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.

Conservative WIN - NY23 HD Moderate GOP candidate withdraws from race

Moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava, a candidate for the NY Congressional District 23 race, has just announced a suspension to her campaign, marking a major turn in the widely debated and hotly contested NY congressional seat.

This is major "bellwether" news for the GOP, indicating that 2010 recruitement should track more to the right and focus on capturing the momentum of the Tea Party movement.

There were three individuals in this race to replace Rep. John McHugh, who vacated his seat to become Obama's Sec of the Army. One Liberal Democrat, One Moderate Republican, and One Conservative Party member. The Democrat very clearly aligns with the Obama/Pelosi Democrats. The Moderate Republican (Scozzafava) aligns with McCain. The Conservative aligns with the Tea Party movement.

The Democrats have been focusing the attention of their campaign on the Conservative, Doug Hoffman, as recent polling indicated it was a two person race between the Liberal Democrat and the Tea Party Conservative. Scozzafava has received national party support, endorsements from Newt Gingrich, and general endorsements from party establishment who continue to run the party as if it was BUSINESS AS USUAL.

Let this be a wake-up call... the suspended campaign of Scozzafava and the general lack of support for the GOP "don't rock the boat" movement is a sign that the Party must return to Libertarian and Conservative roots and give up this left of center "moderate" approach.

Please refer to the old moniker "when republicans act like democrats they lose, when they act like republicans they win"... NY HD23 is a clear indicator of the truth in this statement. America wants liberty, private property protection, and limited government... it has nothing to do with party affiliation anymore... our future leadership is being cultivated in an era of Liberty... the GOP must embrace this or die on the vine as a centrist fence sitting party.

Democrats/Unions Run Boeing out of Washington - US Sen. Patty Murray's Epic Fail

The losers:

US Sen. Patty Murray - D (the intermediary in the Union negotiations)
WA State Gov. Christine Gregoire - D
IAM Union
Washington State economy and housing market
Socialist over-regulation on manufacturing

The Winners:

South Carolina
Boeing
Free Market Capitalism

Boeing will be moving the 787 second line to Charleston, SC, a decision that puts an egg on the face of US Senator Patty Murray, Democrat, who worked as the intermediary in the negotiations between Boeing, the State of WA, and the IAM Union. Murray is up for re-elction in 2012 to a fourth term in the US Senate and this loss should be placed directly on her shoulders and aide in her drive right out of office.

Without Boeing, the Pacific Northwest's economy will collapse. There was a major hit when then Governor Gary Locke, Democrat, would not modify regulatory laws, forcing Boeing Headquarters out of Seattle and into Chicago. That move took with it a number of jobs to the Kansas City manufacturing sites.

This move will set up the final death blow to Washington State, allowing for expansion of Boeing 787 production in the south and enabling a possible future move of all production out of Washington State. Hundreds of thousands of jobs lost or relocated over a decade and a half...

The culprit?

Democrat and Union leadership. The democrats have created regulatory laws disallowing any expansion of businesses without such excessive fees as to triple the overall cost of expansion, all in the name of the environment. Union leadership has put a stranglehold on the ability for Boeing to produce her product, by striking. Boeing wanted a ten year no strike agreement as well as regulatory relief from the government. Patty Murray indicated that what the state and union were willing to offer was more than fair...

It was always Boeing who was held hostage in Washington State because of a lack of manufacturing capabilities in any alternate location. The 787 Dreamliner line included the acquisition of Voight, a SC company, and the necessary elements required for full scale production of a major airliner. Boeing saw the opportunity to use her new leverage - the Democrats did not budge - and Boeing left.

The Seattle Area has directly challenged Detroit in leadership of the "Depressed Economy" club.

Thank you Democrats!

SUCCESS! Ares 1-X Successfully Test Launched by NASA! Space X Falcon 9 Ready to Steal the Show...

My congratulations to my former team mates on the Ares and Orion program. This morning marks the first successful major milestone in returning Americans to Solar System exploration. Though I have been critical of the Ares 1 concept and an open advocate for the Falcon 9, Jupiter or Ares 5 system, this success will provide a great amount of data allowing a more focused and better defined Orion program, and will serve to answer a number of necessary questions regarding the capabilities of the plagued design.




The Candlestick, as Ares 1 is nicknamed, is a solid first stage booster with a liquid second stage and human capsule. The Ares 1-X was intended to test the feasibility of such a design as Americans desperately scramble to replace the Shuttle after the 2003 Columbia accident.

Ares/Orion is not alone in their success, nor in their quest to become the launch platform for American Space Flight. Space X is a private venture vying for a new direction in American Space Travel, where NASA and Ares/Orion (Constellation Program) is government run through subcontracts (Lockheed Martin).

Space X has successfully launched the Falcon 1, proving the key technologies necessary to propel their full size Falcon 9 launch vehicle into the running as America's next human launch vehicle. Flight testing is scheduled to be on the tails of today's Ares 1-X flight, sometime in the next few months. A successful Falcon 9 flight could divert attention and funding away from Ares, as the private venture is currently ready for full scale operations and regular flights. The Ares vehicles are not slated to test fly again until 2012, as current cuts to testing schedule are keeping the system on the ground.


Space X has also designed the Dragon, an automated/crew less cargo supply ship specializing in ISS resupply. The Dragon could easily be modified to carry human passengers, and is ready to be operational in mid 2010... a full 4-6 years before the Orion/Ares system is slated to be operational.



The government option, Ares/Orion, is extremely toxic for the environment, has been changed from a reusable system to a one time use "Apollo" system, is grossly over budget, and is horribly behind schedule... like any good government run program.

The Space X private venture is less expensive, cleaner burning fuel, mostly reusable, on schedule, and relatively on budget... evil capitalists!

My congratulations go out to the Ares 1-X team, many of whom are my personal friends and past co-workers (yes, I am a rocket scientist). However large of a hurdle the Ares 1-X launch was for NASA, it was an overdue milestone that is far behind the private sector's competition for ISS resupply, Human Space Flight, and Extra-planetary exploration.

I am always the advocate for further space development and exploration, but if I had to pick a winner in this race, it would be the Private Sector...

Congratulations nonetheless!

Major Earthquake Destroys Seattle - Democrats to Blame

Seattle has been warned.

The Washington State Department of Transportation released a video under the Freedom of Information Act depicting the annihilation of the Seattle Waterfront during the next large scale seismic event. The release was in support of an ongoing (8 year) debate about how best to resolve the question of fixing or replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct following the 2001 Nisqually earthquake.

The Nisqually earthquake was an intraslab earthquake, occurring at 10:54 a.m. PST (18:54 UTC). on February 28, 2001, and was one of the largest recorded earthquakes in Washington state history. The quake measured 6.8 on the MMS and lasted approximately 45 seconds. The epicenter of the earthquake was under Anderson Island, about 17 km (11 mi) northeast of Olympia. The focus was at a depth of 52 km (32 mi).

During the Nisqually event, which I remember as if it were yesterday, the ground shook for 45 seconds at a magnitude 6.8 at epicenter located 30 miles southwest of Seattle. During that event the Alaskan way viaduct and Seattle waterfront seawall suffered considerable damage. As well, it was discovered that the seawall was infested with microbial sea life called "gribbles". It was determined after the event that the structure was not safe, would need temporary repairs, and would need to be replaced as soon as possible... the event took place 3163 days ago - more than eight and a half years.

What is more important is that the event occurred on a minor fault south of the metropolitan area, NOT on one of the major faults commonly suspected to be "overdue for the big one". For those from outside the area, there is a major fault running directly beneath the business center of downtown Seattle. The Puget Sound region is home to multiple daily quakes of 3.0 or smaller as the Juan de Fuca plate continues to subduct beneath the Continental plate, fuelling our massive volcanoes and defining a way of life in the region. In short, it is widely accepted in the area that a major earthquake is likely imminent and could occur at any moment.

As such, the scenario used by the WDOT is the likely occurrence of near future events - not the exception to the rule. What you are about to see is a dire warning to the elected Democrat officials of Seattle and King County that their years of inept leadership will most likely result in mass casualty and severe property damage.

There are many alternatives to the Viaduct, some improving the waterfront district and some furthering the "feel" of the concrete wall that is the viaduct. Many options are on the table and many more have been rejected. What is troubling is that it is the inability for the elected leadership to LEAD, causing a series of rejected funding votes from the citizens, and a continuation of an operating death trap in the middle of a major city.



Seattle, King County, and Washington State are all led by Democrats... career politicians whose focus has been social engineering rather than civil engineering. Their lack of leadership, inability to perform the basic function of government, and their absolute mishandling of this most crucial issue is in dire need of national attention, and should be used as a perfect case opposing government run ANYTHING!

Maybe that case will be made once the body count comes in?

A Constitutional Amendment! R-SC DeMint Proposes Term Limits!

Praise be to God! South Carolina Republican Senator Jim DeMint has done what many of us have wished and called for over the years - He is proposing a Constitutional Amendment limiting the terms of US Senators and Congressmen to 2 terms and 3 terms respectively, reviving a key element of the Republican Contract with America of the early 1990's.

I had been preparing a blog on this very issue, suggesting that when we find an elected official willing to propose that amendment, we will have found the leader of our party.

Senator Jim DeMint, you have just been propelled to the top of my list, despite your veering from Libertarian causes in favor of Social Conservatism.

About DeMint:
DeMint was ranked by National Journal as the most conservative United States Senator in their March, 2007 conservative/liberal rankings, and again in 2008.

DeMint's main work has been opposing the increase of Federal government spending, both under the Bush and Obama Administrations. He was opposed to
federal bailouts for banks and other corporations. For his stances on budgetary issues, DeMint has been strongly supported by the fiscally conservative political group Club for Growth.

In 2009, DeMint introduced an amendment to a multi-billion dollar economic stimulus bill that would have prohibited lawmakers from using any percentage of transportation funds on bicycle, walking, or wilderness trails. Additionally, DeMint opposed the whole bill.

DeMint was one of the first members of Congress to publicly back the Honduran Supreme Court in the 2009 Honduran constitutional crisis. He went to Honduras in 2009, and met with de facto president Roberto Micheletti, who was installed after the constitutional crisis. The White House has explicitly banned meetings with the current leaders. The White House views ousted president Manuel Zelaya as the legitimately elected president.

I fully support term limits for congress, but do not support lifetime limits. For instance, I would add the word "consecutive" preceding the term limitations, allowing for a congressman from one district to serve another district at another time, or a senator to serve as a congressman and then return to a senate position. What this does is removes them from the position of incumbent without eliminating their liberty to act as a public servant... though I also disagree with "career politicians" it should be the right of a citizen to seek office at the request of their constituents.

One thing I would also like to see is an amendment eliminating the "pay raise" clause of the Constitution, establishing a flat rate salary of $50,000 annually for Congressmen, $75,000 annually for Senators, and $100,000 annually for President - no adjustment for cost of living, and only allowing pay cuts. Incumbents don't fear the "pay raise" clause as it stands, and the leaders of this country are over compensated for their job performance as it is. As a matter of fact, the States should have to approve all pay increases as a vote of the people in the states. 100% required for passing such a pay raise.

Getting back on track, Senator DeMint has now officially been placed on my radar for 2012... though I don't like Senators as Presidents, this decision is worthy of special attention.

Pat Condell: WAKE UP AMERICA

British Atheist Pat Condell is a champion for liberty, especially when it is under attack by religious tyranny. He chides all religions equally and makes universal appeals for liberty... His points are so true, regardless of your religion, in the case for liberty.

Try not to get hung up on the atheism, and listen to his latest rant in favor of true liberty... in this case, a fight against Islamic takeover of the United States and the world.



Regarding Saudi Arabia calling for International Aide - It is True. The story can be found here. Imagine that... Saudi Arabian royalty demanding continued pay for absolutely no goods or service... remember, we are all entitled to something, right?

Going Rogue or GOING ROUGE? Democrats Continue Attacks on Palin

h/t to The Daily Blogster for this story.

The left knows no shame. In response to Sarah Palin's memoir titled Sarah Palin, Going Rogue, an American Life , the left has published a book titled GOING ROUGE, Sarah Palin, an American Nightmare. Here are the covers of the books side by side:


Sarah Palin's book is on the right.

However, one would not know that at first glance. Both appear to be Sarah Palin's memoir, both appear to be written by Palin, and both are made to look exactly alike.

The left truly know no shame. They know no decency. And they work day and night in order to undermine liberty as if this is some sort of a childish game. They are true enemies to liberty, and acts such as this are a glaring mock of anyone holding an alternative belief.

I feel pity for them, really. What low level humans they are... what a shame to waste such a precious gift as life on fascist children. What is worse is that they think they are being so clever...

My advise - contact the publisher O/R Books with your concern over their childish game. And furthermore, purchase Palin's actual book to indicate support for liberty minded conservatives - whether she is your "gal" or not...

Does this make you angry? Sound off in the comments section!

Craig Williams for US Senate, WA State Candidate Review

On Saturday evening I attended a community grassroots event held by Craig Williams, an unknown name in Washington Politics but a great candidate nonetheless. Craig Williams has entered the race for US Senate from Washington State, in an attempt to unseat the two decade senator Patty "Mom in Tennis shoes" Murray, who will be running for her fourth term as US Senator.

I first learned of Williams when a blog reader informed me of the event and extended the invitation. Being the grassroots magnet that I am, I could not turn down the opportunity to meet the candidate on a personal level and grill him with some tough questions which have become the battle cry of my personal and political philosophy.

In the room that night were a handful of concerned citizens, ages ranging from 60+ and retired to 18-ish and in Junior College. There was, however, a concern held common by all in attendance - Liberty. The common theme of personal freedoms, state's rights, freedom from govt. health care, and economic liberties was a perfect tone set for Williams' "campaign plan" presentation. It seemed that most in the room were college educated, many of whom were current or retired military, intellects all... and Mr. Williams' presentation nailed his target audience - intelligent liberty minded grassroots activists aimed at unseating a big government liberal incumbent and replacing her with a liberty minded conservative.

He addressed his main focus point of the campaign, and backed it up with numbers. As 80% of the US public are naming the economy as their number one area of concern, Williams plans to run a campaign as a fiscal conservative.

Though I am concerned about the state of the economy, my first concern is that it is the style of politician and unregulated federal government that has caused such an economic collapse in the free market, not the free market failing of its own accord. As such, it was my intent to determine if Mr. Williams was a "more of the same" candidate, or if his understanding of liberty and the role of the federal government was one that would work to right the listing ship.

Mr Williams mentioned "nation" and the "federal government" in a manner that led me to question his understanding of the role of the federal government, and to fire a shot across his bow for effect regarding state's rights... which I had forewarned him of during our round-Robin introduction.

My first question roughly stated the lack of the "union of states" since the civil war, and a cause for concern as a national reach for power in the 20th century, and questioned what he saw his role as US Senator would be in correcting the perception of people vs. the government. He called on a religious text - the religious text of the United States - the gospel that is the US Constitution. He said that it is a wonder that the very same people who are hired to uphold the constitution are so quick to wipe their rears with it.

I followed on with a question regarding the federal deficit and federal budgets. We jointly acknowledged that Federal budgets on the order of 3 to 4 Trillion were a clear indicator of excessive government. I politely interrupted with a pointed question: "What is an appropriate budget number for the United State's Federal Government?" He mentioned 2 Trillion, and my response was "you think 2 Trillion is an appropriate amount to spend?" His response was interesting, in that he said that he sees his best course of action being to work within the bounds of the current system in an attempt to reduce excess first, namely targeting the "sacred cows". I am sure that his reluctance to declare massive faults and radical recalibration of the monetary system was to avoid being labelled as a "radical right-wing nut" by the socialist financial gluttons... and I don't bemoan him for this, rather I appreciate it. His general tone regarding the matter indicated a firm understanding of the points I was making, and his body language as well as careful responses hinted that he would be more inclined to shake things up once he takes office.

I pushed the envelope to truly vet this candidate. I wanted to ask some tough questions as this guy is asking for my vote. No more will I give my vote away so easily or freely.

With a cordial handshake, a smile, and a "no hard feelings" about the intensity of my interrogation, I felt like Craig Williams is a candidate that generally shares my view of liberty, state's rights, and the role of the government. He has laid out a great campaign plan and has a tough road ahead. There are currently 6 individuals filed to run as Republicans against Patty Murray in Washington State. With the new primary system in Washington state, Patty Murray will not need to run a primary campaign, leaving a dogfight on the Republican side of the ballot. As I have said a number of times, 2010 is going to be used as the sounding board for Republicans in how we want to redefine and reshape the conservative movement using a major political party. Who we pick in 2010 is vastly important considering what we have been fighting for since November 2008.

With this in mind I am willing to say that Craig Williams is a great candidate for Senate, and will do well as an RNC outsider. With the RNC showing little interest in this race due to an embedded incumbent, Williams has some political freedom to take the fight to Murray and earn recognition of the RNC and GOP Senatorial Committee - unlike the anointed Jane Norton in CO. I strongly recommend contacting Craig Williams' campaign: "If you have further questions or would like to host a meeting or social yourself, please contact my campaign manager Karen Osborne at
Campaign@VoteWilliams2010.com or 360.907.2593"

If there are other candidates that you would like me to review, please do not hesitate to contact me! I will ask the tough questions and ensure that we drive home the message of Liberty!

Feel Good Thursday - Why wait 'til Friday

In an effort to better enjoy life, while seeking to understand existence on a deeper level, I have recently made a personal pledge of "happiness". This pledge is aimed not only at making me feel better, but actually to be a better person. The rules are simple -

1. Try to smile more
2. Look people in their eyes when talking to them
3. Make a conscious effort to think a happy thought at least five times a
day - about the freshness after a rain, the chill in the air, the color of the
leaves, the wind in your face, my daughter's smile... something happy.
4. Make a conscious effort to "project positive energy" at least once a day. Think
of it like a rock dropping into a pond. Envision yourself as the rock, and the
waves spreading out are that positive energy... anyone caught in your "wave" of
energy may just have picked up on that positive thought/energy and may have a
better day in return.

I took a few days off over the last week from blogging because of this. I wanted to restructure free from outside events... and am now more able to incorporate the bombardment of negative information with some positive thoughts. It has been a great week as a result.

Whether you choose to give it a try or not, at least stay positive and enjoy some feel good energy from me to you by way of a few songs!

This one should fill your heart:


This one should make you smile:


This one should get your feet tapping:


Love is the purest of energies... share it!