I’ve been somewhat intrigued by the political machinations going on in Washington… all swirling around the Senate Healthcare Bill. Maybe it would be more accurate to say that I’ve been discouraged. My hope (and the hopes of the majority of American’s) has been dashed. There has been months of Republican efforts to stop Mr. Obama’s train to Pottersville, but even more heartening has been the loud voices of Main Street America. I figure that the reason Republican’s are putting up such a fight, and some Democrats are more prone to stick their fingers in the wind, is because of the massive movement of the American masses. They clearly do not like the direction Mr. Obama and Congress is going.
So, Mr. Obama once wrote about “The Audacity of Hope.” America bought into his silver tongue and deceptions and voted him into office… even against their better judgment. They foolishly rode the wave of history. And now what do we have? A country in economic collapse, a dollar worth a peso, a debt that can’t be paid, and politicians living high on the hog despite it all. Someone needs to write a book that characterizes Washington as it truly is these days and call it: “The Audacity of Dopes.”
Why? Well, let’s just cite two examples.
Mary Landrieu, Democratic Senator from Louisiana, finally caved to party pressure and cast a vote to support the Senate Healthcare Bill. If you visit her website, she claims to “fight for Louisiana.” So, how is voting for a bill that the majority of America opposes “fighting” for her constituency? Guess what her answer was. She claims that she did vote with the majority of America. How’s that? Well, the majority voted Mr. Obama into office for his policies and she needed to give him what he wanted. Talk about a dope.
The majority voted into office a Mr. Obama who said he would be transparent, work with both sides of the isle, and bring new hope and a new day to America. Well, things have changed… abruptly… since then. The current voice of the people is not with Mr. Obama. He has proven to be just as much of a dope as Congress. Finally, let’s be truthful. Landrieu was paid-off. Guess what? Wall Street ways lambasted by the President and Congress have been embraced by our politicians.
Ben Nelson, the only Democrat in the Nebraska delegation, also cast his vote in favor of the Senate Healthcare Bill. Why? Well, because the language surrounding government funding of abortions was softened. Nelson, a one issue politician (albeit an important issue), posed himself as unwavering on this point. After watching Harry Reid’s shenanigans and apparent willingness to do anything to pass the bill, why would Nelson trust his party’s leadership on this critical issue? Well, it turns out to be a very simple answer. Remember Mary Landrieu? Well, meet her twin, Bill Nelson. Harry paid him off… giving Bill promises that Nebraska will be treated differently than all the other states. They’ll be off the hook for Medicaid payments to the tune of millions of dollars. Once again, it’s the Wall Street hustle.
Such audacity. These Dopes in Washington have bankrupted this country. We’re on the brink of a dangerous precipice. How can we survive the audacity of dopes?
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
A Season of Firsts
This political season has been filled with firsts. Firsts are often considered striking events... things never to be forgotten. The capturing of the presidency by the first African-American (well, sort of... his mother was white) was one of those events that made history. Mr. Obama's seizure of the American state was just the beginning. Soon thereafter, he seized elements of Wall Street and GM too. The government taking ownership of private business, if not technically a first, is certainly extremely rare and unusual. It's something you'd expect in Venezuela, but the United State of America.
If that were all, it would be enough... at least for me. When was the last time the Democrat's ignored the polls? During the presidential campaign they followed the polls religiously. But what do we find now? Congressional and presidential approval ratings are the lowest in decades. American's have clearly spoken and the direction the country is heading is not what is wanted. And yet, the once religious poll watching Democrats act as if there are no polls. A political poll? What's that?
Just today, the Senate voted (just barely) to impose floor debate on a very unpopular Health Care bill. Most Americans have expressed a desire for health care reform, but not a public or government run option. Well, the Congress ignored the polls and voted in a public option health care bill and sent it on to the Senate. And now the Senate has chosen the same path. Both houses of congress are dominated by Democrats. Personally I oppose both of these measures. I hope that, when given the chance, their constituency stomps loudly as they give these hard of hearing Democrats the boot.
I'm a Republican, but I'm a conservative American first. I believe in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I believe in free enterprise... that it is the engine that allows this country to run and provide an opportunity for the American dream. I believe in a strong central government... but a lean one. I believe that government must live within its means like every entity in this country. Government should have a balanced budget and should stay out of way of states and the private sector. So everything that I'm seeing now is very troubling. The Democrats seem hell-bent on pushing this country into a very large government that controls every sector of the economy.
If the Democratic agenda is forced upon this country, regardless of the loud voices from every state in this nation, then I'll hope for yet another "first." What would that be? Throughout our political history there have been some weak moments when Democrats have succeeded in ramming a government option through the system. One example is the Social Security administration. Once these "government options" get their foot in the door, they never leave. They become government entitlement programs that become a serious drain on the American people... who pay for these entitlements whether they work effectively or not. Well, if insanity succeeds and we see a national health care plan rammed through the system against the will of the majority, then I hope for the first time, that it becomes the first entitlement to get the axe.
A season of firsts? I hope so.
If that were all, it would be enough... at least for me. When was the last time the Democrat's ignored the polls? During the presidential campaign they followed the polls religiously. But what do we find now? Congressional and presidential approval ratings are the lowest in decades. American's have clearly spoken and the direction the country is heading is not what is wanted. And yet, the once religious poll watching Democrats act as if there are no polls. A political poll? What's that?
Just today, the Senate voted (just barely) to impose floor debate on a very unpopular Health Care bill. Most Americans have expressed a desire for health care reform, but not a public or government run option. Well, the Congress ignored the polls and voted in a public option health care bill and sent it on to the Senate. And now the Senate has chosen the same path. Both houses of congress are dominated by Democrats. Personally I oppose both of these measures. I hope that, when given the chance, their constituency stomps loudly as they give these hard of hearing Democrats the boot.
I'm a Republican, but I'm a conservative American first. I believe in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I believe in free enterprise... that it is the engine that allows this country to run and provide an opportunity for the American dream. I believe in a strong central government... but a lean one. I believe that government must live within its means like every entity in this country. Government should have a balanced budget and should stay out of way of states and the private sector. So everything that I'm seeing now is very troubling. The Democrats seem hell-bent on pushing this country into a very large government that controls every sector of the economy.
If the Democratic agenda is forced upon this country, regardless of the loud voices from every state in this nation, then I'll hope for yet another "first." What would that be? Throughout our political history there have been some weak moments when Democrats have succeeded in ramming a government option through the system. One example is the Social Security administration. Once these "government options" get their foot in the door, they never leave. They become government entitlement programs that become a serious drain on the American people... who pay for these entitlements whether they work effectively or not. Well, if insanity succeeds and we see a national health care plan rammed through the system against the will of the majority, then I hope for the first time, that it becomes the first entitlement to get the axe.
A season of firsts? I hope so.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
He's Taking Us for a Ride
So were you watching the news last week when Mr. Obama held a press conference at the White House with a group of doctors who support his health care initiative? I was. I found myself looking at the doctors and seriously doubting that I was really looking at "doctors." I said to myself: "they look like some White House staffers dressed up in white coats." Even when Mr. Obama made his entry on the scene, his smile seemed to reveal that it was all fake.
Well, I thought nothing of it until my wife reported that the "doctors" who showed up to support the president's program were part of a group funded by none other than George Soros. No wonder Mr. Obama was smiling from ear to ear... he knew this was spin and a major hoodwink for the American people. They didn't represent a cross section of doctors in America after all. Why should I have been surprised?
But you know the real tragedy in this story for me? It's the fact that in only 9 or 10 months of a new presidency, when I see the president on TV, pushing some new agenda, in a setting that indicates broad support, my first reaction is... right! It's sad that I cannot take this man at his word. There have been too many "set-ups", too much spin, and too many lies. My first reaction is doubt.
I know I'm only a basic guy, but I wonder if others feel the same way or see the same thing. Was it Graham Nash who sang: "Please come to Chicago for a ride"? Well, Mr. Obama sings: "Please Come to Chicago and I'll take you for a ride." Change the world indeed. Once again... some change is simply short-changed.
Well, I thought nothing of it until my wife reported that the "doctors" who showed up to support the president's program were part of a group funded by none other than George Soros. No wonder Mr. Obama was smiling from ear to ear... he knew this was spin and a major hoodwink for the American people. They didn't represent a cross section of doctors in America after all. Why should I have been surprised?
But you know the real tragedy in this story for me? It's the fact that in only 9 or 10 months of a new presidency, when I see the president on TV, pushing some new agenda, in a setting that indicates broad support, my first reaction is... right! It's sad that I cannot take this man at his word. There have been too many "set-ups", too much spin, and too many lies. My first reaction is doubt.
I know I'm only a basic guy, but I wonder if others feel the same way or see the same thing. Was it Graham Nash who sang: "Please come to Chicago for a ride"? Well, Mr. Obama sings: "Please Come to Chicago and I'll take you for a ride." Change the world indeed. Once again... some change is simply short-changed.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Broken Capitalism is Superior to Socialism
We keep getting reminded that the economy is broken and it needs to be fixed. Mr. Obama ran on such a message and felt he was given a mandate by the American people to to do just that. Now and again he reminds us just how broken the economy is. To many, the economy translates into capitalism. Capitalism is broken and the only way to fix it is the have the government take charge of the economy... and when the government takes over an economy, you no longer have capitalism. That is what we call socialism.
Now, I'm just a basic guy, but it seems to me that the economy has always been broken. Use the other word if you like: capitalism has always been broken. At least to one degree or another. Why is it, or always has been, broken? None other than John Adams has given a hint as to why. He said:
Just as our Constitution works best with a moral people, the same goes with our economy. Capitalism works best in the hands of a moral people. We have had plenty of evidence of this principle over the last decade as we have watched the parade of financial scandals that have rocked this nation.
Some believe that the answer lies in a heavy handed government. So, let me get this straight. We should take our economy out of the hands of a scandalous private sector and put it into the hands of a scandalous public sector... the government in Washington. That makes sense. Take it out of the hands of thousands in the private sector and entrust it in the hands of hundreds in government (or in our case... one). I'm sorry, but that makes no sense at all. Socialism is entrusted the world we have known into fewer hands. And what if those hands have an even more insidious agenda? America would be in serious trouble.
This is what I think. Capitalism has been the engine that has built the greatest nation in history. It has produced the greatest wealth and inspired ingenuity and unmatched philanthropy. No country that has languished under the cloud of socialism has achieved so much. I know capitalism has its problems and sometimes severe weakness. But even with all of that, broken capitalism is a far better friend to and answer for America that any form of a government run economy.
That said, the best thing for us is to inspire to superior morals in this country. From father to son, mother to daughter, teacher to student, banker to customer, Wall Street to Main Street, preacher to congregation, let's do ourselves a favor and inspire to be a moral people. Let's not allow John Adam's words to haunt us, but to inspire us. We need to reclaim the American dream.
Now, I'm just a basic guy, but it seems to me that the economy has always been broken. Use the other word if you like: capitalism has always been broken. At least to one degree or another. Why is it, or always has been, broken? None other than John Adams has given a hint as to why. He said:
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
Just as our Constitution works best with a moral people, the same goes with our economy. Capitalism works best in the hands of a moral people. We have had plenty of evidence of this principle over the last decade as we have watched the parade of financial scandals that have rocked this nation.
Some believe that the answer lies in a heavy handed government. So, let me get this straight. We should take our economy out of the hands of a scandalous private sector and put it into the hands of a scandalous public sector... the government in Washington. That makes sense. Take it out of the hands of thousands in the private sector and entrust it in the hands of hundreds in government (or in our case... one). I'm sorry, but that makes no sense at all. Socialism is entrusted the world we have known into fewer hands. And what if those hands have an even more insidious agenda? America would be in serious trouble.
This is what I think. Capitalism has been the engine that has built the greatest nation in history. It has produced the greatest wealth and inspired ingenuity and unmatched philanthropy. No country that has languished under the cloud of socialism has achieved so much. I know capitalism has its problems and sometimes severe weakness. But even with all of that, broken capitalism is a far better friend to and answer for America that any form of a government run economy.
That said, the best thing for us is to inspire to superior morals in this country. From father to son, mother to daughter, teacher to student, banker to customer, Wall Street to Main Street, preacher to congregation, let's do ourselves a favor and inspire to be a moral people. Let's not allow John Adam's words to haunt us, but to inspire us. We need to reclaim the American dream.
Friday, September 4, 2009
President or Community Organizer?
Is any one else as confused as I am? I've been watching with interest the first few months of Mr. Obama's presidency. I have to tell you that I'm confused. What do I mean? Well, let me make it as simple as I can. When Mr. Obama was voted into office, did we get a president of the United States and servant of the people or a community organizer. It's kind of hard to tell.
When you see this president establish a large staff of Czars who are independent from the cabinet and the congress, you realize that this is not business as usual. In fact, as you consult the Constitution, you begin to wonder just what country Mr. Obama thinks he's in. The only one I can think of is Chicago.
Then this latest episode. It's one thing to want to inspire America's youth to greater educational heights, but quite another to slyly organize them into some nation-wide community youth group. Are America's children in school to serve the president? I imagine if you were to ask most any parent, you'd find that they don't think so.
So, I ask again, what is it that Mr. Obama wants to be, the president or some national or global community organizer? I think the jury is out on this one. As for me, I have been suspicious of this man from the beginning. Since taking office, he has done nothing but to add to the confusion and mystery. At this point, my vote would be, Mr. Obama, go back to Chicago and organize some community there. America and the Executive Branch need to be returned their foundation, the Constitution and free enterprise.
When you see this president establish a large staff of Czars who are independent from the cabinet and the congress, you realize that this is not business as usual. In fact, as you consult the Constitution, you begin to wonder just what country Mr. Obama thinks he's in. The only one I can think of is Chicago.
Then this latest episode. It's one thing to want to inspire America's youth to greater educational heights, but quite another to slyly organize them into some nation-wide community youth group. Are America's children in school to serve the president? I imagine if you were to ask most any parent, you'd find that they don't think so.
So, I ask again, what is it that Mr. Obama wants to be, the president or some national or global community organizer? I think the jury is out on this one. As for me, I have been suspicious of this man from the beginning. Since taking office, he has done nothing but to add to the confusion and mystery. At this point, my vote would be, Mr. Obama, go back to Chicago and organize some community there. America and the Executive Branch need to be returned their foundation, the Constitution and free enterprise.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
"Things are not Always what they Seem"
The media has indicated that Mr. Obama is in "campaign" mode as he tries to convince America that his healthcare plan is the panacea for all that ails us. Campaign mode indeed. Note this post from a woman in Bozemen, Montana who showed up at Mr. Obama's town hall meeting in her state:
"Hello All,
"By now you have probably heard that President Obama came to Montana last Friday. However, there are many things that the major news has not covered. I feel that since Joe and I live here and we were at the airport on Friday I should share some facts with you. Whatever you decide to do with the information is up to you. If you chose to share this email with others I do ask that you DELETE my email address before you forward this on.
"On Wednesday, August 5th it was announced locally that the President would be coming here. There are many groups here that are against his healthcare and huge spending so those groups began talking and deciding on what they were going to do. The White House would not release ANY details other than the date.
"On about Tuesday Joe found out that they would be holding the “Town Hall” at the airport (this is only because Joe knows EVERYONE at the airport). Our airport is actually located outside of Belgrade (tiny town) in a very remote location. Nothing is around there. They chose to use a hangar that is the most remotely located hangar. You could not pick a more remote location, and you can not get to it easily. It is totally secluded from the public.
"FYI: We have many areas in Belgrade and Bozeman which could have held a large amount of folks with sufficient parking. (gymnasiums/auditoriums). All of which have chairs and tables, and would not have to be SHIPPED IN!! $$$$$
"During the week, cargo by the TONS was being shipped in constantly. Airport employees could not believe how it just kept coming. Though it was our President coming several expressed how excessive it was, especially during a recession. $$$$$
"Late Tuesday/early Wednesday the 12th, they said that tickets would be handed out on Thursday 9am at two locations and the president would be arriving around 12:30 Friday. Thursday morning about 600 tickets were passed out. However, 1500 were printed at a Local printing shop per White House request. Hmmmm… 900 tickets just DISAPPEARED.
"This same morning someone called into the radio from the local UPS branch and said that THOUSANDS of Dollars of Lobster were shipped in for Obama. Montana has some of the best beef in the nation!!! And it would have been really wonderful to help out the local economy. Anyone heard of the Recession?? Just think…with all of the traveling the White House is doing. $$$$$ One can only imagine what else we are paying for.
"On Friday Joe and I got out to the airport about 10:45am. The groups that wanted to protest Obama’s spending and healthcare had gotten a permit to protest and that area was roped off. But that was not to be. A large bus carrying SEIU (Service Employees International Union) members drove up onto the area (illegal) and unloaded right there. It was quite a commotion and there were specifically 2 SEIU men trying to make trouble and start a fight. Police did get involved and arrested the one man but they said they did not have the manpower to remove the SEIU crowd.
"The SEIU crowd was very organized and young. About 99% were under the age of 30 and they were not locals! They had bullhorns and PROFESSIONALLY made signs. Some even wore preprinted T-shirts. Oh, and Planned Parenthood folks were with them… professing abortion rights with their T-shirts and preprinted signs. (BTW, all these folks did have a permit to protest in ANOTHER area).
"Those against healthcare/spending moved away from the SEIU crowd to avoid confrontation. They were orderly and respectful. Even though SEIU kept coming over and walking through, continuing to be very intimidating and aggressive at the direction of the one SEIU man.
"So we had Montana folks from ALL OVER the state with their homemade signs and their DOGS with homemade signs. We had cowboys, nurses, doctors you name it. There was even a guy from Texas who had been driving through. He found out about the occasion, went to the store, made a sign, and came to protest.
"If you are wondering about the press…..Well, all of the major networks were over by that remote hangar I mentioned. They were conveniently parked on the other side of the buildings FAR away. None of these crowds were even visible to them. I have my doubts that they knew anything about the crowds.
"We did have some local news media around us from this state and Idaho. Speaking of the local media…they were invited. However, all questions were to be turned into the White House in advance of the event. Wouldn’t want anyone to have to think off the top of their head.
"It was very obvious that it was meant to be totally controlled by the White House. Everything was orchestrated down to the last detail to make it appear that Montana is just crazy for Obama and government healthcare. Even those people that talked about their insurance woes……..the White House called our local HRDC (Human Resource and Development Committee) and asked for names. Then the White House asked those folks to come. Smoke and mirrors…EVERYTHING was staged!!!!!!!!!!!
"I am very dismayed about what I learned about our current White House. The amount of control and manipulation was unbelievable. I felt I was not living in the United States of America, more like the USSR!! I was physically nauseous. Joe and I have been around when Presidents or Heads of State visit. It has NEVER been like this. I am truly very frightened for our country. America needs your prayers and your voices. If you care about our country please get involved. Know the issues. And let Congress hear your voices again and again!! If they are willing to put forth so much effort to BULLY a small town one can only imagine what is going on in Washington DC. Scary!!"
Sue
Bozeman, Montana
No Sue, this isn't the USSR... it's just Chicago... a Chicago style campaign that Mr. Obama employed on his race to the top. His strong arm tactics are the only way he can get his way because his ideas have nothing to do with traditional American thought. Stick to your guns. The Constitution and other founding documents were inspired, and are inspiring. How could they not be? Look what they have produced. As a basic guy, I love America as it is... not the America Mr. Obama is desperately trying to spawn.
"Hello All,
"By now you have probably heard that President Obama came to Montana last Friday. However, there are many things that the major news has not covered. I feel that since Joe and I live here and we were at the airport on Friday I should share some facts with you. Whatever you decide to do with the information is up to you. If you chose to share this email with others I do ask that you DELETE my email address before you forward this on.
"On Wednesday, August 5th it was announced locally that the President would be coming here. There are many groups here that are against his healthcare and huge spending so those groups began talking and deciding on what they were going to do. The White House would not release ANY details other than the date.
"On about Tuesday Joe found out that they would be holding the “Town Hall” at the airport (this is only because Joe knows EVERYONE at the airport). Our airport is actually located outside of Belgrade (tiny town) in a very remote location. Nothing is around there. They chose to use a hangar that is the most remotely located hangar. You could not pick a more remote location, and you can not get to it easily. It is totally secluded from the public.
"FYI: We have many areas in Belgrade and Bozeman which could have held a large amount of folks with sufficient parking. (gymnasiums/auditoriums). All of which have chairs and tables, and would not have to be SHIPPED IN!! $$$$$
"During the week, cargo by the TONS was being shipped in constantly. Airport employees could not believe how it just kept coming. Though it was our President coming several expressed how excessive it was, especially during a recession. $$$$$
"Late Tuesday/early Wednesday the 12th, they said that tickets would be handed out on Thursday 9am at two locations and the president would be arriving around 12:30 Friday. Thursday morning about 600 tickets were passed out. However, 1500 were printed at a Local printing shop per White House request. Hmmmm… 900 tickets just DISAPPEARED.
"This same morning someone called into the radio from the local UPS branch and said that THOUSANDS of Dollars of Lobster were shipped in for Obama. Montana has some of the best beef in the nation!!! And it would have been really wonderful to help out the local economy. Anyone heard of the Recession?? Just think…with all of the traveling the White House is doing. $$$$$ One can only imagine what else we are paying for.
"On Friday Joe and I got out to the airport about 10:45am. The groups that wanted to protest Obama’s spending and healthcare had gotten a permit to protest and that area was roped off. But that was not to be. A large bus carrying SEIU (Service Employees International Union) members drove up onto the area (illegal) and unloaded right there. It was quite a commotion and there were specifically 2 SEIU men trying to make trouble and start a fight. Police did get involved and arrested the one man but they said they did not have the manpower to remove the SEIU crowd.
"The SEIU crowd was very organized and young. About 99% were under the age of 30 and they were not locals! They had bullhorns and PROFESSIONALLY made signs. Some even wore preprinted T-shirts. Oh, and Planned Parenthood folks were with them… professing abortion rights with their T-shirts and preprinted signs. (BTW, all these folks did have a permit to protest in ANOTHER area).
"Those against healthcare/spending moved away from the SEIU crowd to avoid confrontation. They were orderly and respectful. Even though SEIU kept coming over and walking through, continuing to be very intimidating and aggressive at the direction of the one SEIU man.
"So we had Montana folks from ALL OVER the state with their homemade signs and their DOGS with homemade signs. We had cowboys, nurses, doctors you name it. There was even a guy from Texas who had been driving through. He found out about the occasion, went to the store, made a sign, and came to protest.
"If you are wondering about the press…..Well, all of the major networks were over by that remote hangar I mentioned. They were conveniently parked on the other side of the buildings FAR away. None of these crowds were even visible to them. I have my doubts that they knew anything about the crowds.
"We did have some local news media around us from this state and Idaho. Speaking of the local media…they were invited. However, all questions were to be turned into the White House in advance of the event. Wouldn’t want anyone to have to think off the top of their head.
"It was very obvious that it was meant to be totally controlled by the White House. Everything was orchestrated down to the last detail to make it appear that Montana is just crazy for Obama and government healthcare. Even those people that talked about their insurance woes……..the White House called our local HRDC (Human Resource and Development Committee) and asked for names. Then the White House asked those folks to come. Smoke and mirrors…EVERYTHING was staged!!!!!!!!!!!
"I am very dismayed about what I learned about our current White House. The amount of control and manipulation was unbelievable. I felt I was not living in the United States of America, more like the USSR!! I was physically nauseous. Joe and I have been around when Presidents or Heads of State visit. It has NEVER been like this. I am truly very frightened for our country. America needs your prayers and your voices. If you care about our country please get involved. Know the issues. And let Congress hear your voices again and again!! If they are willing to put forth so much effort to BULLY a small town one can only imagine what is going on in Washington DC. Scary!!"
Sue
Bozeman, Montana
No Sue, this isn't the USSR... it's just Chicago... a Chicago style campaign that Mr. Obama employed on his race to the top. His strong arm tactics are the only way he can get his way because his ideas have nothing to do with traditional American thought. Stick to your guns. The Constitution and other founding documents were inspired, and are inspiring. How could they not be? Look what they have produced. As a basic guy, I love America as it is... not the America Mr. Obama is desperately trying to spawn.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
"Surrendering the Field"
Years ago while in college I took a military history class. It was a very interesting look at war throughout history. It heralded the great strategic minds that have succeeded over ages past. Some particular battles were turning points. For example, a battle at Canne, France, led to the end of the knight as a war machine and the rise of the long-bowman as an effective warrior.
There was one term that has stuck with me over the years. It is a term I have tried to apply in my personal circumstances. You never "surrender the field" unless it is to continue the fight later on your own terms. Of course, some armies had to "surrender the field" or be annihilated. As some have supposed, its better to be a loser than dead. But these are extreme cases.
While watching a few moments of Good Morning America this morning, I was a little taken back as I watched anchor, Robyn Roberts, "surrender the field." Unfortunately in this case, it had nothing to do with putting herself in a position to continue the fight later on her own terms.
Robyn was reporting on President Obama's staged New Hampshire town hall meeting regarding health care reform from the day before. As she introduced the story, she referred to Mr. Obama as "Fact Checker-in-Chief." Now, I know I'm just a basic guy, but that sounds a lot like "surrendering the field" to me. By relegating to the president the responsibility of "fact checking," she surrendered one of the Press's most lethal weapons. So, the question remains: why isn't the Press fact checking the concerns of the American people? Instead all we hear is that the Americans who are acting all angry and obstinate at this August's rounds of town hall meetings have been whipped into a frenzy by talk radio or been bought off and planted by worried insurance executives.
Well, I say fact check it. Let's have a wary Press fact checking all the claims on both sides of the isle. I'd like to see them quote the health care bill that is being debated. Why haven't we seen such a thing? Instead all we get is Mr. Obama's denials (even though he has admitted having not read the bill himself). One Congresswoman in Missouri asked her constituency, "Don't you trust me?" It was a resounding "no!" Americans are worried about the runaway government all while the Press lays down its weapons.
If the Press refuses to do its duty to protect the American people from an unwieldy government, and instead drops their weapons and runs with the enemy, what else can a people do but put up their own fight the only way they can. Americans have been talking and writing and pressing their opinions to the deaf ears in Washington. So when a chance comes to express their opinion, they speak loudly during town hall meetings.
Call it what you will: unruly or uncivil. These boisterous Americans may not look flattering on camera, but how else can they be heard? How do you talk to the deaf? Congress continues to ram expensive programs down the throats of their constituency, even though the obvious majority doesn't support them. Well, all I can say to my fellow Americans: don't follow in the footsteps of the traitorous Press... do not "surrender the field." If we do, we all lose the battle... not only for ourselves, but our children... their children... and their children's children. Once this battle is lost, there's no turning back.
There was one term that has stuck with me over the years. It is a term I have tried to apply in my personal circumstances. You never "surrender the field" unless it is to continue the fight later on your own terms. Of course, some armies had to "surrender the field" or be annihilated. As some have supposed, its better to be a loser than dead. But these are extreme cases.
While watching a few moments of Good Morning America this morning, I was a little taken back as I watched anchor, Robyn Roberts, "surrender the field." Unfortunately in this case, it had nothing to do with putting herself in a position to continue the fight later on her own terms.
Robyn was reporting on President Obama's staged New Hampshire town hall meeting regarding health care reform from the day before. As she introduced the story, she referred to Mr. Obama as "Fact Checker-in-Chief." Now, I know I'm just a basic guy, but that sounds a lot like "surrendering the field" to me. By relegating to the president the responsibility of "fact checking," she surrendered one of the Press's most lethal weapons. So, the question remains: why isn't the Press fact checking the concerns of the American people? Instead all we hear is that the Americans who are acting all angry and obstinate at this August's rounds of town hall meetings have been whipped into a frenzy by talk radio or been bought off and planted by worried insurance executives.
Well, I say fact check it. Let's have a wary Press fact checking all the claims on both sides of the isle. I'd like to see them quote the health care bill that is being debated. Why haven't we seen such a thing? Instead all we get is Mr. Obama's denials (even though he has admitted having not read the bill himself). One Congresswoman in Missouri asked her constituency, "Don't you trust me?" It was a resounding "no!" Americans are worried about the runaway government all while the Press lays down its weapons.
If the Press refuses to do its duty to protect the American people from an unwieldy government, and instead drops their weapons and runs with the enemy, what else can a people do but put up their own fight the only way they can. Americans have been talking and writing and pressing their opinions to the deaf ears in Washington. So when a chance comes to express their opinion, they speak loudly during town hall meetings.
Call it what you will: unruly or uncivil. These boisterous Americans may not look flattering on camera, but how else can they be heard? How do you talk to the deaf? Congress continues to ram expensive programs down the throats of their constituency, even though the obvious majority doesn't support them. Well, all I can say to my fellow Americans: don't follow in the footsteps of the traitorous Press... do not "surrender the field." If we do, we all lose the battle... not only for ourselves, but our children... their children... and their children's children. Once this battle is lost, there's no turning back.
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