It is September 11th, 2010. Here in Chicago, it's a very rainy, foggy, messy day.
9 years ago: we awoke to images on our televisions that we only expected to find in epic catastrophe movies like Volcano, or maybe from some far off place called Iran - or was it Iraq ("Isn't that the same place?", someone might comment). My younger siblings hardly remember it, since they were so young, and yet I wonder if they attach any more importance to it that do a lot of people my age, or even older. The graphic images certainly won't be forgotten fully, but are suppressed almost out of existence. "We will never forget" stickers used to be common place. Now, they are relegated to the rusting bumpers and dirty windows of the "red-neck" population - and those crazy, fundamentalist right-wing wackos called who drink to much tea.
I checked for any events going on here in the city as a remembrance of 9/11. A few suburbs had moments of silence and such at fire stations. There may well be something happening in the city today, but it certainly wasn't readily found via the internet.
Today: Should we spend the day thinking about it, holding candle light vigils, rewatching the footage? Honestly, we probably shouldn't. But, should we expunge it all-together? I think not.
Of course, I didn't do anything about it either, but next year is the 10th anniversary, and I intend to do something. We need to pray for our country. Pray for those who are leading it, and those who are trying to bring it to it's knees. Pray for Muslim countries throughout the world that ultimately serve as breeding grounds for the organizations and ideologies that undergirded the attack on our soil. If we do not pass the memory and its implications on to those who were too young to understand the geo-political, religious, and national importance, in another 10 years, if not much sooner, we will be right back where we were on September 10th, 2001.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
September 11, 2010
June 29, 2010
There are a lot of Republican candidates to consider come the primary on August 10th, and it just so happens that all of them claim to be pro-life. Is there a difference? Personally, I believe there are many large and important differences between the various candidates, but more importantly, CRTL (Colorado Right To Life) has published some unfortunate findings as regards expoused Pro-Life positions. CRTL's Blog has a lengthy explaination that is very good - but, lengthy. So, below, I have condensed the info as much as possible, and kept it to the Republican Candidates in the Senate and Governor's races. If you want to read the rest of the candidates mentioned, feel free to read the original article. I hope this is helpful for you in making your decisions for the August 10th Primaries.
[None of the emphasis above was added by me, but reflects the original article]
Thanks for your interest, and don't forget to vote on August 10th!
About CRTL
We do not assume any candidate is pro-life unless they've responded to our candidate survey, or we have some other reason to trust their positions are sincere. CRTL does not officially endorse candidates for any office, but we will let you know which ones are NOT pro-life, and try to offer guidance on the rest. Please, NEVER assume a candidate is pro-life because of their party affiliation!
U.S. Senate Race
Republican Ken Buck is a credible candidate we consider very strongly pro-life and pro-Personhood, based on conversations with him. He is on record supporting Personhood, though we have not received his candidate questionnaire.
Republican Jane Norton has supported "abortion exceptions" in the past (i.e. for rape & incest, which is from our perspective "pro-abortion with exceptions"), and for some time refused to support Personhood. She was scheduled to meet with someone about Personhood, but the meeting hasn't happened yet despite every effort. However, she has apparently endorsed Personhood recently, along with the other Republican candidates for U.S. Senate. Questions to her campaign to confirm this went unanswered, and she has not responded to our survey, sent by certified letter, and she's had enough time to respond.
Again, we must question Jane Norton's sincerity on this issue, because she has seemed more reluctant than willing. She did participate in Gov. Owens' cutoff of Planned Parenthood from state funding, and we applaud her actions on that (as a cabinet member).
Governor's Race
Scott McInnis (R - Former Congressman) is the establishment candidate who the GOP thinks is "the man to beat Hickenlooper." He is running as a pro-life candidate, but is short on meaningful specifics. He was formerly a ranking member of the pro-abortion group Republicans for Choice, and is known to have supported some pro-abortion legislation (including taxpayer funding for abortions) and to have opposed some pro-life measures. He claims to have "changed his mind" about abortion, and has even expressed support for Personhood, but he has not responded to CRTL's survey (sent by certified letter 2 weeks ago, and also several times by e-mail), and we have real doubts about his sincerity. Don't believe his claims that he has a "pro-life voting record" -- HE DOES NOT. [...]
We were impressed when Dan Maes (R) became only the second major candidate to respond to our candidate survey. We had a question about his original survey, and in time and after some dialogue he responded with support for 7 of 7 of CRTL's central points, as explained in our candidate survey. We consider him 100% pro-life, and are happy that he is doing so well in the Governor's race -- no one gave him a chance early on, but he's turned out to be a strong and credible candidate.
[None of the emphasis above was added by me, but reflects the original article]
Thanks for your interest, and don't forget to vote on August 10th!
September 22, 2009
September 17, 2009
Keeping An Eye Out
In general, there's so many things going on it's hard to keep track of it all, but here's some highlights to remind us of what we're fighting for, how much we've done, and how important it is to keep going over the next three years:
First, here's some great footage of the 9/12 March on Washington. This is impressive stuff:
Also, yesterday, Gary Bauer quoted a speech made by Mike Pence about Joe Wilson. The entire speech was excellent, so here it is [courtesy of VA Social Conservative]:
Keep watching the ACORN Prostitution Scandal as well - if you hadn't heard, they've now released video's from Baltimore, MD, Washington D.C., New York, NY, San Bernadino, CA and now, their latest, San Diego, CA - every one more incriminating and unbelievable than the last. Be sure to go back to earlier posts on BigGovernment.com and see the earlier ones. It's well worth the time.
First, here's some great footage of the 9/12 March on Washington. This is impressive stuff:
Also, yesterday, Gary Bauer quoted a speech made by Mike Pence about Joe Wilson. The entire speech was excellent, so here it is [courtesy of VA Social Conservative]:
Keep watching the ACORN Prostitution Scandal as well - if you hadn't heard, they've now released video's from Baltimore, MD, Washington D.C., New York, NY, San Bernadino, CA and now, their latest, San Diego, CA - every one more incriminating and unbelievable than the last. Be sure to go back to earlier posts on BigGovernment.com and see the earlier ones. It's well worth the time.
September 16, 2009
EOD Report - Interesting Joe Wilson Commentary
If you're not familiar with Gary Bauer's End of Day Report, go Here and sign up - it's good stuff. Today, EOD had some interesting comments about the Joe Wilson issue, and some especially interesting quotes from Mike Pence:
"Republicans Defend Wilson
Yesterday I urged Republicans in the House of Representatives to stand up and defend Joe Wilson (R-SC) when the vote to discipline him came to the floor. Wilson, not surprisingly, was reprimanded by a 240-to-179 party line vote. (Seven Republicans voted against Wilson, while 12 Democrats voted for him).
Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, the current Republican House Conference Chairman and rising star in the GOP, was one of the strongest voices for sanity in the debate. Pence spoke on Wilson’s behalf on the House floor yesterday, telling his colleagues: “The American people want better. The American people want less politics and more jobs. They want Congress to set aside petty partisan politics and come together to take action to get this economy moving again.”
Rep. Pence also noted, “Ironically, because of Joe Wilson’s outburst, we have been engaged in nearly a week-long debate about what’s really in H.R. 3200. In fact, now the American people know there's nothing in the Democrat’s bill in the House that requires an individual to verify their identity or citizenship.”
He closed his statement by saying, “Last Wednesday was not a good day in the House, but today is worse. Today we see politics overwhelming the institution. The American people are tired. So let me say again … I urge my colleagues to vote ‘no’ on this resolution, put attention back on the work that the American people sent us here to perform, and that is to serve the interests of their families and the interests of this Nation with everything we’ve got. I’m with Joe; vote no.”
I want to share these comments because many of you have responded to this report frustrated with the Republicans in Congress for their perceived reluctance to stand up and fight back against the radical Left. The Republican leadership IS fighting back, despite facing a huge Democrat majority and Big Media that is marching in lockstep with the liberal agenda in Washington. I urge you to keep an eye on Mike Pence in the future."
Also, I should give VaSocialConservative a great deal of credit for suggesting I watch Mike Pence in the first place.
"Republicans Defend Wilson
Yesterday I urged Republicans in the House of Representatives to stand up and defend Joe Wilson (R-SC) when the vote to discipline him came to the floor. Wilson, not surprisingly, was reprimanded by a 240-to-179 party line vote. (Seven Republicans voted against Wilson, while 12 Democrats voted for him).
Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, the current Republican House Conference Chairman and rising star in the GOP, was one of the strongest voices for sanity in the debate. Pence spoke on Wilson’s behalf on the House floor yesterday, telling his colleagues: “The American people want better. The American people want less politics and more jobs. They want Congress to set aside petty partisan politics and come together to take action to get this economy moving again.”
Rep. Pence also noted, “Ironically, because of Joe Wilson’s outburst, we have been engaged in nearly a week-long debate about what’s really in H.R. 3200. In fact, now the American people know there's nothing in the Democrat’s bill in the House that requires an individual to verify their identity or citizenship.”
He closed his statement by saying, “Last Wednesday was not a good day in the House, but today is worse. Today we see politics overwhelming the institution. The American people are tired. So let me say again … I urge my colleagues to vote ‘no’ on this resolution, put attention back on the work that the American people sent us here to perform, and that is to serve the interests of their families and the interests of this Nation with everything we’ve got. I’m with Joe; vote no.”
I want to share these comments because many of you have responded to this report frustrated with the Republicans in Congress for their perceived reluctance to stand up and fight back against the radical Left. The Republican leadership IS fighting back, despite facing a huge Democrat majority and Big Media that is marching in lockstep with the liberal agenda in Washington. I urge you to keep an eye on Mike Pence in the future."
Also, I should give VaSocialConservative a great deal of credit for suggesting I watch Mike Pence in the first place.
September 1, 2009
A Great, Simple Idea for Action
[I recieved this as it was passed around through a loop of Tea Party goers and other activists in my area - great idea!]
This great idea is being passed around the Tea Parties... In her own words:
"This is not a forward. I came up with this myself.. If you agree, please do it with me. I've written over 400 postcards, letters and emails already. You only need to do six. Thanks, Katy."
I believe that the majority of Americans are good, hard-working people. For too long we've been silent because we were going about our business raising our families and making the country work. Now everything that we've worked for all our lives as well as our inalienable rights guaranteed by God and inscribed in the Constitution are being stolen from us by the current Administration and Congress. It's time to DO something!
We are NOT an angry mob! We are NOT un-American! We just want the government to follow the U.S. Constitution. In our own way way we are doing what the Patriots in 1776 did, fighting to stop a tyrannical Government. I do NOT want anyone to be violent or ugly or disrespectful. What I AM asking is that you do a very simple, easy act that will have a great impact.Each of you buy six postcards and six postcard stamps (which are 28 cents). Send one to your U.S. Representative and to your two U.S. Senators. If you don't know their addresses (ours are printed in the daily paper) you can find them at:
http://www.house.gov/ for your Congressman and http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm for Senators
Even if your Representative and Senators do not support Obama's plans for our future, (ours don't, thankfully) they need to know that we are behind them to give them courage to stand up to the loud hateful voices that the Axis of Tyranny getting ready to unleash.
Also write the Axis of Tyranny Obama, Pelosi, and Reid. That uses up the six postcards. Their addresses are below:
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington DC 20500
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
235 Cannon House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
S
enator Harry Reid
522 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Keep it short and simple (a requirement on a post card) but don't delay! They will soon be back in session after Labor Day, so mail it between August 31 and September 4 so you can FLOOD THEIR OFFICES with a Tsunami of mail! Snail mail makes a huge impact on elected officials, but letters take too long since the anthrax scare in 2001. They go through a quarantine of several weeks. Postcards are faster and cheaper to mail, too!
God Bless America
Katy Jones
Kerrville, Texas
This great idea is being passed around the Tea Parties... In her own words:
"This is not a forward. I came up with this myself.. If you agree, please do it with me. I've written over 400 postcards, letters and emails already. You only need to do six. Thanks, Katy."
I believe that the majority of Americans are good, hard-working people. For too long we've been silent because we were going about our business raising our families and making the country work. Now everything that we've worked for all our lives as well as our inalienable rights guaranteed by God and inscribed in the Constitution are being stolen from us by the current Administration and Congress. It's time to DO something!
We are NOT an angry mob! We are NOT un-American! We just want the government to follow the U.S. Constitution. In our own way way we are doing what the Patriots in 1776 did, fighting to stop a tyrannical Government. I do NOT want anyone to be violent or ugly or disrespectful. What I AM asking is that you do a very simple, easy act that will have a great impact.Each of you buy six postcards and six postcard stamps (which are 28 cents). Send one to your U.S. Representative and to your two U.S. Senators. If you don't know their addresses (ours are printed in the daily paper) you can find them at:
http://www.house.gov/ for your Congressman and http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm for Senators
Even if your Representative and Senators do not support Obama's plans for our future, (ours don't, thankfully) they need to know that we are behind them to give them courage to stand up to the loud hateful voices that the Axis of Tyranny getting ready to unleash.
Also write the Axis of Tyranny Obama, Pelosi, and Reid. That uses up the six postcards. Their addresses are below:
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington DC 20500
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
235 Cannon House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
S
enator Harry Reid
522 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Keep it short and simple (a requirement on a post card) but don't delay! They will soon be back in session after Labor Day, so mail it between August 31 and September 4 so you can FLOOD THEIR OFFICES with a Tsunami of mail! Snail mail makes a huge impact on elected officials, but letters take too long since the anthrax scare in 2001. They go through a quarantine of several weeks. Postcards are faster and cheaper to mail, too!
God Bless America
Katy Jones
Kerrville, Texas
August 28, 2009
Keeping An Eye Out - Federal Friday
Hello everyone!
I know it's been a while, which is why I've got four items for you!
First, I've got a quick update on Secondhand Smoke, the bioethics blog I follow... It moved!! Here's the new address. If you've not read him before, I highly recommend it. The bioethics debate affects our basic rights so it is very, very important to be abreast of what is going on, scary though it may be.
Second: Whew, after something heavy like bioethics, you'll need something lighter. Here it is, one of my favorite Stoplight video's from the past month or so:
Hope you enjoy this!
Third: A lot of people probably got a chance to see this live, and more have likely seen this video, but I want to be sure everyone at least knows it exists. Glenn Beck interviewed Rush Limbaugh a few nights ago on Fox. It's a really great interview, available here - take a few minutes and watch it, or read the transcript if you prefer.
Forth: Last but not least, if you watch Glenn Beck's show on Fox News, you may have noticed the US Debt Clock. You may not have noticed that it's also a real website that anyone has access to. Anyhow, here it is, and I hope you take a look at it. I'll also be linking to it in my sidebar links.
Colorado is a wonderful place, and as summer is drawing to a close earlier than I'm used to from Virginia, I'm feeling that political spirit rise a bit early... hope you do too, there's a lot at stake this summer. Go to your town hall meetings, if you have any, get connected with some email loops from tea party or 9-12 groups, spend a few hours at some rallies, calling senators, et cetera and perhaps we can turn this country around!
(Oh, and to all of you in and around Virginia, there are early rumblings about the campaigns. Those are very important elections, so be sure to get involved there too.)
At the end of it all, God is in control of all this, so be sure to keep praying!
I know it's been a while, which is why I've got four items for you!
First, I've got a quick update on Secondhand Smoke, the bioethics blog I follow... It moved!! Here's the new address. If you've not read him before, I highly recommend it. The bioethics debate affects our basic rights so it is very, very important to be abreast of what is going on, scary though it may be.
Second: Whew, after something heavy like bioethics, you'll need something lighter. Here it is, one of my favorite Stoplight video's from the past month or so:
Hope you enjoy this!
Third: A lot of people probably got a chance to see this live, and more have likely seen this video, but I want to be sure everyone at least knows it exists. Glenn Beck interviewed Rush Limbaugh a few nights ago on Fox. It's a really great interview, available here - take a few minutes and watch it, or read the transcript if you prefer.
Forth: Last but not least, if you watch Glenn Beck's show on Fox News, you may have noticed the US Debt Clock. You may not have noticed that it's also a real website that anyone has access to. Anyhow, here it is, and I hope you take a look at it. I'll also be linking to it in my sidebar links.
Colorado is a wonderful place, and as summer is drawing to a close earlier than I'm used to from Virginia, I'm feeling that political spirit rise a bit early... hope you do too, there's a lot at stake this summer. Go to your town hall meetings, if you have any, get connected with some email loops from tea party or 9-12 groups, spend a few hours at some rallies, calling senators, et cetera and perhaps we can turn this country around!
(Oh, and to all of you in and around Virginia, there are early rumblings about the campaigns. Those are very important elections, so be sure to get involved there too.)
At the end of it all, God is in control of all this, so be sure to keep praying!
May 4, 2009
A Story: Nationalized
Nationalized is a short fiction work about the possible outcomes of nationalized healthcare. Generation Joshua has linked to it on their Facebook page, and I also encourage you to read it! I think it may be a great tool for encouraging awareness and involvement on this all-important issue.
Having had a lot of contact with the current private healthcare system, I will be the first to admit that it is by no means perfect, however I cringe to think what I and my family may have to go through if it were nationalized. The world of medicine is not cut-and-dried. It is not a world of if 'A' then 'B' - it is a world of "what is 'A', and what should 'B' look like". Any non-traditional illness needs to receive non-traditional treatments, and there are very large concerns that anything non-traditional may indeed be significantly limited - and you wouldn't believe how many people need that sort of help!
Anyhow, enough of my pontification, go and read the story, and I hope you think about it.
Having had a lot of contact with the current private healthcare system, I will be the first to admit that it is by no means perfect, however I cringe to think what I and my family may have to go through if it were nationalized. The world of medicine is not cut-and-dried. It is not a world of if 'A' then 'B' - it is a world of "what is 'A', and what should 'B' look like". Any non-traditional illness needs to receive non-traditional treatments, and there are very large concerns that anything non-traditional may indeed be significantly limited - and you wouldn't believe how many people need that sort of help!
Anyhow, enough of my pontification, go and read the story, and I hope you think about it.
March 25, 2009
Daniel Hannan
This is an amazing video - if only one of our American Republicans would speak out this way towards Obama.
January 29, 2009
Federal Friday: Republican's Going the Right Direction!
Below is commentary from Gary Bauer's End of Day Report, but first, I first want to state some things very clearly concerning what has happened regarding the "Stimulus" Bill:
1) Nancy Pelosi and President Obama shut out the Republican's from having any say in the "stimulus" bill... I.E., not one Republican wrote one word of it!
2) The Republican's stood strong against the "stimulus" bill, and not one Republican voted for it!
Translation: Not ONE Republican can be tied to this bill... if (or, rather, when) it fails, not one Republican will be able to become the Democratic scape goat!
This is excellent news... yes, even though the thing passed, it is a huge step in the "Right" direction for the Republicans! (Please pardon the pun)
From Gary Bauer's End of Day Report:
GOP Stands Firm!
Congratulations to House Republicans! Few thought they could do it, but they held together, stood firm and voted unanimously against the pork-filled monstrosity. The bill is over 600 pages long, and by one estimate it will cost us approximately $1.8 billion per page.
Of course, the liberal media wait until the day after it passes the House before they tell the American people what is in the bill. Remember all those “shovel ready” infrastructure programs President Obama promised? Well, the Boston Globe reports this headline today, “Only 5 percent of $819b plan would go toward infrastructure.”
The New York Times tells us, “Components of Stimulus Vary in Speed and Efficiency.” Speed and efficiency should be the most important considerations in any serious stimulus bill, but this was not a serious stimulus bill. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that most of the money will not be spent until 2010 or years later. In addition, the Associated Press reports today that the bill may even allow illegal aliens to qualify for additional benefits.
Here’s the truth: This is not an economic stimulus bill at all. It is a Democrat Party stimulus bill – payoffs to leftwing special interest groups with your tax money! The public may slowly be waking up. A new Rasmussen poll finds that only 42% of likely voters support this “stimulus” plan.
But even with the GOP voting unanimously against the bill, and even with 11 brave Democrats also voting against it, this budget buster passed by a wide margin of 244-to-188. It passed because the Democrats defeated dozens and dozens of conservatives in the past two elections by outspending us and outworking us.
This vote should be a wake-up call to conservatives who have walked away from the GOP, who backed third party candidates with no hope of winning or who just didn’t bother to vote at all. Elections have consequences. And when conservatives don’t participate, the Left will always win.
Here’s my point: The next two years will be rough and there will be many setbacks. But Republicans are fighting back! And rather than focusing our frustration on our friends in the minority party, let’s remember who is setting the agenda and who control Congress – Barack Obama, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. Now, let’s get to work rebuilding our conservative movement so we can take back Capitol Hill in 2010! There are reasons to be encouraged about the future, and I will report them in the days ahead.
Media Distortions
Big liberal media are very good at taking a falsehood and repeating it over and over again until it is accepted as fact. Let me tell you what you’re going to hear in the next few days, because it’s already started. The Republicans are going to get slammed day after day for opposing the president and for “irresponsible partisanship,” as Nancy Pelosi’s press release put it today. After all, President Obama went to Capitol Hill and spent two hours with Republicans trying to win their support. How dare they vote against his top priority!
But bi-partisan means that both sides give up something and both sides get something. This bill was written by Democrats and the Obama White House. None of the GOP’s ideas were incorporated in the bill. It was Obama and Pelosi who killed bi-partisanship – not the GOP.
Here’s something else you need to know. In the next few days, the Left will flood GOP offices with angry messages, saying they will never get reelected. If your representative is a Republican, please call and thank him or her. The number is 202-224-3121. Simply ask the operator to connect you to your congressman’s office.
I went to Capitol Hill today to thank as many House Republicans as I could. Then I went to the Senate, where the fight is about to begin, and I encouraged Senate conservatives to close ranks behind our key principles of lower taxes, less spending and support for traditional values.
Campaign for Working Families
2800 Shirlington Road
Suite 930
Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 703-671-8800
Fax: 703-671-8899
1) Nancy Pelosi and President Obama shut out the Republican's from having any say in the "stimulus" bill... I.E., not one Republican wrote one word of it!
2) The Republican's stood strong against the "stimulus" bill, and not one Republican voted for it!
Translation: Not ONE Republican can be tied to this bill... if (or, rather, when) it fails, not one Republican will be able to become the Democratic scape goat!
This is excellent news... yes, even though the thing passed, it is a huge step in the "Right" direction for the Republicans! (Please pardon the pun)
From Gary Bauer's End of Day Report:
GOP Stands Firm!
Congratulations to House Republicans! Few thought they could do it, but they held together, stood firm and voted unanimously against the pork-filled monstrosity. The bill is over 600 pages long, and by one estimate it will cost us approximately $1.8 billion per page.
Of course, the liberal media wait until the day after it passes the House before they tell the American people what is in the bill. Remember all those “shovel ready” infrastructure programs President Obama promised? Well, the Boston Globe reports this headline today, “Only 5 percent of $819b plan would go toward infrastructure.”
The New York Times tells us, “Components of Stimulus Vary in Speed and Efficiency.” Speed and efficiency should be the most important considerations in any serious stimulus bill, but this was not a serious stimulus bill. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that most of the money will not be spent until 2010 or years later. In addition, the Associated Press reports today that the bill may even allow illegal aliens to qualify for additional benefits.
Here’s the truth: This is not an economic stimulus bill at all. It is a Democrat Party stimulus bill – payoffs to leftwing special interest groups with your tax money! The public may slowly be waking up. A new Rasmussen poll finds that only 42% of likely voters support this “stimulus” plan.
But even with the GOP voting unanimously against the bill, and even with 11 brave Democrats also voting against it, this budget buster passed by a wide margin of 244-to-188. It passed because the Democrats defeated dozens and dozens of conservatives in the past two elections by outspending us and outworking us.
This vote should be a wake-up call to conservatives who have walked away from the GOP, who backed third party candidates with no hope of winning or who just didn’t bother to vote at all. Elections have consequences. And when conservatives don’t participate, the Left will always win.
Here’s my point: The next two years will be rough and there will be many setbacks. But Republicans are fighting back! And rather than focusing our frustration on our friends in the minority party, let’s remember who is setting the agenda and who control Congress – Barack Obama, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. Now, let’s get to work rebuilding our conservative movement so we can take back Capitol Hill in 2010! There are reasons to be encouraged about the future, and I will report them in the days ahead.
Media Distortions
Big liberal media are very good at taking a falsehood and repeating it over and over again until it is accepted as fact. Let me tell you what you’re going to hear in the next few days, because it’s already started. The Republicans are going to get slammed day after day for opposing the president and for “irresponsible partisanship,” as Nancy Pelosi’s press release put it today. After all, President Obama went to Capitol Hill and spent two hours with Republicans trying to win their support. How dare they vote against his top priority!
But bi-partisan means that both sides give up something and both sides get something. This bill was written by Democrats and the Obama White House. None of the GOP’s ideas were incorporated in the bill. It was Obama and Pelosi who killed bi-partisanship – not the GOP.
Here’s something else you need to know. In the next few days, the Left will flood GOP offices with angry messages, saying they will never get reelected. If your representative is a Republican, please call and thank him or her. The number is 202-224-3121. Simply ask the operator to connect you to your congressman’s office.
I went to Capitol Hill today to thank as many House Republicans as I could. Then I went to the Senate, where the fight is about to begin, and I encouraged Senate conservatives to close ranks behind our key principles of lower taxes, less spending and support for traditional values.
Campaign for Working Families
2800 Shirlington Road
Suite 930
Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 703-671-8800
Fax: 703-671-8899
John Piper Takes On Obama's Abortion Stance
I can't preface this, because John Piper says it all...
Pray. Without Ceasing. Pray.
Pray. Without Ceasing. Pray.
December 23, 2008
The Obama/Rick Warren Double Standard
(This picture is from the Presidential Debate held at Saddleback Church)Wow, this is a great article from Rasmussen Reports' website. I am proud that they were courageous enough to publish it. I'm not failiar with the author, Debra Saunders, but I will give her a huge high-five anyways!
Free the Saddleback One
A Commentary by Debra J. Saunders
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Gay civil rights groups -- the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force -- are calling on President-elect Barack Obama to yank his invitation to Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren to give the inaugural prayer on Jan. 20. They demand tolerance from others, but won't spare any for those with whom they disagree. Unless of course, that person is Obama, who, like Warren, opposes same-sex marriage. Then they get real ecumenical. Not to mention, very forgetful.
Free the Saddleback One
A Commentary by Debra J. Saunders
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Gay civil rights groups -- the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force -- are calling on President-elect Barack Obama to yank his invitation to Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren to give the inaugural prayer on Jan. 20. They demand tolerance from others, but won't spare any for those with whom they disagree. Unless of course, that person is Obama, who, like Warren, opposes same-sex marriage. Then they get real ecumenical. Not to mention, very forgetful.
"I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. Now, for me as a Christian -- for me as a Christian -- it is also a sacred union," Obama said at a presidential candidate forum at the Saddleback Church in August. Obama could not make his opposition to same-sex marriage clearer.
It's true that Obama opposed Proposition 8, the same-sex marriage ban approved by California voters in November, on the grounds that codifying a same-sex ban would be "divisive" -- whereas Warren endorsed the measure.
Obama supports civil unions -- "I think my faith is strong enough and my marriage is strong enough that I can afford those civil rights to others, even if I have a different perspective or a different view," Obama explained. Warren spokesperson Kristin Cole told me that Warren "is OK on civil unions, but does not believe in redefining marriage."
Then why are gay leaders applauding the election of Obama, while calling on him to exclude the participation of the Warren? It makes no sense -- unless they had convinced themselves that Obama did not mean it when he said he opposed same-sex marriage. As long as they think he lied, he still can be their hero.
Because Warren clearly meant what he said, he's a villain. Forget the campaign Warren began to organize 1 billion Christians to fight global poverty and scourges like AIDS. Ignore the countless children he has helped save. Think only of the feelings he has wounded.
In the modern world, words speak louder than actions. And there is always an incriminating video clip out there.
In that spirit, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force cited an interview Warren gave on beliefnet.com and charged that Warren went "so far as to equate the marriages between same-sex couples with incest and pedophilia."
Warren did say, "I'm opposed to the re-definition of a 5,000 year definition of marriage. I'm opposed to a having brother and sister be together and call that a marriage. I'm opposed to an older guy marrying a child and calling that a marriage. I'm opposed to one guy having multiple wives and calling that a marriage."
Is that equating same-sex marriage with incest and pedophilia? If it you want it to, sure. Or you could see the quote as proof that Warren holds traditional religious views -- and cut the guy some slack.
You know, show tolerance while seeking tolerance.
Instead, many critics have chosen to brand Warren as a "hater" and a "bigot" -- words that fire up the base and alienate everyone else. They are sending the message that anyone who dares speak as Warren did -- except Obama, of course -- runs the risk of being tarred and feathered, 2008-style. Think Scott Eckern, who resigned as artistic director to spare the California Music Theatre in Sacramento from a boycott threatened because of his $1,000 donation to the Yes on Prop. 8 campaign.
I suppose the Warren critics could argue that gays and lesbians simply want the same rights as others; that this is a big country, with room enough for the traditionally devout and same-sex couples.
Except groups like the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force do not want to make room for people like Rick Warren. They want him muzzled and out of the picture.
.COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.
See Other Political Commentary
See Other Commentary by Debra J. Saunders
Views expressed in this column are those of the author, not those of Rasmussen Reports.
This article Found Here.
December 7, 2008
December 7th, 1941 and the "Never Forget" Slogan
Pop Quiz: What happened this day 1941?
Answer: The day all Americans began waiting for VJ day, i.e., the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. We were thrown into a war to the west of us, along with the war we were already fighting to the east in Europe.
67 years ago, Americans didn't want yet another war, but they saw how clearly we didn't have a choice. In the Japanese we found an enemy more imminent even that Hitler at the time. Hitler was attacking our allies, while Japan had attacked American soil. We had to fight, even with all the rationing that was already happening, all the hardship, all the death. We entered yet another theatre of war where thousands of our sons, brothers and fathers died in a single battle.
We enjoy the freedom that they died for. We appreciate the families all over America who skimped, saved, and went without in order to allow our troops to have what they needed in order to gain freedom for Europe, and for us... the same freedom we now enjoy. Thanks, to all WWII Veterans, and all Veterans throughout our country's history.
But, what about today? Birdie announced to me what day it was as soon as I got up. Then, I checked email real quick, and found the Rasmussen Reports Daily Update waiting for me. I skimmed their headlines, and found something most disconcerting. "Confidence in War on Terror Declines" read the headline, and my stomach realized I hadn't eaten yet. Read the stats, or just know that only 47% of those polled believe that the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror.
Answer: The day all Americans began waiting for VJ day, i.e., the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. We were thrown into a war to the west of us, along with the war we were already fighting to the east in Europe.
67 years ago, Americans didn't want yet another war, but they saw how clearly we didn't have a choice. In the Japanese we found an enemy more imminent even that Hitler at the time. Hitler was attacking our allies, while Japan had attacked American soil. We had to fight, even with all the rationing that was already happening, all the hardship, all the death. We entered yet another theatre of war where thousands of our sons, brothers and fathers died in a single battle.
We enjoy the freedom that they died for. We appreciate the families all over America who skimped, saved, and went without in order to allow our troops to have what they needed in order to gain freedom for Europe, and for us... the same freedom we now enjoy. Thanks, to all WWII Veterans, and all Veterans throughout our country's history.
But, what about today? Birdie announced to me what day it was as soon as I got up. Then, I checked email real quick, and found the Rasmussen Reports Daily Update waiting for me. I skimmed their headlines, and found something most disconcerting. "Confidence in War on Terror Declines" read the headline, and my stomach realized I hadn't eaten yet. Read the stats, or just know that only 47% of those polled believe that the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror.
This is blatantly false, for one thing. We continue to turn over more and more sections of Iraq to the Iraqi military forces. Just this single statement implies so many other significant facts. In order to turn it over, we had to:
- Have control over those area's in the first place
- Have quelled things enough in that area that we and the Iraqi forces were comfortable having a less experienced force control them
- Train the Iraqi forces to the point that they could take over
- Build an infrastructure for them to operate in
The list continues. Can you imagine how much it must take to first have an Iraqi military to put in place, and then be able to put them there?
All that, along with the myriad of other things that the Main-Stream Media refuses to tell us, doesn't spell W-I-N-N-I-N-G? We haven't had another terrorist attack on our soil since the war began, that doesn't spell W-I-N-N-I-N-G?
This of course, brings us to the connection I want to make between December 7th, 1941, and December 7th, 2008. In 1941, America was outraged and reeling from having suffered an attack on our own soil. If you can remember, in 2001 we were also reeling from an attack on our soil. Four of them. There might have been more planned.
No American wants war, but we knew, and more importantly, President Bush knew, that if we were to keep our country from suffering another similar attack, we had to take the fight to the terrorists. We did. Congress supported it. President Bush ordered it. We did go to war. Now, because the political winds are so apt to change, it is proclaimed political suicide if a Democrat or Moderate should DARE to support the War on Terror that our brave military men and woman have sacrificed s0 much for. Republicans are war-mongers because we want to keep America, and other free countries, from yet another devastating attack like we had on September 11th, 2001.
In 1941, we didn't forget what Japan had done. We fought. We won. That's how wars are supposed to go: they attack, we protect ourselves, and the attackers don't do it again.
In 2001, it seemed America had covered herself in bumper stickers, window clings and flags with pictures of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and that spot in Pennsylvania, proclaiming, "We will NEVER forget".
America: we have forgotten. It is shameful, wrong, and it brings tears for me to think that the American People could so easily forget such an awful time. I must echo they song by Darryl Worley, "Have you forgotten/how it felt that day/to see your homeland under fire/and her people blown away/have you forgotten when those towers fell?" We have, and we now need to remember.
December 3, 2008
Change You Do Not Believe In
Here is some excellent commentary on Obama's current and future actions. Really good, especially since I've been having withdrawal symptoms from Rush not being on the air for the past two days... Get Well Soon!!Anyhow, here 'tis:
Brace for the Change You Do Not Believe In
A Commentary By Tony Blankley
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
From The Huffington Post and Daily Kos to National Review and The Washington Times -- and all the mainstream media in between -- commentators are puzzling over who the dickens President-elect Barack Obama really is. On the progressive left, they are beginning to fear he may not be for "redistributive justice." On The Wall Street Journal free market right, they are seeing in his economic team the possibility that he is really as safe for capitalism as a banker. Karl Rove has concluded: "(The) announcement of Mr. Obama's economic team was reassuring. He's generally surrounded himself with intelligent, mainstream advisers."
Those impassioned by the anti-war slogan "no blood for oil" are getting nervous. According to Politico, Jodie Evans -- a CodePink co-founder who, with her husband, helped raise a lot of money for Obama during the primary and general elections -- recalled her interaction with Obama: "It has gotten to the point where he sees me coming and before I am close he just keeps repeating, 'Jodie, I PROMISE, I will end the war, I promise I will end the war.'"
The mainstream media, still warmed by the success of their work electing Obama, comfortably headlined an article on the topic in the National Journal: "The president-elect's appointments reflect his confidence in his own idiosyncratic blueprint and his ability to hold together an eclectic administration."
It is a pity the conversation about what Obama might actually do as president didn't begin in the media until after the election. But not to worry. As Emma Goldman, a 20th-century anarchist and Marxist, is reputed to have said: "In America, elections are the opium of the people." Well, we have had our fix, no matter how uninformed we were during the injection.
There is something degrading about serious, prominent political people of the left or right (to say nothing of the broader public) being forced to play policy hide-and-seek with the president-elect of the United States. And there is something presumptive about a president-elect who is very satisfied to keep the public guessing about what he stands for and what he plans to do. It is redolent of the most cynical of 19th-century European politics. But if he wants us to play the guessing game, I'll play.
I suspect that free market advocates need to be careful not to jump to early conclusions about Obama. The fact that he has selected a senior team of credible, centrist financial men and women does not mean he is committed to free markets. As a cautious, shrewd man, he understands that he must steady the markets and the economy before he can start on his more ambitious, redistributive policies. As he said last week, don't worry about the centrist, experienced Clinton appointees he is selecting; it is his job, as president, to be the change.
Unlike some of his supporters, I take Obama at his word. In my reading of history, men with his level of intentionally displayed self-confidence should be believed when they earlier have asserted grand -- even grandiose -- goals. Whether they are actually that self-confident or tormented by secret self-doubt, it often leads to efforts at grand and "heroic" public policies once in office.
And as long as the president-elect will not declare himself publicly, these foolish psychological games are necessary. So I rather doubt that a man with his self-image is likely to be content to leave the White House eight years from now having been a mere steward of Republican capitalism and military policy. I suspect he wants to play for the history books and do something dramatic with America. I suspect, as he says, he intends to be the change -- and not merely of the "can't we all just get along?" variety. In fact, I suspect he doesn't want to get along with his philosophical opposition; he wants to overwhelm us politically.
On the foreign policy front, likewise, solid appointments may not lead to solid policies. Remember during the campaign when he was on his way to Iraq and he was quite dismissive of the role of the top generals? Once again, he used the phrase "my job, as president," and he said it is to make the policy. He said the generals' job is merely to carry out his orders. That was a very unrealistic view of the relationship between civilian and military leadership -- even by the example of such towering civilian leaders as FDR, Churchill and Lincoln.
Here is my suggestion to those who disagree with what, during and before the campaign, Obama seemed to be saying about economics, diplomacy, culture and foreign policy: Do not take too much comfort from his appointees. Brace for the change you do not believe in.
Tony Blankley is executive vice president of Edelman public relations in Washington.
COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.
See Other Commentaries by Tony Blankley
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Views expressed in this column are those of the author, not those of Rasmussen Reports.
[and not necessarily those of the.joyful.one, but I'd say a large part of them are :-) ]
November 25, 2008
Pray! (Year of the Bible Project)
Over the last year, I have been involved to different degrees in The National Year of the Bible Project. Earlier in the year, before we moved, Dad and I lobbied on Capitol Hill (a lot of fun, and seemingly productive). Now, of course, I'm involved via long distance calls and email.
Here's the point, though. The project is doing it's best to put together a calling blitz into the Congressional Offices, to begin in the next week or so. I think it will work very well, and that we have a good chance of putting a lot of influence into the hopper.
Unfortunately, the National Coordinator of the Year of the Bible Project, who is in D.C. right now, and is arranging this whole blitz, is having significant computer troubles. Actually, it has crashed (by my count) about 7-8 times over yesterday and this morning.
So here's the deal: we need prayer, and we need it now! There's a lot of great things going for us right now, but not a whole lot can be done with the computers up and running. A lot of contacts have to be made over the next day-and-a-half, and many of them require a least some amount of computer work... so please pray for the contacts themselves, and also pray that the problems with the computer can be figured out, asap.
Here's the point, though. The project is doing it's best to put together a calling blitz into the Congressional Offices, to begin in the next week or so. I think it will work very well, and that we have a good chance of putting a lot of influence into the hopper.
Unfortunately, the National Coordinator of the Year of the Bible Project, who is in D.C. right now, and is arranging this whole blitz, is having significant computer troubles. Actually, it has crashed (by my count) about 7-8 times over yesterday and this morning.
So here's the deal: we need prayer, and we need it now! There's a lot of great things going for us right now, but not a whole lot can be done with the computers up and running. A lot of contacts have to be made over the next day-and-a-half, and many of them require a least some amount of computer work... so please pray for the contacts themselves, and also pray that the problems with the computer can be figured out, asap.
November 10, 2008
Obama: Proof that Reaganism is Alive
With all the "centrists" working to bring the Republican party away from the Conservative values enshrined by President Ronald Reagan, it is easy to start believing that Reaganism is dead.
Want solid proof that it isn't?
Of course you do...
Here it is.... the long awaited proof....
Barack Obama.
Why?
He used Reagan's (i.e. the Conservative) platform.
Don't believe it? Here's a very well thought out article written by Scott Rasmussen, arguing (in my opinion empirically) that Reaganism Is Not Dead. Read the article, and then tell me that we need to appeal to the liberal "centrists".
Want solid proof that it isn't?
Of course you do...
Here it is.... the long awaited proof....
Barack Obama.
Why?
He used Reagan's (i.e. the Conservative) platform.
Don't believe it? Here's a very well thought out article written by Scott Rasmussen, arguing (in my opinion empirically) that Reaganism Is Not Dead. Read the article, and then tell me that we need to appeal to the liberal "centrists".
November 8, 2008
Federal Friday: The New Reagan Revolution
There is a lot of speculation as to what Obama will do, when he will do it, etc. There is also some speculation, particularly amongst evangelicals, quiet as it may be, concerning whether Obama's presidency will have any ties to the end-times prophesies found in Daniel, Matthew and Revelation.
I will deal with the latter first. Allow me to ask a question. Supposing, somehow, we were able to say absolutely and without any doubt that Obama is the antichrist (I am NOT suggesting this, please simply follow for a moment). How would we react? Would we not still fight those policies we disagree with that he presents and supports? Would we not still do all in our power to support those things that we believe must be supported? So, in fact, it really doesn't matter if he is, isn't, is going to be, et cetera the antichrist? Therefore, isn't it simply a distraction from more important issues, a distraction that we needn't deal with?
The end times are a very interesting and worthy study. However, trying to fit current events into them beyond simple speculation and curiosity seems to me to be a loss of the point.
Now, as to what, when and how Obama will do what he does. Yes, there are many fights ahead of us. There are many things to be dealt with. Yes, strategies are good things, and yes, we must be prepared to deal with them. However, we simply must not go overboard in trying to win every single battle before those battles are even begun. Here's something to chew on: Obama can't do everything at once either, and we will match his pace.
I, obviously, love politics, and I think them terribly important. I do think that many of the values I hold dear are at stake. Only a few years ago, I would have been truly concerned, somewhat frantic, and planning to build a bomb shelter in the basement until my parents talked me out of it, if this situation had happened then. However, I must say that I am not really all that frantic or overwrought. Concerned, yes. Ready to fight, yes. But, I think we simply must take measured steps. This DOES NOT mean standing down. I actually think that it means fighting even BETTER.
Here is what I am suggesting. Deal with the NOW. Simple as that. Once inaugurated, Obama has promised that one of the first things he will do is repeal DOMA (the Defence Of Marriage Act). Let's deal with that battle when it comes. If he next tries to pull out of Iraq, let's deal with that when it comes. When he tries to allow all abortion, all the time, for any reason, we will deal with that when it comes. Let's truly deal with it, but let's not overstep ourselves.
Here's a great way to accomplish this. Michael Reagan, Ronald Reagan's son, has launched a new website, http://www.reaganaction.com/. It is not yet fully functional, but it is supposed to be sometime next week. I would suggest that you read what he has to say.
What he is trying to accomplish through the site is to spread a daily action piece, usually taking only a few minutes, to inundate Congress and the White House with calls, faxes, emails etc, telling them what we think, and turning us, the "masses", all into political activists. I see this as an excellent way to deal with each battle as it comes, and REALLY deal with it.
Now, of course, I don't know how the site will work precisely, but the idea is what I like. This is how we all can and must deal with the next four years. We mustn't get weary, we mustn't lose our fighting spirit (if you don't have one just now, go read the page that's up on Reagan Action) and we must start the New Reagan Revolution!
I will deal with the latter first. Allow me to ask a question. Supposing, somehow, we were able to say absolutely and without any doubt that Obama is the antichrist (I am NOT suggesting this, please simply follow for a moment). How would we react? Would we not still fight those policies we disagree with that he presents and supports? Would we not still do all in our power to support those things that we believe must be supported? So, in fact, it really doesn't matter if he is, isn't, is going to be, et cetera the antichrist? Therefore, isn't it simply a distraction from more important issues, a distraction that we needn't deal with?
The end times are a very interesting and worthy study. However, trying to fit current events into them beyond simple speculation and curiosity seems to me to be a loss of the point.
Now, as to what, when and how Obama will do what he does. Yes, there are many fights ahead of us. There are many things to be dealt with. Yes, strategies are good things, and yes, we must be prepared to deal with them. However, we simply must not go overboard in trying to win every single battle before those battles are even begun. Here's something to chew on: Obama can't do everything at once either, and we will match his pace.
I, obviously, love politics, and I think them terribly important. I do think that many of the values I hold dear are at stake. Only a few years ago, I would have been truly concerned, somewhat frantic, and planning to build a bomb shelter in the basement until my parents talked me out of it, if this situation had happened then. However, I must say that I am not really all that frantic or overwrought. Concerned, yes. Ready to fight, yes. But, I think we simply must take measured steps. This DOES NOT mean standing down. I actually think that it means fighting even BETTER.
Here is what I am suggesting. Deal with the NOW. Simple as that. Once inaugurated, Obama has promised that one of the first things he will do is repeal DOMA (the Defence Of Marriage Act). Let's deal with that battle when it comes. If he next tries to pull out of Iraq, let's deal with that when it comes. When he tries to allow all abortion, all the time, for any reason, we will deal with that when it comes. Let's truly deal with it, but let's not overstep ourselves.
Here's a great way to accomplish this. Michael Reagan, Ronald Reagan's son, has launched a new website, http://www.reaganaction.com/. It is not yet fully functional, but it is supposed to be sometime next week. I would suggest that you read what he has to say.
What he is trying to accomplish through the site is to spread a daily action piece, usually taking only a few minutes, to inundate Congress and the White House with calls, faxes, emails etc, telling them what we think, and turning us, the "masses", all into political activists. I see this as an excellent way to deal with each battle as it comes, and REALLY deal with it.
Now, of course, I don't know how the site will work precisely, but the idea is what I like. This is how we all can and must deal with the next four years. We mustn't get weary, we mustn't lose our fighting spirit (if you don't have one just now, go read the page that's up on Reagan Action) and we must start the New Reagan Revolution!
October 29, 2008
Federal Friday: Polls vs. Election Reputation
I know it's Wednesday, but since I will be campaigning from either Thursday night or Friday through Tuesday of next week, I have to put up this week's Federal Friday rather early. (Besides, there's something I want to write about)
The Rasmussen Presidential Tracking Poll released today puts us at a 3 point race: Obama 50% McCain 47%. This is a large improvement for McCain. As the report explains,
This poll also has some other interesting numbers, including:
-One percent (1%) of voters prefer a third-party option and 2% are undecided
-Among those who have already voted, it’s Obama 54% McCain 45%
-As for those who have not yet voted but are “certain” they will do so, the race is tied at 48%
-Two percent (2%) of these “certain” voters plan to vote for a third party option while 2% say they are undecided
Why this sudden change? Rush has been saying for the last two months that the polls would tighten as we got closer to the election. Interpretation: the pollsters must hedge their bets. Remember in the Bush/Kerry race? They had practically called the election for Kerry by noon (citing poll numbers that had been played with) trying to get the remaining republicans from 'bothering' to go vote. Then, Bush won. All the pollsters looked like fools... and they don't want that to happen again. So, since you can't prove by actual vote counting what actually happened in the weeks leading up to an election, but you can certainly prove what happened just before and during the election, they're straightening out their act.
And to further ensure that their reputation doesn't get further tarnished, this was included in the Rasmussen report:
Now, I really can't blame them for further hedging their bets, but I do think it helps prove the point.
Conclusion: This race is terribly tight, and every little bit of volunteering, and certainly every vote will, does, and must count!
(Also see Polls vs. Us, and particularly the Stoplight video included)
The Rasmussen Presidential Tracking Poll released today puts us at a 3 point race: Obama 50% McCain 47%. This is a large improvement for McCain. As the report explains,
"Prior to today’s update, Obama had been ahead by four-to-eight points every single day for 33 straight days..."
This poll also has some other interesting numbers, including:
-One percent (1%) of voters prefer a third-party option and 2% are undecided
-Among those who have already voted, it’s Obama 54% McCain 45%
-As for those who have not yet voted but are “certain” they will do so, the race is tied at 48%
-Two percent (2%) of these “certain” voters plan to vote for a third party option while 2% say they are undecided
Why this sudden change? Rush has been saying for the last two months that the polls would tighten as we got closer to the election. Interpretation: the pollsters must hedge their bets. Remember in the Bush/Kerry race? They had practically called the election for Kerry by noon (citing poll numbers that had been played with) trying to get the remaining republicans from 'bothering' to go vote. Then, Bush won. All the pollsters looked like fools... and they don't want that to happen again. So, since you can't prove by actual vote counting what actually happened in the weeks leading up to an election, but you can certainly prove what happened just before and during the election, they're straightening out their act.
And to further ensure that their reputation doesn't get further tarnished, this was included in the Rasmussen report:
"It will take another day or so to determine whether today’s numbers
reflect a lasting change or statistical noise."
Now, I really can't blame them for further hedging their bets, but I do think it helps prove the point.
Conclusion: This race is terribly tight, and every little bit of volunteering, and certainly every vote will, does, and must count!
(Also see Polls vs. Us, and particularly the Stoplight video included)
October 25, 2008
A Letter from Dutch Sheets
I received this via an email loop. This really brings into perspective how all Christians can be involved, even if you aren't a "boot on the ground" so-to-speak actively campaigning.
For those not familiar with Dutch Sheets, (I must admit that I've never heard of him, but I like this letter) go HERE.
Letter from Dutch Sheets
Due to IRS rules, this letter is from me personally and is not from any f the ministries I am associated with. (Also because of IRS rules, I cannot send it to my ministry database and therefore need your help in getting it out.) Do with it as you see fit, but my desire is that you forward it to as many praying friends as possible.
October 20, 2008
Dear Praying Friend,
In 2000, I wrote the 2nd most important letter of my life—a call to prayer for the elections of that year. I'm now writing what may be my most important letter. I knew the importance of those elections in 2000 was beyond any in my life up to that point and that the spiritual warfare surrounding them would be unlike anything any of us had ever seen. That letter was read by millions of people and I believe millions of them responded by praying. I also believe the prayers turned the tide.
You may question whether President Bush was the right choice; obviously, he has made some blunders in his tenure as president. But two of his decisions alone left no doubt he was God's choice: Roberts and Alito. These two Supreme Court Justices have proven critical in the process of breaking the hold of humanism, death and anti-God agendas that have ruled the Court for 50 years. I assure you that more devastation—the shedding of innocent blood, immorality, decay of the family and an erosion of our godly heritage—has flowed into our nation through that institution than any other door in America. Many times more. The poison allowed into America through their decisions is beyond any of our abilities to articulate.
The reality in America is that you don't need to control Congress or the White House to rule the nation. You only need 5 people – 5 out of 9 on the Supreme Court. And for decades those who disagree with just about everything you and I stand for have been in control! In Bush's two terms, the process of turning this around began with the appointments of Roberts and Alito. Now, we win some cases 5-4 and lose some 4-5. (We barely outlawed partial birth abortion. The vote of onejudge saved thousands of babies from this horror.) We need one more conservative Justice for a consistent majority, then more to build a strong majority.
In Obama's own words, "the next president will appoint at least one, perhaps two or more Supreme Court Justices." He's right. Almost certainly two or more older, liberal Justices are waiting until after the elections to retire, in hopes of Obama winning and appointing more liberals to replace them. And he certainly would. He voted against the confirmation of Roberts and Alito. So did Biden. And Biden led the fight against Justice Thomas several years back, another of the 4 solid conservatives. Make no mistake about it, the two of them do have a litmus test for Supreme Court Justices, and a major part of that test is Roe vs. Wade. McCain and Palin, on the other hand, both have very strong pro-life positions. This alone makes the choice for President simple. To vote for the 2nd and 3rd most liberal Senators (Obama and Biden), both of whom are firmly and blatantly pro-abortion, would be unconscionable. Obama has actually said that if he wins, he would like his first action as president to be the signing of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would eliminate every other law against any aspect of abortion (partial birth abortion, parental notification, etc., etc.). And with a democratic majority in the House and Senate, pretty much any legislation he and Biden want to pass will be a slam-dunk. There are many other unrighteous positions they hold but this position alone makes the choice easy. If they win this election, it will set America back decades in the cause of life and the restoration we seek.
Just as many of you do, I too, want to see a first black President, but not Senator Obama. To allow that noble and godly desire, the economy or one's position on the war to trump this issue of life and death for the innocent unborn is simply wrong. The scriptures teach that if we choose first to exalt righteousness and turn from evil, God promises to heal our land (see Proverbs 14:34; 2 Chronicles 7:14). It is righteousness that exalts a nation, not wealth, prosperity or armies. If we will finish the process of removing the curses of death and anti-God laws off of America by electing a president that will continue to shift the Court, God will grace us with breakthrough in other areas such as the economy, the war against terrorism, etc. My faith is not in a person, and certainly not a political party, for the healing of America, but I know God's word and His ways well enough to know that our decisions do move Him to action or inaction.
Now to the heart of my reason for writing this letter (I realize I am "preaching to the choir"—most of you who know or listen to me are conservative enough to vote for McCain and Palin.) I have not written any appeals for prayer concerning this election because:
1) others have, and
2) I believe our movement has matured to the point that the prayer base of the Church is already praying.
But I now feel the need to raise my voice. I am appealing to you to pray for these elections the next two weeks like you've never prayed for any in the past.
Faithfully. Passionately. Boldly. Ask God for His mercy and grace.
We deserve His judgment for removing His influence and authority from our government, schools, homes and businesses; for the killing of 50 million babies; for leading the world in the consumption and exporting of pornography; for passing laws to reject His; etc. But mercy triumphs over judgment and in His wrath He remembers mercy. In 2000 we actually lost the popular vote and won the election—talk about grace! Please pray for this grace to be released again. But I am also asking you for something more than normal prayer. For those of you who understand spiritual warfare, I am asking you to also include this aspect of prayer. There is no doubt that we have entered a Daniel 10 moment in time: "Then he said to me, 'Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia'"(Daniel 10: 12-13 NAS). The spiritual warfare in this election is incredibly fierce, and just as it was in Daniel's day, is all about the restoration of a nation. And also like Daniel, we must keep praying until we win the battle in the heavens.
In August of this year I predicted that September would mark a shift in momentum for these elections. This happened with the appointment of Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidential nominee (who is a true Esther in our generation), but when the economy began its meltdown and the media ramped up their unprecedented attacks on Palin, that momentum wasn't sustained. But we can see it turn again if we approach this battle as the spiritual warfare it truly is and bind the evil forces involved (see Matthew 16:18-19). The reality is that this election can be the breakthrough we need to fully shift the Court (and ultimately our nation) or it will be an immeasurable setback that could take many years to reverse—if ever.
Please understand what I am saying: if we engage in this battle and do what I am asking—in mass—we will win; if we do not, we will lose. I, for one, don't intend to allow the latter. I am in Washington, D.C. now (October 20-22) with Lou Engle and a team of prayer leaders from around the nation to war for this election. Join us! Lose some sleep, miss some meals—pray! Pray like never before for these elections. And as you do, involve yourself not only in petitioning prayer but also in spiritual warfare. Use your God-given authority over the plans and strategies of satan's kingdom. Bind all witchcraft that is working to control the outcome, including occultic powers that are suppressing truth. Release Christ's Kingdom rule in every way the Holy Spirit leads you.
Don't be deceived and don't lose hope (if you have to, turn off the TV.) It is not too late to turn these elections. God is plenty powerful enough to do so. The real question is will we rise to the level of prayer and spiritual warfare necessary to release that power. And remember, we don't need a majority of Christians who are willing and able to do this—only a praying remnant. We can do it!
Here are some practical suggestions to consider:
1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days;TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.
2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God's will to be done.
3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could prayeveryday.
4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in everyservice to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp andbowl style intercession—worship and prayer combined.)
5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30minutes.
6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
7) Pray before you go to sleep.
8) Pray before church services.
9) Ask God to give you His strategy—He will!
In His grip,
Dutch Sheets
For those not familiar with Dutch Sheets, (I must admit that I've never heard of him, but I like this letter) go HERE.
Letter from Dutch Sheets
Due to IRS rules, this letter is from me personally and is not from any f the ministries I am associated with. (Also because of IRS rules, I cannot send it to my ministry database and therefore need your help in getting it out.) Do with it as you see fit, but my desire is that you forward it to as many praying friends as possible.
October 20, 2008
Dear Praying Friend,
In 2000, I wrote the 2nd most important letter of my life—a call to prayer for the elections of that year. I'm now writing what may be my most important letter. I knew the importance of those elections in 2000 was beyond any in my life up to that point and that the spiritual warfare surrounding them would be unlike anything any of us had ever seen. That letter was read by millions of people and I believe millions of them responded by praying. I also believe the prayers turned the tide.
You may question whether President Bush was the right choice; obviously, he has made some blunders in his tenure as president. But two of his decisions alone left no doubt he was God's choice: Roberts and Alito. These two Supreme Court Justices have proven critical in the process of breaking the hold of humanism, death and anti-God agendas that have ruled the Court for 50 years. I assure you that more devastation—the shedding of innocent blood, immorality, decay of the family and an erosion of our godly heritage—has flowed into our nation through that institution than any other door in America. Many times more. The poison allowed into America through their decisions is beyond any of our abilities to articulate.
The reality in America is that you don't need to control Congress or the White House to rule the nation. You only need 5 people – 5 out of 9 on the Supreme Court. And for decades those who disagree with just about everything you and I stand for have been in control! In Bush's two terms, the process of turning this around began with the appointments of Roberts and Alito. Now, we win some cases 5-4 and lose some 4-5. (We barely outlawed partial birth abortion. The vote of onejudge saved thousands of babies from this horror.) We need one more conservative Justice for a consistent majority, then more to build a strong majority.
In Obama's own words, "the next president will appoint at least one, perhaps two or more Supreme Court Justices." He's right. Almost certainly two or more older, liberal Justices are waiting until after the elections to retire, in hopes of Obama winning and appointing more liberals to replace them. And he certainly would. He voted against the confirmation of Roberts and Alito. So did Biden. And Biden led the fight against Justice Thomas several years back, another of the 4 solid conservatives. Make no mistake about it, the two of them do have a litmus test for Supreme Court Justices, and a major part of that test is Roe vs. Wade. McCain and Palin, on the other hand, both have very strong pro-life positions. This alone makes the choice for President simple. To vote for the 2nd and 3rd most liberal Senators (Obama and Biden), both of whom are firmly and blatantly pro-abortion, would be unconscionable. Obama has actually said that if he wins, he would like his first action as president to be the signing of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would eliminate every other law against any aspect of abortion (partial birth abortion, parental notification, etc., etc.). And with a democratic majority in the House and Senate, pretty much any legislation he and Biden want to pass will be a slam-dunk. There are many other unrighteous positions they hold but this position alone makes the choice easy. If they win this election, it will set America back decades in the cause of life and the restoration we seek.
Just as many of you do, I too, want to see a first black President, but not Senator Obama. To allow that noble and godly desire, the economy or one's position on the war to trump this issue of life and death for the innocent unborn is simply wrong. The scriptures teach that if we choose first to exalt righteousness and turn from evil, God promises to heal our land (see Proverbs 14:34; 2 Chronicles 7:14). It is righteousness that exalts a nation, not wealth, prosperity or armies. If we will finish the process of removing the curses of death and anti-God laws off of America by electing a president that will continue to shift the Court, God will grace us with breakthrough in other areas such as the economy, the war against terrorism, etc. My faith is not in a person, and certainly not a political party, for the healing of America, but I know God's word and His ways well enough to know that our decisions do move Him to action or inaction.
Now to the heart of my reason for writing this letter (I realize I am "preaching to the choir"—most of you who know or listen to me are conservative enough to vote for McCain and Palin.) I have not written any appeals for prayer concerning this election because:
1) others have, and
2) I believe our movement has matured to the point that the prayer base of the Church is already praying.
But I now feel the need to raise my voice. I am appealing to you to pray for these elections the next two weeks like you've never prayed for any in the past.
Faithfully. Passionately. Boldly. Ask God for His mercy and grace.
We deserve His judgment for removing His influence and authority from our government, schools, homes and businesses; for the killing of 50 million babies; for leading the world in the consumption and exporting of pornography; for passing laws to reject His; etc. But mercy triumphs over judgment and in His wrath He remembers mercy. In 2000 we actually lost the popular vote and won the election—talk about grace! Please pray for this grace to be released again. But I am also asking you for something more than normal prayer. For those of you who understand spiritual warfare, I am asking you to also include this aspect of prayer. There is no doubt that we have entered a Daniel 10 moment in time: "Then he said to me, 'Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia'"(Daniel 10: 12-13 NAS). The spiritual warfare in this election is incredibly fierce, and just as it was in Daniel's day, is all about the restoration of a nation. And also like Daniel, we must keep praying until we win the battle in the heavens.
In August of this year I predicted that September would mark a shift in momentum for these elections. This happened with the appointment of Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidential nominee (who is a true Esther in our generation), but when the economy began its meltdown and the media ramped up their unprecedented attacks on Palin, that momentum wasn't sustained. But we can see it turn again if we approach this battle as the spiritual warfare it truly is and bind the evil forces involved (see Matthew 16:18-19). The reality is that this election can be the breakthrough we need to fully shift the Court (and ultimately our nation) or it will be an immeasurable setback that could take many years to reverse—if ever.
Please understand what I am saying: if we engage in this battle and do what I am asking—in mass—we will win; if we do not, we will lose. I, for one, don't intend to allow the latter. I am in Washington, D.C. now (October 20-22) with Lou Engle and a team of prayer leaders from around the nation to war for this election. Join us! Lose some sleep, miss some meals—pray! Pray like never before for these elections. And as you do, involve yourself not only in petitioning prayer but also in spiritual warfare. Use your God-given authority over the plans and strategies of satan's kingdom. Bind all witchcraft that is working to control the outcome, including occultic powers that are suppressing truth. Release Christ's Kingdom rule in every way the Holy Spirit leads you.
Don't be deceived and don't lose hope (if you have to, turn off the TV.) It is not too late to turn these elections. God is plenty powerful enough to do so. The real question is will we rise to the level of prayer and spiritual warfare necessary to release that power. And remember, we don't need a majority of Christians who are willing and able to do this—only a praying remnant. We can do it!
Here are some practical suggestions to consider:
1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days;TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.
2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God's will to be done.
3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could prayeveryday.
4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in everyservice to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp andbowl style intercession—worship and prayer combined.)
5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30minutes.
6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
7) Pray before you go to sleep.
8) Pray before church services.
9) Ask God to give you His strategy—He will!
In His grip,
Dutch Sheets
October 24, 2008
Federal Friday: One Vote to stop Democratic Halloweens
So, with all the serious political postings of late, I decided to provide some comedy relief. Now, personally, we don't celebrate halloween, but this cartoon is very funny - and representative of the liberal viewpoint - so it belongs in today's Federal Friday.
The poor kids... just trying to make their way in the world of candy gathering, and they get stripped of the fruits of their labors!
NO!! That is not what is happening! The Democrat is trying to take away the fruits of their labors. But, if we reach the analogy to our current situation, we see that the kids (voters, taxpayers) are able to decide whether or not the Democrat (Obama and other candidates) gets to do what he plans.
(Now, of course, I can't make it all fun and games, so here's the serious section)
With that in mind, remember, no matter what the media, politicians or others tell you, your vote will count! This video is a little longer than usual, and isn't a Stoplight, but is very good and well worth the time.
One last thing: the polls that aren't being manipulated are still showing either a 2 point race, or tighter! Make up that slight difference by showing up in greater numbers than anyone imagined possible!