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

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.

The Scariest Halloween for Democrats

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.

Enacting Liberty, not just getting R's elected

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.

Liberty Republican Turns 500, Approaches 3rd Anniversary

Starting the new year (and the new decade) with all the energy one man can muster, the Liberty Republican is further charged with two great milestones - 500 blog posts and nearly 3 years of blogging.

This being my official 500th Blog post, let me take a moment to reflect on the community and discourse that has grown and changed over my 500 articles. All of my articles have been heartfelt; they have been either personal, political, or spiritual in a way that only a blogger can fully understand. This blog has become a sounding board for my political platform, providing priceless direction from alliances, commenters, and the occasional old rebel! It has given me voice and community when local institutions failed, and has encouraged my level of political involvement by way of strengthening my core values and understanding of our constitutional republic (that what it once was!). The shared thoughts and ideas, the professional relationships, and the friendships - they have all aided in the continued identity of Steven M Nielson - Political Blogger. For your involvement, I thank you.

As I move forward with this blog it is important to understand the direction in which I am going. Like any intellectual, it is wise to know that the ship must be free to change course during her journey. As such, this blog that began as "Conservative Issues, Conservative Guy", changed into "The New Conservative" in order to better define intent and to appeal to a wider audience. As the political tide changed, and I watched as the Republican Party self destructed under the leadership of neo-conservative war mongers, and the country with it, it was for the preservation of my political integrity to change the name to "The Liberty Republican" - one who no longer watches curiously from the sidelines, rather one who takes the wheel and rights the listing ship.

Will I always be the Liberty Republican - perhaps. However, it is my hope that the word "liberty" becomes a repetition as the Republican Party returns to core values of individual freedom and personal liberty/responsibility. What a joy that day will be when I can simply state that I am a Republican, and know that it means something worthy of announcing out loud.

In the mean time, I will march triumphantly beyond my 500th post, chin up, face into the sun, and sleeves rolled up high - ready to take the fight to the traitorous slobs who are destroying this country's economy, liberty, and historical standing. Hell, I'll do it clinging to my guns and my god, charging my battle flag to the top of capitol hill if I have to!

Thank you for tuning in. Here is to another 500 posts, and continued success as Free People!

Kitsap County Republicans - No Room for Communication?

In a dramatic display at the November Kitsap County Republican Board Meeting, the issue was raised as to the effectiveness and purpose of the monthly meetings. It was a vocal, yet diplomatic, debate between the board members which ultimately drew outbursts from the crowd of Precinct Officers and guests. The ultimate message was clear - this was not the forum to conduct anything but official party business.

With that dramatic conclusion, one has to ask - what avenue is afforded the public and the Precinct Officers to raise concerns or address the board if not during the board meetings?

It would appear that the board of volunteers' idea of party business may be off target.

The Bylaws of the KCRP section IV Section F paragraph 2 indicates that "[The Executive Board] shall advise and assist the County Chairman in carrying on political campaigns, and in doing all things proper and necessary to promote the welfare and success of the Republican Party."

The success of the Republican Party - an interesting term is used in the Bylaws. How would one measure success? If success is measured in electing candidates the KCRP has 3 of 17 county affiliated seats filled by Republicans, two of those three, as Ed Mitchell (Board Member) stated, "do not feel welcome at Republican Executive Meetings".

If success is measured in fielding a farm team of candidates, there is little effort being made by the part R&D group to seek out candidates, rather they are mainly relying on candidates to step forward and identify themselves. There is no farm team. There is no "holding area" used to train and coordinate a county wide effort. There is no strategy - and on that the Democrats hang their success.

The most devastating revelation last night was the suggestion by County Chair Sandra LaCelle that the KCRP should limit the organization or involvement with grassroots events for fear that GOP affiliation in an event will detract from support. Unfortunately, a County Party pulling out of grassroots events is absolute surrender. The County Party should organize a certain number of events, and ENCOURAGE even more. How, I ask, does it benefit the success of the party to limit the one monthly meeting to appointments, treasurers reports, and event date announcements while at the same time disallowing idea sharing and town hall style discussion, and how does it benefit the success by eliminating affiliation or support of grassroots events?

In fact, there is no grassroots affiliation, no room for discussion, and little room for two way communication with the board and the PCO's. The Kitsap County GOP webpage has no real avenue for real time idea sharing or issue discussion. There are no organized or advertised local "meet-ups" where those looking to voice an opinion or get involved can go. There is no avenue to channel productivity, innovation, or activism. Because of these shortcomings the Party is and will be absolutely broken, and accomplish little more than an hour long discussion about whether or not to allow comments from the peanut gallery.

The solution is simple, and can be accomplished by making the following changes:

1. Update the web-page to allow the inflow of ideas and real-time communication of action items. Incorporate an Action Tweet feed on the home page. Include real time breaking news. Make the page a dynamic location that drives action, provides information, and allows for communication in both directions - input and guidance.
2. Decide on a message. This was brought up during the hour long debate on inclusion, but no clear message was discussed or voted on. What does the KCRP stand for? What do they believe in? What is the single unifying message that we can share that will both direct activists and inspire leadership?
3. You have goals, now define strategies. This was also mentioned during the debate, but again, no strategy was discussed. HOW will the KCRP elect Republicans to office? I can tell you that it starts with the ability to mobilize and organize grassroots and foot soldiers - NOT by disassociating yourselves from them!!!
4. Organize weekly Friday Activist breakfasts. Not everyone can come all the time, but it is a great place for candidates to speak, for concerned citizens to speak, for Republicans to share ideas and to build community. If we can provide activities, more folks will get involved. It will grow from there.

The 2008 campaigns provided a necessary lesson on technology. It was successfully used by the Democrats who continue to use their base and infrastructure to motivate and drive action... the fact that we STILL don't have anything close is a shame. Long gone are the days of static web pages and week long lags in communication. We are in a communication age that leaves us with a decision as an effective Political party: Sink or Swim?

Which is it KCRP - Sink, or Swim?

The Price of the "Big Tent" Revealed

If I wasn't clear before, let me be perfectly clear now: SUPPORTING LIBERAL REPUBLICANS (aka RINO's or "Moderates") FOR 'BIG TENT' STRATEGY IS ABSOLUTE INSANITY.

Gingrich, Steele, and many others backed the NY Congressional House District 23 Republican Scozzafava, a self proclaimed Moderate Republican. On the surface this seems harmless enough, but once one delves into her true colors, it is any wonder why she is a Republican at all.

HD23 in New York has been held by Republicans for 120 years. It is a conservative stronghold in a liberal state. To win in HD23, you must be a Republican. In this case, democrats are disguising themselves as republicans in order to win votes, and even using party rules and assemblies to win support of the party without the electorate's support of the values which they represent.

Scozzafava the "Republican" was anti-gun, pro-abortion, pro-govt. healthcare, pro-Obama... which is no wonder why Charles Schumer and Rahm Emanuel successfully counseled her to support THE DEMOCRAT in the race after withdrawing over the weekend. That is right, the "moderate" Scozzafava endorsed the very liberal Democrat Bill Owens over the NY Conservative Party candidate Douglas Hoffman.

I reject the argument that we should embrace moderates where conservatives can't win to "build a big tent"...lest we end up with liberals where a conservative best represents the republican values.

To be a Liberty Republican is not to be a radical Right Wing Extremist. Rather it is to embrace the radical concept of freedom from government, freedom of self determination, freedom of property protection, and freedom of personal protection.

A "moderate" social conservative may be an acceptable candidate if they can adequately build a case based on liberty and limited government. To show an understanding of the principles of Liberty and the backbone to defend them at all costs makes you a liberty republican... Not just because you place an "R" behind your name on a ballot.

Enough is Enough. 2009 elections are going to reflect the anti-big-government sentiment in the US, and will fan the flames for Tea Party progress moving forward into 2010.

Goldwater reminded us that "extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!"

Is it so extreme to ask our Republican Leadership to listen to the grassroots Liberty Movement and help give Liberty a Second Chance in America?

Or, shall we be so resigned as to accept that even the Republican Party believes that Big Government, more taxes, and more regulation are the only answer to America's future.

If so, I offer you an America with one party rule. The price of the Big Tent, indeed.

GOP Power Struggle - Fixing the "Warlord" Party

CNN reports, most humorously, that the GOP is a shattered party in "warlord" status. I say humorously because it is on par with calling water wet. There was one clear message in the 2008 Primaries - the party had no leadership. The current leadership had failed (GW Bush), the party constituents felt increasingly unrepresented, and the vetting process for leadership failed miserably with the selection of John McCain.

There is currently a battle underway, between the old dogs like McCain, and the new dogs like Palin. A power vacuum of epic proportion:

In one corner, conservatives are accusing moderates of abandoning party principles. In the other, moderates are blasting conservatives for drawing partisan lines. And then there's the Tea Party fringe that's attacking both sides -- moderates because they are moderate and conservatives because they are not conservative enough. "Where the Republicans are having the biggest problem now is sort of a vacuum of leadership," said Republican strategist Chris Wilson.

With 2010 quickly approaching, the GOP leadership is going to rise from the most vocal and most active crowds. This means that the 2010 GOP primaries and general election are most likely going to be driven by the "fringe" Tea Party activists (I say fringe because CNN may not recognize that the Tea Party philosophy is actually becoming very mainstream). The party has lost identity, purpose, and confidence of the electorate... on this point, the CNN report is right.

The CNN report goes on to say: "The reason, according to Avlon, is that the Republican Party tried to move forward without dealing with the mistakes of the recent past."

The mistakes of the recent past do continue to plague the RNC and a general Republican "brand" which is exactly why Michael Steele and other National level figure heads have been completely ineffective in "fixing" the party. They have attempted to continue marching forward with no valid attempt at reconciliation. It is this disconnect which has moved the RNC out of favor with many GOP affiliated voters and independents. With the RNC so out of touch with the voters, there is no way they can claim to represent the party members.

However, the mistakes of the past are being reconciled on a different front... the "fringe" Tea Parties are airing the dirty laundry list of the "fed-up" Republicans. To be a Republican used to mean a leaning on certain core values... these values were the tent poles, and all were welcome inside this tent. However, the current party is plagued by an inability to stick to the principles:

*Social conservatives have worked to isolate a certain part of the population, using the power of government to push an agenda.
*Security conservatives have become war hungry, using 9/11 and the "fear" of imminent attack as a means to perpetuate foreign war as well as eradicate civil liberties at home.
*Fiscal conservatives became corrupted by power and "spent" like socialists.

We became the gay-bashing, war mongering, fiscally loose political party who insanely surrendered the very liberties we were supposed to protect and defend... We became paranoid in the aftermath of 9/11, so much so that we actually offered up civil liberties in a massive expansion of the federal government, aiding in the redefinition of "government" in America - I fear a lurch toward totalitarianism that we may never get back.

What must come from this? What Lesson is to be learned? How must we rise from the ashes as a new and more perfect political party? How can we be the party to reclaim American Liberty - relighting that shiny beacon on the hill?

The answer - Principled Leadership.

We need a leader who understands the fact that only 25% of Americans approve of Congress' Job. This alone draws into question the partisan struggle for over-reaching government control of our daily lives.

We need a leader who understands that ability to use force is sometimes more powerful than the use of force, and that Americans want to be done fighting perpetual wars.

We need a leader who understands that the only way to fix this nation is not to further divide the country by fanning the flames of "control" that separate American from American, rather to scale back the grip of government social engineering, letting Americans once again experience liberty.

All things can be solved in this nation by following a simple philosophy - smaller government means more freedom.

A republican leader needs to live by that simple philosophy and lead by it as well... it is with that fundamental value that we become the "big tent" party once again. We need a leader who will redefine the party as the small government party. We need to counter the Democrats, not become the democrats.

We need to give the American people the opportunity to succeed, not simply have the government "do it for us". Yes, that means rejecting a government run health care system in favor of re-writing the rules to allow doctors to work more directly with patients at a more affordable cost. The answer, I tell you, is not a government take-over... it is in Tort reform, an increase in community clinics for health and wellness visits, and a challenge to the American People to lead healthier lives.

We need to give the American People true liberty... that includes sexual affiliation. No studies have shown that same sex couples do mental or physical damage to bringing up children. There is no harm in same sex hospital visitations. No harm is going to be done to our society by giving a same sex individual the right of kinship or the power of attorney. We need to not run the government like a church, and remove church functions from government - like marriage. The government should not recognize ANY marriage as a "blessed event" (actual words from the Pierce County, WA marriage License). The answer is to allow Contracts of Civil Trust, where religiously married individuals as well as same sex couples can enter into a civil trust with one another, allowing powers of attorney, shared resources, etc. Why are we using the government to force social agenda's one way or the other? Judge not lest ye be judged... Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Let us find a leader who can respect the social conservative values of this country while at the same time explaining the perils of social engineering by the government, and you have a party that can now focus on the real issues of government expansion.

We need to give the American People a smaller government, less taxes. Reduce and eliminate government programs across the board. Set the challenge to the states to pick the programs that work for their communities and leave it to the states. Let's start living by the Constitution at all levels, and eliminate government excess.

We need to stop running the government like a business. Businesses live to make a profit... if a government makes a profit it should be returned to the people. We should pay down our debts, which further ensures our security, eliminate the ability of the government to put us into eternal debt, and stabilize our form of currency - returning it to a treasury note, eliminating the Federal Reserve.

Gingrich changed the GOP in 1994 with the Contract with America. We need similarly strong leadership and a renewed message of clear objectives. We are the party of small government, increased liberties, reduced taxation... somewhere along our journey we lost our way. This is our opportunity to correct the course... If only we have leadership strong enough to make these changes.

I have a list of potentials for the 2012 GOP. Do you see one capable of leading our course correction? Please vote to the right. If you don't see your "pick", please, leave a comment and let me know of a rising star!

Passion, Tears, Disarray at Kitsap County Republican Meeting

There is an electricity in the air. A political buzz, a charge, coursing through the veins of libertarians, conservatives, and independents. It is almost as if there is a great re-awakening of the "liberty consciousness".

At the October Kitsap County Republican meeting the energy manifested itself in a series of passionate statements by the board members present, who all voiced their frustration with D.C., Olympia, and their local overwhelmingly Democratic 'overlords'. When the floor was open for comments, there was a vocal chorus of desire and drive for involvement, in one case invoking tears from a woman so deeply struck with the erosion of her liberties. There was a charge in the room, an energy that if bottled would surely burn brightly...

However, there seems to be a piece of the puzzle missing, as I see it time and again across this nation... the passion is there, the voices in the crowd are there... but the leadership... the leadership is in disarray. More time was spent by the board members trying to understand the election structure of a subcommittee than discussion of actual business - how to motivate the 40+ foot soldiers who gave up their Monday night to join in the conservative movement. Many left after assuring the board that the meeting was a waste of their time and they would not return... it is very sad that the board may not have gotten the message.

To the leadership of the Kitsap GOP, and to those of you reading this who may not feel like you have been given direction in this movement, there are a number of things you can do.

1. Blog, Tweet, Facebook, Myspace... There are outlets allowing you to develop your political voice. Readers offer great constructive criticism, and also usually have great things to say in their own blogs/tweets.
2. Talk to your neighbors. It seems like Republicans and conservatives have been shamed into silence... to openly admit that you are a republican is somehow "taboo", especially amongst young individuals... Embrace your core conservative and libertarian values... Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness... and talk to you neighbors about them.
3. Find a candidate or campaign you can embrace and support. Work call centers on their behalf, canvass neighborhoods and talk to the voters... Become a foot soldier. Host "coffee's" or "teas" to openly discuss the campaign and invite the candidate to speak to individuals... start a grassroots movement and recruit more foot soldiers.
4. Educate yourself about the issues. This is most important, especially when faced with opposition illogic.

I will be taking this list of tasks to the Kitsap County GOP in hopes that they can begin to organize an effective groundswell ahead of 2010. Right now there is much to be done.

For the rest of my readers, if you are finding the same disarray, let me know about it, and let your leadership know that the short list above is a great way to direct individuals who have a burning to get involved. A willing volunteer is worth their weight in gold... DO NOT LET THEM GO AWAY EMPTY HANDED!

And remember - A good manager never forgets to thank and praise co-workers and the foot soldiers. Rewarding good behavior usually leads to repeat actions and increased productivity.

Republican Asshole Contest

Obama's openly admitted Communist Marxist "Green Jobs" Czar, Van Jones, said that the reason why Republicans were stonewalling Obama's Marxist policies was because we are Assholes.

In short, Republicans are assholes.

Reminds me of a song I love:


Visceral hatred, sheer unabridged hatred for political opposition... that seems to be the norm in Obama, his cabinet, his unconstitutional "czars", and his followers.

Never before has America been on the verge of something so explosive that our entire way of life, the mixing of political ideas, or even free and independent thought has been kindling in a coming firestorm.

As a new class of citizen now recognized by the American Government, the Asshole, I am obligated to share an asshole story of my very own:

This asshole volunteers. I have volunteered for many years as a professional in the classroom, sharing the intricacies of rocketry with 3rd graders, and aiding high schoolers with mathematics, science, and world history. I have volunteered with the Audubon Society of Denver, working on trail improvements at the Chatfield Reservoir... hours after beginning a new beta blocker treatment for my heart palpitations.

This asshole enjoys living a life of service to his fellow man. I am filled with joy when I can "pay it forward" (as it were) at a toll booth, or buy a stranger dinner or a cup of coffee anonymously.

This asshole is a do-gooding conservative libertarian... hell bent on brightening peoples day, doing all i can to make someone smile and feel good about life for a moment, and consistently putting myself second to the needs of others.

I am an asshole, and proud of it.
- Steven M Nielson, Asshole Extraordinaire

Please... assholes around the world unite... share your asshole stories with me. How much of an asshole are you? What have you done today to be considered a major asshole, or even a slight pain in the ass?

I will feature the "Republican Asshole of the Month" at the top of my blog, along with your story (or a snippet).

So... what do you say, asshole?

…and the Home of the Slaves

I was greeted this morning by a wonderful oration by Minn. Rep. Michele Bachmann from the House Floor back in June. This four minute clip covers the fundamentals of the new philosophy of government – the American people exist at the pleasure of the Government.



Echoing the concerns of Rep. Bachmann, I simply ask you, what liberty is there when you cannot freely pursue happiness? That simple right which was acknowledged by our founding fathers as inalienable has been revoked by the government for the purpose of continuing the growth of an infinitely powerful ruling structure.

Where once we were the land of the free, America has quickly become solidified as the home of the slaves. Slaves, we have become, to our ruling class… to a power structure that is growing so large and far reaching that our very livelihood depends on humbling yourself before them, begging to continue your line of work which has sustained your family for generations. We are left pleading for the government to allow us to do a job.

Without paying taxes to the government, you are forced from your land. Without work, you are unable to pay taxes. Without approval from the government, you are unable to work.

The structure of our society is one that no longer supports happiness. It is one that no longer endorses freedom. Freedom, in the mind of our government, is nothing more than orderly consumption of material goods and an abiding devotion to providing labor per your ability. We are free to work in accordance with the government’s social plan.

I ask you… how free will our country be when we overwhelmingly begin to reject this structure currently being forced upon us? When the streets are lined with bodies of the dead, for they no longer were needed for the government’s plan… or their removal after a forced uprising…

The structure is in place. Big brother is truly watching. The heavy hand of the government is upon us. Futile attempts to resist will be met with overwhelming force.

Welcome to America. Enjoy your slavery!

Rise of the Liberty Republican

What has happened to The New Conservative?

My recent lack of existence in the blogging world has nothing to do with the struggle in which we find ourselves politically, nor does it have anything to do with my perception of the progress or outcome of any of our struggles.

What it does have to do with is my recent relocation from Colorado to Washington State. In May, I was offered a promotion within my company to relocate from the Centennial State to the Evergreen State. Since the Pacific Northwest was my home for so many years, and most of my immediate family remains in the area, it only made sense that I relocate myself and my family closer to the relatives.

As such, I have been largely without free time, largely without “me time”, and largely without constant access to the internet… and thus my blog has been put on the back burner.

Once we are settled in to a new home, and once I can ensure that my family is safe and secure, I can focus my energies outward once again – this time bringing the fight to Washington State Liberals who make those in Colorado seem like amateurs!

In the mean time, I will fill you in on a little of what is to come.

I will be ending the theme of “The New Conservative”… it is too soft. I am going to up the ante on my brand name to match the theme of my entries of late – Libertarianism within the Republican Party… It is truly the only way to differentiate ourselves from the hypocritical politicians claiming to champion the cause of liberty, but do so by growing the government… This concept is lunacy, and it can no longer be lightly treaded upon…

Therefore, I will begin making changes to the look and feel of the website – changing the name to “The Liberty Republican”. I have long been a Libertarian, and my affiliation with the GOP Platform has been loose. My involvement within the party has always been with intent to strengthen the party by returning to core values which defined the GOP of Goldwater, and slightly less so (but equally important) of Reagan. We need to focus on getting the “government” OUT of government… returning the government to the people… returning our liberties, our freedom, our lives to US… we can be the party that delivers this nation out of governmental bondage… we can lead… but we must be bold, we must be strong… that is why The New Conservative is The Liberty Republican!

To Regain Power, or Regain Right? The Republican Predicament

Predicament indeed. There has been much talk over the last 100+ days of the Obama administration and the filibuster-proof Senate and the radically Left House... and the stampede towards 2010 by the GOP. Along the way, the GOP has been leaderless in effectively stopping the Left from Nationalizing Industry and further bankrupting the nation... two policies fully supported by GOP leadership under George W. Bush.

The question becomes this: Does the GOP aim to regain power, or regain the right?

The way this simple question is answered will determine the future of the party - both for attracting next generation members and retaining those members with a current stock in the party.

If the aim of the GOP is to regain power for power's sake, then we are no better than when we were governmentally whorish under Bush. The last eight years saw the largest expanse of the US government, the power of the government over the people, and the largest buildup of debt ever. This has become the brand of the Republicans. We may claim that we were simply unable to stop the Democrats from spending - but facts show that earmark after earmark came from the right just as much as from the left... The holes in the sinking ship were drilled by both parties, with their respective special interest.

If the national party aims merely to regain control without first obtaining the clarity needed to lead, we may succeed as a party for the short term, but lose as a nation in the long term.

Our focus must be on regaining the right. I have commented in the past on guidelines needed as we clean house in the GOP - but perhaps it is simpler than that... simpler than "radicalizing", as I called it... it is simply returning to the basic Libertarian ideals that drove this party forward (though in the minority) under Goldwater. We regain our big tent status not on the back of the Christian Right, but on the principles of Liberty...

That is to say, success as a party needs to begin with identifying State's Rights, Small Government, Fiscal Conservatives who are Socially Libertarian - believing that a TRUE small government does not dictate social values - especially at the federal level. Those candidates who truly believe that the Federal Government was intended to be a limited body, yielding all powers NOT granted in the Constitution back to the People and the States, respectively... words directly pulled from our Bill of Rights.

Our party has lost its way, falling for the liberal idea that government is the answer... In fact, succumbing to this mindset and using government to force social agenda has backed the GOP into a corner of constant "moral crisis" when any member of the party falters in their personal life - garnering more media attention than, say, criminal violation of federal tax laws by top level Democrats in Obama's administration (violations that would make Al Capone blush).

Government is NOT the answer - and never should be. That should be the Republican Mantra. We should promise to cut the size of the government by X% each year at the federal, state, and local level until they return to the roles of delivering the basic services for which their services are required. We should embrace a flat tax, a balanced budget Constitutional Amendment, and the elimination of unnecessary government agencies - such as the IRS, DHS, Dept of Educ., etc...

We need to communicate to the American people the importance of a Small Government Party... and we need to live up to those commitments - not create departments such as DHS.

We need to right this ship by doing what is right... not using the democratic tactic to push our social agenda against the left's. When Republicans act like Democrats, they lose every time. When Democrats act like Republicans, they win... We can take this back by being Fiscally Conservative Socially Libertarian Republicans... The way Goldwater intended us to be.

Pat Buchanan's take on Lincoln's War

Pat Buchanan is riling up the Republicans who live in praise of Lincoln, and the Democrats who live in praise of Obama - Lincoln reborn (apparently).

There was a post in THE CHRONICLE MAGAZINE questioning how responsible Mr. Lincoln's war actually was for the continent.

A good read - This is the stance that I took during my Advanced American Studies course regarding the Civil War period... it really pleased me to watch my instructor and liberal classmates squirm when I questioned the idol status of Mr Lincoln, and the Heraldry of the Northern Soldiers - while they equally demonized my ancestors who so nobly fought for independence from tyranny.

As I said in my previous post, Mr Lincoln clearly had an impact on the reconstruction of these United States... The Southern Rebellion and Reconstruction era marked the death of the truest and purest meaning of the 9th and 10th amendment to the constitution, and replaced them with the inferred understanding of "perpetual union" - a phrase which existed in the Articles of Confederation, but which were purposefully left out of the Constitution. Historical texts would indicate that some founding fathers wanted it in, and revisionist historians would lead you to believe that this "inferred" right of the Union trumped the right of secession.

There is a fundamental question that I have to ask folks on this topic - which document guides their philosophy: the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution of the United States?

If it is the Constitution, great - you are dedicated to the rule of law, regardless of how imperfect that law may be - it is a document subject to change - for better or worse - take special note of prohibition... a constitutional amendment banning alcohol, leading to one of the greatest eras of organized crime, and alcoholic consumption!

If it is the Declaration, better! This document is unchanging - boldly giving the finger to the King of England. The words declare that ultimate freedom and liberty beat in the hearts of every man... The words have remained unchanged for nearly two and a half centuries... and will remain ever unchanged. The truth was written that day.

I can usually gage the caliber of character by the way that an individual answers this question... though I hold my cards very close to my chest...

Please read Mr Buchanan's interesting question on the idolatry of Lincoln, and question Liberty - as it has been taught to us... does it meet the definition of Liberty on which this country began its first rebellion?

"The Republicans Made Me Do It" - Childish Left Complaining

I am disgusted with the left at this point. They are a group of unruly, immature, and irresponsible children. Let me explain.

Since the RNC started, and through the four days of celebration and volunteerism for the Gulf region, the leftist protesters have raised the bar, challenging enforcers of the law, disrespecting the political process, and attacking Republican delegates.

Ask anyone on the left who is to blame: The Republicans.

I guess we bring it on ourselves, right? It is what we get for being conservative or libertarian minded individuals. And since we don't agree with your views, it is your first amendment right to destroy personal property, physically attack innocent citizens, and cause general mayhem in the name of... peace?

Grow the hell up you damned fools! Educate yourselves on what the first amendment REALLY says:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The freedom of speech does NOT include:
*Destruction of property - including breaking windows and other vandalization
*Assaulting fellow citizens - including throwing bleach on the backs and faces of Republican delegates
*Violation of civic law - including littering, tearing down street signs, attacking fellow citizens, massing with intent to harm peace officers, etc. All of which is witnessed in the following video.

Let me guess - the Republicans made you do it?

Don't blame the GOP for a Democrat mayor enforcing the laws of St Paul. Chris Coleman is a Democrat, and mayor of St. Paul - and therefore responsible for all police activity within his city limits. The RNC was an event, the delegates private citizens, and the city full of private property. The job of the police is to protect the citizens and their private property, and uphold the laws of the city, and the state.

If you got clubbed - take some responsibility for your actions leading up to the event.

If you got maced - take some responsibility for your actions leading up to the event.

If you got arrested - take some responsibility for your actions leading up to the event.

It was not the Republicans fault - it is the fault of the individual who parades with mobs hell bent on breaking the law and assaulting their fellow citizens.

Civil Order is not a Republican Conspiracy - it is a code of moral and ethical values shared by citizens of a territory. When you break the codes, the officers paid to enforce the codes of law are able and willing to right the wrongs.

Grow up and take some responsibility for your own actions.

McCain/Palin: It's Official - GOP Runs Reform Ticket

John McCain made it official tonight - he has accepted the call to duty as the candidate for the Republican Party!

But he did not do it quietly. John McCain issued a warning to all politicians and lobbyists - "A Change Is Coming". That change is in the form of a new deal, a break from Partisan Politics and a break from corruption and business as usual in Washington DC. John McCain promises to lead the nation in a much needed reform of her leaders and their corruption.

How better can John McCain, Republican Candidate for the Presidency, show the citizens of this country that his promise of actual change - of actual reform in DC - is true? Sarah Palin.

John McCain and Sarah Palin represent the most frightening duo to the status quo in the District of Columbia, quoting John McCain:

"I’m not in the habit of breaking promises to my country and neither is Governor Palin. And when we tell you we’re going to change Washington, and stop leaving our country’s problems for some unluckier generation to fix, you can count on it. And we’ve got a record of doing just that, and the strength, experience, judgment and backbone to keep our word to you.”

For years I have held a disdain for Senator John McCain - for his often liberal legislation that struck at the very core of what I believed. And I will make the admission now that this ill feeling was partisan in nature... McCain broke ranks with the Republicans on one too many issues.

However, with the selection of Sarah Palin and the message delivered tonight, I believe that I can truly support the mission that John McCain is taking on - a mission of reform.

The GOP needs reform from her ranks swollen with corruption.

The Democrats need reform from their corrupt dealings within the once highly respected offices in the federal government.

Washington DC needs reform from it's Pork Barrell ways, aimed at encouraging lobbyists and providing a breeding ground for scandal and corruption.

And the federal government needs reform from a set of rules and regulations put in place in a time when business and the world worked much differently under very different technologies.

John McCain is taking the mantra from Obama - and promises to deliver true Change.

Obama's change is that of increasing government influence in our daily lives - changing from a libertarian based society to a socialist based society.

McCain's change is that of fixing the ills in the government, reducing it's size, and ensuring that the citizens are released from the authoritarian society we fear, and are allowed to live locally under more personal responsibility - the way this country was intended in it's founding.

Sarah Palin was the ticket for me. John McCain has won my endorsement and my vote!

“A Man Who Never Quits is Never Defeated”

Fred Thompson stole the show last night at the Republican National Convention. His energized and moving toast to John McCain and Sarah Palin at the top of the ticket inspired Republicans and set the tone for how tough this ticket is going to be for Democrats in November.

He hit Obama and the Democratic controlled congress hard – claiming that their politics do not represent change, rather, they represent the same old stuff they have been peddling for years. Fred Thompson threw down the gauntlet on the liberal notion of change, and on the liberal definition of progress. The change is that the Democrats plan to run the most liberal government, establish the most liberal bureaucracies, and ensure the most liberal judges in the history of the US – the sure undoing of the intended freedoms established by our founding fathers.

But the best line of the entire speech was this: “A man who never quits is never defeated”. John McCain is that man. He has spent an entire career fighting the Republican Establishment – challenging change in his own right. Some of his issues are not my favorites (immigration reform and campaign finance reform), but his pursuit of what he believed to be right has won him notice on the national stage, and branded him as the original maverick. John McCain and Sarah Palin represent reform for the GOP, and a different kind of hope for America – a hope that we can return to conservative government that is smaller and more locally controlled, a government that balances it’s budget and controls wasted spending, and a government that eliminates taxes and allows Americans to keep their hard earned money. Fred Thompson made it clear that McCain/Palin is the best bet for America. The full video of his speech is below:

RNC Speaker List hints at VP?

Fox News Reports that the speaking line-up at the RNC is another veil of secrecy regarding the Republican VP pick. Of those on the short list, 7 most common names are speakers at the RNC - in speaking slots that do nothing to hint at McCain's favorites.

The convention line-up, which will be held in St. Paul, Minn., from Sept. 1-4, features Connecticut Independent Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman on the first night; former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and Alaska Gov. Sara Palin on the second night; former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal on the third night; and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist on the last night.

The third night is the night the vice presidential nominee will give his acceptance speech. Other speakers that night include Cindy McCain, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.

Though the speaker list has been released, with the schedule, the name associated with the VP segment remains unfilled. It seems that McCain and the RNC selected anyone ever hinted at the 2nd spot to give a speech before the convention, making no hint as to any one individual considered more favorable than the others.

Should speculators consider that Romney and Jindal, slated to speak on the third night already, are the top two choices, or that their listing on the third night indicates that they will merely be introducing the VP nominee? Jindal has indicated that he is not interested in VP, so that would leave Romney.

Or should we consider the second night as an introduction of the nominee? This leaves Ridge and Palin. Ridge has already come under increased attacks by the conservatives, fueled by Limbaugh, basically eliminating him from the nomination. That would leave Palin as the spotlight speaker, introducing herself to the nation as the new face of the conservative movement - ready to retake the stage the following night to thunderous applause.

Or could we be thrown off the scent of Pawlenty and Crist because of their third night listing?

As a Palin supporter, I am strongly encouraged that she will have a chance to introduce herself on the national stage, and I know that Republicans will love what they see! If she is not the nominee for VP, I am sure that we will see Palin in 2012.

To read more about Palin, visit the Draft Sarah for VP website. There is a great post by a guest blogger today about why Palin should be McCain's VP - excerpt below:

In all probability, John McCain is going to be the next President. For him to choose Sarah as his running mate would be both bold and wise.

Of course, we Republicans aren't exactly noted for boldness. Like Claude Rains in "Casablanca," our tendency is to "round up the usual suspects." At this time in history, the usual suspects -- say, a Mitt Romney or a Mike Huckabee or a Tom Ridge -- are not good enough. Such people are the "Ghosts of the GOP Past." They do not represent the future of the Republican Party or or of the country.

Sarah Palin does represent that future. To be fair, there are other potential candidates, such as Bobby Jindal, Mark Sanford, and Eric Cantor, who will be part of that future. But McCain can't do better than Sarah, an individual synonymous with toughness, courage, integrity, and consistency. Sarah Palin is the quintessential Amrican.

The program of events is as follows:

Monday, Sept. 1
Service
"Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countryman."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain’s commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Monday’s events will highlight John McCain’s record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one’s own self-interest.
Speakers will include:
*U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
*Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
*Vice President Richard B. Cheney
*First Lady Laura Bush
*President George W. Bush

Tuesday, Sept. 2
Reform
"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and correct them."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain’s life is a testament to the fundamental truth that every American can be a force for change. A restless reformer who has dedicated his career to taking on special interests and the status quo, John McCain will deliver the right kind of change and reform to meet the great challenges of our time. On Tuesday, the convention program will underscore his vision of a government that is transparent, principled and worthy of the American people it serves.
Speakers will include:
*Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani
*Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
*Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)
*Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska)
*Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
*Rosario Marin, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer of the United States
*Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
*Gov. Linda Lingle (Hawaii)
*Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (Md.)

Wednesday, Sept. 3
Prosperity
"America’s best days are still to come."
--Sen. John McCain

The American story is one of perseverance. Even in the face of tough times, the ingenuity and spirit of the American people has ushered in a new era of prosperity. Wednesday’s program will focus on John McCain’s plans to get our economy back on track and continue our long tradition of meeting the challenges we face and using our prosperity to help others. The day will conclude with an address by the vice presidential nominee.
Speakers will include:
*U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
*Meg Whitman, National Co-Chair for McCain 2008 and former President and CEO of eBay
*Carly Fiorina, Victory ‘08 Chairman for the Republican National Committee and former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co.
*Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.)
*Mrs. Cindy McCain
*Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.)
*Republican Party’s Vice Presidential Nominee

Thursday, Sept. 4
Peace
"Our next president will have a mandate to build an enduring global peace on the foundations of freedom, security, opportunity, prosperity, and hope."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain understands the challenges that America faces in the world and the sacrifice necessary to defend our freedom in a way that few others can fathom. Thursday’s events will reflect his vision of an America in pursuit of peace and seen as a beacon of goodwill and hope throughout the world. The evening will close with John McCain accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for the Presidency of the United States.
Speakers will include:
*Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
*Gov. Charlie Crist (Fla.)
*U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
*U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
*John McCain

In the coming days, the 2008 Republican National Convention will announce additional speakers and program details.

2008: The Need for Libertarians in the GOP

The Republican Party has traditionally been a party of smaller government and lower taxes. Unfortunately, the GOP has loosened their ties with the small government ideals over the last few years - it hurt us in 2006 and it threatens to hurt us yet again in 2008.

Truly the 2006 vote was a referendum on Bush's policy towards Iraq - which resulted in the immediate release of Rumsfeld. However, shortfalls in 2008 are not going to be directly related to Iraq... it is going to be a referendum on the perception of Republicanism... perception that may be right.

The GOP Primary field included some great, and some not so great Republicans... offering Social conservatives, Economic Conservatives, Social and Economic moderates, and arguably Social and Economic liberals. When the dust settled, the GOP had picked the nominee - Self proclaimed economically ignorant, and arguably a Social Democrat. John McCain is the fall-out from the fight for the "True Conservative". The result is a GOP candidate who, for the first time, does not represent his base as much as he represents the undecided middle-of-the-road voters. This may not be a bad thing on election day, but it leaves a bad taste in the mouth of the libertarian - the true constitutionalists...

I would consider myself a libertarian within the ranks of the GOP. I firmly support the original intent of the founding documents, and believe that the United States has grossly strayed from her founding. I also believe that the Republican Party has to reconcile with it's libertarian base.

The United States was founded on a basis of personal freedom within the rule of law... but what happens when the law makers get "law-happy", voting in ridiculous laws bent on demanding conformity to social behaviors. What happens when the laws cease to represent personal freedom, and fail to promote individual responsibility?

You have a society heavily influenced by socialist norms. As such, liberty ceases to exist.

This is the very reason that John McCain needs to choose his VP wisely. He needs a "good faith" selection indicating a firm understanding of the core principles of the founding of this nation. Hopefully we see the fruits of his wisdom sooner rather than later.

But what about down ticket? What about activism? What about us at the grass-roots? Can the party survive as a defender of capitalism and liberty if we are losing the libertarians in the party?

The answer is a resounding NO... and we had better understand this before November 4th!

Who do I mean when I say "we", though?

I am talking to the libertarians directly. If we leave the party, if we choose to try and change the game instead of fighting harder for change within the party, then we lose... we all lose.

If you are tired of the leftward moving of the GOP... if you are frustrated with the politicking for party purposes rather than country's purposes, fight harder for a course correction within the GOP. Support GOP candidates with a firm understanding of the core principles... libertarian minded Republicans who understand true liberty.

Splitting the party does nothing more than deliver power to the other extreme - further making the "norm" a socialist-minded politician... if your hope is that the pendulum will swing back the other way, I ask you the question - what happens if the pendulum swings too far left and they grab it, keeping it from swinging?

We are not asking for a sacrifice of principle in favor of politics... rather, a reunion of the party in an attempt to right the ship, and move the country back into the right direction (pun intended).

From within the party, we have the power to select candidates in caucus and primary elections that more accurately represent the small government, low taxes ideology that the Republican Party truly represents. From within, we have the power to select candidates that can win, and can influence the course of our Republic. From within, our voice is more than a cry of "foul" from outside the gates... it is a voice of reason on the playing field.

Letter From, and Response to Disgruntled Republican

I received a series of e-mails yesterday from a group of three angry Republicans, charging that the GOP is openly endorsing a theocracy in the United States by supporting issues that are championed by the "religious right" (however you would define that demographic). I decided that I wanted to share the complaint and response here in an attempt to spark some dialogue.
*******************
Letter reads:

Dear Colorado and Douglas County Republican Party leaders:

The Republican Party must promote the strict separation of church and
state. I used to support the Republican Party because I am a firm
believer in individual rights, free markets, a strong national
defense, and the right to keep and bear arms.

However, the Republican Party alliance with the religious right on
"social issues" such as stem cell research, abortion and gay marriage
has turned off many former supporters such as myself.

Americans have a right to practice their religion as a purely private
matter, and I defend everyone's right to do so. But religion should
not be used to make public policy. The proper function of government
is to protect individual rights, not force one group's religious views
on everyone else.

I am glad that state Chairman Dick Wadhams refused to let Colorado
Right to Life set up a table at the state convention, as reported in
the June 18, 2008 Denver Post.

"Abortion foes blast Colo. GOP leader"


This is a small step in the right direction. But the Party must go
much, much farther and promote the strict separation of church and
state as Thomas Jefferson correctly envisioned. As long as the
Republican Party is in bed with the religious right, then I can not
support it. Hence, at present I no longer have a home in any political
party. To paraphrase a quote from President Ronald Reagan, "I didn't
leave the Republican Party, the Republican Party left me."

I know many voters who feel the same way. Given that Colorado is a
"purple" swing state, this is not a good sign for the Republican
Party.

(This should not be taken as any kind of endorsement of Barack Obama -
I find his policies loathsome and anti-American.)

Thank you for your consideration,
DR. XXXXXXXXXX
P.S.: Please also forward this to Mr. Dick Wadhams and Ms. Perry Buck.

*******
My Response:

Dear Dr. XXXXX -

Please let me begin by thanking you very much for your correspondence. Your act
of writing is a step toward progress in our political system. Let me assure you
that I hear your complaint loud and clear, and though I agree with your
underlying complaint, I disagree with the premise of your argument. Please
allow me to elaborate.

You seem to suggest that the opposition to stem-cell research and abortion
places the GOP “in bed” with the religious right. Why this may appear to be the
truth, there is an underlying connection that you are failing to acknowledge.
The Republican Party upholds the founding principles of Life, Liberty, and the
Pursuit of Happiness, as the founding fathers specifically cited as rights
Endowed by the Creator (Nature’s God, to be exact). These are rights not given,
but endowed – bestowed upon every human to protect. The idea of the endowment
of Life is not new and not owned exclusively by the religious right. In the
spirit of following the intent of the founders, and embracing their
understanding of basic human rights, the Republican Party must uphold the Right
of Life.

Inasmuch, the question is begged: When does life begin? Therein lies the
debate.

In accordance with the 14th amendment, the rights of the founding documents are
applicable to those “born” in the United States. That word would seem to
indicate that a fetus of any gestational age is therefore without rights. This
is the basis of the Roe decision in the Supreme Court. However, as a doctor,
you should well understand that a fetus is very much alive and responsive to
their environment from a fairly early gestational age, regardless of their
ability to survive independent of their mother at the time. With the complexity
of life in gestation, it serves humanity to better define Life – not limiting
life to begin merely at birth. Therefore we are in support of the Right of
Life, as we consider life to exist during gestation.

Barack Obama has shown in his political career that he shows almost no
compassion for life in the womb, supporting late term abortion and referring to
children as a punishment. Having lost our first pregnancy, my wife and I are
happy to have recently delivered our first child – rest assured we do not feel
punished. My brother and his wife also recently gave birth to their first
child, who has been diagnosed with Propionic Acidemia – and rest assured, they
do not value his life any less, nor feel punished. I would assume that Mr.
Obama would consider such a child a burden on society and the parents – most
likely he would suggest such a fetus be discarded. But is it not the challenge
of life that should cause us to persevere… perhaps this young child holds the
key to medical research that could aid in curing this and other genetic defects.
Where Obama sees punishment and burden, I choose to see opportunity. This is a
fundamental difference between me and the Senator – and I would imagine that
this is a similar difference between the Senator and a majority of Republicans
who continue to fight, not because it is easy, rather because it is right.

The Republican Party does not openly nor privately advocate for any one
religion, but we are advocates against the absence of faith from the lives of
Americans. We are not a Christian organization, merely an organization that
supports and endorses the existence of faith as a basis of morality – not in
government, but in the lives and hearts of the individual, at their own request
and choosing. I personally could never be part of an organization that openly
endorsed a state religion (such as the Constitution Party which openly supports
naming Christianity as the official religion of the US). Furthermore, you will
notice that the ranks of the GOP are filled with many people of faith, from many
different religions. We support them all.

I do, however, tend to agree with you regarding the stance of the party
regarding marriage. In fact, I would suggest that marriages not be recognized
by the state whatsoever, other than for recording purposes (i.e. no tax
incentive for marriage or children). Marriage is a religious right, and the
early recognition by the states violated the intent of religious separation from
government. This directly resulted in the decreased view of marriage as a
sacred bond, and more of a contractual agreement between two people. But again,
this is a view that is widely debated – and we in the Republican Party openly
promote the debate.

It is a shame to lose grassroots activists, such as yourself, who are willing to
engage in meaningful and rational dialogue. I would like to remind you that the
members of the party have beliefs that vary in range and subject, and we turn no
member away. All that we ask is that you advocate for smaller government, lower
taxes, and hold a firm belief in the core principles. If you do, then there is
a home for you in the Republican Party.

I also should remind you that the expedient thing to do is to leave the party.
You will feel like you have accomplished something by protesting. However, you
have then given up your right to vote within the party, effectively surrendering
your right to advocate for change within the party. Though it is the more
difficult of the two paths, I propose that you re-join the party, and be a voice
for change from within the ranks. Doing so will allow you to help elect
representatives within the party as well as candidates for the ballot that give
you a voice.

Again, I thank you for your correspondence, and applaud your willingness to
share your discontent with the party as you perceive it. Rest assured, we are
listening, and are always willing to discuss the issues.

I hope that you appreciate the clarification of the issues you announced, and
that you strongly reconsider your actions regarding leaving the party.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Steven M Nielson
Secretary, Douglas County Republican Party

************************************

What else is there to say to disgruntled Republicans who echo the Democratic Party talking points? I suppose this is bound to happen from time to time, which is why it is ever more important that the activists within the party step up their campaign to counter the everyday attacks of the left, and stop this campaign of misinformation aimed at weakening our political movement.

Sarah Palin, 45th President of the United States?

As McCain closes in on the magic number for locking up the GOP nomination, the conversation of Vice Presidential picks is in full swing. We all know John McCain's shortcomings. We have discussed the battle conservatives face with McCain. And we are very aware that it must be the new battle cry for conservatives to ensure that McCain's veep is acceptable, and an appropriate choice for the movement.

I once again challenge my readers to look into the history and prospect for VP that Sarah Palin represents. She currently holds the seat of Governor of Alaska, and won the seat by upsetting the incumbent corrupt Republican Governor. She is 44, has a son in the military, and is an activist for the Pro-Life movement as a member of Feminists for Life.

The American Spectator has written an interesting article focusing on her juxtaposition to McCain's "old coot" feel. An excerpt:

Gov. Palin could become the Republican Party's Segolene Royal, the French Socialist Party's glamorous leader known for her heels and political bite. She is the perfect antidote to Sen. Obama's cheap thrills, and would help rejuvenate conservatism.

If Camille Paglia or the huffers on Huffington Post are anything to go by, the standard line that will be repeated often against John McCain will be that he's an "old coot"; a vintage George C. Scott-style warmonger; old; hypocritical; and just plain odd.

As McCain's advisers most surely know, the best way to combat that line of attack is to choose a running mate who in no way can be seen as old or as a "coot."

MRS. PALIN IS most certainly not an "old coot." She has enchanting, fresh charisma and the credentials, too, to win back and motivate a lot of conservatives, disaffected Republicans, and independents tired of government corruption and Republican degeneracy and sheer idiocy.

McCain needs someone who like Sen. Obama physically represents a departure from the past, who also oozes vibrancy and intelligence, will motivate die-hard conservatives, but what's more, who will also let the Arizonan take advantage of his age and enable him to be the playful and charming Reagan-esque grandfather figure that Americans always fall in love with. In other words, Sen. McCain, like President Nixon in the 1968 election, needs an opposite number -- that's Sarah Palin in the flesh.

Sarah Palin is quickly moving to the top of the short list of favorites for McCain's VP for the reasons above and so many more. But the most important reason is that she is intriguing, intelligent, well spoken, and soundly conservative. She is a fresh face that can challenge the platform and experience of the Democratic fresh face, Obama, who's lack of executive experience, foreign policy, and radical left ideology are just begging to end his national political career.

Similar to Mike Huckabee's appeal in the early days of his campaign, the more people who look into Sarah Palin the more they like her as the VP for the GOP. (Speaking of Huckabee, I am not abandoning support for what Huckabee means to the race, and he is on my short list for VP... but Sarah Palin makes the GOP ticket more well rounded).

And the Democrats should fear Palin. I often hear the left attack the GOP for failing to support women or minorities within our ranks (quite a false attack, I might add). The GOP, in fact, has a number of amazing political leaders who fit this mold, Michael Steele and Sarah Palin among two of my favorites. Sarah Palin would shock the general public who have bought this profiling of the GOP hook-line-sinker, and would open their eyes to the true nature and openness of the GOP to minorities and women... (just without pandering to false "social needs" of these groups... The GOP believes that we can all be equally successful if we focus on free market and the founding principles.)

The Liberals fear Palin because she is a staunch ethicist... she represents the broom that the GOP needs to clean up our leadership. She took down corruption in the Alaskan GOP, and she could do the same in DC. She represents the resurgence of morality within the party.

The Donkeys fear Palin because she is young, energetic, intelligent, and attractive... all the things that Obama is running on... but she has substance! The Mules know that if Palin gets the nod, the race will clearly be a face-off of Obama v. Palin... McCain will be the grandfather making the calls, but Palin will be the rally cry for the youth movement within the conservative base of the party... the very base that has pledged not to support McCain.

Palin, in my humblest of opinions, is the best choice for VP... and I will continue to build the case for Sarah Palin for VP.

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.