It is far too easy now to forget how much the world changed with the right man at the helm.Ronald Reagan entered the presidency with America nearly flat on her back.Four years of democrat (socialist, progressive, liberals whatever) rule had ruined our economy and emasculated us in the eyes of friends and enemies alike.For those of us who lived through it, Barack Hussein Obama is déjà vu all over again.Seven years later that period of decline was a distant memory.On December 31, 1987 President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev gave a joint New Year’s message.Reagan spoke to the people of the Soviet Union and Gorbachev to us.
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics had gone from a towering bear of a state to a financial ruin.Rather than threatening us, they were hoping we wouldn’t kick their ass.That’s what happens when you have a real President.We can have a real American success story again when we create real change on November 6, 2012.
I was aboard USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) when we pulled into New York harbor for a Bob Hope special. We weren't at war, but we still appreciated him and the rest of the gang. A fitting tribute to a great friend of service men and women as well as an American patriot.
“For most of us, the holidays bring back such a trove of memories, evoked by things as simple as the scent of pine or the painted scene on a greeting card, that our Christmases become not separate events on a calendar but a chain in which all are linked together as one. This is as it should be, for Christmas is a holiday that we celebrate not as individuals nor as a nation, but as a human family...May our prayers this Christmas call forth that serenity of heart and confidence in the future that are the best of all possible gifts. May the song of our people be one of thanks for God's blessings on America and of petition for His continued blessings upon us, especially on those who face this Christmas in want or loneliness. Let us raise our hearts and voices in common song for the reign of peace and the rule of goodwill, that in the words of the carol, all may celebrate ``everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight. Nancy joins me in wishing all Americans a Christmas of true peace and a New Year filled with happiness and joy.”
- Ronald Reagan; December 11, 1986
I was catching up on my reading when I stumbled across her post of Bill Whittle’s “A Voter’s Guide to Republicans” reposted here:
Good find Lisa!
Whittle ends the confusion here between related (one might say “incestuous”) political ideologies. We Conservatives are frequently called “Nazis” or “Fascists.” This is your typical liberal (Socialist, Progressive, Democrat, whatever) double-speak at work. Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini were both creatures of the political left. Socialism, Communism, and Fascism all share the same ideological tree believing that the State knows best.
I have found it amazing to watch the twists and turns in this current Republican Presidential primary. However the things that has given me a serious case of whiplash is the battle over who is and isn’t a “Conservative.” I suppose that this isn’t really a new battle, but who would have even considered six months ago that we would be questioning the “Conservative” credentials of the likes of Newt Gingrich? Chris Christie? Or Ann Coulter?
I would suggest that “Conservative” is in the eye of the beholder. Or maybe “Conservative” only applies until someone becomes a front-runner and thus a target.
The “Conservative” alternative to Wikipedia provides a pretty good list of topics common to all “Conservatives” at: http://conservapedia.com/Conservative
I think that list is pretty comprehensive and if that list is the litmus test then I am a 100% authentic “Conservative.” There are 23 categories there. If I disagreed with one (4.3%) does that tarnish my “Conservative” credentials? How about two disagreements (8.9%)?
The TEA movement carved out a slice of the political spectrum that only covers three of those points (13%). Does that qualify TEA folks as “Conservatives?” I would say it does not and of course there is evidence for that view point.
If you take the viewpoint that you and I agreeing 80% of the time makes us friends – that means you must conform to 19 of 23 points (82.6%). Check that list out again - http://conservapedia.com/Conservative – any room for ambiguity there? Do you think that reasonable people might disagree on the exact parameters of what “The death penalty” means? What is a “failed social program?
My point is this attempt to out “Conservative” each other is becoming pretty stupid in my opinion. Does anyone believe that Michelle Bachmann is “the only authentic “Conservative” in the race” as she asserts? Preposterous. While we’re at it, you might drive Mitt Romney’s positions by that list. I think based on that list – he’s one of us. The only really odd man out in this race is goofy Ron Paul. I think Paul agrees with most of that list – but who the hell knows?
I think that Governor Rick Perry is cool with that whole list so he’s still my pick.
Kim Jong-Il died yesterday and I am good with that. I wish the little bastard had died many years ago. I was in South Korea when his Father Kim Il-Sung headed off to Hell. It’s a funny story.
I had left Seoul early that morning headed down to Chinhae in the South. I had been listening to cassette tapes the entire way as I don’t speak or understand Korean so radio was out. As I pulled into the town of Chinhae I went into a gas station to refuel and was greeted by the happiest Korean I had ever seen. I thought that he was happy to see that big American (Mi-guk) car pull in for gas. He was jumping up and down jabbering in Korean. I tried to explain that I didn’t understand him – but he just got more animated. The only Korean I knew (Sang mekju too-se yo) would get me a draft beer in Seoul, but wasn’t going to help in this situation.
I was trying to get some damn gas, but my new ecstatic friend grabbed my arm and was trying to pull me into his station. I dutifully followed. I think (I’ll never know for sure) that he wanted me to hear the radio. Of course the announcer was speaking - Korean – I’m not sure why Mr. Gas Station thought that would help. What did get my attention though was that Mrs. Gas Station was sitting in front of a deep sink.
I must digress. I had been in Korea at this point for nearly a year. I was scrupulously careful to drink water only from a bottle in Korea. I had endured a bout or two with Kim Il Sung’s revenge, but had generally enjoyed good health even though I often ate and drank on the economy. So imagine my surprise to see Mrs. Gas Station perched on a stool in front of the deep sink next to a mountain of empty water bottles which she was cycling under the tap and then affixing a tamper-proof cap. (Note to International travelers: Don’t trust the cap)
Anyway, still clueless as to why everyone but me was happy, I paid for my gas and extracted myself. With a fill-up I could get either a roll of paper towels or a bottle of water – I took the towels.
When I got to the base at Chinhae security was tighter than I had remembered even though everyone seemed very happy. When I got to my ultimate destination I was told that the Great Leader Kim Il Sung was dead. I’m pretty sure that was what Mr. Gas Station was trying to convey to me.
Kim Jong-Il – now that you are finally at room temperature yourself, good riddance. I for one am glad you are dead. Say “Hi” to your Dad for me you little communist prick. Imagine a world without Communists - how wonderful would that be?
Part of my Christmas tradition is to send a Christmas card to the Anti-American Civil Liberties Union. Generally it is a Christian-themed card and I scrawl “Keep Christ in Christmas” in it and sign my name.
ACLU 125 Broad Street 18th Floor New York, NY10004
I’m making it a goal to be on all the correct enemies lists. Please join me.
I spent several hours in a car recently with a 30 year old business major. We were talking about politics and the general state of the Nation. He was in complete despair over the state of the economy, our reputation abroad, and our potential to pull ourselves out of this mess. He didn’t see a path to greatness again.
I asked him if he had any idea about Ronald Reagan. He responded that he had read about him, but had no conscious memory of Reagan. That’s too bad. Of course if you’re only 30 years old you were born right about the time that our Nation was on the ascendency. President Jimmy Carter was only a bad memory and everything seemed suddenly possible under Ronald Reagan. That’s sad as the political memories of a 30 year old probably kick in around the time of Bawdy Bill Clinton.
The first conscious political thought that I remember was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I knew we were a Republican household and I remember how concerned both my parents were. I was eleven years old. So a thirty year old today might remember “Read my lips, no new taxes” (President George W. Bush) and the resulting fragmenting of the Republican Party (damn you Ross Perot). Or their most poignant memory might be “I did not have sex with . . . . “ (President Bill Clinton). Sad really.
Our Nation’s rise under Reagan was meteoric and made fools of all the pundits, economists, and other naysayers. We all need to remind the Nation what Republican leadership can do. Even the George W. Bush years weren’t bad until Nancy Pelosi got her evil hands on the Speaker’s gavel. Certainly by every objective measure we were better off in January 2007 than we are today. We were even better off in January 2009 than we are today.
Watching Barack Obama I can understand why a 30 year old would be despondent – we older folks need to give them real hope for real change.
We are 335 days from Election Day 2012, facing a formidable opponent, and we are still flailing around. A neighbor asked me if I really thought that we could beat Barack Obama and I confidently said that we could – but that’s not in the bag yet. We still have to overcome our squabbling and back-shooting that weakens us all. How could we loose you say? This is how:
Bad Scenario #1: Conservatives are working themselves into a frenzied froth over Mitt Romney. Many are swearing not to support him if he becomes our nominee – really? My current choices for President are (1) Rick Perry, (2) Anyone but Mitt Romney or Ron Paul, and (3) Mitt Romney. I’ve held my nose before and I pledge I will do it again. I love my country too much to allow Barack Obama a second term. If you are painting yourself into a box about not voting for Romney – do yourself a favor and stop painting. If the Senator Kelly Ayotte (Conservative – VT) and John Thune (Conservative – SD) Romney endorsements become a trend – you had better get ready to eat some harsh words or loose the White House again.
Bad Scenario #2: The TEA movement has been a blessing and a curse. Their popularity is about even with that of Occupy Wall Street right now. As regular visitors know, I have no ideological differences with the TEA movement, but rather my differences are with tactics and strategic vision. Where Republican candidates have met the TEA litmus test they have been helpful (some might even say decisive). However where a Republican didn’t meet such a test or where the TEA movement bubbled up their own candidate the effect has been catastrophic. Going into the next election I doubt there will be as many people pandering to the TEA movement as there were in 2010. In many areas a TEA endorsement may still be relevant; in Northern Virginia (and a host of other places) it will be toxic. It will matter how the rank and file members take that. If they return to wherever they were during the 2008 election cycle we could get similar results. However if they band together with their natural allies in the Republican Party, it might have a dramatically different result than 2008.
It is not too early to be working for a candidate. I was at the Bolder-Fresher Tour in Richmond a week ago Friday and Ron Paul supporters were working the crowd. Mitt Romney supporters have been gathering signatures to put Romney on the primary ballot for several months now in Virginia.
The bottom line is (with apologies to Ben Franklin) “We must hang together or surely we will loose this election.”
We've tried it the other way for three years now - I think it's time to try it Rick Perry's way.
"It is the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons, to worship the SUPREME BEING, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping GOD in the manner most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship." --John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776
Get back to work you Malazy people. Your President is calling you out.
For those of you who don't remember President Jimmy Carter, you are lucky. Until President Barack Hussein Obama, Carter was without a doubt the worst President in my lifetime, maybe in the twentieth century.
However there is hope, you may not remember President Ronald Reagan. All is not lost, whether the flavor of the week is Perry, Romney, Gingrich, or Cain - anyone of them can bring this country roaring back. Reagan turned the economy, the American spirit, and the world around on a dime. We have been here before and Republicans know how to get us out.
I hope that you all experience a wonderful Thanksgiving. Rather than a discourse on what Thanksgiving means to me, I stumbled across the Pilgrim Hall Museum website where all of the various Thanksgiving proclamations made by our Presidents are listed.
I wanted to share this site with you as I find it incredulous that people can continue to denigrate Christianity and maintain that it wasn’t the fundamental underpinning our Great Nation. Further, rather than look for inspiration from the current temporary occupant of the White House, let’s reflect on how a great President approached Thanksgiving. President Reagan wrote these words as he guided our nation out of the morass left behind by the last failed (and until today, worst) President.
THANKSGIVING DAY, 1981 Proclamation 4883. November 12, 1981 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, A PROCLAMATION America has much for which to be thankful. The unequaled freedom enjoyed by our citizens has provided a harvest of plenty to this nation throughout its history. In keeping with America’s heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to god for all of His blessings.
On this day of thanksgiving, it is appropriate that we recall the first thanksgiving, celebrated in the autumn of 1621. After surviving a bitter winter, the Pilgrims planted and harvested a bountiful crop. After the harvest they gathered their families together and joined in celebration and prayer with the native Americans who had taught them so much. Clearly our forefathers were thankful not only for the material well-being of their harvest but for this abundance of goodwill as well.
In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understand that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving in 1981, we should reflect on the full meaning of this day as we enjoy the fellowship that is so much a part of the holiday festivities. Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do as individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done. Such reflection can only add to the significance of this precious day of remembrance.
Let us recommit ourselves to that devotion to God and family that has played such an important role in making this a great Nation, and which will be needed as a source of strength if we are to remain a great people.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 26, 1981, as Thanksgiving Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. RONALD REAGAN
God Bless you all and God Bless the Unites States of America.
My principle left-wing lunatic detractor says that I have made too much of my visit to OccupyDC. Maybe, but like I told library-girl on that day, it is a phenomena that was worthy of my attention. Occupy will be a footnote in history. A bulldozer, a couple of guys with steam cleaners, and 300 pounds of grass seed will return General James B. McPherson’s Square to its original state and purpose. My last thought is on the organization of the ground.
There was a definite attempt at organization on the square. The Library tent was right next door to the Information tent and that was next to the Do-it-yourself Sign shop:
Just beyond the sign shop was the chow hall:
Garbage was being sorted here:
I’m sure that the people of Washington, DC love the idea of having an open garbage and recycle pit on a busy city block. I wondered whether or not there was someone is charge – but wouldn’t that be counter to the spirit of the movement?
Even John Stewart noted the ironies of the developing organization of Occupy Wall Street. It seems that there are people among the 99% that are more equal than others. As we have seen in all Socialist and Communist experiments a ruling elite does emerge. Perhaps that’s why the American Communist, American Socialist, and American Nazis Parties all supported Occupy Wall Street – they knew where it would lead.
That’s all for now on my field trip to OccupyDC. If Jon Stewart is ridiculing you, it might be time to swing my Mom’s for a quick shower and then get a job like the rest of us.
Unfortunately the only piece of Occupy literature that I snagged while on McPherson Square was the small tract that is reproduced without editing below. Titled “STAYING ALIVE” the principle thrust of the tract was to pass on the comments by “Dave” who had just had his ass kicked by New York City’s finest. Yeah Cops!
I’m not sure that a “friendly” movement would use an octopus trumpeting “The End is HERE, The Beginning is NEAR.” But maybe that’s just me. Page two talks of the “Global Revolution” and the part that “Comrade Dave MacMillan” was playing in it. For the record Dave, I’m glad you got gassed and got your ass kicked.
Page four includes the now iconic image of an occupier wearing a Guy Fawkes mask. Fawkes was a 17th Century criminal who attempted to bomb the British Parliament in 1605. He was executed in 1606. Good role model.
Pages 5 and 6 are rated “R.” I must admit to swearing more than I should, but really – is that what you want your movement to be known for? Your potty mouths? Then again, there was that little old lady that I met who appeared to be pretty damn proud of herself for screaming “F**k!” as a twenty-something. Maybe it’s a liberal thing.
The back cover illustrates the liberal belief that if you keep saying something, someone might actually believe you. Not this time kiddies. We got the memo the last time you ran the “big lie” by us. As for literature – you guys ain’t Hemingway.
All-in-all I would advise our occupiers to pick up a copy of The Washington Times and read “Some Belated Parental Advice” by Marybeth Hicks. Most of us actually learned that lesson from Mom and Dad – I know I did.
Tomorrow is the last installment of “What I did on my Fall vacation; OccupyDC.”
While I was at OccupyDC I encountered a man and woman who gave my buddy and me the most intelligent conversation that we had that day. She was originally from Pakistan now living in Canada. She and her male companion were at a conference in the city. She was thrilled to be at the Occupy location and pointed out that nothing like that was possible in Pakistan (duh). [For the record she never pronounced it “Paah-ki-stahn” like you know who.]
We were getting along famously until she asked us what we thought of the Occupy movement. It distressed both her and her companion that we believed that the Occupiers were mad at the wrong people. I maintained that the real culprit in nearly all of our problems was government. They were convinced it was “greed” or some such nonsense. When she found out that my buddy had recently returned from Afghanistan she leveled all her attention at him. She apparently bought into the mythology that we were killing innocent people by the bushel in our pursuit of terrorists. My buddy maintained that wasn’t true.
That left me in a discussion about how we got in this mess with her friend. Her companion allowed me to actually roll out the story of the democrat (progressive, liberal, socialist, whatever) destruction of the home loan and housing industries. When I was done he said: “So your position is that government caused the current crisis and that we would be better off if they got out of the way and let the market set prices.” You nailed it pal. You now have the answer. Of course if he was from Canada as well – he would know that Canada never experienced a severe home mortgage and banking crisis because they never had a Jimmy Carter, Bawdy Bill Clinton, Barney Frank, or Chris Dodd to undermine their banking system. Further, they don’t have a Barack Obama heaping further abuse on their financial system except that our failure to recover does do collateral damage in Canada.
By that time our Pakistani friend (maybe not) had determined that my friend (unlike our President) was completely unapologetic for any of the excess force leveraged in the world by the finest military that world has ever seen – she declared that it was time to go. Okay “Bye.”
It might not have been a victory, but it was more mentally challenging than the old lady who could proudly say “F**k!” or pajama boy who maintained that Abraham Lincoln was his favorite founding father.
I might be guilty of milking this visit too much, but I think I have one or two more sets of observations and more pictures for you tomorrow.
Hanging on one of the tents was the sheet below labeled “Occupy DC Guidelines.” A transcript of the guidelines follows with appropriate comment (italics). Liberals (Democrats, Progressives, Socialists, whatever) rarely understand irony, I hope my readers can.
“These guidelines were consenTed [sic] upon by the General Assembly at Occupy DC-K Street based on proposals by the Safe Occupation Committee and the Guidelines Super Committee” Very American actually as it implies the consent of the governed which is uniquely American and was a truly revolutionary concept in 1776. We’re about to give liberals a lesson in consent of the governed in 2012.
“1. Respect each other, and each other’s stuff and space.” This is a guideline in the middle of a public park that is being illegally occupied and vandalized by a bunch of spoiled children.
“2. Practice nonviolence and respect for all.” Except that is if we don’t get our way. Occupiers don’t “respect” others that might have wanted to use the park and they revere a person who was injured in a violent reaction by occupiers in Oakland to a lawful action by police.
“3. Be mindful of how individual actions can affect the movement, the group, or other individuals.” Laughable on the face of it, these useful idiots can’t avoid discrediting their movement. That’s been done.
“4. Be mindful of how the consequences of actions can affect individuals differently based on risk factors (such as race, class, gender identification, immigration status, etc.)” Liberals remain the most race, class, gender obsessed population in the Nation.
“5. We consider working class police officers a part of the 99%. However we will not carry out or enforce their orders that jeopardize the safety of other residents of McPhersonPark. We will strive to maintain each other’s safety without relying on the police.” They did accept assistance from DC medical technicians while I was there. The record of drug use, rapes, and other perversions throughout the movement are well documented. I think they would do well to work a little closer with police.
“6. Do not inhibit others from being able to speak.” Except Karl Rove. He is evil and occupiers don’t think he should be able to talk. Oh . . . . George Bush shouldn’t talk either, or Herman Cain, or . . . . .oh hell – no Republicans or conservatives should be able to talk, ever. In particular those TEA folks don’t deserve to talk, but everyone else can talk. Oh . . . you don’t agree with me. Shut up.
“7. Speak in ways that communicate effectively.” Hmmmm . . . All I’ve heard is clichés and bumper-sticker chanting. Better find a teleprompter.
“8. Be aware of your own aggressive tendencies and respectfully check other’s aggressive behavior.” I think that EPA boy broke this rule by impugning the dedication of his fellow travelers because they didn’t want to troop down and picket the EPA. Certainly Occupy Baltimore wasn’t following this guideline when they tried to prevent Rove from speaking.
“9. Keep this space clean.” You be the judge – I think that is exactly what it looks like, a big bottle of piss.
“10. Don’t assume anyone’s gender. When possible go with gender neutral pronouns and nouns, such as friend/comrade instead of brother/sister.” Come on – this is just goofy. The girls looked like girls (for the most part) and the boys looked like boys (in a feminine sort of way). Should we really go around calling each other “comrade?”
“11. While #OccupyDC is reclaiming public space for the public, we will be respectful of others who live in and use these spaces on a daily basis.” You’ve blanketed more than half the park with tents and you’re churning the place into a sty, do you really think that having a guy sweep up the leaves accomplishes this?
“12. Be considerate of resources, especially for those who need it the most.” That almost sounds Christian in nature. The difference being charity is voluntary while socialism (welfare, food stamps, Medicaid, etc.) is forced.
“13. Be an ally. Take care of yourselves and your friends/siblings/homies in the struggle.” You guys and gals (Oops, just violated #10) should have gone with EPA boy to protest.
“14. People with animals: Please check your animals. Some of us love animals but not everyone does. Be respectful of people’s different comfort levels with animals.” I don’t recall seeing any non-human animals.
“15. Be aware and sensitive to people’s experiences, e.g. traumatic ones. Give a “trigger warning” before you talk about traumatic experiences or describe violence etc.” LOL . . .I don’t even think they know what that means. "Trigger Warning!" I think you all are stupid tools of the left. "End Trigger Warning."
“16. Practice consent—Check before touching or photographing someone (if you shoot something, say something). Just because we’re in a public space doesn’t mean we want to be photographed.” By definition wouldn’t this rule out rape? As for photos – if you make a public spectacle out of yourself, isn’t the entire point of it for someone to notice?
I guess the only thing missing was some sort of consequence in the event someone violated the guidelines.
