Final Evening of the RNC

This is a few days late in coming due to the holiday weekend, but better late then never, right.

The conclusion of the Republican National Convention brought several more great speeches and a surprise appearance by Clint Eastwood.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush (R) took the stage to discuss education. However, he first proclaimed that it was time for the current administration to stop blaming his brother, President George W. Bush, for the economic problems our nation is dealing with. He stated that "a real leader would accept responsibility for his actions, and you haven't done it."

Governor Mitt Romney was introduced by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) who gave a rousing speech. He talked about his family and how they immigrated from Cuba so that their children could have a better life. One of the best lines of the whole convention was when Senator Rubio, referring to his father and the sacrifices he made, said "he stood behind the ball [in the back of the room] all those years so that one day I
could stand  behind a podium, in the front of a room." Senator Rubio is the America Dream and I eagerly look forward to the day he runs for president of the United States of America.

I felt that Governor Romney's speech was the best I had ever heard him give. He was personable and able to relate to, yet commanded attention and respect as a president should. He embraced his success as he should, because he too as lived the America Dream. Governor Romney did an excellent job of broadly outlining President Obama's failed policies and what a Romney/Ryan administration would look like. My favorite line was when he said, "But Paul, I still like the playlist on my Ipod better than yours" in reference to the comment by Paul Ryan the night before about how their respective playlists are reflections of their age. Romney's best line was he stated that "My promise is to help you and your family."

I eagerly look forward to voting for Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan November 6, and on November 7th being able to refer to them as President-Elect and Vice-President-Elect.

This week is the Democrats turn to re-nominate their chosen leader and spew all types of personal attacks at their opponents, while the repetitive drown of falsehoods blares across the TV waves.

VP Nomination Acceptance

Wednesday at Republican Convention brought another evening of speeches. Overall, not as many impressive speeches, but those that were brought the house down.

Several of the speeches appeared blah, not stirring, and even scripted such as Governor Pawlenty. I am tired of listening to speakers read off their political talking stump points. I want to hear from the heart, from the person, not what others think that individual should say. And that is why the first speech that stood out to me was Governor Mike Huckabee. He words were those of warmth, feeling, knowledge, and from the heart, and he spoke as one who genuinely cared about what he was sharing. The highlight was when he said that he does not care what church Mitt Romney goes to, he just cares that Governor Romney is a man of faith. As Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. said regarding the presidential election, we are not electing a pastor, we are electing a political leader.

My favorite speech was that of Condoleezza Rice. She is a brilliant, articulate woman whom as a side note, I would love to have as a college professor. It was stated afterwards that she spoke from notes, not a telepromter--amazing!!! She had many excellent points. Her personal reflection at the end was the perfect example of the American Dream. She shared as a little girl in Birmingham, Alabama, how she could not eat the Woolworth counter, yet her parents told her she could become president and she became Secretary of State. My personal favorite was when she stated that "it does not matter where you came from, it matters where you are going."

The highlight of the evening which brought the house down was the much anticipated speech of the soon to be next Vice President of the United States, Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI). Governor Romney made a fabulous choice in Congressman Ryan. He brings youth and vigor, and unites the Tea Party and the old guard, all with a mature demeanor. The best line of the evening which resonated with me was when he stated that "College graduates should not have to live out their 20s in their childhood bedrooms, staring up at fading Obama posters and wondering when they can move out and get going with life." Congressman Ryan was able to talk directly to every single American both in the convention center, as well as every individual watching across America.

Drum roll...And the nominee is...

Yesterday, the delegates from all fifty states cast their vote for the 2012 Republican Presidential nominee, thus, making Governor Mitt Romney the official GOP Presidential candidate. Tomorrow night, he will officially accept the nomination.

It is interesting looking at back at the Republican presidential race just a year ago. Multiple candidates were each claiming why they were the best choice over their fellow competitor, and the best choice for defeating President Obama. And yes, I was very vocal about my opinion regarding each candidate and I still stand behind what I wrote. Last night Greta Van Susten, interviewing Governor Rick Perry, asked him how the candidates after the fierce "mud-slinging" between one another could now unite together. I believe Governor Perry explained it the most clearly. The candidates are like a sports team, they are competitors. In the end, there can only be one quarterback, but multiply supporting players. Individuals may have favorite players, but in the end they all root for the same team. That team is the Republican party. It is a well known fact that my favorite sports player is Derek Jeter. And I will root harder and louder for him then any other Yankee player. However, I will always cheer on the Yankees as a team above any other sports team. That is the same in politics, I had my favorite candidates that I wish had been able to win the nomination, but they did not, and so I support the nominee because I am behind the Republican party.

I have been impressed watching Governor Romney grow and mature as the presidential candidate over the last year. Today I proudly proclaim I can and will support Governor Romney both as the "player" as well as the "team." I look forward to hearing his speech Thursday night, and Lord willing, his inaugural speech January 20th, 2013!

For the Good of the Country

There are times that politicians, in either party, must put their own ambitions aside for the good of the country. Recent days have revealed two such gentlemen in the GOP, both of whom would argue this is not the case, that they are looking out for the welfare of the country.

First, last week, Missouri Congressman Todd Akin (R) stated "in an interview with Fox affiliate KTVI...[that] a woman's body can typically fend off pregnancy during a 'legitimate rape.' 'It seems to me first of all, from what I understand from doctors, that's really rare,' Akin told KTVI. 'If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.'" http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/08/21/rep-akin-stays-in-race-as-deadline-passes-resists-wall-gop-pressure/ In my humble opinion, this comment was stupid, unnecessary, and totally void of sensitivity or compassion to women who have been forced to go through the horrible nightmare of being raped. From reports I have heard, it appears his statement has no medical basis. But that is not the point here, what is, however, is the Congressman Akin had no business thrusting his "nose" into something he has no understanding or background in and thus, appearing completely heartless. My intention is not to attack Congressman Akin as a person, he has apologized and I do not believe he sought to cause damage through his comments. It does not change the fact though that it is time for disaster control, and in such an important election as this, he does need to step down and let another individual challenge the Democrat opponent this November for the congressional race. Every person makes mistakes, some are more easily amended then others. This was one that for the good of the people of Missouri, and the citizens of the United States can only be rectified by another candidate running for the congressional seat.

More recently, this past weekend, Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas) held a rally of his supporters in Tampa, Florida. Instead of pulling his followers together behind Governor Mitt Romney and Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin), Congressman Paul appeared to belabor his campaigning points once again. "Paul told a rowdy crowd that the party would eventually drift into his 'tent.'" http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/08/26/ron-paul-holds-gop-convention-counter-rally-says-supporters-will-become-tent/ His beliefs are that of the Libertarian party. However, both in the 2008 election cycle, as well is the current one, he choose to run on the Republican party ticket. I admire that he is willing to stand for his beliefs and convictions, however, unlike the other presidential candidates who ran, lost, and gracefully pulled together behind Governor Romney, Congressman Paul has not done so. He continues to spout off his Libertarian views and seeks to keep his followers roused up against the GOP. He needs to accept that he lost, and urge his supporters to now support Governor Romney with the end of goal of defeating President Barak Obama. The campaign is no longer about difference between GOP candidates, between Governor Romney and Congressman Paul, between Libertarian and conservatives viewpoints. But it is between President Obama and the liberal, left-wing Democrats, and Governor Romney and the Republicans as a whole--Conservative, Libertarian, Tea-Party, moderates, etc. We must be united as one if we are to defeat President Obama, not still rehashing petty differences and bickering within. For the survival of our nation, Congressman Paul needs to unite his supporters behind Governor Romney.

Each of these gentlemen, in different ways, are actually hurting, not helping, our nation as we work hard to return our country to its founding roots. No matter what party an individual is affiliated with, when that person's priorities change from seeking what is best for our nation and citizens, to their own ambitions, they need step back and reevaluate their mission and purpose. Sadly, this state of affairs is all to common in politics today, and these gentlemen are just two of the latest to fall victim to no longer looking out for the good of the country. 

Anybody But Obama....

I'm back!!!

Driving home the other night from work, I was listening to the Mark Levin radio show and I found one of his callers' thoughts very interesting and right on the mark. The caller stated that he was a Libertarian, and as thus, normally voted for third party candidates. He attempted to explain that we are not a two party system and it is only because of people's lack of faith in a non-Democrat, non-Republican getting elected that has caused them not to voted third-party. However, in this election, he felt it was so important to defeat President Obama, that he stated he will be voting for Governor Romney and urged all other Libertarians to do so.

The fact of the matter, is that we are basically a two party system by default whether individuals want to admit it or not. Third-party candidates don't have a chance, and this is the most important election to realize that. Voting for anyone other than the Republican candidate is a de facto vote for President Obama. Differences must be put aside, and President Obama MUST be defeated.

Changes need to come from within a party, not without by creating a new political group. The "Tea-Party" is an excellent example of this. As they gained strength for their conservative, Constitutional beliefs and ideas, many people suggested that they form a new, third party to replace or compete with the GOP. However, the individuals who are part of this grass-roots movement, recognized that forming a new party would be worse then leaving the current political system the way it is. Thus, slowing, and successfully, the Tea Party has infiltrated and is changing the GOP. This is the best way to change the direction of a political party.

So this November, going to the polls and voting for a third-party candidate is a dumb idea. Vote for Governor Romney, vote for Congressman Ryan, vote for the GOP/Tea Party candidate and let's take back the White House and Senate...

Happy New Year / Iowa Caucus

The beginning of a new year is a time of resolutions and new beginnings, thus, what better way to start out then to begin blogging again. Fall is past, 2011 is over, and it is now 2012 -- election year; and I am back in full force (hopefully not to slack off again).

I hope all my readers enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing, joyous holiday season.

I planned over the fall to do a special posting on each of the Presidential candidates, but that has yet to happened and two of the candidates have already dropped out -- Herman Cain, and Michelle Bachmann.  I never felt that Herman Cain was the right person to be the presidential nominee, but I am most sorry for the reasons which forced him out.  With regards to Michelle Bachmann, as many have said already, she ran a dignified campaign. I respect her and wish her the best as she continues representing her Minnesota district in the US House of Representatives.

The results of the Iowa Caucus were surprising for the most part. The expected was Jon Huntsman finishing last and Bachmann not doing well. The biggest surprise of the evening was Rick Santorum, who almost won it. While I am not sure he can win the general election, I am very pleased with his showing, and it sends out a clear message as to what conservatives voters are seeking.

As the polls have shown, and last night's results proved, the conservatives are looking for someone other then Romney to represent the Republican party. He never seems to get about the 25% mark. Republican voters have slowly rotated through being in favor of Bachmann, Rick Perry, Cain, Newt Gingrich, and now Santorum. I do not feel however that Santorum will be able to sustain his Iowa success, thus leaving the door wide open for Perry or Gingrich to take back over as the lead candidate.

I was actually surprised that Romney had as strong a showing last night as he did. I expect him to finished third or fourth.  The other very surprising placement was Ron Paul actually finishing a close third. My opinion of him will be saved for a post all of its own. Equally, I was not expecting Gingrich and Perry to finish as poorly as they did. But again, nothing is every concrete in politics until the votes have been cast.

Many news commentators state that as Iowa goes so goes the national election. Well, I would like to remind everyone that it is a long way off until the Republican National Convention and only one state out of FIFTY have cast their vote. Of the last three Republican presidents (Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush), each won two out of the first three contests, but only Bush, 43, won Iowa. All three did, however, win South Carolina. It will be interesting in the upcoming weeks as to see who begins to emerge stronger.

As your state caucus or primary comes up, please vote, and do not vote based on who currently is leading, but who you feel is best suited to lead our nation. This is a critical time in our nation to return us to the values and roots on which this great country was founded.

Reagan Library GOP Debate

Each debate I watch is interesting, because sometimes it involves different people (exit Pawlenty and enter Perry), and as the polls change, the dynamics change.

In Wednesday night's debate, there did not seem to be as clear of winners and losers as in previous ones. For the most part each candidate had strong moments and weak moments. They did also seem to unite around going after the policies of the current president versus attacking each other as much.  There was a little "pinata" smacking with Rick Perry as he himself called it.  Though, most people I believe, expected his polices to be attacked some since he is the "new kid on the block."

There were several great lines during last nights debate, such as when Newt Gingrich again called out the media, this time in reference to the moderator attempting to engage the candidates in attacking each other or Mitt Romney's comment that there were certain things Perry could not take credit for unless he wanted to sound like Al Gore taking credit for inventing the internet.  My favorite line though came from Hermain Cain when he said that "If 10% is good enough for God, 9% is good enough for government."

The newcomer, Rick Perry, seemed relaxed and at ease, though occasionally came across as choosing his words a little too careful and not just going with the flow. His plan for securing our borders was one of the best of heard. By using actual boots on the ground and surveillance drones, it allows for human intelligence in the process. He was also very strong on military and defense which I expected.  He shined when it came to his view of capital punishment and stating that execution is the ultimate justice.

Perry and Ron Paul did have some sparring, and the best was Perry's reference to a letter Paul wrote to Ronald Reagan, apparently not supporting him. Perry also dueled it out with Mitt Romney in a relaxed, but decisive way.

Newt Gingrich is brilliant, and has excellent ideas.  He is always strong on the issues, he just does not have what it takes to be president.

Rick Santorum was strong on the positivity of immigration, but only when it is done legally. I agree, it was how our country was built and what makes us so great. Mitt Romeny also made a good point that illegal immigrants are attracted like a magnetic to our country because of those who are willing to hire them.

Ron Paul did make a great point that school lunches and the kids' nutrition is not the responsibility of the government. He came out against any mandate whatsoever, that they should all be abolished. However, the ones that need to be abolished are the mandates that no one has any out of such as health care, some like a driver's license are needed.  But if a person doesn't want to get a license, then they have the option of just not driving. The choice is in the driving, not the license to operate a vehicle. He showed a bit more of his isolationist view point on the topic of immigration.  But his biggest error was when he sticking his foot in his mouth by stating that the air conditioning for our troops overseas should be turned off for two reason: 1) help fix our debt, and 2) so the troops will come home.  REALLY??? Turn the A/C off to get the troops home.  It is one of the dumbest anti-American, anti-military comments I've heard.

Oh and in case you are wondering about Michele Bachmann and Jon Huntsman, well they neither shined nor flopped.  There was nothing memorable about their response, particularly with Bachmann.

So, in summary, everyone had strong moments and some had very weak moments.  Personally, Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney are a bit too smooth for me.  I will take a rugged Alaskan or Texan over the slick Mormans.

Romneycare vs. Obamacare

One of the hot topics during this Presidential race concerns Mitt Romney and his passing of the controversial mandated healthcare law in Massachusetts. It surprises me sometimes how little people know about our United States Constitution and the intent of the Founding Fathers.  People often hear a commentator or friend say something and then begin spouting the same rhetoric as their own without first checking the facts.

Romneycare, as it has been labeled, is 100% Constitutional and Obamacare is 100% NOT Constitutional. Before I get "tarred and feather," please "read" me out.

Article 1, Section 8, of the United States Constitution lists all the powers given to the Federal Government in which they mandate and legislate.  Amendment X states that "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."

The national health care law passed by the United States Congress is unconstitutional.  No where in the Constitution is Congress given the power to mandate such laws.  The Federal government was designed to only oversee certain areas which would be a challenge for the states to manage.  Everything else was left up to the States to orchestrate.  If a person did not like the laws of one state, then they had the option to move to another state.  If the Federal government institutes a law that a person dislikes, there is no recourse of action.

Consequently, if a states wishes to mandate that all its residents have insurance and its state constitution does not prohibit it, then it is legal. The Massachusetts State Constitution does not prohibit the passing of the healthcare law in its state.  Mitt Romney has stressed this over and over, that what he did in his state was legal and constitutional, but what President Obama did is not legal and unconstitutional.  Sadly, most Americans do not have a strong enough understanding of the US Constitution to realize this distinction.

If you have never read the Massachusetts State Constitution, I encourage you to for two reason. 1) So that will see what I am saying is correct, and 2) much of the US Constitution was based off the Massachusetts Constitution, they are very similar documents.

One more comment about states' rights.  In last night's debate, one of the candidates implied that the 10th Amendment gave the states the right to pass any law they please. Rick Santorum correctly rebutted that they only have the power to pass laws that are in accordance with Biblical principles. Our country was founded on Christian principles, and thus, any law that is passed at state or federal level which violates the Bible is WRONG! So when the argument is raised that a state can pass a law legalizing gay marriage, it is wrong, because the Bible numerous times clearly states that marriage is between one man and one women.

This post is not an endorsement of Romney, but an attempt to clear up some misconceptions about some of his policies as governor that is getting too much in the way of other more important issues. I am also not saying the I agree with mandate health insurance.  Personally, I do not want anyone tell me that I have to have insurance or what type (I do have it though).  As I have previously stated, I am just pointed out the a state mandate health care law is legal and constitutional.

Iowa GOP Presidential Debate

I have been slacking the last couple of week in writing. Partially because I haven't felt like there was as much to write about, but mostly because I was busy preparing and doubling up on homework for the wedding of my best friend and "adopted" sister last weekend in Oregon in which I was a bridesmaid.

I spent my evening tonight like many other Americans, watching the GOP presidential debate. It was the first one of this presidential race that I had the chance to view. Overall, I felt it was good and very revealing as to where the candidates stand and their personality in the heat of a race. I felt the moderators could have done better at giving all candidates an equal amount of questions and time to talk. Chris Wallace's questions came across to me as seeking to stir up animosity between candidates. The debates are not to be about the candidates themselves, but about their views and stances in order enable the people to make an educated decision on who they feel is best able to represent our country in the White House.

Each of the candidates had some stellar and not so stellar moments.

Michele Bachmann - Frankly, I was not overly impressed with her tonight. Up until this point, she has been one of my favorites of the declared candidates. I felt that she was warding off a lot of attacks, that were more personal than policy. Thus, she was not able to express her stance as much as she needed to. Her performance was neutral for me.

Herman Cain - I like him a lot and he has many great points, especially regarding the economy and the private business sector. However, he has absolutely NO political experience at any level, thus, in today's age of politics, I feel that he is unqualified and would not make an excellent president. Again, I feel his performance tonight was neutral.

Newt Gingrich - If only he would just a tad bit more handsome. =) As the commentators afterwards mentioned, Newt had one of those memorable debate moments when he took Chris Wallace to task about the media coverage and "got 'em" questions. He was by far the strongest candidate tonight. His answers weren't about him, but about the country and how to turn it around. He gave honest, practical, real solutions to our problems. He was the winner of the debate, but I am afraid he can not win the national election.

Jon Hunstman - I feel like he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He attempts to spout conservative rhetoric but I am afraid he is a moderate liberal. He is completely full of himself and his record and accomplishments. The fact that he worked under Obama in any capacity is an immediate red flag for me (and he wasn't a hold over from Bush either). He gave no real solutions. All he could say is "I am proud........." He was a loser tonight.

Ron Paul - Another candidate who is filled with his own ambitions and rhetoric. He is a has been. It seems that every election cycle he enters just to voice his isolationist opinions. He is wrong on most of what he says.He claims to be the voice of liberty and constitutionalism but does not seem to have any understanding as to the real desires and motivating factors of our Founding Fathers and what the Constitution means. Every now and then he has a good point, like the broken clock which is right only twice a day. He needs to drop out for the sake of everyone else. He was even quite rude to Santorum at one point, not shutting up himself, yet not allowing Santorum to voice his thoughts. He also was a loser tonight.

Tim Pawlenty - And the final loser, not because of his policy like the other two, but his attitude. He attacked Michele Bachmann in an extremely unprofessional manner going almost after her as a person and tearing down her record and stances left and right. Any time he could slip in an attack at another candidate, he did. He appeared to be desperately holding on by any means possible. Plus, he was wrong on numerous policies stances, such as the 10th Amendment, implying that states could pass whatever laws they deemed fit.

Mitt Romney - A little too moderate for me, but was the most presidential of all candidates tonight. He was cool, calm, and collective, not allowing attacks by others to get to him. He did have some great points. At one point he defended his controversial mandated health care law, which, he is right on that the Massachusetts Constitution did give him the authority to pass it. I feel that his religious beliefs are a hindrances to him winning the election. He was definitely a winner as well though.

Rick Santorum -I felt sorry for him because he was not getting as many questions or the opportunity to speak as much as the other candidates. However, when he was given the opportunity, I really appreciated what he had to say. For me, his stellar moment came when he was discussing the 10th Amendment of the Constitution, which states that any powers not directly given to the federal government are reserved for the states. Many people take that to mean that the states can pass whatever law they desire. Santorum made an excellent point however, that our nation and Constitution were founded on Biblical principles and thus, if a state seeks to pass a law that violates the Bible, then it is wrong and should not be allowed. His performance was a plus for me.

Overall, I was very much impressed with the candidates. I wish Rick Perry and Sarah Palin had been part of this debate. I would have enjoyed hearing their thoughts on the different issues, particularly Perry. Romney and Gingrich were a close tie for winner, but I think in the end I'd have to give it to Gingrich.

At this point in the race I do know who I will not support (Pawlenty, Hunstman, Cain, and Paul). Still analyzing the other candidates as to who I feel is best qualified and electable. As you consider who you will support and vote for, don't just take what the news stations, websites, blogs, radio talk show hosts, etc., say about a particular candidate, but research them for yourself. Listen to when they are interviewed live. That is the best way to know each one of them so that you can make an educated choice.