By a HucksArmy Grassroots Volunteer of Bishopville, SC
In this highly unusual presidential campaign, one thing has not changed – the passionate and hope-filled promises of a better America. The real ideas and hard facts for how they could actually work are few and far between, but the promises are there. The problem is most of us have heard them too often, and have grown skeptical.
According to the latest polls, the number one concern among republicans is the economy. We have a deficit in the trillions of dollars and an economy that is, at best, slipping into a recession. Each candidate has shared his promises and the, too often, empty words of dreamy results, but who can really change the course? Which Republican candidate is best qualified to lead this country back to financial health?
At first, Mitt Romney looks as if he is the Messaiah on this point. A self-made millionaire who has a proven record of turning failing companies around, who better understands the economy – who better to lead America to financial recovery? But critics assail that his millions were made by corporate restructuring and sell-offs, which translated, is layoffs and job reductions. If so, that is hardly what we need.
Then, there’s John McCain. He touts his record of fighting against government waste and tenaciously denounces pork barrel spending, offering a handful of examples where he did just that. On the other side, he has never really had the responsibility of running a government or balancing its budget. Romney has asserted that he’s part of the “Washington is broken” problem.
Mike Huckabee did run a government, balancing its budget ten straight years. He got the attention of fiscal conservatives with a fresh, new idea for a stimulus package in the most recent debate – investing the money in a major infrastructure project using American labor and American-made materials. On the flip-side, he has been labeled by the Club for Growth and prominent conservatives as a tax-and-spend liberal.
Ron Paul makes the case that, were we not funding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we could divert that money to stimulate the economy. However, that would require abandoning our security interests in that region – something that most republicans would consider far too great a risk.
So, who is really offers America the most hope? Perhaps the answer is not in the promises or opinions, but can be found in the campaigns themselves.
It is no secret that Mitt Romney has outspent all of the other candidates. Estimates are that he has outspent some contenders by as much as 20-to-1. Yet, he has only managed to win three primaries or caucuses, two of which were not contested and one in his “home” state of Michigan. How well does that testify of his ability to control spending? How does it portray fiscal responsibility? How would it translate as an ability to cut the waste out of the federal budget?
And what about the current front-runner, John McCain? Not that long ago, his campaign was on life support – about to go under. His answer – borrow money. Would that he his solution to the economic woes of our country? What would that do to the federal deficit?
How about Mike Huckabee? Huckabee has never had an abundance of cash for his campaign. In fact, the media clearly stated that once Iowa was over, he would be done – that he couldn’t financially compete nationally. But Huckabee has inspired a grass-roots effort that has kept him in the race, in contention in the national polls, and poised for several victories on super Tuesday. When his campaign was feeling the tightness of the budget during the Florida campaign, he made some tough decisions to cut spending, but stay in the black.
America has a problem with spending and deficits. We need a leader who can inspire people, make tough decisions, and put us back on track financially. Some people have already written Mike Huckabee off in this presidential election. That’s a mistake, in more ways than one.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Before you commit to the candidates who sponsored the McCain-Feingold-Thompson Bill - you might want to read this:
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE: STRAIGHT FROM THE MIND OF HITLER
When Adolph Hitler took power in Germany, he recognized immediately that the major threat to his tyrannical designs would come from the church. If he could neutralize the voice of the church, he correctly reasoned, there would be no one else to stand in his way.
Consequently, he immediately cranked up the Nazi propaganda machine to develop slogans designed to silence the voice of the church, slogans which were then relentlessly hammered into the minds of gullible Germans and their pastors, who meekly complied.
Hitler crafted two slogans in particular, and these became the bulldozers he used to push the church to the margins of the culture and so squelch its freedom to speak truth to power that the liberty of the entire world was soon threatened. Liberty was only preserved at the cost of millions of lives, including hundreds of thousands of America’s finest young men.
These slogans, mind you, do not come from the United States Constitution or from Thomas Jefferson or from the mind of the Founding Fathers. These slogans come straight from the mind of Adolph Hitler, and bear a sobering similarity to the mantras of the ACLU, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
Here they are, straight from the mind of Adolph Hitler:
“Politics do not belong in the Church.”
“The Church must be separate from the State.”
If they sound eerily familiar, it will only be because you instinctively recognize in these words the voice of tyranny and repression.
Hitler himself drove the pilings even deeper when he said, in December of 1934, “The Nazi State will however not tolerate under any circumstances any new or any continued political activity of the denominations.”
In the same speech, he added these ominous words: “But we will ensure the purging from our public life of all those priests who have mistaken their profession and who ought to have been politicians and not pastors.”
The objective of the Nazi regime was virtually identical to the agenda of today’s ACLU: Contain the voice of the church within the four walls of its buildings, turning them into nothing more than echo chambers, and punish any effort of church leaders to make their voices heard in the public square.
Further, in a manner that is strikingly reminiscent of efforts to purge any references to God from our public systems of education, Josef Goebbels said the following in August, 1935:
And the rest, as they say, is history.
The current restraint on the freedom of the church in America to speak truth to political power was imposed in 1954 through the efforts of then Sen. Lyndon Johnson. Johnson, incensed at some non-profit organizations for opposing his most recent run for office, suspended the sword of the IRS over the necks of any religious leader who would dare to stand for justice and truth in the nation’s political life.
And so today’s church is still paying the price for this small-minded politician’s petty and vengeful ability to use the power of the federal government to punish his adversaries.
Prior to 1954, churches had the freedom to be as engaged in matters of public policy as they chose. They were free to be actively engaged without fear of punishment, and free to be completely uninvolved in political matters if they so chose. That, my friends, is liberty, both of the religious and political kind.
While churches may still today distribute non-partisan voter guides, and pastors are free to speak to the moral issues of the day, watchdogs from the ACLU and other leftist groups are lurking around every corner, looking to pounce on any religious leader who would dare use his influence to help shape the direction of America’s public policy.
Just this week, an IRS investigation has been requested by Americans United into a pastor who endorsed Barack Obama from his pulpit last Sunday. In a free country, he should be free to do so without fear that his voice will be strangled by the federal government.
Judicial activism has turned the First Amendment on its head, and the very provision intended by the Framers to protect religious liberty is now being used to repress it.
The remedy? First, Congress should repeal LBJ’s onerous 1954 IRS restriction. Second, we must elect a president who will appoint justices to the Supreme Court who understand the original intent of the First Amendment and will restore constitutional freedoms of religion and speech in full to America’s churches.
Then, and only then, can we be assured that true American liberty will be preserved for us, for our children, and for their children after them. (Nazi Persecution of The Churches, 1933-45, by J.S. Conway, Basic Books, 1968)
When Adolph Hitler took power in Germany, he recognized immediately that the major threat to his tyrannical designs would come from the church. If he could neutralize the voice of the church, he correctly reasoned, there would be no one else to stand in his way.
Consequently, he immediately cranked up the Nazi propaganda machine to develop slogans designed to silence the voice of the church, slogans which were then relentlessly hammered into the minds of gullible Germans and their pastors, who meekly complied.
Hitler crafted two slogans in particular, and these became the bulldozers he used to push the church to the margins of the culture and so squelch its freedom to speak truth to power that the liberty of the entire world was soon threatened. Liberty was only preserved at the cost of millions of lives, including hundreds of thousands of America’s finest young men.
These slogans, mind you, do not come from the United States Constitution or from Thomas Jefferson or from the mind of the Founding Fathers. These slogans come straight from the mind of Adolph Hitler, and bear a sobering similarity to the mantras of the ACLU, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
Here they are, straight from the mind of Adolph Hitler:
“Politics do not belong in the Church.”
“The Church must be separate from the State.”
If they sound eerily familiar, it will only be because you instinctively recognize in these words the voice of tyranny and repression.
Hitler himself drove the pilings even deeper when he said, in December of 1934, “The Nazi State will however not tolerate under any circumstances any new or any continued political activity of the denominations.”
In the same speech, he added these ominous words: “But we will ensure the purging from our public life of all those priests who have mistaken their profession and who ought to have been politicians and not pastors.”
The objective of the Nazi regime was virtually identical to the agenda of today’s ACLU: Contain the voice of the church within the four walls of its buildings, turning them into nothing more than echo chambers, and punish any effort of church leaders to make their voices heard in the public square.
Further, in a manner that is strikingly reminiscent of efforts to purge any references to God from our public systems of education, Josef Goebbels said the following in August, 1935:
"To educate the young people into religious ways may perhaps be the task ofAll church youth groups were banned in favor of the Hitler Youth, which became the only legal youth organization in the country. Churches were no longer permitted to hold any meetings in public venues. They were instead locked up inside their sanctuaries, forbidden to speak their message outside the four walls of their church buildings.
the Church, but to educate the young in politics is very much our affair. The
youth belongs to us and we will yield them to no one."
And the rest, as they say, is history.
The current restraint on the freedom of the church in America to speak truth to political power was imposed in 1954 through the efforts of then Sen. Lyndon Johnson. Johnson, incensed at some non-profit organizations for opposing his most recent run for office, suspended the sword of the IRS over the necks of any religious leader who would dare to stand for justice and truth in the nation’s political life.
And so today’s church is still paying the price for this small-minded politician’s petty and vengeful ability to use the power of the federal government to punish his adversaries.
Prior to 1954, churches had the freedom to be as engaged in matters of public policy as they chose. They were free to be actively engaged without fear of punishment, and free to be completely uninvolved in political matters if they so chose. That, my friends, is liberty, both of the religious and political kind.
While churches may still today distribute non-partisan voter guides, and pastors are free to speak to the moral issues of the day, watchdogs from the ACLU and other leftist groups are lurking around every corner, looking to pounce on any religious leader who would dare use his influence to help shape the direction of America’s public policy.
Just this week, an IRS investigation has been requested by Americans United into a pastor who endorsed Barack Obama from his pulpit last Sunday. In a free country, he should be free to do so without fear that his voice will be strangled by the federal government.
Judicial activism has turned the First Amendment on its head, and the very provision intended by the Framers to protect religious liberty is now being used to repress it.
The remedy? First, Congress should repeal LBJ’s onerous 1954 IRS restriction. Second, we must elect a president who will appoint justices to the Supreme Court who understand the original intent of the First Amendment and will restore constitutional freedoms of religion and speech in full to America’s churches.
Then, and only then, can we be assured that true American liberty will be preserved for us, for our children, and for their children after them. (Nazi Persecution of The Churches, 1933-45, by J.S. Conway, Basic Books, 1968)
Friday, January 18, 2008
Who's Going To Fill Their Shoes?
For those of you who don't know me - or know what I've been up to of late, I have been extremely involved in endeavors that I beleive to be of national and spiritual consequence. Enough said to that regard, but I'm blogging here today - because I need to get my mind wrapped around something else even for a few minutes for my sanity's sake.
I was thinking this morning about some of the wisdom that has been passed down to me from other, much older, experienced, and wiser pastor's that I believe had a part in making me the man, father, husband, pastor, believer, that I am today. I was saved at 11 in a church youth camp, and preachers and godly men and women have influenced my life ever since. So - I thought I'd share some of those statements that really stick out in my mind for others to read and though it may not be an exhaustive list of remarks, certainly I find them ever present in my psyche as each individual played a part in shaping who I am and my relationship with the Lord. This is my small tribute to the real Hero's in my life:
"Don't ever take a drink - if you do - I hope you see my face of dissapointment in your mind" - Rev. Ben Scott Retired pastor in Arkansas - - for the record, every drink I've ever drank as a teenager - my pastor's face was in front of me. This taught me to have a relationship with the youth of my church and not be so far removed as a pastor that I lost influence over them. It also kept me from drinking too regularly as some of my friends did in those days.
"Get out of that girls lap!!" - Rev. George Harvey Pastor in Arizona - - He grabbed me by the arm and sternly stated this to me when I was leaning too closely to my girlfriend in church service - taught me to treat ladies in dating relationships with respect - - a lesson I will surely pass on to my son and as for my daughter - to expect the same. (I was 13).
"Don't change the Message but the Method's must continue to change" - Rev. Bill Johnson (dec. Pastor in Ft. Smith, AR) -- taught me to never discount ministry methods outside the box of traditionalism. Winning people to Christ is the ultimate goal.
"Be ready to preach, pray, or die in a minutes notice." - Dr. Charles Thigpen (Bible College President, Ret.)
"Always tell the stories of your family" - Donald Phillips (Uncle) -- it certainly gives our children and grandchildren the sense of "heritage" and being part of a family much bigger than themselves and our immediate family.
"Faith is asking God for something and waiting for Him to provide should he decide you really need it" Rev. John Gibbs (Pastor in North Carolina) --not and exact quote, but more of the example he has set. I've known him to pray and ask and share with the Lord his need and has never been dissapointed. I recall several requests he has had over the last 10 -15 years of his ministry and I am always amazed at how God has provided - if not every one - certainly some pretty significant ones.
"If we as Christians live in fear, what hope does that give those who don't know Christ." Rev. John Gibbs (Pastor in North Carolina) stated on the Wednesday night that George H.W. Bush announced we were at war in Desert Storm.
"Jesus let go of God's hand on the Cross so that He could reach down - and I could reach up - and take Jesus' hand" Rev. John Gibbs (Pastor in North Carolina) - - I can get through any difficulty as long as I hold the hand of Jesus
"Would you go to church camp with me?" Boyd Osborne (Uncle) - - I asked Jesus to be my Savior that week as a result.
"If you can do anything else but that, I would encourage you to do it" Rev. Ben Scott (Arkansas Pastor Ret.) - - when I informed him I was answering the call into ministry. He was referring to the hardships of minsitry. Sometimes I wish I had listened.
Though I can't think of any specific quotes, here are others that have made impacts in my life:
Denny Smith (Uncle) - - made sure I had a place to hunt each deer season and taught me the importance of helping people with the only motivation of being your friend or family
Rev. Jim Walker (Pastor in Arkansas) - - never give up on ministry even when it's difficult and to keep a calm head in the heat of difficulties
Rev. Bob Shockey - (Pastor in Tennessee) - - Evangelist and Soul Winner - taught me the importance of keeping your joy and not being ashamed of the Gospel.
Rev. Bo Coffman (Pastor in Arkansas Ret.) - - taught me the importance of being a Pastor to the community regardless of whether the individual came to my church or not.
Larry Phillips (Dad) - - being an honest and upright man in business and private life leaving behind an impeccable reputation for quality and character. A man who is still missed after seven years. (and would probably be mad for being included here) :)
Gerald Phillips (Grandfather) - - Same as above, but I recall at age 70 he could outwork me at 17 in the Hay-field and barn on a hot August day.
I was thinking this morning about some of the wisdom that has been passed down to me from other, much older, experienced, and wiser pastor's that I believe had a part in making me the man, father, husband, pastor, believer, that I am today. I was saved at 11 in a church youth camp, and preachers and godly men and women have influenced my life ever since. So - I thought I'd share some of those statements that really stick out in my mind for others to read and though it may not be an exhaustive list of remarks, certainly I find them ever present in my psyche as each individual played a part in shaping who I am and my relationship with the Lord. This is my small tribute to the real Hero's in my life:
"Don't ever take a drink - if you do - I hope you see my face of dissapointment in your mind" - Rev. Ben Scott Retired pastor in Arkansas - - for the record, every drink I've ever drank as a teenager - my pastor's face was in front of me. This taught me to have a relationship with the youth of my church and not be so far removed as a pastor that I lost influence over them. It also kept me from drinking too regularly as some of my friends did in those days.
"Get out of that girls lap!!" - Rev. George Harvey Pastor in Arizona - - He grabbed me by the arm and sternly stated this to me when I was leaning too closely to my girlfriend in church service - taught me to treat ladies in dating relationships with respect - - a lesson I will surely pass on to my son and as for my daughter - to expect the same. (I was 13).
"Don't change the Message but the Method's must continue to change" - Rev. Bill Johnson (dec. Pastor in Ft. Smith, AR) -- taught me to never discount ministry methods outside the box of traditionalism. Winning people to Christ is the ultimate goal.
"Be ready to preach, pray, or die in a minutes notice." - Dr. Charles Thigpen (Bible College President, Ret.)
"Always tell the stories of your family" - Donald Phillips (Uncle) -- it certainly gives our children and grandchildren the sense of "heritage" and being part of a family much bigger than themselves and our immediate family.
"Faith is asking God for something and waiting for Him to provide should he decide you really need it" Rev. John Gibbs (Pastor in North Carolina) --not and exact quote, but more of the example he has set. I've known him to pray and ask and share with the Lord his need and has never been dissapointed. I recall several requests he has had over the last 10 -15 years of his ministry and I am always amazed at how God has provided - if not every one - certainly some pretty significant ones.
"If we as Christians live in fear, what hope does that give those who don't know Christ." Rev. John Gibbs (Pastor in North Carolina) stated on the Wednesday night that George H.W. Bush announced we were at war in Desert Storm.
"Jesus let go of God's hand on the Cross so that He could reach down - and I could reach up - and take Jesus' hand" Rev. John Gibbs (Pastor in North Carolina) - - I can get through any difficulty as long as I hold the hand of Jesus
"Would you go to church camp with me?" Boyd Osborne (Uncle) - - I asked Jesus to be my Savior that week as a result.
"If you can do anything else but that, I would encourage you to do it" Rev. Ben Scott (Arkansas Pastor Ret.) - - when I informed him I was answering the call into ministry. He was referring to the hardships of minsitry. Sometimes I wish I had listened.
Though I can't think of any specific quotes, here are others that have made impacts in my life:
Denny Smith (Uncle) - - made sure I had a place to hunt each deer season and taught me the importance of helping people with the only motivation of being your friend or family
Rev. Jim Walker (Pastor in Arkansas) - - never give up on ministry even when it's difficult and to keep a calm head in the heat of difficulties
Rev. Bob Shockey - (Pastor in Tennessee) - - Evangelist and Soul Winner - taught me the importance of keeping your joy and not being ashamed of the Gospel.
Rev. Bo Coffman (Pastor in Arkansas Ret.) - - taught me the importance of being a Pastor to the community regardless of whether the individual came to my church or not.
Larry Phillips (Dad) - - being an honest and upright man in business and private life leaving behind an impeccable reputation for quality and character. A man who is still missed after seven years. (and would probably be mad for being included here) :)
Gerald Phillips (Grandfather) - - Same as above, but I recall at age 70 he could outwork me at 17 in the Hay-field and barn on a hot August day.
What does $585,000 buy you?
Question: What does $585,000 buy you?
Answer: It bought Mitt Romney backers a smear job against Mike Huckabee orchestrated by Beltway Insiders.
The Club for Growth has an affiliated 527 group, Club for Growth.net, running anti-Mike Huckabee ads in early primary states.
- At least $585,000 in contributions from Mitt Romney financial backers.
- Club for Growth has spent $750,000 against Governor Huckabee in Iowa, South Carolina and Michigan.
Here are donors that have donated both to Club for Growth.net* and Mitt Romney:
Name: John Childs**
Contribution to Beltway Group
$100,000 on 11/16/07
$100,000 on 12/31/07
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$2,100 on 1/8/07
Name: Bob Perry
Contribution to Beltway Group
$200,000 on 12/12/07
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$2,300 on 3/13/07
Name: Kristen Hertel
Contribution to Beltway Group
$25,000 on 12/21/07
$25,000 on 1/02/08
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$1,000 on 2/6/07
Name: Muneer Satter
Contribution to Beltway Group
$25,000 on 12/21/07
$25,000 on 1/02/08
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$2,300 on 2/6/07
Name: Michael Valentine
Contribution to Beltway Group
$40,000 on 1/3/08
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$2,300 on 4/4/07
Name: Travis Anderson
Contribution to Beltway Group
$25,000 on 12/19/07
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$2,100 on 2/8/07
Name: Richard Gaby
Contribution to Beltway Group
$20,000 on 12/19/07
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$1,000 on 2/12/07
* Only represents donors that contributed more than $20,000 to Club for Growth.net in 2007/2008.
** "Boston investor John Childs, who donated $2,100 to Romney in 2007, recently gave 100,000 to the Club for Growth." [Morain, Dan. "Huckabee foes open their wallets for attack ads," The Los Angeles Times. 1 January 2008.]
*** All contributor information obtained from Federal Election Commission's electronic database at www.fec.gov.
Paid for by Huckabee for President, Inc.
www.mikehuckabee.com
Answer: It bought Mitt Romney backers a smear job against Mike Huckabee orchestrated by Beltway Insiders.
The Club for Growth has an affiliated 527 group, Club for Growth.net, running anti-Mike Huckabee ads in early primary states.
- At least $585,000 in contributions from Mitt Romney financial backers.
- Club for Growth has spent $750,000 against Governor Huckabee in Iowa, South Carolina and Michigan.
Here are donors that have donated both to Club for Growth.net* and Mitt Romney:
Name: John Childs**
Contribution to Beltway Group
$100,000 on 11/16/07
$100,000 on 12/31/07
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$2,100 on 1/8/07
Name: Bob Perry
Contribution to Beltway Group
$200,000 on 12/12/07
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$2,300 on 3/13/07
Name: Kristen Hertel
Contribution to Beltway Group
$25,000 on 12/21/07
$25,000 on 1/02/08
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$1,000 on 2/6/07
Name: Muneer Satter
Contribution to Beltway Group
$25,000 on 12/21/07
$25,000 on 1/02/08
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$2,300 on 2/6/07
Name: Michael Valentine
Contribution to Beltway Group
$40,000 on 1/3/08
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$2,300 on 4/4/07
Name: Travis Anderson
Contribution to Beltway Group
$25,000 on 12/19/07
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$2,100 on 2/8/07
Name: Richard Gaby
Contribution to Beltway Group
$20,000 on 12/19/07
Contribution to Mitt Romney
$1,000 on 2/12/07
* Only represents donors that contributed more than $20,000 to Club for Growth.net in 2007/2008.
** "Boston investor John Childs, who donated $2,100 to Romney in 2007, recently gave 100,000 to the Club for Growth." [Morain, Dan. "Huckabee foes open their wallets for attack ads," The Los Angeles Times. 1 January 2008.]
*** All contributor information obtained from Federal Election Commission's electronic database at www.fec.gov.
Paid for by Huckabee for President, Inc.
www.mikehuckabee.com
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I Actually Agreed With Rush This Week
It's no unknown fact that FOX news, Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter have fell off into the brink of biased media reporting because their pockets are lined with Washington Insider Dollars - or so one must assume. It's actually gotten so bad that many conservatives have either started surfing other political news outlets and commentators, or have simply turned them off altogether.
I now watch CNN more than FOX and only watch Fox long enough to be able to accurately describe their newly acquired SPIN-ZONE status with unfair-unbalanced reporting. I promise - I'll get off this broken record spill before I end this post.
Rush Limbaugh this week - in commentating on the Thursday night FOX Debate stated that "We should not be afraid to go after McCain's record." Most all debate watchers are in agreement that McCain made it through Thursday's debate "unscathed." Huckabee took the first punch from Thompson and gave back better than he received (In Normal Huck Fashion - I love it when he gets tough). Ron Paul took several hits (what's new), Mitt might have alluded to some McCain records but didn't really show his teeth too much - and didn't take too many scratches and bites from anyone either. Giuliani had his moments of giving as well as receiving some minor discussion. Huckabee's biggest hits probably came from the Moderator's - again - FOX people trying to Spin the Religion aspect of Huckabee into a negative....how do they sleep at night? (I have thoughts about that - but I don't want to offend some Huckabee supporters in the process - we'll wait until after November to discuss if your still interested).
Overall - McCain took it easy on everyone and in return didn't take any hits either. Rush says "go after his record." I agree, but with respect. He may be a Hero, but he is not Presidential material. When he was defeated by George Bush, he held a grudge against the President for almost 2 years, voting against proposals that Bush conceived or openly approved. McCain has sided with Democrats on many pivotal Bills that came before his signature pen.
WorldNetDaily.com came out with an article today stating that James Dobson has placed his stamp of DISapproval on John McCain. Though the article attempts to appear unbiased, the subtleties run clear that WorldNetDaily has drank the same Kool-Aide FOX has been drinking from GOP Washington insiders. But Dobson is a tee-totaler and doesn't drink that kind of kool-aide. He has no fear of pointing out the falicies of McCain's record.
Sidebar: When I mention subtleties of articles and reporting....I just want to give you an example of what I'm referring to here. This is a quote from WND.com on Dobson....
This paragraph would almost be overlooked by the reader. That last sentence just leaps off the page at me. Has it occurred to WND that the reason Dobson offers his personal opinion is because a reporter probably stuck a microphone and camera in his face and asked.....NOT TO MENTION - ever heard of Free Speech? He has that right!
Well - if McCain had his way - certainly those rights would be absolved. Sometimes loopholes are good. Had Dobson been sitting in his office in the Focus on the Family premises and made that statement - his 501 c 3 would have been in jeopardy, but because he was - and noted thusly - that he was speaking as a private citizen and in his home - he could make those statements. Thank you McCain and Feingold for your bill to allow Big Government to split hairs in the private sector in order to stifle those you knew would not support you in 2008.
I still believe the McCain-Feingold bill was quite self-serving on John McCain's part. He new he was going to run again. He knew Evangelicals wouldn't support him. He knew he couldn't play on the same monetary ball field as other candidates would be able to - so he created and managed the passing of a bill that would bring the ball-game to his turf. How self-serving is that.
Dobson further points out his distaste for McCain as President in the fact the McCain does not support a One Man One Woman Marriage.
McCain stated: "I think that gay marriage should be allowed, if there is a ceremony kind of thing, if you want to call it that...I don't have any problem with that."
If I had any persuasion to think that McCain would be a lesser of two evils choice for me - you just lost me with that quote.
McCain also supports a Democratic authored legislative bill that creates obstacles for ministries to reach constituents with action messages about pending legislation.
This is currently being fought by groups like ACLJ, American Family Association, and Center for Moral Clarity. If this type of legislation is passed - it will effectively silence the church at large and our ability to amass opposition to future legislation such as Stem Cell Research, Abortion bills, Free Speech, and virtually limitless counts of bills that affect our everyday living and freedoms in this country.
Other rules are hidden deeply into this current legislation that include rules to "eliminate the many recent scandals involving members of Congress, ...require pro-family groups to provide documentation of their actions to the government anytime they try to spark any grass-roots action." Where is "smaller government" in this type of legislation? This is Big Government looming over the Church and affiliated organizations. This is Big Brother at his worse.
This would mean that "phone calls, personal visits, emails, magazines, broadcasts, phone banks, appearances, travel, fundraising, and other items all would be subject to government tabulation, verification, and audits....on and on it goes" according to Dobson.
Don Wildmon referred to McCain's bill as "We don't want to hear from you and this is the way we're going to handle it."
I have blogged before - and I have written Mr. Bauer personally that there is a clear and present danger in front of us at this hour. It is the shutting down of the Evangelical and sending us back to the Dance Floor Sidelines to be wallflower's and never being asked to dance. We were courted in the '80's and learned how to dance in the political arena. Now that we as Evangelicals not only know how to dance - but have cleared the floor with our tango-ing Mike Huckabee - we're not welcome anymore. Washington's liberal bills can't get passed because the Evangelicals have a right to free speech and OMG!!! They are using it!!!!
I recall the day when the church in America was practically powerless. We have seen the church mature into a strong voice. Now - we see a government trying to squeeze us back into our box with articles like Robert Novak's stating that we aren't REALLY SERIOUS REPUBLICANS.
To this point, Mr. Dobson states "Republican leaders in Congress during this term apparently never understood, or they forgot, why Ronald Reagan was so loved and why he is considered one of our greatest presidents. If they hope to return to power in '08, they must rediscover the conservative principles that resonated with the majority of Americans in the 1980s – and still resonate with them today. Failure to do so will be catastrophic,"
Maybe it is this mentality that the Robert Novak's of journalism don't take Evangelicals sincerely. In fact I know it is. I experience it somewhat in my local Republican arena. GOP's believe you ought to vote GOP if Suddam Hussein himself were running against Hillary. I'm sorry - I can't buy into that. I have principals when I walk into a voting booth. If the candidate that the GOP's put up in nomination does not adhere to my principals- I won't vote for them.
I am not a Republican because I agree with the Party Platform. I am a Republican because the Party Platform agrees with me.
If that changes - and it will if certain candidates are nominated (Romney, Giuliani, and McCain, Thompson is a close call and will require consideration) - I will not be bound to my party. I will consider a 3rd party and watch to see if Hillary's hand burns when she places it on the Bible in January '09.
As far back as 1998, James Dobson has stated that the GOP has ignored moral issues.
Evangelicals have been asked to "take one for the party" election after election and to me - with the war on terror, the economy teetering on the edge of falling into the brink, illegal immigration helping the poor economy exist - there is just too much to risk to not consider a candidate who understands the political as well as spiritual implications of foreign policy, domestic policies and freedoms that we currently enjoy, stand to lose, and those we have already lost.
We still live in the greatest country in the world (Obama believes mother Africa to be the greatest), we will be weakened if that which made us strong is stripped away one legislative bill at a time. Let's elect a candidate that will change the face of Washington and keep America Great at the same time. That candidate is Mike Huckabee.
I now watch CNN more than FOX and only watch Fox long enough to be able to accurately describe their newly acquired SPIN-ZONE status with unfair-unbalanced reporting. I promise - I'll get off this broken record spill before I end this post.
Rush Limbaugh this week - in commentating on the Thursday night FOX Debate stated that "We should not be afraid to go after McCain's record." Most all debate watchers are in agreement that McCain made it through Thursday's debate "unscathed." Huckabee took the first punch from Thompson and gave back better than he received (In Normal Huck Fashion - I love it when he gets tough). Ron Paul took several hits (what's new), Mitt might have alluded to some McCain records but didn't really show his teeth too much - and didn't take too many scratches and bites from anyone either. Giuliani had his moments of giving as well as receiving some minor discussion. Huckabee's biggest hits probably came from the Moderator's - again - FOX people trying to Spin the Religion aspect of Huckabee into a negative....how do they sleep at night? (I have thoughts about that - but I don't want to offend some Huckabee supporters in the process - we'll wait until after November to discuss if your still interested).
Overall - McCain took it easy on everyone and in return didn't take any hits either. Rush says "go after his record." I agree, but with respect. He may be a Hero, but he is not Presidential material. When he was defeated by George Bush, he held a grudge against the President for almost 2 years, voting against proposals that Bush conceived or openly approved. McCain has sided with Democrats on many pivotal Bills that came before his signature pen.
WorldNetDaily.com came out with an article today stating that James Dobson has placed his stamp of DISapproval on John McCain. Though the article attempts to appear unbiased, the subtleties run clear that WorldNetDaily has drank the same Kool-Aide FOX has been drinking from GOP Washington insiders. But Dobson is a tee-totaler and doesn't drink that kind of kool-aide. He has no fear of pointing out the falicies of McCain's record.
Sidebar: When I mention subtleties of articles and reporting....I just want to give you an example of what I'm referring to here. This is a quote from WND.com on Dobson....
"Dobson, who always is careful to note that he's not speaking for the non-profit ministry, which cannot advocate for or against candidates legally, also doesn't hesitate to state his personal opinions on social or political issues and agendas."
This paragraph would almost be overlooked by the reader. That last sentence just leaps off the page at me. Has it occurred to WND that the reason Dobson offers his personal opinion is because a reporter probably stuck a microphone and camera in his face and asked.....NOT TO MENTION - ever heard of Free Speech? He has that right!
Well - if McCain had his way - certainly those rights would be absolved. Sometimes loopholes are good. Had Dobson been sitting in his office in the Focus on the Family premises and made that statement - his 501 c 3 would have been in jeopardy, but because he was - and noted thusly - that he was speaking as a private citizen and in his home - he could make those statements. Thank you McCain and Feingold for your bill to allow Big Government to split hairs in the private sector in order to stifle those you knew would not support you in 2008.
I still believe the McCain-Feingold bill was quite self-serving on John McCain's part. He new he was going to run again. He knew Evangelicals wouldn't support him. He knew he couldn't play on the same monetary ball field as other candidates would be able to - so he created and managed the passing of a bill that would bring the ball-game to his turf. How self-serving is that.
Dobson further points out his distaste for McCain as President in the fact the McCain does not support a One Man One Woman Marriage.
McCain stated: "I think that gay marriage should be allowed, if there is a ceremony kind of thing, if you want to call it that...I don't have any problem with that."
If I had any persuasion to think that McCain would be a lesser of two evils choice for me - you just lost me with that quote.
McCain also supports a Democratic authored legislative bill that creates obstacles for ministries to reach constituents with action messages about pending legislation.
This is currently being fought by groups like ACLJ, American Family Association, and Center for Moral Clarity. If this type of legislation is passed - it will effectively silence the church at large and our ability to amass opposition to future legislation such as Stem Cell Research, Abortion bills, Free Speech, and virtually limitless counts of bills that affect our everyday living and freedoms in this country.
Other rules are hidden deeply into this current legislation that include rules to "eliminate the many recent scandals involving members of Congress, ...require pro-family groups to provide documentation of their actions to the government anytime they try to spark any grass-roots action." Where is "smaller government" in this type of legislation? This is Big Government looming over the Church and affiliated organizations. This is Big Brother at his worse.
This would mean that "phone calls, personal visits, emails, magazines, broadcasts, phone banks, appearances, travel, fundraising, and other items all would be subject to government tabulation, verification, and audits....on and on it goes" according to Dobson.
"'Clearly, the objective here is to hide what goes on from the public and punish
and silence those of us who would talk about what our representatives are
doing,' Dobson said of the plan by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. American Family
Association Chairman Donald Wildmon, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and American Values President Gary Bauer joined Dobson in urging listeners to flood Capitol Hill with phone calls demanding those speech limits be removed."
Don Wildmon referred to McCain's bill as "We don't want to hear from you and this is the way we're going to handle it."
I have blogged before - and I have written Mr. Bauer personally that there is a clear and present danger in front of us at this hour. It is the shutting down of the Evangelical and sending us back to the Dance Floor Sidelines to be wallflower's and never being asked to dance. We were courted in the '80's and learned how to dance in the political arena. Now that we as Evangelicals not only know how to dance - but have cleared the floor with our tango-ing Mike Huckabee - we're not welcome anymore. Washington's liberal bills can't get passed because the Evangelicals have a right to free speech and OMG!!! They are using it!!!!
I recall the day when the church in America was practically powerless. We have seen the church mature into a strong voice. Now - we see a government trying to squeeze us back into our box with articles like Robert Novak's stating that we aren't REALLY SERIOUS REPUBLICANS.
To this point, Mr. Dobson states "Republican leaders in Congress during this term apparently never understood, or they forgot, why Ronald Reagan was so loved and why he is considered one of our greatest presidents. If they hope to return to power in '08, they must rediscover the conservative principles that resonated with the majority of Americans in the 1980s – and still resonate with them today. Failure to do so will be catastrophic,"
Maybe it is this mentality that the Robert Novak's of journalism don't take Evangelicals sincerely. In fact I know it is. I experience it somewhat in my local Republican arena. GOP's believe you ought to vote GOP if Suddam Hussein himself were running against Hillary. I'm sorry - I can't buy into that. I have principals when I walk into a voting booth. If the candidate that the GOP's put up in nomination does not adhere to my principals- I won't vote for them.
I am not a Republican because I agree with the Party Platform. I am a Republican because the Party Platform agrees with me.
If that changes - and it will if certain candidates are nominated (Romney, Giuliani, and McCain, Thompson is a close call and will require consideration) - I will not be bound to my party. I will consider a 3rd party and watch to see if Hillary's hand burns when she places it on the Bible in January '09.
As far back as 1998, James Dobson has stated that the GOP has ignored moral issues.
Evangelicals have been asked to "take one for the party" election after election and to me - with the war on terror, the economy teetering on the edge of falling into the brink, illegal immigration helping the poor economy exist - there is just too much to risk to not consider a candidate who understands the political as well as spiritual implications of foreign policy, domestic policies and freedoms that we currently enjoy, stand to lose, and those we have already lost.
We still live in the greatest country in the world (Obama believes mother Africa to be the greatest), we will be weakened if that which made us strong is stripped away one legislative bill at a time. Let's elect a candidate that will change the face of Washington and keep America Great at the same time. That candidate is Mike Huckabee.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Huckabee Momentum
CAN YOU AFFORD $25
Most of us would spend much more than that on dinner and a movie.
Click this link and pledge $25 on the day that 10,000 other pledges join yours.
http://www.huckabeemomentum.com/
This is an awesome way to join the effort in electing the most important President in our children's and grandchildren's generation. You can be a part of something not only bigger than you and me, but bigger than even Governor Mike or his campaign. We're building this campaign from the grassroots up - not the top down, and you are an intragal part of that effort.
Clicking the link above and the link in the blog-post below this one - and give a buck today by clicking my link on the right will help you get started. You can comment here for more information and I will get back to you.
Mike is RIGHT for U.S.
Get involved today!
Most of us would spend much more than that on dinner and a movie.
Click this link and pledge $25 on the day that 10,000 other pledges join yours.
http://www.huckabeemomentum.com/
This is an awesome way to join the effort in electing the most important President in our children's and grandchildren's generation. You can be a part of something not only bigger than you and me, but bigger than even Governor Mike or his campaign. We're building this campaign from the grassroots up - not the top down, and you are an intragal part of that effort.
Clicking the link above and the link in the blog-post below this one - and give a buck today by clicking my link on the right will help you get started. You can comment here for more information and I will get back to you.
Mike is RIGHT for U.S.
Get involved today!
Friday, January 11, 2008
OPERATION SWARM
The Volunteers for Mike HuckaBEE have swarmed like a hive of bees. I started with 100 names to call in Iowa asking people to support Mike Huckabee in the caucus. At last count - our grassroots efforts will potentially contact 150,000 homes (one near you) in the Primary states this Tuesday.
Join nearly 300 other committed callers to get out the vote for Mike Huckabee by clicking here and registering with me and others all over the country:
http://phonecallsformike.blogspot.com/
You will not regret the experience of calling people and talking about Huckabee. We provide you the script and the phone number to call and you take it from there.
"Develop a plan, work your plan" - Mike Huckabee
Please comment here if you have questions.
Join nearly 300 other committed callers to get out the vote for Mike Huckabee by clicking here and registering with me and others all over the country:
http://phonecallsformike.blogspot.com/
You will not regret the experience of calling people and talking about Huckabee. We provide you the script and the phone number to call and you take it from there.
"Develop a plan, work your plan" - Mike Huckabee
Please comment here if you have questions.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Fox News Loses It's Fair And Balanced Banner This Election Cycle
FOX News Network has been the Conservative Right response to the liberal media going as far back as the Reagan Presidency. Every anchor, talk show host, and reporter tauts the phrase "fair and balanced."
Where FOX may have begun their mission with the glamorous goal of being fair and balanced with a potential viewership eager for such a lofty aspiration - lost in a leftist media wilderness - they have deputationaly digressed. This backslidden state from balanced reporting has frustrated many of their faithfully committed conservative viewers.
We first saw FOX's faults in their failure to give ALL of the GOP candidates equal time and attention - writing them off as un-winnable or operating in the "fringe." They had moments of appearing to be "king-makers" rather than reporters of who the American people wanted and being "fair and balanced" in the doing. Mike Huckabee couldn't "buy" television time on FOX in his early campaigns, Ron Paul, and Tom Tancredo fell to the same bias. All of the candidates, snubbed by FOX had/have messages on issues that need to be heard and promoted as much as the early frontrunner messages that were - then - being applauded and lauded. Even Fred Thompson was being hailed as the answer to all things conservative - if he would just announce his candidacy at the chagrin of those vieing for some FOX Focus.
From the subtleties of left-handed comments focusing on Huckabee's being an ordained minister - referring to him as"The Baptist Preacher" at every opportunity vs his actual title of Governor that they privilege Romney with - to the strident spin of the Governor's Arkansas record attempting to label him as a liberal for being less of a liberal than Mitt Romney as two Governor's managed their states respectively.
What is so laughable to me is - when Mike Huckabee won Iowa by a very comfortable margin - tongue slingers like Sean Hannity began to pat themselves on the back making statements like "We have - from the beginning - stated that Mike Huckabee was going to do well." Unbelievable audacity.
I watched Governor Huckabee's interview with Fox after his win. He was understandably cold to Hannity in responding to his questions directly with no frills of conversation. Then - after a few minutes passed - I flipped over to CNN and saw a different face on the same candidate. The Mike Huckabee everyone of his supporters and those that don't know. Rush Limbaugh - with a sneering comment - stated that "other networks" could only talk about "Huckabee, Huckabee, Huckabee, Huckabee...." What Limbaugh failed to laud lip service to was the fact that FOX News could only talk about Obama, Obama, Obama.
The latest wave of attacks from Faux News and the like is one of NON-ATTACK. Has anyone but me noticed that Huckabee is being ignored since McCain won and moved to MI for his next wave? Certainly no blame is laid on McCain here - but if the Gary Bauer Evangelicals and Rush Limbaugh King-Maker's want to call Mike Huckabee a Liberal - and laud McCain as the hero to save the GOP - they are simply blinded by the bent of socialistic Government that is being ushered in the desperation that we just can't stand on principals alone and beat Hillary. Not one word of Huckabee passed the lips of Faux Pundits today as they attempt to force Huckabee back into the Evangelical closet of obscurity. For those evangelicals and NRTL leaders that overlooked this candidate who entered into politics to "stop abortion" twenty years ago certainly are telling on themselves as to their real goals unseen by the normal value voter eye.
Has it occurred to anyone that if "Tax-Hike Mike" who lowered taxes 90 times in Arkansas becomes the President and he is successful at eliminating the IRS or implementing the Fair Tax - that all of these non-profits such as http://www.ouramericanvalues.org/ would lose donations because there would be no need for wealthy donors to have a tax write off, ere go less income. If Huckabee were to be successful at ending abortion - Right to Life groups would have no need to exist because no more abortions - no more funds coming into their organizations. So - since Huckabee is serious about changing Washington - he poses a threat to well-intended organizations turned politico - let's support the candidate that LOOKS conservative enough and will appoint judges (which has been done over and over and still no end to Roe V. Wade) that will be pro-life in their judgments and we maintain our organizations, administrations, and our paychecks. Sound overtly cynical? Maybe. But please explain the logic of evangelical's supporting a candidate that was clueless about legislation before the House to overturn Roe v. Wade and who openly stated that overturning Roe v. Wade would not be the direction he would take as President. Yet Mike Huckabee entered politics to STOP ABORTION!
I chased that rabbit long enough: Back to Faux News:
Have the tables turned? Has Faux News drank the Kool-aide of checkbook journalism? The subtleties of their reporting - even in tonight New Hampshire Primary returns - suggest that they have.
One example: on CNN we are given the top three candidates of both parties and their results as the polls come in. But Fox - continuing their attempt to high-hat Huckabee only list the top two candidate results. Am I being cynical? Maybe. In and of itself that little "dig" would be dismissed as unmentionable. However, given all of the attacks, spins, false accusations from Fox and their seeming love affair with Giuliani and Romney - this insignificant notice carries weight.
It has gotten to the point that listening to the talk-show hosts on their radio programs has become sickening. Watching the returns on FOX is no longer appealing to this conservative. I've flipped back and forth between CNN and FOX in the last two returns now - and CNN has now become the more F&B than the original F&B now turned Faux - CNN just doesn't brag about it.
I've stated before in referring to Robert Novak - which now applies to the likes of FOX, Rush Limbaugh, Gary Bauer, and other so-called Reagan-ites, that there is a wedge being driven into the Grand Old Party and pundits like these are the hammer driving it deeper and deeper until the GOP will be so divided that anyone with an R beside their name will not be electable to dog-catcher.
One of my favorite Democrats - though I have no connection to his political beliefs - who is immeasurably intelligent in all things political had this to say about Fox:
Bottom line: If you want true Fair and Balanced reporting during this election - you'll find it at CNN before you'll get it at FOX. If you want perfectly fair and balanced - watch C-Span.
Where FOX may have begun their mission with the glamorous goal of being fair and balanced with a potential viewership eager for such a lofty aspiration - lost in a leftist media wilderness - they have deputationaly digressed. This backslidden state from balanced reporting has frustrated many of their faithfully committed conservative viewers.
We first saw FOX's faults in their failure to give ALL of the GOP candidates equal time and attention - writing them off as un-winnable or operating in the "fringe." They had moments of appearing to be "king-makers" rather than reporters of who the American people wanted and being "fair and balanced" in the doing. Mike Huckabee couldn't "buy" television time on FOX in his early campaigns, Ron Paul, and Tom Tancredo fell to the same bias. All of the candidates, snubbed by FOX had/have messages on issues that need to be heard and promoted as much as the early frontrunner messages that were - then - being applauded and lauded. Even Fred Thompson was being hailed as the answer to all things conservative - if he would just announce his candidacy at the chagrin of those vieing for some FOX Focus.
From the subtleties of left-handed comments focusing on Huckabee's being an ordained minister - referring to him as"The Baptist Preacher" at every opportunity vs his actual title of Governor that they privilege Romney with - to the strident spin of the Governor's Arkansas record attempting to label him as a liberal for being less of a liberal than Mitt Romney as two Governor's managed their states respectively.
What is so laughable to me is - when Mike Huckabee won Iowa by a very comfortable margin - tongue slingers like Sean Hannity began to pat themselves on the back making statements like "We have - from the beginning - stated that Mike Huckabee was going to do well." Unbelievable audacity.
I watched Governor Huckabee's interview with Fox after his win. He was understandably cold to Hannity in responding to his questions directly with no frills of conversation. Then - after a few minutes passed - I flipped over to CNN and saw a different face on the same candidate. The Mike Huckabee everyone of his supporters and those that don't know. Rush Limbaugh - with a sneering comment - stated that "other networks" could only talk about "Huckabee, Huckabee, Huckabee, Huckabee...." What Limbaugh failed to laud lip service to was the fact that FOX News could only talk about Obama, Obama, Obama.
The latest wave of attacks from Faux News and the like is one of NON-ATTACK. Has anyone but me noticed that Huckabee is being ignored since McCain won and moved to MI for his next wave? Certainly no blame is laid on McCain here - but if the Gary Bauer Evangelicals and Rush Limbaugh King-Maker's want to call Mike Huckabee a Liberal - and laud McCain as the hero to save the GOP - they are simply blinded by the bent of socialistic Government that is being ushered in the desperation that we just can't stand on principals alone and beat Hillary. Not one word of Huckabee passed the lips of Faux Pundits today as they attempt to force Huckabee back into the Evangelical closet of obscurity. For those evangelicals and NRTL leaders that overlooked this candidate who entered into politics to "stop abortion" twenty years ago certainly are telling on themselves as to their real goals unseen by the normal value voter eye.
Has it occurred to anyone that if "Tax-Hike Mike" who lowered taxes 90 times in Arkansas becomes the President and he is successful at eliminating the IRS or implementing the Fair Tax - that all of these non-profits such as http://www.ouramericanvalues.org/ would lose donations because there would be no need for wealthy donors to have a tax write off, ere go less income. If Huckabee were to be successful at ending abortion - Right to Life groups would have no need to exist because no more abortions - no more funds coming into their organizations. So - since Huckabee is serious about changing Washington - he poses a threat to well-intended organizations turned politico - let's support the candidate that LOOKS conservative enough and will appoint judges (which has been done over and over and still no end to Roe V. Wade) that will be pro-life in their judgments and we maintain our organizations, administrations, and our paychecks. Sound overtly cynical? Maybe. But please explain the logic of evangelical's supporting a candidate that was clueless about legislation before the House to overturn Roe v. Wade and who openly stated that overturning Roe v. Wade would not be the direction he would take as President. Yet Mike Huckabee entered politics to STOP ABORTION!
I chased that rabbit long enough: Back to Faux News:
Have the tables turned? Has Faux News drank the Kool-aide of checkbook journalism? The subtleties of their reporting - even in tonight New Hampshire Primary returns - suggest that they have.
One example: on CNN we are given the top three candidates of both parties and their results as the polls come in. But Fox - continuing their attempt to high-hat Huckabee only list the top two candidate results. Am I being cynical? Maybe. In and of itself that little "dig" would be dismissed as unmentionable. However, given all of the attacks, spins, false accusations from Fox and their seeming love affair with Giuliani and Romney - this insignificant notice carries weight.
It has gotten to the point that listening to the talk-show hosts on their radio programs has become sickening. Watching the returns on FOX is no longer appealing to this conservative. I've flipped back and forth between CNN and FOX in the last two returns now - and CNN has now become the more F&B than the original F&B now turned Faux - CNN just doesn't brag about it.
I've stated before in referring to Robert Novak - which now applies to the likes of FOX, Rush Limbaugh, Gary Bauer, and other so-called Reagan-ites, that there is a wedge being driven into the Grand Old Party and pundits like these are the hammer driving it deeper and deeper until the GOP will be so divided that anyone with an R beside their name will not be electable to dog-catcher.
One of my favorite Democrats - though I have no connection to his political beliefs - who is immeasurably intelligent in all things political had this to say about Fox:
"Fox was, is and will continue to be an asinine and ignorant network. I have
not spoken to anyone in the Clinton campaign about this. I have not done
domestic political consulting since President Clinton was elected. I'm not
getting back into domestic political consulting. If I do go back, it would
be safe to say that I'm the biggest liar in America." -- James Carville after Fox tried to start the rumor that he was going to work with the Clinton campaign.
Bottom line: If you want true Fair and Balanced reporting during this election - you'll find it at CNN before you'll get it at FOX. If you want perfectly fair and balanced - watch C-Span.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Whoa!! Did I Make The RIGHT Choice?
YES I DID!!
I have been listening to the talking heads this past week on both radio and TV. Some of the most influential ones have been telling us the Gov. Huckabee is a liberal. I was stunned!
How could it be that I would pick a liberal to support? Have I lost my mind? Do they know something that I don't? Are the talking heads less then I thought or just willing to help their choice with rhetoric? I am amazed at the lies and innuendos that are being kicked around!
However, I was impressed with Sean Hannity's approach yesterday. He made his points, but gave Gov. Huckabee the opportunity to address them. Mike Huckabee was able to address many of the "pardons" off the top of his head and pointed out that the worst example wasn't something he was responsible for, but firmly showed the connection to Governors Jim Guy Tucker and Bill Clinton.
I found the endorsement of a PAC, "God Is Not Government PAC," that I know and respect above any other that I am aware of. Bill Murray, the head of the PAC, is an Evangelist and son of the infamous atheist, Madalyn Murray O'Hair. The "God Is Not Government PAC" has endorsed Gov. Huckabee. Please review the link I have provided to see what the "God Is Not Government PAC" has to say. Click Here: http://www.govnotgod.org/www2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=1
Sincerely,
Joe Crawford
Chairman,
Mike Huckabee for President,
Charles County MD
301-705-LIFE
My name is Mike Phillips - the blogger on the Elephant Room - And I approve this message! :)
I have been listening to the talking heads this past week on both radio and TV. Some of the most influential ones have been telling us the Gov. Huckabee is a liberal. I was stunned!
How could it be that I would pick a liberal to support? Have I lost my mind? Do they know something that I don't? Are the talking heads less then I thought or just willing to help their choice with rhetoric? I am amazed at the lies and innuendos that are being kicked around!
However, I was impressed with Sean Hannity's approach yesterday. He made his points, but gave Gov. Huckabee the opportunity to address them. Mike Huckabee was able to address many of the "pardons" off the top of his head and pointed out that the worst example wasn't something he was responsible for, but firmly showed the connection to Governors Jim Guy Tucker and Bill Clinton.
I found the endorsement of a PAC, "God Is Not Government PAC," that I know and respect above any other that I am aware of. Bill Murray, the head of the PAC, is an Evangelist and son of the infamous atheist, Madalyn Murray O'Hair. The "God Is Not Government PAC" has endorsed Gov. Huckabee. Please review the link I have provided to see what the "God Is Not Government PAC" has to say. Click Here: http://www.govnotgod.org/www2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=1
Sincerely,
Joe Crawford
Chairman,
Mike Huckabee for President,
Charles County MD
301-705-LIFE
My name is Mike Phillips - the blogger on the Elephant Room - And I approve this message! :)
Thursday, January 3, 2008
It's A New Day!
That phrase was one of the opening remarks of Mike Huckabee's victory speech last night. He finished the phrase with "It's a new day, but it doesn't end here - it ends at 1600 Pensylvania Avenue."
It may be a new day for the campaign and its supporters - but sit back and watch the same old hat from Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter. An interview with Tom Tancredo - as I am typing - has already shown this to be true. Certainly last night the panels and heavy talker's gave Mike his victory - well sort of - they took their shots at Ed Rollins, Huckabee's campaign manager regarding a private conversation between him and his wife at an Iowa restaurant.
What's not being noticed or spoken about in terms of GOP's and specifically Huckabee is the percentages of Mike Huckabee over Hillary and his close proximity to Obama's percentile.
The Governor gave an awesome speech that was a message of uniting the Party and the nation. I was quite surprised at the similarities of both victory speeches between Huckabee and Obama. Tonight most certainly sent a message to the nation that Mike Huckabee is the candidate in the GOP that is going to not only seek change in Washington - but effectively make it happen.
Out of tonights political showcase - there were a lot of quotes to be heard and passed around. Some of them quite humorous as Faux News tried to take credit for predicting Mike Huckabee's popularity - while only earlier today taking opportunity to falsly make him out to be a RINO.
I'll close this blog with the quotes I found to be memorable or noteworthy:
We have all underestimated Huckabee. - - -Bill Crystal of Fox News
I Love Iowa A Whole Lot --- Mike Huckabee, opening comments of his victory speech
We have – from the beginning – reported Mike Huckabee would do well - - Sean Hannity
People are more important than the Purse - - Mike Huckabee
"...Outspent 15 to 1 it would be impossible...American politics are still in the hands of people…" --Mike Huckabee
...we will forever change the way people look at their political system and how we elect our Presidents. --- Mike Huckabee
"he [Romney] whipped Thompson, McCain, and Giuilani. [Huckabee's win] is not a blow (referring to Huckabee’s 9 point victory). What a blow is we beat the other top three organizations. - - -Bay Buchannan
Great conservative discontent among conservatives - - - Laura Ingram
The big story is on the democrat side. --- Rush Limbaugh
Huckabee was perfectly positioned to win Iowa - - Rush Limbaugh
I’ve stayed out of this up til now. -- Rush Limbaugh when asked who he supports (yeah right)
Some of us are missing the boat about what we think about Huckabee - - Laura Ingram
I haven’t underestimated Mike at all - - -Rush Limbaugh
I wouldn’t expect him to try to make peace - - Rush Limbaugh answering the question as to what he would say to Mike Huckabee if he calls in during tomorrow's show.
For every network except yours [Faux News] – it was Huckabee Huckabee Huckabee --- Rush Limbaugh – speaking to Fox regarding the coverage of the victory in Iowa.
This wasn’t an issue based race for Huckabee - - what are the issues Huckabee ran on? - - Tom Tancredo - I suppose he was asleep when Mike spoke to the issues in every debate that Tancredo participated in.
The story is not Huckabee for me - - the worry for me is that McCain get’s the real bump for me going into NH, that’s scary for me. - - - Tom Tancredo
We shall see....It is indeed "a new day" - Mike Phillips, The Elephant Room :)
It may be a new day for the campaign and its supporters - but sit back and watch the same old hat from Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter. An interview with Tom Tancredo - as I am typing - has already shown this to be true. Certainly last night the panels and heavy talker's gave Mike his victory - well sort of - they took their shots at Ed Rollins, Huckabee's campaign manager regarding a private conversation between him and his wife at an Iowa restaurant.
What's not being noticed or spoken about in terms of GOP's and specifically Huckabee is the percentages of Mike Huckabee over Hillary and his close proximity to Obama's percentile.
The Governor gave an awesome speech that was a message of uniting the Party and the nation. I was quite surprised at the similarities of both victory speeches between Huckabee and Obama. Tonight most certainly sent a message to the nation that Mike Huckabee is the candidate in the GOP that is going to not only seek change in Washington - but effectively make it happen.
Out of tonights political showcase - there were a lot of quotes to be heard and passed around. Some of them quite humorous as Faux News tried to take credit for predicting Mike Huckabee's popularity - while only earlier today taking opportunity to falsly make him out to be a RINO.
I'll close this blog with the quotes I found to be memorable or noteworthy:
We have all underestimated Huckabee. - - -Bill Crystal of Fox News
I Love Iowa A Whole Lot --- Mike Huckabee, opening comments of his victory speech
We have – from the beginning – reported Mike Huckabee would do well - - Sean Hannity
People are more important than the Purse - - Mike Huckabee
"...Outspent 15 to 1 it would be impossible...American politics are still in the hands of people…" --Mike Huckabee
...we will forever change the way people look at their political system and how we elect our Presidents. --- Mike Huckabee
"he [Romney] whipped Thompson, McCain, and Giuilani. [Huckabee's win] is not a blow (referring to Huckabee’s 9 point victory). What a blow is we beat the other top three organizations. - - -Bay Buchannan
Great conservative discontent among conservatives - - - Laura Ingram
The big story is on the democrat side. --- Rush Limbaugh
Huckabee was perfectly positioned to win Iowa - - Rush Limbaugh
I’ve stayed out of this up til now. -- Rush Limbaugh when asked who he supports (yeah right)
Some of us are missing the boat about what we think about Huckabee - - Laura Ingram
I haven’t underestimated Mike at all - - -Rush Limbaugh
I wouldn’t expect him to try to make peace - - Rush Limbaugh answering the question as to what he would say to Mike Huckabee if he calls in during tomorrow's show.
For every network except yours [Faux News] – it was Huckabee Huckabee Huckabee --- Rush Limbaugh – speaking to Fox regarding the coverage of the victory in Iowa.
This wasn’t an issue based race for Huckabee - - what are the issues Huckabee ran on? - - Tom Tancredo - I suppose he was asleep when Mike spoke to the issues in every debate that Tancredo participated in.
The story is not Huckabee for me - - the worry for me is that McCain get’s the real bump for me going into NH, that’s scary for me. - - - Tom Tancredo
We shall see....It is indeed "a new day" - Mike Phillips, The Elephant Room :)
Having Fun Yet?
I'm posting this article from Dick Morris as it is the TOPIC OF DISCUSSION at every lunch, breakfast, sidewalk, grocery store line, conversation that I have these days. Dick Morris nails it on the head - and because I don't keep up with the Democrats at this point - thought I'd share the entire picture of what NEEDS TO HAPPEN in these next few weeks for each candidate across the board. By the way - when you read Mr. Morri's description of McCain - that would be a good point to comment on - - he refers to McCain as "charasmatic" - um - has he actually seen McCain speak - or do I need to go get my dictionary and bone up on my definition of the word? (not intended to be an attack - just a little surprised by the characterization).
What Iowa Means to Each Candidate
The Iowa caucuses mean different things to different candidates.
Of course Obama, Clinton and Edwards, for the Democrats, and Huckabee and Romney, for the Republicans, are vying for a win in Iowa. But there are separate sub-primaries going on as well: Obama vs. Edwards for the position of chief challenger to Clinton, McCain vs. Giuliani for the right to wear the “moderate” Republican mantle, and Fred Thompson vs. Oblivion for the right to stay in the race.
So here’s the scorecard to use in keeping track of what each candidate needs to get from Iowa.
Hillary Clinton
If she scores a decisive triumph, the race for the nomination is almost over.
A victory here would likely propel her to a win in New Hampshire and the nomination would be hers. But she doesn’t need to win. Her national base is so strong that she just has to stop anyone else from winning.
If no clear winner emerges, but the results show, instead, a three-way tie with Obama and Edwards, or a two-way tie between herself and either of her challengers, she comes out the winner. But if she clearly loses by a good margin or finishes third, she has blown a major opportunity and is in for a long cold winter of primaries. She won’t be knocked out in Iowa no matter what, but she could be knocked down.
Barack Obama
He’s got to win in Iowa. He is so far behind Hillary in the national standings that he needs a decisive victory to give him the momentum to prevail in New Hampshire and to compete in Florida and on Super Tuesday. He also needs to leave the pesky John Edwards far behind so he can consolidate the anti-Hillary vote behind his candidacy.
John Edwards
His immediate need is to finish close to or ahead of Obama so he can show that a vote for him is not wasted. With pro- and anti-Hillary sentiment so strong, Edwards risks being excluded as an also ran if he doesn’t make it. He also needs Hillary not to win decisively so that the race stays alive. He has a decent shot in New Hampshire if he can stay in the race and make sure there still is one.
Mike Huckabee
Win or die are his choices. The Huck-a-boom will be right in the ancient history books with the Howard Dean surge in September of 2004. But even if Huckabee wins in Iowa, he’ll probably lose in New Hampshire. Then his candidacy will come back to another game-set-match point in Michigan the following week.
Mitt Romney
He doesn’t have to win, place, or show. He’s got a big checkbook so he can survive any kind of showing and stay in the game. But, a defeat in Iowa might make him vulnerable to McCain in New Hampshire. A loss in the first two states would cost him Michigan and he would limp into Super Tuesday with only a checkbook to protect him. Only.
John McCain
He’s got to finish third or, in other words, beat Rudy. If he does, he has a good shot at winning New Hampshire and getting back into the game. If he doesn’t, Romney will win New Hampshire and McCain will be out of the race. Huckabee has to hope McCain does finish third so Romney doesn’t win New Hampshire and, therefore, doesn’t win Michigan. Got it?
Rudy Giuliani
The Republican frontrunner is in a parallel situation with Hillary. He won’t be knocked out no matter how badly he does. But finishing below McCain means that he has to split the moderate vote with the charismatic Arizona senator and could weaken his chances in Florida and on Super Tuesday.
Rudy can lose Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, Nevada, and South Carolina and still survive to compete in the big states that follow. But he lost a golden chance to avoid a fight by winning in Iowa.
And, if Hillary wins big in Iowa, it will help McCain and hurt Romney in New Hampshire. Why? All the independents who would have voted for or against Clinton in New Hampshire will pile into the Republican primary and may boost McCain to victory (if he survives Iowa).
And . . . by the same token, Rudy needs Hillary to win in the early rounds so he can draw independents into the Republican primary to vote for him rather than the religious right crowd.
Having fun yet?
[Elephant In The Room: Did he say Religious Right Crowd? hmmm., Did he just sneeze at 42% of voters that make or break elections? - Kazuntite - Dick. I feel another blog coming on] :)
What Iowa Means to Each Candidate
The Iowa caucuses mean different things to different candidates.
Of course Obama, Clinton and Edwards, for the Democrats, and Huckabee and Romney, for the Republicans, are vying for a win in Iowa. But there are separate sub-primaries going on as well: Obama vs. Edwards for the position of chief challenger to Clinton, McCain vs. Giuliani for the right to wear the “moderate” Republican mantle, and Fred Thompson vs. Oblivion for the right to stay in the race.
So here’s the scorecard to use in keeping track of what each candidate needs to get from Iowa.
Hillary Clinton
If she scores a decisive triumph, the race for the nomination is almost over.
A victory here would likely propel her to a win in New Hampshire and the nomination would be hers. But she doesn’t need to win. Her national base is so strong that she just has to stop anyone else from winning.
If no clear winner emerges, but the results show, instead, a three-way tie with Obama and Edwards, or a two-way tie between herself and either of her challengers, she comes out the winner. But if she clearly loses by a good margin or finishes third, she has blown a major opportunity and is in for a long cold winter of primaries. She won’t be knocked out in Iowa no matter what, but she could be knocked down.
Barack Obama
He’s got to win in Iowa. He is so far behind Hillary in the national standings that he needs a decisive victory to give him the momentum to prevail in New Hampshire and to compete in Florida and on Super Tuesday. He also needs to leave the pesky John Edwards far behind so he can consolidate the anti-Hillary vote behind his candidacy.
John Edwards
His immediate need is to finish close to or ahead of Obama so he can show that a vote for him is not wasted. With pro- and anti-Hillary sentiment so strong, Edwards risks being excluded as an also ran if he doesn’t make it. He also needs Hillary not to win decisively so that the race stays alive. He has a decent shot in New Hampshire if he can stay in the race and make sure there still is one.
Mike Huckabee
Win or die are his choices. The Huck-a-boom will be right in the ancient history books with the Howard Dean surge in September of 2004. But even if Huckabee wins in Iowa, he’ll probably lose in New Hampshire. Then his candidacy will come back to another game-set-match point in Michigan the following week.
Mitt Romney
He doesn’t have to win, place, or show. He’s got a big checkbook so he can survive any kind of showing and stay in the game. But, a defeat in Iowa might make him vulnerable to McCain in New Hampshire. A loss in the first two states would cost him Michigan and he would limp into Super Tuesday with only a checkbook to protect him. Only.
John McCain
He’s got to finish third or, in other words, beat Rudy. If he does, he has a good shot at winning New Hampshire and getting back into the game. If he doesn’t, Romney will win New Hampshire and McCain will be out of the race. Huckabee has to hope McCain does finish third so Romney doesn’t win New Hampshire and, therefore, doesn’t win Michigan. Got it?
Rudy Giuliani
The Republican frontrunner is in a parallel situation with Hillary. He won’t be knocked out no matter how badly he does. But finishing below McCain means that he has to split the moderate vote with the charismatic Arizona senator and could weaken his chances in Florida and on Super Tuesday.
Rudy can lose Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, Nevada, and South Carolina and still survive to compete in the big states that follow. But he lost a golden chance to avoid a fight by winning in Iowa.
And, if Hillary wins big in Iowa, it will help McCain and hurt Romney in New Hampshire. Why? All the independents who would have voted for or against Clinton in New Hampshire will pile into the Republican primary and may boost McCain to victory (if he survives Iowa).
And . . . by the same token, Rudy needs Hillary to win in the early rounds so he can draw independents into the Republican primary to vote for him rather than the religious right crowd.
Having fun yet?
[Elephant In The Room: Did he say Religious Right Crowd? hmmm., Did he just sneeze at 42% of voters that make or break elections? - Kazuntite - Dick. I feel another blog coming on] :)
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