The Liberty Republican

How the Elephants Died - an Essay on the Broken Republican Party

2012-01-26T15:38:00.003-07:00

In 2008, after eight years of George W. Bush, after having lost the House and the Senate, after having lost many State houses and Governorships, the Republican Party teetered on the edge of becoming a long term minority party in the United States. It was not because the Democratic Party had necessarily done anything special to change themselves, nor had they damaged the GOP in some manner as to deal a death blow. Quite the opposite, actually. It was the Republican Party that had been faltering from within.

After the crushing losses of 2008 the pundits began to ask the question, “What now for the GOP?” What they were asking had less to do with strategy and more to do with message. What did the GOP stand for? Who were the GOP leaders? The horrible primary set-up a GOP ticket which fronted a liberal Arizona Senator and a half-term unknown Governor from the 3rd least populated State. The GOP was deeply divided after the primary, and there was a large lack of enthusiasm for McCain as the leader of the party, or the nation. During the election, the GOP ticket seemed to be splitting as well, with the Governor of Alaska “Going Rogue” in defiance of the leadership of the Arizona Senator. After the election the depth and breadth of the divide was so obvious that to ask the question about the future of the GOP was not uncalled for.

The state of the Party at that time was one where the party leader and outgoing President, backed by the Party itself, had drastically veered from the “small government/limited government” doctrine which defined its surging success in recent years. No, the Party had lurched so far to the left that figure heads within the party defended the constant erosion of liberties and the perpetual borrowing and bail-outs as staples to the values of the party itself. Perpetual war, Patriot Act, wireless taps, bail-outs, federal healthcare/prescription drugs, No Child Left Behind. The party of limited government was responsible for the largest growth of the (non-essential) government in the history of the United States. After losing power in the executive and legislative branches, the party was at war with itself for what it had done, suffering from a crisis of identity.

During this crisis, however, there was a splinter group within the party which had laid the groundwork for the coming election cycle. The energetic and overly enthusiastic supporters of Ron Paul in 2008 had effected a tone within the party discussion, raising the issue of liberty. The big government GOP leaders were so put off by this message that Paul and his supporters were actually blocked from the national GOP convention. This group of the small Libertarian wing of the ‘Big Tent Party’ splintered from the GOP, holding their own Liberty Convention, where they put in place a long term strategy to retake the Republican Party.

As the Republican establishment selected new leadership and tried to scrape together a message, there was a movement already underfoot, planning Liberty Rallies on Tax day. The general message of the rallies was Liberty, low taxes, and a change to the monetary system. It was the Tea Party. The newly elected left was so afraid of the quick organization and the multitude of rallies across the nation that they immediately went into panic mode, claiming that the Liberty minded rallies were racist or terrorist in nature. The GOP establishment was so disconnected that they did not claim affiliation with the organizations spreading their message across America on Tax Day. This “radical element” was the organization of the Libertarian movement, the Campaign for Liberty. The success of the ‘Tax Day Tea Parties’ did not belong to the established GOP, however, after the movement began to swell in numbers the GOP began to approach the rag-tag leadership with an offer to take the Liberty movement under the wing of the Republican Establishment. As such, the GOP rested its momentum heading into the 2010 elections on the Tea Party. The strength of the Tea Party was brought into question on primary election day, and overwhelmingly the GOP establishment candidates were ousted in favor of the Libertarian Tea Party Conservatives. The narrative of 2010 was, then, that the GOP was now being led by the Tea Party, and as such the Republican Party could only retain the established leadership under the banner of this liberty movement.

After the unprecedented resurgence of the once dead GOP in 2010, the strategy of the established Republican leadership was to retain the talking points of the movement while dismantling the structure and ability of the Tea Party to splinter from the ‘Big Tent’. It was, after all, floated as an idea that the Tea Party itself could actually become a formidable third party, challenging the Republicans for top-tier status against a unified Democratic Party. Such a move, of course, would have ensured Democratic majority in 2012 and beyond. So the GOP establishment took the Tea Party congressmen and senators into their fold, and moved quickly to marginalize the Tea Party movement itself. By mid-2011 it was clear that the Tea Party had been so over-run by the mainstream GOP that the movement was dead under the moniker “Tea Party”. What began as a liberty movement quickly became a social conservative movement with no clear message of opposition. The message of small government, lower taxes, and individual liberty which defined the Tea Party became talking points for established moderate Republicans. The waters were so muddied that the mention of the Tea Party no longer represents a sect of the GOP, rather some ambiguous affiliation from within the Republican Party. You no longer hear about Tea Party candidates heading into the 2012 election cycle, rather you hear about whether voters identify with the Tea party. But I ask you, what does it mean to identify with the Tea Party in 2012? What is the party’s message? You are unable to answer because the GOP successfully dismantled the movement while simultaneously absorbing their talking points. The movement was no longer deemed a threat.

The fractures of 2008 began to reappear in the GOP during the selection of the presidential candidates in 2011. As the party began the process of identifying the next generation of leadership, so returned the animosity of the 2008 election cycle. The media scrambled to identify the leader of the Tea Party movement while the GOP establishment held their breath hoping none would arise. Sarah Palin was the media darling, mostly because of her atypical moves after losing the election in 2008. Michelle Bachmann was a very vocal member of the Tea Party, but lacked the excitement of Sarah Palin, and who could not get her endorsement for the ‘female amongst the males’ spot in the 2012 run. Other first term names were favored by the media, such as Marco Rubio and Rand Paul. It was becoming clear that the incorporation of the Tea party into the GOP had so diluted the movement that when the time came for the Tea Party to front their leader as a challenger to the GOP establishment candidate, the movement found it had been so love-struck with the recognition of the GOP that it was no longer a movement unto itself. It had no leadership. It had no message.

Seeing a sign of weakness from the Tea Party movement, who had developed into an active staging ground for the social conservative wing of the GOP and less of a true liberty movement, the Conservatives began their quest to identify and run a “True Conservative” candidate. Large bands of Conservative Republicans attempted grassroots draft campaigns for Governors from Indiana, Texas, New Jersey, as well as a fleet of Senators and Congressmen. Each draft campaign attempted to sway opinion in favor of their candidate as the Truest “True Conservative”. As the field winnowed, however, even the definition of a “True Conservative” was sullied, tarnished by conservative talking points that do not actually resemble the left-moderate actions which they were being used to describe. The Conservatives, as well, had been marginalized.

Then there are the 2008 hold-overs. Most notably Mitt Romney, who made a calculated decision to yield the 2008 race to McCain after South Carolina, and go directly into 2012 campaign mode. Mitt Romney, who maintained the campaign presence in the early voting states, was identified as one of those who was expected to run and was identified as an early front-runner. His campaign represents the ideas of the moderate-left lurch of the established GOP, and a continuation of those ideals of the ‘Neo Conservative’ era of the Republican Party.

The second hold-over is Texas Congressman Ron Paul, the Libertarian who was blacklisted from the GOP in 2008. Paul’s brand of Republicanism is the Goldwater/Jeffersonian Libertarianism. His strategy was much the same as Romney’s: stay in the early voting states and build a movement with which to roll through them in 2012. He was hated by GOP establishment and feared by the media. His followers were branded, as he was, as being out of touch. But then came the economic collapse. Then came the continued wars under Obama. Then came the financial disasters of the fiat currency system. And the media turned to the one man who had not only predicted the downfall, but was actively building a movement of educating the public to the extent of the failings. His movement, the Campaign for Liberty, gave life to the Tea Party and the GOP wins in 2010. Paul’s decision to enter the Presidential race gave the Liberty Movement a validated and tested leader, and this put fear back into the heart of the GOP. Paul’s early numbers and successes were dismissed as ‘Paul-bot anomalies’, and he was written off as a candidate out-of-touch (again) and unelectable. He was targeted by the media for blacklisting, and painted as outside of the party norm by the GOP. But Paul’s numbers continue to grow, his Campaign for Liberty continues to reach the voting bloc in charge of the future of the party – the youth vote. Where the Tea party movement failed, the original campaign for liberty strategy devised by Paul in 2008 had succeeded, and the Libertarian’s have a movement underway within the GOP.

We turned the calendar to 2012, the election year. We are under the thumb of an unpopular President, a Democrat who is easily beaten should an organized opposition show itself. Herein lies the rub. The fractures made visible in 2008 were never truly fixed, and now we see a Republican party so broken that it is becoming ever impossible to repair, re-establish, and retake the battlefield. The GOP is not organized. It has no leadership. The Tea Party has failed, and the message marginalized. The Social Conservative movement has failed, and the message marginalized. So what is left is a bloody power struggle between the Neo-Conservative elements of the establishment, both sides fighting so viciously to implement their brand of moderate leftism under the brand “Republican”. We see a Republican battle in which the majority has been fooled by the talking points, by the stolen message of the Liberty movement and the Conservative movement. The leaders of the GOP promote a continued growing of the government, increased erosion of liberties (such as the NDAA, SOPA, etc), increased spending, and perpetual war while at the same time using talking points about increasing liberty, reducing debt, cutting spending, and securing Americans by not backing down from saber rattling. The message is unorganized, it does not make sense. The Republican brand has somehow become no different from the Democratic brand, save a few minor means to the ends – but in both cases the end is the same.

When Republicans act like Republicans we win. When we act like Democrats, they win.

As the infighting intensifies, all eyes are on Ron Paul and his growing Campaign for Liberty. There is daily talk about Paul’s brand of Libertarianism splintering from the GOP. With it, Paul will take a national 10-15% of the GOP – those who learned the lesson from his movement and those who are simply tired of the heated divide in the Party. A Ron Paul third party run is the Tea Party splinter nightmare held by the GOP after the 2010 groundswell. But this time the GOP has no control. The movement has a leader. The leader has a brand. The brand has a following that transcends party lines, drawing support from the fiscal right and the anti-war left as well as liberty minded independents. The big story of the 2012 election is going to be the political landscape left behind by the Ron Paul Campaign for Liberty and the lasting effects of a movement within the GOP or established as a third party.

The GOP cannot contain the core of this movement, the Libertarians.The atmosphere is ripe for a fracture of the party. The stress of an undefined party to define itself, a party who is historically on the conservative-right but who has recently lurched moderate-left, a party who has largely gone without a notable figurehead, without any true leadership for too long is the stress that continue to fracture the party from within. The squelching of the conservative right and the ignoring of the libertarian movement threaten a party so divided against itself that it will not beat this sitting President nor will it retain control of the either chamber of congress, no matter which Moderate-Leftist you prop up on Election Day. What we are witnessing may be the end of the ‘Big Tent’ GOP, where libertarians and social conservatives need not apply, where they are catered to during elections but ignored while in power. The minority blocs of the GOP are growing wise to the new Republican brand. They are growing less patient with the lurch and less tolerant of the lip-service. The Party has moved past the crossroads and is heading full-speed toward the political cliff. This may very well be the narrative on how the mighty elephant died.

State of the Union

2012-01-24T19:00:00.001-07:00

(Obama delivered his last State of the Union speech of his Presidency tonight. It was what we all expected. I offer, just for fun, what my first State of the Union speech would resemble - just to keep the fire going in my belly.)

My fellow Americans, Tonight I stand before you to fulfill a promise made 223 years ago, that once a year We the People of this Great Nation will stand together in truth and continued open dialogue to discuss the State of our Union. As your elected leader, as your President, it is my burden to report the failings of our government. You elected me, and I stand fully accountable for the shortcomings of these chambers and the hardships they have put upon you, my brothers and sisters of these United States. However, as your President, it is also with great enthusiasm that I get to share with you the triumphs which, together, we have and will soon achieve. Ladies and Gentlemen, because we share this dialogue, because we are free to do so, because we continue to choose the rule of law set forth in our Constitution, because we so deeply burn with the passion for true liberty, because we come together time and again as a great people to protect our Republic, because in the face of adversity we refuse to give up, we refuse to surrender, I declare before you today that the state of our Union is strong!

However strong this union, it saddens me to report that your elected leaders, those in whom you have given the full faith and credit of our nation, continue to perpetuate the erosion of our liberties. There are some amongst us today who would see a great change in our nation; a great divergence from the solid foundation given to us upon principle. There are some amongst us who would have us believe that this is not a government by the people or for the people, rather a government over the people. I am here to tell you tonight that they are wrong. There are some amongst us who would have us believe that the providence which shaped this great nation was somehow misguided in the protection of the people from their government. I am here to tell you tonight that they are wrong. There are some amongst us tonight who would have you believe that some are more equal than others, more deserving, above the rule of consent. I am here to tell you tonight that they are wrong. Those who would tell you that the erosion of our liberties, that the unjust corruption at all levels of this nation are sufferable for the sake of security or perceived prosperity are the real threat to the strength of this union. It is they who continue to drive the divide in this nation. It is under their watchful eye that our Republic will cease to exist.
That is why I am here, as your President, to outline a renewed contract with the American People. This is not a new idea; rather it is a return to the ideals that allowed this nation to grow from shoreline to shoreline. It is a return to the ideals that put this nation in front of all other nations in this world with ingenuity and innovation. It is my belief that this nation can return to the best version of herself only when the people are free from an overbearing government. Free to try; Free to succeed; and as this government so often forgets, free to fail. No longer will we steal from the coffers to pick winners when industry giants are failing. No longer will we blindly endorse failed strategies in the economic sector. No longer will we commit ourselves to conflicts which cause us to further depend on foreign nations for our continued way of life. We are better than that. We are more resolute than that.

We will build, in America, an infrastructure for the next generation. Our investment will be one in the homeland, strengthening and modernizing our roads, dams, bridges, and borders. We will invest in our military, and re-build the American based bases closed during our foreign expansion, ending our foreign subsidies and bringing the military home. We build the infrastructure necessary to ensure energy independence through free market competition and milestone awards for certain sustainable technologies. We will invest our dollars in America’s future, right here at home.

Our economy is in shambles. There is no easy way to put it. This is not an issue that can be put off any more, and cutting pennies on the dollar is not the fix we need. This is a serious problem, now. Not a problem to be left to another administration or another generation. We will create a system of tax fairness, eliminating loopholes allowing the wealthiest to pay lower percentages than our hard working middle class, and demanding that our lowest class take the pride in paying their fair share in our society. We will strengthen the middle class by creating an environment of equality in responsibility. I will propose a tax plan that phases out the personal income tax over the course of my two terms, followed by a constitutional repeal of the 16th Amendment, with taxation to be directly levied onto the states, apportioned according to population. It will be up to the states to collect taxes from the people. The Federal Government will no longer be in the business of directly taxing the people. Fixing the tax system is only half the battle. To correct the problem, the Federal Government must stop spending! That is why I am using the authorities of the Presidency to eliminate wasteful departments and transition the responsibilities of these departments back to the states. The 10th amendment made this very clear, and I intend to return this nation to the Constitutional Republic that it was intended to be!

The American people deserve better than what the government has become. As a citizen of this nation, I demand more from my government. I demand that they do more by doing less. I demand that my government level the playing field, end the crony corporatism, dismantle the monetary stranglehold that devalues our currency, and put an end to the corruption at the highest levels. We need to ensure a just rule of law that punishes those who prey on our investors and consumers. We need to ensure a just rule of law that protects the investment marketplace, protects the savings of our families, and encourages savings and investment in our future by We the People. I demand, and so should you, that our government close these criminal loopholes and enforce the laws that protect the investments of not just the middle class but of all Americans! I demand a return of the American brand, a return of Main Street. This can only be done by strengthening and enforcing our laws and protecting our investing class!

We are at a crossroads in this great experiment. We have allowed our government to grow beyond their constitutional limits. We have allowed the government to erode our individual liberties. We have given up personal responsibility in favor of government safety nets. It did not happen overnight, and it cannot be fixed overnight. There is a lot that needs to be done in order to right so many wrongs that have left our nation on the brink. Look around the dinner table tonight and ask yourself, ask your family, what kind of America do you want to live in tomorrow? What do you want the state of this union to be for your children and grandchildren? I challenge you, America, to support this alignment; to put the government on notice; to return America to the people. We are the generation of innovation, of ingenuity. We have the courage to fix this, we have the means to fix this. And I’m putting my government on notice too, letting you all know that We the People have the resolve to fix these wrongs and ensure a strong union for another two hundred years!

God Bless you, and May God continue to bless these United States!

Why "They" Are Scared of Libertarians

2012-01-12T18:30:00.003-07:00

Ron Paul stated in his New Hampshire speech, "They're scared of us because we're dangerous to the status-quo." Who are 'they' and what was Ron Paul, the figure head for the Libertarian movement within the GOP, talking about?

Libertarianism is a political philosophy aimed at making decisions based on a simple principle - personal responsibility and limited government intervention. It is greatly misunderstood and misconstrued by pundits, stirring the sheep into a frenzy, but when asked one-on-one you will find that a majority of Americans are actually Libertarian minded. The political right brands Libertarians as "pro-drug, anti-war lefties". The political left brands Libertarians as "ultra-right-wing extremists bent on taking away government handouts." The brilliance of these labels is that they are both right, and THIS is what the political dividers fear.

We are in a political circus where the change in leadership does nothing to adjust the course of this nation. We are marching steadily to the beat of a drummer taking us into a fiery pit. The GOP and the Dems have done little in the past fifty plus years to correct our course, rather we continue the same game of political wife swapping.

Both political parties, backed by their super-wealthy donors (media and banking elites), have the same agenda: American Imperialism and Absolute Government Control. Even Obama's 'Hope and Change' was no match for the momentum of the true powers of this nation (and the world). His continuation and escalation of foreign wars was a direct continuation of the Bush foreign policy of Nation Building and preemptive warfare, which was the direct continuation of Clinton's foreign policy of Nation Building and World Policing, which was a direct continuation of Bush Sr's foreign policy of Nation Building and World Policing, which was a direct continuation of Reagan's foreign policy of foreign interventionism and World Policing against the Soviets, which was a continuation of Carter's much weaker but still present foreign policy of foreign interventionism and World Policing, which was a direct continuation of Ford's foreign policy... You get the point? Since the dawn of this nation the US has been involved in foreign wars and colonialism. At first it was "Manifest Destiny" that drove the Americans westward, causing mass devastation to a population of natives already settled in the land. After the continental empire was complete, the US became heavily involved in the far east in the later half of the 19th century, directly influencing the events building up to the two World Wars. Post WWII the US military industrial complex was so grand that even Gen. and President Eisenhower warned the US about in his farewell address in 1961. Most recently, over the last ten years, the US population has seen a drastic erosion of the basic civil liberties and a perversion of power by the ruling elite - both parties blaming the other, but neither doing anything to actually stop it. Economically and Socially, both parties are power-hungry leviathans with no real interest in healing the nation or taking up the cause of liberty. They are the status-quo.

Ron Paul said it best, "We do need change in this country - but not something new, something that already existed." What he means is that the cause of Libertarianism is not one of fundamental changes in America, rather a return to liberties that were defined at our founding.

The powers that be, the political parties, fear the idea of Libertarianism because the government has grown "too large to fail".

For the GOP, any Libertarian talk of reducing the size of the US overseas presence, ending foreign wars, and putting an end to Nation Building is seen as a threat to the NeoConservative movement that has become the GOP. Drastically cutting spending, ending power grabs and the Patriot Act... all seen as 'threats to national security' by the GOP security/war hawks. How can we ever be safe if the government doesn't regulate and police our every move? This is the GOP. These are the things they do not want to give up.

For the Democrats, any Libertarian talk of reducing government handouts, eliminating unconstitutional departments at the Federal level, and scaling back government intervention into private business and affairs is seen as a threat to the Socialist/Populist movement that has become the Democratic Party. Cutting trillions in spending, phasing out the hand-outs, and returning responsibility to the individual is seen as a threat to the "New Deal Society" aimed at providing a safety net and retirement check for every US citizen (and now world citizen, it appears). How can we ever survive if the government is not there to feed and clothe us? These are the Democrats. These are the things they do not want to give up.

And so they dance their little dances, make their backroom deals, and at every turn each multimillionaire in power becomes a little richer and a little more power hungry. They live by their own set of rules and governances whilst we are subject to their dominion. They are two sides of the same turd... and you all know the old idiom about polishing a turd.

And so they fear the idea that we may have to repay our debts. They fear the concept of increased liberty and personal responsibility. They spread fear and lies of chaos without their "protection" or their "safety net".

They are afraid of letting go of their power. And so they fear the people standing up for the cause of liberty.

What Would a Paul Presidency Look Like?

2012-01-10T20:18:00.002-07:00

Ron Paul earned a solid 22% third place victory in Iowa on January 3rd, but the headlines went directly to a Santorum surge that has arguably been a "no-show" one week later in New Hampshire, where Paul is finishing 7% better than his polling average. Paul finished a very strong second tonight in the Granite State, but already the headlines are reading like a Huntsman/Romney head-to-head heat. Huntsman, of course, is finishing about 22% behind Romney and about 8% behind Ron Paul. And yet the media black-out continues. In fact, when watching the results on FoxNews, any mention of Ron Paul was met with "who will not be the nominee". Romney has had an array of "Not Romney" contenders, but no one has consistently finished stronger than Paul, and no one has the organization and momentum that Paul has after the first two contests. Arguably, after Iowa and New Hampshire it is clear that the true contender to take on Romney is and has been Ron Paul.

Ron Paul polls favorably against Obama in a head-to-head contest. Paul has the youth and Libertarian votes locked up. Paul is a true anti-war candidate, which would make Obama the war-candidate, locking up leftist anti-war support in a general election. Paul is the one candidate who speaks across the spectrum. He fits into no political mold. He is the true Libertarian. In a time when the electorate are so fed up with the status-quo, Ron Paul is the most dangerous man running for the American Presidency - because he will annihilate the status-quo.

Assuming a Paul victory in November, what would America look like on January 21, 2013 and for the first 100 days of his presidency? What about beyond?

Moments after being sworn into office, Ron Paul would issue an executive order repealing the Patriot Act. He would follow that immediately with starting to roll out his Plan to Restore America, his $1 Trillion budget cut, by ordering the systematic closure of several of the Executive Departments of the Federal Government. The restructure of the government would be done in such a way that State Governments and Private Business would be required to immediately step up to take the rolls of those efforts necessary enough to survive the transition - that is right - the free market will eliminate the waste. Within weeks, several US military bases overseas will be targeted for closure as part of a first wave, followed quickly by other waves of foreign base closures. Energy prices would dive, as Paul's America First energy initiative would stop the export of US energy, aiming the US onto a track of self sufficiency, thus putting an end to our dependency on foreign oil, and the need for defense of Middle Eastern oil.

The military would be strengthened by consolidating our currently overstretched resources. The closure of foreign bases and the immediate end to decades long unconstitutional regional wars would free up resources to focus on American infrastructure and defense. The military industrial complex would be slowed to a grinding halt as US involvement in missions like Tomahawk Bombing Libya and Drone attacking civilians in Pakistan would immediately cease. Our global mission would truly go from one of aggression to humanitarianism. Where governments ask us to leave, we would respectfully exit and allow them to handle their own affairs. We would cease to be the police, and once again lead by a strong example of civility and liberty.

The Native Tribes would be cut loose from the racist policies of the Dept. of the Interior, as it would be eliminated. In accordance with Article 1 section 6, treaties made with the native Tribes would finally be upheld, and the Supreme Court ruling of 1982 regarding the Lakotah Sioux would have a chance to be realized. The US would have to face the issue of Reservations and Native land once and for all.

The US monetary system would be transitioned back under the control of the Dept. of the Treasury, thus ending the privately owned National Banking System known as the Federal Reserve. The US dollars would become real money, and our debt would be painfully real - eliminating the annoying ability of Congress to pay off debt with borrowing fake fiat money. The US would experience deflation over time, and the value of the US Dollar (not the Federal Reserve Note) would increase on the strength of our growing economy.

We would see the US debt being paid down. We would see the end to banker-owned Congresses and the era of Bail-outs. In fact, I'm almost willing to bet that Paul goes after the companies who took taxpayer monies with the expectation of collecting those debts and returning the monies. We would see the tax system completely revamped, eliminating loopholes and reducing overall taxes. We would see a bare-boned Federal Government and a rise in the importance of state and regional governments.

A Paul Presidency would be dangerous to the status-quo, which is why paul is feared amongst those in power. It would be a transition toward a smaller federal government and lower regulation of personal affairs (like taking off your shoes to board an airplane). It would be a return to Constitutional sanity... to checks and balances.

It would be the best chance America has to survive another hundred years. It would be the best chance we have to remove the burden of debt from our future generations. It would be an era of a quieter and more competitive America, a renewed era of American Exceptionalism... one of American peace and prosperity... one where America returns as the shiny city on the hill for all the right reasons... one where we are followed out of respect, not followed out of fear.

Am I being overly optimistic? Sure. As a realist I understand that there would be push back from war-hawks in Congress, lobbyists, big labor, etc. The system that has grown too large to fail would fight so very hard to keep the pork barrel full, even if this fat hog was eating the citizens out of house and home.

So the honest answer is that there would be struggle. There would be news stories of doom and gloom as the fat cats began getting isolated and eliminated. There would be a period of struggle and strife as we shake off the dirt and get to work on truly restoring our country. There would be work, transition, and a whole lot of personal responsibility - a broom in every hand to clean up this country!

We just may, through all of this, find ourselves the leaders of the next great generation of Americans.

Of course, this is all only a possibility if Ron Paul is given the fair shake he deserves as a true front runner and presidential contender. A Ron Paul America... can you imagine?

False Flags and the "Cause" for War with Iran

2011-10-11T13:26:00.004-06:00

It took me 1.25 seconds to see through the smoke and mirrors of the news headline of the day: Iran has been tied to a broken plot to launch a terror attack against the United States. The report states that Iran was linked with an attempt to detonate bombs to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the US, and attack the Israeli embassy in D.C.

The United States has a history of using false flags as a psychological tool to coax the general population into a war frenzy... remember the Weapons of Mass Destruction argument for war with Iraq, or the Gulf of Tonkin incident? The US has been looking for a reason to take offensive action against Iran. News stories like this, the "would have/could have" busted terror plots, etc... they are merely adding to the public mind-set that "We are at war with Iran. We have always been at war with Iran."

The purpose behind this report? Here are my theories:

1. A slumping president heading into an election. A fresh war sends the "don't change horses mid-stream" message. Very effective for presidential elections.
2. Eric Holder is under fire for the Fast and Furious situation. Diversion, diversion, diversion.
3. Justification for continued government infractions into Civil Liberties... afterall, if we can't show success the people will grow restless and start taking away some of our Patriot Act powers.

Why Rick Perry Scares the Hell out of Me

2011-09-15T14:05:00.003-06:00

The United States, as a nation, is in total ruin. We have a federal government that is not only morbidly obese but corrupt beyond measure and so completely impotent to address any real problems that they simply continue to compound. At the Executive level we have Barry Obama, who has been the main player in crippling this nation beyond repair. We have a legislative branch so deeply out of touch that they cannot comprehend the calamity that is truly underway (not to mention they are seeking a pay raise!) And we have a Judicial branch that is infected with political ideologues and party cronies. The state of this union is not good. There are fundamental failures and loopholes at the highest level that, left immediately unfixed, will irreversibly damage what is left to salvage from this Union of States. To fix these problems at the federal level requires vision, leadership, and sound principles. More importantly the nominee to face off with Obama must be capable. It can be argued that Obama had the three traits listed above, but his general ineptitude is what put this nation full speed ahead into a field of icebergs.

Enter the 2012 GOP Presidential Contenders, and focusing on arguably the top 5 candidates (or predicted candidates): Perry, Romney, Paul, Bachmann, Palin. Of those five names, four have declared candidacy. Of those four candidates, three are basing their core support on the religious right. Of those three, two have either strongly endorsed extremely leftist candidates or passed extremely liberal state legislation regarding healthcare.

Rick Perry, more than all the others combined, scares the hell out of me. As a Republican, but more importantly as an American, I am very afraid of the potential for a Perry presidency. Perry is the Pat Robertson of 2012. Perry was propelled into the spotlight with his 'prayer for rain', and is of the general belief that the world is in the apocalyptic end times. Setting aside his controversial anti-liberty stance on forced HPV vaccinations in Texas, tax increases, or his questionable relations to extreme liberals over the years, Rick Perry is the American Ahmadinejad. Perry has even states that the US will be "guided by Christian leaders following Christian values." Which Christian values are going to guide this nation? The same values that guided Europe into the Inquisition? The same values that led to the slaughter of the Mayan and Aztecs? The same values that lead some to believe that everyone but them is doomed to an eternity in hell? What variation of Christianity will this nation bend to? This is exactly why Religion has a place in man's heart, but it does not belong in politics. That Rick Perry believes we are in the end times, and as a dutiful Christian he will choose God over country, could one not deduce that he would use the full force of the military to bring about the Messiah? The same logic used by Ahmadinejad in Iran.

I will not and cannot support Rick Perry in the Primary or General election. I have always been skeptical of leaders who rely on religion as their running mate. The solution to America's problems are not solved by Perry's brand of politics, for the same reason that Pat Robertson's lunacy continues to solve nothing. Religion has no place in political discourse, other than to state that one man's belief or understanding of God should not be forcefully put upon another man. Any time that it is elevated beyond this I am not only skeptical, but I am terrified of the outcome.

6 months of silence

2011-09-15T13:47:00.002-06:00

Readers (who are still around) -

I spent a large part of 4 years blogging, staying extremely active in the political scene, running for office, and holding seats within the party. As you may or may not recall, I lost my best friend of 18 years in a motorcycle accident on November 30th of 2010. I refocused my efforts on myself after that incident. The seats to which I was elected within the Kitsap GOP, I resigned. I am currently in the final stages of a divorce and trying to make life as seamless as possible for my two little girls and myself as I charge forward into a brave new world.

I've been asked a number of times about starting the blog again. So I think I am going to see what I've got left inside to give to the blogging world. If I find that the stress is still too much, that jumping back into the world of political blogging is simply too much, I think I may simply hang it up for another stint and try again later...

For now, I'm going to blog when I can... and since the GOP seems to know prime time how to screw up a presidential pick, let's start there........

See you in the blogging world!

-Steven M Nielson

Tying it all together

2011-03-29T14:10:00.002-06:00

Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Bahrain. They are all countries ruled by long term dictators or royalty. They are all currently facing or have had the governments overthrown by protests and/or violent uprisings. Most importantly, however, is that all of these countries, run by despots or otherwise, enforced a secular government where religion could be freely practiced.

Under the guise of democratic uprising, the greater Muslim world is overthrowing moderate secular governments and WILL BE establishing new governments based on enforcing Muslim law. Christians, Jews, Atheists, Buddhists, Hindu, or any other religious denomination in these regions should be fearful. They should worry because a true democracy dictates majority rule. Religious freedoms protected by ‘tyrants’ will no longer be protected by unsympathetic religious heads of state. Churches and homes will be burned, citizens will be stoned... there will be peace – Pax Islama.

NATO leaders are reporting “flickers of Al-Qaida” in the Libyan rebellion. Syria is battling protests by the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt’s opposition leading the protests was the Muslim Brotherhood. In Bahrain the Muslim majority is seeking to overthrow the secular Muslim minority in power. In Yemen, Al Qaida extremists are behind the overthrow of the government.

Once again America finds itself in the middle of a battle it does not understand with an outcome it cannot foresee: The unification of the greater Middle East and North Africa into a Caliphate – reclaiming the lost Muslim territories after the European wars and colonialism. Imagine the strength held by a unified Muslim world. Imagine the eradication of Western Friendly dictators and royalty, the reallocation of their wealth into a Muslim defense account for the protection and rebuilding of a great Muslim nation, and absolute control over the world’s most accessible oil supplies. Such unification would put the governing body into a very powerful position over European and Western powers.

The colonial era served to purposely split the strong empire into feuding sects with a purpose of long term manipulation and control, a policy which has served Western interests for nearly a century. But now the domino effect is taking down leaders, and has the potential to take down borders.

Glenn Beck proposed this ‘wacky’ theory during the Egyptian rebellions, but was laughed at as a loon. But one by one the countries fall under the guise of ‘democracy’... secular nation after secular nation crumbling in favor of Islamic rule. Islamic Democracy will reunite the caliphate territories, and Shariah Law will spread across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Perhaps Beck was right after all. And perhaps America should reconsider our role in these rebellions and conflicts in that region... if they have thought that far ahead at all.

Rebellion is the Final Protest

2011-02-28T17:25:00.003-07:00

Over the past week I have been enthralled with the reporting of the upheaval of a society in Northern Africa. A 42 year despot's regime is crumbling around him, his people collectively rejecting his form of government. A rebellion, a revolution... or simply a protest?

Report after report identifies that cities are in the control of 'protesters'... that security is being handled by protesters... and that military forces are switching sides to join the protesters.

So I ask, at what point do we identify the protesters as opposition military forces? When do they cease to be peaceful protesters and begin being rebel forces?

"Public Opinion"... the choice words of the day. Regardless of your stance on the Libyan rebellion, be ever cautious of the thought control the media has over you, the reader.

If Qaddafi was reported as attacking and retaking military bases and coastal cities from rebelling civilians joined by military personnel who have renounced loyalty to the regime and joined the rebellion, one would be so inclined to look at the situation and say, "ah... civil war. Maybe Qaddafi should suspend Habeus Corpus and march his soldiers into every town and burn them until he can be assured that his country, his nation, is secure."

Instead, we hear of peaceful opposition "skirmishing" with Libyan military, and protesters "shooting down" Libyan jets.

What may have begun as anti-government protests has become a rebellion - a civil war. At what point does the media recognize this?

To the shores of Tripoli

2011-02-23T12:31:00.003-07:00

In the Libyan capitol, Tripoli, the despot ruler has flown in mercenaries from Chad and Sudan to secure the streets. He is doing the same across the rebelling North African country, ordering the destruction of the oil fields and the killing of opposition protestors. The military, which was designed to be weak to hamper any coup attempts, has largely deserted their post and refuses to attack their own citizens; however, the mercenaries have no problem enforcing Gadhafhi's orders to attack citizens and infrastructure. The mercenaries can be seen in this video (smuggled from Libya onto YouTube) - the video is from Benghazi, the city already overtaken by opposition forces:

The thugs are working to disrupt and damage as much as possible, aiming at civilians who have taken protectorate roles over the streets and areas within the cities.

This is a tactic discussed by many bloggers, including me, during the concern for the deployment of active duty military to the United States, and the practice of using troops from different US regions in unconstitutional FEMA crack-downs, like post-Katrina New Orleans. A local trooper would have a hard time attacking their brothers, but a non-local looks at it as a meal-ticket, a duty... regardless of the order. So it goes here as well as in Libya.

Unfortunately for Libya, the Marines are not available to help secure Tripoli, to fight of the despot, or to hoist the flag of freedom over the capitol... This one they're going to have to do on their own.

Democracy Kills

2011-02-21T15:12:00.003-07:00

The United States was founded as a Republic. It was a gift dreamed up in antiquity, revived in revolt, and bequeathed to the sons and daughters of a fledgling nation of states. It is a concept so profound that impatience alone is powerful enough to destroy it. Imagine establishing a government where intellect and ideals trumped panic and fear; where the people under the government were safe from emotional mob rule. Imagine the strength of a society built with a Republic as her pillars.

In a republic, nothing so inspires men as the sovereignty of the self; for only in a Republic can man truly be free.

Only in a republic can the minority, even the minority of one, imagine freedom. Only in a republic can the sovereign self expect to live without persecution. Only in a republic does man stand a chance to grow beyond the menial obligations to the masses. Only in a republic can the soul truly be free.

In a republic there is hope for enlightenment, for freedom of the body, soul, and mind.

In a democracy, however, there lives fear; for democracies are the breeding ground of corruption and tyranny. Democracy is the petri dish of a disease, the disease of power. What curious draw, the power of one man over others. The power to use force at the whim of the masses. Mob rule, all else had better fall in line or fall to the sword. There is no freedom, only but what is perceived.

In a democracy hope comes only from the mob, for men will fall under the weight of the will of the masses.

In a democracy, the mob rules. In a republic, the mob advises.

The difference will be detailed in blood.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Relevent current events:
1. Uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa, where the uneducated masses overthrow tyranical figures only to be forced into a democracy in the near future, where minority groups will surely be persecuted by majority - be they Christians in 'Muslim lands', Women in previously secular dictatorships, etc. In the Middle East, Democracy will lead to Civil War; Civil war will lead to regional World War.

Obama Fans the Flames - Supports Middle-East Blowback

2011-02-15T18:25:00.006-07:00

Barack Obama's handling of the protests in the Middle East has caused US allies to question our alliance, and has placed otherwise stable constitutional countries in jeopardy. The region is in extreme blowback after a decades long policy of puppet regime in the region, and instead of securing interests of the US Empire, our federal government is supporting the rebellion and handing the outer regions of 'Rome' to the hoards.

Tunisia ousted their leader through protest. A strong US ally replaced by an unknown. Protests trickled into Algeria, Libya, and Egypt.

In Egypt, the world watched as one of the strongest US allies in the region was systematically defeated by protesters and backed by radical Islamic groups. What was more troubling was the involvement by the US President in a statement calling for the US ally to step down 'yesterday'. The Egyptian constitution was destroyed and the 30 year president turned power over to the military, leaving a gaping hole in the region's stability.

Sudan recently voted to split into two countries and civil war still rages in that country. The US has done little to secure that region, including a 'hands-off' approach during the genocide in that country over the last decade.

Lebanon has been a mess for years.

Protests have erupted in Jordan, leaving the US ally and King wondering if Obama will soon throw him under the bus to the protesters.

Yemenis have taken to the street looking to oust the US supported government with a potential to repeat Egyptian outcome within months.

The tiny island of Bahrain, home to the US 5th fleet, saw protests turn deadly in the main square, drawing larger crowds... it is only a matter of time before the protests grow further on increasing reports of protester casualties.

The United Arab Emirates has fallen victim to deadly protests, and the people are growing more violent against the harsh treatment of protesters by the government forces.

Iranian opposition leaders have taken the cue and have moved to the streets calling for an ouster of their theocratic regime. Iranian officials are calling for the quick arrest, prosecution, and death sentence for the opposition - kangaroo courts. Clinton and Obama have backed protesters against the Iranian government.

There are wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

What we are witness to is the death of the American Empire. Every single one of these countries, excluding Iran, are puppet states of the United States. They served as guaranteed allies in securing the mineral wealth of the oil-rich middle east for the purposes of consumption by the United States. Each of these regimes have been funded and aided by the US and US military, and play a strategic roll in US influence in the world. Losing the ease of dictatorial powers in the region affords a more level playing field by the people of those countries against the US in regional influence... thus affording less control of de-facto US territory... a loss of the territory, really.

With the increase in "Democracy" protests in the region, and the domino effect of collapsing regimes, the make-up of the entire region from North Africa into Persia is on the brink of drastic change. Old alliances are no longer secure. Regional security is no longer certain. Larger scale wars are almost inevitable.

Perhaps Obama's idiocy is his genius. Perhaps the collapse of US backed regimes is the first step in a post-Wilsonian US foreign policy. Maybe his quest for 'democracy by protest' (other than 'democracy by the gun') is the catalyst for decreased US influence and a return to world neutrality. Most likely, however, this has been one giant cluster-F, and Obama has no clue what is happening, what the consequences to our status-quo will be, or how to stop it from spreading beyond the borders of the Islamic world.

Failed Votes in House Indicate GOP Establishment Not in Control

2011-02-09T13:20:00.003-07:00

FoxNews reports it as a blunder, but I call it damn fine politics!

Yesterday there was a GOP backed bill to permanently extend key provisions of the Patriot Act. The GOP establishment have lived off of the Patriot Act as their bread and butter for the last decade. Now with a near super majority, passing such a Bill should be simple, right?

Wrong.

There are a number of Patriots in Congress right now, elected as members of the Tea Party, who are very serious about the role of the government and the constitution, and who are very serious about returning rights stripped from the citizens over the last decade. These GOP Tea Partiers are voting in the style of a true third party, sending a very clear message to the GOP - You are NOT in control.

Our Congress is made up of three or four parties right now, though there are only two official party caucuses... The Democrats who are strongly united to the left, as most of the "fourth party" blue dog moderates lost their seats in 2010, the remaining moderate Blue Dogs, the centrist GOP, and the Tea Party Republicans. If you run the numbers, there is no majority party in our government - so in the style of the British House of Commons, a unity government must be formed. If the GOP continues to ignore the constitution, you can be sure that the Tea Party will not be voting in favor of the Bill; and the GOP becomes a minority party once again.

The power in Congress lies in the hands of the Tea Party/Libertarian/Constitutionalist officials. What we have seen in Congressional voting in the past two days is a lesson in the Constitution, and a civics reminder for the establishment (minority) GOP - WE THE PEOPLE hold the power!

CPAC Week and the Dark Horse Candidates

2011-02-08T14:48:00.003-07:00

This is CPAC week, and even though some potential 2012 candidates are not speaking, other lesser potentials are using the CPAC event as a continued institution for networking and furthering the political dialogue. Huckabee and Palin are not scheduled to attend or to speak, but the likes of Bachmann, Ron Paul, and Luis Fortuño are expected to take a moment on stage.

We are one year away from the Iowa caucuses, and I believe that the usual attendees at these events do so in hopes to stay current, maintain or gain name recognition, and wait for their chance to jump into the race (or at least receive a draft movement on their behalf).

The 2008 campaign was changed by two dark horse candidates - Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee. They both could now enter the 2012 race as established figures in the party with a clear direction and message. 2012 still leaves much room for a dark horse candidate... for someone with a message or movement that could unite the country and fix this economic, foreign, and otherwise general disaster we have in there now...

Keep an eye on Luis Fortuño, Puerto Rican governor. He just got a Bob Barr endorsement in the Atlanta Journal, and the Associated Press just interviewed me for a story they are going to run about a potential Puerto Rican President of the United States. Like I said, there is plenty of room for a dark horse candidate to establish himself over the next year... with the rate of progress in Puerto Rico, and their rebounding economy, one has to wonder how much longer before Fortuño becomes a household name...

The Burden of the 2012 GOP Race - Being First

2011-02-03T14:02:00.006-07:00

By the end of January 2007, roughly all major candidates had entered the race for the GOP nomination for President; a move that lead to a mudfest / bloodfest and ruined the political futures of a few individuals. It was a situation that provided a tough lesson, a lesson being strictly and seriously taken by all potential candidates in 2012: For God's Sake, Don't Be First!

The usual cast of characters, those left over from 2008, are expected to enter the race. Being first, however, means becoming a target. If Palin goes first, the other candidates enter as a common sense alternative to the Hockey Mom who has no experience (regardless of her message). If Romney goes first, the others enter the race as small government alternatives without a history of failed state healthcare systems. If Huckabee goes first... well, you see the pattern.

Make no mistake. February will be the month where the staring contest comes to an end. Someone is going to make the first gesture toward the podium. And like Rudy Guilliani in 2008, who went from a sure thing to a has-been, the targets have already been pre-manufactured and the bloodbaths will ensue.

That being said, the RCP average has a neck-n-neck tie between Romney, Huckabee, and Palin, with Newt Gingrich, Chris Christie, and Ron Paul rounding out the field. No one candidate is clearly dead or alive. And the field looks to explode once the usual suspects have thrown their names in the ring.

Who I am most interested to see enter the race: Lou Dobbs and Michelle Bachmann.

Lou Dobbs because we, the people, may actually get a straight answer from our commander in chief. We may actually see an end to the destruction of the US borders. We may have a fiscal strategy that will drastically reduce the national debt, strengthen the dollar, and secure our interests at home. With a Dobbs administration we can expect a post Wilsonian Foreign Policy, a reduction in foreign influence on America, and a period of internal healing and soul searching.

Michelle Bachmann because strong, conservative, and Libertarian leaning women not only get my heart pounding, but because the American people share a special place for that feminine strength. It says something about our nation, and the equal footing provided to all genders or creeds. The message is important, but there is a tactical advantage in picking the right messenger. Someone like Bachmann has the influence and the recognition to put real, hardworking conservative women into the political spotlight... and hopefully remove the spotlight from less experienced celebrity conservatives, such as Palin.

Alas... the race cannot start if all the horses refuse to enter the gates... so they circle in the backfield, waiting... gritting their teeth and honing their sights on the finish... Who is going to define the field? Who is going to be first? Who is ready to become dog meat?

C'Mon guys... let the games begin... we're ready for the entertainment to begin!

Obama's Egyptian Blunder, Constitutional Mis-step

2011-02-02T19:47:00.004-07:00

Obama's call for the resignation of the Egyptian President is unfounded. The long time US ally has been a stabilizing force in the region for three decades. There is no animosity between the US and Egypt (until yesterday). We supply their munitions which provides for their defense, jobs, and the protection of trade routes in the region. A stable Egypt is very important for world commerce and regional security. One has to question the motives of Obama; one has to, just 24 hours after Obama denounced the Egyptian ally, smack their forehead in disbelief at the foreign policy blunder on order of Jimmy Carter.

Obama couldn't resist the opportunity to appear as a mouthpiece for a populist movement, doing so on behalf of 'democracy'. He made a poorly calculated move to appear as the bringer of peace and stability, the voice of reason. His voice emboldened the anti-protesters (the pro-government civilians) who had, until then, been silent. Obama sent scores of people into the streets to send the message that the protests to overthrow the government, and the opinion of the US Embarrassment in Chief, are not conducive to stability or continued secularity. Pro-government civilians have already eluded to the speech of Obama as the tipping point in taking to the streets in violent clashes against the protesters.

The abandonment of the Egyptian government by the US has put the region at risk of a major conflict, threatens shipping, and places a potential for a theocratic regime to sweep into power on an Iranian style anti-US message. Obama has placed millions of lives at risk, has endangered US interests and forces in the region, and has lost credibility with other allies who are facing similar populist criticism. His risk seems to have suffered an immediate backlash, and could prove to be the 1979 of the Obama administration.

The best approach Obama could have taken is to remain neutral in what was a non-violent situation. The country has a constitution. The country has defenses. The country has a population empowered and free enough to petition the government for redress of grievances. If Obama believes that a country's laws, her constitution, are so unimportant so as to completely dismiss them, then why not acknowledge the same of ours...

oh wait... nevermind.

Huzzah! District Court Rules Obamacare Unconstitutional

2011-01-31T13:34:00.002-07:00

The powder keg has been lit. This is the moment we've all been waiting for. For in this moment we watch as the US truly decides its fate. Do we emulate the past failed societies? Mimic the currently failing ones? Or does the great experiment which began under the banner of 'Don't Tread on Me' have the strength to rise once again and roar with the fury of a lion into the darkness that 'We will not subjugate ourselves now, nor never bow to tyranny'.

A district court judge in Florida ruled that the Obamacare law violates the commerce clause in the Constitution. Read the story from Fox News. He stated that the individual mandate was inseparable from the entire law itself, and as such the entire law must be stricken down. He did give Congress the flexibility to try again, stating reasons of economic impact, but the victory today comes from the individual mandate.

No doubt the brief has already been filed by Obama's Lawyers to challenge the ruling in the SCOTUS... wasting more ~~taxpayers~~ China's money instead of accepting and moving forward. I will be watching this evolution with great interest, as should we all. We should flood the White House call center with messages for Obama to not challenge this in the SCOTUS. We should rise up and demand that our newly elected Congress act now to draft a piece of legislation that ensures interstate availability, addresses tort law, and addresses the size and structure of insurance companies (and necessities for them - seriously, do away with them). Top it off with a clause that NO earmarks may be added, that the entire bill MUST be read publicly to the people, and that no free citizen shall ever be forced by their government to purchase a private good or service... put it down in black and white. Send THAT to the Senate and White House.

We live in a land that was born of tyranny, broke free in adolescence, and has slowly allowed the cancer of tyranny to infect the body of the nation as we mature. Today, and every day, we must remind ourselves that we are free men. We must demand liberty from our government. We must live freedom in our lives. It must beat loudly in our hearts for all the world to see and hear... so that all people of all time will look upon this great experiment as God's true gift to the world... freedom. Natural, Just, and Unbridled freedom.

The Hawaii Controversy

2011-01-30T09:24:00.002-07:00

The Presidential election season is upon us. In less than two short years we will be swearing in a POTUS, be it the incumbent buffoon, or the next buffoon. Yet somewhere, lurking in the shadows of the 2012 election is the dirty secret from the 2008 election... fueled by racist animosity, harsh political divide, and a general anger toward life. The far-right-leaning Birther Movement has begun creeping its head out of the dusty shadows and into the headlines...

stop the press... did I say far-right-leaning...

But... but... Bill Maher, Keith Olbermann, and the entire cast of the left-wing media is reporting that it is the angry racist conservative Tea Partiers... so it must be true... right?

Don't believe it for a moment. The true story, especially if this becomes a talking point in the 2012 primary and campaign is that it has been a DEMOCRAT Governor and a former CLINTON employee and Hawaii gov. employee who have been pushing this story again and again.

source, WND

This is a softball topic - low hanging fruit. But I've already begun to see conversation start up in blogs, tweets, and other social mediums dominated by conservatives... a fact that the MSM will surely report on in a few months as "right wing chatter" about the Birth Certificate of President Obama.

Make no mistake, this is a trap. It is a snare being obviously placed to enrage and confuse the issues, in hopes that anti-Obama voters will be seen as nut-job conspiracy theorists. Follow the bread crumbs to this gingerbread house and you will find yourself face to face with Democrats... the same ones who started the story will now want to boil you for discussing it.

Phoenix: Rising from the Ashes

2011-01-29T16:52:00.002-07:00

Two months away from a political blog may as well be an eternity... but life required a break from reality. Dealing with the death of my closest friend has been and still is something that I'm sorting through, but I have taken it as a turning point in my life. That being said, it is time to pick up the pieces of the blog and push onward... for that which falls to ashes in the fire is certain to rise again in a stronger more fervent form...

So much has changed on this side of the keyboard, so much has happened in the US and around the world... and once again, The Liberty Republican will not only be doing something locally, but sharing his opinion with all you folks crazy enough to read it...

In short, my loyal readers with whom I am still blessed - I'm back!

Curtis Brower - An American Hereo, A Best Friend

2010-12-02T10:44:00.002-07:00

I received a call on Tuesday Night, about 10:30 from an unknown number. I picked up the phone and my heart sank when I heard the voice of my best friend's sister. My best friend of 18 years was killed when an SUV cut in front of his motorcycle making a left turn into a shopping center.

Curtis and I met in Jr. High School afterschool basketball. We became instant best friends. We had a bond that was stronger than family, and I had no problem telling him how much I loved him - regardless of who saw or heard. He knew things about me that no one else knows, and we had such a strong bond of comraderie that nothing ever got in our way, be it extended overseas missions in the Navy, or a tour in Afghanistan.

Curtis was the type of guy that lit up the room. He was alwyas smiling, and always put others before him. He was a hugger, and standing about 6'2" with bear claw hands, you were going to get a squeeze. He was a cook on Navy Submarines and loved the joy of food! He made cooking seem effortless, and we often talked of retiring together in the future to open a dinner bar - Decrescendo's, where you could enjoy some fine dining and piano mood music...

He loved his family and his country. He was in the room at the birth of my first child, and now my second child is due any day now. It breaks my heart that he will never get to watch my children grow, and they will never get to see how happy a true best friend can make their dad. Instead, my two year old daughter gave me a hug and told me it was ok, and that I am crying because I miss my friend Uncle Curtis.

I have lived an lost, but this one cuts deeper than anything I've experienced. On Tuesday night I lost a piece of myself.

Curtis Brower. You are loved, and you will be dearly missed.

Realizing Peace: Drawing Down US Foreign Forces

2010-11-30T12:38:00.003-07:00

I read an interesting WSJ article yesterday entitled "The Emperor's Nuclear Clothes" which outlined the presence of nuclear arsenals throughout the world, and why states like Iran and North Korea continue to pursue them. The article summarily concluded that elimination of all nuclear weapons is to the benefit of the United States, which is why it will never happen, mainly because the US has the most powerful conventional weapon military that is unmatched by any other country - even China.

The article discussed the importance of regional securities as a solution to nuclear proliferation, and really got me thinking about the United State's role in world military operations. A simple search for US foreign military bases reveals a list of a couple dozen countries hosting hundreds of US bases worldwide. These are bases used in current military operations as well as those threatened for use in future military strikes/campaigns. It is evidence that the security of the world relies too heavily on the United States. The coupling need of regional security and the over-extension of the US military are what I would like to discuss.

The US government treats foreign nations the same way that it treats her own population - the less they know and the less they can do for themselves, the better. We get countries like South Korea to so heavily lean on the United States for security that when attacked by the north, the first response is not defense or mobilization of SK forces, rather a call to the White House for direction and defense. For who needs to defend their home, person, or property when you have police available via the 9-1-1 call centers? Japan's constitution does not allow them to have a standing military - an echo of their previous empire follies. Saudi Arabia, as was revealed by the Wikileaks documents, uses the US military like a maid-to-order security service, trying to influence military campaigns by OUR COUNTRY against their oil rich neighbors. Add to the list every nation in Europe who depended on US influence to stay the Soviets. The list goes on, and the bills are coming due!

What makes a successful United States? One where we use our generations old military industrial complex and our natural drive toward force to pressure smaller and weaker countries into compliance for the sake of security? Or are we better off returning our soldiers home and ending our empire campaigns of the previous hundred plus years?

Follow the money. Stabilization of regions under US control allow increased economic influence and thus industrial growth. US corporations are influencing the growth in these otherwise undeveloped regions, acting as the current day colonialists - often time with the same drastic results the left Africa a war torn continent for so many years. We draw borders and boundaries across a land which we know nothing about, with the sole intent of harvesting a good or service. Minerals, ore, fuel... It is what lies beneath the dirt that garners the interest - the people above are merely tolerated.

If we want to move toward a more peaceful (not necessarily Utopian) future, the United States needs to holster her pistol and come on home. The threat of war makes no easy peace. The cost of perpetual war is too high. It is time to enter the US into an era of post-colonialism, lest we continue to fail from within.

US wants to label Wiki-Leaks lead as "Terrorist"

2010-11-29T07:12:00.003-07:00

I have posed the question time and again over the years: What is a terrorist? Time and again I have come to the same conclusion. A terrorist is anyone who gets in the way of the United States or her allies. You don't have to be making bombs in a shack behind your house. No, as the 2009 leaked memo about right-wing terrorists who can be classified as anyone participating in a Tea Party event of that year poignantly revealed, all you need to do is challenge the US government. And as the recent Wiki-Leaks debacle reaffirms, embarrassing the sleeping dragon is worse than a surprise attack on her harbors.

The paper also cited documents showing the U.S. used hard line tactics to win approval from countries to accept freed detainees from Guantanamo Bay. It said Slovenia was told to take a prisoner if its president wanted to meet with President Barack Obama and said the Pacific island of Kiribati was offered millions of dollars to take in a group of detainees.

Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini on Sunday called the release the "Sept. 11 of world diplomacy," in that everything that had once been accepted as normal has now changed.

WikiLeaks should be designated a 'foreign terrorist organization,' Rep. Pete King demanded, citing treason and espionage. Again, we see common criminal acts being presented to the population in a double speak of fear and manipulation, as if the people of the United States (and the world) are too stupid to deduce results for themselves. So we are encouraged to look at any crime as an 'act of terror', and therefore the US should immediately, without prejudice or process, dispatch the 'terrorists'... "and the people will love you for it." (Instructions to the Gladiator on how to kill for entertainment)

Forget the illness, treat the symptom.

Instead of going after the Wiki-leaks organization, we need to ask ourselves "How did we get into this mess in the first place?" Saudi Kings begging us to attack Iran. Covert air strikes in Yemen. Disputes with Pakistan, Russia, and China. Other than confirming news stories that we all already knew about, and hearing first person details and opinion, the leaks are symptoms of the greater sickness with which the United States is currently plagued.

George Washington warned in his farewell address to beware our entanglement in foreign alliances and affairs. He warned that there is no cause so great as to suggest US free men should lay boots on the ground of foreign land, and suggested that any requirement to do so should also require an expeditious return to the free soils of the US. However, the US ignores the Father of this nation, and the warnings he has given. We are grossly entangled in all the world affairs, and it is the fuel that drives anger toward us from both without and within.

John Kennedy warned of secrets within the government, and the dangers they posed for the people. Dwight Eisenhower warned of the US war machine and the military industrial complex. Benjamin Franklin declared that those who surrender liberty for security deserve neither. And yet here we are. 2010 is rapidly coming to a close. Our secrets revealed, our flesh exposed. The true nature of the United States and our foreign entanglements are there for every free thinking man and woman to read, and to form their own conclusion. The symptom is the web of lies, the eternal wars, the worldwide empire. The illness is most assuredly Alzheimer's, for we fail to recognize or acknowledge the wisdom of our forefathers. History is a more distant than a vague memory; it is lost altogether. We are on a crusade of world leadership, a responsibility of world policing, on a mission against terror. However, we lead with force and not by example; we police to our government's interest and not in accordance with just laws; the only terror is the threat of tyranny against our own people and that of people around the world.

Whatever your view of the wiki-leak events, do not be fooled by the symptoms. Look deeper into our ailment. What is the cause of such great secrecy. What do we have to hide? Then, and only then can we start to accurately diagnose our true sickness.

Alaska Attacks Washington State

2010-11-24T12:37:00.002-07:00

In an apparent show of aggression, the Northern State unleashed her most readily available weapon on the il-prepared Evergreen State - Cold Weather. A winter storm moved into the state on Monday, fueled by a winter depression from Alaska that must have developed sometime around November 17th, when Murkowski was announced as the leader at the original vote count deadline. After a few days of southern migration, the wild storm gave Washington a shellacking unseen since November 2nd's Democratic Party beat-down.

Power was out to 75% of our county, and thousands of cars have been donated to the counties apparent new Modern Art exhibit entitled "Crumpled Highway Cars". Thank you lousy California drivers with bald tires on your 2wd cars and trucks!

We never lost power at our home, and are hosting families from the neighborhood for soup and warm showers until power can be restored. The high temp today is supposed to be 25 with more snow and ice expected.

As a survivalist, I was fully prepared (well, a little lite on the water). I love these little training exercises for upcoming disasters. Let's me know where the leaks are in the ship. On top of my Christmas list is an army style tent for ten people and a portable wood stove. Who needs a generator when you can set up camp in the back yard and party like it's 1899!

Don't Touch My Junk, TSA!

2010-11-16T18:08:00.008-07:00

Big Sister is watching, and groping, and posting it all on the Internet! Homeland Security Chief, Janet Napoletano, told freedom loving citizens of the nation to piss off and "Deal with it, or find another way to travel". As the new naked body scanners and enhanced groping techniques are being brought online there is much consternation from those with their Pocket Constitutions. It seems like this is the straw that broke the camel's back.

There are about 400 full body scanners throughout airports across the nation currently in use. Some are the full nude scanners, or the x-rays; the other batch are the 'fuzzy cock' scanners, or the millimeter scanners. If you would prefer to NOT be erotically photographed, you can simply opt to be molested by the TSA's new enhanced pat down techniques. The new technique includes the following process:

"We're going to be doing a groin check. That means I'm going to place my hand on your hip, my other hand on your inner thigh, slowly go up, and slide down. We are going to do that two times in the front and two times in the back. And if you'd like a private screening, we can make that available for you also."

Does that come with a cigarette and a happy ending?

Not only that, but if you wear sweats or clothes that the TSA agent deems "baggy", they ARE PUTTING THEIR HANDS DOWN YOUR PANTS. That is right. Reports are coming in from across the nation that hand to skin contact under the clothes is now taking place.

And Janet says "Deal with it". Others are saying "just don't fly, then".

Alas, there is a vocal group that is making headlines. Starting with the "Don't touch my junk" guy, as well as some very powerful activist and Civil rights groups. Their arguments, other than the violation of 4th Amendment rights, are based on health and effectiveness questions. Maybe the ACLU friendly 9th Circuit can shut these machines down? Who knows... You can't trust any branch of the government to check or balance the other... It is truly US versus THEM!

On the topic of Effectiveness... Do the following images look like an effective use of risk mitigation?

The Muslim TSA agent makes sure the good Sister left her bombs at home.

Small children are precisely the target group we should be focusing on for enhanced full body groping. This procedure has been endorsed by NAMBLA.

This ol' timin' terrorist won't get past these top notch TSA agents. Good thing grandpa fought so hard in WWII to ensure fascism and tyranny never make it to America!

Security Theatre is defined as the perception of security with no real aversion to actual threats. This charade serves no security purpose, and only further numbs the population to unconstitutional intrusion to the secure self.

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In regards to my comment regarding the two types of scanners:

The x-ray scanner is the most controversial, allowing true nude images of passengers using simple negative image processing. This is the true blue tits and ass pictures of you, grandma, your wife, and your daughter... and guess what - they are easily stored and made available for Internet users.

The millimeter scanners, or the fuzzy cock, as I like to call them, still show the nude body, just in a lower resolution. Gizmodo posted a series of 100 pictures of the lower resolution images, though there is a sure certainty that the x-ray images have been stored somewhere as well (the mm images were stored by a local department and made available via the freedom of information act directly to the public).

The following picture is one of the hundred released, with the "weapon" of the passenger clearly visible... Sir, is that a pistol in your pocket or are you just happy to see TSA?

(The white "figure" in the upper right hand corner of the blue box is the man's penis.)

What right does the TSA, an extension of the Executive Branch, have to virtually strip search me simply as a condition of free interstate and international travel? This is the exact case that the 4th amendment was protecting us against.

To be secure in our person is NOT a right that is waived by travelling, nor by standing in line at a bank. I do not waive my rights, and nor do you, as a condition to freely move about this country. Janet and all those "big deal" clowns out there are both grotesquely wrong on the constitutionality of this intrusion, and cowards for not standing up and defending yet another trampled amendment in our Bill of Rights.

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Did I mention the use of force to scan and molest children by the TSA officers, or the threat of $11,000 fine for refusing to be scanned? What the hell happened to my America? The attaached link shows a video where the girl is SCREAMING (at 3 years old) "stop touching me"... even at three she has more sense than Janet!

2012 Presidential Speculation

2010-11-15T16:59:00.003-07:00

I last wrote a full article on 2012 Republican speculation in early October of 2009. Arguably, this is a different world than 13 months ago. The rate of change in the political spectrum over the course of the 2010 cycle has been so much so that one should stop to ponder some scientific source of free energy from it! That being said, it is time to look at some serious and not so serious issues facing the presidential elections of 2012.

To begin, one has to wonder what the current President is planning for 2012. Early speculators for the left are suggesting that Hillary is ready to jump in and save the party and the unpopular president, while others are publicly calling for the president to announce that he will not seek re-election now in order to stop short of absolute destruction of the Democratic Party. A saviour he was not! Of course, barring any major changes on the left, we should expect to see a very weak President unable to control his divided legislature and thus enter the race as a weak incumbent. His performance at the G20 summit and throughout Asia last week indicate that the world is no longer smelling what Barack is cooking!

The GOP faces two camps of contenders for 2012 - those who fell short in 2008 and those who are new to Presidential politics; Each has a strength and a weakness. Those who are past failures have name recognition, but also suffer from burn-out or simple distaste from the people - hey, we already said we didn't like your brand of politic. Those who are up and comers have the fresh sense of something new, but may struggle with name recognition on a serious national scale. For the old, they suffer from the changes over the past two years, as anyone can clearly tell 2012 is definitely no 2008 in the political world!

So, who is in and who is out for the GOP?

Fox News is running a series called "12 in 2012" where they highlight 12 candidates:

Those candidates includes: Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, South Dakota Sen. John Thune, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, Indiana Rep. Mike Pence, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.
McPike reports, “A thirteenth story is also planned with long-shots such as former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, and others like Donald Trump.”

I had looked into the campaigns of some potentials (mentioned in my 2009 article linked above). Idaho Gov. Otter is out, carrying only 59% of his state when the Republican Senator snagged 71%. ND Gov Hoeven easily won election as the US Senator from ND with 76% of the vote. Some time on the federal stage could lend credence to his libertarian tilt. Gov. Luis Fortuño of Puerto Rico is single handedly turning the liberal state into a conservative economic model, and his campaigning in 2010 with others around the nation have lended credence to him as an early pick.

So, who is in? Who is out? No one is talking just yet. Word is that some are waiting until after the first of the year, and after the new congress is seated. Some are waiting a bit longer to see who is jumping into the race.

Of the list above, who would I NOT support?
1. Mitt Romney. He is a big government moderate who has gained nothing since 2008, and remains somewhat of an elitist with respect to the people and the media. He has nothing good to offer the GOP... unless you need someone to sell you a used car.
2. Bobby Jindahl. Anyone who votes 'yes' on making the Patriot Act permanent will never get my vote. He would be the Bob Dole of 2012, and is not significant enough to move this country back into the hands of the people. His horrible state of the union response in 2009 was both the beginning and the end of his national level political career. He is best left to the people of Louisiana.
3. Sarah Palin. I know Palin is a fan favorite, but she cannot beat Obama, and she cannot unite the base. Her career move to leave Alaska's Governorship in 2009 (after just two years) destroyed her credibility as an elected official. For whatever her purpose, the end did not justify the means. Her re-election campaign in 2010 would have been the training for 2012, and her two more years running up to that election plus two more ahead of the 2012 election would have given her significant executive experience. Instead she became a cheerleader for the tea party, in my mind washing away all the hope and respect I had for her as an elected official.
4. Newt Gingrich. He may have been third in line for the top spot in the nineties, but this is not the nineties. Newt Gingrich is a relic, and does not have what it takes to 'right' the sinking ship.

Who would I support?
1. Luis Fortuño. A Puerto Rican bid for the presidency would send a shockwave through the nation. A territory of the US for over one hundred years, the island's population are US citizens, but hold no vote in the US federal government. They pay no federal taxes, but receive federal funds. Fortuño has spent the last two years reforming the island commonwealth into a tax haven, and has worked to drastically cut the size of the island's government - and the jobs that went with it. He is a rising star, and his campaign would not only draw a latino voting bloc, it would change the debate to one focused on our imperial policy of territories.
2. Ron Paul. His economic forecasts proved to be true. His foreign policy stance is very isolationist, much like most Americans pre-WWII. His followers have taken root in local and state parties across the nation, moving into key leadership positions. His backers have never quit the 2008 campaign. Ron Paul's followers are the reason for the Tea Party. The Campaign for Liberty has millions of followers. Ron Paul's appointment as the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Monetary Policy, which he will use to go after the Federal Reserve lends credence to his gain in popularity and credibility within the party, and the outcome of his crusade of the Fed could put him in a strong place to lead the field in 2012.
3. John Hoeven. If he can do something strong and dramatic within the Senate, he stands a chance to make a national name for himself. He is easily in the libertarian camp; arguably able to become the Ron Paul of the senate (notice Rand did not get that distinction). He did a great job in North Dakota, and could do a great job taking that same policy to D.C.

Others who Intrigue.
1. Lou Dobbs. There were feelers put out when he left CNN last year that he may be setting up for a 2012 run. Dobbs would do a great job in the mix.
2. Joe Arpaio. The Arizona County Sheriff will play the part of Tom Tancredo, getting tough on immigration. He holds general favor across the nation, and is already making the rounds.

Wikipedia is tracking 28 potential GOP contenders, with the prospect of a few more waiting in the wings. As the dust settles from November 2010, it will surely be interesting to see who decides to put a horse in the race for 2012.

Hey Alaska - Welcome to Washington

2010-11-03T02:02:00.003-06:00

Alaskans seem to have sent a clear message - Alaska is no Texas. In fact, the write-in campaign seems to have made Alaska more closely resemble a trend toward Washington State politics. Perhaps the last frontier has been tamed, and now Alaska is just like the rest of us - a moderate liberal state mired in the same old politics as the rest of us. Time to cancel that meeting with my Alaskan Realtor!

On a positive note, the Washington senate race is days away from bweing decided. This new all mail-in system has left stacks of ballots dumped at ballot return sites just before the deadline. Not to mention the apparent rule change that a postmark is good enough for a vote to count (as opposed to being on location), this thing is going to the courts. All of the votes in WA from today are apparently early votes. There are about a million more votes to count from today - and then all those that will be disputed. Alaska, take note - this is what run of the mill politicking looks like!

On that note, we have the House, and I'm going to bed! I think the Dems got the message!

Something Fishy in Nevada

2010-11-02T22:46:00.002-06:00

Every other poll across the nation was right on the money - except in Nevada, the earliest state to start reporting concerns about voter fraud. Each and every race across this fair nation fell to within 1% point of Real Clear Politics polling, for the most part - even the hugely contested and perpetually "Toss-Up" states. However, in Nevada, The apparently VERY popular Harry Reid has pulled an election day miracle, swinging the polls BY TEN POINTS in his favor as of this posting.

I don't want to prematurely cry foul here. But it is late and I am ready to call it a night and go home. It appears that the outcome in the Senate is set - the GOP will remain the minority. I still believe that we win Colorado and Washington, which are still counting, giving us a 49/51 disadvantage. Not bad. If Nevada turns in Angel's favor between now and tomorrow morning, 50/50 is not a bad place to be.

BONUS:
The House is unfathomable. We have picked up 52 seats and counting on the Right, setting pace to pick up nearly 75 seats for the night.

PLUS:
The big question will be surrounding Colorado's governor race - Does the GOP become a minor party in that state due to Dan Maes' showing of less than 10% for the GOP? This has huge implications to the party, but should also remind the people of Colorado that principle should ALWAYS come before party. Not to mention they just shot themselves in the foot at a time when they could have easily taken the Capitol in a redistricting term. Look for Colorado to become a blue state for the next ten years.

Anticipating Election Night Results

2010-11-02T16:44:00.003-06:00

I'm sitting on pins and needles as we are 15 minutes away from the first results of the night on the East Coast. I know that the GOP is going to win the House. There is only the question of "How Big?"

I predict that the GOP will pick up 68 seats in the House, taking majority and a firm advantage. Pelosi will retire and a special election will come to California.

I predict at least 48 seats held by the GOP in the Senate. 48 would mean that we lost Illinois and West Virginia. I think we have a good shot in Illinois, giving the GOP 49. At the most, the GOP could walk away with 52 Senate seats - meaning that West Virginia, California, and Washington State voted Republican. If I were a betting man, I would say 50/50 split in the Senate - WA goes to Republican Rossi

Let the election night fun begin!

My Official 2012 Presidential Endorsement

2010-11-01T22:40:00.004-06:00

I was going to wait until AFTER tomorrow night, but I cannot wait.

Please check out my new blog, Draft Luis Fortuno 2012.

Please head over to the site, read the initial articles I have linked, and some key words of praise for Fortuno. Take a moment to see what a conservative Republican has done in a liberal Carribean island, and US territory (Puerto Rico).

Luis Fortuno is the underdog, the dark horse, and just what this country needs - a strong man cabaple of looking his constituents in the eyes and saying 'get off the government payroll and into the free market!'

Luis Fortuno represents the voice the GOP has been missing, and it is time to spotlight a worthy member from the conservative ranks who, quite literally, speaks the language of the Hispanic voting bloc - a core group of social conservatives who the liberal media is courting on behalf of the liberal Democrats.

Mr. Fortuno sees Hispanics as a natural GOP constituency. The University of Virginia Law School graduate and father of triplets says what he missed most while serving two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives was weekly lunches with his extended family. "Hispanics put family first, and from that stems all else," Mr. Fortuno says. "We are mistrustful of government, own family-sized businesses, and value basic social principles. All of that is aligned with my party."

Governor Fortuno is more than a talking head, or a game-piece in the battle for votes. Fortuno finishes the job, stands firm on Conservative principles, and represents a want and will to preserve and grow the strength of the Union - as the leader of the New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico (The Republican Party on the island aimed at pushing for statehood).

This guy is the one we have been waiting for - a small government fiscal conservative, a catholic social conservative, and a fiery leader with a record of strong finishes!

The Congress Is Corrupt - Ya Think?

2010-11-01T18:11:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is election day. One more reason to fight establishment candidates in favor of true reform in our government: Corruption. This RT report highlights insider trading that is protected for legislators. Harry Reid's name comes up in this report. Pay attention, Nevada!

The Scariest Halloween for Democrats

2010-10-31T13:51:00.003-06:00

A cool, crisp fog hung low over the dawn twilight. A stagnant air echoed a tense silence across the nation of states. Light slowly crept from the horizon, like an entombed body pulling itself from beneath the earth. In the distance a steady rustle in the fresh amber leaves approached.

Crinch-crunch, crinch-crunch.

My eyes strained to catch a glimpse of the figure through the fog; a silhouette, hunched and foreboding slowly materialized.

My stomach become knots and a shiver down my spine accompanied the erect neck hairs. Something was not right. My heart began to race as the rustling footsteps continued to approach.

Crinch-crunch, crinch-crunch.
Seconds became hours. Frozen with fear, I was helpless against the impending encounter. My hands began to shake as my body became overcome with adrenaline. This is the moment. Fight or flight. My pulse quickened, my breath steadied. The figure continued forward, locking onto me as his next target.

Crinch-crunch, crinch-crunch.

Suddenly from somewhere above the fog a raven shouted out in panic; his deep bellow shattering the crisp stillness. My senses were overwhelmed; my ears shuttered at the sound, my face cringed, my body contorted grossly and disfigured at what my eyes were seeing.

The silhouette stepped into view. His large dark hands reached out in my direction. He did not lose pace.

Crinch-crunch, crinch-crunch.

With a 'THUD' the figure dropped death at my feet, and disappeared from view, once more into the fog.

Crinch-crunch, crinch-crunch.

The fading of his footsteps returned me to my foggy prison. The air thick with the musk of what lay at my feet. Pulpy and damp, my nostrils stretched as the scent rose from below. My eyes, fearing the result, slowly moved down to reveal what I had feared; only worse.

I knelt and scooped the limp mass into my arms. Tears of frustration and fear filled my eyes. My body trembled. A weakness overcame me; I dropped to my knees. The thud next to my hunched and weeping body revealed the source of my terror.

I reached my hands to the sky and roared in agony, arching my back and sending the scream of horror through the still air. The hurried beat of wings beyond my sight, and the pause in the distant rustling steps of leaves indicated that I had received my gift this Autumn morning.

I collapsed, clutching my arms in a death grip across my chest. Panic coursed through my veins.

Laying next to me on the ground, the huddled mass of paper; whose headline read "Conservatives Sweep Congress. Republicans regain the Majority".

I am shattered, shaken, and broken. I have been brutalized and beaten. Trepidation is my life, now. The unknowing is my purgatory. I am alone.

I am...

Pelosi.

Meeting Dino Rossi & Historic House Turnover

2010-10-27T16:44:00.003-06:00

There was an intimate gathering in Silverdale, WA today, where the next US Senator from WA State came to shake hands and kiss babies. It is always interesting to meet candidates face to face. You get a good feel for the type of person they are by their mannerisms and ticks. More importantly, I am always interested to see how tall candidates are. I’ve met some pols that were freakishly tall, and others (Like Al Gore in 1998) who was shockingly short (about 3 inches shorter than me, but he had giant bear-claw hands). Dino Rossi seemed to be about my height at 5’11”, and talked with his hands like a standard grandson of Italian immigrants (My wife is grand-daughter of Greek immigrants – so I GET IT!) In short, I told him to give ‘em hell in DC. He replied with a gracious and sincere ‘God Bless You for your efforts’. Was a great morning.

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Also, a quick look at the House races across the nation; Real Clear Politics is predicting an epic turnover in the House. This morning their polls indicate a 62 seat exchange on average – with a high/low of 78/46. Since 1840, only 16 congressional elections have resulted in political landslides for on party over the other (greater than 48) – mostly due to the increase in the number of states (and thus more seats in the House), Great Depressions, or Great Wars. Since a swing of 75 seats in 1948 in favor of the Democrats, they held the House until the Republican Revolution in 1994 (less two years of slight GOP control from 52-54), with a 54 seat swing. The history of the House is extremely interesting as a fluid body representing the issues of the day; a true indicator of the wisdom of the founding fathers in their creation of the Constitution. It saddens me that current political heads don't respect the founding documents and intent just a little more.

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History of large turnovers in the House of Representatives:

1842 saw a 49 seat gain by the Democrats (a net loss of 70 seats by the Whigs) after the Whig Party's POTUS died in office, sending a very unpopular man to fill his role. Unpopular leaders tend to inspire the opposition.

1854 bore a crushing blow to the Democrats with a 73 seat loss whilst the American party and Republicans picked up 62 and 46 seats respectively. Immigration, slavery, and talks of secession led to a minority party government representative of a tumultuous climate in the Antebellum States of America.

In 1872 as the House grew by another 49 seats, the Republicans picked up 63 seats; continuing the post-war dominance of the federal government.

In 1874, marking an end to the Reconstruction era, the Democrats picked up 94 seats while the Republicans lost 96, giving control of the House to the Democrats for the first time since the War of Northern Aggression.

1890 fell on hard economic times, and the ruling Republicans lost 93 seats, giving 86 of them to the Democrats, and control of the house once again.

A depression in 1894 dealt a crushing blow to the ruling Democratic Party, giving up 125 seats. Republicans gained 130 seats, picking up some from minor parties.

1910 saw a 58 seat swing from Republicans to the Democrats, and loss of majority of the House. This was caused mainly due to deep factioning within the Republican Party.

1914, Republicans picked up 61 seats from the Democrats, though not enough to retake control of the House.

1920’s election turned over an additional 62 seats from the majority Democrats to the Republicans, who took an overwhelming majority in the wake of Wilson’s unpopular decision of World Governing.

1922 flopped 72 seats in favor of the Democrats, though not enough to give them a majority.

1930, the second year of the Great Depression, gave a 52 seat victory to the Democrats, leaving the Republican party with a slim 2 seat majority.

In 1932, Republicans lost 101 seats, giving 97 of them to the Democrats and a few to third party candidates.

1938 Republicans took 81 seats from Democrats and other minor parties. The democrats still maintained a 60% majority of the House.

1942 Republicans picked up 47 seats from Dems, bringing the House back to a near even 50%-50% split.

Following WWII, in 1946, Republicans picked up 55 seats and the Majority in the House for the first time since the Depression began.

1948 gave a 75 seat swing to the Democrats, the majority, and set the stage for 40 years of control of the house (less a short two years from 52-54 by the Republicans).

The largest turnover in recent history was 54 seats in 1994, a result of the Republican Revolution.

The Foreseeable Shortcomings of a Republican Majority

2010-10-21T16:07:00.003-06:00

There is no doubt that the Republicans will sweep into Legislative Majorities in one or both houses after a short four year exile. It is not, however, a radical change in the GOP that has swung the electorate into 'the big tent'; it is a clear civil unrest over some very key faults of the Federal Government. Those elements are spending, budget, taxes, and jobs. The fact that the only platform put forth by the GOP establishment in 'The Pledge' is vague in solutions to these ends, and that the party is still decisively split on foreign issues, banking issues, etc. is clear evidence that the 2010 Republican Majority may find itself causing more harm than good.

In the simplest of statements, the GOP majority stands poised to squander any significant fundamental ability to change the legislation of the past ten to twenty years. This goes beyond Obama, extending through Bush and right on into Clinton. In fact, one could make an argument that fundamental reconstruction of the make-up of the US essentially starts with legislation that is a hundred years old.

What should the new, independent, Constitutionally backed GOP minority push the greater GOP establishment into tackling over the next two years? More importantly, what will the GOP establishment and the Liberals who survive the coming blood-letting work fervently to stop? Below is a list of the top SEVEN issues needed to repair the economy and structure of this nation:

7. Repair Social Security. When Social Security was adopted in the 1930's, it was intended to be a safety net. That safety net, for better or for worse, became a staple in the American Work Force, establishing secure retirement for elderly and providing a social welfare for the disabled. In the 1960's, Democrats tapped into the extra revenue of the SS program in order to balance their budget. This pillaging of the senior retirement fund fundamentally destroyed the system as a safety net, transferring the burden from a personal savings to a necessary tax item on the annual budget. Democrats looked to Social Security income as a source of revenue, depleting the savings account of America. We need an act of congress to completely restore the coffers and remove Social Security receipts as 'income' to the federal government. We also need to ensure that only those truly eligible receive funds, non-illegals, etc (and those who have paid into the system for a certain number of years). Payments should be a factor of contribution, etc, etc. This approach is constructive to the current dependency on the system, does not alienate the elderly or disabled who may be at a disadvantage, and is a good faith common-sense compromise that works across the aisle.

6. Fix Healthcare. Obamacare and other forms of socialized medicine are destructive to industry - both in the medical field and across the board. Obamacare was so invasive that it made it a federal crime to NOT purchase insurance from a private company. This and other aspects of the law are grossly unconstitutional and will not survive the courts. There are, however, positive glimpses within the document that were horribly implemented - for instance, denied coverage due to past illness, and coverage for children. Congress can pass legislation under equal protection and non discrimination forcing insurers to allow equal and affordable coverage for all. There are many ways of restructuring the system within the current set of rules (pre-Obamacare); However, what if we cast aside the set of current rules and changed the playing field? If we combine tort reform, state government ownership (on a state by state basis as voted on by the people of each state in accordance with the 10th amendment), and a true level playing field for insurance (interstate plans, restriction of price fixing, etc.) the free market competition would drive insurance prices down. A top down Federal health system is unconstitutional, and should be left to the states, thus the current system needs to be absolutely repealed and reframed.

5. Pay down the National Debt. Throw a wrench in the cogs of ALL the National debt calculator widgets by reversing the trend. Pay down the national debt. This should be made a priority as a good faith gesture to America that the government tyrants are going away. A well planned budget could effectively pay off the entire national debt in two presidential terms. That is right. I personally claim to have a plan to pay down $14 Trillion in 8 years. The following three items lay out the general ingredients to how this is possible.

4. Fix the Tax Structure. The tax codes change from year to year, written in such a way that only those with access to high cost lawyers can curtail true tax rates, and end up paying less than their fair share; in most cases those tax evaders are the tax code writers - your Congressmen and Senators. A flat tax is not absolutely necessary, but it provides an excellent model for restructuring the US tax code into a simple handbook. Combine the Flat Tax and the Progressive Tax (under which we currently operate), and eliminate deductions for incomes over a set dollar amount. Restructure the tax rates to reflect typical current payments based on deductions for lower and middle earners, and then simplify by eliminating the deductions for all. Eliminate EIC, as it is simply a pay-out of wealth redistribution. remove everything from the US tax code other than a simple chart indicating income and expected taxes. Business and corporate taxes would embody a similar system with an adjusted flat rate with no deductions. The system would be uniform and constitutional. The revenue to the US government would reflect a net increase without any significant modification to current tax burdens. I could easily calculate a $0.5 Trillion annual revenue increase by eliminating loopholes for the rich senators and their friends. Other adjustments may need to be made to balance a debt pay-down plan.

3. Cut Government Spending. Current government budgets are usually never reduced, and often simply push forward funding for programs plus a percentage budget increase each year. Anyone currently addressing "significant budget cuts" simply mean that the percent increase was reduced - but facts show that the net program spending increases! Some system! Do a full scrub of the entire budget. Make some deep and necessary cuts - to the tune of at LEAST $1.5Trillion (or half of the 2010 budget). I have run these calculations and major defense cuts associated with eliminating unnecessary multi-billion dollar federal departments and cutting unnecessary portions of the remaining department funds, while placing certain obligations back into the hands of the states or citizens (like education), cutting $1.5Trillion comes easy without even broaching the Medicare/Medicaid coffers. Eliminating them in favor of a Social Security Medical system and other healthcare changes reducing the cost and increasing the availability of private healthcare easily makes immense gains toward elimination of debt.

2. Take Control of Monetary Policy. A repeal of the Federal Reserve Act, or a restructure of the way the Treasury handles the monetary system would immediately eliminate a grand portion of our debt, would eliminate the need to pay interest on our own monetary system to a private conglomerate of banks who have no connection to the Federal Government, and would fundamentally change the way we do business in the US with regards to spending and borrowing. It is a drastic move and a massive show of force against the banks who continually suck the government and the citizens dry for profit. Eliminating the debt by a swoop of a pen would by far be the most dramatic law in the history of the world. Other less drastic steps could be taken, like renegotiation of all interest on debts to 0.0% (since it is OUR money). Such a step would immediately save $164 Billion annually, and could be used to negotiate down total debt to the Federal Reserve. International debt would be handled separately.

1. Repeal the Patriot Act. Next to financials, the Patriot Act was the single most restrictive piece of legislation to American Liberties. The frustration in 2006 & 2008 against Bush was due to such invasive laws (as well as the wars). A restructure of the intelligence agencies does not necessitate a collapse of civil liberties. This law is an abomination and should be struck in its entirety.

These are some of the most extreme examples, but necessary to turn our country away from social tyranny toward a peaceful economic powerhouse. If the new GOP pushed for even a tiny part of these changes, they would establish themselves as sound leadership for generations. If these are the principles we truly embrace (smaller government, lower taxes, more freedom), then the above changes are not radical or extreme; they are necessary elements in the fundamental restructuring as part of a more perfect union. One in which ideas like "the new deal" can provide security for citizens while the focus and structure of the government can return to a less powerful advisory board focused on defense and equal protection under the law. There is a perfect equilibrium, but we are far removed from it. hard work and sacrifice on the part of the Federal government is key to reach the higher middle ground. The new GOP needs to lead us there.

Looking Beyond the 2010 Election

2010-10-20T14:15:00.004-06:00

We are officially less than two weeks away from election day. By this time in two weeks we will see the largest swing in the US House of Representatives give the conservative bloc of the GOP a large number of seats. We will see headlines of an undeclared Senate, with races in Washington, California, Nevada, and Illinois locked up in recounts or legal battles. The GOP will sweep into state capitols all across the union. We will see an isolated executive who continues to claim that even though the GOP won, HE is still king and the GOP will need to work with him.

But what will this all mean?

There are already reports that the incoming GOP senators are being urged NOT to support a repeal of Obamacare BY THE OUTGOING GOP SENATORS.

Sen. Judd Gregg (N.H.), the top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, said that repealing the new healthcare reform law — or looking to defund it — were not good options.

“I don’t think starving or repealing is probably the best approach here,” Gregg said on the Fox Business Network. “You basically go in and restructure it.”

Meet the new boss same as the old. So what is going to change?

For starters, states are continuing to resist DC. 14 states are crafting legislation to deny anchor babies citizenship if born in their states - a direct affront to the "world citizen" president. 28 states are continuing legal challenges to the unconstitutional Obamacare law in federal courts. So long as the people fight their local governments for increased pressure against DC, we have a change for reform at the state levels.

The GOP gains in the state houses will be most important this year, as a redistricting year. Districts can be redrawn to ensure conservative margins in their congressional districts and state houses.

Colorado may be faced with the GOP as a MINOR party if Dan Maes cannot muster 10% of the vote, elevating the Constitution Party and the Democrat Party as the two major parties for the next four years in the state. If, however, Dan Maes does muster his 10% for Republicans, he is guaranteeing the governorship to the Democrats and ensuring a liberal redistricting in the battleground state.

This is all politics. Party changes, redistricting... what is going to change?

Time will tell. If the Tea Party can gain momentum heading into 2012, force the GOP back to the Reagan Right, and effect fundamental policy changes against the Federal Reserve and liberal regulation of industry, we may have a fighting chance. The outcome of the 2010 election needs to NOT be about party politics. It needs to be about TEA Party politics - where libertarian ideals are mainstream and we put forward an agenda that is the best of what liberty minded Pols from both sides of the aisle have to offer.

THIS is the chance to heal the divide in this nation, under conservative LIBERTARIAN leadership. Repeal the Patriot Act from the GOP side of the aisle. Audit the Federal Reserve from the GOP side of the aisle. End the war on drugs, eliminate tax loopholes and implement either a flat tax or a zero deduction progressive flat tax - simplifying the tax code to a single page and effectively eliminating the IRS.

What about blowback?

If 2010 was a referendum on Obama, 2012 is going to be a referendum on the Tea Party victories of 2010. Unfortunately, should we win the Senate AND House in two weeks, any good that comes of it is most likely going to be claimed by Obama, and much like Clinton claiming a second term, Obama could find himself as the beneficiary of the 2010 elections. If the GOP, however, follows the advice of outgoing senators and continues the status quo, the GOP will cease to exist as a viable party.

We need to set clear goals, publicly check off our goals as we succeed, and ensure that the credit lies with the movement and NOT with the president or the parties. We need to push for a Democratic challenger to Obama and serve up some very impressive alternatives to Obama (NOT Bob Dole!!!!!)

UPDATE - WA Senate Race

2010-10-12T17:21:00.003-06:00

In an update to yesterday's post, Dino Rossi has taken a 1.7 point average lead on the Real Clear Politics average, and they are now awarding Washington State to Dino Rossi in the "No Toss Up" map. Unfortunately for Republicans the map remains a 50/50 tie, as IL seems to be breaking in favor of the Democrat by the slightest of margins. That race is tight, and I am not going to attempt to predict Obama's old senate seat.

For the mean time, I will simply bask in the glow of watching the western states oust incumbents!

UPDATE***
If you want to know why Patty Murray is losing, here is her latest attack ad:

I honestly don't know what to say... other than "Vote for me because I know what it is like to have a vagina, too!" Seriously. This is what it looks like to watch an incumbent drown in their own pool of lies and deceit!

Analyzing the WA State US Senate Race

2010-10-11T19:47:00.004-06:00

I have already predicted a close race in Washington, but one where Dino Rossi ultimately unseats the most liberal Western Senator and three term incumbent. This post is a further analysis of my prediction. Before I break down the race, the polls, and the candidate performance, there are a few peculiar laws in this state that require special attention (much like Nevada's 'none of the above' law). In Washington state we operate under a 'Top Two' system for the general election. This means that the top two vote getters, regardless of party affiliation (which is not required to be disclosed by a candidate), are the only two names shown on the ballot for the general election. Furthermore, write in candidates will not be counted unless they met the registration deadline (set as the same deadline for other candidates) and unless the number of non-registered write in votes is significant enough to effect the outcome of the race. That being said, in Washington State, 100% of the votes will be split between the two names on the ballot. All those undecided or "other" numbers in the polls will either not show up, or follow the trends indicated by the polls for 'Independent' voters. That being said, now let us look at the four phases of this race, and why I think Rossi is going to win.

Patty Murray, the popular state legislator who ran as the "Mom in Tennis Shoes" 18 years ago won after a considerable battle proved her to be a heavy weight. She also had the anti Bush 41 movement and the help of a young southerner running for President who won the affection of women across the country - William Jefferson Clinton. Over the years, Murray has proven to be one of the most liberal senators in the nation, and has increasingly become reclusive and out of touch with the voters in Washington State. Murray has won election to her seat three times before, but mostly to individuals with little to no name recognition, and those who have never been involved in a statewide election.

Dino Rossi, a two time runner up for Governor, has wide statewide support and, even as a moderate Republican, is carrying the support of most die-hard conservative Tea Partiers. Dino's name in this race was only suspect, as a group of unknown candidates were scrambling to find their niche in facing Murray. This analysis begins in the early phase of the candidacy, prior to Rossi officially entering the race. Se the chart below:

Early polling placed Rossi within the margin of error of Murray. Anticipation of his entering the race gathered support from Independents who had grown tired of Murray and the D.C. shenanigans. Rossi pulled ahead of Murray in early polling, to the upper limits of the margin of error, placing him as a solid contender to Murray. Rossi announced his candidacy and immediately fell under the sword of Tea Party candidates tearing at a moderate in a wave of conservative movements. Murray's numbers rose as a result of an effective attack on Rossi by Tea Party challenger, Clint Didier. As the somewhat extreme (and sometimes rambling) Didier began to gain momentum, Murray's numbers returned to her near victory margin of 50%.

The state voted in the Primary Election. The top two candidates were Murray and Rossi. This immediately propelled Rossi's numbers in the polls while Murray suffered the fate of being faced off with a serious and viable contender - a Republican who could win in Washington State. Murray's campaign was in a virtual nose dive, even flying Barack Obama out to the state to endorse her, which sunk her numbers even more.

Murray then turned to serious campaign mode, opening her massive lobbyist funded war chest and unleashing a series of attack ads against Rossi. Rossi remained silent, fundraising and hitting the grassroots. As he waited in the wings for his coffers to fill, it looked as if Murray was going to run away with this thing. The people in Washington state began to wonder if Rossi was going to fizzle out under the enormous pocket-book of a Murray campaign.

Alas, Rossi appeared on the air. Rossi challenged debates. Rossi was in the news, on the TV, on the airwaves. To make matters worse, a usually Murray friendly Seattle Times took a neutral stance in this election and began running actual news about the validity of political advertising. With every new ad, the Times would run an assessment of the ad. Murray was found guilty by the media of slinging mud and half truths. Rossi was shown to be more truthful and delivered a more uplifting message. This tactic spoke well with the Independent voters.

The poll numbers show response to the events of the campaigns so far, but the October surprise has been that some polls have been heavily favoring Democrat voters over Republicans. Even with the disparity, Independent voters are swinging toward the Republican challenger, upwards of ten percent in many polls. In Washington State it is the Independent voters that can break the stranglehold of Liberalism held by densely populated King County's Seattle Metro area.

On average, both candidates are at a dead tie 47 percent (Murray 47.455%, Rossi 47.364%). For statistical purposes, throwing out the highest and lowest poll numbers for each, Rossi takes the advantage 47.4 to 47.3. As I said, a dead tie. This race is about getting out the vote. So let's look at what is on the ballot that is going to get folks to return their statewide mail-in ballot.

*note: poll numbers are all from Rassmusen.

The Rossi/Murray race is the top of the ticket. It gets a fair amount of press, and obviously the Republicans have the GOTV momentum, drawing support from Independent voters. what is drawing more attention is a series of tax increases that are being challenged on the ballot. In WA State the legislature is proposing food taxes, state income taxes, constitutional amendments to extend the state debt allowance, etc. It is a fiscal disaster on the ballots this year, and it is drawing massive attention to the economic woes, and the party of incumbents. There are no pressing social issues on the ballot, so alternative lifestyle voters have no rally poll. There are no major issues other than economic battles - higher taxes or starve the uneducated school children. This is the nail in the coffin for Murray. She has to carry the ticket, and carry the platform in a state where she has proven to be less than popular after two decades in office.

Key factors to a Rossi Victory:

1. King County Liberal Turnout - King County swings upwards of 85% Democrat. It is a solid assurance for the Dems, and also is the most populous area in the state. State elections are won and lost in King County, because of King County.
2. Independent voters - IV are now swinging 10% points in favor of Rossi. Statewide that is effective, but a large swing in the urban areas is turning this thing into a Rossi victory. If he stays on message, Murray cannot counter.
3. Murray blew her advertising load too early - Rossi is well known. We all know his dirty laundry. Her early attack ads swung polls in her favor, but it was nothing more than a reminder of that which we all already knew. It gave her a temporary bump, and there is nothing left - no foreseeable 'October Surprise'. Rossi has been well vetted since 2004 in this state. Two runs for Governor has a way of cleaning out your political closet!

This race may not be key for conservatives, but this race IS key for the GOP to take a majority in the US Senate. The WA and NV senate races are going to be the most hard fought races in the history of this union...two races in which neither party can afford to lose.

Update on GOP Senate Fight - Nevada

2010-10-06T18:52:00.004-06:00

In my earlier column, Republicans Will Take Senate?, I laid out the logistics behind a senate upset by the GOP, namely in two western states: Washington and Nevada. As of the latest CNN/Time poll, Real Clear Politics shows a tie in the state on average and has moved it into the Republican Victory column in their "No Toss Up" calculations. This means that Real Clear Politics, as of October 6th, does not project Harry Reid as being able to win re-election in Nevada.

Harry Reid is plagued with problems. In the Senate, in Nevada, even in his own home. The man's falling numbers are a direct sign of those troubles. Sharon Angle, Tea Party candidate (and one of the first big wins nationwide in the primaries), is currently tied with Reid at 43.5%, but she has all the momentum heading into October, and she is gaining traction in the polls where Reid is losing everything.

In line with my earlier predictions, I believe Nevada is accurately placed into the (R) column, and will be party to the movement aimed at correcting the focus and reach of our government.

Go Sharon Go!

Obama's Plan to Try Terror Suspects in Civil Courts Backfiring

2010-10-06T13:15:00.002-06:00

Imagine the response if the hundreds of thousands of prisoners of war during WWII were shipped to the United States for trial in civilian courts. I suppose we live in a different time, and fight different battles. It appears that the latest battle by Obama, to try terror suspects in civilian courts, is one that we are determined to lose.

The court ruled today that the Government's star witness cannot testify, because his testimony to the CIA was given only after severe coercion while in custody. The government asked for a delay in the trial to reorganize its case.

What is most predictable in this case is that there is a possibility that the defendant can be found not guilty due to lack of constitutionally acquired evidence and released to walk out the front doors of the court house. This question was posed to Obama, about if he was ready and willing to accept such a ruling and allow known enemies of the state out of US custody and out into the streets? His response is that none of them would win their case - a statement I likened to a kangaroo court (knowing the outcome before the trial).

In any case, it seems that the government is in a tight spot, and we may be a week away from a mistrial, where the headlines will undoubtedly read "Obama's Miscalculation Frees Known Terrorist". That is right. I am sure that no blame will be placed on the divine one!

A Moment of Reflection

2010-10-05T16:46:00.005-06:00

A young voter might ask "How has politics changed in the last thirty years?" A valid question in the era of political sleaze, right wing extremism, left wing radicals, cult of personality presidential elections, and a tyrannical federal government. The answer can be found in this moment of reflection:

There is nothing extreme about demanding that the government live within the bounds of the contractual obligations established in the Constitution. The current grassroots movement is not a radical element of this nation. We are a constitutional element. We are THE PEOPLE, and we are here to fix this mess.

May God bless the people with liberty from our own government!

Republicans Will Take The Senate?

2010-10-04T19:07:00.004-06:00

Officially one month to go until the midterm elections, the referendum on an inexperienced President led by a radical Congress responsible for this nation's hardships. Both parties are anxiously watching close races around the multitude of states, with bated breath as to the outcome. Look no further - I will reveal my prediction of the outcome.

Real Clear Politics predicts a Democratic Senate, with 51 seats to 49 over Republicans (and Tea Party). The Democrats pick up no seats, but are predicted to hold three states in the northeast and all the western states (including HI). However, watching the polling and the numbers behind the trends, as well as the "stagnation" line of certain incumbents, I predict that at least two western states will oust their incumbent senators: Washington and Nevada.

In Nevada, Harry Reid trailed Sharon Angle considerably until her actual nomination, at which point both candidates surged in the polls, Reid taking the advantage by a slim margin. However there are a few behind the scene tea leaves (Pun Intended) to indicate a Tea Party victory over the incumbent Senate Majority Leader. First, Reid's own son is running for Governor of the state, yet he refuses to campaign using his last name. You cannot make this stuff up! His father is so unpopular that the young Rory Reid is campaigning on a "Vote Rory" message and still trailing by double digits to his Republican Challenger. One could expect the Reid-Rage to stick on election day as voters select neither of the Reids. Secondly, Harry Reid's numbers have yet to break 47 in polling. Any incumbent polling below 50% cannot be sleeping soundly through the night. In fact, Reid's sudden spike in the polls has dropped after the uncertainty surrounding an unknown Tea Party candidate has dissipated, and all current polls show both candidates within the margin of error with one another. Finally, Nevada has a state law allowing voters to cast their vote for "none of the above". This is to Reid's disadvantage, though he originally intended to use it to his advantage. Reid had hoped that Moderates and Republicans unwilling to back a Tea Party candidate would vote "None"... however, with so many undecideds this close to the race, it appears that Reid voters will vote "None" over Reid before GOP voters turn their back on the Tea Party Angle. I predict Angle (R) winning the seat with 49% of the vote, Reid getting 47%, and 4% going to the other 6 candidates or "None".

In Washington State we have hardcore liberal incumbent Patty Murray (D) pushing ahead of Moderate Republican Dino Rossi in recent polls. Murray refuses to debate Rossi who is forcing her to answer to her vote history, and has spent millions on personal character attacks on the former WA State legislator - a common theme when a candidate needs to push the polls. However, Murray's war chest may not be working to her advantage as well as polls would indicate. Murray's recent surge in the polls has fooled Real Clear Politics, but analysis of how the polls were conducted sheds light onto the disparities. Independents are breaking heavily for Rossi, at a rate of more than 55% to 45% Murray, on average. Most polls release their voter breakdown, and the recent "Pro-Murray" polls would not. However, it would appear that Democrats are being over-sampled in the recent polls... with Rassmussen being the exception. Rasmussen has consistently shown this race to be neck in neck, with Murray hard pressed to reach the crucial 50% mark, which is saving grace in WA State. In this state there is a restriction on candidates who can make the ballot. It is a 'top-two' law, allowing only the top two vote recipients from the primary to grace the November general election ballot for all races. There are no "none" votes, no third party votes. It will be a direct 100% count between two candidates. I predict that the advantage will go to the challenger by November, and we will see a 50.5% Rossi (R) count to a 49.5% Murray (D) count. In WA state there is a history of close races (closest race in US history was Gregoire over Rossi for Governor in 2004 by 214 votes after the third recount (Rossi was ahead for the first two counts)).

By my prediction, the Republicans will have 51 seats to the Democrat 49 seats in the senate.

*A commentary about the races in the other states:
1. In Florida, Rubio has taken a commanding lead. Unless Democratic underdog Meeks drops the race, Independent challenger and current governor Charlie Crist cannot make up the double digit margin. The Democrats have the seat with a Crist win, and I wonder why they do not ask Meeks to step aside in favor of a huge pick-up in Florida. Stay Tuned.

2. In California, Boxer is still vulnerable, but Fiorina (R) has simply plummeted in the polls. Recent attacks against Meg Whitman (R), who is running for governor, may be hurting the down ticket candidate.

3. Chris Dodd's seat in Connecticut has become a nail biter. The Democratic Blumenthal cannot break 50% in a heavily democratic state, and WWE Mogul McMahonhas considerably closed the gap. I still call this one for the Dems, but McMahon has made this into a race in Democrat safe territory.

**NOTE: this opinion may change and is only the subject of current trends in polling. Any change is due to the sudden political hail mary or major fumble by any candidate in any party.

Criticize the Govt, Get an FBI raid?

2010-09-27T17:55:00.002-06:00

RT America reports: The people are being acclimated to government raids on government dissenters. Today, illegal raids are being conducted against anti-war protesters for suspect of providing material support for terrorism. That is right, protest the 'war on terror' or the US Govt, and be targeted for providing material aid to terrorism.

Interesting perspective from a Reagan Official:

"They came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
- Pastor Martin Niemöller

There is no doubt in my mind that we are living in a police state. Constant serveillance, constant fear of government threat, the constant unknown related to the unpredictable nature of our federal government. These are but a few crimes against the people of these states.

Republican Pledge Not Enough

2010-09-23T18:23:00.002-06:00

Sixteen years after the ‘Contract with America’, the Republican House Minority provided a renewed ‘Pledge to America’, a throwback promise ahead of an expected majority change in the House of Representatives in November. The Pledge, though addressing some real issues, does not do enough to establish the level of trust and comfort that the Minority leadership was hoping to convey. Instead, the Pledge pays homage to the constitution and the Tea Party overtone without affecting enough change to assure the people that a Republican Majority would act any differently from those majorities of years past.

The Pros:
In the opening pledge, the new governing agenda set forth reads like a collaboration of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and a smattering of founding documents. The most promising aspect of this opening statement was the direct focus on the long forgotten tenth amendment – promising that all powers not specifically delegated to the United States by the Constitution will be reserved for the states and the people. This last amendment in the Bill of Rights is the single most important statement in our founding contract – that the power of this government lay with the people. Remembering this is what the 2010 election cycle has become about.

The Pledge goes on to detail a series of plans outlining the new GOP agenda. Their series of plans include the standard Republican talking points of cutting taxes, reining in spending, and shrinking government. The highlights in these plans include a new rule requiring a “citation of constitutional authority” for every bill presented on the floor of the House. It baffles my mind that such a rule is necessary, but in the bloated government environment in which we find ourselves, it is a much needed relief. Further parts of the Pledge echo the promises made in the ’94 Contract, ensuring transparency and openness in government proceedings.

The Cons:
The Pledge fell short of any real agenda changing qualities, often treating the current political symptom while ignoring the underlying ailment. One great example is the heralded spending reduction which promises a savings of a few hundred billion by returning to Bush era spending practices. I say we need to go further back. I say we need to cut more. Why not aim to cut the federal spending by half, proposing true fiscal restraint. In fact, a federal budget of $2 Trillion is more than sufficient when spending, pork, and subsidies are cut back extremely.

The Pledge addressed unfunded liabilities of Social Security, but stopped short of any proposal to restore and fully fund the Social Security account while restricting ANY government access to the account for general or emergency funding.

The Pledge proposed small business tax incentives without any mention of a plan to remove ALL tax loopholes by implementing a fair and uniform Flat Tax system.

The Pledge promises federal enforcement of border and immigration issues, but fails to target US corporations recruiting for workers in Mexico and hiring foreigners without work visas.

There is much good to be read in the 21 pages of the Republican Pledge to America. It sets a tone for discussion and emphasizes that the GOP is in the game, and more than a party of ‘No’. The Pledge is not enough, though, to do what it was intended to do. It is not enough to set a new agenda. It is not enough to distance the GOP from the spending Republicans of the past. It is not enough to make me believe that the GOP is serious about turning the power of the country back over to the people and the states of this union.

Election Polls, National Pulse

2010-09-21T16:44:00.003-06:00

With five and a half weeks remaining before the Constitutional Resurgence, speculation and polling is as active for an off year as I have ever seen - perhaps because defeat after defeat have been dealt to the Democratic White House in a wave of special elections and Primary upheavals. If the Clinton victory in '92 forced the establishments to re-write the book, and the 2000 presidential election caused them to tear a few pages from it, then the 2010 political season is sure to have political scientists wondering how they could have been so wrong on so many levels. How is it, they will wonder, that a country who gave a blank check to a clearly and openly socialist establishment suddenly finds itself so diametrically opposed to the media announced mandate of 2008?

Let's look to the people for answers.

Obama is polling at ~45% with a solid 50% disapproval rating (45% of those, according to Rasmussen "Strongly Disapprove" - compared to 26% who "strongly approve"). The great emancipator from the evils of the Bush and Clinton empires has proven to be what opponents recognized him as during the primary and general elections in 2008. He has proven that he does not and cannot associate or empathize with the American People. He is an ideologue, so blinded by his agenda that he refuses to associate with the people - tending, instead, to lecture and talk at the people. He no longer inspires Hope, but for a small minority... and even for them, hope has begun to fade. The people are beginning to awaken... it seems he is bringing change to America - change toward a constitutional class of leaders, and an educated and active constitutional electorate.

The Tea Party has already mounted their attack against the GOP and sufficiently dealt them a death blow, forcing the leadership to hearken back to the days of '94, when the party promised change in a Contract with America. That contract was breached as soon as the GOP had control, and a new age of pork spending, corruption, and continued abuse of the constitution once again became the norm in DC for both parties. However, the Congress will have a strong delegation of Tea Party officials. The Senate will have an unusually high representation of Tea Party officials. A few constitutionalists will even preside over state houses for the next four years. This places the GOP in a bind. They fought hard for establishment candidates, and come out denouncing Tea Party victors, only to have to lick their wounds publicly the following morning. The GOP could forever be crippled in 2010 if there is a Tea Party fissure, and the conservative block caucuses as a legitimately strong third party - especially because current leadership would abandon ship for a fresh caucus with no excess baggage. If the GOP does not respond correctly, the Republican Party may find themselves an annotation in the pages of history, alongside the Whigs and the Bull Moose parties.

And finally, who will hold the seats of power for the United States come November? Polling tells us that state after state is moving into the 'toss up' region for the US Senate. Long time incumbents, like Russ Feingold (D - WI), are now trailing conservative candidates. Feingold is currently expected to lose his state, polling double digits behind the GOP. Real Clear Politics' election map indicates a 52-48 Democrat margin on November 3rd. I remain skeptical that Boxer (D) in California, Maj. Ldr Reid (D) of Nevada, and Patty Murray (D) of WA can hold on to their narrow margins. At best, the senate will remain in Democrat control by way ONLY of the Biden vote. I predict a 50-50 senate, with as many as eight NEW Tea Party senators, making way for a strong 20-25% party control by hardcore constitutionalist senators. That is enough fresh leadership to make a plan, not for a new contract with America, but to restore America's ORIGINAL contract - the Constitution... and pledge to hold the Congress and the Executive within the bounds set forth by the People.

It's a Tea Party Year!

2010-09-14T19:58:00.003-06:00

Delaware is the latest stomping ground for the Tea Party, where establishment candidate Rep. Castle was handily beaten by Tea Party favorite and political newcomer, O'Donnell. This, as the GOP establishment says, puts the state of Delaware in jeopardy for a very secure senate seat - however, now that the GOP has been proven wrong at the polls, the people of Delaware are going to respond to O'Donnell positively... and the GOP establishment is going to have plenty of crow to eat! RCP has moved Delaware into the "likely Dem" category from "likely GOP" based on old polling, but rest assured that O'Donnell's stock is going to rise tomorrow, and those numbers are going to change!

Across the nation, from Alaska to Delaware, we are seeing establishment candidates fall to the no-name citizen army candidates. We, the people, have mounted a fierce battle, and come November we are going to see a solid core group of Conservative Senators that WILL move the Senate back in line with the constitution.

Joe Miller, Alaska
Ken Buck, Colorado
Sharon Angle, Nevada
Rand Paul, Kentucky
Marco Rubio, Florida
Mike Lee, Utah
Christine O'Donnell, Delaware

This is not a regional flux. The left can not blame this on the rednecks clinging to their guns and bibles in the south. They cannot blame this on the isolated and out of touch separatists in the frozen hills of Alaska. This is a national movement - state by state, election by election, incumbents were felled by their constitutionalist rivals. Called extremists by their foes for drawing a line in the sand and saying, "On behalf of the American People, NO MORE", they have become the generals in the people's army... Not Glenn Beck or Sarah Palin... Nay... those whose necks are on the line, and who are in a position to win, win big, and change the debate in the US Senate.

Even in New Hampshire, as I write this, are we witnessing a HUGE night for the Tea Party, where a Palin-backed candidate is losing to the will of the Tea Party movement, indicating that, in fact, it is not her party (as I stated above), rather the party of the people.

Add the name Ovide Lamontagne from NH to the list above, and with the right campaigning across the board we can add 8 staunch constitutional conservatives to the US Senate, where a few constitutionalists eek out an existence, and you have got a solid 10% of the entire US senate as a hardcore constitutionalist voting block... My eyes are getting moist just thinking about it - it really is beautiful - in my lifetime! (imagine the irony of an American being happy that 10% of the senate is going to follow the constitution!)

With that said, there are a few hard races:
1. Angle (who is now tied with Reid in NV) must win to knock out the Majority Leader of the Senate. She is holding her own this early out, which is a very bad sign for Reid, who's own son has stopped using his last name in his campaign for governor of NV due to bad name recognition. (I love it!)
2. Rubio has a good lead on Independent Charlie Crist in Florida, but Crist is an old dog at the political game. Fortunately for the TP movement, Crist's numbers are beginning to nosedive, and he may have peaked too early for this three man race.
3. Miller in Alaska is plagued by a raging case of the "incumbents" - like syphilis which is supposed to go away with penicillin, the incumbent is supposed to go away after losing the primary. However, his mild rash, Murkowski, is floating every possibility to attempt to get on the ballot and give this race to the Dems.
4. O'Donnell in Delaware was a major victory, a major upset, and a major challenge moving forward into November. Donate $20, now, to her campaign. Call the Delaware GOP and tell them to immediately support and endorse her. She needs the bump to keep the state, and she is the kind of leader the GOP needs in the Tea Party wing.

It's a tea Party night, and it will be a tea Party year. The GOP and America have much to celebrate. The pendulum is swinging toward our constitution!

On the Ropes

2010-09-09T16:46:00.002-06:00

Obama and the Democrats are in trouble, whether they admit it or not. Polling in Washington State now indicates that Republican (moderate) Rossi is going to win in November over liberal Democrat incumbent, Patty Murray. Murray cannot poll over 45%, and is showing horribly in the democratic strong-hold of Seattle's King County. Washington state was supposed to be a safe democrat seat, was moved to a toss-up seat, and is looking more and more like a seat that is leaning republican.

Barbara Boxer is also in trouble. The latest debate between incumbent California Democrat Boxer and Republican challenger Fiorina was nothing more than a Boxer mud-slinging fest, trying to defame the successful HP former executive. Boxer's numbers dropped following the debate putting Fiorina ahead for the first time in that race.

Across the nation, not only are Liberal Democrats losing to moderate Republicans, they are losing in droves to Conservative Libertarian Republicans (Liberty Republicans), such as Joe Miller in Alaska, Marco Rubio in Florida, and Rand Paul in Kentucky. Democrats are losing Governorships to staunch Libertarian Conservatives - and Oregon, the longest consecutive held Democratic Governorship in the US, is bearing witness to a massive GOP win in the polls, and an expected GOP win in Nov.

Recent polling also indicates that the GOP will take over the House of Representatives, removing the giant gavel from Pelosi, and replacing many ultra liberals with some very staunch libertarian conservatives.

The Democrats are on the ropes, taking body punch after body punch. They are bloody, bruised, and about to hit the mat.

Let us hope that with the GOP comes Liberty. Let us hope that with that liberty we fix our borders, free our states from the fed, audit the Federal Reserve, and end corporate strangleholds and government monopolies over food processing, banking, industry, and housing. My prayer is that the GOP of 2010 is one of founding principles, small government, and libertarian principles - Goldwater Republicanism. Even more, my hope is that we do a great job as a majority party so that we can continue the libertarian march through 2012 and fix this mess we are in!

Alaskan Libertarian Party Offers Nomination to Murkowski?

2010-08-26T22:36:00.003-06:00

Did I miss something? Liberal Republican incumbent Murkowski was offered a nomination by the Libertarian Party of Alaska if she could not overcome Tea Party candidate Joe Miller's 2.5% primary election lead. Other than to ensure a possible Libertarian (in name only) Senator, I cannot, for the life of me, guess as to why they would do this. Why would the Libertarians endorse an established know-nothing RINO?

It is such a crazy story that we are talking about it down here in Seattle!

My Heart Sank When the Video Reached One Hour

2010-08-25T21:55:00.003-06:00

Always the skeptic, I enjoy conversation and research into the unexplained. A friend sent me a link to a video that I watched, skeptically, for a full hour and thirty minutes. I watched it again, and once more. Three times I watched the following video. As an engineer I solve problems. I put together pieces of data and draw conclusions based on evidence. What I saw in this video triggered something in my engineering mind... it made sense.

The following video is the most complete, most detailed, and most professionally testified accounts surrounding the September 11th attacks that I had ever seen. What is more, there are aspects of the day that I had never even heard before - most notably around the one hour mark... what I heard here changed my life, my way of thought. What was a morbid curiosity has now become something else.

I ask one honest thing. Watch the video in its entirety. Do not skip around. Do not comment during the video. Listen to every testimonial, every piece of evidence presented. Once the video is over, honestly answer the question: Were there a few things that seemed TOO coincidental to you?

I don't believe in coincidence... I only believe in the truth... Now, I am not so sure what the truth is...

I make it a policy not to trust my government... now more than ever. My eyes are open.

Fox News is Funding the Ground Zero Mosque

2010-08-25T17:49:00.002-06:00

To be fair and balanced to Fox News, this investigation took place at their own request. In the recent uproar over the Ground Zero Mosque, Fox and Friends, as well as many other Fox News shows have asked that we, the people, follow the money used to fund the building of the mosque. Fox and Friends reported that 'The Kingdom Foundation', a Saudi religious organization has been a major sponsor of funding for this, and many other mosques. They then spun the story to confuse the viewers, suggesting that Iran, the Muslim Brotherhood, or some other unknown organization was responsible for funding the Kingdom Foundation.

However, the Kingdom Foundation is run by Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns 95% stake in the Kingdom Holding Company. Talal is a conservative Muslim, embracing the spread of Islam and Sharia around the world. His net worth of nearly $20Billion makes him the world's 19th richest man. He donates millions of dollars to American education, including $500K to fund the GHW Bush Scholarship at the Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. He is also a 7% stake holder in Fox News' parent company, News Corps, making him second only to Rupert Murdoch. It would seem that the money trail funding the Ground Zero Mosque can directly be attributed to Fox News' Parent Company, and thus market and sales for Fox News itself.

I write this to further my ongoing point that the media, all outlets, serve only to confuse and distort the reality which they present to us - which is different than the reality in which we exist. They create conflict and enrage protest over half truths, falsifications, or purposeful omission - hardly trustworthy journalism. All media outlets are to blame... Not just Fox. CNN, MSNBC, even your local newspapers... They all have agendas - and first on their agendas is to make money... They make money by entertaining... they entertain by enraging the viewers, so they keep coming back to hear what is next on the story. We fall for the ongoing pumping of "hot topics" into our TV's, and in doing so become drones - acting exactly the way we are supposed to act.

It is no shock to me to learn that the very voice against the mosque is also the majority funder of the very same mosque... just like it is no shock to me that the US military Industrial Complex, of which Dwight Eisenhower warned us in his 1961 farewell address, funds both sides of the world conflicts. We remain distracted by false news, false wars, and false epidemics, all the while freedoms are being stripped from every single one of us. We are mere pawns in their games.

We must continue to recognize corruption in the media, in our leaders, and in any venue where they move to usurp liberty in favor of their absolute control. Refuse to blindly accept ANY news story. Follow the story to the root cause... find the truth - do not let them find their version of it for you.

Libertas ad oculos! Liberty is obvious to those who can see it!

Rossi (R) versus Murray (D) – Washington State’s US Senate Race

2010-08-24T17:38:00.002-06:00

Survey USA released the first ‘post primary’ poll in Washington State, pitting the top two vote getters against one another for the general election. The poll was funded by local News station, King 5, which reported the results on August 20th – Republican challenger, Rossi, received 52% of the support to incumbent Democrat, Murray’s, 45%. This represents a swing of nearly 20% for Rossi following the outcome of the blanket primary, forcing voters to choose from the top-two primary candidates. Murray received 46% of the votes in the primary – which was in line with her 45% polling numbers.

These numbers are promising and troubling at the same time. Promising for Republicans who, after the primary, are eager to put the state’s US Senate race into national spotlight, and put the seat in play – a seat held by a Democrat for the past 24 years. Troubling, in that Rossi is seemingly working overtime to shun the Tea Party movement. Granted Clint Didier, the Tea Party favorite in WA State this year, is making “demands” on Rossi before he will grant his ‘endorsement’ – the only losing candidate still holding out... and I, for one, would not bow to an opponent’s ‘demands’ – especially Didier’s, who is pressing Rossi to sign a situational resignation which would go into effect should Rossi break his conservative contract with WA voters. A good idea, but a tough approach from the distant Tea Part Candidate.

The bottom line is that Murray is in trouble. This is not the climate for an incumbent liberal democrat to be polling in the mid to low 40’s... It has been said that if Murray can be held to 45% in the polls, that come election day, she could easily be defeated. Rossi has just as much name recognition and popularity in the state as the long time incumbent – Rossi was WA state governor-elect until a court battle and drawn out / twice repeated hand recount threw the election to his opponent by 133 votes statewide.

Early polling numbers are bound to change – but the important item of note is that Murray has had a hard time polling above 46 all season. If Rossi can rightfully tie her to Obama’s economy, to her liberal failings, and her ultra-liberal agenda, the Independent voters in WA State are going to continue to rally behind the candidate who is promising something a little different.

Rossi may not be the preferred Tea Party candidate, but he is the Republican candidate for the general election. He is more likely to vote with conservative bills, though less likely to author them. He is more likely to fight Obama’s agenda, but is less likely to stand out as a true adversary to Obama. He may represent the old hat established GOP in the state and nation, but on election day there are two choices: Rossi or Murray. Through hard work and grassroots efforts, Rossi could be suaded to support true Constitutional legislation – Murray, not a chance...

The choice is clear when all other choices have been eliminated – choose the path of least resistance on the ballot; but do not surrender your voice, your vote, or the power of the movement for mere partisan power. Hold true to conservatism and libertarianism, and press the government to endorse the idea of freedom.

I will vote for Rossi come November... I will do so gladly, because between now and then, and for his full term, I will call, write, and take every attempt to talk to the man directly, ensuring that he knows that freedom is more than just another word for 'nothing left to lose'...

Temple for Emperor Hirohito Built in Pearl Harbor

2010-08-19T19:58:00.004-06:00

On a tropical cliff overlooking the blue waters of Oahu's Pearl Harbor, a private land owner has created a temple for praise and prayer in memorial of the Japanese Emperor. The plaque laid at the entrance to the temple reads, in part, "it is our prayer that through embracing traditional Japanese culture, the people of this land can embrace the wisdom of our actions". The picture of the temple is seen, left.

The opening ceremonies of the new temple drew crowds in the hundreds, all of whom were given the Imperial Japanese flag of the rising sun to wave proudly in triumph of the unveiling.

While I support the right of private land owners to build places of worship and prayer, or to handle their property however they see fit, I have to question the intent and logic behind their actions. Clearly, in this case, the temple of Hirohito overlooks the graveyard of thousands of sailors, some of whom remain entombed in the Arizona. Why, I am wondering, would a private religious or other group raise a shrine of celebration overlooking a tomb made possible by the very man the shrine celebrates? How is it possible to see this shrine as anything other than a mockery of the hallowed grounds below it?

If this story sounds familiar, it is. Though I respect and support private property, a certain level of decorum is expected when it comes to final resting places and battlefields. I don't support Walmarts being built atop historic Civil War battlefields, I don't support etching mile high monuments on sacred lands stolen from sovereign tribes, and I cannot support a super-mosque being constructed at ground zero.

As ludicrous as my title story (false as it may be) is, the idea that sacred land can be so easily defiled is the true lunacy to which we are all witness in this mad world in which we live.

WA Primary Results - The Right to Vote versus Voting

2010-08-18T18:44:00.004-06:00

Washingtonians have cast their votes, and the results are about what one could expect. The Senate race saw Democrat incumbent Murray pulling in considerably less than the 50% needed for victory in November, Dino Rossi (the establishment backed GOP Candidate) grabbing the majority of the Republican votes, and the Tea Party candidates and "also ran" candidates pulling in about 12% at the highest (Clint Didier). With Washington State's 'top two' primary, Murray and Rossi will be the sole names on the ballot for US Senate in Washington state - the top of the 2010 ticket.

WA State voter turnout for the primary was an embarrassing 26%... Iraqi's are facing mortars and shells in order to get the purple finger at rates upward of 80%... yet the country who is dictating their democracy cannot even find 15 minutes to cast their 'all mail-in' ballot. I think the voters here simply do not care anymore... I polled 4 guys with whom I work, all of whom are vocal political commentators at work - yet two of them failed to vote - one said he simply had no opinion about any candidate.

That being said, Rossi, a long time Republican from the Washington State old hats, a centrist Republican (like Scott Brown) will be leading the conservative charge in WA State. In fact, Tea Party candidates did not fare too well here in the Evergreen state... the reason? Political organizing is dismal in this state - last minute notifications, no political dialogue, no forum for debate... you name it, WA state is the land of apathy, not opportunity - for most. What we are faced with is a minority class of active voters trying to push the rope on the other 75% of the state registered voters.

You can lead a politician to Washington, but you can't stop him from spending, right?

We all have the right to vote, yet we continually see a vast majority of our fellow citizens who refuse to lay claim to that right. I am no political scientist, but my best guess has something to do with the 7 minute attention span, the commercialism of our society, and the absolute distraction in all avenues of our existence. With a constant barrage of advertising, reality TV, and the like, it is no wonder that by the time campaign season comes around we couldn't care less (technically 'they' couldn't care less... I couldn't care more!!!) Why worry about voting once for a Senator, I can text the word 'VOTE' to 64752 as many times as I want for my favorite dancer or singer - standard texting rates apply. We have prioritized the important aspects of our free society right out of our lives... and the result is, well, my monologue from above.

Moving forward, onward to November, it is our duty as the active and thinking branch of the voting citizenry to approach our candidates... Force them into dialogue, press the issues... make sure that they understand that just because everyone else has been scrubbed from the ballot in November does not excuse them from public scrutiny from disenchanted members of their own party. We still have the power to shape the debate. We still have the power to reign in our 'establishment' candidates. We still have a voice, a right, a duty to be an active member of this society, and of this government. We are the FIRST PILLAR of the government... WE THE PEOPLE. So easily we forget...

Let us not forget that 2010 is not simply about a transfer of power between party's... it is about a correction to the wrongs committed against the people of this nation, and the contract between WE and the Govt. 2010, and every election henceforth should be an education on the limited power granted to the government BY the people. It should be a reaffirmation of truth and liberty. It should be the final word of the people... that Liberty will always undo tyranny... That the people do take notice... That we choose to be free...

It is my fear, that 75% of the people will not hear this message.

Liberty is obvious to those who can see it... libertas ad oculos!

AK Sen Ted Stevens

2010-08-10T14:21:00.004-06:00

The victim of brutal liberal elections tactics, Ted Stevens lost his re-election campaign in 2008 after his name was dragged through the mud on corruption charges, and an illegal conviction - a conviction that was voided and all indictment dismissed almost immediately after the election showed his liberal competitor as the election victor. He was the longest serving Republican Senator in the history of the Senate, and though he was known for bringing home the bacon, his actions helped develop the infrastructure of the last frontier. No voice for limited government, but a man who devoted his entire life to the Great State of Alaska, Ted Stevens was taken from this earth by the Alaska he loved so dearly.

Ted Stevens was a passenger on a single engine plane, along with 8 others (including crew), which crashed en-route to a private fishing lodge in southwest Alaska.

Thank you for your service. May you find peace and rest in the world that lies beyond our own! God bless you, Sen Stevens, and may He watch over your family and the State of Alaska in this time of loss.

The Declaration of Nullification

2010-08-05T16:36:00.003-06:00

RJ Harris - a Constitutional Conservative who was running for Congress in the Tribal lands of Oklahoma! Harris was defeated by Republican incumbent Tom Cole, who will be unopposed in the general election and be seated for a fifth term in Congress. Cole, a conservative with Libertarian tendencies, is a favorite of this blog... however, I believe in the spirit of primary elections, especially when the message of the people is thrust into the scene... In this case, the message of state's sovereignty and nullification!

Justice Elena Kagan? UPDATED

2010-08-05T13:58:00.006-06:00

Obama's liberal Senate, including a few cowardly GOP turncoats, have confirmed Elena Kagan as the 112th Supreme Court Justice of the United States. A self proclaimed constitution hating socialist guaranteed to prop up her political ideals and squash liberty, Elena Kagan is yet another lasting blemish on the face of the country left by the Obama administration.

Her extremism, however, moves no power within the court. The court still remains liberty minded 5-4. Kagan is merely a replacement for another long serving liberal activist judge. The board remains unchanged. As such, I have nothing more to say - she will vote left, and there will be no shock to her extremist rulings on any case.

There is something more troubling. We forevermore will have to look at her asexual face amongst the many others in black robes.

Is it too hard to ask for a talented, experienced, attractive politician? The GOP is full of them. I guess the Dems are the party of bitter, unattractive, angry women... not just the "party of women". Not to worry. There are conservative women too. (Nikki Haley, SC Gov. Candidate)

Am I being superficial? Of course. But it is derived from the sheer lunacy of everything else happening at the highest levels of this government. There is no other choice but to laugh!

******************UPDATE****************

So I log onto FoxNews and see the following picture:

Obama's Top Economic Advisor, Christina Romer. The photo is not doctored in any way. As much as I am sure she is a nice little socialist with feelings and friends, my original protest over the general 'appearance' of these leading liberal women is further reinforced. To which I have to counter with a leading industry economic savvy businesswoman, and Republican Candidate for Senate in California, Carly Fiorina:

Seriously... Is it too much to ask? I came upon the FoxNews story whilst I ate... not nice, Libs... not nice!

Kicking Off Election Season - Primary News Liveblog - Didier/Akers Townhall telecon

2010-07-29T19:54:00.006-06:00

I am sitting here, five minutes before a supposedly large announcement from the Didier and Akers for US Senate campaigns. The two campaigns announced a joint e-townhall conference, dial-in. There is some confusion on the phone - nothing more than a minor technical hiccup. However, while we are waiting for the announcement and townhall to begin, I want to say that this meeting is being held on the day that the first ballots for Washington State's all mail primary are able to be mailed into the county elections office. If we are going to bear witness to a withdrawl and endorsement, today is cutting it close.

This live blog is intended to provide my opinion on the Candidates and the subject matter at hand.

For full disclosure, I have already cast my vote for Clint Didier, as a conservative Tea Party candidate. Didier has won the endorsement of Former AK Gov. Sarah Palin, and has recently polled ahead of incumbent Sen. Patty Murray, 48% - 45%. Didier is leading the GOP candidates, second only to establishment supported 'Go-To' candidate Dino Rossi in fundraising.

At this time the campaign staff and moderators are late to start the call, though I can hear them on the phone. The start of the conference was delayed by 45 minutes due to a complete system phone crash, cutting off the candidates from the online media and teleconference.

The online broadcast and the phone lines are now going. The show is a go.

They are doing some preliminary interviews about the races. The candidates are waiting online for the announcement. They have been introduced as two of the strongest grassroots candidates. Discussion is ongoing about how the grassroots candidates are REAL candidates, and the reason for groundswell for this type of candidate, as opposed to establishment candidates. Of course, we all know that the reason that we support candidates of this type is, in fact, that they represent THE people - our frustrations, our passion, our candor. They are unpolished, rough, and raw... and they are angry at what this country has become.

Didier is now on. He says that his entrance into this race as a dark horse candidate was due to the political atmosphere and the call to duty required out of true blue patriots. He is now talking about the importance of military ballots to be counted from overseas - talking about the MOVE act, and Eric Holders direction to states by the DOJ to circumvent military votes. Didier said this act by the DOJ is treason. The Move act requires that ballots be shipped 60 days in advance for soldiers in war zones... the DOJ is trying to overturn this legislation, and interfere with the ability of warfighters to cast ballots in time to be counted.

Paul Akers has finally arrived. He has been given the floor. Will he drop out? No? He is explaining the relationship between he and Didier sending a joint message against the establishment.

Didier is making an announcement of joining together in a common message - first, a warning against the MSM's coverage of the campaign. Secondly, they are going to combine their advertising message and put out joint radio ads to vote for either one of them. It is unprecedented. But they feel so strongly that the establishment candidates and the established party has been picked by special interest, and is conducting a whisper campaign against the grassroots candidates.

Didier has a message to the establishment: Back Off!

The delay in the call going through has eaten up the online time, so the call is ended. However, the point that was being made is that across the nation the establishment is hand picking candidates that represent 'no change' in the current system, and running them on the wave of the Tea Party movement. They are not representative of the movement, or of true grassroots conservatism. We saw this with Jane Norton in Colorado, and how the COGOP pushed out good Grassroots candidates in favor of their hand-picked establishment candidate on the same old talking line of "They can actually win". No more, we say... no more. From here on out, WE vett our candidates.

I would rather lose on principles than win by surrender.

The 2010 election is about the people... to hell with the establishment of both parties. Vote grassroots. Stay active, stay sharp, and pick a winner from the crowd, not the display case!

HR 5741 - Universal National Slavery Act

2010-07-27T16:40:00.004-06:00

Yet again the relationship between the Government and the People of this nation is being redefined. HR 5741 would obligate every US Citizen to two years of civil or military service under control of the Office of the President. Obligatory peacetime servitude to the US government - otherwise known as slavery.

"H.R. 5741 is currently being argued in the house of representatives. If passed, H.R. 5741 will give the president the power to require 2 years of compulsory service from every US resident between ages 18 and 42. That's not a misprint: everyone between ages eighteen and forty-two will be required to serve in any capacity at the president's whim."

This is, in the simplest terms, the President's private army. The following are excerpts from the resolution:

"It is the obligation of every citizen...to perform a period of national service."
"The term 'national service' means military service or service in a civilian capacity...[and] obligation under this title shall be performed either (1) as a member of an active or reserve component of the uniformed services; or (2) in a civilian capacity that, as determined by the President, promotes national defense, including national or community service and service related to homeland security."

This resolution is the nationalization of the civilian population, granting two years obligatory servitude to the POTUS. If you refuse to volunteer for the military, you are required to conduct two years civil labor at the discretion of the POTUS... answering to the POTUS.

They came after the banks, wall street, the auto industry, the health industry... and now they are coming for YOU!

Imagine, a land of liberty where civil service is mandatory... where you are obligated to answer directly to the President (foregoing ANY local elected representation), to perform services deemed of the highest importance to securing the homeland.

This has got to stop - it has all gone too far. This is not my America. My America is one personal responsibility, individual liberty, and of a government who answers to the people - not the other way around. As always, it is my obligation to resist.

Should this pass and become law, I will resist to the fullest extent allowed under the constitution, to which I am sworn to uphold and defend. I will resist to the highest fiber of my moral being, guided by natures God, who reminds me that liberty is a self evident right for all men. I will resist this, and any unjust law, for as Martin Luther King Jr wrote from his Jail Cell in Birmingham, AL: "There are just laws and there are unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that an unjust law is no law at all... One who breaks an unjust law must do it openly, lovingly...I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust...is in reality expressing the very highest respect for law."

The next civil war in this country will be fought in the hearts and minds of the citizenry. There are two Americas, as I have said time and again. One America who supports and defends individual liberty and responsiblity, and another who supports government dominance in all things, the absence of liberty. I side with liberty. Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils.

This, our day of Independence...

2010-07-04T14:50:00.003-06:00

The mire of occupation, the treatment as a second class of citizen, the onset of egregious new taxation, and no power to seek honest counsel before the King, the people of the American Colonies were pushed into war. Long had our people endured hardship, but this yoke was too much for the ox to bear. And so, a council of brave men put pen to paper, and before the ink had dried lay down their pens in favor of their muskets. If men on this earth were ever to truly know freedom, this would be the moment that would break down barriers for generations to come.

And so a war was fought. Great men battled the mightiest army and navy the world had ever seen... and won. What was won was not won lightly. With the blood and bone of many a brave soul, the mortar of this country's foundation was mixed. With the sweat and tears of those still living, the foundation was laid - a foundation rooted on a simple concept, that men are naturally free and that free men instinctively resist the shackles of tyranny.

On this, our day of Independence, some 234 years after our freedom was declared and the fate of an entire people put to the test, we are once again faced with tyranny. Free men and women recognize tyranny at its basic existence, but even today in this once free country there is a tyranny so much more oppressive than that beat back by our forefathers. In this country, in our home, grown from our seed, there is an evil that has overtaken the very institutions established after our great war... the institutions so fragile that a mere whisper once could have destroyed them. Now, to the trumpet of the lion's roar, corruption screams through the highest level of government, and tyranny once again befalls our great people.

On this, our day of Independence, remember these words:
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Remember that Government is granted power by the consent of the citizen, though the government of today would have you believe that you are granted certain freedoms at the pleasure of the government.

Remember that Natural Law dictates that it is man's will to be free, and we should be prepared to spill blood and have our blood spilled in order to secure liberty for ourselves and our posterity.

And remember, on all days as you do today, that freedom, absolute freedom, is the responsibility of every man, woman, and child to maintain. Surrender some freedom and you have put all freedom in jeopardy.

Sen. Byrd - RIP

2010-06-28T21:59:00.002-06:00

Sen Byrd, D-WV - dead at 92. A statesman, true. A colorful history, sure. The poster child for career politicians, without a doubt.

I am saddened at the news of the passing of a fellow man... but it does not move me one bit to hear that a lifelong career politician will no longer plague the halls of congress. It is a sad day in America when the only way to rid nearly centuries old stalwarts from congress is by way of the grim reaper. A true statesman would have handed the torch off years ago, molding young minds and shaping the future in his community through volunteerism and other terms of service - instead, Byrd lived his life off the taxpayer's teet, raking in the dough while bringing home loads of pork to WV.

I mourn the death of a man... and celebrate new faces in the Senate. It will undoubtedly be another Democrat... but this makes 2012 a likely active year for constitutionalists in WV, as well as across the many states of this union. Here is another prayer to liberty.

Federal Government Boycotting Arizona?

2010-06-24T14:05:00.003-06:00

In a move that is telling of the mounting tension between state governments and the federal government, D.C. has entered into the Arizona Boycott by moving events previously set to take place in the state to other regions, as well as recently drawing legal suit against the state. The boycott came as a response to Arizona's law enforcing federal immigration laws - a law made necessary by the federal government's unwillingness to protect the people of Arizona from high crime and property rights violations caused by illegal border crossings into the state from Mexico. The most recent response from the federal government sends a clear message to the states: fall in line or you're on your own.

Well enough. It is of my humblest opinion that each state, in response to this outrageous turn of events by the District of Columbia, should stand in solidarity of sovereignty. Each state, in their own way, should position themselves to live free of federal funding, and eventually free of federal influence. D.C. derives its current power not by the consent of the people, but by the apathy of the people. They use their force against the people by economic pressures. If we understand their strength and deny them that which they use against us, they become powerless to interfere in the true will of the people.

We are on the precipice of something revolutionary - a great struggle for the minds and hearts of the people of this nation. The time is fast approaching where we will have to ask: Do you stand for liberty, or tyranny? There are two Americas, each is mutually exclusive, and neither can exist with the other. One is an America of absolute liberty, the other is one of tyranny. You either believe in the will of the people to live their own lives freely, or believe in offering up liberty for 'protection' and 'management' from on high. Any man who would surrender their freedom willingly deserves the shackles of slavery that are bound to be placed upon him.

Arizona stands at the end of a muzzle whose buttstock is tight in the shoulder of liberal D.C. The finger of the executive is on the trigger. The fate of a nation is in the crosshairs. This stands to be our Sumter - a federal government's aggressive move against a state of this union. Do we raise our hands in defeat, or our fists in defiance?

Militarize the US Borders NOW!

2010-06-16T18:07:00.002-06:00

The United States is fighting in two shooting wars, actively deployed in countless hot zones, and on stand-by alert in greater regions around the world... in EACH AND EVERY CASE around the world, the United States is actively ensuring control of population movement across borders of these many countries... be they between the Koreas, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Iraq and Iran (and Jordan and Syria)... You name it, and I bet you will find that the United States is actively involved in border security of a number of foreign countries. However, the United States Government refuses to provide the same enforcement along our OWN borders, though specifically I am referring to our Mexican/US border.

FOXNews is reporting that 3500 acres of national Wildlife refuge in Arizona, along the Mexican Border, is now being officially closed to US Civilians due to extreme paramilitary violence from Mexican drug traffickers. Obama's White house is silent. There is US territory that is under siege by foreign nationals and the US Government's response is to close down the area to avoid conflict with the violators... Here Lies the United States!

If the US Government will not call to action, Arizona should call in requests for an all volunteer militia to work as members of the state national guard (not for foreign deployment by the Feds, but for ACTUAL homeland defense)... This group should move into and secure the territory at all costs.

Arizona is under attack. The battle has begun... and the Obama administration ignores... The US Government is no longer willing or capable of protecting the people of this nation. Time to file for divorce... this relationship is plagued with irreconcilable differences!

The Leading Cause of Conflict over the Next 20 Years: Climate Change?

2010-06-15T15:15:00.004-06:00

In a not so veiled attempt to push through another nanny state piece of legislation, the Democrats are bulking up their efforts to build the case for Carbon Taxing and other sweeping environmental controls. In doing so, CA Sen. Boxer (D) stated that the biggest threat to world security over the next twenty years is going to be climate change. Let's investigate this claim.

A look at recent conflicts will support the claim that conflicts arise for two main reasons: revolution and/or resources. In the post WWII era the world has been witness to countless armed conflicts on nearly every continent. Within the last twenty years, to provide scope of argument, the following conflicts existed:

1. Gulf War - Iraq invades Kuwait for fuel resources. Significant US resource impact - US leads war to retake Kuwait.
2. Congo Wars - US pulls support for Zaire dictator (put in place to combat communism in Africa) and revolution commenced. US not involved in conflict.
3. Chechen Wars - After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the break up of satellite states in Eastern Europe, traditional Russian territories declared independence and revolution commenced. Russia fought for resources against a revolutionary population, claiming Chechens had no legitimate claim to the territory independent from Russia.
4. Kargil War - India and Pakistan fight for land resources for strategic advantages in the Kashmir region. No US involvement.
5. Kosovo and Yugoslov Wars - a series of conflicts of revolution in a post Soviet bloc country. US NATO involvement.
6. Civil wars in Rwanda, Algeria, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, East Timor, Czechoslovakia, Chad, Nepal, Liberia
7. Invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan for resources/political reason by the US
8. Israel-Palestinian conflicts - including Lebanon attacks, Intifada, Gaza conflicts, etc for Land resources and revolution by the Palestinians
9. Russian invasion of Georgia - civil conflict turned international for land resource reasons by Russia
10. Genocide in Sudan - race war between Black Africans and Arabs for land resources

There are many other conflicts not listed for reasons of brevity, but the consistent cause of conflict remains true: resource or revolution. If the Senator from California is attempting to conclude that Global Warming/Climate Change is going to cause a shortage of resources, thus be the cause of violence, I would argue that constant variation in weather patterns has been cause for population movement and/or adaptation to meet the living needs, and is no new concept. To make the claim that climate, not overpopulation in limited resource regions, is a leading factor is simply propaganda.

Furthermore, I would conclude that the greatest struggle in the next twenty years is NOT going to be caused by climate change, rather by revolution due to failed world economic and police state ventures. Economic power shifts will shun failing economic giants and favor those industrial giants rising to power. The power shift will weaken influences over certain regions and lead to shifting borders and alliances. As the Untied States loses the ability to defend allies, new alliances will have to be formed around the world in order for other countries and regions to best defend their interests and resources. The climate plays no role in these most likely scenarios.

Resources will continue to be scarce in regions with little to begin with - North Africa and regions within the middle east. Wars in these regions, however, are likely to be religious and race based rather than resource based. Such revolutionary class wars/conflicts, I predict, will lend to one of two conclusions: a strong Middle East with greater world influence under a United banner (The Islamic Union), or a perpetually war torn region of political conflict and eventual nuclear war.

In all cases, climate change is of least concern over the next twenty years as the leading cause of international conflict. Be not fooled by the death throws of the Nanny State liberals desperately attempting to ram propaganda and their unconstitutional agenda down the throat of America (and the world). Simple observation and trend analysis, as well as a little logic and reason are useful in annihilating their fanciful theories and leftist agenda.

Ground Zero Mosque

2010-06-07T14:06:00.003-06:00

We Fight Because You Are Here

2010-06-02T14:32:00.006-06:00

"All we ask is, to be let alone" The will of a people to self determine, free from outside government's influence over the internal affairs of a group of self governed, is the strongest cause for war in recent history. However, recent increase in central government size and influence has triggered a near collapse of modern society - economically and socially.

The Declaration of Independence proclaimed that it is the right of the people to cast off political ties when the governed are no longer represented. On this basis of thought a war of Independence, the American Revolution, was fought. The Americans wanted the freedom to self govern, with the simple message to the British: All we ask is to be let alone.

During the war between the states, the series of secession from the Union by southern states came as solidarity to the same cause - self determination, free from the dictatorial influence of the growing northern states. Jefferson Davis gave word as to how the north could end the war, simply by going home, when he stated: All we ask is to be let alone.

The push for land and resources through the Midwestern states was met with heavy resistance by the civilizations already living and hunting on these grounds. The Plains Indians sued for peace on many occasions, only to be slapped in the face by the imperialist US Government determined to claim ownership over land and natural wealth by way of 'Manifest Destiny'. As the tribes of the great plains bore witness to mass occupation of their lands and the eradication of their herds, they engaged in the great Indian Wars with the United States. They fought because the US had invaded their sovereign lands, though through treaty upon treaty they promised peace, if only their lands would be let alone.

Arizona fights, through new laws, against Mexico and the inept US government, because the Mexican Civilian population has invaded their sovereign land. All they ask is to be let alone.

Tibet fights against the Chinese government for the continued occupation of their historically native lands. All they ask is to be let alone.

And so goes the story, time and again. A people, a land, a will to be independent is disregarded by another outside entity... and war ensues. Such is the struggle of recent history.

Enter the Palestine issue. The land that was once entirely known as Palestine under British Control was mandated to be split into two entities upon British withdrawal from interest in the land. The United Nations passed a resolution approving the
creation of two states, Israel and Palestine, with full sovereign authority. Shortly after the vote, there were riots in Israel/Palestine, and after British withdrawal there was a full scale invasion by Egypt, Syria, and Jordan in which Israel captured and held defensive positions of lands against outside forces - the difference between the 1947 UN partition lines and the 1949 armistice lines – or roughly the map of Israel as we know it today (with the Gaza Strip and the West Bank). The issue with the Israeli/Palestinian is a little more complex than “All we ask is to be let alone”; however the concept is very much the same: self determination.

Assuming a starting line of 1948, when Israel declared Independence and was subsequently recognized by a plurality of world governments, the intent of the region was a two state division of the land – mutually sovereign governments, laws, and land. The war of 1948-49 was brought about because, where Israel had an organized governmental structure, the Palestinian Arabs were basically ‘claimed’ by foreign kings, thus the kings fought for land. Fast forward this struggle 60 years and though the players may have changed, the maps and issues remain virtually the same.

Today the concern lies with the independent state of Palestine and the right to self determination of her people. There are those extreme views that decry the existence of Israel and call for her destruction, however, peace is never found in extremism, rather in moderation. It is in moderation where cooler heads can prevail.

Let us use the analogy used above – we fight because you are here – and compare it to tribal lands in the United States. During US expansion treaties were signed strictly defining US territory and Tribal territory. Through settlement and military action in support of white settlers the tribes were drawn into war, time and again, to defend their sovereign and treaty protected land. The Supreme Court, in 1980, ruled that the use of military force and settlement of the Sioux lands was in violation of the treaty of Fort Laramie. The US Justice system determined that treaty defined lines should protect from settlement of another’s sovereign land. As the “last best hope” for humankind, one would have to at least surrender themselves to some logic and reasoning of the United States.

This brings me to a conclusion – that the United States’ silent alliance with Israel is in direct violation of the lessons already learned through bloodshed on our own land. The continued silence and inaction over increased settlement of one nation by the other is in violation of US law as well as UN law. The people of the Palestinian state should be given the freedom of self determination and sovereignty. As well, the natural tendency to resist occupation of Palestinian sovereign lands (as defined by the 1949/1967 armistice lines) can only be expected by a people who simply want to be left alone.

*this does not include the Gaza problem where Hamas maintains a political platform of absolute destruction of Israel... this is extremism, and there is no way to peace but through reason and moderation.

White House Lectures US on 'Jihad'

2010-05-27T13:22:00.004-06:00

The White House's Counterterror Advisor lectured the people of the United States on the derogatory usage of the word 'Jihad' - one which they say is a legitimate tenant of Islam and thus should not be targeted or diminished by the US government or her people. In a move that is both an example of political correctness nuttary AND more evidence of the absolute disconnect of the Obama administration from reality, many across the nation and world are left wondering - WTF?

Brennan said that the word "jihad" should not be applied either. "Nor do we describe our enemy as 'jihadists' or 'Islamists' because jihad is a holy struggle, a legitimate tenet of Islam, meaning to purify oneself or one's community, and there is nothing holy or legitimate or Islamic about murdering innocent men, women and children,"

The word Jihad was first used by the Al Qieda group, as a call for a Holy Struggle, or a Holy War to cleanse the Holy Lands of infidel - the tactic was to bring war to the infidels - the the West.

The technical, broadest definition of jihad is a "struggle" in the name of Islam and the term does not connote "holy war" for all Muslims.

The key words of the last statement being: "FOR ALL MUSLIMS". Nay, Mr Brennan, not for all, rather for the ones determined to return the Middle East to a strict Muslim prison, and extent the tenants of Islam to everyone else, by force.

Maybe I should wait for the White House's next great lesson on Islam: that freedom can only come to a man who submits entirely to Allah!

Next thing you know the US Vice President will address a foreign league of leaders in a foreign city and declare that place the world's true capitol of freedom... oh wait - Biden already made that Declaration in Brussels.

How do we the people opt out of our 'obligatory servitude' to these idiots?

Obama and ICE Officials REFUSE to Uphold Federal Law

2010-05-21T17:21:00.002-06:00

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Officials have stated that they will "not necessarily" process illegal immigrants referred to them by Arizona. Instead, Obama and his legal team are investigating Arizona and Arizona Officials for breaches of Civil Liberties. Protect the law breakers while attacking the law enforcers - Change, indeed!

These ICE officials are on the federal payroll, being paid OUR TAX DOLLARS to perform a job function with the specific job description of dealing with those further detained for immigrations and customs violations. Their neglect to perform their job function is political partisan hackery, and is malicious in nature toward a sovereign state.

The simple fact is this - Arizona did NOTHING more than adopt federal law into state law, allowing the state level agencies to enforce federal laws where federal officials are lacking (slacking). In doing so, Arizona has caused the true colors of the Obama white house to come out with regards to border enforcement - CANARY YELLOW!

EVERY OTHER COUNTRY in the WORLD seems to understand the importance of protecting their borders, and that the freedoms and benefits of their country won't continue to exist without the political cohesion that only borders can provide.

The Federal Government not only is derelict in their duties, they are actively and openly attacking a sovereign state. Is THIS the last straw? How far must they go before we announce that the Federal Government no longer has authority to make ANY decision for ANY state or free citizen? Do we wait until they roll tanks up to the AZ Capitol? Do we wait until they send US troops from 'Northern Command' to pacify the state troopers and city officers enforcing the border laws?

Where is our Sumter?

I Shall NEVER Surrender My Freedom of Speech!

2010-05-19T23:00:00.002-06:00

Man should not fear his fellow man for freely expressing dissenting views, alternate views, or for simply creating that which another cannot understand. Let man live in peace with his fellow man, and leave judgement for the Creator!

I hereby stand in defiance of fear, and submit to you a creation of my imagination, brought to you by way of my inALIENable right to free speech!

Created in solidarity for 'Everyone Draw M'hemd Day' - may we all live in peace and end extreme religious inquisitions!

Does the Next US Civil War Begin over Energy?

2010-05-19T16:11:00.003-06:00

It started when Arizona passed a law clarifying the state law enforcement's role in enforcing existing immigration laws of the United States. Mostly without understanding current laws, without reading the new AZ law, and acting solely on emotion, Liberals across the nation began speaking out against Arizona. What followed was a solidarity to a cause of Arizona Boycott, led by Los Angeles City Council and Mayor. The first shot across the economic bow of Arizona - the new Fort Sumter.

Arizona has fired back, and is threatening to literally go nuclear - that is, they are threatening the LA city council and mayor that if they do not vote to lift their boycott Arizona will move to stop the flow of power to the city of Los Angeles. Arizona provides about 25% of Los Angeles' energy.

"I received your message; please receive mine. As a statewide elected member of the Arizona Corporation Commission overseeing Arizona's electric and water utilities, I too am keenly aware of the 'resources and ties' we share with the city of Los Angeles," Gary Pierce, a commissioner on the five-member Arizona Corporation Commission, wrote.

"If an economic boycott is truly what you desire, I will be happy to encourage Arizona utilities to renegotiate your power agreements so Los Angeles no longer receives any power from Arizona-based generation."

The response from Los Angeles Mayor's Spokesman David Beltran:

"We're not going to respond to threats from a state which has isolated itself from the America that values freedom, liberty and basic human rights,"

What the elected officials from LA seem to forget is that their state and city have nearly the same law on their books. They refuse to acknowledge the impact of illegal immigration on the economy and budget of the states, as well as the increased violence and crime associated with the black markets thriving in the illegal immigration pipeline - including human trafficking.

If Arizona succeeds in cutting power to Los Angeles, through similar laws that require all Texas produced power to be used solely in the state of Texas, one would have to wonder what the next volley of attacks will be. Perhaps massive moves of population from southern California into Arizona for the purpose of civil unrest, followed by Arizona cutting off water to California... Who knows...

I believe the war between the states is being defined, is based on energy and state resources, and will be the test of which regions live and which have become overly dependant on their neighbors. The states who have built infrastructure based on resources and self sufficiency will survive, and naturally those who cannot exist independently will not. LA, an oasis in the deserts of Southern California, is a region that cannot sustain, and thus cannot survive.

Welcome to the Change we can all believe in - Regional energy wars within the United States!

Gulf of Mexico - What Happens Now?

2010-05-17T16:29:00.004-06:00

Millions of gallons of oil have been spilled, and little progress has been made to stop the oil flow. Current estimates suggest that oil will continue to leak from the pipe, even with the new siphon hose, for months. With the excess of oil and chemicals being dumped into the Gulf of Mexico, one has to ask the environmental question of "What Next?"

Current reports indicate a decline in Gulf Water Oxygen levels of nearly 30%. With the addition of oil, the level of oxygen will continue to fall, choking out the entire food chain of the gulf region.

The oil may not have come ashore with full force, but the ecosystem of the entire Gulf region is likely to be lost - the potential for a barren oceanic wasteland - where fish cannot feed on plankton, birds cannot feed on fish... sharks, dolphins, coral... What happens when the inner gulf becomes a toxic waste water region?

It will be interesting to watch... What I do know is that the ecosystem that is destroyed will not be the one that grows back. Non-native species will move into the region as the waters become more habitable. Possible some survivors could repopulate for their species, but they will be at a gross disadvantage to invasive non-natives. One thing is certain - it will take a generation to rebound... possibly longer... and the gulf will never be the same.

Libertas ad Oculos

2010-05-12T17:44:00.004-06:00

Some may have noticed that a few months back I updated my banner image to include a slight image change and added a fuzzy latin phrase: libertas ad oculus. Not being a latin major, or one who pretends to generally understand latin, I began looking into strong latin phrases which summarized the struggle for liberty over tyranny. There were the common "Thus always to Tyrants" and such, but nothing little known that really stood out.

And then I came across a random and obscure phrase - 'ad oculos', meaning 'evident to those who can see', loosely. And I thought to myself how unique and true this is in regards to liberty... libertas ad oculos... Liberty is obvious to those who see it.

It is a phrase that I pieced together which perfectly defined my frustration with the current struggle in this country with our ruling elite and their mob of merry followers. We see the founding documents, the constitution, and understand the inspiration of true individual liberty in the formation of this country... it is so obvious to our kind that we often repeat ourselves to the point of madness, always asking 'what is so hard to understand'...

The answer is that they simply do not see it... they either cannot or choose not to see liberty. They refuse to understand or acknowledge that with a little personal responsibility and self determination, people actually CAN succeed without a nanny state, social welfare programs, etc. They do not see that if left to our good nature, communities would grow stronger in their mutual security, grow prosperous in their mutual innovation, and grow more generous in their mutual (and voluntary) welfare toward our fellow man. People, I believe, who are given the chance to excel will follow their good nature and strengthen their family and community. However, to those who do not see it fear that the repealing of social programs or nanny security state regulations will lead to mass chaos, death, etc. They fear what they cannot understand, and do not understand what they cannot see... Liberty.

They cannot see liberty, and so they fight steadily for something else entirely... something historically familiar... Something tyrannical. It will, as history has repeatedly shown, rest at the hands of those who can see and understand liberty to free the people from servitude to their kings, and restore faith in human ingenuity and goodness.

US Aggression against Sacred Lakotah Lands

2010-05-10T17:17:00.004-06:00

On December 29th, 1890, as the United States rounded up the last bands of Sioux Indians for confinement on the reservation, a small group of lightly armed natives fell victim to the Executive Ordered genocide of their people in a little known event called 'The Battle at Wounded Knee', or more popularly 'The Wounded Knee Masacre'. Wounded Knee was the United State's revenge for Custard at Little Big Horn, and an act of aggression that finally broke the backs, and the spirits, of the Lakota People, the Sioux. The US Army's 7th Cavalry, with orders to eliminate the native population of the plains and the Black Hills, committed acts of mass genocide, including hunting down fleeing women and children, often times leaving their corpses on the prairie to rot. On this particular day, the 7th Cavalry encircled the Sioux and unleashed hell with automatic style weapons until nearly half of the Sioux encampment was dead - a band who had already surrendered and who was in the process of disarming. An act of murder, an act of genocide, and an act of cowardice. The bodies of the men, women, and children were left exposed to the winter weather of the plains for some time and eventually placed into a mass grave - known now as the Wounded Knee Memorial on the Pine Ridge Sioux Reservation.

The aggression, unfortunately, has not subsided. After more than 100 years, many court battles, Supreme Court Rulings, and a current rise in education and activism by the Sioux, the tensions between the Lakotah and the US Military is still extremely high. Most recently the US Army sent a delegation from the 7th Cavalry to the Wounded Knee site, which was met with protest and 'Counting Coup' - an act of challenging your enemy by running up to him and tapping him before battle. Reference the following video:

There are many questions involving this occurrence. To begin, if the US Army intended to plan an arrival on the reservation, what purpose does it serve to send blackhawk helicopters - vehicles of war? What purpose was served by sending the 7th cavalry - the same group responsible for the massacre of the Sioux Population? What purpose was served by landing the helicopters on the burial site of the massacred Sioux - a most sacred and hallowed ground?

The answer is simple - In Obama's Inaugural speech he specifically stated that "The Lines of Tribes shall soon dissolve"... In America, there is only one group of people who define themselves as 'tribes' - those being the native peoples indigenous to this land.

Such an act of disrespect and aggression is on point with Obama's policy toward the tribes. The imagery was intentional - the warbirds of the 7th Cavalry returning home to their grounds of conquest, showing continued US Military dominance over the tribal peoples of the Lakotah. An attempted desecration of hallowed ground was no accident, rather a message that the people buried there deserve no respect from the US Government.

And so it goes across the land, where the few struggle to maintain their sovereignty and dignity, the federal government rushes in with force and intended imagery: We are everywhere, and we control you.

Battle on, brave Lakotah Warriors. Protect the land that is hallowed by the blood of your ancestors. Battle on for your people, for my people, and for the dark pages of American history that make slavery seem small potatoes. Maintain your culture, your land, and the pride of being Sioux.

Fiat Currency, Greece, and the Dow Jones Mishap - Connection?

2010-05-07T02:27:00.003-06:00

The Dow Jones Industrial Average took a 1000 point dive on Thursday as stock prices from stable companies began trading at pennies, an event that triggered a massive sell-off blamed on the Greek Monetary Crisis. The two stories seem related, however, I believe that something much grander occurred - such a dip could produce an enormous transfer of wealth, should one be expecting it.

On the same day that the International Monetary Fund swooped in to bail out Greece to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars, a simple typo caused the single largest daily net loss for the DJIA, a fall back beneath 10,000 - nearly 10% of the total DJIA value... and all within thirty minutes. Seem suspicious to anyone else? Let me be more clear - a well placed investment of a few hundred million could have siphoned a few hundred billion dollars from the market if THEY KNEW there would be such a sharp and drastic drop in market value.

That's right - a potential robbery of a few hundred billion dollars from the free market - seemingly legitimate to the untrained eye.

What happened today was a slight of hand, a trick played amongst a group of bankers running the Federal Reserve and the International Monetary Fund in order to 'create a bubble of wealth' using their system of Fiat Currency rules in order to spread that false wealth to a government who has no tangible wealth remaining.

If it is still unclear, I will make it simpler. There is no standard of wealth against which ANY world currency is measured, only soft currencies based on credit agreements amongst banks. Wealth is not measured in tangible assets, the money itself has no intrinsic value. Governments are in debt, not to the people or necessarily to other countries, rather TO THE BANKS. The same banks responsible for printing paper money are the same carriers of all the world's debt - a debt that is paid back to a group of individuals who have stacked the international monetary policy to their favor for the purpose of POWER. Where wealth cannot be created, there are simple rules to our system allowing it to be skimmed. Such an event can occur when a value of something increases - but that requires tangible assets and those willing to part with them... then there is a skim by wealth transfer. When an investor banks on a market collapse, investments can be made to corral the monies being shed by the market - a sort of siphoning from the market. Nothing had to be created or destroyed, but the potential for a MAJOR monetary transfer mysteriously materialized at the time when the IMF and economic overlords needed it to occur.

The problem with false wealth is that WE THE PEOPLE have no control over our own securities... there is nothing tangible to back up our wealth, more accurately our 'sense' of wealth... The bank vaults are empty. And as this Greek event took place, Portugal seemed on the verge of a similar collapse - along with California and a few other US states. The collapse of the entire economic structure, bridled with slight-of-hand wealth transfers... something big is going on - a fire on the horizon - and we the people are going to be left sweeping ash from the streets!

Making the Case for War with Iran?

2010-05-05T14:45:00.004-06:00

From the early days of the Iraq (war?) I had seen t-shirts that jokingly stated that the US should get out of Iraq, and into Iran – a play on the peace activist’s request to abandon the military actions of the region. For many years during the Bush administration, and now as we well into Obama’s second year, the US Government seems to be building a case that would appease the witty t-shirt designers.

From nuclear development to supporting insurgents in Iraq, Iran has been in the crosshairs of the United States for some time. I recall the Strait of Hormuz incident in which Iranian speed boats were ‘harassing’ the US war ships, an incident which incited saber rattling by the pro-war groups while equally evoking memories of the ‘Gulf of Tonkin’ from the anti-war league. It seems that ne’er a day goes by in which I, as a citizen of the US, am not being pressed by my government to believe that ‘I want to go to war with Iran’.

This week's leading story, just under the BP oil FUBAR in the Gulf of Mexico, has been that Osama Bin Laden is living the high life just north of Tehran – enjoying falconeering, high lifestyle, and surrounded by his wives and children. Even the President of Iran was asked the question, to which he responded ‘I don’t know – hey, he could be in D.C., too’.

If I am following the carrot stick correctly, the entire purpose for Obama to surge in Afghanistan, bring a drone war to Pakistan, and leave Iraq was to bring the fight to Osama Bin Laden and destroy his Al Qaeda network of terror from the top down.

If it is found that Bin Laden is not in Pakistan, rather, in Iran, doesn’t that give Obama the same authority to enter THAT country in the name of justice, the same way that he entered into Pakistan? And doesn’t this provide a convincing final piece to the puzzle for building a case for war against Iran?

I am finding myself compelled to join forces with the anti-war crowd, calling for an end to this perpetual Orweillian war in which the war remains the same, but our enemies and allies mysteriously change on any given day. I must ask the question regarding our role as the 'world police' and if there is any correlation to us being THE world target... increasing the likelihood that our soldiers become targets within the countries that we currently occupy (which STILL include Germany and Japan from WWII). I am at a point where I have to stop the propaganda, and raise some serious questions about when and how these continuous wars will ever end.

Sadly enough a brief look at the history of the United States shows a country continuously at war since before its inception. From fighting the native tribes for conquest of their lands and resources, to the invasion of foreign countries in an imperial effort, the United States has known no time of peace – and it is most certain that the United States has no intention of ending nearly 250 years of aggression – even against her own people. (Has anyone seen the stories on the Pennsylvania ‘we will find you’ television tax ads?)

In closing, when one citizen unplugs from the propaganda bombardment long enough to piece the true history of this nation together and recognizes the habitual pattern, it is little wonder why there is a rising disdain for our nation both from outside sources and from within. With this in mind, I have to raise the red flag on the perpetual war drums from DC, the continued case for war against Iran, and the lengths that the US is going to convince me that ‘war is peace’, and that my ‘ignorance’ is the US’ ‘strength’…

US House Passes Puerto Rico Statehood Measure

2010-04-29T17:18:00.003-06:00

Puerto Rico has been 'blessed' by the US Congress to finally determine her own fate. By a mixed vote of 223 to 169, the House of Representatives gave Puerto Rico the authority of self determination. PR, a territory of the United States, has had an identity crisis for some time, and this vote could lead to the first allowance of a state to the (crippled) Union in over 50 years.

Puerto Rico will get to take a vote on her status in relation to the United States. Becoming a state would allow a voting presence in Congress and electoral votes for presidency. They currently have delegates to congress, but retain no voting rights as a territory. However, as a territory they receive taxpayer funds - to which they pay none into. Becoming a state would increase their taxes, while becoming independent would cut-off the free flow of cash to the island nation.

Words of caution to PR - joining the United States is apparently a one way street. Once you vote to give up your national identity, Puerto Rico will cease to have the liberty it enjoys as a free and relatively independent state. The House Republicans even attempted to amend the vote to say that PR must adopt English as her official language - which would require, what, teaching their students english? OK. Changing to a more 'American Sounding' English name, like "Richport", "Lincoln", "Columbia"... Puerto Rico, Proceed with caution.

And while we're at it - Let's ask the question for each state. There should be a general series of state conferences to re-determine the will of the states to be in, or opt out of the federal government. Gee - I wonder how that would go over?

:)

Here Come the TAXES!

2010-04-27T14:53:00.002-06:00

Like prophets foretelling the coming of a great calamity, the TEA (Taxed Enough Already) partiers have vehemently decried the explosion in rate of government growth, if for nothing more, for issues of fiscal concerns. Now, just a month after a controversial, and unfundable, Healthcare law was signed by Obama, the issue of money is coming to the forefront.

Obama is reportedly keeping all options 'On The Table'... for those of you who don't know what the definition of 'IS' is, that is Obama-ese for 'Here come the taxes!'

In order to pay for the indulgent and pork laden federal government, Obama and Congress are considering a Value Added Tax in addition to all current forms of taxation on the people - the same tax that drives up the cost of consumer end items by as much as 17% in the UK. A tax, I might add, that directly impacts the poor and middle class of this country more than any other. The cost, the government will argue, will be captured at the manufacturing level, not at the consumer level. However, it is obvious to anyone who understands cost flowdown that any impact to the bottom line is flowed down to the end item - to the consumer. The consumers who will feel the impact more than anyone else are those with whom wealth does not dwell.

I have a few suggestions, if Obama really is putting ALL options on the table:
1. Cease funding all unconstitutional and unnecessary federal government agencies, programs, and organizations. Cut federal government spending across the board not by 2% or even 5%. Cut the spending by 80%. There is no reason why the federal government should have a budget of $3 - $4 Trillion annually... By dissecting the budget to under a trillion dollars, focus entirely on mandatory spending, and eliminating wealth redistribution the People of the United States will see an increase of $2 - $3 Trillion in the marketplace (not the federal government), and a return to state's authority of self governance.

2. End the dependence on the Federal Reserve, thus eliminating the federal government paying interest on it's own monies. by ending the federal reserve, the US government will spare hundreds of billions annually in simple interests on monies technically owned by the federal government to begin with. The responsibility of coining money lies with the Treasury - not a non-governmental conglomerate of banks known as the federal reserve. We are giving away money to 'big bad banks' - if they are the problem, STOP. Use the constitution to coin money that is NOT a Federal Reserve Note.

3. Scale back the length of session and the pay for federal employees. For the government to operate successfully, the Legislative session need be no more than 3 months a year and the day to day management of the countries can rest with the people and the states, and in case of emergency, the Executive. With a smaller government, less staff, less pay requirements, etc - the US can streamline and spread power to where it is constitutionally reserved - THE STATES AND THE PEOPLE!

None of these idealistic pipe dreams, however, will be discussed by Obama and his team... In fact, they are only concerned with INCREASING power at the federal level, taxing the proles into oblivion, and ensuring that the bridge between those with jobs and those with power is never breached...

So sit back, enjoy the ride... cause here come the taxes!

Human Rights, Liberty, and Europe

2010-04-19T17:51:00.002-06:00

On a side note, the EU is attempting to declare that 'vacation' is a human right, and one that should be subsidized by the government of the EU. Before I delve into the insanity at work here, I HAVE to hope that the Federal Government doesn't catch wind of this... might give them ideas!

Human rights are those things without which we are unable to realize our fullest potential. The right to life, being the most basic - without which we would cease to simply be. The right to freedom from oppression - without which we could not freely pursue success. The right, of course, to freely pursue success however you so choose to define it. There are many rights that have been bestowed upon us, all supporting a common theme: Equal Opportunity. A just and civil society must allow equal opportunity to all members, an equal opportunity at life, to achieve, to attempt... this, however, should not be confused with equal outcome.

The concept of equal outcome is the antithesis of liberty, the destabilization of a free and just society, the advocacy for increased control of the individual. From taxing success for wealth redistribution to dictating health and education of the poor, the ever expanding government strives for equal outcome under the assumption that the people simply cannot survive without their intervention.

What is happening in Europe is not a comedy, rather a tragedy. The unification of Europe under an increasingly socialistist wealth redistribution mindset is the great end to independent European societies, but also the single largest driver for future wars in Europe. Regional battles for Independence from tyranny historically follow the conquest of lands at some point down the road. Europe beat back the offenses of nationalistic socialism, but has succumbed to globalistic socialism, the second hand of the same beast. They are an indicator for what is to come in America, especially when our unrepresentative leaders strive in every avenue to emulate Europe.

There can be peace on this world outside of absolute government control. Pax Romana is no longer necessary. Common objectives can be sought that unite the peoples of many lands. The move toward global socialistic conquest has been attempted before, and each time war has been the outcome. Peace under threat of force is no peace... Liberty under the watchful eye of the government is not liberty, and government funded personal benefits are no human right!

Tea Partiers are More Educated and Angrier than the Average American

2010-04-14T20:02:00.002-06:00

The New York Times, as reported by MSNBC, has let the cat out of the bag about the redneck racist revolutionaries running and supporting the tea party: "Tea party supporters are wealthier and more well-educated than the general public, tend to be Republican, white, male, and married, and their strong opposition to the Obama administration is more rooted in political ideology than anxiety about their personal economic situation"

Does this mean that the liberal left is going to stop pushing the 'Racist Tea Party' talking points, or the 'uneducated gun toting redneck' talking points? Most likely not.

Though they, being the left, fail to see the irony in the educated leaders of this country revolting in general angst over the direction of the federal government, they can no longer ignore us!

Recent polling indicates that more people identify with the tea party movement than with the direction Obama is taking the country. More people align with the policies of the Tea Partiers, the policies of liberty, than with the leftist agenda in D.C. And the liberal left is grudgingly reporting these as "surprising results" - surprising because we have been ridiculed as racist idiotic rednecks for over a year now... The truth shall set you free!

I proudly identify with the liberty movement in America. I am a proud advocate for limited government and responsible local government. I think that a great political awakening is beginning to take place, and that folks are starting to see that the change for change's sake is bad, simply supporting the lesser of two evils is worse, and politics as usual is simply no longer acceptable.

Vive La Liberte!

WA State Dems: Cut School Funding, Tax Beer and Candy

2010-04-12T21:11:00.003-06:00

Washington State Democratic leadership has held the state hostage for 30 days of a special session in order to address the state budget crisis. After threats of 20% across the board cuts (wouldn't that be nice), and thirty days at a cost to the state of nearly $20,000 a day, the Democratic leadership seems to be passing a budget aimed at cutting funding for the most necessary functions of Government - schools and prisons, while placing nearly $800 Million in new taxes on beer, candy, services and bottled water.

Come November, however, the Republicans will be blamed for funding cuts to the schools - mark my words...

Let's take a look at my main points of contention with the approach the Democrats are taking.

First - the tax increases.

The tax on beer is not across the board. As a matter of fact, it targets low cost/high production beers... the type of beer most likely to be consumed by the working poor - the Coors Light, Rainier, PBR, Budweiser, etc. Exempt are the high-end micro brews, resulting in a tax exemption for the Seattlites who flock to microbreweries after a long day in the office. The tax is on the order of ten cents per can/bottle. A sizable expense to the poor, where every penny counts.

Tax increases were also directed at candy, soda, bottled water, and service businesses - directly hitting the working elements of our state. A tax boycott of candy, bottled water, and soda would directly impact the working distributors of those items, placing further pressure on the working families of this state!

Budget cuts -

There were cuts to the budget, to the tune of slightly more than the expected tax increases. However, these cuts were directed at universities, schools, and corrections. The very fundamentals of our state, and of the state's responsibility to support, were cut - leaving the health care and bloated state employee union wages untouched. The cut to K-12 education relies on the lottery funds to pick up the slack, a crutch that uses a supplemental fund as a primary source of funding... never a strong move. The cuts to universities and corrections further shows the disregard for the people of the state of Washington.

Democrats have, in putting forward this partisan budget, revealed their priorities and allegiances. They have placed special interest and state labor unions above the education of our next generation, and placed the burden of taxation on the hard workers of this state. Each and every representative or senator who is voting in favor of these horrendous budgetary changes needs to be reminded of their failures come November.

Where they refused to cut union wages, we will remember in November. Where they refused to back education, we will remember in November. Where they refused to represent the working poor, we will remember in November.

We will return the favor and refuse to cast our votes for them... and perhaps, by doing so, we can return the government of the State of Washington back to the people... the hard working people of this great state!

White House Considers National Sales Tax

2010-04-08T19:55:00.003-06:00

"White House economic adviser Paul Volcker said yesterday the United States should consider imposing a "value added tax" similar to those charged in Europe to help get the deficit under control. "

Just weeks after signing into law an unconstitutional Trillion Dollar health care system, the White House is looking for ways to start making up for their spending habits... and the answer is: Rob the People!

Instead of looking at their spending habits as the root cause of the deficit problem, they explore ways to bridge the gap in income - typical government! Spend into oblivion then tax the people to death!

Enough is Enough... that is a common theme these days, and for a good reason!

In what universe is the federal government living? Do they actually believe that a European style national sales tax is right for America? Of course they do! And the universe, well, it must be a parallel one in which the wealthy senators and representatives are ruling from their marble palaces in DC, out of touch with all the peasants of the nation... oh wait, that sounds a lot like this one.

At what point do we just push our local state governments into rejecting any new federal taxation, or simply challenging the federal government directly on legitimate constitutional grounds across the board? We simply cannot afford this union under the direction of this federal government. The state leadership has got to step up and say it for the people - 'Enough Taxes, Enough Spending, and Enough Constitutionally Questionable Maneuvers from the tiny District of Washington!"

In Bremerton, WA, Liberty is for the Birds (Or Chickens)

2010-04-06T17:42:00.002-06:00

In Washington State, in a small city across the water from Seattle, the battle for liberty comes down to one word: "Cluck"

Bremerton City Council has taken maneuvers to effectively outlaw laying hens within the city limit. This move impacts dozens of families within the limits of the city who have small flocks of a few birds, used mainly for weed control and fresh egg production. The city councilmen have cited their concern over hiring a new city employee to be the city's watchful eye on backyard chicken farmers.

In comparison, the large city of Seattle allows for up to four laying hens.

The concern of the Bremerton town council is unfounded. Citizens should have the right to raise non-invasive livestock, such as hens, and should be expected to act within the bounds of community sanity. Obviously a large flock on a small property could be considered a nuisance, however, it is not the responsibility of town councils to limit what food sources we choose and what productive livestock we keep - within reason.

There have been calls to allow four hens, but to require a license on each of your hens. I am also opposed to this, as licensing would then require additional license enforcement, as well as establish precedent to licensing other forms of livestock in outlying farms that remain within the city limits.

The philosophy is simple - allow freedom where freedom is logical. To question a community's want or will to raise egg laying hens is one thing, but to restrict the right to raise food producing livestock - that seems to be outside of the scope of government. It would make more sense to ban cats and dogs - who spread ring worms and other diseases to humans on a much larger scale, as well as cause flea infestations in rental and other properties... Dogs and cats are found wondering the streets and neighborhoods and have been known to attack or harass neighborhoods... I can build a much larger case for community safety - however, I believe that people should be held to a higher standard, and given the opportunity to live free and succeed.

So, here in rural Washington, it seems like freedom is, in this case, for the birds!

Census Double Counting Democrat Strongholds?

2010-04-05T13:46:00.002-06:00

Something unusual happened the other day. A friend of mine who happens to be a libertarian minded individual living in a relatively safe Democratic stronghold in the city of Tacoma, posted to Facebook that, oddly, after filling out her Census form and sending it in, she received another identical form with instructions to fill it out and submit. It took about 1.5 milliseconds for my brain to put two and two together and come to the conclusion that the Census must be attempting to double count in Democratic stronghold districts in order to gain additional representation.

A google search for news regarding reports of duplicate forms indicates that, indeed, dense urban areas (traditional liberal havens) are being sent two identical forms, and we, the people, are being reassured that the software and data entry is intelligent enough to NOT double count the entries for a single household.

I have to wonder about this coincidence of 'double counting' in the dense areas... I have to wonder about the software that is counting the data - is it smart enough to discard multiple submissions from the same address?

In an attempt to avoid coming across as alarmist, I do have to raise the question on this most important issue - the very make-up of representation is based directly off the results of these forms... and if, for some reason, the forms ARE double counted (even though you are advised, not instructed, to discard the form if you have already mailed the original in), is the Democratic Majority attempting to stack the decks in favor of redistricting and reapportionment based on these erroneous results.

Any thoughts?

Federal Government Ignores Chaos at Southern Border

2010-03-31T14:58:00.003-06:00

Thousands of illegals continue to flow into the United States across the Mexican/US border on a daily basis - carrying with them drugs, disease, poverty, and an agenda. The United States, after an uproar in 2005 and 2006 over illegals in the US, is still unresponsive - and promises to complete a border fence simply have not been kept. It seems that the United States Federal Government may also have an agenda - but what and why?

With the murder over the weekend of a US citizen by a Mexican drug trafficker, you would expect a media blitz on illegal immigration... you would expect public outcry over the incident... you would expect a statement from the federal government regarding the sanctity of our borders... However, we are getting none of this. There is a near media black-out on this issue, and the Federal Government is remaining silent on their faults leading up to the murder.

Alas, there is a beacon of hope in the media - FoxNews... better late than never, and again filling an agenda of their own - highlighting the further frustration by the border state governments regarding the lack of assistance from the Feds on the promised border security... Let's take the bait and further this discussion, because it is relevant and important to the general message and tone of this blog.

The Federal Government is a collection of representatives from the multitude of states and territories... when they fail to represent, the states are left to fill the void - independent local authority. The increasing chaos along the US southern border leaves the states in a predicament: ignore the problem and wait for the Feds to finally kick into gear, or defend their STATE SOVEREIGN BORDERS? The answer is clear in my eyes.

The United States Government has become a corrupt and failed entity, failing to poses the basic ability or will to defend her own borders. The failure of the US in this avenue is the surest sign that the United States is failing, has failed, or intends to fail as a sovereign entity.

As such, it is time that the multitude of states declare the ineptitude of the current government, and begin taking actions to protect their own sovereign borders. This can only be accomplished by recalling all State Militia (national guard) troops from overseas, and deploying them as active military units along the international borders. Mexico, her people, and her criminal underground have declared a war against the states of the union, the people of the states, and our sovereignty. When the federal government fails to defend the land, the responsibility rests solely with the people and the states.

Gov. Jan Brewer told Fox News on Wednesday that after repeatedly calling on the
federal government to send in 250 National Guard troops, she hasn't ruled out
making the call herself.

We should support and defend the governments in the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California to call forward their OWN national Guard Troops (as they are the Commander in Chief of the State Militias), and move to defend their southern borders. It may be an international border, and thus the responsibility of the Federal Government - but it is also a right of each state to defend their borders against invasion.

Let this be yet another testament to the strength of the states and the people, and another shortfall of the out of touch dictators in D.C.

Recall 'em All!

2010-03-29T18:59:00.004-06:00

While watching the latest edition of 'The Southern Avenger', which addressed the justification for nullification from a Jeffersonian perspective, I had an interesting idea: What if we didn't just nullify, but ordered to recall our representation to the US Senate and Congress?

Now, there was a time prior to the 17th amendment, when the Senators were the representation of the States, and were elected by the state's legislature. Unfortunately the 17th amendment reduced state's sovereignty and representation in the federal government by making them nothing more than long-term congressmen... However, it seems to me that history has proven this an effective strategy at curtailing powers overreached by the federal government.

It seems to me that under the 9th and 10th amendments, the states retain the rights to recall their federally elected officials. Furthermore, 18 states ( Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin) currently maintain law in accordance with the recall of federally elected officials. Be it by the will of the people or the power of the government, one could then assume that all states DO, in fact, retain the rights to recall their elected federal officials.

Now - grounds for recall? Supporting the unconstitutional bill of national healthcare, backroom dealings, etc that are evidence of corruption and gross misconduct while holding the People's Seats!

Any thoughts?

(here is the latest from the Southern Avenger)

The Era of Terror

2010-03-25T14:04:00.003-06:00

In the wake of the Healthcare vote, the fundamental change between government and the subjects of the government, there have been about ten reports of mild violence aimed at Congressional figures, both Democratic and Republican. From threatening letters to bricks, and the now reported bullet hole in a Republican Congressman's office window, there has been a rash of mild violence as Americans find themselves at their wits end with such a radical and fundamental shift in the structure of our government.

Do I condone violence against elected leaders? No.

Do I understand? Sure I do.

No action is meaningless. Such actions seem to be misplaced acts of aggression in the build up of tension between the people and the government... but one thing is certain - they are not, as the Democratic Majority Whip declared, 'acts of terror'! They are criminal acts that echo the mounting frustration by citizens that the congress and the federal government in general are out of control.

I had previously questioned the use of the term "terror", as Homeland Security released their updated briefing last year ahead of the Tea Parties, classifying members of the Tea Party as 'potential terrorists' or 'likely terrorists'. It seems that criminal acts of violence classify as 'acts of terrorism' when there is political gain by the victim in the media, and thus a sympathetic ear by the consumer subject of the union.

The labelling of "terrorist" marginalizes a message while emotionalizing, and as such confusing, the facts on the ground. It is true in the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan as much as it is here in the United States:

* A terrorist is one who targets civilians for the purpose of mass emotional response for political gain.

* An insurgent is one who fights a standing army or leaders of an occupying force by guerrilla tactics.

* A criminal is one who breaks the law in threats and attacks on political figures or private citizens.

I warned that as tensions escalated in the United States, as the battle lines were defined between the subjects and the citizens, that the power of persuasion by mass emotional manipulation would be the most effective and widely used tool. As many are reporting now, it is the intent of the left to insight 60's style liberal violence by the right in order to marginalize our counter position... We are witness to the yet another tactic of the left in their aggressive onslaught of liberty by continued manipulation of the masses!

Reject the wrongful and emotional classification of 'terrorism' given to these criminal acts. Take the fight to the states and courts, and push local government to support sovereignty and nullification actions. Tear the curtains off the windows of the liberal leftists doghouse through legal avenues... reject their policies to the core. And most importantly, call them out on their wrongful and emotional attempts at mass manipulation in the wake of their tragic miscalculation!

Two Americas

2010-03-23T18:44:00.004-06:00

"Healthcare is a right," they say. A right, they truly believe, that the government should provide "free of charge" to every man, woman, and child - citizenship not required. Any human being in the world, they think, should be able to come to this nation and receive free healthcare. Free health services. Free, at the cost of the wealthy. Alas, as consumer subjects of the People's Republic of America, it is our right to steal from the wealthy, the ambitious, the innovative... to pay... for 'free' healthcare... for all... because healthcare is a right to which all humans are entitled... so they say.

There was a time in the history of this country when a man could leave his European (or otherworldly) home, come to America, and turn true grit into success. This was the American Dream. Leave behind the authoritarian constricting governments of the world in search of a free land, where ambition and innovation were worn like badges of honor... where no man, even in a depression, would dare be seen begging for hand-outs - rather he could be found looking for work... a way to feed and protect his family. There was a time when the nation was home to a specific lot, a mindset of personal responsibility... for the self.

In this generation, however, that dream is dead. Ambition and innovation is the exception, and no longer the rule. We have allowed ourselves, en masse, to be deceived - to believe that we are a wealthy nation, when we are in fact bankrupt; that we are a free nation, when we are in fact very limited in our existence; and that the federal government is our provider, when in fact the constitution would suggest otherwise. An abomination has crept into the walls of Troy, has opened the gates, and before our eyes is destroying the very Republic bestowed upon us by our founding fathers... an abomination that we, the people, have welcomed and celebrated... the pillaging of the treasury, the corruption of liberty, and the destruction of virtue - all to the sound of cheers and laughter. We have been deceived, and so we have been conquered.

Hope is not lost, however, but the solution does not come without a heavy burden. There are two Americas: those who hold fast that a virtuous people shall be the masters of their own fate, and those who believe that, at all costs, the people are entitled to health and happiness. I remind you that the Declaration of Independence firmly stated that men were guaranteed certain inalienable rights - that among these were Life, Liberty, and the PURSUIT of Happiness... The pursuit of happiness... Happiness is not a guarantee... Health is not a guarantee... it cannot be given to you, by the government, at anothers expense. YOU must Pursue it. YOU must make the journey, and take the responsibility for your own health, your own happiness. There are two Americas. They are mutually exclusive. One cannot survive in the presence of the other. The solution is simply to cast aside one mindset over the other. Cast aside liberty, or cast aside slavery.

The choice is simple. Supporting liberty, in the spirit of our founding fathers, is the only hope in restoring America to a nation of greatness... to a nation of virtue.

Support liberty. Join in the struggle to not simply make a party change in the government, but to fundamentally correct the course of this nation! Take back the state houses. Take back the school boards. Take back the counties and the cities. Use the power of the states to take back the power from the federal government and return it to the people and the states!

Turn to the States!

2010-03-22T17:58:00.002-06:00

Unrepresentative Arrogance... two words which describe the push of "Obamacare" through the chambers of Congress - put into pictures it is Pelosi carrying a giant gavel, as if saying: "I AM THE LAW!"

The medicare gavel, a poor choice of representation of such a "zero impact" bill - but I digress.

The states hold the power in this union... at least they used to, and can once again. From Virginia, to Florida, to Idaho, State Attorney Generals are preparing to battle the federal government in court over the constitutionality associated with mandating, from a federal level, that the private citizens of a state purchase a good or service. Moments after Obama signs the Bill into law, the courts will be flooded with suits and counter suits that will tie up legislation for years.

But this is a double barrelled assault! States, such as Washington via House Bill HB2712, are ensuring increased power at the state level in a most ingenious way! This bill would allow the state of Washington to create an Escrow fund that ALL federal taxes would be paid into by the residents of the state of Washington. The state board in control of the account would determine what is constitutionally due the federal government from the plurality of the residents of the state, and provide a lump sum on behalf of the people of the state. In doing so, the board could deem any amount intended to cover "Obamacare" nullified, and as a state, challenge the federal government's authority to collect that portion of taxes.

When in doubt, turn to the local and state governments! It is there where the power of the people resides! If the states are corrupt and cowardly, you will go farther in local and state elections, and have a better chance of turning over weak elected officials than entrenched incumbents at the federal level... until, perhaps, they realize (as they are sure to do) that the power does, in fact, reside at the state level!

So, be not dismayed! Turn to the 2010 election and support your state representatives who are in favor of state's rights, nullification, and LIBERTY!

The US Identity Crisis

2010-03-17T22:36:00.002-06:00

The federal government intends to pass trillion dollar fundamental changes without a vote, and the President is OK with that? What part of 'support and defend the constitution' is so hard to understand?

Meanwhile the census forms arrived yesterday asking me which variety of Hispanic I am... let's just say that there is a box around question number one for a reason... it is the only constitutionally required information... everything else is voluntary - and highly inappropriate, might I add...

And at the state level we have a government cutting ferries to improve schedule, going into a costly special session to balance the budget, and enacting laws prohibiting the movement of any livestock on the roads without a special permit (even if you buy them at the feed store, yes, you need to first obtain a special permit before you can drive 'em home).

This is NOT the land of the free...

This has become some horribly disfigured version of a national empire with absolute authoritarian control over her people...

What worth am I, therefore, if I don't walk straight up to Uncle Sam and remind him with smack in the face and a few head dunks in the barrel of cold water that he is more than he has become... that we all are more than we have allowed ourselves and our land to become... what worth are any of us if we do not see this identity crisis, this false America that has been built around us... like prison walls...

like prison walls...

The United States Officially "Mostly Free"

2010-03-15T14:58:00.004-06:00

How 'free' are we in the United States? We are a country whose people thrives on the very concept of living in the 'land of the free'... What effect would be felt if we were living in the land of the 'mostly free'?

Most likely none, as the pomp and circumstance associated with nationalistic pride outweighs the actual facts on the ground.

The Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom for 2010 shows the United States falling to 8th place, and for the first time EVER, out of the standing as a "free" economic society to a "mostly free" society - joining such countries as Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Botswana, and Chile. That is right. The Leader of the Free World has been demoted to a second rate economic society, ranking slightly higher than Mexico (who is gaining much economic traction on the world stage, though currently "moderately free") and, yes, ranking lower than Canada (who is classified as "economically free").

In our lifetime, and under the charging banner of the Federal Government of these many states, the United States has officially surrendered her freedom, losing rank and credibility both regionally and throughout the world.

The image displays the change in ranking from 2009 to 2010. The United States is losing ground in every ranked category, less 'trade freedom' (which improved by one tenth of one percent, and 'Fdm. from Corruption' (though we will lose ground next year due to TARP, as stated in the report).

Regarding our lowest ranking, Government Spending:

Total government expenditures, including consumption and transfer payments, are relatively high and rising rapidly. In the most recent year, government spending equaled 37.4 percent of GDP. Spending increases totaled well over $1 trillion in 2009 alone, an increase of more than 20 percent over 2008. Stimulus spending set for the next three years is estimated to equal 5 percent of 2009 GDP.

A summary of rank changes is as follows:
Business Freedom: -0.6
Trade Freedom: +0.1
Fiscal Freedom: no change
Government Spending: -1.6
Monetary Freedom: -5.9
Investment Freedom: -5.0
Financial Freedom: -10.0
Property Rights: -5.0
Fdm. from Corruption: +1.0
Labor Freedom: -0.3

Another piece of information that has been largely unreported by the mainstream media, nor discussed at large, nor regarded as important to the powers that be. Looking for the silver lining on this is like trying to polish a ... well... you know.

We the people, in the land of the mostly free, have allowed ourselves to slip further into historical obscurity... an experiment gone horribly wrong...

Bill Whittle reminds us...

2010-03-15T13:54:00.002-06:00

... to stand up and take the country back, by LIVING free. It is inspiring to hear this kind of reminder that our Nanny State can be undone simply by stating... well... watch for yourself:

2010 Census: General Civil Disobedience

2010-03-11T17:41:00.002-07:00

The US Constitution allows the Federal Government to count the citizens of the nation once every ten years... allowing, specifically "The Enumeration" in order to properly determine the balance of representation in the House of Reps. Each decade since 1790, the United States has asked for an increasingly larger amount of information. Genealogical research done by me has found that during the 19th century and early 20th century, the census asked questions of race, occupation, and income, and worth.

In the 2010 census, the federal government plans to collect :

1. Mortgage information
2. Phone information
3. Hispanic Heritage (an entirely separate question from race, but WHAT KIND OF LATINO ARE YOU!)
4. Racial information
5. Specific address including GPS Coordinates of YOUR FRONT DOOR

If you do not comply with any portion of the form, you will be fined $100.

In the early census records I have, the information was limited to members of the family, age, sex, if you were black or white, parent's place of birth, your place of birth, and the county in which you lived. This information, especially the race, helped track families as they migrated across the territories and has been most helpful in my genealogical searches...

However, I find it hard to believe that the US government needs to GPS my front door, needs specific racial information based on categories defined by (???), and mortgage information about my home! I plan on taking part in the census, but I WILL omit certain information and refuse any fine for doing so. As well, any census taker who approaches my front door without a warrant to collect GPS coordinate data will be placed under a citizens arrest by me for trespassing.

I recommend similar general disobedience in the face of this unconstitutional seizure of "other" data besides the afforded Enumeration... any additional information you provide is your express WAIVING OF YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

For your entertainment, see the following videos...

To WA State Democrats: "It is time for a diet, not Taxes"

2010-03-09T18:24:00.005-07:00

As addressed in a comment by state Republicans in WA, state Democrats are unilaterally pushing for the largest one-year tax increase in the 121 years of statehood, with nearly a billion dollars in proposed tax increases.

A concept that is lost on state democrats is that when times are lean, it is prudent to also cut the fat from unnecessary government growth and spending that has built up over the years. Of course, it would be prudent to say that the fat should never accumulate in the first place - however, the nature of government (as it exists today) is to spend someone elses money on a vast multitude of non-necessities.

A hard lesson for the state, and for democratic leaders of the state: Lose the fat, trim up, and minimize intake.

THAT IS RIGHT. The same prescription for health of the individual is fitting for government...

Lose the Fat: time to trim out pet projects and reduce spending to bare bone necessities of defense, education, and light infrastructure necessary to ensure continued prosperity

Trim Up: cut unnecessary employees. The main source of government spending is the sheer size of government employees. Cut back to necessary functions of government - all the rest should make it on the free market, not on the government jobs program.

Minimize Intake: taxes are a nuisance, not a necessity. Article VII of the WA state constitution deals with taxation, and I recommend that section 8 "Tax to Cover Deficiencies" be stricken from the constitution and replaced with an amendment requiring a balanced budget with the exception of times of declared war. Moreover, a balanced budget would not simply mean "tax to meet our needs", rather it should be law for the state to 'limit the size of government based on necessary means'. Reducing the tax intake will ensure a leaner, healthier government.

Dept. of Interior Land Grab: 10 Million Acres of PRIVATE PROPERTY

2010-03-08T14:15:00.004-07:00

In a dramatic behind the scenes power move by the federal government over the states, the Interior Department (the same guys responsible for our wonderful BIA - Bureau of Indian Affairs) is moving forward with an agenda to seize over 10 million acres of private land for federal control. Like many of the most heinous crimes against this country that the federal government has committed over the past many years, this one is being done out of the main eye of the public and without much debate - save Sen. DeMint who is TRYING DESPERATELY to rally the public on this issue:

From the Washington Times:

"A secret administration memo has surfaced revealing plans for the federal government to seize more than 10 million acres from Montana to New Mexico, halting job- creating activities like ranching, forestry, mining and energy development. Worse, this land grab would dry up tax revenue that's essential for funding schools, firehouses and community centers. President Obama could enact the plans in this memo with just the stroke of a pen, without any input from the communities affected by it."

According to the article, the ability for the federal government to perform land grabs in a case such as this is part of the 1906 Antiquities Act, however, we are witness to another case of the federal government using soft loopholes to centralize power.

What is more, this land is high energy land - land in the western states known to have large amounts of natural resources, mines and oil fields currently in operation in some cases. The intent is to shut down mines and oil operations as part of an environmental lurch left. This shut-down will cost thousands of additional jobs, though this seems an obvious trade-off to all those miners and other employees and private land owners ON THE LAND NOW... I mean, it's the environment, and the climate, and if THAT isn't a national treasure/monument, I don't know WHAT is...

Under the Antiquities Act, it appears that by Presidential Discretion land can be 'consumed' by the fire of the federal government, without approval from the state governments or private property owners, for the sake of "science" - in this case climate science. The text reads, in part:

American Antiquities Act of 1906
16 USC 431-433

Sec. 2. That the President of the United States is hereby authorized, in his discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States to be national monuments, and may reserve as a part thereof parcels of land, the limits of which in all cases shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected: Provided, That when such objects are situated upon a tract covered by a bona fide unperfected claim or held in private ownership, the tract, or so much thereof as may be necessary for the proper care and management of the object, may be relinquished to the Government, and the Secretary of the Interior is hereby authorized to accept the relinquishment of such tracts in behalf of the Government of the United States.

Congress has a history of passing bad law, law that could otherwise be deemed unconstitutional, and law that seldom makes sense on the ground. This act is prime example of a carte-blanche authority for the federal government to acquire private land under the guise of science... when climate and environmental science is the 'science-de-jour', does our protection from unconstitutional land seizure vaporize?

This brings me back to the topic of Nullification. It is up to the states and the people of the states to openly reject, TO OPENLY REJECT the doctrine of the federal government - be it done by Republicans or Democrats... The Federal Government is existing outside of the confines of the Constitution - so much so that this nation is not even a shadow of its founding self... it is, in fact, nothing at all resembling a free nation of free people...

In need of good candidates

2010-03-03T23:35:00.003-07:00

The loss of Deb Medina in Texas last night was a blow to the absolute 10th amendment movement as part of the "restructure" wing in the GOP. Medina was the best hope at placing pressure, true pressure on DC in order to advocate for state's rights and state's sovereignty from the US leviathan.

In light of her defeat, though she did a great job rallying supporters en masse, it is now time to look toward future primary races and in states where a balance of power can be tipped in favor not of political power but in leverage on DC to retreat to within its constitutional constraints.

I have a few individuals listed at the header of my blog, namely Craig Williams for US Senate in WA.

Are there any other candidates that my readers could recommend for my viewing pleasure? It would be great to take this time to focus on candidates and individual races ahead of the 2010 elections.

Thanks!

Talking in Circles

2010-02-25T20:50:00.003-07:00

Be it writers block or good old fashioned lack of inspiration, times like the last few days make it very hard to sit down and write anything of substance. I often tire of simply "discussing" the news, especially when the news is more of Obama pushing some socialized agenda of one sort or another. I have shared my views on life, liberty, and the pursuit so many times that I wonder if I am beginning to talk in circles around the same topics. I have addressed everything from state's rights to religious existentialism, from space exploration to the Pope. What else is out there waiting to be discussed, I wonder... what of substance... what new idea or thought is so grand that it must be shared with the world? Or perhaps I have, over the past three years, sufficiently made my case for liberty and small government that now the act of applying them to the news events of the day in current event commentary is so obvious that it isn't fun anymore...

Has Obama and the Democratic extremism made liberty SO obvious that it has become 'duh'?

To me, perhaps.

But, and again I repeat myself, let the masses not be fooled by simply putting an 'R' where a 'D' once sat.

So, perhaps some advice... how do we keep the obvious entertaining and inspiring? How do we explain a breath of air, or tell a heart to beat? How do we make the obvious any more obvious without talking circles around it?

Passing the Buck - Democrats approach at governing

2010-02-23T16:14:00.003-07:00

Washington state democrats, who currently hold a majority in the state, have overturned the peoples initiative I-960, which required a super majority to implement new taxes. The Democratic Gov, Gregiore, will sign the nullification bill tomorrow opening the flood gates for new taxes. In fact, Democrats are already proposing a billion dollar tax increase ranging from cigarettes and bottled water to a sales tax across the board (with the obvious proposed rebate for 'working class' families).

In fact, tax increases of this nature are nothing more than the Democratic leadership passing the buck. Instead of refusing pressures from union bosses, cutting state employees, and otherwise curbing spending, they are passing off the cost of their unproductive government programs to the taxpayers. When they should be fixing the problem, they are reinforcing their habits by spending OUR money.

The democratic style of governing is bankrupting cities, states, and the union itself. It doesn't work, it won't work, and it is going to back fire come election day. If only 2010 were also a gubernatorial year in WA...

Nullification? Naturally!

2010-02-22T21:19:00.002-07:00

On the verge of financial ruin, the United States federal government seems determined to continue spending, printing, taxing, and deflating monies representative of the nation. With each billion spent, each trillion debt increased, and each bond sold to foreign investors, the strength of the United States is reduced, if ever so slightly, until the entire foundation is found to be eliminated. Like a risky game of Jenga, the central government must be concerned about state insurrection against their diminishing powers.

I bring this topic to the forefront as a headline flashed upon my screen over the weekend that got very little play: Governors want in on Health Care Summit.

That is right. The governors of the 50 states are directly challenging the powers of the federal Representatives, Senators, and the President himself, asserting their powers over the teetering central government - namely because the states and the people are going to be asked to foot this bill.

In short, the states, in coming to the table, are stating that they have the right to elect NOT to participate if the proposal is deemed bad for the states, by the STATE government and the PEOPLE.

The power of this nation does now, and always will rest in the hands of the people of the states. Obama, the congress, and the federal government in general is about to bear witness to wide scale nullification, general insurrection, and the complete loss of their authoritarian control over the peoples of this land.

Rebellion is the beating heart on which this country was founded. It should be no shock that nullification is the natural progression in such over reaching proposals.

Enacting Liberty, not just getting R's elected

2010-02-18T20:07:00.002-07:00

The year is 2010. We are well into the second year of arguably the most liberal president in the history of the United States, backed by a near supermajority of liberal leaning congressmen and senators in the federal capitol. The left is pushing for a radical Eurofication of the United States, the right is determined to stall on the basis of American Exceptionalism when it comes to our form of government. The state governments are ripe with the same partisan conflicts, the same partisan rhetoric, the same core fundamental disparities. The people of the states, too, are mobilizing for one side or the other. On every level there is such a divide present that the very fabric of our society is beginning to tear at the seams.

This is a struggle that must be resolved, and it must be that absolute liberty is the victor, lest the great experiment will cease to exist.

That is why, in 2010, it is more important to defend liberty, defend streamlined government initiatives, support true liberty minded citizens who are interested in restoring balance in the government and not merely looking for a switch in partisan power.

As I have eluded to in a number of articles, my biggest fear is that the power swing in 2010 will do little to address core concerns with the direction of this country, and do more to merely swing power to a different set of criminal politicians.

Liberty means more than low taxes and republican victories. It means more than a Gadsden flag, or a tea party convention. Liberty is only possible when you live without fear of reproach from your government AND without fear of retaliation from your neighbor. We must be careful not to cry liberty while in the minority, merely to rule with an iron fist once in the majority.

Inasmuch, we must draw a clear line in the sand - what is the absolute extent of government power... and stick to it.

Unless we can resolve this fundamental question, all other disputes are unwinable.