Is America Waking Up?
by John Romano
Why has America done so well in world affairs since 1776? Selfishness? Divinity? Ruthlessness? Sheer luck?
If you believe the current batch of Democrats who are turning Washington into a permanent liberal fiefdom, divinity has had no hand in world affairs. And if it did, we’d surely be the receiver of its wrath. America is mean. America’s selfishness is all that is wrong with the world, says the left. We are not the shining city on a hill, as a wise old man once told us we were.
The mainstream press got a real rude awakening this week as the Washington Post attempted to do publicly what they have always done privately: sell influence. Further to that, Helen Thomas and Chip Reid of CBS gave Obama Press Secretary Robert Gibbs an earful for the administration’s canned YouTube town hall. Hand-picked attendees and staff-picked YouTube videos does not a town hall make. Gibbs flubbed over that one like a teenager getting caught sneaking in to an R-rated film.
Perhaps the press is waking up. Perhaps not.
I gave a speech in Las Vegas last weekend. My main points focused around gay marriage and abortion. I put forth that Republicans need to avoid both issues like the plague. Democrats consistently use them to paint urban Republicans into a corner of intolerance and “hate.” Security, taxes, and avoiding Socialism are where we need to fight. Don’t change your opinions, just focus on what is before the country today, I said. I’d rather live in a country that was free and permitted both abortion and gay marriage than a Cap and Trade, government health care, Obama Motors, union controlled, weak military, nightmare of Socialism and Chicago patronage any day. That’s just me. I don’t have an in at City Hall. I have to work for what I get.
What the left fails to realize, or more terrifyingly doesn’t care, is that the world is like the ocean. The choppy waves lead to some drowning and some riding to heights never before seen. Sometimes it is clear sailing, god bless those times, other times it is like in “The Perfect Storm” and we are all Marky Mark dreaming of Diane Lane, hoping for a miracle. The bottom line is the iPhone and modern medicine came from democracy and the free market, not a government agency. Social programs should act as a trampoline, not a Velcro wall. The Velcro wall of government dependence only works for those in the Velcro business. We are all slowly having are boats docked and being sent to the wading pool. Guess who the lifeguard is?
The clever argument of “safety” and “fairness” has worked well for the left. They know that playbook well. We are Americans and we are compassionate. What is left out of that argument is the human need for self-responsibility and self-reliance. Both are essential ingredients for self respect. A man who blows his wages at the racetrack is not the same as the man who is mugged on payday. “Or is he?” asks the Democrats.
Americans are waking up. I saw it at our local July 4th parade. Many are looking at the stars and stripes and realizing that for the first time they may have to ask themselves exactly what that flag means. If they don’t like the answer they will then either have to quietly suffer, or fight for what is right. I made that choice the day Andrew Breitbart asked me to write this column.
The men who started this country believed in God and liberty. Things like Cap and Tax have nothing to do with either. Fight back now or head over to the kiddie pool.
Happy belated 4th!
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124 Comments
So tired of the population who falls off the wall, and wait for all the Kings horses, and all the Kings men to put Humpty Dumpty back together again.
Do it your freaking selves!
we mostly concur with Mr Romano except for one salient point-
If you avoid the social issues- gay marriage and abortion- you alienate a huge section of the conservative movement. History has shown that when you are true to your conservative vision (Reagan) you win big.
When you tack to the middle and compromise you lose. John McCain, Bush 41. Essentially, someone has to give voice to those who think unborn life is sacred, and marriage is an institution meant to propagate the nuclear family.
If not us, then who?
Let us hope that the "average person" starts to wake up to the inconvenient fact that Obama does not have our best interests in mind.
"I’d rather live in a country that was free and permitted both abortion and gay marriage than a Cap and Trade, government health care, Obama Motors, union controlled, weak military, nightmare of Socialism and Chicago patronage any day. "
This libertarian agrees 100%.
I agree with John…kinda… We should avoid them…until we are back in the majority and then address them once and for ALL. Personally I think it is time to update the "Contract With America"!!!!!
Like you John, I tend to avoid the social issues. It's not that I don't have opinions, I do, and they are not cut and dried, fitting neatly into one simple position. But I am simply not passionate about them like social conservatives. I completely understand dcase's point though. I don't think social issues is what did in John McCain. he didn't like W. and was never a team player. He didn't back border security and was on the wrong side of immigration reform. I see those two issues as part of national security and economic security. I think fiscal conservatism and national security are the winning issues, but we need to offer better alternatives on things like health care and energy policy. One thing is for sure, if Republicans get back Congress and spend like drunken sailors again, our party is dead, dead, dead!
"One thing is for sure, if Republicans get back Congress and spend like drunken sailors again, our party is dead, dead, dead! "
That is so true.
All of health care should be revamped to remove as much Government as possible from it.
Energy policy? Drill Baby Drill.
The Reid/Thomas grilling of Robert Gibbs was nice to see but don't expect anything from it. The administration will realize they made a mistake and will improve their operation. They will make sure that their talking points are put forward by "neutral" audience members without obvious ties to Democratic interest groups. As for the "average person" (whom I've never met) we have seen over the last six months that the Democrats have lost all sense of shame and economic reality in bidding for their support. There is no way that honest conservatives can out-demagogue the libs on domestic issues particularly since the Democrats seem to be on the brink of promising eternal life to those who support their policies. Besides, any nation that indulges in a frenzy of national breast-beating over the death of a nonentity like Michael Jackson might deserve what it gets. (Sorry – Just feeling a little down in the dumps.)
you make our point for us, Jed-
He lost because he bought into the idiotic 'stimulus' which betrayed his tepid following… he never sparked any passion because of his middle of the road sentiments. Like Bob Dole. Good men, yes- but neither were good leaders and Sarah had to make the race even somewhat competitive. The reason Palin is so popular is because despite her flaws she is real, and a leader.
They need to be principled, and stand for something…
Joelim – agree with you 100% on both. In my view, the only government involvement should be limited to subsidizing the purchase of private policies for those that truly cannot afford to purchase their own and are not illegal aliens.
[...] reading: John Romano, Big Hollywood: Is America Waking Up? Hot Air: Helen Thomas goes nuclear on White House again: “What the hell do they think we are, [...]
A man who blows his wages at the racetrack is not the same as the man who is mugged on payday. “Or is he?” asks the Democrats.
This reminds me of the report I saw this morning about a man who lost millions at a casino. He has sued to get his money back based on his argument that the casino exploited his addiction.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,445629,00.htm...
[...] Care and House Dems’ Health Care Plan Includes Gov’t Plan John Romano, Big Hollywood: Is America Waking Up? Founding Bloggers: Horrific Health Care Headlines From UK – Our Socialized Medical Future! Greg [...]
[...] and Late Friday personnel dump: Scare Force One staffer “resigns” John Romano, Big Hollywood: Is America Waking Up? New York Local News, WCBSTV.com: ALL THAT FOR THIS! Flyover Photo Released; White House Releases [...]
[...] Blazsik: Terror in New York – Obama will not release photo op pictures John Romano, Big Hollywood: Is America Waking Up? USS Neverdock: Obama terrorizes New York Around The Sphere: The Photo-Op From Hell fiery dog: [...]
One barometer I'm looking for is/are movies that celebrate America's core values – when I see a few of those that will make me more certain we have awoken to the grave threat that Obama represents.
[...] original post here: Is America Waking Up? This entry is filed under America – Blogs, Big Hollywood. You can follow any responses to this [...]
absolutely agree although after the Bushes, having a great speaker plus conviction would be nice and Palin does give a great speech. Whether it is Sarah or somebody else, I am searching for a conservative candidate who can eloquently sell the message a la Reagan. I don't have to agree on every issue, but my main hot buttons listed earlier. While I don't know where she is on all the issues or what kind of candidate she would make, I have always been intrigued by the potential of Condoleeza Rice and would love to see her get some experience in elected office. She sure would bring some very real positives to our side in terms of sizzle if the underlying quality would be there.
trouble with Condi is she has no interest, and so-so people skills. In the age of Obama the only way he loses is if he messes up royally (that WILL happen) and someone with his charismatic ability runs opposite. Sarah has the skills, which is why she is SO hated by the Left. Mike Pence? ok- Paul Ryan?
maybe.
But they are going to have to be good to win…
I think you miss the point — how can we value ANYTHING if we don't value the very lives of the most innocent and vulnerable? Where are their rights? Where is their freedom?
We can't succeed while sanctioning the murder of millions of the unborn. The right to life is the very right upon which all others rest.
I totally agree with you. And besides, 50% of the nation is against abortion and even more than that against gay marriage. Simply stated, republicans are afraid of the criticism of the main-stream-media. They should ignore them; there are enough communication outlets to get there message out to real Americans.
their, not there
While walking out of the final Constitutional Congress session, Benjamin Franklin was asked what kind of goverment he gave us…he replied, "A Republic, Madame, if you can keep it."
We must wake up and realize that just like the Colonists who volunteered to gain freedom from tyranny, we must tear ourselves away from tv/day to day — just a little to make our Republic work. Those volunteers stood up to taxation without representation and fought for liberty…it was not easy…it will not be easy for us in 2009, 2010, 2012…but what is the alternative?
These very freedoms/liberties allow modern American citizens to get complacent and assume all politicians are alike, it doesn't matter if we vote or speak up….BUT we must start taking back our country by:
– vocalizing our opinions to elected officials (even though at times frustrating/seems futile)
– following-up with their vote and vocalize both positive/negative (even though frustrating/seems futile)
– helping promote solutions/alternate ideas (ie Sen Tom Coburn's Health Care Reform Proposal to a one
payer government solution)
– be willing to miss some tv — go hear your elected officials speak – respectfully disagree
as the opportunity arises or thank them, offer suggestions, ask questions, etc
– be willing to follow the news and/or join local like minded voters to multiply efforts. Know when local,state
legislatures are holding "surprise" hearings/votes on controversial legislation-raising taxes, etc.
Be aware when our President circumvents the constituion, gives away 30% of our arms without
legislative approval, forms questionable international alliances, uses a double standard when it
comes to "meddling" — etc
– volunteering for candidates/legislative initiatives — help get the word out in as little or major time
involvement as you are able. Let your party (if one) know your thoughts
– VOTE…every vote counts…in every election. (Hold election counts to credibility – double check vote
totals to registered voters – question if they do not add up)
– Run for office yourself — if at all possible.
It is not too late if we start today — help pull some current legislative efforts back down to reality and get out the vote in 2009, 2010 and 2012….our very existence as a Republic and a freedom loving society depends on ALL OF US — elected officials are only to happy to go unchecked if we allow them to do so.
Stand up, roll-up your sleeves, start vocalizing to officials, and get out the vote — let's get busy and prove to Mr Franklin and all of the people who have sacrificed to make/keep our Republic…that WE CAN KEEP IT!
Ray,
On abortion, if you include partial-birth abortion and legislative and judicial efforts to override parental notification requirements, that percentage climbs to at least 65 or 70, maybe higher.
[...] left fails to realize, or more terrifyingly doesn’t care, is that the world is like the ocean. Complete Article: July 7th, 2009 | Tags: Big Hollywood | Category: Commentary | Leave a [...]
i've been fighting back since november, baby. no plans on stopping.
The wake up was in 2006 and 2008.
The answer is, the guy whose two terms in office marked the most successful example of conservative governance since the Reagan Administration.
My guy:
Cut taxes, reduced the size of government, cut the welfare rolls, and cut the crime rate to a fraction of what it was before he took office. Oh, and he had his cops physically keep Yassir Arafat from entering a public gala for the U.N., told Al Sharpton to go pound sand, and closed down the Brooklyn Museum over a display of obscene and offensive "art" (unlike a certain former Speaker of the House, who talked a good game, but then went ahead and cut a deal to increase NEA funding).
And I really want to see him apply his "aggressive policing" strategy as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces, rather than of the NYPD.
nice tribute to Rudy..
One hopes he runs for Guv; Lord knows the New Yawkers need some sanity to even out the leftist loonery that passes for governance… unfortunately he didn't click with middle America.
Must've been the drag queen thing on SNL…
I really think he was done in by his primary campaign strategy, which so brilliant, it was actually stupid.
If you remember, the plan was not to campaign at all until he got to the big states with the big electoral vote counts — but he was on the ballot in the smaller states with the earlier primaries. Turns out, the process has a lot to do with momentum, or at the least the perception of momentum. That long string of 4th, 5th, and sometimes, 6th-place finishes meant he was DOA by the time they got to Florida — which he counted on winning and thereby jumping to the head of the pack in one fell swoop.
I can't imagine him, or anybody else, trying it that way again.
excellent points here-
You can't win in the Republican primaries by bypassing Iowa. The Repubs have a coronation process, which is why we get saddled with Dole and McCain; instead of the tough vetting process the Dems have- with only loserboy Kerry escaping that grind.
We think the world of Rudy, who is far more liberal than us. But he is a pragmatist and would work well with all coalitions.
Too bad…
You think so, huh?
@ MidniteRambler
BH contributor Ken Blackwell explains why libertarians like yourself should defend traditional marriage:
"Finally, let’s sustain marriage as a social institution. Too many spokesmen on the left and the right have made marriage a political football. When a libertarian radio talker calls for the state to “get out of marriage,” he is encouraging the further breakdown of the family, the only institution that can supply the needs of children. As Prof. Michael Novak memorably put it: The family is the original department of health, education, and welfare.
For libertarians to call for a laissez-fairepolicy on marriage is to guarantee a greater role for the federal government in a futile attempt to stave off the disaster of family breakdown and to deal with the predictable consequences. "
http://www.worldmag.com/webextra/15349
I understand a strategy which emphasizes damage to our free-markets sells to a broad range of people but I am concerned about being told to be quiet about abortion and gay marriage.
Do you mean that the candidate will be pro-choice and pro-gay marriage? If so, I don't think this strategy will work.
Not only are they awake they’re pissed, and growing angrier as the days pass with the Obamanation.
Rudy does hold some liberal positions — on abortion, gun control — and a purely libertarian one on gay marriage — I believe he's said that it's an issue for state legislatures (NOT the courts).
The odd thing is, that if he were somehow to get on the national ticket, the smart play for the Dems would be to attack him "from the right," in an effort to surpress conservative turnout, or bolster a third-party spoiler.
I know it's a long, long shot, but I still think he would be a great President, particularly given the mess that I'm afraid we'll be in three-and-a-half years from now.
Please disregard my accidental thumbs up.
"My main points focused around gay marriage and abortion. I put forth that Republicans need to avoid both issues like the plague. Democrats consistently use them to paint urban Republicans into a corner of intolerance and 'hate.'"
But I hate abortion. And, while I don't hate gay people or gay marriage, I kind of hate the way its being pushed, without dialogue, even without logic (in NJ, civil unions provide the same benefits as marriage. But a not-so independent panel found that some hospitals don't recognize them. So, instead of demanding that the hospitals follow the law and get new paperwork with "civil union" checkboxes, they conclude that "gay marriage" is the only answer).
"The administration will realize they made a mistake and will improve their operation."
They could do that by firing Robert "Uhhhh" Gibbs.
"The men who started this country believed in God and liberty. Things like Cap and Tax have nothing to do with either."
Excellent – as is whole column.
Hey, by that logic, folks like Spitzer could sue whorehouses and "escort" services.
Taken care of.
I wrote you a reply that won't go thru (yet?)
PS Tx for fixin' my error!! Ha-ha.
no problem.
No prob! I hope the site will stop being silly and let me read your reply! ^_^
Absolutely, why run as Dem Light? Of course the Dem party seems to have gone completely around the reality bend.
Your assertion that Republicans should avoid social conservative issues – abortion and gay marriage – "like the plague" is dead wrong, both politically and morally.
Politically, public opinion now favors the social conservative position on these issues. More than 50% of Americans favor the pro-life position and over 80% favor protecting traditional marriage. Just because the main stream media and the Democrats attempt to use these positions against Republican candidates is no reason to go silent on the issue. Instead, Republican candidates should be taught how to respond to these media interrogations by presenting not only the moral argument for these positions but the conservative and constitutional argument as well.
In addition, the social conservative position on abortion and gay marriage is just the bridge we need to reach out to African Americans and Hispanics. African Americans provided the votes to pass Prop 8 in California and they consistently disagree with their party and Mr. Obama on the issue. Hispanics are overwhelmingly Catholic and pro-life. Here are two issues that will gain us traction with traditional Democratic voting blocs. Why would we want to go silent on the very issues that may win us the minority votes everyone claims to want?
Morally, it is reprehensible to ignore the murder of unborn children for political expediency. Social conservatives have consistently pushed the GOP to victory since Nixon and we have received little in return. Abortion is still legal and gay marriage is now on the liberal wish list. How long will conservatives stay apart of the GOP when it fails to honor their wishes? Where will they go you might ask? They may just drop out all together rather than support or simply turn a blind eye to evil. After all, what is a higher utility bill compared to the life of a child?
I also think you commit a grave error when you separate the economic and security issues from social conservative issues. A government that can kill the unwanted and redefine the oldest tradition known to man is a government that has no problem with cap and trade or socialism. What is taking over a car company compared to redefining social institutions and determining who lives and who dies?
As I browse through the updates, a thought occurs: have you done any thinking about potential impact from Dem crossovers or independents in our primaries? It seems to me we need to have all primaries require voters to be registered Republicans to participate
Kipling, would you rather live in a socialist liberal thugocracy or ignore the social issues for awhile and win?
It was an opportunistic shot at Robert Gibbs who comes across as fatuous, immature and condescending. But it doesn't mean the press will make a habit of it. They're still too in the tank of Obama to be too critical of the President himself. I'd love to believe the public at large is waking up to the financial tsunami that's being generated here but my sense is that their understanding is still muted and uncertain. They notice there's some conflict but still lamely believe the Democrats aren't trying to screw them. I fear the liberal media has done too good of a job painting Conservatives as the villains so our arguments are only half understood and quickly ignored. I think it's too early to suggest the public has reached a tipping point against the Socialist agenda. How can they when so few of them even understand it. I'm betting Obama and the Dems are trying to ride this rough patch out during the summer and rebound sometime later this year. Here's hoping they're wrong and capsize…
James-
The reason why Libertarians can't sustain a campaign long enough to get elected to public office is that they keep getting distracted by Comicon.
EXACTLY. I have absolutely no hatred for the gay lifestyle per se, but I don't like the way their "rights" are being pushed on me.
True enough.
And Dennis Kucinich should get to play "World of Warcraft" for free.
First of all, I think embracing the issues and dealing with them forcibly is the way to win. Please see my comment about attracting African Americans and Hispanics. Second, we already live in a liberal thugocracy if they can determine who lives and who dies and redefine our cultural institutions to suit a very small minority. I have no problem being a co-belligerent alongside anyone who opposes the socialist drive; however, the GOP will shoot itself in the foot if it ignores these opportunites and continues to ignore a substantial voting block.
I think it's a mistake to lump abortion and gay marriage together as though they were somehow related, or at least morally equivalent, issues.
I'll concede gay marriage based on the fact that a divorce rate approaching 60% among the heterosexual community makes the "sanctity of marriage" argument moot.
Come on, people: we value marriage as an institution, just not our own marriages? If I'm willing to toss my wife of 34 years for a chance at a 25 year old, what moral ground do I have to judge a bearded 40 year old man in a wedding dress? Those guys are pretty much harmless, at least.
Besides, I'd watch "Gay Divorce Court" on pay-per-view.
Abortion, on the other hand, is vile murder of the innocent. If we fail to stand against that, our country is no longer worth saving.
Thanks John. Excellent perspective regarding gay marriage and abortion. A person can be pro life without being PRO LIFE. That issue is a loser in blue states and in order to gain ground in places like California, New York, etc. we need to promote our ideas that can be winners across the political spectrum.
Just another reason why Romano's columns are a must read for me.
A recent study points out that the scant and decreasing divorce rate in middle to upper middle class households is leading to greater and greater social success in the children in those classes. the skyrocketing divorce rate is in lower income classes, increasing the average for the country at large. So supporting family values is already being done by those who are winning in society. To try to get those with an uphill climb to also stick with a bad marriage is a pretty tough row. But then following a hard road is what helps you win. And that's the trouble. Where do we support people trying to gut through anything any more?
"If you avoid the social issues- gay marriage and abortion- you alienate a huge section of the conservative movement."
Here's the problem with that, from a strictly mathematical standpoint: That "huge section" isn't as huge as it used to be. It's also older and isn't maintaining it's rate-of-replacement. "Social conservatism," or "traditionalism" if you like… is dying. Not of some curable disease or bad behavior, but of AGING. As an ideology, it's past it's sell-by date. Young conservatives/libertarians who are economically focused are a more expansion-prone group than the young social-cons coming out of the Christian university system… and BOTH are dwarfed by young self-professed "liberals."
(continued)
Laura-
I'm not sure what "recent study" you've read, but my wife teaches middle to upper middle class students at a very nice private school, and the divorce rate among those families is hardly "scant".
I'm am a 'social conservative,' but I happen to agree with this post. Our main effort should be to promote fiscal responsibility, the free market/smaller govt, and a strong defense. These are the issues on which all conservatives can agree, but more importantly, they are the ones where Obama is most vulnerable.
Let me put it to other staunch pro-lifers this way: You can't get any worse than Barack Obama on the life issues.
This guy worked HARD to defeat the Born-Alive Baby Act in Illinois. This guy is about to shove Obamacare ( aka Granny's-too-expensive-so-let her-die-care) down our throats. This guy is cold,cold, cold.
I wanted his plans defeated, and I want a united attack where it will hurt him the most.
Unfortunately, America is waking up too slowly. This is not the first attempted rapid takeover by the far left, it's just the first one that has gotten anywhere. The moderates didn't vote for expanded bailouts of Wall St. and GM, they voted against $4.00 per gallon gasoline and the perception that the Bush family was raking in billions from high gasoline prices.
By the time the majority of Americans wake up, it may be too late. The economy will be shot, and the interest on the national debt will crush the future attempts at recovery. Printing more and more money is going to lead to anything good.
Don't expect public educators or the main stream media to help. Dumbing down public education, indoctrination of the youth at public schools, and controlling the press were vital to the Soviets in gaining and keeping control of their country. The KGB had the same plan for the US. The KGB lost its direct influence with the abject failure of its system, but the indirect influence of all the misled people of the 60s and 70s lives on and propagates.
I don't know if America is Waking Up or Not . I Only Know It Better.
He did not say run as Dem Light. He said "Security, taxes, and avoiding Socialism are where we need to fight."
Security – we believe in a strong defense and actual borders to our homeland.
Taxes – lower them, then lower them so more. Only spend what you bring in via taxes.
Socialism – don't involve the government in any thing that doesn't require it.
None of those are Dem Light.
"When the religious framework of a society starts to totter, it is not exclusively or immediately the physical security of the society that is threatened; rather the whole cultural foundation of the society is put in jeopardy. The institutions lose their vitality; the protective facade of the society gives way; social values are rapidly eroded, and the whole cultural structure seems on the verge of collapse." — Girard 1977
Your "utopian libertarian" society would be a dead decaying carcass in one generation. It's already fighting for it's very life, that attitude would stab it in the heart. With all due respect, libertarians are as we say in Texas, "pissing into the wind". The only way to reallly affect change is to be in the game, in government, in the legislatures making laws. Give me a list of Libertarians holding public office at the state or federal level, making a real difference.
I sorta agree. Galloping socialism, massive deficits and the promise of gigantic tax increases are whats in front of us now. Lets do what we can to stop them. The army fights the war they are faced with at the moment, not the one that might happen later.
Having said that, traditionalist conservatives should be defenders of faith and values. As someone else said, if not us than who will? Sure, we don't have to put it front and center, because thats not where the battle is being fought right now. When asked about marriage or abortion, we should speak our minds in a thoughtful way about those issues.
I have said before, and will say again, that I do not consider an embryo in the first trimester a viable human being, deserving of the same rights as a newborn, or a fetus in the third trimester. That first-trimester embryo is a non-thinking collection of cells, and the woman carrying it has the right to do as she pleases with it. To deny that right is no different than infringing on the right to bear arms, enter in to private contracts, or point out that the Dear Leader thinks there are fifty-eight states.
As for gay marriage, I don't much care one way or the other. I don't regard marriage as a civil right, nor do I believe that legalized gay marriages leads to societal crumbling. If the voters in individual states and religious denominations wish to recognize gay marriage, they should be allowed to do so. If not, they should be allowed to keep gay marriage off the books.
One more note: I am a libertarian, not a Libertarian. That is, I do not belong to the Libertarian Party, nor do I support all of its positions. For instance, I think the Libertarian Party has a little too much faith in individual decision-making when it comes to their drug policy. I agree with their position on legalizing marijuana, but regard legalizing cocaine and heroin as insanity. Not all people will make the right choice, and their bad choices will affect the rest of us, just as they do now.
Most fundamentally, I disagree with the Libertarian Party on foreign policy. Opposing the War in Terror is suicidally naive. I would rather keep "pissing in the wind" against the hard-line social conservatives in the GOP than support a party who shares our Dear Leader's belief that if we are nice to Islamo-fascists they will love us.
That is true, Tom. Sadly divorce is rampant. But I do not see the connection to divorce rate and "okaying" gay marriage. I am not cruel to gay people. I would say this to a relative or a child-marriage was not an institution for gay relationships (which are as old as the hills), they are for protecting a woman and children who are usually left impoverished by male desertion. Gay people–have your civil unions or show me something else?
Anyhow, that's what I got
)
Exactly. Its like I "sort of agree". See,I have this feeling that it will embolden people who cannot defend social issues (because they can't or wont, to drop them. Then they will be gone, I can assure you. We are that last. America needs to see what it is losing in pulling threads from the fabric of our nation. Eventually, if it hasn't already, the fabric falls apart.
I believe that first and foremost we must bring the American people back down to earth. Generations have been conditioned to accept the Federal Government as a necessity to their lives. Our history has been rewritten time and time again to support a progressive agenda.
Our next candidate should be out there full steam educating the people on the beauty of the Constitution, freedom and liberty. They need to stop pandering to identity groups and start speaking to the individual. The mindset that the liberals have brainwashed the masses with must be erased. Our founding virtues must be shouted out instead of constantly apologizing for them.
Look up Freedom to Fascism on YouTube, it is an eyeopener that will enrage you, I don't think there is a politician out there that will expose the truth. We need to demand it.
While I understand the point the author of this article is getting at, he and others seem not to see the problem with abortion long term: fewer babies being born, fewer workers for future generations to support our ever-increasing tax burden. Fewer babies being born, fewer students to fill classrooms, which means schools shutting down and teachers being laid off. Fewer babies being born, fewer soldiers for our military to defend us against our enemies. The abortion issue is not merely an issue of "choice" and "privacy" versus "life". It affects everything: defense, demographics, economics, education, everything.
Look back to the post WW2 baby boom when new schools could not be opened fast enough to accomodate all the children. Now, only a few generations later, many of these same schools are closing down or merging because of declining enrollment.
Saw on "Morning Joe" this a.m. that a TV station in VA refused to run an Ad by the GOP attacking a Dem Senator for his vote on Cap and Trade. How's THAT for press manipulation!
Condoleeza Rice is no Conservative. She's a business-as-usual, realist, sort-of-kind-of Republican. Not as bad as Colin Powell but close.
Yes, America is waking up after an 8-year stupor. That's why the Democrats are in power now, and conservatives are relegated to whining and moaning at sites like Big Hollywhine.
"I’d rather live in a country that was free and permitted both abortion and gay marriage than a Cap and Trade"
Or in other words, "I'd rather live in a country that murders millions of children every year than one whose policies affect my finances negatively." Get your priorities straight. Giving up on abortion is not the answer.
I was gonna make the same argument you did d… we are (for the most part) conservatives and/or libertarians.. If you want to pick and choose where to fight the arguments on social issues, so be it (unless they bring the fight to you), but you don't avoid the issues altogether.
H.H.W. – I would have no particular reason to doubt your assessment since I just don't recall ever seeing where she was called to lay our her positions on that many issues. Regardless, as dcase pointed out, she doesn't seem to be interested. Still, out of curiosity, I'm wondering if you knew of some specific cases where she came off as a non-conservative or is it more of a general impression? (If I had to guess, I certainly would suspect she would be a "moderate" but just have no real specifics to back up that suspicion.) I was always intrigued by Rice because she could negate two of the Democrats favorite identity politics issues (minority female.) and she had some foreign policy experience. It doesn't appear she will be an answer, though.
Alonzo made a GREAT video (somewhere here on BigH) talking about the flaws of the "utopian libertarian' society and how it's actually not even achievable based on the current L platform.
I recently heard the statistic – and unfortunately I don't have the source on hand at the moment – that said that 2006 was the first year in about a decade where, worldwide, the birthrate was high enough that we would able to replace the existing population in a few generations. I'm not explaining the idea very well, but for nearly ten years, the birthrate had been below where it needed to be to even sustain current population numbers. Even with the higher birthrates since 2006, it's still nowhere near as high as it needs to be to expect long-term sustaination.
If, in every generation, the population continues to decrease, pretty soon we're going to start having some major financial problems around the world, much worse than we're seeing today. Imagine what it's going to be like when we only have half the nation's current population trying to pay off the crippling debt Obama has given us.
Why should I keep silent about issues I feel very strongly about, just to try and lure voters over to my party of choice? I'm firmly against abortion and gay marriage on both political and moral grounds, and I'm not just going to shut up and let this country fall deeper into the moral sinkhole it's drowning in without even putting up a fight to stop it.
we think he will run again- but for statewide office. He is a New York legend and doesn't translate as well on a national scene. Plus, he was a 9/11 hero and the left will not allow that incident to be used positively- they are largely behind the so-called 'truthers' which have succeeded in making over 30% of the not-so-bright out there think he and Bush were somehow complicit. Anyway, he needs to be on the scene…
the media is the driving force towards the so-called 'moderation'- if only those mean Republicans were more this, or that- all of which adds up to being, as you said 'Dem lite'… and, either being no threat or better yet, losing…
great minds think alike…
Seriously, you cannot turn your back on your core constituency, nor can you bow in fealty to them either. Social conservatives need a place to go and as long as they get a fair shake they'll stay in the Republican party. If not, you'll drive them elesewhere- mostly to stay home…
sojourner = nanana
"I’d rather live in a country that was free and permitted both abortion and gay marriage than a Cap and Trade, government health care, Obama Motors, union controlled, weak military, nightmare of Socialism and Chicago patronage any day."
A society without virtue or principle with regard to the nature and value of human life, or the intended relationships between people, will not be preserved. Our freedoms and pursuits of happiness emerge from presuppositions about life and what has been bestowed to us by a transcendent Creator. These things are not to be separated.
In regards to Helen Thomas and the CBS guy, I agree with the assesment that it was more of a Lover's quarrel. They were more upset that the Huffpo skipped ahead of them in the Question line, then it was about it being staged. They all felt like they got Him elected and He cheated on them with the Guy from the Huffpo. We Should not back down from any topic.. Say what you mean and mean what you say.. What are We Democrat's? Say whatever until we get into office and then let people know? America doesn't want Gay marriage, Where have the People voted to approve it? They get shot down take it to the Supreme court, where the American people lose it there..This article has a Rino's mentality, If it's one thing the American People can't stand is a fake
or firing the guy that keeps typing "Uhhhh" into the teleprompter.
Will keep fighting till ten minutes after I'm dead. And even then I'm not so sure I'll stop.
Great point: "Don’t change your opinions, just focus on what is before the country today, I said. I’d rather live in a country that was free and permitted both abortion and gay marriage than a Cap and Trade, government health care, Obama Motors, union controlled, weak military, nightmare of Socialism and Chicago patronage any day."____ I filled out my Republican questioner and I hope Michael Steel is listening or reading!__
I think any conservative that simply runs on a platform of returning those issues to the states to decide where the people can have their voices heard would do well enough. There really isn't anything in the COTUS about the Fed interfering with social issues like those anyhow, and Amendment 1's guarantee of freedom of religion is in my mind the biggest sticking point against gay marriage for most people who in this day and age generally don't care what their neighbors do in the bedroom so long as it stays there.
Promise to let the people vote on those issues; promise that you'll do everything to ensure that those votes are upheld unless clearly unconstitutional, and I think you'll have a winner.
no rino's here baby. "Don’t change your opinions, just focus on what is before the country today, I said. I’d rather live in a country that was free and permitted both abortion and gay marriage than a Cap and Trade, government health care, Obama Motors, union controlled, weak military, nightmare of Socialism and Chicago patronage any day."
stick with a 100 percent inflexible mentality we'll have pelosi/obama forever.
I would differ with you on the abortion question when it comes to rape and incest. In those cases, the choice of the woman to have sex was often taken from her (I say often because I guess some women can willingly enter into incet?). In those cases, I would allow her the option to choose an abortion, but only if it also came with an added charge of manslaughter to her attacker. I wouldn't make it murder because her attacker didn't set out to cause the loss of an innocent life through his actions, but clearly that was the unintended consequence.
I hate using polls, since it's only a microcosm of the population as a whole.. but Bob,I believe there was a rasmussen poll out that said just the opposite of what you're claiming (or so I thought)?
The belief in Pro-lifers are at some of their highest percentages in 20 years?
The belief in Anti-Gay Marriage are at some of their highest numbers in 10 to 15 years? (note that's not to say they were anti-civil unions for instance).
Not saying that an ideology can pass/die due to time.. but social conservativism isn't one of those that just passes on because the power-brokers in the National parties say it is.
Sorry, no.
The twenty percent of the electorate required to take back the government is still asleep.
I would actually be willing to meet you on that point. I have my own thoughts there, but the whole experience for the woman in question is traumatic and life shattering enough as it is.
All of the success in the pro-life movement has been on a local, pragmatic level. At the state level, notification & late-term, etc have slowed the blood-letting. Finally, the screeching stopped and civility took over and progress was made. That was the major difference needed. Realistic acceptance that Roe v Wade isn't going anywhere and working within the system was a successful approach. And now youth are seeing the horror for what it is, and the next generations are getting involved in the fight.
(continued)
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As for gay "marriage" I am torn between my personal reaction of "No way" and the realization that the populace is moving toward "acceptance", plus the idea of marriage as "sacred" is laughable in today's society. Part of me thinks we need to find and support an alternate solution – with positivity – that will circumvent the "need" for "marriage". As a Christian – how is homosexual behavior a "bigger" sin than drunkenness or adultery? Their agenda is stronger – and THAT's what we have reacted to. I think that pragmatism is going to have to be raised in this subject too – that removes the argument from the "equal protection" arena and into "contracts".
And I agree that, regardless, we need to include religious "exemption".
But after saying all of that, I agree that these issues – though important – are not those at the top of the electorate's shopping list. And we need to address those immediate needs – and soon.
agreed.
That was Giuliani's MO- and it can and should work. Empowering states is the right way to go, let the people decide. However, with an activist judiciary the people are not being heard- and national leadership is still important. Still, we believe your points not only well taken but a proper template as well…
Have to disagree with you. The child is completely innocent. Why should he or she die (and a horrible, painful, sickening death it is) for the crimes of his/her parent/s? Should we add to the list of victims?
Should we commit a crime worse than rape because a rape has occurred?
If we really care about that woman, we'll heed the studies showing the detrimental emotional and physical ramifications of abortion. That child is a good thing brought forth from an unspeakable evil, and just because a pregnancy resulting from rape is a very, very hard thing (albeit very rare), does not mean it can't also be a path toward healing and reclamation.
You do realize that the divorce rate includes second, third, etc marriages? The divorce rate for first marriages (last time I checked) was closer to 35%.
Regardless, I'm trying to understand… Are you saying that because some people fail to uphold social standards, that we should change the standards?
If you can't effectively make a clear distinction between yourself as a Rpublican and your Dem that talks a ggod game about those tree points, and they do, then they go vote 180 degrees differently from what they say, it's DEM LIGHT. Third parties are the road to NO WHERE. They don't work. Ask John Anderson or Ron Paul or that clown with the ears Ross Perot
If you really look at Roe v. Wade, that is how it could defeated by the states, one by one…it's the same tack being used by the f–, er "gay marriage" faries. The are quietly picking off the easy states, Mass. Vermont, that whole oddball collection of states the size of a small Texas ranch, but less people to advance the agenda enough that it becomes a "states rights" issue. Abortion opponents (like me) believe that's how that law can be defeated.
This is also the proper way to get rid of Affirmative Action – state by state.
I would hope that a woman would make the choice to go through with it with proper couseling, but realistically speaking she has just been subjected to something unspeakable. You are asking her to carry the very tangible reminder of that around with her for most of a year and give birth to it in a further bout of pain. I think that's a lot, rather a lot, to ask of many women. Hence my wish to leave the option open with a manslaughter charge tacked onto the attacker's criminal penalties.
good and salient points, all… libertarians will go with the conservatives, not vise versa, and moderates will go withtheir pocketbooks. That leaves @ 28% of leftist loons, utopians, and other fringies.
Sounds like a winning ticket to us…
That is an excellent point.
I'm not sure, but I assume that in those states that have "open" primaries, it's a matter of state law. If you're affected, start lobbying your state reps!
BTW, I voted in a Republican primary in D.C. for the first time ever last year (I've been here for a while, but I can't recall ever having the opportunity before). I brought things to a standstill at my local polling place. It took four poll workers 15 minutes to find a Republican ballot for me.
Nothing sinister — everyone was very helpful, and they all apologized up and down for making me wait — it just seemed like they were completely unprepared to see anyone coming out to vote GOP in the DC presidential primary.
Aptly put. The only stipulation I have regarding the gay marriage issue is that keep to states rights as well as freedom of religion. Should one state allow gay marraiges, then so be it. The people of that state have spoken. But that should not force other states to have to recognize said marraiges if they prefer to keep to tradition. Additionally, religious entities should not be legally "forced" to perform gay marrages if they are philosophically opposed to them.
As for abortion, indeed it is murder of the worst kind. I will allow for cases of a woman's survival (and no, I don't mean health as the left has redifined it). That would be her choice to risk her own life. Such a choice should never be forced on anyone. Any of the other reasons so frequently given all fall short when one considers the long lists of couples out there that are on adoption waiting lists.
I would differ with you on the abortion question when it comes to rape and incest. In those cases, the choice of the woman to have sex was often taken from her (I say often because I guess some women can willingly enter into incest?). In those cases, I would allow her the option to choose an abortion, but only if it also came with an added charge of manslaughter to her attacker. I wouldn't make it murder because her attacker didn't set out to cause the loss of an innocent life through his actions, but clearly that was the unintended consequence.
Bennett – neat story about your adventures in the D.C. primary. Must feel lonely there at times
Yeah, it can be lonely. In my ward (a good name for it), Kerry beat Bush by a 19-1 margin. I didn't have the stomach to look up the 2008 breakdown.
I don't agree that this would require abandoning core principles like pro-life and traditional marriage. I think that John was saying we'd be foolish to ignore more imminent problems like total government control of the private sector, mandated healthcare we can't possibly afford and further indenture to China. Do what the Dems do, when they ask about abortion, talk about taxes. When they ask about gay marriage, talk about the national debt. They always change the subject and we don't think that's fair. What isn't fair is our grandchildren working 12-hour days in Chinese-owned sweatshops to repay debt we're incurring now. Putting the other stuff on the back burner for now isn't the same as giving up the fight though. If the British were storming Philadelphia, wouldn't it have been foolish (and selfish) for Washington to have defended Virginia since that's where his own interests lay? He knew what was important and what could wait, so should we.
The media has thrown aside their "non-partisan" mask and are in full cheerleader mode for the leftist disaster that is the Democrat party. The will happily aid and abet the Dems in driving the GOP to the so called moderate position because they know it loses to the DEMOCRATS. Hence Dem Light. This isn't difficult to figure out, except for basically conservative people that have a pet issue to push. Usually it's pot heads that want to eliminate "soft drug"laws (BAD IDEA, and I know what I'm talking about) or Pro Prop 8 ers that have a conservative bent but like to "walk on the wild/gay side" after a few drinks, and the border line anarchists that want to biuld a cabin and hunt bear. Fine, whatever, just stop pushing the GOP to change to you people, be maginalized Libertarians, wandering the political tundra.
The media has thrown aside their "non-partisan" mask and are in full cheerleader mode for the leftist disaster that is the Democrat party. The will happily aid and abet the Dems in driving the GOP to the so called moderate position because they know it loses to the DEMOCRATS. Hence Dem Light. This isn't difficult to figure out, except for basically conservative people that have a pet issue to push. Usually it's pot heads that want to eliminate "soft drug"laws (BAD IDEA, and I know what I'm talking about) or Pro Prop 8 ers that have a conservative bent but like to "walk on the wild/gay side" after a few drinks, and the border line anarchists that want to build a cabin,hunt bear. Fine, whatever, just stop pushing the GOP to change to you people, be maginalized Libertarians, wandering the political tundra.
I'd really like to see you explain 2010 when the the Democrats get voted out of majority in Congress and the Dear Leader get booted in 2012. So the last 8 years of Democrats whining doesn't count. Liberal hypocrites gotta loath them.
How is that not a clear distinction between a Republican and a Democrat? Find me the Democrat that supports any of those three.
I think we need to forget about the black vote. When 95% of them vote for a candidate simply based on skin color I'm not so sure I want to put out the welcome mat. For years blacks have bought the old wheeze that it was the Republicans who were the racists. Even after we pointed out to them that it was the right that was pushing the 1964 civil rights act they still don't believe. I'm not sure that as long as Obama remains black to them (never mind that he's also half white) nothing will change. I don't want to come across as a racist but for years I've tried to reason with my fellow black associates and friends and there's just no getting through to them. Republicans are racists and Dems are the good guys to them. For the time-being I don't see that changing so for the immediate future 2010 and 2012 we just need to appeal to those independants who are waking up and hopefully someday the black folks will realize that they've been screwed all these years byt the Dems.
THEY LIE! Reread my post. Who was going to cut taxes for 95% of the population? Dems LIE and the media gives them a pass. It's what you do, not what you say. Libertarianism is the road to Nowheresville, USA
You are asking her to murder her own child. Without giving the child any sort of anesthesia. You are suggesting that this unspeakable evil – where children are killed through chemical burns and/or having their limbs torn off — is OK if the woman has been raped.
Two horrific wrongs do not make a right. Like I said before, if we truly love that woman and wish the best for her, we will heed the studies that show elevated rates of suicide and drug abuse among women who've had abortions. Why should we take a woman who's already emotionally and physically distraught and tell her that killing the innocent child will make it better, when studies prove it will make things worse?
Killing the child won't hasten healing for her. She's never going to forget she was raped.
Killing the child will take her from the position of a victim to that of a perpetrator, thereby continuing the line of violence.
The child is innocent. Period. The child does not deserve to die.
Yeah, what is up with that? Gibbs needs to stop relying on Obama's teleprompter dude and get his own!
[...] A quote from John Romano for you to ponder… I’d rather live in a country that was free and permitted both abortion and gay marriage than a Cap and Trade, government health care, Obama Motors, union controlled, weak military, nightmare of Socialism and Chicago patronage any day. (No Ratings Yet) Loading … [...]
Exactly. find someone who can spell a few errrs and umms
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