning the national average for that day, which was $2.02 lower. Some 2011 reports have reversed that trend by downplaying the impact of currently high gas prices on consumers by using words like "inching" to describe rising prices, or calling U.S. prices "a bargain compared to Europe."
But it was more than just the amount of coverage that showed the media's willingness to spin gas prices one way under Bush, and another way under Obama. In 2008, network reporters mentioned "Bush," the "president" or "government" in gas price reports 15 times more often than in 2011 under President Obama (15 stories to 1). A number of stories portrayed Bush as out-of-the-loop when he was asked about the possibility of $4-a-gallon gas and hadn't yet heard that prediction.
In contrast to the 15 reports referencing the Bush administration when gas prices were "through the roof," the only 2011 story to mention the president was NBC "Nightly News" on Feb. 24. Tom Costello's report on the impact of surging gas prices quoted President Obama who was "optimistic."
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Guest Blogger Series: I Am A Conservative Mother
This is the first article in our series of guest bloggers:
I don’t think a mother instinctually protecting her child is a new concept. It wasn’t until I became a mother that learning what I needed to protect my child from became clear. Usually protection comes in the form of keeping a child from running in the street, from touching a hot stove, or from getting hurt by a bully’s words. But protection from political mistakes that will bear real consequences, financial and moral throughout my child’s lifetime- that typically doesn’t spring to mind.
I know when most people think conservative mother, they think of Sarah Palin, an unapologetic conservative mother who showed America that women can be a driving force in the political arena.
This is NOT an article about Sarah Palin. This is an article about me and every other mom out there who is like me. One who loves her kids and will stand up for what they believe in without being fearful of the repercussions, social or otherwise.
I never really felt like I had the power to change anything. What difference can one voice, one vote, or one opinion make? I still often have my moments of feeling powerless to the troubling decisions being made around me. We elect our leaders for 2 or 4 year terms. If we don’t like what they’re doing on our behalf’s, we have to wait 2 or 4 years until we can get them the heck out of office! Thinking in these terms make me feel so helpless! Besides writing letters to our elected officials, what more can we do?
We can talk! Who do I go to when I need advice about a diaper situation, or a good recipe to use up my extra ground beef, or advice on a shopping trip? I turn to my fellow mothers. We are a huge consumer demographic. Think about the advertisements you see on a daily basis. More often than not, they are catered to the mother. By talking and getting involved in the political arena we are showing that WE want to make decisions for our children when it comes to political actions. We can be the driving force behind conservative initiatives and we will not be ignored.
I haven’t ever been the greatest Sarah Palin fan, but what I have appreciated about her is that she has stuck to her beliefs and has been confident about being a mother. When she first got tossed into the national spotlight so many people laughed about her, and I heard more negative remarks about her being a female and being a mother than about any other disqualifying aspect of her career. This is embarrassing for our nation, that we would preach equality and don’t follow through.
Women, we can change this nation to be what we want. And mothers, we can be a driving force in the political arena, just as much as we shape advertising in the consumer arena. Talk to each other. Get involved in the campaigns! Post your opinions on Facebook, or your Twitter, or amongst your mommy groups. Be polite and respectful of others, just as we teach our kids, but be unafraid to be who you are. You are raising the next generation and you have the power to shape how their country will treat them in the decades to come.
I am a conservative mother. And I will do what it takes to protect my child from societal financial ruin and moral decline.
Heidi
I don’t think a mother instinctually protecting her child is a new concept. It wasn’t until I became a mother that learning what I needed to protect my child from became clear. Usually protection comes in the form of keeping a child from running in the street, from touching a hot stove, or from getting hurt by a bully’s words. But protection from political mistakes that will bear real consequences, financial and moral throughout my child’s lifetime- that typically doesn’t spring to mind.
I know when most people think conservative mother, they think of Sarah Palin, an unapologetic conservative mother who showed America that women can be a driving force in the political arena.
This is NOT an article about Sarah Palin. This is an article about me and every other mom out there who is like me. One who loves her kids and will stand up for what they believe in without being fearful of the repercussions, social or otherwise.
I never really felt like I had the power to change anything. What difference can one voice, one vote, or one opinion make? I still often have my moments of feeling powerless to the troubling decisions being made around me. We elect our leaders for 2 or 4 year terms. If we don’t like what they’re doing on our behalf’s, we have to wait 2 or 4 years until we can get them the heck out of office! Thinking in these terms make me feel so helpless! Besides writing letters to our elected officials, what more can we do?
We can talk! Who do I go to when I need advice about a diaper situation, or a good recipe to use up my extra ground beef, or advice on a shopping trip? I turn to my fellow mothers. We are a huge consumer demographic. Think about the advertisements you see on a daily basis. More often than not, they are catered to the mother. By talking and getting involved in the political arena we are showing that WE want to make decisions for our children when it comes to political actions. We can be the driving force behind conservative initiatives and we will not be ignored.
I haven’t ever been the greatest Sarah Palin fan, but what I have appreciated about her is that she has stuck to her beliefs and has been confident about being a mother. When she first got tossed into the national spotlight so many people laughed about her, and I heard more negative remarks about her being a female and being a mother than about any other disqualifying aspect of her career. This is embarrassing for our nation, that we would preach equality and don’t follow through.
Women, we can change this nation to be what we want. And mothers, we can be a driving force in the political arena, just as much as we shape advertising in the consumer arena. Talk to each other. Get involved in the campaigns! Post your opinions on Facebook, or your Twitter, or amongst your mommy groups. Be polite and respectful of others, just as we teach our kids, but be unafraid to be who you are. You are raising the next generation and you have the power to shape how their country will treat them in the decades to come.
I am a conservative mother. And I will do what it takes to protect my child from societal financial ruin and moral decline.
Heidi
Great Leadership Series - Abraham Lincoln
"As President, he built the Republican Party into a strong national organization. Further, he rallied most of the northern Democrats to the Union cause. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy.
Lincoln never let the world forget that the Civil War involved an even larger issue. This he stated most movingly in dedicating the military cemetery at Gettysburg: "that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." (click here for source)
Lincoln was a great leader described as a man of passion, drive, and heart.
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds.... " (from Lincoln's second inagural address)
Lincoln never let the world forget that the Civil War involved an even larger issue. This he stated most movingly in dedicating the military cemetery at Gettysburg: "that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." (click here for source)
Lincoln was a great leader described as a man of passion, drive, and heart.
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds.... " (from Lincoln's second inagural address)
Andrew Breitbart on CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight
I had the opportunity to meet Andrew Breitbart at CPAC a few weeks ago. He has since shaved and is publishing a new book. Here he is on Piers Morgan Tonight talking about the recent NPR scandal where James O'Keefe recorded Ron Schiller calling Tea Party member members racist and saying that NPR does not need public funding. See more here on that story.
So, here is Breitbart promoting his new book and discussing (for the millionth time) the bias in the media:
So, here is Breitbart promoting his new book and discussing (for the millionth time) the bias in the media:
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Congratulations, Wisconsin!
Great job to the GOP senators who took bold action and voted to limit collective bargaining in Wisconsin. They basically took out the financial aspects of Gov. Walker's budget and passed the rest. Brilliant.
The fact is that the Dem Senators could have been there for the debate if they chose to show up to work. But, they are on their extended vacation and meanwhile life has to go on. So, great job GOP senators!
On a side note, I thought it would be interesting to see how this was reported by the different news sites:
CNN: Bypassing Dems, Wisconsin Senate OKs union limits
ABCNEWS: GOP bypasses Dems, cuts collective bargaining
FOXNEWS: Wisconsin votes to strip union rights
NEW YORK TIMES: Wisconsin Senate limits bargaining by public workers
WASHINGTON POST: Wisconsin senate strips workers' bargaining rights
Okay, not bad, but check these out:
MSNBC: GOP rams anti-union bill through Wisconsin senate
HUFFINGTON POST: GOP rams anti-union bill
Hmmm, I wonder what direction they lean?
The fact is that the Dem Senators could have been there for the debate if they chose to show up to work. But, they are on their extended vacation and meanwhile life has to go on. So, great job GOP senators!
On a side note, I thought it would be interesting to see how this was reported by the different news sites:
CNN: Bypassing Dems, Wisconsin Senate OKs union limits
ABCNEWS: GOP bypasses Dems, cuts collective bargaining
FOXNEWS: Wisconsin votes to strip union rights
NEW YORK TIMES: Wisconsin Senate limits bargaining by public workers
WASHINGTON POST: Wisconsin senate strips workers' bargaining rights
Okay, not bad, but check these out:
MSNBC: GOP rams anti-union bill through Wisconsin senate
HUFFINGTON POST: GOP rams anti-union bill
Hmmm, I wonder what direction they lean?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Life Always Response To The View Discussing Planned Parenthood
This is a hot controversy right now with the budget bill in Congress. Watch the video. Planned Parenthood needs to go.
Pro-Life Billboard In NYC Gets Taken Down
Proud of Pastor Stephen Broden and Life Always for having the guts to post this billboard. Unfortunately, it was taken down due to being "controversial." Abortion kills. As ThatsAbortion.com states:
60% of African-American babies in New York City never make it out of the womb. In 2009 there where 27,405 live births and 40,798 induced abortions.
Read more about this "controversial" billboard here. Excerpts:Life Always was attacked by leading politicians in New York City not for what they said, per se, but for even daring to say it. They wanted the billboard taken down, immediately.
"Common decency demands it be taken down," Christine Quinn, the Speaker of New York city council, told the local press. "To refer to a woman's legal right to an abortion as a 'genocidal plot' is not only absurd, but offensive to women and to communities of color.”
Under the intense political pressure, Lamar Advertising, the distributor of the ad, removed it from the SoHo location late last week. Rev. Michel Faulkner of New York City, who is also associated with Life Always, said, “while this billboard causes a visceral reaction from many African Americans, it addresses a stubborn truth that 60 percent of black babies do not make it out of the womb. We must do something now.”
But in today’s public square, it is sometimes forbidden to actually tell the truth, or even to tell one’s side of the story, without being shouted down. It’s like the old Ibsen play, The Enemy of the People. The man who discovers that the town's water supply is unsafe is cast out of town for telling the truth. Telling the truth makes him the enemy of the people.
President Obama - Just Say, "I Was Wrong"
From the National Review:
March 7, 2011 3:38 P.M. By Peter Hoekstra
(Reuters) – President Barack Obama issued an order on Monday that establishes a process for continuing to hold detainees at the Guantanamo Bay prison who have not been charged, convicted or designated for transfer.
The White House also said the administration would issue an order rescinding Obama’s suspension of the filing of new charges in the military tribunals at Guantanamo.
It is amazing. After 16 months of review we end up at essentially the same place we started. After years of harshly criticizing President Bush, President Obama now continues his policies. The least he could do is say “I’m sorry” or “Thank you.”
March 7, 2011 3:38 P.M. By Peter Hoekstra
(Reuters) – President Barack Obama issued an order on Monday that establishes a process for continuing to hold detainees at the Guantanamo Bay prison who have not been charged, convicted or designated for transfer.
The White House also said the administration would issue an order rescinding Obama’s suspension of the filing of new charges in the military tribunals at Guantanamo.
It is amazing. After 16 months of review we end up at essentially the same place we started. After years of harshly criticizing President Bush, President Obama now continues his policies. The least he could do is say “I’m sorry” or “Thank you.”
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Great Leadership Series - George Washington
"I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." - George Washington
George Washington has been described as a man of character, conviction, and vision. He was resolute in defending the freedoms of this country. Due to his affinity to writing, we have access to many documents that contain his thoughts and feelings on various topics. Some basics about this great man (click here for source):
"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." - George Washington
George Washington has been described as a man of character, conviction, and vision. He was resolute in defending the freedoms of this country. Due to his affinity to writing, we have access to many documents that contain his thoughts and feelings on various topics. Some basics about this great man (click here for source):
- "As commander of Virginia's militia in the French and Indian War (1755-58), Washington learned how to organize an army of about 1,000 men. Although he made mistakes, he learned a great deal, particularly about recruiting and training men and supplying them with food, clothing, guns and ammunition. Others praised his 'method and exactness' in overseeing the details of military operations.
- Washington successfully ran and built up his Mount Vernon plantation into a large business. He divided the plantation into five farms, each of which had a separate overseer who was responsible for that farm, and also managed an active fishery where fish were caught, salted and shipped throughout the colonies and overseas. His farm shops, blacksmith and flour milling in particular, provided services to farmers in the locale....
- Washington applied the managerial skills he used in running his farms to organize and lead the Revolutionary Army, which numbered about 10,000 men, and later set up the new federal government as first president.
- Washington inspired confidence through his fairness and consideration. He promoted military officers and government officials on the basis of merit, not friendship or social standing. By 1788, he had promoted African American slaves to top positions as overseers of his five farms.
- He was very disciplined, placing his principles and civic responsibilities before his own needs, and brought forth the same qualities in others."
"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." - George Washington
Great Leadership Series
Slowly we hear rumblings as Newt, Ron, Sarah, Mitt, and others consider looking to 2012 for a presidential run. As we look to the 2012 presidential election, I thought it would be good to look back on great leadership we've experienced through time. What is it that made these leaders great? What do we need to look for in our leadership moving forward?
(If there is a particular leader you find noteworthy, please submit your ideas.)
(If there is a particular leader you find noteworthy, please submit your ideas.)
In Case There Was Any Doubt - Michael Moore Is A Communist
Michael Moore is a joke. Read about his speech to protesters in Wisconsin yesterday:
Moore began by attempting to refute the conservative claim that the country is "broke" and sacrifices need to be made by the whole country. "The country is awash in wealth and cash," Moore stated "It's just not in your hands. It has been transferred in the greatest heist in history from the workers and consumers to the banks and the portfolios of the ubber-rich." Moore then cited some statistics in support of his claim, such as the fact that 400 wealthy individuals in America (many of whom benefited from the taxpayer bailout) now have more assets than 155 million Americans combined. Moore went on to mock the arguments of Republicans saying, "Wisconsin is broke. There are weapons of mass destruction (in Iraq). And the Packers need (Brett) Favre to win the Super Bowl."
So, according to him, the job creators who are also responsible for creating millions and millions of jobs are actually stealing wealth from the rest of America - you know, form the workers who are gratefully and gainfully employed by these top executives so that they can earn an honest income and support their families. The ones who, without these greedy wealthy Americans would be unemployed and without hope. The ones who, because of the greatness that is America, have every opportunity of attaining that kind of wealth themselves with hard work and the kind of education the United States business world provides.
Michael Moore - you are a joke and your words are not only stupid, they are dangerous. They are the types of words that have led different nations to communism which world history shows us is a highly treacherous endeavor.
Moore began by attempting to refute the conservative claim that the country is "broke" and sacrifices need to be made by the whole country. "The country is awash in wealth and cash," Moore stated "It's just not in your hands. It has been transferred in the greatest heist in history from the workers and consumers to the banks and the portfolios of the ubber-rich." Moore then cited some statistics in support of his claim, such as the fact that 400 wealthy individuals in America (many of whom benefited from the taxpayer bailout) now have more assets than 155 million Americans combined. Moore went on to mock the arguments of Republicans saying, "Wisconsin is broke. There are weapons of mass destruction (in Iraq). And the Packers need (Brett) Favre to win the Super Bowl."
So, according to him, the job creators who are also responsible for creating millions and millions of jobs are actually stealing wealth from the rest of America - you know, form the workers who are gratefully and gainfully employed by these top executives so that they can earn an honest income and support their families. The ones who, without these greedy wealthy Americans would be unemployed and without hope. The ones who, because of the greatness that is America, have every opportunity of attaining that kind of wealth themselves with hard work and the kind of education the United States business world provides.
Michael Moore - you are a joke and your words are not only stupid, they are dangerous. They are the types of words that have led different nations to communism which world history shows us is a highly treacherous endeavor.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Proud of BYU
I am proud of my Alma mater for their decision to suspend one of the their key players from playing basketball at the height of a successful season. BYU has suspended Brandon Davies from the team after he admitted to breaking the school's Honor Code. In doing so, BYU potentially has given up its opportunity of what could have been the most successful post-season in school history.
I'm also excited about much of the reaction. While many don't understand the Honor Code, people do seem to respect BYU's decision for the most part. This is real integrity, something we don't see very often. We have so many different voices out there declaring what is right, but few that are willing to do so at the sacrifice of so much. BYU might have given up a championship and all of the prestige that comes with it.
Great job, BYU!
I'm also excited about much of the reaction. While many don't understand the Honor Code, people do seem to respect BYU's decision for the most part. This is real integrity, something we don't see very often. We have so many different voices out there declaring what is right, but few that are willing to do so at the sacrifice of so much. BYU might have given up a championship and all of the prestige that comes with it.
Great job, BYU!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Governor Walker Recent Tweets
Good article that highlights the massive gap separating private and public sector benefits: http://ow.ly/47tqz
Trying to reach out to reasonable senators w/ a path home. Some in Sen Dem caucus are blocking that path.
The Ozaukee County Board understands and supports our budget repair bill: http://t.co/Ysjl21F
Another early AM. Hope Sen Dems follow our path back home. 3 weeks since we presented the bill. It's time to come home.
An example of collective bargaining that has a fiscal impact and hinders a community's ability to deal with a blizzard. http://ow.ly/47VYz
Still hopeful that some of the reasonable Senate Democrats can follow our path home.
I was disappointed that we had to begin the process of layoff notifications because the Senate Democrats wouldn’t come home.
Trying to reach out to reasonable senators w/ a path home. Some in Sen Dem caucus are blocking that path.
The Ozaukee County Board understands and supports our budget repair bill: http://t.co/Ysjl21F
Another early AM. Hope Sen Dems follow our path back home. 3 weeks since we presented the bill. It's time to come home.
An example of collective bargaining that has a fiscal impact and hinders a community's ability to deal with a blizzard. http://ow.ly/47VYz
Still hopeful that some of the reasonable Senate Democrats can follow our path home.
I was disappointed that we had to begin the process of layoff notifications because the Senate Democrats wouldn’t come home.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
PRESIDENT OBAMA - I AM NOT RACIST!
I am so sick and tired of hearing that I'm racist because I disagree with liberals! I must be racist because I disagree with Obama. That's the message over and over again from those that don't understand the overwhelming surge of conservatism represented by the Tea Party.
Seriously, When Will The Dem Wisconsin Senators Return?
This continues to be embarrassing for the Democrat Senators in Wisconsin. Are they planning on moving permanently to Illinois? The remaining Senators have officially found them in contempt and ordered them to return.
The Senate resolution passed Thursday says the body can compel members' attendance.It says senators who fail to show up will be held in contempt, and the sergeant-at-arms will be ordered to bring them to the Senate chambers "with or without force, and with or without the assistance of law enforcement, by warrant or other legal process."
I sit at the edge of my seat to see how this will turnout. I am ashamed that these are elected officials.
The Senate resolution passed Thursday says the body can compel members' attendance.It says senators who fail to show up will be held in contempt, and the sergeant-at-arms will be ordered to bring them to the Senate chambers "with or without force, and with or without the assistance of law enforcement, by warrant or other legal process."
I sit at the edge of my seat to see how this will turnout. I am ashamed that these are elected officials.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Heartbreak in Libya
"She says the agency’s 24-hour hotline continues to receive desperate calls from refugees in Libya and their family members outside. She says they say they feel trapped, threatened and hunted" (click here for full story).
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Shameful Article On Salon.com About Natalie Portman And Motherhood
On Sunday when accepting her Oscar, Natalie Portman thanked the father of her unborn child for "the most important role of my life." She was, of course, referring to motherhood.
This comment spurred quite a reaction from Mary Elizabeth Williams, a writer for Salon.com. In the article, she says: When you're pregnant, especially for the first time, there are a lot of amazed and awed moments in between the heartburn and insomnia. But is motherhood really a greater role than being secretary of state or a justice on the Supreme Court? Is reproduction automatically the greatest thing Natalie Portman will do with her life?
This comment spurred quite a reaction from Mary Elizabeth Williams, a writer for Salon.com. In the article, she says: When you're pregnant, especially for the first time, there are a lot of amazed and awed moments in between the heartburn and insomnia. But is motherhood really a greater role than being secretary of state or a justice on the Supreme Court? Is reproduction automatically the greatest thing Natalie Portman will do with her life?
Media Bias of Union Dispute
It's interesting. Little children who have a bake sale to support their teachers makes national and local news. Unions abusing a teenager who is trying to share the constitution...not being broadcast. This union dispute in WI is once again pointing out the bias that exists in the media.
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