Surrendering Freedom

Davon Gray’s piece (Our rights and the new realities) on November 29^th brought into focus how our Republic will die.  We will not go out in a blaze of glory but rather with a whimper as we surrender yet another right guaranteed us by our Founding Fathers in the name of an emergency.  With our First and Second Amendment rights constantly under siege, an unelected and unassailable group of Federal bureaucrats has taken away our Fourth Amendment right “to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures” at all our airports and threaten now to do the same at train stations.  The feeble protestations about safety are utterly absurd. 

Beyond this, Mr. Gray admits that profiling might help as long as we don’t look at race or religion.  Of course those appear to be the only reliable profiling criteria that would have snagged every single one of the perpetrators of aerial violence for the last three decades.  Though skin hue varies slightly all of the perpetrators have two things in common:  They were (1) swarthy or dark young males of (2) Islamic faith.  Profiling for these characteristics (the potentially most effective means of preventing the next disaster) is ruled out by Mr. Gray. 

No American has blown up or commandeered a commercial aircraft bent on mass murder.  Yet Americans make up the overwhelming majority of the people who the TSA is groping, delaying, and inconveniencing.  I would be willing to listen to TSA if they had ever caught anyone bent on stealing or blowing up an airplane – but they haven’t.  Each of the 9/11 hijackers walked through airport security to get on those four aircraft.  

The simplest and most effective way to deal with this problem would be to put in an “Express Lane” in every airport to deal with people who don’t blow up or steal airplanes.  That group encompasses virtually the entire American population.  At a minimum we could fast track aircrew, holders of American-issued black (diplomatic) and red (official) passports, and all active duty and retired US military.  We could safely throw in all active and retired policemen, firemen, DEA, FBI, Federal Marshalls, local sheriffs and EMT professionals and volunteers.  No American school teacher, plumber, businessman or woman, chef, or crossing guard has tried to steal or blow up an airplane.  A valid union card might be adequate to prove someone isn’t a nut.  The point is that there is a tiny portion of the flying population that is both suspect and readily identifiable that should be targeted for extra scrutiny – they aren’t Americans.  With that said – I would subject journalists to extra screening regardless of their country of origin. 

We shouldn’t put a happy face on the loss of sovereign American rights, we should resist.  This ain’t rocket science unless you turn it over to the government – then the readily apparent somehow becomes unfathomable and opaque.  The “new reality” is the government is taking away our rights – that needs to stop. 

Sincerely, 

                                   

Ban Earmarks

The Honorable Rob Wittman, 

You must bring sanity to the discussion on earmarks.  Republicans appear poised to squander the good will that the American people have for them in a very public argument about earmarks.  Please convince your colleagues that earmarks must be banished both in word and deed in the US Congress.  People wouldn’t be so concerned with Representatives “bringing home the bacon” if the government didn’t take so much of it in the first place.  

As you know, the American people know what to do with their earnings better than the Federal government.  Cut taxes, dismantle the egregious excess of the Federal government, and then we won’t have to worry about turtle crossings and swamp mice.  

Think of how detached from daily reality Senator McConnell must seem to us when he says that eliminating earmarks won’t save any money.  He said that after it was reported that current bills under consideration in the House and Senate have earmarks totaling more than $8 billion.  We also don’t need Senator Jim Inhofe running around defending the practice - earmarks must stop.  The most effective thing that you all could do right now is to sign a pledge to the American people to forgo earmarks permanently.  If I were running the show I would make you all sign it in blood.  

Focus on single-issue small bills rather than these 3,000 page monstrosities.  Make the process understandable and completely transparent.   

Tell the leadership not to squander this opportunity – it won’t come again anytime soon.  We are depending on you.  

Sincerely Yours, 

 

Defund Propaganda

The Honorable Rob Wittman, 

Congratulations on your big win this past Election Day.  I can’t tell you how happy my wife and I are to be represented by you.  I was serious when we met that I expect you and the rest of the Republicans to make defunding this Federal monstrosity your top priority.  

I believe that one place to start is to halve the propaganda budgets of all Federal agencies.  I am astounded at the sheer number of commercials, flyers, mailers, and print ads that are produced by the Federal government.  In particular if I hear Andy Griffith lauding “that new health care law” on television again, I just might scream. 

If the Surgeon General wants to warn me about the approach of cold and flu season, I can see where that might be of some benefit.  At the same time, CVS Pharmacies, WalMart, and any number of other commercial enterprises are crowding out that message with the offer of flu shots for $24.95 and no waiting.  

I think that there is a fine line between information and propaganda under the current administration.  The most blatant example of course is the millions that were spent on signs to proclaim that various road projects were the result of the Federal Stimulus package.  I think that a reduction of government propaganda should include defunding National Public Radio and Television as well.  Please include all the Byzantine backroom methods of funneling funds to that propaganda arm as well.  

It seems like this would be a fairly simple and effective way of reducing part of the Federal budget.   Personally, I wouldn’t worry about a surgical approach – use an ax.  

Kindest Regards, 

 

VFW Connolly Endorsement Meaningless

As a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars I was astounded when the VFW Political Action Committee endorsed Congressman Gerry Connolly.  Mr. Connolly very simply does not share either the views or the values of American Veterans that I know.  Apparently it enraged the rank and file of the VFW to such a degree that the Commander-in-Chief of the VFW called for those endorsements to be withdrawn.  When the PAC board (separate from and not financially supported by the membership) refused to withdraw the endorsements – the Commander-in-Chief moved to dissolve the VFW PAC.  

Here is the link to the explanation at the VFW site: http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/Statement-from-VFW-National-Commander-on-the-PAC-situation/

The VFW PAC endorsement of Gerry Connolly is meaningless. 

November is coming.  

 

VFW Betrayal

Dear VFW, 

I am a life member (#XXXXXXX) though admittedly I have not been an active member of the VFW.  I was scandalized and embarrassed recently when I discovered that the VFW has endorsed Congressman Gerry Connolly (Virginia 11^th District).  While it is true that Connolly has done some military and veteran friendly acts, he is one of the many committed socialists who are busy destroying the country.  I can’t even get my arms around the concept of a patriotic organization like the VFW endorsing a lying weasel like Connolly for any office much less Congressman.  Did you guys actually talk to his opponent Keith Fimian?  I understand the single focus of the VFW, however someone up there must have the vision to see what committed leftists like Connolly are doing to the country.  What possible difference can it make that Connolly threw us a couple bones while he was busy torching the country we love?  

 

Look for the Flag

Some of us are volunteering during this season to deliver campaign signs or walk neighborhoods to knock on doors.  While both sides are doing it, my particular experience is in support of Republican candidates.  And yes, it is a lot more fun this year.  Recently those of us who are delivering Wittman, Wolf, and Fimian signs compared notes with the folks who are knocking on doors for those same candidates.  

I turned onto a street the other day guided by my GPS, but the flag pole proudly flying an American flag was a giveaway to which house had requested the Republican sign.  A few blocks later, sure enough, the American flag house had called for a Republican sign.  I did run into an exception recently.  My destination home was flying a Gadsen flag (“Don’t Tread On Me”).  Walking neighborhoods recently gleaned similar results.  American flag = polite Republican.  Talking with my fellow Republicans, their experience mirrored mine.  I’m not saying that people who don’t fly American flags aren’t friendly or proud Republicans – frequently they are.  

Certainly this particular poll isn’t as scientific as Rasmussen or Gallup, but it seems pretty consistent.  It’s hard not to draw some conclusions from that observation.  If a house is flying a Redskins flag you would assume that the occupant is a fan of that football team.  If you don’t exhibit Redskins paraphernalia that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t like the Redskins, but the level your devotion might be questionable.   Likewise not flying an American flag isn’t evidence that you don’t love America.  However we also have the phenomena that there are many people who profess love for America but are decidedly bad Americans.  Congress is just over half full of them right now – but not for long.   

November is coming.  

 

Working in a campaign HQ

I am becoming less and less forgiving with democrats be they useful idiots or committed leftists. I was at the Prince William County Republican Headquarters Thursday. A lady called and asked me for the phone number for the Fairfax Republican HQ or the Keith Fimian (our guy for Congress in the 11th District) HQ. I asked her to hold while I looked it up. She said "I don't know who does your commercials, but the latest one said that Fimian isn't a career politician. What do you think he is?" I responded that he has been a businessman all his adult life. She sarcastically responded "Pluuuuuuleeese, and what does he want to be?" To which I said "You know, I don't think I want to help you ma'am." Then she called me a nasty name and started swearing like a demented sailor. She hit a number of buttons before hanging up the phone.

See how much fun working at a campaign headquarters can be?

Up-date Your Resume Gerry

The Honorable Gerald Connolly,

On Saturday night you and I were at the same church event.  I knew you were coming, but had no plans to seek you out.  You approached me and thrust out your hand.  You can’t possibly imagine what was going through my mind.  The most polite thing that I could think of saying was what I did say.  Yes I am the guy who winked at you, shook your proffered hand and said “Up-date your resume.”  You stumbled through something about that being “impolite especially at a church event” and walked off.  I’m certain you have heard worse and if not you should.  I do not apologize as I know that you haven’t had even a second thought for me throughout your entire time in the United States Congress.  As you have run roughshod over the Constitution, savaged the economy, and pilfered the treasury while mortgaging my grandchildren’s legacy – you have been more than just “impolite” to me, my family and this Nation. 

I would have loved to have the opportunity to discuss economics, public policy, the Constitution, or the blessings of liberty endowed by our Creator instead – all things that you have evidenced no knowledge of or respect for in the last two years.  But we little people don’t get to hobnob with the ruling class of the Democrat party.  We are expected to sit back and take what you dish out.  No doubt that is what you expected Saturday night just another adoring crowd of tax serfs. 

Your 97% voting record with Nancy Pelosi is the reason why you need to up-date your resume.  Time to stop feeding at the public trough and try and get along like the rest of us in the economy you helped destroy.  Now you are painting yourself as an “Independent.”  Why don’t we meet?  You could lecture me on my manners and I could help you out with telling the truth.  Who do you think has more to learn? 

November is coming. 

See Keith Fimian the adult alternative.

The Party of “No”

I am reaching out to the lady who called claiming to be a “life-long Republican” who is now furious at the “Party of No.”  I listened politely to your rant and then you hung up.  I didn’t get to ask you – “What would you have had those Republicans in Congress vote “Yes” on?”   Indeed what would any freedom loving, constitution abiding, fiscally responsible American have voted “yes” on?  

Should Republicans have voted for the failed Stimulus Bill?  You know - the one that sucked the life out of the economy, didn’t create any jobs, and kept us languishing in economic malaise? 

How about that $446 Billion Omnibus Bill that was a leftwing wish list of pork projects that further put our children’s children deeper in debt?  Should Republicans have gotten behind that travesty? 

How about Cap & Trade, a massive wealth-destroying tax program designed to cripple Western economies to solve a nonexistent problem (Global Warming)?  Should Republicans have put more of us out of work for that outrageous measure? 

Then there was Health Care.  Democrats merrily marched that forward while an overwhelming majority of the American people were screaming “No!”  Should Republican legislators have listened to their constituents or the lunatics on the left?  

The only legislation that Americans don’t hate yet is the financial regulation.  No one knows enough about that, but given this administration’s track record, we’ll hate that too.  I guess Pelosi had to pass it before we could hate it.  

For nearly two years our Dear Leader and his henchmen have rammed through one ridiculous measure after another while millions languish in unemployment.  They professed all the time that unemployment was their first priority even though they haven’t done anything to address unemployment.  Should Republicans have supported that approach?  

The fact is that with huge majorities in both houses it didn’t make any difference what the Republicans said because Democrats didn’t have to pay attention.  They gleefully ignored all of the warnings from more mature minds.  Indeed the only meaningful bi-partisan movements within Congress for the last two years have been against the current administration.  Isn’t bi-partisanship the Holy Grail of the liberal?  

Lady, I say “Thank God for the Party of No.”  The economic destruction caused by socialism is only a mystery to liberals – the Republicans who said “No” are now pointing out that they told them so.  Remember in November.