People are eager to declare that this is the end of the line for conservatism in general and the pro-life issue in particular. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Jefferson said these were God given rights in the declaration of Independence. They are also the core of Conservatism.
What is Life? It is nothing more than this brief period during which we can determine our own end. The founding fathers thought that it was the paramount function of our government to ensure that every one gets that chance. It is the responsibility of all governments to ensure the safety of their citizens. Citizens of any state that does not value them will naturally seek a better state. Where do people go seeking a better state?
They overwhelmingly seek the United States of America.
A nation that devalues life will inevitably become a cruel tyrannical place.
When this value is placed upon unborn children people get all wrapped up in it. I’ve heard people come unhinged on both sides. The simple fact of it is, “If it is not a baby, you are not pregnant.” A bumper sticker slogan, but it’s true none the less. A woman who is pregnant has no constitutional right to kill the child to further her education.
Jefferson’s “Life,” does not have any addendums to it. Aged life, young life, fit life, paralyzed life, rich life, poor life, it simply says LIFE. My life. Your life. Think long and hard before you begin discounting any life, you may just forfeit yours.
If this is the issue upon which a political campaign is lost then I would lose a thousand before I relented. Principals are principals. If the progressives ever convince a majority of Americans that life should not be a sacred right, then our Nation will join all previous great nations on the dust heap of history.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Common Sense Consevatism
There is a lot of hand wringing and soul searching going on in the conservative movement these days.
The Republicans are debating a move to the center which means a move leftward.
“Facts are stubborn things,” John Adams proclaimed in his defense of the British Soldiers indicted in the Boston Massacre. He was famously correct and the beleaguered soldiers were exonerated. Principals founded in facts are equally stubborn. At least they should be.
People talk of the Reagan revolution and Newt’s contract with America. These movements or platforms succeeded overwhelmingly when presented to Americans with clarity and conviction. Making things simple with out being simplistic, conservatism is and always should be able to be summed up, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Life requires security, a strong national defense. America is the shining city on the hill. It is in the limelight constantly, not every one will love us and see us in a favorable light. That’s their problem, doesn’t bother me a bit, unless they undertake to assault us. If the shining city on the hill is known to be guarded by the greatest military force in the world it deters nefarious deeds against it’s citizens.
Liberty also requires security, but with out life, liberty is meaningless. Being free to make your own decisions only has meaning if you feel secure in the exercise of your liberties. If you are coerced, leaned upon, encouraged in a particular path, are you really at liberty to decide for yourself?
The Pursuit of Happiness occurs when the first two conditions are met. If you are secure, if you are free, wouldn’t you naturally choose a path that will make you happy? The vast majority of people would, and if you get your kicks off of flagellation, self inflicted-pain, knock yourself out. When you look on your neighbors being happy in their pursuits, smack yourself harder, just don’t smack them. Your right to achieve nirvana by beating yourself up is your right, but you have no right to endanger the life or liberty of others in your misery.
There it is, conservatism in a nutshell. If we hold these truths to be self evident and facts are stubborn things, so should our fact based principals remain equally sure.
The Republicans are debating a move to the center which means a move leftward.
“Facts are stubborn things,” John Adams proclaimed in his defense of the British Soldiers indicted in the Boston Massacre. He was famously correct and the beleaguered soldiers were exonerated. Principals founded in facts are equally stubborn. At least they should be.
People talk of the Reagan revolution and Newt’s contract with America. These movements or platforms succeeded overwhelmingly when presented to Americans with clarity and conviction. Making things simple with out being simplistic, conservatism is and always should be able to be summed up, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Life requires security, a strong national defense. America is the shining city on the hill. It is in the limelight constantly, not every one will love us and see us in a favorable light. That’s their problem, doesn’t bother me a bit, unless they undertake to assault us. If the shining city on the hill is known to be guarded by the greatest military force in the world it deters nefarious deeds against it’s citizens.
Liberty also requires security, but with out life, liberty is meaningless. Being free to make your own decisions only has meaning if you feel secure in the exercise of your liberties. If you are coerced, leaned upon, encouraged in a particular path, are you really at liberty to decide for yourself?
The Pursuit of Happiness occurs when the first two conditions are met. If you are secure, if you are free, wouldn’t you naturally choose a path that will make you happy? The vast majority of people would, and if you get your kicks off of flagellation, self inflicted-pain, knock yourself out. When you look on your neighbors being happy in their pursuits, smack yourself harder, just don’t smack them. Your right to achieve nirvana by beating yourself up is your right, but you have no right to endanger the life or liberty of others in your misery.
There it is, conservatism in a nutshell. If we hold these truths to be self evident and facts are stubborn things, so should our fact based principals remain equally sure.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Mr. President
I’m not a fan of Barack Obama. I am happy for his supporters and rejoice that our nation has moved beyond race in politics.
I believe fervently in America. We are a resilient nation, full of hope and ideals. So long as we remain free we will have the power to mend what needs mending and stand willing to walk the extra mile.
Barack Obama, America has placed her trust in you, keep that faith.
George W. Bush found that doing what is right has a price and failing to rein in rampant Gov. Spending has a greater than monetary cost. But you will have one thing (from me at least) that President Bush did not. A respectful opposition. You will be from Jan. 20, 2009 forward be referred to as, “Mr. President.” Wear the title well, the American people have bestowed it with their full faith and confidence.
I believe fervently in America. We are a resilient nation, full of hope and ideals. So long as we remain free we will have the power to mend what needs mending and stand willing to walk the extra mile.
Barack Obama, America has placed her trust in you, keep that faith.
George W. Bush found that doing what is right has a price and failing to rein in rampant Gov. Spending has a greater than monetary cost. But you will have one thing (from me at least) that President Bush did not. A respectful opposition. You will be from Jan. 20, 2009 forward be referred to as, “Mr. President.” Wear the title well, the American people have bestowed it with their full faith and confidence.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Twas the Night Before the Election
This is not original with me, it was forwarded to me from a friend, origins unknown, but I got a laugh out of it and thought I'd share.
Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political ....
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DON'T WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!
Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political ....
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DON'T WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!
Monday, November 3, 2008
It Can’t Be Over, I Haven’t Voted Yet
I’m looking forward to tomorrow, Nov. 4, 2008. I’m sick of being told that the election is over, I’m sick of being called bitter, racist, ignorant. I’m sick of my values being trashed for political expediency, I forgot to add “homophobe,” since I reside here in California.
Now I remember why I canceled my subscription to News Papers (all of them) about four years ago. That’s why I’m ignorant, how can I be informed if I don’t let the journalists tell me what to think? They’re doing a good job, too. I hear that circulation is really booming, hiring new generations of journalists at a blistering pace (chortle).
When my daughter was about five years old, she asked me, “What is a ‘black man?’” I stopped what I was doing and explained, “Well, that’s a what some people call people who have dark skin.” The church we attended was about 40% “Black,” so I was able to gently name people in our church, close friends, her playmates, her children’s church teachers until she had a grasp of the term “black.” When she understood the distinction she gave a delighted little giggle and said, “You mean a chocolate face?” I was pleased that she had come up for a term to describe her friends much more appropriately than, “Black.” Race isn’t an issue to me. I tear up when I hear Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.” I’m not voting for Obama, it’s not the color of his skin, it’s the content of his character.
“Bitter.” I’m really trying hard not to allow the press to make that one true. I love America and people in general. My step father is “black.” I haven’t talked to Pops in about six weeks. He found out that I lean Republican and it was a very uncomfortable day at the drag races. Pops loves me enough not to argue politics with me, but his friends were not afraid to mutter epithets until pops had to physically subdue one of his close friends. Awkward, very much so. I hope after this election I’ll be able to visit my mother and Pops with out that elephant in the room. One could become bitter over all the animosity that has been fomented around this election.
In spite of all of this, and perhaps even partially because of it, I’m looking forward to voting on Tuesday. I want my voice to be heard. I am very optimistic about our Nation and it’s future. I think that all the differences will come out in the wash and that the biggest losers are the media who have declared this election repeatedly for Obama. I could almost hope that he wins in a landslide, like they are predicting, just to avoid crushing all his supporters. Almost.
People ask, “Who’s your man in the race?” I smile and say, “Sarah Palin.” Let the epithets roll, I’m still voting tomorrow and this election is not over yet.
Now I remember why I canceled my subscription to News Papers (all of them) about four years ago. That’s why I’m ignorant, how can I be informed if I don’t let the journalists tell me what to think? They’re doing a good job, too. I hear that circulation is really booming, hiring new generations of journalists at a blistering pace (chortle).
When my daughter was about five years old, she asked me, “What is a ‘black man?’” I stopped what I was doing and explained, “Well, that’s a what some people call people who have dark skin.” The church we attended was about 40% “Black,” so I was able to gently name people in our church, close friends, her playmates, her children’s church teachers until she had a grasp of the term “black.” When she understood the distinction she gave a delighted little giggle and said, “You mean a chocolate face?” I was pleased that she had come up for a term to describe her friends much more appropriately than, “Black.” Race isn’t an issue to me. I tear up when I hear Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.” I’m not voting for Obama, it’s not the color of his skin, it’s the content of his character.
“Bitter.” I’m really trying hard not to allow the press to make that one true. I love America and people in general. My step father is “black.” I haven’t talked to Pops in about six weeks. He found out that I lean Republican and it was a very uncomfortable day at the drag races. Pops loves me enough not to argue politics with me, but his friends were not afraid to mutter epithets until pops had to physically subdue one of his close friends. Awkward, very much so. I hope after this election I’ll be able to visit my mother and Pops with out that elephant in the room. One could become bitter over all the animosity that has been fomented around this election.
In spite of all of this, and perhaps even partially because of it, I’m looking forward to voting on Tuesday. I want my voice to be heard. I am very optimistic about our Nation and it’s future. I think that all the differences will come out in the wash and that the biggest losers are the media who have declared this election repeatedly for Obama. I could almost hope that he wins in a landslide, like they are predicting, just to avoid crushing all his supporters. Almost.
People ask, “Who’s your man in the race?” I smile and say, “Sarah Palin.” Let the epithets roll, I’m still voting tomorrow and this election is not over yet.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The Play at First
Left handed pitchers fall away to the left side of the diamond, just like a right handed pitcher falls away to the right side of the in field. Natural pitching mechanics. If you are trying to bunt for a base hit off a left handed pitcher you want the ball far enough away from the catcher and close enough to the first base man that you are either in a foot race between the pitcher who feel toward third base trying to retrieve the ball and feed to the first baseman or you are trying to beat the pitcher to first base to receive the through from the charging first baseman. If the hitter rolls one down the first base line and digs hard, there usually isn’t a play at first.
In game three of the World series there was a play where Carl Crawford, a speedy runner, executed a perfect bunt down the right field line, hard enough to get away from the catcher, Ryan Howard the first baseman immediately recognized that he wouldn’t have time to get the ball and beat the runner or flip to the pitcher Moyer. He went to the bag because it was the only shot they had at getting the runner. It set up one of the most incredible defensive plays I have ever seen by a pitcher. Jamie Moyer displayed all the heart and athleticism you would expect of a 22 year veteran of the Major Leagues. In a race against a younger faster man, he some how got the ball, no way he can transfer it from his glove and make a throw with his bare hand, so flying through the air like Charlie Hustle (Pete Rose) he flips the ball toward first with his glove. Ryan Howard snatches the beautiful awkward toss with his bare hand just an instant before the runner’s foot hit first base. Leave you breathless kind of play. The runner is… safe. On the replay you can see the umpire is behind Ryan and watching the ball not go to his glove, there is no way he can see Ryan’s hand seize the ball, it looks like the runner is safe. That’s baseball.
The Play at First
I couldn’t help but draw the analogy. First of all they are playing in Pennsylvania. Young athletic guy who lays down a textbook bunt and is sprinting toward the inevitable base hit, Barack Obama. Old Guy dogging his steps toward the goal, John McCain. John McCain wasn’t my choice for President in this election cycle but you can not deny the determination and skill with which he has run against the younger, smoother Barack Obama. Odds are against him, he shouldn’t even have the ball in his glove right now, events have conspired against him, he doesn’t have time to retool and refocus, he needs to get his message to voters right now. He flips to the voters as Barack stretches for victory. And the call is… You make the call.
You can never deny that you have seen one of the greatest feats in politics, an old warrior and statesman following an unpopular president shouldn’t even be in the race, and yet there is a tenacity about him that refuses to be retired. He’s pushing hard and I think it will be a close play Nov. 4th. Forget the glove, keep your eyes on the ball and make the right call this time.
In game three of the World series there was a play where Carl Crawford, a speedy runner, executed a perfect bunt down the right field line, hard enough to get away from the catcher, Ryan Howard the first baseman immediately recognized that he wouldn’t have time to get the ball and beat the runner or flip to the pitcher Moyer. He went to the bag because it was the only shot they had at getting the runner. It set up one of the most incredible defensive plays I have ever seen by a pitcher. Jamie Moyer displayed all the heart and athleticism you would expect of a 22 year veteran of the Major Leagues. In a race against a younger faster man, he some how got the ball, no way he can transfer it from his glove and make a throw with his bare hand, so flying through the air like Charlie Hustle (Pete Rose) he flips the ball toward first with his glove. Ryan Howard snatches the beautiful awkward toss with his bare hand just an instant before the runner’s foot hit first base. Leave you breathless kind of play. The runner is… safe. On the replay you can see the umpire is behind Ryan and watching the ball not go to his glove, there is no way he can see Ryan’s hand seize the ball, it looks like the runner is safe. That’s baseball.
The Play at First
I couldn’t help but draw the analogy. First of all they are playing in Pennsylvania. Young athletic guy who lays down a textbook bunt and is sprinting toward the inevitable base hit, Barack Obama. Old Guy dogging his steps toward the goal, John McCain. John McCain wasn’t my choice for President in this election cycle but you can not deny the determination and skill with which he has run against the younger, smoother Barack Obama. Odds are against him, he shouldn’t even have the ball in his glove right now, events have conspired against him, he doesn’t have time to retool and refocus, he needs to get his message to voters right now. He flips to the voters as Barack stretches for victory. And the call is… You make the call.
You can never deny that you have seen one of the greatest feats in politics, an old warrior and statesman following an unpopular president shouldn’t even be in the race, and yet there is a tenacity about him that refuses to be retired. He’s pushing hard and I think it will be a close play Nov. 4th. Forget the glove, keep your eyes on the ball and make the right call this time.
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