Ronald Reagan

Would you, as a voter with conservative values and principles, vote for a candidate who says  the following?

• I will Raise Taxes 11 Times in 8 years
• I will Increase Government Spending
• I will Double or Triple the National Debt
• I will Increase the Size of Government
• I will Give Amnesty to Illegal Immigrants
• I will Negotiate & Make Deals with Terrorists or Tyrannical Regimes

The answer is a John Boehner-esque “Hell No!”.

Ask a group of Conservatives, “Who is your political hero?” Invariably, one name will spring to life as an answer to the question.  That name, like the list of policies above, belongs to the 40th president of The United States, Ronald Reagan.

The problem with so many conservative voters today is that they hold President Reagan as their idol, and their idol did precisely the things that conservatives claim to be against.  These modern “Conservative Principles” are also what gave rise to Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and Newt Gingrich as presidential candidates.  The atrocious record of Romney has been thoroughly placed in the public form, yet conservatives still support this guy.

Something is seriously wrong here.

Let’s start by looking at some of what “Reagan Conservatives” believe in, and comparing that to the actual results of Reagan’s Presidency:

Beliefs of Reagan Conservatives

• American Exceptionalism – The United States is an exceptional nation. No other country in the history of the world has done more to secure liberty and honor God-given rights of individuals. Our government is uniquely of, by, and for the people, not the other way around.
• Secure Borders – Legal immigrants have enriched this country. Illegal immigration undermines American sovereignty and weakens national security. The U.S. has a right and obligation to secure it’s borders.
• Strong Military – A strong military is a deterrent. The U.S. must maintain military superiority to ensure our security. The American military is made up of dedicated and patriotic individuals who deserve this nation’s full support.
• Energy Independence – For national security and economic reasons it is time that we as a nation become energy independent by exploiting all our natural resources responsibly while at the same time encouraging energy innovation.
• Individual Rights – The subjugation of individual rights in favor of groups rights is unconstitutional and has always lead to the trampling of individual freedom.
• Individual Responsibility – Individuals are responsible for their actions and the consequences. It is not government’s place to save individuals from their mistakes. This kind of government intervention only encourages irresponsible behavior and impinges on others’ rights.
• Limited Government - Thomas Jefferson was correct when he wrote: “That government is best which governs least.” Government should be limited to the powers delegated it by the Constitution. Beyond these powers, as government grows, individual freedom shrinks and the economy suffers.
• Low Taxes and Fiscal Constraint - Government redistribution of income through taxation is not constitutional. Individuals have a right to their income and are far better managers of their money than is the government. Free market solutions improve the economy while upholding individual freedoms.

Results of Ronald Reagan’s Presidency:

• American Exceptionalism - The term “American Exceptionalism” was first coined and used by Joseph Stalin – the communist Russian dictator responsible for the mass-death of millions of people – in statements regarding a Communist Revolution in America.  This is the same style of Communist Russian Dictatorship that Reagan battled  during “The Cold War”.
• Secure Borders/Individual Responsibility - Ronald Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which granted Amnesty to illegal immigrants
• Strong Military/National Defense – Reagan used the military as a “world police force” rather than a deterrent to attack on America.  He ordered military action in Lebanon, Grenada, Libya, Honduras, Panama, and many actions in the Persian Gulf.  The Reagan government is also reported (but unconfirmed by CIA) to have directly aided and funded Osama bin Laden in the 1980′s.
  Reagan also negotiated a deal with the Iranian terrorists who held American hostages, by trading arms for hostages. 
• Energy Independence – In 1981, Regan’s first year in office, the US imported 2,188,420,000 barrels of oil.  By 1988, Reagan’s final year in office, imports increased to 2,709,140,000, after imports had dipped previously in the mid-80′s.
• Individual Rights/Adherence To Constitution – Throughout the Reagan presidency, the Supreme Court ruled that 9 acts of legislation were unconstitutional in whole, or in part.
• Limited Government - In Reagan’s first year, 1981, the US government spent $1.0518 Trillion.  By Reagan’s last year in office, the government spent $1.7713 Trillion.  Also, The national debt grew under Reagan as well, starting at $1,028,729,000,000 in 1981, and ballooning to $2,952,994,000,000 by January of 1989, when Reagan left office – almost triple what it started at.
  Furthermore, in 1981 there were 4,982,000 government employees.  By Reagan’s final year, 1988, the government employed 5,289,000 people – an increase of over 300,000 employees.
• Low Taxes - Ronald Reagan was not the tax-slashing president that many make him out to be.  In fact, Reagan raised taxes 11 times in his presidency – which is contrary to the view that many purport of him.

Where do the policies of Reagan fall in line with the principles of “Reagan Conservatives”?  Further, where do the policies of Reagan fall in line with Conservatism in general?

If you are seeking smaller government, lower taxes, less government spending, strong national defense, and adherence to the US Constitution – why would you idolize Reagan?

The fallacy of Reagan, I believe, is that people allow the personality and charisma of “Ronald Reagan, The Man” to overshadow the actions of “Ronald Reagan, The President” – much like voters did with President Obama in 2008.

Conservatives must replace Ronald Reagan as their posterboy.  It is time for conservatives to not only ‘talk-the-talk’, but it is high time that we ‘walk-the-walk’ as well.  For Conservatives to truly change this country, things must change with conservatism.  Not only should we support political candidates that actually adhere to conservative principles, but we must apply a face to the movement that does as well – a face that accurately represents the principles of conservatism.

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ProveMeWrong@tjthompson.com

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What will it take to wake you up from your trance?

That trance which you have been slowly and easily lulled into by the rhetoric of politicos who speak with a forked tongue, and by the droning whir of commentary by sock-monkey media figures.

That vegetative state where you indulge in the opiates served to you on the small and silver screens, while your cognitive functions are captured in a cocoon of carelessness.

Will it take more dead American soldiers?

The evaporation of economic prosperity?

A complete loss of liberty and freedom?

The ultimate collapse of The United States as we know it?

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Unfortunately these will not shatter the opaque specimen jars in which many have chosen to store their grey matter.

I know these events will fail to awaken the masses, because these things are already happening – and have been for a long time.
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The lives of American men and women are in grave peril.  The lives of our children are in great danger, as well.  With a decade of ongoing military action in Iraq and Afghanistan, the docile acceptance of new conflict is surreptitiously implanted into our minds by the Muppets in the media, and by the candidates who seek the highest office in the land.

Each of our children are being burdened with the shackles of debt and perpetual enslavement to the holders of the American economic purse-strings.  Living a life of financial prosperity appears to be trekking the same beaten pathways of the Do-Dos and Dinosaurs.  The future generations of this nation are destined to live in debt thanks to our placidity.

Aside from perpetual war and impoverished economic standing, the coming generations are being lied to.  We are lying to our children about the USA being a Free Country.  We are not free.  Not anymore.  We lose more liberty with each passing year.  Americans have willingly allowed the government to determine how much freedom and liberty we need to keep us safe.  And this is our fault.

In the name of that safety, we allow our government to  grope, molest, and see our children naked (albeit electronically) at airports.  We allow our children to believe that their brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, mothers and fathers are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan “for your freedom”, when rational thinking proves this fallacy wrong.

“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people… They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” ~Thomas Jefferson~

Again, I ask: What Will It Take To Wake You Up?

I have tried many tactics to break the intellectual hibernation that so many have fallen into.  I have written pointed articles with the sole purpose of stirring logical thought.  I have exposed the politicians that many call “conservative”, when fact and reason say otherwise.  I ran for the United States House Of Representatives in 2010 against Mike Pence on a platform of restoring liberty and fiscal sanity in an attempt to wake people  up.  I hosted an online radio program for 2 years in hopes of educating and informing listeners to wake them up.  With each attempt,  I have been chastised for speaking the truth.  With undeniable facts in hand, I was still called a liar.

Many other people in this country have attempted the same things I have, yet the American people refuse to wake up.

Barack Obama, George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald W. Reagan and a swarm of other Presidents have contributed to the downfall of this once great nation with debt, war, and reduction of liberty, yet the American people refuse to wake up.

Over 6,500 American soldiers have died in undeclared wars since 2001.  Over 120,000 civilians have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001.  Now President Obama and Mitt Romney threaten more war, this time with Iran, yet the American people refuse to wake up.

The US National Debt has surpassed the GDP of the United States, yet the American people refuse to wake up.

Three government programs have $118,723,550,000,000 (that’s $118.723 Trillion) in unfunded liabilities (as of publishing date), yet the American people refuse to wake up.

Eighteen US Veterans commit suicide every single day…. yet the American People refuse to wake up….

Niceties have failed.
Bluntness has failed.
Education has failed.  

Again, I ask:

What Will It Take To Wake You Up?

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What will it take to wake YOU up?  Email your answer to tj@tjthompson.com

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That’s right, I said it.

(send all hate mail to hatemail@tjthompson.com)

And I will say it again: if Barack Obama is re-elected this November, the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of Conservatives.

WHY?

Two words: Mitt Romney.

Two more words: Rick Santorum.

And even two more: Newt Gingrich.

Real Conservatives have failed miserably at finding, recruiting, and supporting a candidate who is actually conservative.  There is nothing conservative about Mitt, Newt, and Rick.  Not their policies.  Not their records.

The biggest opponent that Mitt Romney faces is Mitt Romney.  His big government record is littered with “flip-flopping” on issues.  (See Video To The Right).

Rick Santorum’s record is pock-marked with ugliness – ranging from a detrimental record on spending in The House, to voting for The Patriot Act in 2001, to ethics violations, and then to being ousted by 18 points as an incumbent in 2006.

And Newt Gingrich?  ….how much time do we have?

How can Real Conservatives allow these things to happen?

We do not have to accept those who the The Establishment Right puts into the race.  It is our duty to realize the rotten crop that is harvested every 4 years, and then go pick our own candidate.  One who has a proven track record of doing what is right for Americans.  One who believes in small government, reduced spending, reduced debt, ending foreign wars, and restoring the Constitution.  We must never let the Establishment Right pick for us.  We must never allow the media to pick for us.

In 2012, Real Conservatives allowed The Establishment Right and The Media to choose the candidates.  With no objection.  With no retaliation.

And we will all pay the price – regardless of who wins in November.

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“Defeat The Left!”

“Get Obama Out!”

“Support The GOP Nominee At All Costs!”

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These appear to be the battle cries of Republicans – and apparently Conservatives – in 2012.

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After all, electing whoever ends up being the GOP Nominee is the main goal, right?

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If you answered “yes” to that question, then you are a part of the problem.

Correction — you ARE the problem.

“Holy crap, did he just say that?”

I sure did.

Why would I say that, you may be asking?

The answer is because conservatives need a wake-up call.  I don’t mean a gentle shaking of the shoulders, either.  Conservatives need a sledgehammer on the ankles, a la Kathy Bates.

Why?

It wasn’t but a few short years ago, I could actually tell you what the differences between a Republican and a Conservative were:

Smaller government, abiding by the Constitution, and cutting government spending are just a few examples.

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These days… not so much.  

Those self-professed “Conservatives” are out supporting Mitt Romney, Michelle Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Santorum.  These same “Conservatives” were, at one time, begging for Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan to jump in the Presidential race.

Yes…. The same Paul Ryan who thinks that running deficits for another 30 years is a good thing for America!

But wait… Michele Bachmann?  What’s wrong with her?  She’s VERY Conservative!

Sure…. if you call voting for the TSA Authorization Act in 2009 a Conservative vote.  You know – that bill which gave the government the authority to use machines that, and I quote: “creates a visual image of the individual’s full body, showing the surface of the skin”  In other words, the TSA Nude Body Scanners.  Yep, the “conservative” Bachmann voted FOR it.

….WOW…. How is that representative of a Conservative?

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I am ‘exposing’ (used very loosely here) the problem with The Right that The Left has known for years: and what they have used to defeat Conservatism in this country.

The problem is that The Right impatiently reverts back to the “any Republican” mentality at the first sign of Leftist advances.  On the contrary, The Left is patient.  Very patient.

That patience – coupled with the severe disdain of the Bush policies (also NOT conservative) – brought about Barack Obama’s path to the White House.  That patience also brought about Republican Leftists like Lindsey Graham, Mitt Romney and John McCain.  The Left’s methodology moves at a snail’s pace.  Slow enough that we didn’t see them come into the Republican Party and weaken it from within.

Weaken from within?  How so?

Exhibit A – John McCain
Exhibit B – Mitt Romney
Exhibit C – All Policy since 2000

In 2008, it was Left Vs. Left in the Presidential election.  Should Mitt Romney become the GOP Nominee in 2012, it will once again be Left Vs. Left.  

Regardless of who wins, The Right lost a long time ago.

There has not been a Conservative President since Calvin Coolidge.  That’s right, not even Reagan.  Amnesty, 11 tax hikes, and near tripling of the National Debt (among other policies) disqualify The Gipper from being Conservative.  Sorry folks, Ronnie was just another Republican.

 (send all hate mail to hatemail@tjthompson.com)

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Before the inevitable, manufactured outrage begins; let’s take a look at what the real difference is between Republicans and Democrats, shall we?

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Oh, there aren’t any.  Big surprise.

• Both parties have spent taxpayer money like drunken sailors (no offense to sailors), and engaged in inter-generational child abuse by yoking our children with over $50,000 of debt on the day they are born.
• Both parties have started or continued undeclared wars that kill young Americans, and hundreds of thousands of civilians in other countries.
• Both parties have violated the Constitution by passing/reauthorizing Unconstitutional laws such as The Patriot Act, The TSA Authorization Act, and The NDAA.  Now, our bipartisan government is pushing bills like SOPA, PIPA, CISPA, and the ACTA Treaty.
• Both parties have expanded the National Debt.
• Both parties have instituted policies that sent American jobs overseas.
  (Remember that “Giant sucking sound” Ross Perot warned us of?) 
• Both parties have continued the monetary policy which has systematically weakened the US Dollar. 

These are just some of the most blatant of the similarities.  These do, however, beg one very important question:  How can supporting whoever the GOP nominee is advance the cause of Conservatism, Freedom and Liberty?

…and that is a real question – not rhetorical – to which I want answers.

Any REAL Conservative would tell Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Santorum to hit the road, because we have seen that song-and-dance before – and it is completely counter to the Conservative philosophy.

But instead, we have, what I refer to as, Pseudoconservatives – who must get some tingly sensation in the cockles of their heart when referring to themselves as “Conservatives”.  There is no other explanation for using this term.  These people are liars.  These people are Establishment Republicans.  These are the real enemies of Conservatism.

Real Conservatives would never surrender their integrity to support “whichever Republican”.  

Real Conservatives would not sit back and take whatever candidate is chosen for us – we find our own.  

Real Conservatives would not passively watch their nation crumble and still have the audacity to call themselves Patriots.

This Real Conservative spits in the face of Monopartisan tyranny and fights for liberty – even when I’m one man against an entire army.   Stand On Principle… Or Stand Aside!

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To the pseudoconservatives, I leave you with the words of Samuel Adams:

If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom — go home from us in peace.  We ask not your counsels or arms.  Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you.  May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!

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To other real Conservatives, remember the words of George Washington as our battle for Liberty continues:

“Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession.”    –George Washington–

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And finally, to those who will undoubtedly spatter me with hate, anger, and vitriol:

“I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”   –James A. Baldwin–

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Gage Skidmore (CC)

If anyone is thinking that Pennsylvania isn’t the end of the road for Santorum, they haven’t been paying attention. He not only needs to win – he needs to win big, in order to justify moving on in the primaries. Suggestions that he drop out before the April 24th primary are not only wise, but also the most logical solution for this campaign.

Newt Gingrich has all but dropped out, admitting on-air that Romney is the man in November. Ron Paul was marginalized shortly after the primary field started thinning out. While there are four choices on the ballots now, it’s been becoming abundantly clear that the bottom three really have no chance to defeat Romney. The only chance they have is to raise hell at the Convention. Any candidate that chooses to do that should be considered finished politically. Whether or not the GOP will stand by that conviction remains to be seen.

As for Santorum, if he does not have a massive showing of support in Pennsylvania, beating Romney by a double-digit spread, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that his political career is over. Now, to be fair, when Santorum lost to Casey in 2006, and broke down in tears at the podium, several campaign consultants figured he was finished, myself included. Bluntly, he should have been. Tears of joy are fine at a victory party. But, breaking down at the podium and crying simply because you lost by double-digits? That’s no better than a baby crying over losing a balloon. When he announced that he was running for President, I nearly choked. That he made it this far isn’t a testament to anything that he has accomplished. It is a statement about the bullshit that people are willing to swallow in the name of putting a fellow follower of the same deity in the White House at all costs. If the people that voted for Santorum were honestly voting for him, and not for his radical religious platform, then the GOP is screwed up far more than anyone can imagine.

Pennsylvania is not an evangelical state. We have pockets of these sorts of voters sprinkled throughout, between the major cities. But, given the economy, it’s a fair guess that the people here will be more concerned with getting a handle on spending. We already know about Santorum’s love affair with earmarks, and have been made aware of the financial situations he has been mired in since his 2006 loss. We know that he collected large sums of money for non-profit work, and that the vast majority of those funds went to pay his friends to administer those organizations, instead of actually helping people. It was a microcosm of bloated government, something we know we can’t afford anymore as taxpayers. Santorum’s only “base” are the single-issue voters that won’t vote for anyone that even whispers that they are pro-choice. The fact that the majority of them are registered Republican works to his advantage, however, it probably won’t make a difference anyway. This is a beauty contest. Electoral votes from Pennsylvania are not determined by the popular vote. Santorum hasn’t seriously courted delegates here – Romney has. That is why it’s being suggested that Santorum drop out before this primary – save face, and live to fight another day. Personally? Bring it Rick! I want to watch you go down, and hopefully end up with no chance in 2016, 2020, etc.

Donkey Hotey (CC)

Beyond the Keystone State, it’s doesn’t bode well for Santorum that Newt Gingrich met with Mitt Romney. While there wasn’t an agreement made, it would be foolish to rule one out entirely going forward. Gingrich is already running in the red, and if he is realistic about his options, he is not going to be looking very kindly on an alliance with the relatively cash-strapped Santorum. Romney is the most likely candidate to be able to offer Gingrich a deal that would clear his campaign debts. And all of these problems are not taking into account the increasing number of endorsements for Romney coming from heavy-hitters in the GOP.

Off the cuff prediction: Look for more endorsements for Romney, of course. Also, don’t be surprised if there are more “secret meetings” between Gingrich and Romney, particularly after April 24th, if not sooner. Also, expect a close race in Pennsylvania, but don’t expect the delegates to follow those results, at least not if it falls to Santorum’s favor.

A sub-headline reads: Obama’s “Unprecedented” commercial was shown 6,190 times before Super Tuesday.

At first, by mentioning campaign ads from multiple candidacies, this article flirts with the idea of integrity. A flirtation which disappointingly dissolves in the face of the ‘mention the favorite candidate’s ad first’ sub-headline. Will “progressives” explain why there’s no outcry against Dylan Stableford for stating “Barack Obama has spent $63 million, a little less than half of his $136 million war chest”? Weren’t terms like “war chest” supposed to be off limits because using politically incorrect terms like “war chest” leads directly to the shooting of member of Congress? Or does that standard only apply when Conservatives use such terms? Is it now fair to conclude that all “progressives” are allowed to speak and write freely, fearing not the cost of using “inflammatory language”? Do First Amendment Rights now fully apply to all “progressives”, not just lousy comedians who donate millions of dollars to “progressive” election campaigns?

Next comes the headline: Christie’s Public Shouting Match Shows He’s Not Ready For White House.

Kim Jascobs Walker wastes no time, plugging the phrase “Chris Christie again made headlines for losing his temper and insulting one of his constituents” into the first paragraph. Walker admits that the source, “Save Jersey” blogger Brian McGovern described constituent Bill Brown as “disrespectful”, but Walker makes no attempt to clarify whether Christie called Brown an idiot because of his question or because of a disrespectful approach. Walker criticizes Christie by alleging that “Any seasoned comedian could have handled a heckler better than Christie did”. One wonders, might Bill Maher be included among Walker’s comedians? Walker’s sojourn continues with the long espoused “progressive” slant that “Adults don’t really like it when politicians talk to them like they’re errant children.” Perhaps that statement explains why adult Conservatives don’t really like the way Obama, Reid and Pelosi speak to the nation’s Conservative majority. Walker continues: “Christie’s ‘because I said so’ attitude won’t play well with thinking people”, strongly indicating the “progressive” presumption that people who disagree with Christie think, while strongly implying that those who agree with Christie don’t. Walker concludes the final tirade with: “Christie needs to mature into a leader who can handle dissenting opinions before he sets his sights on the White House”. This statement reveals a key component of institutionalized “progressive” thought. In “progressive” minds, unless you’re willing to submit to their attempts to indoctrinate you to their philosophy, you’re closed minded. The possibility that you’re already familiar with their philosophy, have measured it against Conservative philosophy and decided to adhere to Conservative thinking seems beyond their comprehension.

Then comes: GOP race for White House is ‘corrosive”: Obama adviser

Of course Robert Gibbs, a long time Obama adviser would describe the GOP race as “corrosive”. That’s as predictable as the sunset. Why is this a headline? That’s easy to answer. As a news headline displayed along with similar headlines, it subliminally reinforces the “progressive” narrative propagated daily by the “progressive” Party Pravda that the GOP is bad and the “progressive” left is good.

Next there’s the headline: Reid says Democrats should retain Senate

Naturally the current Senate Majority Leader predicts that after November’s election the Democratic Party will retain control of the Senate. Even if every poll under the sun showed numbers contradicting his perception Reid would still state this view. Including this in the list of “headline news” is another clear example of the intent by the institutionalized “progressive” left to “nudge” undecided voters towards conclusions desired by George Soros and his myriad of puppets within the “progressive” Party and their cohorts in the “progressive” Party Pravda.

Two more “headlines” read:

Pelosi Dreams of Rush Being ‘Advertiseless’. Is advertiseless even a word, or something that came to Pelosi in the midst of a botox induced hallucination?

Sunday Shows: Reid Says ‘I think Congress Looks Bad’.

And Reid’s pulling every lever of power in the Senate to perpetuate that manufactured myth. BTW Senator Reid when is the Senate going to pass a budget?

Are you beginning to see the pattern here? Or shall we continue to flog this dead horse?

In his article Kinchlow laid out the media’s brainwashing tactics very well. I expanded a little deeper into the political side than did Kinchlow but it is based on the very same pattern. I merely expanded into the political realm a bit deeper.

We can see how the political deck is stacked against us, so what do we do? We are bombarded every day with “only this tactic can win”, “only this candidate can win”, “this issue might scare off a voting block”, ”don’t criticize Obama”, “you have to be inclusive”, and “you have to draw in the ‘Independent’ voters”. This propaganda comes at us from every angle, from every voice on television and radio. We hear this from everyone in the media, and from every politician. It is entirely propaganda, but we don’t have to buy into it.

We the People are a majority, not a minority to cower before the “all-powerful” media and “omnipotent” politicians. Why should we “choose” from among these few Republican candidates? Why not have a candidate that doesn’t owe his or her loyalty to a political party? Why do we need political experience to run government at any level? “You aren’t a lawyer so you won’t understand legislation” we hear from the media “elites” and politicians. “So write it so I can understand it, or are you not educated well enough to write in plain English?” I am smarter than you think I am, and calling me stupid or ignoring me is not going to make me go away.

Sadly, too many people fall for the con job of the media and the “all-wise” politicians. Too many have bought the political correctness baloney or have been intimidated into silence. I constantly hear the mantra from people that I know; “you can’t say that”, “we have to nominate someone who can beat Obama”, “We need a big name, a well-known name to win”. So, We the People go out and vote for the same bunch of lame candidates that got us into this mess in the first place. They ALL have a better idea than you do. Unfortunately THEIR better idea is spending your money, and my money, the way THEY want and telling US what we can do with our opinions. Our objections are met with derisions of racism, sexism, or “unfairness”. We look for the least objectionable option and vote for it, then go home and wonder why someone doesn’t do something to stop this.

We the People make up 67% of the populace. Suppose we all chose up sides and decided we aren’t going to vote for the candidate picked by the “media elites”, those who know better than us ignorant serfs. Suppose we decide to pool our 67% and vote for a dark horse that the elitists don’t even know. These dark horse unknowns are out there running. There are good solid conservatives who work for a living and know what life is really about in middle America. How long has it been since Mitty the Poo, (oops never), Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, or Rick Santorum have been poor or middle class? Never maybe, as in the case of Mitty the Poo?

Why not pick someone with real middle class work experience, and values that mean something more than money, power, and prestige? Why not elect a man/woman who is truly Of the People, By the People, and For the People? Can’t win, you say? Why not? Because We the People would rather elect those we know we cannot trust than take a chance on one of our own. Vote for an evil that isn’t quite as bad as the evil sitting in power now is the propaganda we are fed by those pulling the puppet strings. It is easier to condescend to a greater level of tyranny we now face than it is take the same chances our founders took.

But we don’t have to take the same chances our founding fathers took. We don’t have to start a nation from scratch, we merely have to restore what they gave us. Everything we need is in place. The Declaration of Independence gives us the right to address our grievances, and if ignored, take action to remove those ignoring the will of We the People. The Constitution, if followed, gives everyone in this nation the same opportunity for success.

I am not talking about another Revolutionary War. I am talking about a revolution of voters. It is up to the voters of this nation to grow some spine and stand up for themselves. Quit hiding behind politically correct speech and actions. Stop being intimidated into silence by loud mouthed, name calling, bullies. True conservatives don’t need political correctness. The heart of a conservative is fair and compassionate, but practical. You can make a difference if you will just do it, if you will step outside of the box you have been placed in by political operatives and the media.

Get involved in the process while there is still a process to get involved in. Our founding fathers gave us the mechanism to peacefully overcome those who would enslave us. If we learn from their experience and use the system they gave us we win. Everyone get in the game and do your part to take our country back.

One candidate running for the Republican presidential nomination is John Albert Dummett Jr. (www.johndummett.us). John lives in California and is a program analyst for the California Fish and Game Department. Not many have heard of him because he doesn’t have the same deep pockets as the other Republican candidates. He doesn’t have a Super-PAC taking in tens of millions of dollars from single donors. He doesn’t have Sean Hannity and Neal Boortz clamoring for his time. He doesn’t have ABC, CBS, and the rest of the alphabet soup of propaganda outlets seeking his viewpoint. He only has a very small volunteer campaign staff and a few donations from people willing to take a chance on real change, to take a chance on a real American success story. He is one of us.

What John does have is a plan and a vision of a return to the Constitution, the rule of law; and government of the People, By the People, and For the People. There are a few more like him out there in America, willing to be belittled by the power brokers who have all the money and all the clout in the media. Laurie Roth is another although I don’t know a great deal about her.

We don’t need fancy law degrees and experience in government to get us back to what our founders created. This isn’t rocket science, in spite of what the ruling class tells you. We need God first. We then need good decent people who will look after the future of freedom; not see how powerful they can become, who they can rub noses with, how many vacations they can take in a year, and how fancy they can live. Those on the stage now have been a part of the failure of the last 30 years; and we are going to put them back into control from fear? Fear of what, Obama? Do you have a fear of Obama that is so great it will lead you to vote your freedom away to people you know do not have that freedom as their top priority? Do you have a fear so great that you are willing to vote for someone not quite as evil as the one sitting in office now? Do you not have the courage to say, ”enough of this”, and support someone who believes in what he says?

If our founders had acquiesced to this fear we would still be “sipping tea at two”, singing “Hail Britannia”, and misspelling words. Or maybe our grandfathers could have cowered to Tojo and Hitler. We could be speaking Japanese or German and already living in concentration camps, er FEMA camps. Or maybe we would be living in Soviet gulags, or living like those in North Korea, Cuba, China, and Venezuela. We need to support people with vision, people with real values, people with courage.

Use the system now in place to make your voice heard. Get involved politically to make a difference. Don’t give me the “we have to vote for ‘mainstream candidates’ or else”, or “3rd Party/unknown candidates can’t win”. Tim Cox of GOOOH is recruiting everyday people to serve in the House of Representatives. John Dummett is spending a great deal of his time and all the money he can afford to make a difference for us, the 67%, not represented by the main stream political machine of either party. We the People won’t be represented until we change who we support. Cowardice will only get us more of the same as we have now. Courage is needed now, but what is courage? We will look at courage in tomorrow’s edition.

I submit this in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, in faith, with the responsibility given to me by Almighty God to honor His work and not let it die from neglect.

Bob Russell
Claremore, Oklahoma
March 7, 2012

Rick Santorum

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FoxNews is reporting that after the “Super Tuesday” results, backers and supporters of Rick Santorum are pressuring former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich to drop out of the race.

According to Stuart Roy, who is an adviser to the Red, White and Blue Fund – which supports Santorum,  ”With Gingrich exiting the race it would be a true head-to-head race and conservatives would be able to make a choice between a consistent conservative in Rick Santorum or Mitt Romney.” 

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Congressman Ron Paul

4 Candidates – 1 Candidates = 2 Candidates?

It appears that the Santorum supporters have forgotten basic mathematics.  With Gingrich out of the picture, it would leave a 3-way race with Santorum, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul.

Regardless of an individual’s personal opinion of Dr. Paul, one must still acknowledge that he is still in the race, he is still on ballots (Santorum & Gingrich were NOT on Virginia’s ballot), and he deserves the same level of respect as the other candidates in this contest.

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Ronald Reagan

Can you, as a voter with conservative values and principles, vote for a candidate who says  the following?

• I will Raise Taxes 11 Times in 8 years
• I will Increase Government Spending
• I will Double or Triple the National Debt
• I will Increase the Size of Government
• I will Give Amnesty to Illegal Immigrants
• I will Negotiate & Make Deals with Terrorists or Tyrannical Regimes

The answer is a John Boehner-esque “Hell No!”.

Ask a group of Conservatives, “Who is your political hero?” Invariably, one name will spring to life as an answer to the question.  That name, like the list of policies above, belongs to the 40th president of The United States, Ronald Reagan.

The problem with so many conservative voters today is that they hold President Reagan as their idol, and their idol did precisely the things that conservatives claim to be against.  These modern “Conservative Principles” are also what has given rise to Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and Newt Gingrich as presidential candidates.  The atrocious records of Romney, Santorum and Gingrich have been thoroughly placed in the public form, yet conservatives still support these men.

Something is seriously wrong here.

Let’s start by looking at some of what “Reagan Conservatives” believe in, and comparing that to the actual results of Reagan’s Presidency:

Beliefs of Reagan Conservatives

• American Exceptionalism – The United States is an exceptional nation. No other country in the history of the world has done more to secure liberty and honor God-given rights of individuals. Our government is uniquely of, by, and for the people, not the other way around.
• Secure Borders – Legal immigrants have enriched this country. Illegal immigration undermines American sovereignty and weakens national security. The U.S. has a right and obligation to secure it’s borders.
• Strong Military – A strong military is a deterrent. The U.S. must maintain military superiority to ensure our security. The American military is made up of dedicated and patriotic individuals who deserve this nation’s full support.
• Energy Independence – For national security and economic reasons it is time that we as a nation become energy independent by exploiting all our natural resources responsibly while at the same time encouraging energy innovation.
• Individual Rights – The subjugation of individual rights in favor of groups rights is unconstitutional and has always lead to the trampling of individual freedom.
• Individual Responsibility – Individuals are responsible for their actions and the consequences. It is not government’s place to save individuals from their mistakes. This kind of government intervention only encourages irresponsible behavior and impinges on others’ rights.
• Limited Government - Thomas Jefferson was correct when he wrote: “That government is best which governs least.” Government should be limited to the powers delegated it by the Constitution. Beyond these powers, as government grows, individual freedom shrinks and the economy suffers.
• Low Taxes and Fiscal Constraint - Government redistribution of income through taxation is not constitutional. Individuals have a right to their income and are far better managers of their money than is the government. Free market solutions improve the economy while upholding individual freedoms.

Results of Ronald Reagan’s Presidency:

• American Exceptionalism - The term “American Exceptionalism” was first coined and used by Joseph Stalin – the communist Russian dictator responsible for the mass-death of millions of people – in statements regarding a Communist Revolution in America.  This is the same style of Communist Russian Dictatorship that Reagan battled  during “The Cold War”.
• Secure Borders/Individual Responsibility - Ronald Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which granted Amnesty to illegal immigrants
• Strong Military/National Defense – Reagan used the military as a “world police force” rather than a deterrent to attack on America.  He ordered military action in Lebanon, Grenada, Libya, Honduras, Panama, and many actions in the Persian Gulf.  The Reagan government is also reported (but unconfirmed by CIA) to have directly aided and funded Osama bin Laden in the 1980′s.
  Reagan also negotiated a deal with the Iranian terrorists who held American hostages, by trading arms for hostages. 
• Energy Independence – In 1981, Regan’s first year in office, the US imported 2,188,420,000 barrels of oil.  By 1988, Reagan’s final year in office, imports increased to 2,709,140,000, after imports had dipped previously in the mid-80′s.
• Individual Rights/Adherence To Constitution – Throughout the Reagan presidency, the Supreme Court ruled that 9 acts of legislation were unconstitutional in whole, or in part.
• Limited Government - In Reagan’s first year, 1981, the US government spent $1.0518 Trillion.  By Reagan’s last year in office, the government spent $1.7713 Trillion.  Also, The national debt grew under Reagan as well, starting at $1,028,729,000,000 in 1981, and ballooning to $2,952,994,000,000 by January of 1989, when Reagan left office – almost triple what it started at.
  Furthermore, in 1981 there were 4,982,000 government employees.  By Reagan’s final year, 1988, the government employed 5,289,000 people – an increase of over 300,000 employees.
• Low Taxes - Ronald Reagan was not the tax-slashing president that many make him out to be.  In fact, Reagan raised taxes 11 times in his presidency – which is contrary to the view that many purport of him.

Where do the policies of Reagan fall in line with the principles of “Reagan Conservatives”?  Further, where do the policies of Reagan fall in line with Conservatism in general?

If you are seeking smaller government, lower taxes, less government spending, strong national defense, and adherence to the US Constitution – why would you idolize Reagan?

The fallacy of Reagan, I believe, is that people allow the personality and charisma of “Ronald Reagan, The Man” to overshadow the actions of “Ronald Reagan, The President” – much like voters did with President Obama in 2008.

Conservatives must replace Ronald Reagan as their posterboy.  It is time for conservatives to not only ‘talk-the-talk’, but it is high time that we ‘walk-the-walk’ as well.  For Conservatives to truly change this country, things must change with conservatism.  Not only should we support political candidates that actually adhere to conservative principles, but we must apply a face to the movement that does as well – a face that accurately represents the principles of conservatism.

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ProveMeWrong@tjthompson.com

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Tonight, February 22nd, the candidates take to the stage at the Mesa Performing Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona.  This time, however, they have been away from the debate stage for nearly a month, as the last GOP Debate was on January 26th.

The participants tonight will be the “Final Four” of Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Santorum.

The debate will air on CNN at 8pm ET.

Livestream feed here

If you want to see the complete list of debates (including those in the past) and links to the video and overviews, go here.

In a truly bold move the Gingrich campaign is featuring Callista, The Other Woman 2.0

Friday’s session of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was crucial for Republican presidential candidates, but it started with an audition for Vice President.

Our own Gov. Bob McDonnell proved once again if you want a VP candidate who is not teleprompter dependent and has not expressed strong feelings regarding the very poor, McDonnell is just your man.

Much of McDonnell’s speech obliquely stressed his Vice Presidential qualifications by running through his resume and focusing on his administration’s record.

McDonnell characterized the election as choice between Constitutionally limited government and a constantly expanding federal government. McDonnell concluded by saying his family came to the US from Ireland, and 100 years later he sits in the governor’s office holding the same position held by Thomas Jefferson.

Which, come to think of it, also applies to the office of Vice President.

Four years ago Mitt Romney withdrew from the race during his speech at the conference, this year he wanted to use a CPAC speech to revive it. After suffering three consecutive primary losses to Rick Santorum, Romney needed a strong rebound and straw poll victory before an audience filled with many people skeptical of his conservatism and commitment to the cause.

Romney described the Obama administration as the “last gasp of liberalism’s great failure.” And he urged the participants to “reaffirm what it means to be conservative.”

This involves a reverence for the founding document, “Conservatives aren’t just proud to cling to our guns and religion, we are also proud to cling to our Constitution,” Romney declared to enthusiastic applause.

One of the biggest applause lines of the afternoon came when he declared he’s been successful in business and he’s not ashamed to say so. Romney assured the audience, “I’ve served in government, but I didn’t inhale. I’m still a business guy.”

Santorum’s goal was to establish himself as the only viable alternative to Romney and consolidate the ABM (anyone but Mitt) vote. Santorum explained, “Conservatism did not fail our country. Conservatives failed conservatism.” Specifically by adopting the philosophy that winning is more important than staying true to your principles, a veiled reference to John McCain. “We’ve learned our lesson,” Santorum said. “We will no longer abandon and apologize for the principles that made this country great.”

Santorum addressed his chances by downplaying the influence of money, of which he has little, and stressing the power of contrasts. “We aren’t going to win with money. We’re going to win with contrasts, by making Barack Obama and his failed policies the issue in this race.”

For Newt Gingrich the presidential campaign is a four–letter word and that word is BOLD. Bold ideas. Bold plans. Bold solutions. Bold politics.

“When the conservative movement offers bold solutions, it wins decisively. I want to talk about bold solutions to get America working again,” Newt boldly announced.

Gingrich intends for the entire GOP congressional establishment to campaign with him this fall, which will require a large fleet of buses and a huge block of rooms on the cruise ship. And in the few days between the swearing in of the new Congress and Newt’s Bold presidential oath of office, he has a to–do list for Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader (he hopes) Mitch McConnell. Newt expects both houses to pass bills repealing Obamacare, Sarbanes–Oxley and Dodd–Frank.

So by signing these bills in the first 20 minutes of his new administration Newt can expunge 40 percent of the late Obama administration. Then Gingrich can really get to work with Bold executive orders: approve the Keystone pipeline, move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, reinstate the Mexico City policy banning the expenditure of tax dollars for abortions in other countries and break ground on the moon colony.

Then he plans to pause for lunch.

Gingrich’s speech also included a larger role for Callista, the new wife, who introduced him to a tepid audience response. This probably marks the first time in campaign history The Other Woman 2.0 has been brought out of hiding and used in a prominent role, which really does qualify as Bold.

The result of Saturday’s straw poll was good for two of the three candidates. Romney won with 38 percent of the vote, followed by Santorum at 31 percent. Gingrich was a very poor third, barely beating Ron Paul — who did not attend the conference — 15 percent to 12 percent.

The conclusion is Romney can speak “conservative;” and head–to–head in a setting where ad spending and organization does not matter; Santorum is a viable ABM alternative.

Unfortunately for Santorum those conditions don’t apply in the vast majority of remaining primaries.