Liberty & Hope

Think Rick Santorum is your guy? Consider this......

2012-02-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Rick Santorum is anything but a conservative. Just consider his record, which includes:

Padding his own wallet as a corporate lobbyist at the expense of taxpayers;
Voting to RAISE the debt ceiling five times;
Voting to DOUBLE the federal Department of Education;
Voting with liberals like Ted Kennedy on multiple occasions in support of Big Labor's radical agenda;
Urging more federal involvement in housing with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac;
Voting to create a brand new, unfunded entitlement, Medicare Part D, the largest expansion of entitlement spending since President Lyndon Johnson - creating $16 TRILLION in unfunded liabilities;
Endorsing liberal Big Government RINOs like Arlen Specter over conservatives. Of course, Specter later became a Democrat and worked hand-in-glove with President Obama to pass his radical agenda;
Voting for Sarbanes-Oxley, which imposed dramatic new job-killing accounting regulations on businesses;
Supporting raising taxes on oil companies, which directly costs Americans more money out of their pockets at the gas pump;
Voting for gun control;
Voting to give Social Security benefits to illegal aliens, while voting against an additional 1,000 border patrol agents;
Voting to give $25 million in foreign aid to North Korea;
Voting to send hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to Planned Parenthood - the nation's largest provider of abortion – and to hand out hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign aid to enemies of Israel

He's proud of it!

CNN flip flops on property rights

2012-02-02T03:25:00.000-08:00

Yes..I know...we're all surprised. But why not point it out again. CNN has continuously blasted Dr. Paul on his stance of property rights and how private businesses should be able to choose whom they serve. Yet, 'amazingly' CNN applauded a restaurant who refused to serve a customer who was anti-gay.
Read more here:

http://runronpaul.com/mainstream-media/ron-and-rand-paul-vindicated-on-civil-rights-act-right-to-discriminate-issue/

“I Like George Washington Except on Foreign Policy”

2012-01-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

“I Like George Washington Except on Foreign Policy”

Ron Paul’s philosophy is that of the Founding Fathers. For Paul, the Constitution is the law of the land, not a mere rhetorical tool. For Paul, maintaining limited government means “eternal vigilance,” to borrow Thomas Jefferson’s phrase, against political leaders’ tendency to empower themselves at the expense of the people. One of the ways government has historically empowered itself is through constant war.
Like the Founding Fathers, Ron Paul believes in a strong national defense. Also like the Founders, Paul fears adopting an irrational offense. Our first President George Washington expressed this fear on September 17, 1796 when he delivered his farewell address.

Full post at: http://www.ronpaul2012.com/2012/01/29/i-like-george-washington-except-on-foreign-policy/

Santorum may have helped a friend cover up his affair....

2012-01-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

By Doug Thompson May 16, 2011 " The sex and hush-money scandal that brought down former Nev. Senator John Ensign is spreading across the Republican party like a permanent stain, stripping bare the party’s hypocrisy on family values. Caught in the ever-widening scandal is former Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, a presidential candidate and tea party favorite (really??...I would disagree) who touts family values but tried to bury the Ensign scandal by alerting the Nevada Senator that the husband of his mistress was going public." http://www.capitolhillblue.com/node/40865

Here are a few other links on it
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/tag/john-ensign/
http://www.citizensforethics.org/pages/newsletter-june-2011

Who is the funny man?

2012-01-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

They both make me laugh when they speak.......

Jay Leno sued for libel

2012-01-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Jay Leno has been sued by representatives of the Sikh for using a picture of their temple as humor and calling it Mitt Romney's summer home. Separately, Sikh leader Dalbeg Singh said today community leaders would seek an apology from Leno. India’s foreign ministry said a formal complaint had been lodged with the State Department in Washington.

Full article at: http://www.deadline.com/2012/01/jay-leno-nbc-sued-over-mitt-romney-joke/

The "Conservative Zone"

2012-01-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

Only way to beat Obama is to nominate Dr. Ron Paul

2012-01-24T06:42:00.000-08:00

The GOP is in a serious dilemma. It has two warring factions. On one side are the traditional Republican voters. They will vote for any candidate with an R behind his name. They have one goal: Defeat Obama.

On the other side are the Ron Paul voters. A growing minority, they present both a threat and a promise to the GOP. A threat, because they won’t vote for the Republican establishment’s candidates no matter what. A promise, because they inject new blood in a party that has grown so old that its party rallies resemble the Soviet Politburo in the 1980s: a gerontocracy that doesn’t even remember what it is there after. These young Ron Paul voters have one goal: Elect Ron Paul.

Full article at:
http://godfatherpolitics.com/3323/a-true-principled-voting-lesson-for-the-gop/

2012-01-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

This amazing photo was shot by Frank Glick. This will make you stop and make you ponder a bit.

Does anyone else see this comparison?

2012-01-23T06:31:00.001-08:00

Who supports Ron Paul?

2012-01-20T14:25:00.001-08:00

These folks...for a few......

Per CNN Rick Perry is dropping from the race today

2012-01-19T06:45:00.001-08:00

CNN is reporting that Gov. Rick Perry from Texas is dropping out of the race today. Full story here: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/19/breaking-perry-to-drop-out-thursday/

Is it possible that Pery was about to get outed for being bisexual? This story may be gathering steam:
http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2011-12-23/glen-maxeys-perry-tale/

Pro-lifers beware: Santorum has very close ties to pro-choice

2012-01-19T06:18:00.000-08:00

Santorum may be talking like he is against pro-choice, but his negativity on pro-choice/pro-abortion may be a little more hollow then we first thought.

Santorum's wife Karen apparently once lived out of wedlock with a Dr. Tom Allen, who is 40 years her senior. Dr. Allen is a pro-choice doctor that has performed many abortions. She apparently knew this and was ok with it, Dr, Allen was quoted as saying "Karen had no problem with what I did for a living."

Quote from Huffington Post: "When she moved out to go be with Rick (Santorum), she told me I'd like him, that he was pro-choice and a humanist," Allen told Philadelphia City Paper

Why a pastor can support Ron Paul

2012-01-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

Original post at http://www.gracefamilybaptist.net/voddie-baucham-ministries/blog/why-ron-paul-2012-01/

"Voddie, because I have a great respect for you and your opinion I would really like to know why you are voting for Ron Paul ? I have not liked some of the things I have heard him say and I am wondering if I missed something?" -Pamela Wolfe (via Facebook Fan Page)

Since posting a passing comment on my Facebook fan page about Ron Paul, I have been inundated with questions and concerns about my support of the Texas Congressman in the current Republican Primary race. In one of my many political posts (frequently, I post videos, news articles, etc., in an effort to show the importance and influence of worldview), I simply stated that I voted for Dr. Paul in the last election, and planned to vote for him again.

The result was hundreds of comments; more than any other post I’ve ever submitted. Most of the comments were positive. However, several were extremely negative. Some vowed never to follow, or support my ministry any further, while others simply communicated their dismay. Still others, like today's questioner, just asked honest questions. As a result, I’ve decided to explain my position, and this seemed like the best place to do it.

Let me say ahead of time that I do not believe that politics will save America. Nor do I believe there are any perfect candidates. There never have been, and there never will be. Moreover, it is not my goal to answer every objection to the Paul candidacy as I know that there are those who, for various reasons, will not be persuaded, and more importantly, that’s not my job. My goal here is to offer insight in to my own reasoning as I wade through another political season and make a personal choice.

I. Ron Paul is a Christian Conservative

While I am not looking for a “Pastor-in-Chief,” it is important to me that the man for whom I cast my vote be a Christian, if at all possible. And though I recognize that there is not always a clear Christian choice (i.e., the 2008 election), I agree with Chief Justice John Jay who wrote, “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."[1] For indeed, “Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governour of the Universe.”[2] John Witherspoon concurs: “Those, therefore, who pay no regard to religion and sobriety in the persons whom they send to [public office] are guilty of the greatest absurdity and will soon pay dear for their folly.”[3] I think we are seeing this on display right now.[4]

My desire is not to see a president who will usurp the authority, responsibilities, or privileges of the Church. However, I do not wish to see those things hindered either. I also want to know that the foundational ideology motivating a man’s decisions is biblical. I know it will not always mirror my own, but I trust God’s word, and appreciate those who look to it for aid in making decisions. To that end, I support Dr. Paul because he is not just a conservative, but a Christian Conservative.

Dr. Paul does not beat his Christian faith like a drum in his public/political life. Unfortunately, that is off-putting for the “Christian Right”. However, in a world full of ‘posturing’ in an effort to win over evangelicals, I find Paul’s public demeanor refreshing. And it is not as though he is a ‘closet Christian,’ either. “I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, and I endeavor every day to follow Him in all I do and in every position I advocate,” wrote Paul on his Web site.[5] I have also had the privilege of talking with both him, and one of his five children about his faith and how it influences his policy positions.

Nevertheless, the more important aspect is the fact that this Southern Baptist (raised Lutheran) is a regular church attender. What would motivate a man to attend church, but not beat a drum about it in an effort to win over evangelicals in an age when political figures play at Christianity (while living totally contradictory lives, and holding heterodox beliefs) in order to assuage the fears of the Christian Right? Having met and talked to Dr. Paul, I would say it is authenticity, and humility more than anything else. He wants “to avoid any appearance of exploiting [his faith] for political gain.”[6]

II. Ron Paul is a Constitutional Conservative

Not only is Ron Paul a Christian Conservative; he is also a Constitutional Conservative. He holds himself accountable to the Constitution of the United States, even when it means he has to vote against legislation that may be otherwise beneficial. This has cost him on numerous occasions as people use the “Ron Paul voted against so-and-so” tactic to paint a caricature of him and play “gotcha” politics.
This is actually an important quality in a President. I don’t want a man in the White House making decisions based on what “feels” right. I’m not looking for a conscientious King; I want a Chief Executive. I want a man whose decisions are predictable because of a long track record of constitutional conservatism. I may not always agree with a man like that, but I will always know why he did what he did, and I can live with that. Especially in several crucial areas facing our Republic, like money, war, States’ Rights, and foreign policy, for example.

Constitutional Money

I support Ron Paul because he has a constitutional view of money. He is the only candidate consistently to confront the Federal Reserve Bank (which is not federal, has no reserves, and is not a bank), and address the issue of fiat currency (a.k.a. unjust weights and measures; Lev 19:36; Prov 16:11), which debases the dollar, manipulates business cycles, creates inflation, and always benefits the rich at the expense of the poor and disenfranchised. And he talks about the issue in just those terms.

Congressman Paul is also the only candidate who has a budget that will cut a TRILLION DOLLARS in spending in year one.[7] He is the only candidate who has committed to defund and eliminate expensive, unconstitutional agencies. This is crucial for a country headed for an economic cliff. Our debt is larger than our GDP and we simply must address it NOW (Luke 14:28)! This is arguably the most important issue we face, and while others want to tinker with the status quo, Dr. Paul wants to do the hard thing; the right thing; the biblical thing; the constitutional thing.

Constitutional War

I support Ron Paul because he is a military veteran (yup... he refuses to beat that drum too, which is why you may not have known that little tidbit). And though I do not believe it is necessary for a man to have served in the military for him to serve as President, the fact that Congressman Paul knows and hates war lends credibility to his desire and commitment to ending the wars and bringing our troops home. Moreover, he has a constitutional understanding of war (only Congress can send us to war), and a Christian commitment to historic Just War Theory (rooted in the Sixth Commandment... HIS WORDS).[8] He, unlike other candidates, can be counted on not to commit to acts of war without congressional authority (i.e., unilaterally deciding to bomb a sovereign nation if they advance their weapons technology in a region several thousand miles away from the U.S., under the watchful eye of a nation with over 300 nukes who can stop them in a heartbeat... but I digress).

There is a reason Dr. Paul has received more support from members of the military than all other candidates (Republican and Democrat) COMBINED! The top three employers of Ron Paul’s donors are the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, respectively. Dr. Paul will not use our military to hunt down and overthrow heads of state without Congressional authority (i.e., Libya), kill American citizens without warrant,[9] detain citizens indefinitely without benefit of a trial,[10] or chase warlords in central Africa.[11] When it comes to war, Dr. Paul understands that, “Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.” (Proverbs 26:17)

Constitutional States’ Rights

I support Ron Paul because he not only understands, but believes in the Tenth Amendment. I know many Christians have been scared off by the “Ron Paul wants to legalize drugs, gay marriage, and abortion” rhetoric. However, looking beyond the rhetoric reveals Paul’s true constitutional conservatism (and biblical understanding of jurisdiction). He has personal convictions, but those will not be allowed to steer him away from his constitutional oath. The presidency, and the Federal Government have limits.

The President is not “Pastor in Chief.” It is not the President’s job (or the job of the Federal Government) to set such policies. The “War on Drugs,” for example, has been a monumental, unconstitutional, fiscal failure (to the tune of more than $3 BILLION)![12] The Federal Government must be held within the confines of its enumerated powers. This is important for Christians because we will not always have people in the White House with whom we agree (in fact, politicians will always let us down). What happens when we send a man to the White House with the express purpose of “changing the moral standards” of America in our favor, then, down the line we have a president who uses the same un-cheked powers to promote moral standards with which we disagree? How’s that workin’ for ya’?

But what about the moral issues to which we, as Christians, must speak? First, we must speak to them at the local level. I have no right to look to Washington, D.C. for remedies when I am not preaching on Mars Hill at every opportunity. The Roe v. Wade, for example, started in Texas; not D.C.. Furthermore, there is not a single institution more prolific in the spread of moral decay than the government education system, and Ron Paul is the only man who plans to get the federal government out of that business by ending the (unconstitutional) Department of Education IMMEDIATELY (Luke 6:40).

Beyond that, if there are issues we wish to address on a federal level, we have a federal remedy, and it is not the election of a President; it is the amendment process. This is less favorable to those who do not wish to do the hard work of changing hearts and minds in the marketplace of ideas. However, the alternative is a quasi-monarchy (or oligarchy) that changes with the wind, and a view of the presidency that is both unbiblical and unconstitutional.

Constitutional Foreign Policy

I support Ron Paul because he has a constitutional view of foreign policy. Ironically, our foreign policy has been so unconstitutional for so long that many people recoil at the idea of getting it back in line. Moreover, the semantic game Paul’s opponents play (using “isolationism” as opposed to “non-intervention” to define his position) doesn’t help. For most Christians, this is where they believe I’ve left the reservation. They may not say, “We have to be the world’s police force,” but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Do you know his position on Israel?” “Surely you can’t support a man who doesn’t support Israel!”

Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. Ron Paul does support Israel. It is our current foreign policy that does not support Israel! However, there is a deeper issue here. There is a sort of misplaced Dispensationalism that governs people’s sentimental attitude toward Israel. Let me state clearly that I do not believe the Bible demands that the U.S. support Israel. I do, however, believe that it is wise to do so for geopolitical reasons. To do so for theological reasons, I believe, is actually misguided, and quite dangerous. Nevertheless, Israel is our only true ally in the Middle East, and that is important.

But there’s a more important question: “What does it mean to “support” Israel?” Does it mean that Israel remains God’s “Chosen People,” and we must stand with them in anticipation of the coming Armageddon? Is the President to act as “Commander in Chief of the United States Armed Forces” and “Supreme Defender of Israel”? Or are we simply to make sure the foreign aid dollars don’t stop flowing? Here are a few things I took into to consideration in evaluating Congressman Paul’s foreign policy.

Israel is the most powerful nation in the Middle East... BY A LONG SHOT! In fact, Israel could potentially defeat all the other military powers in the Middle East simultaneously if they had to.
We not only give money to Israel; we give money to their enemies as well. That is not supporting Israel! That is using money to buy influence in a region thousands of miles away from us in the name of oil, when we happen to have the largest repository of oil on planet earth right here in the US, but refuse to go and get it (in the name of Earth-worshipping environmentalism)!
Israel is a sovereign nation, and we have no right to treat her like a child. Our foreign aid has been a tool used to influence Israel’s domestic policy for far too long. If we are their friends, we should allow them to exercise their sovereignty without our interference, and certainly without our condemnation. Who do we think we are? No, I disagree with my Christian brothers and sisters who think a country who supports Israel’s enemies, interferes with Israel’s domestic policy, condemn’s Israel in efforts to keep ties with oil-rich countries in the region, and helps to destabilize and radicalize one of Israel’s historic foes lurking on her southern boarder is engaging in a foreign policy that supports Israel.

III. Ron Paul is a Consistent Conservative

Finally, I support Dr. Paul because he has been a consistent conservative. He has been married to the same woman for more than fifty years; delivered over 4,000 babies as an OB; never performed a single abortion; has never voted for an unbalanced budget, a tax increase, or a bailout; forecasted the economic debacle long before it happened;[13] and gave back $140,000 last year through his office to pay down the national debt (100,000 in 2010). This man is so principled that he refuses to claim his congressional pension!

Ron Paul is the real deal. He is not perfect. He needs a savior just like you and I do (as noted by his trust in Christ as his redeemer). But when it’s all said and done, he is a man with whom I agree in principle. I know where he’s coming from, and it’s not based on his “personal story,” or his sense of what’s going to get him elected. It’s the same thing he’s been running on (and governing from) for over three decades; the Constitution of the United States (viewed through the lens of a basic biblical world and life view). And I’m glad to support a man like that.

Romney is now handing out cash to supporters.

2012-01-15T04:39:00.000-08:00

Sumter, South Carolina (CNN) – Mitt Romney gave a handful of cash Saturday to a woman who had told him she was struggling financially after an event in Sumter, South Carolina.

An aide said the GOP candidate gave the supporter "what he had on him" - about $50 or $60.

I'm sure this wasn't a photo-op. All I can say is WOW!! I was never much impressed with folks who pound their own chest saying "Look at me..I'm giving my money to charity!!" I much prefer those that quietly donate in a humble fashion because it feels good. Not to get attention.

Next he'll offer free health care to those that can't afford it, paid for by hard working tax payers .....oh wait....he already did that too.....

Read the full story at: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/14/romney-gives-cash-to-struggling-supporter-at-rally/?npt=NP1

Why does Santorum always want to force his opinions on everyone?

2012-01-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder why Santorum, a candidate running in the conservative party, believes in big government and wants to use that big government to force people to live their lives just as he prescribes? Sounds like he comes from a family of communists. That might shed a light on why he seems so forceful!! And exactly why his own nephew has come publicly come out against his candidacy.

Read the full article at:
http://news.yahoo.com/santorum-communist-clan-113600418.html

Uncovered: Mitt Romney was arrested back in 1981

2012-01-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

It has been reported that Mitt Romney was arrested June of 1981 when he launched his motorboat at Lake Cochituate directly against the orders of a Park Ranger. Surprisingly (please read in my sarcasm) all charges were later dropped and the court records sealed.

Sounds like someone has a problem with authority and also something to hide. Very similar to the video of Perry trying to tell his own state troopers to let his driver off the hook for speeding. Gotta love our politicians today!!

McCain thinks Romney is Obama

2012-01-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

While John McCain, a liberal senator from Arizona, was speaking in support of Romney, he refers to Romney as President Obama. You can watch the video here:

http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t2#/video/politics/2012/01/06/sot-mccain-romney-obama-flub.cnn

All I can say is WOW!!! When we can't tell the difference between Obama and the GOP candidates we have dropped to a new level in conservative politics!

Newt didn't even pay for his own kids after first divorce!!

2012-01-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

"Despite repeated notice to plaintiff and requests by defendant, plaintiff has failed and refused to voluntarily provide reasonable support sufficient to include payment of usual and normal living expenses, including drugs, water, sewage, garbage, gas, electric and telephone service for defendant and the minor children ... As a result, many of such accounts are two or three months past due with notices of intent to cut off service and gas and electricity."

Click here to read more!!

Texas should secede!!

2012-01-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

I think the absolute best solution is for Texas to secede from the Union, become the Republic of Texas once again, and appoint Ron Paul as the acting president. What a great place Texas would be!!

The results would be awesome!! Texas could then get free foreign aid from the U.S. and Texas could also get the U.S. to protect the Texas/Mexico border for free.

Why Do GOP Bosses Fear Ron Paul?

2011-12-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

A very well written article by John Nichols on why the Republican Establishment is so-anti Ron Paul.
Ron Paul represents the ideology that Republican insiders most fear: conservatism. Not the corrupt, inside-the-beltway construct that goes by that name, but actual conservatism.

Make no mistake, the party bosses are horrified at the notion that a genuine conservative might grab the Iowa headlines from the false prophets. Already, they are claiming a Paul win won't mean anything.

Read the full articlwe Here!!!

Do Mormons wear Magic Underwear?

2011-12-20T18:44:00.000-08:00

Surprisingly, the answer appears to be yes.......

Liberal and Moderate Republicans would rather Obama be elected than a Conservative

2011-12-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

How embarrassing for the Republican Party. The GOP leaders and many of the elected officials elected under the banner of the GOP have been so infiltrated by liberals and democrats, they now boldly and openly campaign against conservative candidates!! They are bold because we allow it, with apparently no repercussions. Perhaps we true republicans vote a few more of them out of office soon? Read more here: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70674.html

The Conservative Scorecard (click to enlarge)

2011-12-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

Be sure to vote in our monthly poll on the right after considering the candidates' positions!!

Where do the Candidates stand on Cap and Trade? Click Here!!

Where do the Candidates stand on a border fence? Click Here!!

Which candidate would cut spending the most? Click Here!!

Where do the Candidates stand on Gun Control? Click Here!!

What are the Candidates' religious affiliations? Click Here!!

If you believe some of these ratings are in error, post a link from a credible source with quotes from the candidate that will clarify their position.

Food For Thought

2011-11-09T08:08:00.001-08:00

Not one of the taxes below existed 100 years ago. Our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world and mom could stay home and raise the kids.

Accounts Receivable Tax, Building Permit Tax, CDL license Tax, Cigarette Tax, Corporate Income Tax, Dog License Tax, Excise Taxes, Federal Income Tax, Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA), Fishing License Tax, Food License Tax, Fuel Permit Tax, Gasoline Tax, Gross Receipts Tax, Hunting License Tax, Inheritance Tax, Inventory Tax, IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties, Liquor Tax, Luxury Taxes, Marriage License Tax, Medicare Tax, Personal Property Tax, Property Tax, Real Estate Tax, Service Charge Tax, Social Security Tax, Road Usage Tax, Recreational Vehicle Tax, Sales Tax, School Tax, State Income Tax, State Unemployment Tax (SUTA), Telephone Federal Excise Tax, Telephone Federal Universal Service, Tax, Telephone Federal, State and Local, Surcharge Taxes, Telephone Minimum , Usage Tax, Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax, Telephone State and Local Tax, Telephone Usage Charge Tax, Utility Taxes, Vehicle License Registration Tax, Vehicle Sales Tax, Watercraft Registration Tax, Well Permit Tax, Workers Compensation Tax...

Why such a discussion on supporting Israel or not during the debates?

2011-10-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

My entire life I have found myself confused at all the discussions about Jews, the country of Israel, and how they are related. I have heard that Jews are the chosen people of God, and then I hear that Jews actually killed Jesus, and then I hear Jesus was King of the Jews. I hear that current Israel must be defended at all costs, then I hear that Israel is nothing more than a good military ally just like England or Australia and therefore we must defend it, then I hear we should get out of Israel since defending it causes us to have so many other enemies, such as the Palestinians and Iranians.

This is by no means a simple discussion. As I have researched the topic, I have learned that it can become complicated very quickly. I have also learned that differences in opinions run deep and are very emotional. As you probably know, people have lost their lives over this very issue.

This article is my attempt to lay out all of the issues on the topic in layman’s terms, on why we should or should not support the current country of Israel. This article is NOT being written to convince you one way or the other. The ultimate goal is to help you understand the complexity of the topic so that you can draw your own conclusions.

The Issue

What is a Jew? Is it someone born in Judah or Israel, like calling someone American who was born in the United States? Is it someone born to ‘Jewish’ parents, similar to calling someone German because their parents were German? Is being a Jew mean that they believe in Judaism, like calling someone a Baptist or Buddhist? Is a Jew someone that lives in the current country of Israel (regardless of birth, where you are currently a citizen)? Is a Jew an Israelite? Was the Tribe of Israel a Jewish tribe? Are Jews the chosen people of God?

The Discussion

What you will ultimately believe on these issues will depend on a number of factors. I'll focus on this question: Why must we defend current-day Israel at all costs?

For those that believe Israel must be defended, it is based on one of three reasons.

· For one, Israel is the only country where Jews (those that believe in Judaism) are in the majority. Many Jews are in very prominent political positions in western countries, and therefore, want to defend Israel for that reason.

· The second main reason is based on a religious theory held by many Protestants that Jesus Christ will return to Earth and rule for a 1000 years (also known as dispensationalism). But before that can happen, Israel must be restored as a nation.

· The third reason is based on the fact that the United States has no strong allies in the middle-east and that we must maintain Israel as a strong military ally for western stability in the region.

For those that don’t believe that we need to defend Israel at all costs, it is because they don’t believe in the three reasons above.

· For starters, if you don’t believe in Judaism, you don’t have a personal reason to defend those that believe in it outside of general humanitarianism. For example, to be saved and enter heaven one must simply believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again for your sins, regardless of end times. Similar to you don’t see the United States jumping into action to support countries that where Muslims or Buddhists are in the majority. Or you may be an atheist.

· Secondly, if you are a Christian and believe in any of the other number of theories about the end times, the country of Israel has already come into play…..or doesn’t ever come into play. An example would be those that believe in amilleniasm (That a spiritual Israel, not a physical country of Israel, is restored before the end times can occur). Or those that believe in postmillennialism, which basically believe that God will convert Jews (Israel) to Christianity as a prelude to the kingdom’s period of greatest expansion. As an interesting side note, most of these beliefs (including dispensationalism) also agree that during the end times, the Jews will perish as Christians are saved. So these beliefs are simply a way for the end times to commence, not necessarily for the wellness of Jews.

· Or you may believe that the Israel of the Old Testament refers to an ancient tribe that no longer exists and has nothing at all to do with the current physical country if Israel. Others will add that if one converts to Judaism, it is silly to assume they automatically become a member of the Israel spoken about in the Old Testament.

· And last, a growing majority of Americans believe that if they stayed out of Israel’s business, America would have fewer enemies abroad (similar to Switzerland). Ie, quit nation building and policing the world.

Conclusion

As you can see, the discussion is complex and confusing at best. As you discuss this topic moving forward, be sure to educate yourself and others and ensure you are clear on whether you are discussing a religious group, an ethnic group, a geographical group, or all of the above. Having clarity on that issue will hopefully allow you to have a great thought-provoking discussion next time it comes up!!

Are we going to pay attention?

2011-10-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

Cain surges in most recent polls!!

2011-09-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Herman Cain has seen a recent bump to his numbers!! Can he surge into the top tier and build a stronger following?

See results here:
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=46473

Isn't liberty great?!?

2011-09-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about true liberty from the federal government, is that people can express themselves however they choose, as long as it doesn't hurt others and as long as the local governments and communities accept it.

Here is a great link that I enjoyed to a lot of odd pictures of people doing the weirdest, coolest, amazing things. Check them out!!

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/weird/Weird_News_Photos.html

Rep. Ron Paul: The country is ripe for revolution

2011-09-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

(CNN) - Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul rallied a sold- out crowd of more than 1800 of his most ardent under-thirty-year-old supporters in New York City Monday night.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/27/rep-ron-paul-the-country-is-ripe-for-revolution/#comment-3867426

Understanding Politicians!

2011-09-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have been around politics, politicians, and candidates for a long time. And for most of us, we tend to get really exasperated at candidates who refuse to answer questions directly, or seem unable to take a strong position on an issue. It seems insulting to us voters…can I hear an AMEN?

It has taken me a while to get to this opinion, but I finally get it…I think. And before you read the rest, I warn you now…I’m going to first compliment our GOP candidates in this article, then I’m going to hang them out to dry.

Background

When one runs as a republican, they need to only do one thing to get the republican vote, and that is to put a large “R” by their name. You do that and all the republicans will vote for you and all the democrats won’t vote for you. Easy enough. Let’s just hope there is one more republican in your district than total democrats. If it were only that easy….

The Issue
Now assume you’re in a debate…and up to now you have not taken any real positions, but you DO have that “R” by your name. You get asked about your position on abortion. Well…start your engines…you’re about to get dragged head first into a race. Let us assume you say you are pro-life, except in cases of rape, incest, or the mother’s health. Seems like a safe position as a candidate, and may be your true opinion. Unfortunately, you just lost some voters.

How is this possible one might ask? Well, if one is a staunch supporter of life, killing an unborn baby is always wrong, regardless how it was created. After all, it’s not the baby’s fault it was conceived. So, you just lost that vote. On the opposite end, there are a number of pro-abortion conservatives. Who are you as a candidate to decide such a personal issue? You just lost their vote as well.

Now you get asked about the wars we’re involved in. Oh my, you better shut your mouth now…but you can’t…you have to reply with something or look like a fool. Perhaps you come up with a middle-of-the-road answer…such as wanting to promote democracy and not leaving a void in the countries where we currently have troops. Well, once again you have just doomed yourself. You just lost the votes from the growing segment of the republican party that wants to be more like Switzerland, and that is to stay out of other counties’ business. You also just lost the vote of the pro-Israel lobby who would like to see us bomb all enemies of that country. You also just lost the vote of those who believe we should be the world police and forcibly end all crimes against humanity.

SO by taking just these two positions, you have lost a good chunk of voters. Now you get asked about:

What role does religion play in your life and decision making? (don’t want to lose the atheist GOP voters do you?)
How would you control illegal immigration? (don’t want to lose the Hispanic vote do you?)
How would you reduce federal spending? (don’t want to lose the vote of all the Department of Education employees do you?)
What is your position on private gun ownership? (don’t want to lose all the GOP voters who think guns kill do you?)
What will you do with social security? (Don’t want to lose the GOP voters that depend on social security do you?)
Etc, etc, etc

So, you have way more to risk than gain by taking strong positions. After all, you started out with all of the republicans voting for you. Now you’re shaving them off faster than butter melting in a frying pan.

Now, where does that leave us? This is where is will now upset most of my readers. Get out your reply button. Let ‘er rip.

When I vote for someone, I don’t give a rat’s ars about them trying to win an election. I want to know exactly where they stand on the issues so I can weigh the pro’s and con’s of each and vote for the one that best reflects MY choice. Ie, I like candidates that fit my beliefs, and don’t try to fit the mold of 51% of the voters. I DON’T vote for the lesser of two evils.

Let me give a few examples. Rick Perry spouts personal freedom now, yet wanted to mandate vaccines. He talked about being tough on illegal immigration, but now blames it on the federal government. And where did this Preacher Perry come from?!? Can you say ‘dodge ball?”

Mitt Romney was pro-choice, but is now pro-life. That is a huge issue to just change an opinion on, unless you have gone through some major life-changing experience.

Did you notice how all the Bush wives suddenly became pro-choice when their husbands were out of office? What a sham. Why not just say you are pro-choice up front and quit living in a closet?

Why doers Bachmann (I like her by the way before you nail me to the wall) back off on her convictions? She and her husband are strongly against the gay life-style yet her comments have softened immensely in recent debates on the issue. Has she just decided to be pro-gay now? What kind of faith is that where you can just bend it at will to sound softer? It’s either ok or it isn’t….

The problem I have with most candidates is that they are not trust-worthy and they are unethical. To lie about your true beliefs if wrong. Give me a candidate that will stick to his or her morals, will DO what they say when elected, doesn’t have a problem making a decision…and they will get my vote.

Summary

I accept that no single candidate will have the same exact position as me on all issues. Candidates, quit trying to be that person. Tell me specifically how you are going to lead our country, forget bashing your running mates, and let the voters decide.

As always, feel free to weigh in on my opinions, for they are after all…. just opinions.

The Literal Truth....

2011-09-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

I am often confused and dismayed by the number of people I meet today that tell me the U.S. Constitution, the one that we swear to uphold, the one that makes America the focal point of freedom…..was written so long ago that it doesn’t apply to today’s issues and that it needs to be interpreted. That we need to help the founding fathers along in how they would have written it in today’s times. That what they knew then simply couldn’t apply today.

As a strict Constitutionalist, you no doubt already know that I couldn’t disagree more with that statement then if you told me aliens were among us. We as a human race, in general, seem to always interpret things in a way that benefit us, quite selfishly. Ask any preacher around and they will tell you how on a daily basis folks will justify their sinful actions by taking Biblical verses out of context, or translating original text into something it’s not. For my libertarian friends who are not religious, perhaps a better example would be those that interpret the law in various ways to cheat, but inside feeling comfortable because of their flawed reasoning. Those that cheat on their taxes, or think it’s ok to violate laws they don’t support. You may justify it, but it’s still illegal.

Let’s assume, for arguments sake, that you are a parent and you tell you teenage son that you are going out for dinner, and under no circumstances is he to take out the family car while you’re out. “Understood?” you might ask. “Yes mom and dad!” you child answers. Under no circumstance….

While you’re at dinner, a good looking gal who happens to be the most sought after cheerleader from school calls and says “I sure could use some company studying tonight. Care to join me?” What does your son do? This is a dream come true. No harm, no foul. The boys will all be jealous. Surely a quick trip and back in the family car is justified?

Perhaps, the same gal calls, but the conversation is very different. “I am out on the highway and have a flat tire. Can you pleeeease come help me change it?” Your instructions were quite clear to your son…under no circumstance…! But oh the opportunity. She is stuck on the side of the road, she needs help, your son can swoop in and save the day. Ok to take the family vehicle now?

What if the call comes in from the highway patrol and they say “Son…your father has been in a major traffic accident and is at the hospital. He may not make it and you need to come now!”

“Under no circumstance is he to take out the family car.” Ponder this for just an additional moment then read on.

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

The comment seems pretty clear. “The powers NOT delegated…..by the Constitution……are reserved for the states…”

But some like to read into this statement. One could argue….how in God’s name were they going to know that we would have thousands of airlines flying across state lines on a daily basis. There is no way they could have foreseen that, and therefore, we can tweak this definition and create a federal agency to control air traffic for the better good. “Or can we?” I might ask.

Some might say “Chemical plant emissions generated in one state affecting another state must be regulated at the federal level.” I’m not quite seeing that phrase when I read it…the phrase that says “The powers NOT delegated…..by the Constitution……are reserved for the states…unless it is air pollution.”

I invite you to read the Constitution and the amendments in their entirety. It might put you to sleep…but read it. Study it. Understand the smallest of words. Read some of the letters written by the authors of the constitution. Learn what America was going through when it was written. When you do that, ask yourself, “Did the authors really want the vitamin pills I take to be regulated by the federal government?” Ask yourself, “Does the Constitution state The powers NOT delegated…..by the constitution……are reserved for the states…unless it comes to the safety of automobiles (or horse carts back then).”

I ask an honest question. You told your son not to drive the car. He might come up with a hundred justified reasons to violate that order. You might even be ok with some. Would the founding fathers be ok with how we abuse the Constitution today? Would they say it was ok to interpret their intent as it would apply to modern times? Were there no exceptions at all where they might be ok with the federal government having authority not clearly delegated in the Constitution?

The Tenth Amendment of the US Constitution states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” I vote we interpret this statement literally and support elected officials who hold the same opinion. I also vote to throw out those that trample on the very foundation of our freedom.

http://archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html

Ron Paul isn't afraid of calling out republicans

2011-09-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

Ron Paul has always stood his ground. In fact, even when Reagan went back on his word, Ron Paul was there to wave his finger back and forth. Candidate Reagan spoke a lot about smaller government, but when elected, he did no such thing. Read more here what Paul wrote in 1987:

As a lifelong Republican, it saddens me to have to write this letter. My parents believed in the Republican Party and its free enterprise philosophy, and that's the way I was brought up. At age 21, in 1956, I cast my first vote for Ike and the entire Republican slate.

Because of frustration with the direction in which the country was going, I became a political activist and ran for the U.S. Congress in 1974. Even with Watergate, my loyalty, optimism, and hope for the future were tied to the Republican Party and its message of free enterprise, limited government, and balanced budgets.

Eventually I was elected to the U.S. Congress four times as a Republican. This permitted me a first-hand look at the interworkings of the U.S. Congress, seeing both the benefits and partisan frustrations that guide its shaky proceedings. I found that although representative government still exists, special interest control of the legislative process clearly presents a danger to our constitutional system of government.

In 1976 I was impressed with Ronald Reagan's program and was one of the four members of Congress who endorsed his candidacy. In 1980, unlike other Republican office holders in Texas, I again supported our President in his efforts.

Since 1981, however, I have gradually and steadily grown weary of the Republican Party's efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. Since then Ronald Reagan and the Republican Party have given us skyrocketing deficits, and astoundingly a doubled national debt. How is it that the party of balanced budgets, with control of the White House and Senate, accumulated red ink greater than all previous administrations put together? Tip O'Neill, although part of the problem, cannot alone be blamed.

Tax revenues are up 59 percent since 1980. Because of our economic growth? No. During Carter's four years, we had growth of 37.2 percent; Reagan's five years have given us 30.7 percent. The new revenues are due to four giant Republican tax increases since 1981.

All Republicans rightly chastised Carter for his $38 billion deficit. But they ignore or even defend deficits of $220 billion, as government spending has grown 10.4 percent per year since Reagan took office, while the federal payroll has zoomed by a quarter of a million bureaucrats.

Despite the Supply-Sider-Keynesian claim that "deficits don't matter," the debt presents a grave threat to our country. Thanks to the President and Republican Party, we have lost the chance to reduce the deficit and the spending in a non-crisis fashion. Even worse, big government has been legitimized in a way the Democrats never could have accomplished. It was tragic to listen to Ronald Reagan on the 1986 campaign trail bragging about his high spending on farm subsidies, welfare, warfare, etc., in his futile effort to hold on to control of the Senate.

Instead of cutting some of the immeasurable waste in the Department of Defense, it has gotten worse, with the inevitable result that we are less secure today. Reagan's foreign aid expenditures exceed Eisenhower's, Kennedy's, Johnson's, Nixon's, Ford's, and Carter's put together. Foreign intervention has exploded since 1980. Only an end to military welfare for foreign governments plus a curtailment of our unconstitutional commitments abroad will enable us really to defend ourselves and solve our financial problems.

Amidst the failure of the Gramm-Rudman gimmick, we hear the President and the Republican Party call for a balanced-budget amendment and a line-item veto. This is only a smokescreen. President Reagan, as governor of California, had a line-item veto and virtually never used it. As President he has failed to exercise his constitutional responsibility to veto spending. Instead, he has encouraged it.
Monetary policy has been disastrous as well. The five Reagan appointees to the Federal Reserve Board have advocated even faster monetary inflation than Chairman Volcker, and this is the fourth straight year of double-digit increases. The chickens have yet to come home to roost, but they will, and America will suffer from a Reaganomics that is nothing but warmed-over Keynesianism.
Candidate Reagan in 1980 correctly opposed draft registration. Yet when he had the chance to abolish it, he reneged, as he did on his pledge to abolish the Departments of Education and Energy, or to work against abortion.

Under the guise of attacking drug use and money laundering, the Republican Administration has systematically attacked personal and financial privacy. The effect has been to victimize innocent Americans who wish to conduct their private lives without government snooping. (Should people really be put on a suspected drug dealer list because they transfer $3,000 at one time?) Reagan's urine testing of Americans without probable cause is a clear violation of our civil liberties, as are his proposals for extensive "lie detector" tests.

Under Reagan, the IRS has grown bigger, richer, more powerful, and more arrogant. In the words of the founders of our country, our government has "sent hither swarms" of tax gatherers "to harass our people and eat out their substance." His officers jailed the innocent George Hansen, with the President refusing to pardon a great American whose only crime was to defend the Constitution. Reagan's new tax "reform" gives even more power to the IRS. Far from making taxes fairer or simpler, it deceitfully raises more revenue for the government to waste.

Knowing this administration's record, I wasn't surprised by its Libyan disinformation campaign, Israeli-Iranian arms-for-hostages swap, or illegal funding of the Contras. All this has contributed to my disenchantment with the Republican Party, and helped me make up my mind.

I want to totally disassociate myself from the policies that have given us unprecedented deficits, massive monetary inflation, indiscriminate military spending, an irrational and unconstitutional foreign policy, zooming foreign aid, the exaltation of international banking, and the attack on our personal liberties and privacy.

After years of trying to work through the Republican Party both in and out of government, I have reluctantly concluded that my efforts must be carried on outside the Republican Party. Republicans know that the Democratic agenda is dangerous to our political and economic health. Yet, in the past six years Republicans have expanded its worst aspects and called them our own. The Republican Party has not reduced the size of government. It has become big government's best friend.

If Ronald Reagan couldn't or wouldn't balance the budget, which Republican leader on the horizon can we possibly expect to do so? There is no credibility left for the Republican Party as a force to reduce the size of government. That is the message of the Reagan years.

I conclude that one must look to other avenues if a successful effort is ever to be achieved in reversing America's direction.

I therefore resign my membership in the Republican Party and enclose my membership card.

2011-08-31T12:11:00.001-07:00

Does Gov. Rick Perry thinks he is above the law?

2011-08-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

Republicans in Texas know that Rick Perry is a smooth talking power sucking politician. He ran against the Tea Party GOP candidate. He is no different than all of the republicans we have been working so hard to throw out of office. If you haven't seen this video where he gets on his own state's highway-patrol, please watch it now!! He is the one that keeps getting in and out of the vehicle.

Paul or Perry?

2011-08-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ron Paul should take Rick Perry to the woodshed

By Brent Budowsky - 08/26/11 01:26 PM ET

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) should, and probably will, take Texas Gov. Rick Perry to the woodshed as America’s leading phony conservative flavor of the month, and launch the mother of all Ron Paul money bombs. While Ron Paul is an authentic libertarian Rick Perry, is a polyester political libertine who moves effortlessly from championing Al Gore to imitating Ron Paul.
While Ron Paul discusses monetary policy for 30 years, Rick Perry is a monetary parvenu who probably thinks QE2 is an ocean liner and descends to the gutter with language about the Fed that implies treason and appears to imply violence.

While Ron Paul is against deficit spending, Rick Perry has run up deficits in Texas. While Ron Paul abhors government programs, Rick Perry gobbled up Obama stimulus money like a rabbit in heat, and then used government programs to raise pay-for-play campaign dough with a gusto that would make former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich proud.

While Ron Paul raises money from real Americans who believe in his vision, Rick Perry raises money from special interests that exploit the kind of programs Paul opposes, which Perry pretends to oppose while holding fundraisers for government contractors.

While Ron Paul offers serious discussion of foreign policy, whether one agrees with Paul or not, Perry offers trite neocon platitudes that sound like leftovers from Dick Cheney speeches in which Perry appears hell-bent to find big wars for America to fight.

Ron Paul offers a choice between a genuine conservative libertarian versus a polyester political libertine. Ron Paul advocated his philosophy for more than a generation while Rick Perry shape-shifted from championing Al Gore to imitating Ron Paul, sounding like Dick Cheney, creating Texas deficits, gobbling up Obama stimulus cash and raising campaign dough from government contractors.

I am no conservative. Neither was George W. Bush. And neither is Rick Perry, who Ron Paul should take to the woodshed.

http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/presidential-campaign/178379-ron-paul-should-take-rick-perry-to-the-woodshed

Rick Perry is not a true conservative!!

2011-08-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61076.html

Us republicans In Texas know this. We only hope that republicans across the US learn this before they vote!!

BREAKING: Romney reportedly loses his temper at Iowa fair

2011-08-11T10:03:00.001-07:00

BREAKING: Romney reportedly loses his temper at Iowa fair

It has been reported that Romney lost his cool and didn’t like the line of questioning he received at the Iowa fair. At first he lost his cool, then realized he needed to recover and started to joke.

Interesting mood swings here….more to follow!!

Update: This is all over the AP now.

Three candidates emerge as front-runners!

2011-08-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

Romney, Perry and Paul have emerged as the three front-runners in the latest CNN poll.

View more here!!
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/11/new-cnn-poll-perry-near-top-of-pack-in-gop-nomination-battle/

And the spending increases....

2011-08-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

Our elected officials have increased the debt yet again, against the desire of the majority. Be sure to pick up the phone, send email, and complain on their facebook websites. Be sure to let them know they have lost your vote. If there is no consequence for their actions, they will not change.

This chart is in Trillions of dollars!!

Tea Party NOT happy with Debt Deal!

2011-08-01T08:39:00.003-07:00

How The Tea party Won The Deal. Tea Party Runs Washington. Tea Party Makes Waves! Tea Partiers Get Their Tax Deal.

These are all the great headlines on the news today. We should be happy and excited with all of our hard work to get freshmen elected to congress right?

Hell no!! Pardon my French but I’m mad as hell!! The main stream media is trying to convince us that we won, when we really got sold a bill of crap (again pardon my French).

In any household, when you have bills that exceed your income, you can do one of two things. You can get a credit card and continue to live above your means, only to lose it all later; or you can reduce your spending below your income and be just fine. And oh, by the way, you make the cuts right away, not 10 years down the road. For example, if my paycheck is short, I turn off the cable today. I increase the temperature on the a/c today. We quit eating out….yes…..I know…today.

I am so mad at our elected officials that I will double my efforts in getting new freshmen into congress that will do what they say and not give us lip service. Just so you know which GOPers voted against the deal:

* Justin Amash, Michigan

* Michele Bachmann, Minnesota

* Paul Broun, Georgia

* Jason Chaffetz, Utah

* Chip Cravaack, Minnesota

* Scott DesJarlais, Tennessee

* Trey Gowdy, South Carolina

* Tim Huelskamp, Kansas

* Tom Graves, Georgia

* Tim Johnson, Illinois

* Jim Jordan, Ohio

* Steve King, Iowa

* Connie Mack, Florida

* Tom McClintock, California

* Mick Mulvaney, South Carolina

* Ron Paul, Texas

* Tim Scott, South Carolina

* Steve Southerland, Florida

* Joe Walsh, Illinois

* Joe Wilson, South Carolina

Full Article at: http://news.yahoo.com/factbox-republicans-voted-against-boehner-bill-025110331.html

Please call them and thank them for their support!!

Supreme Court upholds the Constitution!!

2011-07-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's sad that we need to get excited about this, but it dang near brings tears to my face!!

In 2007, the state of Arizona passed the Legal Arizona Workers Act (LAWA). The law penalizes businesses who knowingly hire illegal aliens. Penalties can range from fines up to and including the revocation of the firm’s business license. LAWA was challenged on the basis of constitutionality and whether or not the states have a right to establish their own immigration laws. In 2008, two lower courts both ruled that LAWA was constitutional, but the opponents continued to fight it and pressed on to the US Supreme Court.
Today, in what is sure to be a landmark decision, the US Supreme Court upheld Arizona’s law.

http://godfatherpolitics.com/277/flash-us-supreme-court-shocks-nation-by-upholding-the-constitution/

My feelings on the "Gang of Six"

2011-07-22T14:31:00.001-07:00

Texas Governor Rick Perry is not Tea Party!!

2011-06-30T05:03:00.000-07:00

Are you surprised? Many of us were actively trying to tell the GOP voters in Texas that these three were giving us lip service and that we needed a different speaker. There were numbers of issues not passed that we wanted and thus was the result of our November elections. Looks like we need to have a round 2 of house cleaning. They are pandering to the Tea Party vote, but not delivering. The sonogram bill was easy. What about the groping bill, sanctuary cities, the right to carry? Perry, Dewhurst and Strauss are not Tea Party conservatives. They had the power to pass all these bills. Don't be fooled America. Boot them!!

http://grassrootstexans.net/4198/For_the_Record_The_TEXAS_HOUSE_Killed_the_Sanctuary_City_and_TSA_Bills/

It’s Time To Get Rid Of Property Taxes!

2011-06-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Americans are taxed in so many ways that it is almost impossible to calculate what we are truly paying. Income tax, sales tax, property tax, license plate fees, driver’s license fees, bridge fees, utility add-on fees, fees on cel-phone bills, etc, etc. Where does it all end? Even with an advanced degree in taxation, one can hardly get their mind around the entire issue.

As we all agree that we need to make drastic cuts to government spending and reduce taxation, it has become apparent that now is the time for one tax to go away entirely, and that is the property tax. I’m sure at the beginning our parents and great-grand parents agreed that property taxes were a great way to finance local government. But property taxes have become a nightmare, and many cases have become what I would relate to being criminal in nature.

I recently heard a local elected official state that due to falling housing prices, they were going to be forced to raise property taxes. I almost fell out of my chair. Let’s envision this conversation happening another way:

Boss: “Ok staff. Due to dropping sales, we’re going to have to reduce salaries by 5%.”

Staff: “Ok boss. But you’re going to have to give us a 5% Christmas bonus at the end of the year to make it up.”

It doesn’t pass normal logic. If you’re broke, you’re broke. When will we learn? And to make matters even worse, we use property taxes for things that each of us don’t even need or want as a government service. The conversation continues:

Boss: “Why is our landlord increasing our rent by $500 a month?”

Secretary: “It’s for that new parking garage for the tenants next door.”

Boss: “But our employees aren’t using that parking garage.”

Secretary: “True, but all tenants must pay for the new garage. I hear it is costing $4.5 million to build.”

Boss: “Holy Cat Turd!! $4.5 million?? What in the good Lord’s name is costing that much??”

Secretary: “They’re putting in elevators in all four corners. I heard that was driving the price up.”

Boss: “We won’t even be using the parking garage, much less the elevators?!? Why do they need 4 elevators?? Tell them to cut it back to one!?!?”

Secretary: “That won’t work. The new tenants said they would not stay if they didn’t get 4 elevators.”

And so the story goes….

Today, we have families with no children, folks whose children have long moved on, families who home-school. These folks don’t need to be paying for schools that are nicer than their own homes. Why do we need multi-million dollar stadiums? Why do these families mentioned above need to be paying for retirement plans where folks get 75% of their retirement at 52?

Tell you what we need to do to fund local government. Whatever it takes to finance roads and bridges, charge that to the folks getting a license plate and driver’s license. Need to fund schools? Charge parents on a per-child basis. Need your garbage picked up? Charge on an as-needed basis.

It is completely un-American that we have to pay ‘rent’ to the government to live in our own homes. Please contact your elected official and demand that they support phasing out property taxes. If they refuse, vote for someone that will.

Please read our previous article on how to significantly cut taxes for schools:
http://libertyandhope.blogspot.com/2010/12/will-we-support-cutting-taxes.html

Rick Perry a former Democrat

2011-06-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

Perry, after all, entered the Texas House in 1984 as a Democrat. He won reelection as a Democrat in 1986 and 1988, the same year he served as state chairman of Al Gore’s presidential campaign.

http://blog.chron.com/txpotomac/2011/06/jonathan-gurwitz-rick-perrys-not-just-lucky-he-takes-advantage-of-political-opportunities/

Candidate Polls

2011-06-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Please vote in these polls for your favorite candidate. Coming in first and second can mean $100's of free advertising!!

www.denverpost.com
www.nationalreview.com
www.foxnews.com in the politics section
www.startribune.com
www.nationaljournal.com
http://polldaddy.com/poll/5138762/
http://foxnewsinsider.com/2011/06/27/vote-who-can-beat-obama-in-2012/

Two more key Iowa endorsements for Rep. Ron Paul

2011-06-14T12:10:00.001-07:00

ANKENY, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On Monday 2012 Republican presidential candidate, Congressman Ron Paul, received two more key Iowa endorsements. Republican State Central Committee member Jeremiah Johnson and Dubuque Tea Party Organizer Jeff Leucke both formally announced their endorsements of Dr. Paul for the Republican presidential nomination.

“I am proud to fully support Ron Paul as the Republican nominee for President,” said Jeremiah Johnson. “I firmly believe he is the candidate who best understands our economy and has the best plan to get our nation past these difficult economic times.” Johnson is a Republican Central Committee member representing the first Congressional District in Iowa.

Being deemed “The Godfather of the Tea Party” by Fox News, Paul’s endorsement from a key tea party leader is further evidence of the strong tea party support he has across Iowa.

“Ron Paul represents the return to fiscal responsibility that the Tea Party is looking for,” said Jeff Leucke, organizer of the Dubuque Tea Party. “Ron Paul gets it more than any other Republican candidate and he has the knowledge and experience necessary to take on Obama in November and win.”

The announcement of these endorsements came at an event Paul held Monday in Dubuque as he met with Iowa voters and members of the media. The event was Congressman Paul’s sixth visit to Iowa in as many weeks.

For more information on Congressman Ron Paul’s Presidential Campaign visit www.RonPaul2012.com.

May results for likely GOP voters

2011-05-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Ron Paul by far bested the field of candidates by likely GOP voters. Herman Cain came in a distant second. This site will track the monthly trends. Results will be updated the first week of each month.

Superman to Renounce his US citizenship?

2011-04-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Sounds like it is time for patriots across the US to boycott any Superman products including any upcoming movies.

Read more here: http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/04/27/superman-renounces-us-citizenship/

Huckabee Out?

2011-04-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

It appears Mike Huckabee will not be running for president. It has been reported his South Carolina staffers have been told to seek their fortunes elsewhere.

More at: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=43196

Trump's donation history shows Democratic favoritism

2011-04-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post - Billionaire Donald J. Trump, an early presidential favorite among tea party activists, has a highly unusual history of political contributions for a prospective Republican candidate: He has given most of his money to the other side. Read more here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trumps-donation-history-shows-democratic-favoritism/2011/04/25/AFDUddtE_story.html

What Is Your Line In The Sand?

2011-04-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

What Is Your Line In The Sand?

In 1836, Col. Travis drew a line in the sand and asked, “Who is willing to fight?” His question was a solemn one. Did the Texas Army give up, likely to be executed, or did they fight against horrible odds for what they believed in. All but one crossed that line.

Today as a conservative and patriotic American, I ask my fellow voters a solemn question….will you cross that line and fight? My question is of course not referencing an armed fight, but is asked to determine, “Are you willing to be an activist, to be involved and not be lackadaisical about the actions of your elected leaders?”

Each year I am amazed more and more about the boldness and obvious hypocrisy of many of our elected officials. So many say one thing, but in action do just the other. How many times have we heard conservatives rail on morality, just to be uncovered as cheaters on their wives? Or conservatives energetically talking about how they will change Washington, just to vote to increase the spending deficit.

The only way that this will change is by continued, strong, and bold action by all of us, and that means you if you’re reading this. Next year in 2012, we have an opportunity to make sweeping changes to our government at all levels. Each of us needs to begin now in that process. First we need to become involved. Either run for an office or promote someone that you personally know will be an ethical and a strong conservative. Secondly, do lots of research. Look at the voting records of candidates. Do not trust anyone who has had a “recent epiphany” and seems like the greatest person walking the earth. And third, demand voter protection and transparency. All of your hard work can be wiped away by a few clicks of the button down at the counting station, never to be tracked or replicated.

I would encourage all of you to write down your top five issues that you are not willing to concede. In other words, these are deal breakers. Then research every person that you will be voting on, and vote accordingly. Always remember, don’t go by what they say they will do; go by what their history shows. My five deal breakers are as follows:

1. Balanced budget. This seems common sense to me, but amazingly, many republicans do not support this concept. They may say they do, but they don’t. Many elected republicans to this day think it is ok to borrow more and more. This is similar to you maxing out your credit card, and then applying for more credit cards. Works in the short term, always fails in the long term. In our personal world, we would cut off the cable, turn the a/c off and open the windows, take fewer trips, eat at home more, etc. It’s called financial responsibility. If your current elected official refuses to do this now, vote them out during the primaries.

2. Voter ID. It amazes me that we are so reckless in how we vote. I have many issues with how we vote today such as a lack of a paper trail, but at the top of my list is we don’t even care who votes. Oh, we may say we care, but if you have ever worked a polling station, you know, we really don’t care. A piece of paper with your name on it (which is what we accept now) does not prove you are who you say you are. If it did, we wouldn’t need our pictures on passports and driver’s licenses would we? Demand that your elected officials bring integrity to voting. If not, vote them out during the primaries.

3. Border Security. Why do we pat down our family members and other loved ones every time we try to fly anywhere, yet we let anyone enter the United States without knowing who they are? Again, our leaders say the right things. They will spout off that we spend millions protecting our border and that they can’t do any more. Well, that simply isn’t true. Go do a ride-along with the border patrol some time. Let me know how that goes for you. First, good luck getting to observe them by riding along. If you do, post here how many folks you caught that night. Statistics show that an estimated 2500 illegal aliens enter our country every single day. That is 2500 people that don’t meet our standard of living, that have unknown criminal backgrounds; they could in fact be terrorists hell bent on destroying our country. That is 2500 more people every single day living in our communities. If I were God for a day, I’d build that wall and place a staffed post every 200 yards. Yes, it would be expensive. Yes, it’s that important to me to know who is and who isn’t entering our country. If your elected officials don’t have the same feelings and don’t vote that same way, vote them out during the primaries.

4. National Security. The world is a nasty place. Everyone wants what we as Americans have. We must defend it. We must deter others from even trying to carve off a piece. If they try, they should pay double. Need I say more?

5. American Sovereignty. There is no doubt a movement towards global harmony, we are one world, we must eradicate poverty, there should be no borders, etc. Bull crap. America comes first in every decision. If you even start to agree with any of these concepts, then start with yourself. Never shut your home front door at night. Make your home a neighborhood home. Next, leave the keys in your car, and add several homeless people down the street onto the car title. If my elected official even starts to vote in this manner, I’ll vote them out during the primaries.

Those are my top five. What are yours? I ask my question to you again. I have drawn a line in the sand. Are you willing to cross it or will you be the one that say's it's not worth it and goes home?

Mike Huckabee upset about his true colors?

2011-04-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

We are at a time where we don't need concessions. We don't need to meet half way in the middle. We need to call it like it is. Terms like “progressive” and “moderate” have no place in our future. We need to take America back with strong unapologetic votes of fiscal responsibility and personal liberty.

Must have hit a sore spot with Mike Huckabee.

Newsmax Article: On Wednesday, Beck slapped the dreaded “progressive” label on the potential presidential candidate, saying Huckabee “is the perfect progressive candidate for the Republican Party.”

http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/glennbeck-mikehuckabee-michelleobama-obesity/2011/04/21/id/393687?s=al&promo_code=C214-1

Sad state of affairs.....

2011-04-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

It is really sad to me that some think it is reasonable for someone to hold the single most important office in the world and not have to prove without a doubt he meets the qualifications of the office. True patriots should demand proof of any person running for office that they meet the minimum qualifications. Rep. Michele Bachmann and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer are starting to show their true colors. They can talk the talk, but they are having a hard time walking the talk. Do we really want elected officials who are lackadaisical?? Demand the highest performance from our elected officials or replace them with new energetic candidates.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/20/arizona.president.bill.veto/index.html?hpt=C1

There is a movement to start a free society of 20,000 in New Hampshire!

2011-04-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

The Free State Project is an effort to recruit 20,000 liberty-loving people to move to New Hampshire. We are looking for neighborly, productive, tolerant folks from all walks of life, of all ages, creeds, and colors who agree to the political philosophy expressed in our Statement of Intent, that government exists at most to protect people's rights, and should neither provide for people nor punish them for activities that interfere with no one else.

http://freestateproject.org//

Will Conservatives Make ‘Atlas Shrugged’ A Hit?

2011-04-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

The Wall Street Journal - After more than 50 years, Ayn Rand’s seminal novel and ode to free market capitalism “Atlas Shrugged” is finally hitting the big screen this weekend, in the first of a planned trilogy of movies.

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/04/15/will-conservatives-make-atlas-shrugged-a-hit/

States Look to Bring Gold Standard Back

2011-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

ABC News - Starting this summer, Utah residents will be able to shop using gold, something that hasn't happened since apx. 1933.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/tea-party-momentum-utah-bill-brings-gold-standard/story?id=13377409

Michele Bachmann tops Mitt Romney in fundraising

2011-04-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

I guess we still don't want universal government paid for (that's you and me) health care!!

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/52394.html

Tea party vision for Montana raising concerns

2011-02-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

Raising concerns for who? Those accepting handouts for a living? Then it must be working!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110224/ap_on_re_us/us_tea_party_world#mwpphu-container

Ron Paul wins CPAC straw poll

2011-02-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row, Ron Paul has won the CPAC poll, the first major poll for the GOP. Read the full results here:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/12/rep-ron-paul-wins-cpac-straw-poll/?hpt=T2

From the Washington Times....

2011-01-31T08:38:00.000-08:00

The National Republican Trust spent nearly $100,000 last year to help Scott Brown win the U.S. Senate seat of the late Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat, but now the conservative political group wishes it had that money back to help kick Mr. Brown out of office.

Saying the Republican senator is no different from a Democrat, the head of the group is calling for Mr. Brown to donate to charity or disgorge campaign money equal to how much the trust spent supporting him during the 2010 campaign.

The trust’s executive director, Scott Wheeler, said supporters knew Mr. Brown wasn’t going to be a die-hard conservative when they supported him early and often in his run against Martha Coakley, the Democratic state attorney general and once heavy favorite to succeed Mr. Kennedy.
But Mr. Wheeler said he and his group’s conservative backers are now disillusioned, citing Mr. Brown’s vote to ratify the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with Russia, which the group sharply opposed.

Now this is the type of action we all need to take. If someone represents themselves one way and acts another, sue them and definitely vote them out of office next time. We need to get rid of anyone that is two-faced and who lacks the integrity to walk the talk.

New Hampshire Poll

2011-01-23T05:11:00.000-08:00

Mit Romney and Texas Congressman Ron Paul came in first and second, respectively, in a straw poll in New Hampshire. Amazing how even still an individual that voted FOR socialized health care can win a GOP straw poll. We have so much work to do…..

GOP Primary Discussions

2011-01-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Now is THE time to weigh in and to be loud about what we want for a GOP presidential candidate. I will post polls as I find them. Neither of these would be my first choice, but it definitely puts a liberal GOPer against a more conservative GOP member. Please vote:

http://www.tmz.com/2011/01/22/sarah-palin-rudy-giuliani-president-2012-republican-party-nominee-candidate/

How can we cut taxes?

2011-01-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

US News has an article how the GOP can slash $2.5 trillion!! What great news!!

http://www.usnews.com/news/washington-whispers/articles/2011/01/20/house-gop-lists-25-trillion-in-spending-cuts?msg=1

Great start!!
How about we add these:
1. Cut unemployment benefits to 3 months....people will be more inclined to get off their duff
2. Disolve the Department of Education...this is better controlled locally
3. Cut the EPA by 90%.....states can implement environmental laws just fine
4. Remove retirement benefits for the members of Congress
5. Reduce foreign aid by 25%

Will we support cutting taxes?

2010-12-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

How to cut taxes? Well first, someone has to make the hard choices. At home, we cancel cable, eat out less if at all, get a second job. But when elected leaders start to make these hard choices, all we seem to hear are complaints and not solutions.

For example, when discussing classroom sizes, it was published:

"There is no doubt the 22-pupil limit is costly because every time a class in the five affected grade levels hits 23 or more students, a new class must be created with an additional teacher and classroom."

One superintendent from the Houston area said "..each new class costs his district $100,000 to $150,000."

This is cr&p. Portable buildings run about $50 per square foot. And it’s a one-time cost that will last 25-50 years. So by my math….

$30,000 for building, plus $200/month for utilities plus $40,000 for new teacher (plus $10,000 in benefits) equals $82,400 for the first year and $52,400 every year thereafter.

Let’s offer solutions and not roadblocks.