Coastal Conservative

Sticking to Conservative Principles

2010-01-19T15:53:00.002-06:00

Conservative principles of personal liberty and responsibility, limited government, fiscal responsibility, protection of private property, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to protect ourselves and our property are the cornerstones of this country. That isn't just a phrase. A "cornerstone" is a very important part of a structure. It's around the cornerstone that the rest of the bricks, stones or other material are used when constructing the building. It's thus the guide for how to build the rest of the building. Likewise, the aforementioned freedoms and rights are the cornerstone of the United States of America. It's around these principles that our country was formed and it's because of these principles that our country has become the strongest, most successful, most powerful, most free, and most charitable country in the world.

These principles that make up the foundation of, and are responsible for the successes of, this country are under daily attack by liberals in government - from local city councils all the way up to the Oval Office. I think that a lot of liberals actually think they're on the right path. They think that being liberal means you're more generous, more caring, and enlightened - and who wouldn't want to be called those terms? Don't fall for the myth. Many have, and many more will. However, it's a hoax. It's a horrible hoax that has been played on millions of people for generations. It's been used through means such as race-baiting by people like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson who refuse to speak in public without throwing out the race card. Why do they do this? We after all have had African-Americans in the highest positions in this country for generations now, from Congress to the Supreme Court to the President. Obama was NOT the first to break this nonexistent "barrier". Sharpton, Jackson and their lemmings continue to race bait because it is what keeps them relevant, it's what keeps them in power. If all of the sudden minorities all over the country realized that they do not NEED Sharpton and Jackson to "protect" them, what would Sharpton and Jackson do with their time? How would they make their money? Now, I only use those two guys as examples. There are PLENTY of other examples in the Democrat party. For instance, before Harry Reid made the completely ignorant, absurd comment about Obama's "lack of negro dialect", he said that people who were opposed to their socialized medicine bill were likened to slave owners. Why on Earth would someone say something like that? It's just ridiculous to draw such a comparison because there's no analogy whatsoever. It was just another attempt to race-bait, confuse the issues and ensure that Harry Reid and other Democrats stay in office and thus stay in power. For, if you convince the masses that only the Democrats will take care of them, you ensure your never-ending power. Until millions of people take their blinders off, this hoax will continue to work. We as conservatives have to help take off those blinders and help the masses understand that it's actually conservative principles that provide equal rights, liberties and freedoms For All, not just for the political elite or a particular group, but FOR ALL.

Conservative Principle 1: Personal Freedoms, Rights and Responsibilities

It's only the conservatives that absolutely believe in protecting the private property rights of The People. Our Founders fled Europe for many reasons, but all of those reasons were related to escaping from and fighting to the death to avoid a tyrannical, overreaching government. Our Founders fled from governments that took their private property to enrich their cronies and fund international travel campaigns, that burned them at the stake for their religion, and that shot them in a firing squad for any type of writing that spoke out against the government. This country was founded for those who believed in preserving private property, in being able to practice one's religion freely or to not practice at all, and in recognizing the virtue of limited federal and state governments that were in place only for national protection, police protection, prosecution of those who violated the rights of others, resolving legal disputes, regulating (meaning to make regular and reliable) commerce among the states, and other specified rights.

Within this very important list of rights is a right that is under constant attack by liberals, both privately by community organizations and unions and publicly through overreaching government, the protection of private property. If the government takes your property without just compensation, the 5th Amendment has been violated. The government may also only take your property for a legitimate government purpose, meaning they must have the constitutional authority for the programs to which they intend to commit your property once they take it from you. While many people don't realize this, taking your money IS a taking of your private property. You have that money because you either worked hard for that money, or someone in your family worked hard for that money. When the government takes that property for the sole purpose of "redistributing the wealth" to the "less fortunate" they in fact violate the constitution. The federal government does NOT have the power to generally legislate for the health and welfare of the States' citizens, that falls at most within the powers of the individual States. Equally egregious is that the liberals who take this property from us do so not out of any benevolence on their part but out of a desire to retain their power. Again, as discussed above, when the liberals convince the masses that only the liberals will take care of their every need through government handouts, of course the masses will ensure that those same liberals are sent back to public office over and over and over and over.

The tragedy of this system is that this liberal policy of tax and spend has hurt generations of people in this country, and mostly minorities. This system has created a modern day plantation system where people are always in a horrible cycle of poverty out of which they can never rise. As far back as they remember, their family has lived in public housing and has been entirely dependent on government handouts for their food, clothing, medical care and every other need in their lives. Their surroundings do not teach them the value of hard work and getting an education as a means of pulling themselves out of that horrible, strangling poverty. From welfare programs that penalize a single mother if she gets married, to that same system that rewards numerous illegitmate children, to the system that punishes any amount of hard work by taxes that are given to politicians who just waste the money, people have no incentive to pull themselves out of poverty.

I am compelled to also point out that there are many Republicans in public office who follow a liberal and/or a "progressive" agenda. Those men and women should be thrown out of office at the next opportunity as well. RINOs (Republican In Name Only) are of absolutely no use to the party or to the country. RINOs are why Republicans lost power in the first place - many Americans began to feel that neither party was principled anymore and was simply concerned about staying in power. Those people were right on many accounts.

Republicans need to return to and stick with conservative principles, and conservative candidates. It's only those principles that will ensure personal and corporate recovery and long-term success. The government does not need to be meddling in the affairs of businesses. Do you really think that some elected official in DC really has a clue how to run your business that you've sacrificed for and worked hard on probably all of your adult life? NO! Do you think DC should tell you how and why you can hire and fire your employees? NO! Do you think DC should decide how much is your "progressive fair share" to contribute to their redistribution of wealth/seizure of power campaigns? NO! Do you think DC should tell you what type of energy is best for your State, your business and your household? NO! Do you think DC should tell your State government how to utilize its natural resources? NO! Do you think DC should tell you you must purchase a particular type of health insurance or be fined or jailed? A Resounding NO!!!!

These questions represent what liberals in DC have done and want to continue to do in DC with OUR money and OUR government. We must, starting with the recent election of the governor in NJ, tonight with Scott Brown's win in Massachusetts, and with Congressional elections in November, WE MUST take this country back one election, one seat, one voter at a time. It will be a war of attrition but it's certainly a war worth winning. The future successes of this country are worth it - remaining the country that is the most powerful in the world, the country with the greatest freedoms and rights in the world, the country that comes together with private funds and helps those in need more than anywhere else in the world (demonstrated right now by the record giving for Haiti), and the country that continues to lead the world in nearly every realm. It's worth the fight. Our country is worth the fight. Our Founders believed it was worth the fight and so do I. We're very fortunate in that we do not have to take up arms against an oppressive government. We can take up arms by voting liberals out of office and putting someone in that office who will stand on conservative principles. We must do this at EVERY level of government.

We must also not fall for the myth that certain seats are just always going to be "Democrat" seats. That is not true, not if we're willing to fight. For one thing, in this political climate it's absolutely necessary to ensure liberals are not in power. For if a Democrat is elected to one seat, it's easier for a Democrat to be elected to that seat in the future, or to other seats in that region or state. Second, on a national level, electing a Democrat further provides the numbers necessary for the Democrat party to stay in power in DC and control every aspect of our lives. Third, liberals will only appoint liberals. Period. Don't be fooled that there are "blue dog" Democrats out there who want to reach across the aisle to conservatives. Bull. In this political climate, Democrats have been convinced that they must tow the party line even if that means their own political suicide. Put conservatives in office if you want a government run on conservative principles.

And, don't let "traditional wisdom" tell you that a certain seat isn't winnable for other reasons. ALL seats are winnable if it's the right time and you have the right candidate. If you don't have a candidate who stands on the principles you do, nominate yourself and run to turn the country in the Right direction.

If Lawmakers Don't Work Hard for You in 2010, Throw the Bums Out - Mike Huckabee

2010-01-17T19:32:00.000-06:00

If Lawmakers Don't Work Hard for You in 2010, Throw the Bums Out - Mike Huckabee

Proud To Be An American - Mike Huckabee

2010-01-17T19:23:00.000-06:00

Proud To Be An American - Mike Huckabee

Obama's Agenda

2010-01-17T13:22:00.000-06:00

Really interesting piece by Dr. Charles Krauthammer:

Dr. Krauthammer is on Fox News . He is an M.D. and a lawyer and is paralyzed from the neck down. A friend went to hear Charles Krauthammer. He listened with 25 others in a closed room. What he says here, is NOT 2nd-hand but 1st. The ramifications are staggering for us, our children and their children.

Last Monday was a profound evening, Dr. Charles Krauthammer spoke to the Center for the American Experiment. He is a brilliant intellectual, seasoned & articulate.. He is forthright and careful in his analysis, and never resorts to emotions or personal insults. He is NOT a fear monger nor an extremist in his comments and views . He is a fiscal conservative, and has received a Pulitzer Prize for writing. He is a frequent contributor to Fox News and writes weekly for the Washington Post.

The entire room was held spellbound during his talk. I have summarized his comments, as we are living in uncharted waters economically and internationally. Even 2 Dems at my table agreed with everything he said! If you feel like forwarding this to those who are open minded and have not drunk the Kool-Aid, feel free..

Summary of his comments:

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

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

3. Obama has a ruthless quest for power. He did not come to Washington to make something out of himself, but rather to change everything, including dismantling capitalism. He can't be straightforward on his ambitions, as the public would not go along.

He has a heavy hand, and wants to level the playing field with income redistribution and punishment to the achievers of society. He would like to model the USA to Great Britain orCanada.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. In 2012, if the unemployment rate is over 10%, Republicans will be swept back into power. If it's under 8%, the Dems continue to roll. If it's between 8-10%, it will be a dogfight. It will all be about the economy. I hope this gets you really thinking about what's happening in Washington and Congress. There is a left-wing revolution going on, according to Krauthammer, and he encourages us to keep the faith and join the loyal resistance. The work will be hard, but we're right on most issues and can reclaim our country, before it's far too late.

FOXNews.com - Nine Big Stories the Mainstream Media Missed in 2009 - Slide 1 of 9

2009-12-31T08:11:00.001-06:00

FOXNews.com - Nine Big Stories the Mainstream Media Missed in 2009 - Slide 1 of 9

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Wednesday Funnies: Safety Edition

2009-12-30T21:56:00.000-06:00

Wednesday Funnies: Safety Edition

White House Visitors Log: ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis In Obama Residence Week Before Sting Videos Launched

2009-12-30T21:39:00.000-06:00

White House Visitors Log: ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis In Obama Residence Week Before Sting Videos Launched

How Obama's incompetence and that of his administration continues to cost American lives and jobs

2009-12-29T12:12:00.003-06:00

Obama and his entire administration have shown an extreme level of incompetence that is steadily destroying American lives and jobs, and will only cost more in the future. From the time he was on the campaign trail, it was glaringly obvious that Obama was the wrong person at the wrong time for this job. His election was due in part to people stupidly falling for the "hope and change" mantra but what has that "hope and change" brought us thus far? I'd love to know the actual numbers of people who now deeply regret their misguided vote for him. Hopefully that number will continue to grow as more people turn off "American Idol" and turn on a legitimate news organization's channel (i.e., one that will report the actual facts rather than serve as the blushing cheerleader for everything Obama does or says such as is done daily by CNN, MSNBC, CBS, NBC, ABC, etc).

Let's recount just some of the highlights of Obama's incompetence and that of his administration. It has ranged from the highly incompetent Desiree Rogers (Social Sec) being more concerned about sitting as a guest at a White House State dinner (a breach of protocol) than assisting the Secret Service with the security-cleared guest list. Those gate crashers could have had any number of weapons (hardware or chemical) that could have killed or seriously injured the President or any of the guests there. Why wasn't Rogers immediateley fired??? She's good buddies with The Obamas thus regardless of the level of her incompetence she gets to keep her job and refuse Congress' request to answer questions on the matter. How many more people will she permit to crash events at the White House or other, less secure locations?? Will her incompetence be permitted to cause someone's actual injury or death? She shouldn't be given the chance to screw up again.

The tragic Ft Hood massacre was another result of the incompetence of the Obama administration. That murderer should not have even been in the Army any more but instead had been recently promoted?!? Why? Because of the Obama administration's, and far too many other's, deadly insistence on being PC and not wanting to risk hurting someone's feelings by "profiling" them. However not wanting to risk hurting delicate feelings is risking lives, and at Ft Hood COST precious lives.

Obama has nominated numerous people for high level positions who have had to "decline" the nomination or resign b/c of their incompetence - Daschle, Richardson, Van Jones, etc. Geitner who has great influence over large sums of money couldn't even figure out Turbo Tax and do his taxes done properly?!?

Most recently, on Christmas Day, the now dubbed "Underwear Bomber" was permitted to get on a plane and fly here with explosives in his crotch. This guy was on a terrorist watch list, had been communicating with known terrorists, had purchased his ticket with cash, had a one-way ticket, had been denied a travel visa to Britain and his own father had warned the U.S. 6 months ago that this guy was a threat. However, due to Sec Napolitano's ignorant insistence on not hurting his delicate feelings by "profiling" him, he was allowed to board a plane and head toward the U.S. Napolitano actually had the audacity to state that the "system worked". Worked? Oh, Obama has "asked for answers" on how this could have occurred. I can save the administration a whole lot of money and time and tell them in 5 seconds - incompetence and stupidity by Obama's high level picks for his administration caused this to happen.

It isn't surprising that Obama keeps nominating incompetent individuals. He feels a kinship with them. He had absolutely NO executive experience before being given the most powerful position in the country, and indeed the world. It still astounds me that a majority of Americans didn't give a damn about that fact. We're certainly seeing the consequences of that error in judgment on a daily basis. Anyone who owns a business where professionals are needed to get the job done knows better than to hire someone who has absolutely no experience with the type of work involved. I couldn't get a job as a pilot no matter who I know because I have not received the training necessary. I would be laughed out of the HR Dpt if I applied for a job as a brain surgeon. Why then were so many Americans confident enough to elect a person who had NO experience for the job???

Obama was elected for a variety of reasons, none of which were legitimate reasons to put him in the Oval Office. There were millions who voted for him b/c they thought it was simply 'time' to have someone with an African-American heritage in the office - he's thus the Affirmative Action President. Many elected him b/c Americans get stupidly apathetic about the real issues and/or too often think that if one party has been in power for two terms the other party should be given their "turn", regardless of the incompetent boob who may be running for a particular office. Many were also swaying and swooning over Obama's "powerful, moving" (teleprompter-fed) speeches. Barf. Every time he delivers a speech he spews out a lot of words that don't form a coherent message, or if a message does somehow manage to cobble itself together and get across, it's a message of a plan that is VERY dangerous for America.

Obama's plans for Socialized Medicine and Cap and Trade is another example of how his incompetence shapes his decisions. Anyone with even a small amount of knowledge of finances and business should be able to understand that over-regulation and over-taxing KILLS JOBS. Doctors will leave the profession by the 1,000s when they simply can't stand the government bureacracy anymore and can't afford to pay skyrocketing liability premiums on top of additional and increased expenses for their employees' health insurance. Nurses and other aides to Drs will leave the profession by the 1,000s when they are even more overworked because of the millions of new people abusing the "free" health care system and the steadily decreasing number of Drs. Socialized Medicine will also cost Americans their jobs in other areas because employers won't be able to afford the costs of mandatory socialized medicine, and will eventually lay off millions of people. Sen Vitter recently provided some facts about this matter: the dramatic expansion of Medicaid that served as the bribe for Sen Landrieu's vote for Socialized Medicine will cost the state at least $1.3 billion over ten years, far more than the $300 million 'benefit'; the $300 million is a one–time benefit while the $1.3 billion per decade is forever; the bill cuts Medicare by $466 billion and steals almost half a trillion dollars from Medicare to pay for a new entitlement; the bill contains $518 billion of tax increases nationwide; as for the oft-repeated promise that no one who earns under $200,000 will be affected, 42.1 million of those earning under $200,000 will pay higher taxes in the form of higher insurance premiums because, as the Congressional Budget Office reports, the bill increases health care costs overall; businesses will have to provide a government-defined health insurance benefit to their employees or pay a new tax, and the National Federation of Small Business says that would cost the nation at least 1.6 million jobs; and, this new mandate will also create an incentive for businesses to dump their employees off their health plans, because it would be cheaper to do that and pay the new tax. Finally, the "benefits" of the new Socialized Medicine bill do not kick in until 2014 but the taxes and other cost increases will start immediately upon Obama signing the bill.

Why would Obama push his plans so hard then? I hope it's just incompetence but I fear it's far more sinister - he's setting out to "fundamentally" change America (his own words) in the WRONG direction - the U.S. becoming a socialist republic. (As a quick reminder, socialism is when the government takes from those who produce (i.e., work and made money) and give to those who don't produce thru government handouts). Socialism has ALWAYS been a miserable failure for any country that has attempted it, ALWAYS. Plus, if Obama wants socialism so badly I am happy to host a fundraiser to buy him a one-way ticket to China or any of the other countries that are currently socialist.

Obama's planned Cap and Trade will be a job killer as well. Companies will be forced to pay higher taxes (i.e., penalties) for any output that whatever extremist environmetalist wacko running the E.P.A. or money-wasting Congressional Committee decides on a whim is a "pollutant" that week. The environmentalist crazies are picking on dogs this week by saying that dogs have a larger "carbon footprint" (thru their passing gas) than an SUV. What's next, taxing us for owning dogs, forcing us to only have one per family, or killing any who poot too often? I suppose that with the "energy meter" the Obama administration wants to put in every household you could tell if the family dogs are farting too much and the fart police would be sent in immediately to shoot the offending dog(s).

When will it stop? How much is America willing to put up with before we decide finally and firmly to kick the incompetent, socialist bums out of office this coming November and the next? I hope that people will stay involved and stay informed about what Obama and the other liberals are doing and planning to do in DC. We have to stay vigilant about these issues and hold our elected officials accountable. From the local city council races to statewide positions to national offices we MUST be willing to kick out (or not elect in the first place) the incompetent and the socialist (which is redundant I know), regardless of party affiliation or no affiliation at all. What Obama and other liberals are doing and planning in DC are unconstitutional power grabs and are destroying this country economically and militarily. Even worse is that many of the bills the liberals keep passing are nearly impossible to repeal in the future, and with more and more liberal judges being nominated by Obama and voted on by liberals in the Senate, won't be declared unconstitutional. We must Continue to Fight on every issue, every day and in every election no matter how big or small!!!

A Christmas Poem

2009-12-19T20:31:00.003-06:00

* A Christmas Poem

*Different Christmas Poem*
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me,angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said, "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam, And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

*PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.*

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

New Orleans Secret Supper Club

2009-12-15T12:08:00.001-06:00

When I saw the invitation for the New Orleans Secret Supper Club, I was intrigued and knew immediately that I wanted to attend. First of all, almost any culinary and wine event in NOLA is going to be a good time regardless of who throws it or where it is held. Second, I received a tip from a friend (local wine expert Brenda Maitland) that the Sonniers, who were preparing the food, previously ran one of NOLA's beloved restaurants - Gabrielle. Since we are always up for an adventure, we decided to RSVP.

Upon entering the courtyard of The Uptowner, the event space Uptown where the Supper Club was held, I knew it would be a delightful evening. In typical NOLA fashion, there was no signage so you had to know where you were going, or for whom you were looking. The courtyard was quintessential NOLA - cozy, romantic lighting, and an inviting open door from which were coming the familiar sounds of a NOLA gathering. Immediately upon entering the event we were greeted with a glass of wine, as it should be. The gracious hosts from Partysists gave us a warm hello then introduced us around. (Those ladies know how to throw a party!)

The Super Secret of the evening was not the identity of the guests or even the location but the fabulously exciting menu. The culinary expedition began with passed hors d'oeuvres of Goat Cheese with Marinated Sundried Tomatoes on Toast Points. This was perfectly paired with Foris Pinot Gris '07, a very nice Pinot Gris: more full-bodied than many I've tried, not as citrusy, and much more like a warm vanilla and apricot combination. The next dish was "Oysters Gabie", named after their daughter and restaurant "Gabrielle". This was an oyster dressing, with a surprise whole oyster in the bottom, stuffed in an oyster shell. The next dish was Mixed Sausage Kabob with Lavender Creole Mustard Sauce. This paired very nicely with Cosme Cote du Rhone Rouge '08. Any who know me well know that I am not a big fan of sausage. However, I ate every bit of this. This combination of meats, herbs and spices produced a very hearty, ideal dish for such a cold winter evening. Interestingly, while you may think that something as delicate as lavendar would be overwhelmed by such a hearty dish, I found it to be directly to the contrary. The lavendar brought an exquisitely delicate undertone to what could have been an otherwise overly hearty meat dish. The wine was also a splendid pairing. This Cote du Rhone was vivacious and peppery, a perfect compliment to the enticing flavors of the sausage. Our next course was Petit BBQ Shrimp Pie. This dish made me break my rule of "not messing with shrimp". I generally like a simply prepared shrimp dish, for that's generally the only way to get the full depth of delicious briny flavor common to Gulf Coast shrimp. And, chefs often bury shrimp in heavy sauces because their shrimp is not freshly caught. This was certainly not the case with this dish. It was spicy in an herby way, not too peppery just for the sake of being spicy like some cajun dishes can be. It tasted like a typical NOLA BBQ shrimp preparation (not BBQ sauce like that with which those from other parts of the country are familiar). NOLA BBQ Shrimp sauce is a combination of butter, garlic and Worcestershire sauce, and other tantalizing secret ingredients, that result in a rich and robust dish that somehow manages to not overpower the shrimp. This particular shrimp, nestled in a delicate, flaky mini pie shell, also perfectly paired with the herbacious, peppery Cote du Rhone. We then moved to the Slow Roasted Duck with Roasted Peppers, Mushrooms and Orange Sherry Sauce over Shoestring Potatoes. I'm new to duck as I generally do not care for dark fowl meats. However, the Orange Sherry Sauce was brilliantly paired with what could have been (to me) too gamey of a meat. The citrus in the orange helped to mellow the fatty taste that I usually find off-putting in darker meats. The Sherry provided just a hint of the alcohol needed to further mellow and balance the dish. The duck was paired with Fritz Winery Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley '05. I'm already a Zin addict and this made my condition worse. This was not overly jammy as some Zins can be (the characteristic that turns off many winos who prefer the musty taste of many Europeans wines that taste like the cellar floor from which they came). This wine was fruit forward, in that you could detect the fruit but it wasn't overpowering and syrupy. I thought it had a perfect balance of fruit, spiciness and alcohol. The splendid meal was capped with a choice of two desserts - a Peppermint Patti or Mixed Berry Shortcake. Since James and I are always on the tapas prowl trying anything and everything offered by a restaurant, I chose the Peppermint Patti and he chose the shortcake, planning to each try the other's. The Peppermint Patti was a delectable brownie partnered with a scoop of refreshing peppermint ice cream. This was truly one of the best desserts I have had in a long time, and I'm not a huge fan of sweets. I'm assuming the shortcake was good as I realized later that James didn't even offer me any!

While the menu was fabulously pleasing, the company was just as nice. We were paired with a charming couple and another young lady with whom we talked the entire dinner. It was one of those dinners where we so enjoyed their company that we never had a lull in the conversation and were sorry to see the evening come to an end. Overall, we found the evening to be elegantly pleasant and delightfully delicious, and will certain go again in the future.

OKLAHOMA MAY JUST BE THE PLACE TO LIVE

2009-12-12T11:50:00.001-06:00

Looks like OK is now in competition with TX as one of the greatest states for preserving freedom!

An update from Oklahoma:

Oklahoma law passed, 37 to 9, had a few liberals in the mix, an amendment to place the Ten Commandments on the front entrance to the state capitol. The feds in D.C., along with the ACLU, said it would be a mistake. Hey this is a conservative state, based on Christian values...! HB 1330

Guess what.......... Oklahoma did it anyway.

Oklahoma recently passed a law in the state to incarcerate all illegal immigrants, and ship them back to where they came from unless they want to get a green card and become an American citizen. They all scattered. HB 1804. Hope we didn't send any of them to your state. This was against the advice of the Federal Government, and the ACLU, they said it would be a mistake.

Guess what.......... Oklahoma did it anyway.

Recently they passed a law to include DNA samples from any and all illegals to the Oklahoma database, for criminal investigative purposes. Pelosi said it was unconstitutional. SB 1102

Guess what........ Oklahoma did it anyway.

Several weeks ago, we passed a law, declaring Oklahoma as a Sovereign state, not under the Federal Government directives. Joining Texas, Montana and Utah as the only states to do so. More states are likely to follow: Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolina's, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, West Virginia, Mississippi, Florida. Save your confederate money, it appears the South is about to rise up once again. HJR 1003

The federal Government has made bold steps to take away our guns. Oklahoma, a week ago, passed a law confirming people in this state have the right to bear arms and transport them in their vehicles. I'm sure that was a set back for the criminals (and Obamaites). Liberals didn't like it -- But ...

Guess what........... Oklahoma did it anyway.

Just this month, Oklahoma has voted and passed a law that ALL driver's license exams will be printed in English, and only English, and no other language. We have been called racist for doing this, but the fact is that ALL of their road signs are in English only. If you want to drive in Oklahoma , you must read and write English. Really simple.

By the way, Obama does not like any of this.
Guess what....who cares... Oklahoma is doing it anyway.

-Steve Mikell
To Verify:
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-state-capitol-to-display-ten-commandments/article/3370730
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-09-immigcover_N.htm

Keeping Christ, and Christ-like Cheer, in Christmas

2009-12-11T10:43:00.000-06:00

While the PC Police would have us crush Christ from Christmas and think that the season itself is the reason for the season, Christmas time was placed on our calendar to celebrate the miracle of Christ's birth. Yes, there is evidence that Jesus was actually more likely born on or about April 17, but, Christmas has been celebrated by Christians for centuries to in fact honor and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. This is also Hanukkah for our Jewish friends. It's absurd to try to scrub religion from this holiday when it's in fact a holiday that is based on religion. It's another attempt by liberals to engage in revisionist history and thereby scrub the truth of the past from our history books, and most importantly from our hearts and minds. It doesn't hurt anyone for me to celebrate Christmas or for my Jewish neighbors to celebrate Hanukkah. If our celebration thereof offends you, you're too easily offended and need to grow up and get a life. You don't have to celebrate Christmas but don't try to take it away from me and the millions of Christians around the world, and particularly those of us in America who have the RIGHT to worship as we please (i.e., the FIRST Amendment gives us the right to "FREE EXPRESSSION" of religion without government interference and, out of respect to those of us for whom it is our tradition, private individuals should butt out and permit those of us who want to to celebrate it without your PC hang-ups and hassles).

Duff, the star of "Ace of Cakes", had the best take on this I've heard from anyone. He's Jewish but loves Christmas. While taping a Christmas episode of "Ace of Cakes", he, while wearing a very cute red Santa hat, was asked why did he celebrate Christmas since he is Jewish. His response was that he LOVES Christmas b/c everyone around him is the happiest during the Christmas season and since he loves his friends he is happy to see them happy. That's a very Christ-like attitude!! Many people can learn from him and follow suit.

It is a very happy time of year for most people who celebrate the holiday. Yes, you have those who are already prone to depression get further depressed for a myriad of reasons. You have people who have a screwed up viewpoint on what the season means overspend on the holiday and thus fall into a pit of depression when the credit card bill comes in later. People who are already alcoholics overdo it at the Christmas party and make an ass of themselves like they already do all year long in other venues. These people need professional help all year long and it isn't Christmas' fault. However, for MOST of us, it's a very happy time of year. It's a happy time of year, I think, b/c many people stop focusing on the negative things in their life and instead focus on, among many other positives, figuring out how to spend time with family and friends and finding just the right gift for friends, family and colleagues. There's NOTHING wrong with this. Giving is good for the soul and reminds us of the gift God gave to us all when He sent His Son Jesus to Earth to die for our sins - the ultimate gift that none of us deserve, that none of us can earn but to whom ALL of us is offered if we're willing to receive the gift. See John 3:16.

For Christians - keep a Christ-like attitude during Christmas. I've seen some negative posts that stem from anger, frustration and the like about being told by some PC idiot that Christ shouldn't be in Christmas. I understand your frustration, it's why I'm writing this post. However, when you want to lash out, pray for the PC idiot instead. Keep in mind why WE celebrate this season and thank God for sending His Son as the ultimate Christmas gift and pray that the PC idiot with also accept that ultimate gift in their lives. Don't overspend to absolve guilt over other things that may happen throughout the year. If you can't pay off the credit card by February, don't buy the gift! Save your money, you're going to need it if the tax hikes being discussed in DC are passed. It's far more important to spend time with your families and let them know in a variety of ways that you love and care for them. Be a listening ear, a supportive word of encouragement, or the one who says "I love you" first.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Fabulous Festivus, or whatever you choose to celebrate. But, most of all, I wish all of you a Christ-like holiday season where we enjoy time with loved ones, where we enjoy giving to loved ones and where we remember to be thankful for the very brief time we have here on Earth to enjoy those things. Merry Christmas!

Why SHOULD You Care?

2009-12-10T14:20:00.000-06:00

It never ceases to amaze me that so many people are still so apatheic about specific political issues or candidates, or even politics in general. I think there are several reasons for this. Many people have a stressful or busy life and feel like they don't have the emotional "room" or time for it in their lives, and are thus content to leave it to the "experts" or pundits and instead focus on football and "American Idol". A vast majority of people however are not plugged in out of simple ignorance. Don't confuse my use of the terms 'ignorance' with 'stupidity', in this or any post. Ignorance means you simply don't have the information you need (I am ignorant as to how to change the oil in my 4Runner since I don't care to do that and I've never been shown how to do that so thus leave that to an expert). Stupid means you know the necessary information but for whatever reason don't have the ability, capacity or desire to make the right decision (high school dropouts, those who break the law, the person on their 3rd abortion, etc).

While at every election someone at some point says this is one of the most important elections of your life, the one that occurred in Nov '08 was definitely one of the most important ones in our lifetimes and a majority of the country made a horribly wrong, ignorant and/or stupid decision, and many of those who chose poorly are now realizing their poor choice of candidates. As Hannity says, elections have consequences. Nov '08 had HUGE consequences. Those in power ARE setting out to "fundamentally" change America - Obama's own words from during the campaign - but in the WRONG direction. America does not need to be fundamentally changed. America was built on the best, wisest foundation of any nation in the world past or present. We lead the world in many areas, and in all of the important areas. Why do you think so many people risk their lives and their family's lives to come here legally and illegally? It isn't because we have the worst health care system in the world, or the worst criminal justice system, or the worst standard of living. To the contrary, we have the BEST of those things and of many others - at least for now.

The health care bill currently in Congress will "fundamentally change" us from the best health care system in the world to a sub-standard system with waits of months and even years for necessary procedures, waits of multiple years for non-medically necessary procedures, rationing due to system overload, and a shortage of Drs. Trust those who are telling us in other countries that this IS happening in Canada and England. If you think waiting an hour or two in your Dr's office now is bad - wait until the whole country is on the same plan, 1,000s of Drs have left the profession b/c they can't stand the bureaucracy anymore, and you're forced to see whomever the local bureaucratic health care board decides you can see. I know, someone will pop in here with "we have to wait now and HMOs choose a list of Drs for us". However, under HMOs you can still choose to go to someone else if you choose to pay for that, perhaps instead of buying that next new car, new big screen t.v. or newest cell phone. Under socialized medicine, that doesn't happen. Again, ask the Brits and Canadians who have this now. With Healthsare Savings Accts now, you do get to choose whichever Dr you want, and under the current socialized medicine bill being discussed in Congress, HSAs would not be permitted. The socialized medicine bill also has fines for not signing up under the plan and those fines result in IMPRISONMENT after so many "offenses." IMPRISONMENT for not signing up for socialized medicine!!! There are no provisions that would prohibit coverage for illegal alients (i.e., your tax $ will be used to pay for illegals' medical care). There are now, after Tuesday's vote, provisions for your federal tax $ paying for somebody else's abortion. There ARE rationing panels that will determine the cost-benefit ratio of the particular procedure you asking for, or perhaps desperately needing. The "benefits" of the proposed socialized medicine doesn't kick in until 2014, but you have to start paying for it immediately. Getting an idea yet of why you should care about and OPPOSE the socialized medicine a/k/a health care bill??

Many people don't care b/c they don't have skin in the game. That is, they don't pay taxes so of course have no problem with the government taking my tax dollars and wasting it on handout after handout. With the latest numbers, 46% of people in the U.S. pay NO income tax!!! That astounds me. That means nearly half of the country will of course ALWAYS be in favor of raising taxes on the rest of us, and will have NO incentive to work harder and provide a higher standard of living for themselves b/c Big Government will always be there to step in and take care of every little need or want in their lives, at OUR expense. Also, once something like the socialized medicine bill is passed it's nearly impossible to ever get it repealed so don't think that electing new people can get it thrown out. Democrats will use that to convince the poor and elderly in future elections that they MUST keep re-electing Democrats to ensure the government handout gravy train never ends.

The Cap and Trade legislation that has been proposed will, in Obama's own words, "necessarily make energy prices skyrocket" and will make 1,000s, maybe tens of 1,000s of people, who work in coal, gas and oil lose their jobs. Do you want your electric and gas bill going up astronomically so that you have to choose whether to get on the computer, turn on the t.v. or turn on the heater in the winter? Under the currently proposed "energy" legislation, there are also provisions to put meters in every house monitored by the federal government so they can see how much energy you're using. Guess what the natural extension of that is??? They can turn off your heater, t.v. or a/c if they think you're using more than "your share". Getting an idea yet of why you should care about and OPPOSE the Cap and Trade bill??

One of Obama's cronies in his administration, Lisa Jackson, from NOLA, is also pushing Obama to sign the "One World Order" environmental treaty that will punish American and British corporations for their output of whatever they decide on a whim tomorrow is a "pollutant". That punishment will be monetary and the money will be "redistributed" to the "less fortunate" a/k/a "developing" countries (many of which are either our enemies or in some way in bed with our enemies). This One World Order treaty would set up a "one world government" that will pass environmental legislation that will require all participant countries to adhere to the legislation, therefore foreigners would be making decisions about what American countries can and cannot produce, where they can do so, and even who they could hire. Getting an idea yet of why you should care about this issue??

The Death Tax (estate taxes) are very low this year, thanks to President Bush, and, thanks to President Bush, will be 0% next year. However, Obama and Democrats in Congress want the rate to go up to 45% in 2011!! So, not only will you be taxed to death while you're alive but your family will be punished by your death and have to fork over up to 45% of your estate. Know what that will do to your kids and grandkids ability to afford college, or whatever else you've planned for them? Getting an idea yet of why you should care about the death tax??

Obama has set up a "diversity czar" in the Federal Communications Commission that will seek to ensure t.v., radio and Internet broadcasts reach their definition of "fairness", which thus far has been described by them as forcing t.v. and radio stations to have certain content and prohibiting certain content, to permit certain people to speak and prohibiting others, etc. They've also proposed forcing a certain percentage of outlets to be owned by minorities. (As a refresher, the Supreme Court has ruled that such decisions themselves are racially discriminatory as we shouldn't make ANY decision BECAUSE OF someone's race whether the decision is in favor or or against someone's race). Whatever happened to the free market?? Getting an idea yet of why you should care about the direction the FCC's heading under Obama?

The free market is in greatest danger by Obama and the Democrats in DC. One of the primary reasons America has been able to get to the leadership position it has in the world is b/c of American exceptionalism and, relatedly, our free market has permitted small business ownwers to become medium-sized business owners and even some can become large business ownwers when left alone by the government to work hard, do the right thing and reap the rewards thereof. Those business owners are not "evil corporations" or "bigwigs" or "fat cats". Get that class warfare language out of your vocabulary. It's dangerous and is fueling the fire that's destroying our free market. Business owners give people the JOBS they have. Without business owners there would be NO jobs. Small business owners provided 60% of the jobs in America in 2007 and 2008. If they're left alone from government interference they can thrive, give raises, and hire more and more people. What many people don't understand either is the tax situation with small business owners. Most small businesses are set up in such a way that the income is treated as the business owners' personal income. That is, if the business (say a dry cleaners) brings in $500,000 in dry cleaning receipts, the dry cleaners owner has to pay his/her employees out of that $500,000 and pay its other bills like utilities, marketing costs, AND taxes. Therefore, that business ownwer falls into that bracket of so-called "rich" people the Democrats try so very hard to make you hate as "evil big fatcats" b/c their business BRINGS IN more than a certain amt per year (if you haven't noticed, before and after the campaign, Obama's definition of the "rich", those who will be taxed to pay for all of the government handouts, has changed weekly). When businesses are taxed higher and higher, they have to lay off more and more employees, and aren't able to give raises or bonuses. Getting an idea yet of why you should care about taxes on small business??

One of the fundamental rights in our Constitution is that of private property rights. That is, we have a right to obtain, retain and use our private property as long as the property doesn't hurt someone else or interfere with someone else's use or enjoyment of their property. Private property consists of our homes, our cars, our jewelry, our savings accts, AND our income. When the government takes our property thru taxes to redistribute it to someone else thru government programs, they violate this right to our private property if not done so properly. Now, I know that governments must provide certain basic functions like police, fire and roads and those must be paid for by tax $. Therefore, we tacitly agree by living here that the government may levy SOME taxes for those basic functions that fall within the power granted to the federal or state government by the Constitution. But, that latter part is the kicker here - the fed and/or state government must be acting within their enumerated powers when they tax and spend. MOST government programs are beyond the powers granted to it by our Constitution. Congress does not have the power or authority to provide or run health care for instance. Look in the Constitution. It isn't there.

Some or all of these things may be issues about which you're already informed. However, if you aren't already informed, you should get informed and do so quickly. Every single American needs to be plugged in to what's going on in DC, what taxes are being added, what laws are being passed & what freedoms of yours are being taken away daily. WE MUST pay attention and keep paying attention, and not just leave it to the people in DC, blindly trusting that they'll do the right thing. The ones there now will NOT, or at least a majority of them in DC now won't, and that's why we have to boot them out come next November and 2 yrs after that. Get involved in your local Republican party (search Facebook). Find out who your state's Young Republican National Federation reps are (also look on Facebook). Get plugged in. EVERYTHING that is done by the president and reps in Congress DOES have an effect on even the smallest part of your life if it's being done thru the taxes you pay. PLEASE, I implore you, at least educate yourself on what's going on in DC and hold your reps accountable for their actions and ensure they know you're watching and paying attention. Let them know They Work For Us!!! It's Government FOR The People BY The People.

Mitch's Mock Martyrdom

2009-12-09T13:21:00.000-06:00

Mitch Landrieu actually expects us to believe that he is making a personal sacrifice and coming home to New Orleans to serve in a time of crisis, by offering himself up as a mayoral candidate. What a load of $#!&. First of all, Landrieu is clearly in a quixotic stupor thinking that New Orleanians will welcome him like a small town hero welcomed home after battle. From my conversations with liberals and conservatives, a large number of New Orleanians are tired of Landrieus. Second, Mitch made a comment that, while this is a "bad political decision" to take a step down from a statewide position to a local, mayoral position, he's doing it out of his love for his hometown. Yeah. He and his family are politically savvy and connected enough to know that Louisiana has turned in large part, yes, it's a majority now, conservative. A majority of all statewide offices are Republican. Mitch sees the writing on the electoral wall and knows that it will be a while before LA turns back to supporting statewide Democrats. Therefore, he knows that he wouldn't be elected to a statewide office again any time in the near future. He thus thinks that he can marinate in New Orleans for a while, give a few more buddies some kick backs and wait until people aren't so sick of Democrats/Landrieus again. Third, he's kidding himself if he thinks that a majority of the Democrat electorate in New Orleans will vote for him. In case he hasn't noticed, a majority of New Orleans' voters will be voting for one of several other people in the race who, to borrow Hermain Cain's phrase, have different color eyes than Mitch. Sorry, that's just the reality of the situation. I didn't make it that way.

It will be an interesting race. I intend to follow it closely and to help one of the candidates who I think will make the best decisions for New Orleans, rather than decisions that line his own pockets and that of his family and friends. I'd love to hear from you about who you think would be best, and why. However, don't respond if your response consists of nothing more than "I like so-and-so best because of his/her passion for such-and-such" or "so-and-so really believes in such-and-such" issue. We're not dealing in the unicorns and rainbows world of passions and feelings. We need real leaders with real solutions to real-world problems.

GNOR Christmas Party - Wednesday at Acme

2009-12-08T19:52:00.001-06:00

The Greater New Orleans Republicans Christmas Party
December 9, 2009 - 7 to 9pm

ACME Oyster House
French Quarter
724 Iberville Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

Oyster Bar, ACME Buffet and Beer and Wine

Please Join us as we honor several outstanding Local and national republicans and introduce the 2010 Gnor board of directors (including me!).

Paid Parking in Garage
Hope to see you there!
Please RSVP to thegnor@gmail.com or at the
"Greater New Orleans Republicans" Facebook Page

Rights vs. Wants

2009-12-08T11:51:00.000-06:00

There is a lot of confusion in America about the difference in what are guaranteed Legal Rights as opposed to things that people want, or want to take from someone else. There is an important difference in Legal Rights guaranteed to our citizens FROM the government vs those feel good, "basic human" rights that so many like to tout. There is a very important difference in these things because only Legal Rights have the force of law for protection thereof. "Basic human rights" are those that are provided for privately thru such institutions as churches, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army and are funded privately based on the individual callings of one's conscience.

This time of year is the best time to make this point clear. I know, some of you may say, Cristen, give it a rest, it's Christmas. We just want to get our presents bought, drink egg nog and watch Charlie Brown. However, (1) I will never give it a rest as long as our republic is in danger, and (2) this is a good time of year to draw the analogies necessary to help explain the point. Any of you with kids, or kids in your family, know the difference in the things those kids need and want. They need food, clothing, medical care, and shelter provided by their parents. They (apparently) want electronic hampsters and video games. Because you are their parents, you have a moral duty to provide food, clothing, medical care, and shelter. This doesn't come from any specific law (most of the time) but from basic moral values that you should take care of your family. However, you get to choose the level of their wants that are provided based on what you think they can handle. They want everything in the mall but there is very little in the mall they need.

It is from this that many people start to confuse the rights guaranteed to them by the U.S. Constitution, and mostly recently with the issue of health care. For a right to have the force and protection of law, under our representative republic, that right must be granted by the Constitution. Of course, the Supreme Court has over the last 100 years decided to shamefully expand these "rights" and have found many are "implied" in the Constitution. However, that is not how this government is supposed to operate. For those of you who attended private schools, I apologize for the repetition. For those of you who attended government-run public schools that either didn't teach history or taught PC revisionist history, this may be the first time you learn about what type of government we actually have. We have a small "r" republican government, a representative republic is the most accurate way to describe the American form of government. That means that we elect men and women from our states and districts to go represent our interests and our states' interests before the federal government. The powers given to that federal government are VERY limited and are clearly set forth in the U.S. Constitution. Slightly broader "police" powers were also therein granted to the individual states. ALL OTHER powers were reserved to The People. The only "rights" guaranteed to The People that may be protected by the force of law are those set forth IN the Constitution. If the right is not set forth in the Constitution, IT IS NOT A RIGHT. Rather, it is a "want", or more often than not, a political bargaining chip.

Liberal politicians, to secure their future elections and thus retention of power, convince the masses that there are other, "basic human" rights that are also protected by the force of law. These fuzzy wuzzy teddy bear, feel good, rainbows and unicorns wants don't turn into Rights merely because a politician or group decides that it should be a newly declared right. The ONLY two ways a right is recognized is if it's "found" in the Constitution or if The People decide to Amend the Constitution and create that new right. This is very hard to do for damn good reason.

Astoundingly, many people have forgotten this very basic civics lesson, even our "leaders" in Congress. Recently, Pelosi was asked where in the Constitution did she find the right to pass this most recent attempt at socialized medicine. Her actual response was "Are you kidding me?". Are you kidding me?!? WTF?!? She, and many others in DC, have forgotten that they took an oath to serve and protect that Constitution that they so lightly brush aside when it doesn't comport with their political agenda.

Instead, liberals, and that mostly means Democrats these days, have a complete disregard for the limitations of the Constitution and a complete misunderstanding of the actual rights provided to American citizens. Liberals decide to make up new righs when it's time to start thinking about the next election. Liberals then convince the poor, the minorities, or those who don't understand our form of government that these liberals should be elected and re-elected so ensure the gravy train doesn't stop. However, this is the worst thing you can do for the poor or "less fortuante". Democrats have convinced generations of people that they aren't capable of providing for themselves and must instead turn to the government for every single need in life, and when the governement doesn't give you what you want, many turn to crime because they've never been taught to fend for themselves, that they must work to provide for their and their family's needs, and that doing the right thing will reap personal and financial rewards.

The monster that this has created was most recently exhibited in a very sad story in New Orleans. Thugs in the 9th Ward recently stole computers from a public school in the 9th Ward. For those of you not from NOLA, that was an area that was completely devastated after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It is an area that remains devastated - partly because it has taken a LONG time to get the public and private funds necessary to rebuild, partly because of a lack of desire/will to rebuild the area, and partly because people are finally seeing that, geographically, that is an area where it is not very wise from an environmental/ecological standpoint to rebuild on what should be marshland. But, I digress, and that is for another post. To get back on topic, thugs stole computers from a very devastated area from CHILDREN?! Not just children, but children in their own community. What kind of person can do that? It's perplexed me. I know that the theives wouldn't be the thugs they were if they had a moral compass and so stealing from children is no different than stealing from someone else. However, it caused me to think about the issue far more deeply and to see how in many ways they have been failed by 'the system' - that is, the system put in place by Democrats that have created a new plantation system that keeps people in poverty for life.

I guarantee you that if you ask the computer thief thugs who they voted for in the presidential election you'd get one of two responses - either they didn't vote because they're clueless idiots or they voted for Obama because they've been convinced that only Democrats will take care of them. If they didn't vote, 99.9% of everyone they know voted for Obama for the same reason. They certainly didn't vote for, and don't know anybody who voted for, the conservative guy who's spent his whole life in brave, courageous service to this country. However, what that group of people has probably never been told is that it was Republicans who ended slavery, Republicans who fought for womens' right to vote, Republicans who pushed thru the Civil Rights Act, and Republicans who dug us out of the hole Carter put us into. On the other hand, it has been Democrats that have for decades put programs in place that discourage individual achievement and teach the "greater good" is more important, that take from whose who will work and give to those who will not, and that teach class and race warfare with every single issue to keep the focus off the real issues and thereby ensure liberals stay in power. Public education has been taken over by liberals, unions like the NEA on whose website it's recommended reading is Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals". Teachers are told to not use red pens because that's just too 'hurtful' to children. Everybody gets a trophy in little league so that little Johnny who can't play at all doesn't feel bad about himself. You know what? Little Johnny needs to understand early on that he will fail at some things but needs to learn how to deal with that failure and work hard to find out what he is good at and develop that gift. Our system has failed many, and mostly the poor, because they feel they can't pull themselves out of poverty. They in fact can NOT under the current leaders' plans either.

The "health care" bill currently being debated is the worse piece of legislation to come out of DC in decades. Ignore the campaign-style ads on t.v. and campaign-type slogans from the talking heads. Instead, look at the actual bill. When you do, all 2,000 pages thereof, you'll see that people will be forced to join this plan, will be fined for not doing so, and will eventually be put in prison if they don't join. It's in there. Don't take my word for it. Read it. I implore you, READ IT!! I have and it's very frightening. This will also make small businesses lay off even more workers because they won't be able to afford the costs of mandatory enrollment, or the fines for refusing to do so. There ARE rationing boards planned. No, there aren't "death panels" saying kill Granny after such-and-such age. However, there are provisions for making 'costs assessments' to treatment. When you have 150 million plus on a system this WILL LEAD to rationing and VERY long lines. The Canadians and Brits have warned us. We need to take heed. There are NO provisions for denying the taxpayer-provided care to illegals. It's NOT in there. There are NO provisions to ensure that abortions won't be provided at taxpayer costs. Also, don't be fooled by "blue dog" Democrats and traitors like Cao saying they're working to make sure this doesn't happen. The House or Senate leaders will put whatever they want in a plan to get that version voted for and then strip it or add the offensive provisions back into the bill in Committee.

Cap and Trade - Oh, there's another monster created by Democrats to "redistribute the wealth." This essentially caps and taxes certain "evil" output by Big Evil Corporations. In Obama's own words, from I believe Jan 08, youtube it, this will "necessarily" make energy prices skyrocket?!? Why would you do this??? For every "green" job, how many coal, oil or nuclear jobs are lost?? Cap and Trade will fit in nicely with the current "One World Order" Environmental Treaty being discussed in Copenhagen and at the U.N. That Treaty seeks to "punish producers" of evil carbon dioxide (the biggest producer of which are actual human beings) and other so-called contaminants by manufacturers and redistribute that wealth to "developing" countries to go green. First of all, now is definitely the time to STOP funneling money thru the corrupt U.N. Anybody recall the VERY corrupt "Oil for Food" program thru which the Husseins lined their pockets??? Second, many of the countries that would be the beneficiaries of this redistributive wealth are actually our current enemies or they can't be trusted b/c of their relationships with our enemies.

Yes, I said enemies. There is evil in this world that seeks to destroy America and anything American. We'll always have enemies because of jealousy primarily and also because of religious hatred by radical Islamic Muslims. However, America has gotten it right many times on many issues and that is why we're the richest nation on Earth. However, our current "leaders" are doing everything within their power to take America down a notch. From Obama's international apology tours to his and other Democrats' policies that are destroying or at least discouraging American exceptionalism, they are fundamentally changing America but in the WRONG direction.

Please join me in the fight to stop the further spread of radical liberal policies that are destroying the fabric of this nation, and destroying the very important fundamental principles on which we were founded and that made us the greatest country on Earth and of all time. Help me to educate those who have been bamboozled by the left into thinking that liberal policies are the only things on which they can depend. Help me to spread the word that only true conservative principles will help us ALL succeed if left alone by the government to do so - those most cherished principles of life, liberty, freedom, and individual rights AND responsibilities.

The Next Step

2009-12-07T22:26:00.001-06:00

I have been nominated to serve as an officer on the local Republican party's board, the Greater New Orleans Republicans, as the VP of programming. One of my missions will be to canvass the entire metro NOLA area to get as many people involved in our party as possible. This includes reaching out to all people regardless of religion, race, background, prior political involvement, or prior political persuasion. While I believe that the Republican party needs to return to our core values, at the same time we have a big tent that can accomodate Americans from ALL backgrounds. Fundamental Republican principles have sustained this country for centuries - individual freedoms, rights and responsibilites - and those values are what has placed America in the leadership position it now holds. However, there are many in DC, both Democrat and Republican, who do not believe that we need to hold fast to these principles. They believe we need to instead "fundamentally transform" America. I do not. America was based on principles such as the right to free speech which means the government may not inhibit the free expression of ideas or religion; the right to bear arms against enemies at home and abroad; the right to private property which includes a prohibition on the government taking our property and redistributing it to someone else (i.e., taxing, spending and buying votes). We're dangerously close to losing many of these fundamental rights and I hope that the American political apathy that has developed since the 70s will soon be a thing of the past. We must stand up and fight against those in DC who wish to strip of us those most precious rights found in the Bill of Rights. Come with me on this journey along with millions of others who will work tirelessly to take back Congress in '10 and the White House in '12!!

Intro to the world of blogging

2009-12-07T21:51:00.000-06:00

Hello to all of you who have decided to check out my blog. I welcome all opinions on this blog, welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and viewpoints, and ask that everyone discuss issues in a mature, respectful, intelligent manner. However, that does not mean that the PC police will be permitted to chill free speech here either. If something I write offends you, well, that probably means that I've hit a nerve with you and you should carefully think about why you're sensitive about that subject. There's a 99.9% chance that it's NOT going to be my fault that you are sensitive on that issue. If something someone else writes offends you, you're probably too easily offended since you shouldn't allow what other people say or do or how they feel about an issue affect how you conduct your life or how you feel about yourself. Bottom line, this is a forum for intelligent, adult conversation. Since this is my blog, we'll discuss what I want to discuss, and it will likely be in the order of politics, wine, dogs, travel and whatever peaks my interest that day. In Vino Veritas!

Let the blogging begin!