Sarah Palin came out of know nowhere and has single handily ignited the conservative movement in this great country of ours. She is one of us which scares liberals so bad that they simply don't know what to do.
Liberals started with attacks on her experience until they realized she has more then the standard bearer of their party, Barrack Obama. They then went down the personal character attack road which has blew up in their faces because Palin is a decent, honest, God and family loving mother, wife and patriot who puts her country above politics. Palin is hugely popular in Alaska with an approval rating of 80%. Her speech at the Republican Convention will go down as one of the best political speeches ever given given in American history.
Palin is the embodiment of what conservatives are all about. She is the real deal. Conservatives now have someone they can point to and say if you want to know what a conservative is, look at Sarah. Is she perfect? No. Is she Jesus Christ and our Savior? No. Sarah Palin is a incredibly smart and gifted lady who knows how to love her family, respect her neighbor, stand against evil and corruption and lead a city, state and nation. Her common sense approach to leadership is guided by real life experience, a profound faith in God, sense of civic duty and a keen understanding how the economy and our culture works best.
Liberals thought they could destroy her by pointing out that in spite of her traditional views on sex before marriage her daughter got pregnant. What Palin demonstrated is that you can still love and support your daughter in spite of a bad decision and still respect and honor the life of a unborn child. When Palin found out that her own unborn child had Down Syndrome, she didn't rush off and abort the child because it wasn't perfect. She embraced her unborn child with challenges as she did every one of her other children. She loves that baby unconditionally and views the baby with whatever challenges the baby has a special gift from God.
Instead of liberals celebrating her choice, they curse her because she doesn't accept their premise that killing your unborn child is some special right that a woman should have. The pure possibility that this so called right of a woman to abort their offspring may be coming to an end, drives these liberal feminist over the edge. Furthermore, the fact that another woman may be the one leading the pro-life movement threatens them. Palin who should be celebrated by women and feminist for demonstrating that women are every man's equal and every bit as capable as men is being castigated and attacked because she does not support abortion.
It's been said that John McCain is respected by the American people, but Sarah Palin is loved by the people. This love affair with Palin by conservatives is not an attack on McCain, but an affirmation of his leadership and acknowledgement of his genuine love of his country. The pick of Palin not only lifts up John McCain, it lifted up and inspired a people beat down by continual attacks from liberals.
On November 4th, it will be the people's turn to have their say as to who will lead this country for the next four years. It is my hope the people will elect John McCain and Sarah Palin. Should John McCain win and will be in large part because of the power that Sarah Palin brought to the ticket.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Huckabee For President Not VP
Timing is everything. It is my opinion that Mike Huckabee would make a great president. However, I recognize that just as Reagan, the first time around did not result in victory. While many of Huckabee's supporters would love to see MCCain pick Huckabee as his VP, I don't see that happening.
I would rather see Governor Huckabee spend the next 4-8 years working at the grass roots level rebuilding the conservative base and getting ready to run again for President as opposed to being the VP. The political dynamics of this election may be well suited for McCain choosing a woman as his VP and the name that sticks in my mind is Kay Bailey Hutchison.
Such a pick would be met by support from the conservative base and allow McCain to avoid all the pitfalls associated with picking someone like Mitt Romney. A Hutchinson selection would help McCain with the women vote and would give Hillary supporters an alternative to Obama. Since it's pretty clear that Hutchinson would most likely not seek the Presidency in future years although she is definately qualified to do so, would allow Huckabee and Romney to demostrate thier conservative creditials.
The social conservatives are split on Romney and economic conservatives are split on Huckabee. It is my opinion that Huckabee has the potential to inspire America as Reagan and may well be able to carry Reagan's mantle. The verdict is still out on Romney.
I would rather see Governor Huckabee spend the next 4-8 years working at the grass roots level rebuilding the conservative base and getting ready to run again for President as opposed to being the VP. The political dynamics of this election may be well suited for McCain choosing a woman as his VP and the name that sticks in my mind is Kay Bailey Hutchison.
Such a pick would be met by support from the conservative base and allow McCain to avoid all the pitfalls associated with picking someone like Mitt Romney. A Hutchinson selection would help McCain with the women vote and would give Hillary supporters an alternative to Obama. Since it's pretty clear that Hutchinson would most likely not seek the Presidency in future years although she is definately qualified to do so, would allow Huckabee and Romney to demostrate thier conservative creditials.
The social conservatives are split on Romney and economic conservatives are split on Huckabee. It is my opinion that Huckabee has the potential to inspire America as Reagan and may well be able to carry Reagan's mantle. The verdict is still out on Romney.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
It's The Christians Stupid -by Mark Joseph
Dear John,
In 1980 Ronald Reagan changed the foundations of presidential politics when he went before an Evangelical group and, referencing the fact that preachers weren't supposed to endorse politicians, famously declared: "You can't embrace me, but I embrace you."
They loved it and voted for him in record numbers. Before 1980, many Evangelicals and conservative Catholics either stayed home or voted Democratic, but Reagan changed everything. Since then, only one Democrat, Bill Clinton, has won the White House, and he did it by winning substantial numbers of these voters. You can do the same, but you've got a lot of work to do and a lot of fences to mend.
Can you believe it? This is a huge Democratic year, your opponent is one of the most charming and attractive candidates in presidential election history, and you're just outside the margin of error? Amazing. Don't get cocky, you could still blow this thing, but you're probably going to pull this out of the hat — but only if you do a few key things.
/**/
A few stats:
Eighty-four percent of Americans call themselves Christians. When you think of this group, think of yourself. If somebody asked you how you became one, you'd probably say because you were born in America or because your parents were Christian.
Next, 47 percent of Americans are Evangelicals or born-again Christians, i.e., people who can give a time and date when they were "born again" or had a transformative experience with Jesus — but are sometimes confused on the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Obama's probably in this category, along with Bill Clinton.
Then there is the smaller category of "world view Christians," around 7 percent of the population — think Mike Huckabee or Pat Robertson — because their faith comes with an accompanying worldview, the kind of stuff they read in books by authors like Chuck Colson, Francis Schaeffer or Nancy Pearcey. John, you own this group because they're not interested in personality — yours or Obama's — just voting records and overall philosophy.
First, if you do nothing else, fire up the Straight Talk Express or whatever it's called and get your tail to Colorado Springs. Can you really be dumb enough to have called James Dobson and asked him to come to your hotel room in Denver? Are you crazy? Would you call the pope and tell him you're going to be in Switzerland and would he mind meeting you at your chalet?
Evangelicals don't have popes; they have leaders with names like Dobson, Colson, Warren, Graham and Mohler. Unless you have a death wish, suck it up, fly to Colorado Springs and work out a mutual mea culpa ahead of time wherein you say you're sorry for the "agents of intolerance" thing and Dobson says he spoke too soon when he said he'd never vote for you. By the way, there's a way to do this without outraging your friends in the press: wrangle an invitation to be on Dobson's radio show. That way you're not going to beg, but rather to be a guest on his show — just as you would be on Leno or Letterman.
Let me be blunt with you: If you don't do this, you will lose the election. It's just that simple. Here's why:
I'll tell you what your paid consultants won't tell you: You're not a nice man. And I mean that in the nicest possible way. Don't feel bad. The country is ready for a mean guy who will crack heads, get things done and ride off into the sunset (maybe after one term), and even Evangelicals understand that. You're the stepfather who joins the family after the nice dad dies, and sits the kids down and tells them that while you don't do hugs or "I love you's," you will put them through college if they live by your rules, don't do drugs and get good grades. That's what the country is ready to accept: a tough stepfather who takes care of the family, fulfills his obligations and keeps everybody safe.
Work with that reality. Don't fight it. And admit your faults readily. For the sake of the Evangelicals, own up to the dumping of your first wife. Lay your cards on the table. Invite a camera crew from the 700 Club to follow you and Cindy as you go and visit with your first wife and have a healing moment. Hey, it's an Oprah world, don't fight it.
Tell the Club's viewers not to try it at home and that God has forgiven you and taken your lousy behavior and turned it in to something good by giving you such great kids who have served their country and a wonderful girl that your wife insisted you adopt. They understand the concept of forgiveness, but forgiveness comes after repentance.
And while we're talking about your wife, tell her to take it down a notch. She is one of the most gorgeous creatures on God's green earth, but every time Hank in Little Rock or Jimmy in Greensboro sees her in her outfits, all they can think about are the times they were tempted to dump Helen and Suzy sitting on the couch next to them for a "Cindy" they met at work or on a business trip. A little less makeup and fewer form-fitting outfits will go a long way to tamp down the resentment from Jimmy and Hank.
As you reach out to Evangelicals, don't pander or linger too long or get bogged down in theology. You're not one of them, they get it. Don't get caught up in debates over salvation or the trinity or creationism, but you really should be able to point to a date when you converted to Christianity. Think hard and try to remember the date. In their gut they know you're not quite with them, and that you probably believe in evolution, but they'll still vote for you if you don't shove it in their face. Just say you leave that stuff to your pastor and that your focus is on being President, but that you'll have an open door to their leaders. It's enough that you're with them on abortion and are unembarrassed to use the word "unborn." That's your secret password with them.
A word about Iraq: Even Evangelicals are tired of this war. Acknowledge this reality. Turn Obama's strategy on its head: Tell them that in the long run you will get their boys and girls home sooner than he will because he'll do the herky-jerky-pulling-out-too-quickly and then have to go back in when humanitarian crises ensue. Remind them that you're a military guy — you know how to break things, kill people and get out as quickly as possible, and that that's what you're going to do. Explain the 100-year thing as military bases that will stabilize oil prices, not a constant fighting presence. Remember, even conservative Christians get tired of long wars, and they want to get out. Make them as well as independents think that you're the man to get the boys home sooner.
You're as old as the hills; use it to your advantage. Remind young and old in subtle ways that this is your last shot and they can always vote for Obama another time in the next 30 years. Tell them Bible stories about really old guys who did great things — like Abraham and Moses. Quote Reagan's line to Mondale. You're coming in to fix the mistakes of two young, callow men — Bush and Clinton — who were inexperienced and got us into messes. No more youngsters; it's time for the old cranky guy to come in and clean things up.
As for a veep, you've been around long enough to know the drill: Conservatives hate you, and that loathing seeps down to their cousins, the Evangelicals. If you pick a pro-choicer like Tom Ridge or Mike Bloomberg, you're finished and you will most certainly lose. Go young and go conservative and Christian and try to pick up a state while you're at it. Bobby Jindal is a little young, but he's a devout Catholic who once wrote about participating in an exorcism, plus he's wonkish enough to dispel the age issue. Palin is great, but doesn't really bring a needed state and isn't a national figure. Mitt might be a pain to have to deal with, but he does bring Michigan and maybe Massachusetts, as well as a boatload of Mormon money, and though Evangelicals don't want him for president, they might be OK with Veep, figuring they can refuse to let him pass Go in eight years. Huckabee might be a good choice — the Evangelicals love him, and he can nail down the South for you, but can you live with him for eight years? Thune is a devout Christian who went to college in LA and has ties there and may help you carry California, and he's pure gold to all the guys who hate you on the right. He's probably your best bet. Let him spend the entire campaign shoring up your base and grabbing California, while you do your maverick stuff and get the independents.
Finally, look in the mirror and ask yourself this question: Do I really want to win? If you do, then get tough. I think you have it in you. Bush 41 didn't. Dole didn't. Neither really wanted to do what it took to win. Do you? If so, get tough. When you see Obama's face, pretend you're back in that cell in Nam and he's one of your guards. Stay far away from anything that could be perceived as racism; it's wrong and you don't need it.
He's given you a different kind of gift. He's a foreigner. With all due respect to Hawaii, where I love to vacation, growing up in an apartment in Honolulu, not to mention Southeast Asia, ain't the heartland of America. That's why he talks about the price of arugula at Whole Foods, thinks there are 57 states, forgets to salute the flag and has a problem with the flag pin. It not that he's not patriotic, it's that he's more a citizen of the world than of America.
Tell the American people that he has everything you'd want in a U.N. ambassador — and that you will honor him in defeat by appointing him to that post. Relentlessly attack him as not being a product of the heartland and you will trouble its voters enough to pass him by — at least this time.
You win by 5, but remember: Only if you go to Colorado Springs.
In 1980 Ronald Reagan changed the foundations of presidential politics when he went before an Evangelical group and, referencing the fact that preachers weren't supposed to endorse politicians, famously declared: "You can't embrace me, but I embrace you."
They loved it and voted for him in record numbers. Before 1980, many Evangelicals and conservative Catholics either stayed home or voted Democratic, but Reagan changed everything. Since then, only one Democrat, Bill Clinton, has won the White House, and he did it by winning substantial numbers of these voters. You can do the same, but you've got a lot of work to do and a lot of fences to mend.
Can you believe it? This is a huge Democratic year, your opponent is one of the most charming and attractive candidates in presidential election history, and you're just outside the margin of error? Amazing. Don't get cocky, you could still blow this thing, but you're probably going to pull this out of the hat — but only if you do a few key things.
/**/
A few stats:
Eighty-four percent of Americans call themselves Christians. When you think of this group, think of yourself. If somebody asked you how you became one, you'd probably say because you were born in America or because your parents were Christian.
Next, 47 percent of Americans are Evangelicals or born-again Christians, i.e., people who can give a time and date when they were "born again" or had a transformative experience with Jesus — but are sometimes confused on the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Obama's probably in this category, along with Bill Clinton.
Then there is the smaller category of "world view Christians," around 7 percent of the population — think Mike Huckabee or Pat Robertson — because their faith comes with an accompanying worldview, the kind of stuff they read in books by authors like Chuck Colson, Francis Schaeffer or Nancy Pearcey. John, you own this group because they're not interested in personality — yours or Obama's — just voting records and overall philosophy.
First, if you do nothing else, fire up the Straight Talk Express or whatever it's called and get your tail to Colorado Springs. Can you really be dumb enough to have called James Dobson and asked him to come to your hotel room in Denver? Are you crazy? Would you call the pope and tell him you're going to be in Switzerland and would he mind meeting you at your chalet?
Evangelicals don't have popes; they have leaders with names like Dobson, Colson, Warren, Graham and Mohler. Unless you have a death wish, suck it up, fly to Colorado Springs and work out a mutual mea culpa ahead of time wherein you say you're sorry for the "agents of intolerance" thing and Dobson says he spoke too soon when he said he'd never vote for you. By the way, there's a way to do this without outraging your friends in the press: wrangle an invitation to be on Dobson's radio show. That way you're not going to beg, but rather to be a guest on his show — just as you would be on Leno or Letterman.
Let me be blunt with you: If you don't do this, you will lose the election. It's just that simple. Here's why:
I'll tell you what your paid consultants won't tell you: You're not a nice man. And I mean that in the nicest possible way. Don't feel bad. The country is ready for a mean guy who will crack heads, get things done and ride off into the sunset (maybe after one term), and even Evangelicals understand that. You're the stepfather who joins the family after the nice dad dies, and sits the kids down and tells them that while you don't do hugs or "I love you's," you will put them through college if they live by your rules, don't do drugs and get good grades. That's what the country is ready to accept: a tough stepfather who takes care of the family, fulfills his obligations and keeps everybody safe.
Work with that reality. Don't fight it. And admit your faults readily. For the sake of the Evangelicals, own up to the dumping of your first wife. Lay your cards on the table. Invite a camera crew from the 700 Club to follow you and Cindy as you go and visit with your first wife and have a healing moment. Hey, it's an Oprah world, don't fight it.
Tell the Club's viewers not to try it at home and that God has forgiven you and taken your lousy behavior and turned it in to something good by giving you such great kids who have served their country and a wonderful girl that your wife insisted you adopt. They understand the concept of forgiveness, but forgiveness comes after repentance.
And while we're talking about your wife, tell her to take it down a notch. She is one of the most gorgeous creatures on God's green earth, but every time Hank in Little Rock or Jimmy in Greensboro sees her in her outfits, all they can think about are the times they were tempted to dump Helen and Suzy sitting on the couch next to them for a "Cindy" they met at work or on a business trip. A little less makeup and fewer form-fitting outfits will go a long way to tamp down the resentment from Jimmy and Hank.
As you reach out to Evangelicals, don't pander or linger too long or get bogged down in theology. You're not one of them, they get it. Don't get caught up in debates over salvation or the trinity or creationism, but you really should be able to point to a date when you converted to Christianity. Think hard and try to remember the date. In their gut they know you're not quite with them, and that you probably believe in evolution, but they'll still vote for you if you don't shove it in their face. Just say you leave that stuff to your pastor and that your focus is on being President, but that you'll have an open door to their leaders. It's enough that you're with them on abortion and are unembarrassed to use the word "unborn." That's your secret password with them.
A word about Iraq: Even Evangelicals are tired of this war. Acknowledge this reality. Turn Obama's strategy on its head: Tell them that in the long run you will get their boys and girls home sooner than he will because he'll do the herky-jerky-pulling-out-too-quickly and then have to go back in when humanitarian crises ensue. Remind them that you're a military guy — you know how to break things, kill people and get out as quickly as possible, and that that's what you're going to do. Explain the 100-year thing as military bases that will stabilize oil prices, not a constant fighting presence. Remember, even conservative Christians get tired of long wars, and they want to get out. Make them as well as independents think that you're the man to get the boys home sooner.
You're as old as the hills; use it to your advantage. Remind young and old in subtle ways that this is your last shot and they can always vote for Obama another time in the next 30 years. Tell them Bible stories about really old guys who did great things — like Abraham and Moses. Quote Reagan's line to Mondale. You're coming in to fix the mistakes of two young, callow men — Bush and Clinton — who were inexperienced and got us into messes. No more youngsters; it's time for the old cranky guy to come in and clean things up.
As for a veep, you've been around long enough to know the drill: Conservatives hate you, and that loathing seeps down to their cousins, the Evangelicals. If you pick a pro-choicer like Tom Ridge or Mike Bloomberg, you're finished and you will most certainly lose. Go young and go conservative and Christian and try to pick up a state while you're at it. Bobby Jindal is a little young, but he's a devout Catholic who once wrote about participating in an exorcism, plus he's wonkish enough to dispel the age issue. Palin is great, but doesn't really bring a needed state and isn't a national figure. Mitt might be a pain to have to deal with, but he does bring Michigan and maybe Massachusetts, as well as a boatload of Mormon money, and though Evangelicals don't want him for president, they might be OK with Veep, figuring they can refuse to let him pass Go in eight years. Huckabee might be a good choice — the Evangelicals love him, and he can nail down the South for you, but can you live with him for eight years? Thune is a devout Christian who went to college in LA and has ties there and may help you carry California, and he's pure gold to all the guys who hate you on the right. He's probably your best bet. Let him spend the entire campaign shoring up your base and grabbing California, while you do your maverick stuff and get the independents.
Finally, look in the mirror and ask yourself this question: Do I really want to win? If you do, then get tough. I think you have it in you. Bush 41 didn't. Dole didn't. Neither really wanted to do what it took to win. Do you? If so, get tough. When you see Obama's face, pretend you're back in that cell in Nam and he's one of your guards. Stay far away from anything that could be perceived as racism; it's wrong and you don't need it.
He's given you a different kind of gift. He's a foreigner. With all due respect to Hawaii, where I love to vacation, growing up in an apartment in Honolulu, not to mention Southeast Asia, ain't the heartland of America. That's why he talks about the price of arugula at Whole Foods, thinks there are 57 states, forgets to salute the flag and has a problem with the flag pin. It not that he's not patriotic, it's that he's more a citizen of the world than of America.
Tell the American people that he has everything you'd want in a U.N. ambassador — and that you will honor him in defeat by appointing him to that post. Relentlessly attack him as not being a product of the heartland and you will trouble its voters enough to pass him by — at least this time.
You win by 5, but remember: Only if you go to Colorado Springs.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Democrats Simply Don't Care
With gas prices crippling lower and middle income families where are the Democrats who hold both houses of Congress? They are now where to be found and when presented the solutions that would make America energy independent, they oppose it.
The truth of the matter is the Democrats don't care that Americans are suffering. If people are looking for the culprets behind this national nightmare they only need to look at Democrats who have blocked all attempts to become energy independent for years and years.
The truth of the matter is the Democrats don't care that Americans are suffering. If people are looking for the culprets behind this national nightmare they only need to look at Democrats who have blocked all attempts to become energy independent for years and years.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Children Are Now Protesting Gas Prices
Sadie and Pyper Vance ages 9 and 7 recently marched downtown Salt Lake carrying a sign that said “all of my mom’s money goes to the gas tank.” The reason these two little sisters were protesting in the streets is because their mom cancelled the Cable TV leaving them without their favorite cartoons because the money was needed to cover the high cost of gas now over $4.00 a gallon. When asked about their mini - protest little Sadie said, "Gas prices are too high, "I just decided to come and protest so they'd go down."
These little girls protest symbolize the effects the high gas prices are having on middle, lower and working class families. Family budgets are being crippled because not only have energy prices gone through the roof, so has the cost of food. Why is this occurring?
The fault lays directly at the feet of a do nothing Democrat controlled Congress who continues to block all attempts for America to become energy independent. America is at the mercy of foreign oil and liberals in Congress and the Democrat party specifically refuses to lift the bans on tapping America’s vast energy resources. America needs to be developing nuclear energy, clean coal energy, natural gas, solar, wind, hydrogen and we need to tap our vast oil reserves.
America thrives when energy prices are low and middle, lower and working class families suffer when they are high. I would like to see these little girls lead a protest at the source of the problem and that is at the steps of the US Capital and at the doors of liberal Democrats.
These little girls protest symbolize the effects the high gas prices are having on middle, lower and working class families. Family budgets are being crippled because not only have energy prices gone through the roof, so has the cost of food. Why is this occurring?
The fault lays directly at the feet of a do nothing Democrat controlled Congress who continues to block all attempts for America to become energy independent. America is at the mercy of foreign oil and liberals in Congress and the Democrat party specifically refuses to lift the bans on tapping America’s vast energy resources. America needs to be developing nuclear energy, clean coal energy, natural gas, solar, wind, hydrogen and we need to tap our vast oil reserves.
America thrives when energy prices are low and middle, lower and working class families suffer when they are high. I would like to see these little girls lead a protest at the source of the problem and that is at the steps of the US Capital and at the doors of liberal Democrats.
Friday, May 23, 2008
American Idol
Today’s blog has nothing to do with politics, policy or political parties. I want to blog about American Idol.
Last night after 97 million votes where cast, Missouri native and Oklahoma resident David Cook won the American Idol competition and was crowned this year’s American Idol. While who won and who lost probably doesn’t mean much compared to the larger issues facing America, it was a great example of the American spirit.
Week after week, our family gathered around the TV to watch incredibly talented young people pursue a passion for singing and strive to win the grand prize as the American Idol. We got to root for our favorite singer, vote for them, join Randy, Paula and Simeon as music critics and watch these young people, pursue their passion, sometimes winning praise and other times enduring criticism.
We watched the early shows that show cased those with great talent, good talent, mediocre, bad and others with no talent. We watched the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. We watched one young man that sings, “Your Are My Brother.” He was absolutely horrible as a singer, but he some how won a place in your heart and ended up singing his song in the finale.
As for others, probably for the first time in their lives they were told that had no talent and should pursue something other then singing. For them the world may have seemed to have come to an end, but sometimes the truth hurts. In the long run they will be much better off in life pursuing something they are more suited for because they really had no singing talent. We saw the bizarre that tried out for the competition just to get their few minutes of fame on TV and for others that really were angry to be told they had no talent.
Then the show moved past the auditions and took those few dozen with real talent and the real competition began. One by one the contestants sang their songs and then had to face the judges and the people. The three judges (Randy, Paula and Simeon) ranged from brutally honest to sympathizing, but all have an ear and feel for great talent. One by one the lesser talents were voted off and in some cases the better talents were voted off.
However, in the end you had the best talent singing their hearts out with many of them facing a bright future in the entertainment field applying their craft because American Idol gave them an opportunity to pursue their dream as singers.
It really is good family entertainment. My wife and I had to laugh when our four year old son said about one girl after her performance, “she needs to go home.” We also laughed watching our 18 month daughter dance or laughing at ourselves for a critiquing a performance when we can’t carry a tune in a bucket if our lives depended on it. I think they call it good old fashion family fun.
In the end stood two incredibly talented young men that should have great and prosperous singing careers ahead of them with millions of fans rooting for them. In the end, David Cook a nice and humble young man with an incredible gift of singing won the competition. While you had be happy for him, you also had to be happy for all those young men and women who with great talent pursued a dream to be an American Idol. Many of them will go on to have incredible careers and some I sure will go back to wherever they came from and continue to sing because that’s what they love to do.
Sometimes we all need to step away from the pressures of life and gather our families and enjoy the moment.
Last night after 97 million votes where cast, Missouri native and Oklahoma resident David Cook won the American Idol competition and was crowned this year’s American Idol. While who won and who lost probably doesn’t mean much compared to the larger issues facing America, it was a great example of the American spirit.
Week after week, our family gathered around the TV to watch incredibly talented young people pursue a passion for singing and strive to win the grand prize as the American Idol. We got to root for our favorite singer, vote for them, join Randy, Paula and Simeon as music critics and watch these young people, pursue their passion, sometimes winning praise and other times enduring criticism.
We watched the early shows that show cased those with great talent, good talent, mediocre, bad and others with no talent. We watched the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. We watched one young man that sings, “Your Are My Brother.” He was absolutely horrible as a singer, but he some how won a place in your heart and ended up singing his song in the finale.
As for others, probably for the first time in their lives they were told that had no talent and should pursue something other then singing. For them the world may have seemed to have come to an end, but sometimes the truth hurts. In the long run they will be much better off in life pursuing something they are more suited for because they really had no singing talent. We saw the bizarre that tried out for the competition just to get their few minutes of fame on TV and for others that really were angry to be told they had no talent.
Then the show moved past the auditions and took those few dozen with real talent and the real competition began. One by one the contestants sang their songs and then had to face the judges and the people. The three judges (Randy, Paula and Simeon) ranged from brutally honest to sympathizing, but all have an ear and feel for great talent. One by one the lesser talents were voted off and in some cases the better talents were voted off.
However, in the end you had the best talent singing their hearts out with many of them facing a bright future in the entertainment field applying their craft because American Idol gave them an opportunity to pursue their dream as singers.
It really is good family entertainment. My wife and I had to laugh when our four year old son said about one girl after her performance, “she needs to go home.” We also laughed watching our 18 month daughter dance or laughing at ourselves for a critiquing a performance when we can’t carry a tune in a bucket if our lives depended on it. I think they call it good old fashion family fun.
In the end stood two incredibly talented young men that should have great and prosperous singing careers ahead of them with millions of fans rooting for them. In the end, David Cook a nice and humble young man with an incredible gift of singing won the competition. While you had be happy for him, you also had to be happy for all those young men and women who with great talent pursued a dream to be an American Idol. Many of them will go on to have incredible careers and some I sure will go back to wherever they came from and continue to sing because that’s what they love to do.
Sometimes we all need to step away from the pressures of life and gather our families and enjoy the moment.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Resurrecting Conservatism and the Republican Party
As a conservative and a party affiliation of Republican, what is it that our party stands for again? Every time I get call from the GOP for a solicitation for money, I keep asking the same question. I have been a conservative Republican since the Reagan days and for the past few years the Republican Party doesn’t come close to resembling the party that I have so proudly supported all these years.
Our party has been rocked by scandal, government expansion, fiscal irresponsibility and outright incompetence. The American people gave the Republicans the Congress and the White House because they agreed with the fundamental principles and commitments that the Republican Party espoused in the Contract with America.
What did the Republicans do with that power? They acted like liberal Democrats. To say the Republican brand is damaged is the understatement of the decade. What happened?
Let me throw out a few words and see if they aren’t true; compromise, corruption, opposition, over-spending and articulation. Let me explain. When Republicans laid out an agenda that reflected a conservative agenda, the American people gave power to the Republicans. What did the Republicans do? They compromised conservative principles and allowed the size and scope of government to expand. Secondly, corruption was found in the ranks. Too many elected Republicans went to jail for being corrupt. It’s kind of hard to say you’re the party of morality and ethics when there is that level of corruption going on.
Thirdly, there was opposition from liberal Democrats and a corrupt and biased news media. While this is not necessarily the fault of Republicans, Republicans allowed the opposition to define Republicans. Where were the fierce supporters of the conservative cause when liberals were attacking them? These weak knee Republicans were either too afraid to say anything or they were busy throwing their own under the bus as liberals targeted certain members. Instead of facing down the opposition, Republicans caved to them.
Fourthly, Republicans who controlled the power of the purse spend money like a bunch of drunken sailors. While Republicans can argue the liberal Democrats were encouraging them to spend more and more money, guess who got holding the bag? You would have thought that Republicans would have learned the lesson from what happened to the first George Bush for compromising with Democrats over raising taxes after saying “ read my lips, no new taxes,” you would have thought Republicans would have got a clue about how liberals operate. Obviously not and once again look who got left looking like liberal spenders.
What the Republicans should have done is look square in the eye of the American people and say, it is the role of government to protect the American people and try to create a playing field that allows the greatest amount of people the opportunity to succeed, but it is not the role of government to provide every need in life. They also should say, sorry we can’t afford it. Had they stuck to their principles and not caved to a minority of whiners, they would still have the respect of the vast majority of American people. While there are always things we as a society want, we do understand being told it’s not our responsibility and we can’t afford it.
Finally, Republicans failed to articulate conservatism. Life is full of teachable moments. Conservatives should be out there whenever they can to articulate what conservatism is and explain why it is superior to liberalism. The vast majority of Americans regardless of their party affiliation live their lives as conservatives. They believe in God, traditional marriage, the American flag, they are patriotic and fiscally and socially responsible. Why Republicans ceased to articulate conservatism is beyond me.
So where do Republicans go from here. First, I suggest that liberal Republicans leave the Republican Party and go join the Democrat Party. Liberals have a home. It’s called the Democrat Party. The GOP should identify liberals in the party and cut off all funding to them.
Secondly, the Republican elected leaders should have gather on the steps of a capital and apologize to the American people for compromising its principles. Thirdly, they should present a new and fresh conservative agenda. Something akin to the Contract with America. Fourthly, recruit new and fresh conservative faces to run for elected offices.
Fifthly, get out and campaign on the agenda, teach conservatism and ask the American people for a second chance to earn their trust. Lastly, Republican need to quit this compromising with liberals and don’t buy into this bi-partisan non-sense. What America wants is an effective government not a bi-partisan government. If your ideas, policies and vision are superior to the other party and long term they bring the best results for the vast majority of Americans, they will support you and your party.
Our party has been rocked by scandal, government expansion, fiscal irresponsibility and outright incompetence. The American people gave the Republicans the Congress and the White House because they agreed with the fundamental principles and commitments that the Republican Party espoused in the Contract with America.
What did the Republicans do with that power? They acted like liberal Democrats. To say the Republican brand is damaged is the understatement of the decade. What happened?
Let me throw out a few words and see if they aren’t true; compromise, corruption, opposition, over-spending and articulation. Let me explain. When Republicans laid out an agenda that reflected a conservative agenda, the American people gave power to the Republicans. What did the Republicans do? They compromised conservative principles and allowed the size and scope of government to expand. Secondly, corruption was found in the ranks. Too many elected Republicans went to jail for being corrupt. It’s kind of hard to say you’re the party of morality and ethics when there is that level of corruption going on.
Thirdly, there was opposition from liberal Democrats and a corrupt and biased news media. While this is not necessarily the fault of Republicans, Republicans allowed the opposition to define Republicans. Where were the fierce supporters of the conservative cause when liberals were attacking them? These weak knee Republicans were either too afraid to say anything or they were busy throwing their own under the bus as liberals targeted certain members. Instead of facing down the opposition, Republicans caved to them.
Fourthly, Republicans who controlled the power of the purse spend money like a bunch of drunken sailors. While Republicans can argue the liberal Democrats were encouraging them to spend more and more money, guess who got holding the bag? You would have thought that Republicans would have learned the lesson from what happened to the first George Bush for compromising with Democrats over raising taxes after saying “ read my lips, no new taxes,” you would have thought Republicans would have got a clue about how liberals operate. Obviously not and once again look who got left looking like liberal spenders.
What the Republicans should have done is look square in the eye of the American people and say, it is the role of government to protect the American people and try to create a playing field that allows the greatest amount of people the opportunity to succeed, but it is not the role of government to provide every need in life. They also should say, sorry we can’t afford it. Had they stuck to their principles and not caved to a minority of whiners, they would still have the respect of the vast majority of American people. While there are always things we as a society want, we do understand being told it’s not our responsibility and we can’t afford it.
Finally, Republicans failed to articulate conservatism. Life is full of teachable moments. Conservatives should be out there whenever they can to articulate what conservatism is and explain why it is superior to liberalism. The vast majority of Americans regardless of their party affiliation live their lives as conservatives. They believe in God, traditional marriage, the American flag, they are patriotic and fiscally and socially responsible. Why Republicans ceased to articulate conservatism is beyond me.
So where do Republicans go from here. First, I suggest that liberal Republicans leave the Republican Party and go join the Democrat Party. Liberals have a home. It’s called the Democrat Party. The GOP should identify liberals in the party and cut off all funding to them.
Secondly, the Republican elected leaders should have gather on the steps of a capital and apologize to the American people for compromising its principles. Thirdly, they should present a new and fresh conservative agenda. Something akin to the Contract with America. Fourthly, recruit new and fresh conservative faces to run for elected offices.
Fifthly, get out and campaign on the agenda, teach conservatism and ask the American people for a second chance to earn their trust. Lastly, Republican need to quit this compromising with liberals and don’t buy into this bi-partisan non-sense. What America wants is an effective government not a bi-partisan government. If your ideas, policies and vision are superior to the other party and long term they bring the best results for the vast majority of Americans, they will support you and your party.
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