Thanks to the many who supported Grizzly Fest Winter Summit recently. We were fortunate to introduce Palin Nation to several whistle-blowing heroes and government watchdogs – and to get a shout out from Governor Palin about our ongoing fight against crony capitalism. I was super pumped afterward, and appreciated that the Governor and Chuck Heath Sr. took time out of their busy schedules to support our efforts.
Special thanks to Roderic Deane for all his work, as well as the help from the summit planning team. It’s been awesome working with them.
I haven’t been posting much on C4P lately, and I’m grateful for the kind words some of you left on my look into the faith of Mitt Romney last night. It was simply a different angle that I felt uniquely able to provide as someone who shares Gov. Romney’s faith. Sometimes we forget that behind the political headlines, there’s a real person – with a life. I certainly don’t expect anyone to change their political views based on religion. Sweet Lordy no.
But I do have some fleeting thoughts on the primary process heading into Super Tuesday tomorrow that I’d like to share.
As our party attempts to select a nominee, I can’t help thinking of the mythical Blind Men and the Elephant. In that poem, each individual famously latches on to just one part of the great animal, but describes it as the whole.
Perhaps that’s what is happening right now. To some in our midst, the “purest form of conservatism” is Ron Paul’s unwavering commitment to the Constitution. For others it’s Rick Santorum’s vigorous defense of traditional families and social values. Still others find themselves drawn to Newt Gingrich’s searing intellect - or even to Mitt Romney’s business acumen and executive leadership.
Attending CPAC this year for the first time was transformational for me. Because it helped me better see the “whole” elephant.
I witnessed the enthusiasm among the conservative activists (10,000 in attendance – many of them college aged and representing all four camps in the current race). I realized our country is in better shape for the future than we think. It actually put my mind at ease seeing so many engaged conservatives, including so many of us who support Gov. Palin.
I’m not alone in my optimism. When the late great Andrew Brietbart was asked about Mitt Romney at CPAC, and whether he was upset or worried about Romney possibly becoming the nominee, he replied: "Oh, sweet Lordy no. Not even remotely." (I've adopted that phrase.)
He went on to suggest that the Tea Party is still essentially in its infancy. The current crop of presidential candidates by and large pre-date the Tea Party in their governing experiences. None of them is Tea Party pure, with the possible exception of Congressman Ron Paul.
But if we can re-take the Senate, and maintain the house – that is the most important fight this year. A strong GOP majority will bolster and direct any GOP president. Grover Norquist said essentially the same thing in his CPAC address: "All we need is a Republican president with five working digits in his writing hand to sign all the bills from a conservative Congress."
I know I’m stating the obvious, but the truth is, though we’re divided right now, at the end of this process, a presidential nominee will emerge who will represent the party in the fall election (and presumably pick a VP who excites the rest of the GOP faithful who lost out in the primary.)
I look forward to a unified front against the Democrats.
Likewise, I relish the battles to help conservatives win office in local and state elections. Thomas Schmitz and others at American Grizzlies United are working so hard toward that end.
I pray all of us will stay engaged in whatever way we can … even if it’s just giving money … to fight the recall battle in Wisconsin, to support efforts in all 50 states to Open the Books and to fight for cleaner, smaller, smarter government.
But in this search for the “purest form of conservatism” I find myself looking more and more inward – toward a personal definition. These past three years have been a whirlwind -- almost the opposite of conservatism, frankly. I’ve spent hour upon midnight hour stewing over the latest online political news -- under the influence of mega caffeine, naturally. I've had the opportunity to contribute to this great blog, written a political book, started a blog and radio program “Edgy Conservative,” founded Conservatives4Congress, and traveled across the country to meet Gov. Palin and attend several C4P meet-up.
Recently, I've started a new freelance business writing job, and helped out with Grizzly Fest.
And I've gotten very little sleep in the process!
The truth is, since the day Gov. Palin was announced as the vice presidential pick in 2008, my life hasn’t been the same. Gov. Palin inspired me to find my political voice, and to pursue my convictions -- with gusto -- and I’ve met some wonderful new friends along the way.
That being said … I sometimes look back and think that all this political action was just a precursor for something even better. Conservatism, in my view, is about channeling scarce resources toward their highest priority use. And for me right now … my “highest priority use” is raising a family.
As Governor Palin says, “Life is about choices” and I sincerely want my choices to reflect my values.
My three kids (age 9, 7, and 4) still haven’t forgiven me for dragging them to two Tea Party rallies in two different states on Halloween in 2010. They’re still young. And this is my one shot to get it right as a mom. They need my passionate energy directed to their causes. They need me engaged with them, not pounding away furiously on a laptop computer.
I will always be grateful for and cherish the friendships I’ve made in the Palin movement. Thanks for helping me learn the ropes in the conservative cause. I gained a great political education. I’ll definitely be back in the fray someday … when the little ones aren’t so little. Meanwhile, I’ll be donating money here and here while taking a formal break from political blogging.
Take care friends! See you down the road. May God Bless! And may the Grizzly spirit prevail.
Sweet Lordy ... Yes!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Friday, April 1, 2011
Sly Stallone Going Barbarian
Take that HBO! As the cable giant goes forward with Game Change, a gossiping perversion of the McCain-Palin campaign, a trio of Hollywood and entertainment heavyweights has announced intentions to film Ordinary Barbarians, loosely based on a popular Sarah Palin fan blog.
Executive producer and writer Sylvester Stallone says the action-thriller will chronicle the desperate battle to save America from violent socialist thugs and to defend High Commander Sarah Palin from backstabbing lowlifes. "It's a truly inspiring project," the Oscar nominee Stallone said. "I've made a career portraying underdogs, and there is no bigger underdog than Sarah Palin and her supporters at Conservatives4Palin. It's a cause that touches my heart."
Of course, instead of pounding away at computer screens and twittering, these onscreen "barbarians" will be launching grenades and firing AK-47s. Gotta keep the audience awake, right?
Stallone says he came up with the rough concept for "Ordinary Barbarians" after a chance encounter with Palin advisor and Conservatives4Palin co-founder Rebecca Mansour at a Hollywood hotspot. "Becky and I share a certain Mediterranean feistiness," Stallone joked. "I teasingly refer to her as RAMBO FIVE."
Stallone turned heads when he unabashedly told papparazi of his affection for Sarah Palin during the 2008 election.
Robert Duvall, another screen veteran and Sarah Palin fan, is involved as an executive producer in the project.
"It bothers me that certain people in the Republican Party have attacked Palin, like super-nerd George ... What's his name? George ... George, I can't even think. George Will," the perennial tough-guy Duvall joked, referring to the reptilian Washington Post columnist who has been critical of Palin.
"And 'women' like Peggy Noonan (another conservative critic) want to be the only woman on the dais. But Palin is like a rancher's wife. She's strong, she's direct, and she's quick on her feet."
Joining Stallone and Duvall in the project will be 36-year-old pop singer and songwriter, Jewel, an Alaska native, who has been tapped to compose the soundtrack. "It's definitely a challenge for me to write music for an action/war movie," the balladeer Jewel said, adding that she's been drawing inspiration listening to hours and hours of Metallica and Alanis Morrisette. "Fortunately, Alaska women are really can-do women," she said. "I love the state I’m from. The people up there are really grounded, really down to earth. The women feel like they can do everything. And I love it. And I like that about Sarah, as well, though I can’t say we agree on everything political wise."
Stallone, Duvall and Jewel are attempting to convince Angelina Jolie to play the role of Palin. Jolie's father, actor Jon Voight, has said he supports Palin for president in 2012. Jolie has told friends she thinks Obama is a socialist, and that his presidency is nothing but "smoke and mirrors."
Will Jolie bite? Stay tuned. Meanwhile, speaking of bites, Duvall and Stallone are discussing a potential restaurant chain called Barbarian Planet to feed the hungry Palin blogosphere. No doubt Caribou hot dogs will be on the menu.
Executive producer and writer Sylvester Stallone says the action-thriller will chronicle the desperate battle to save America from violent socialist thugs and to defend High Commander Sarah Palin from backstabbing lowlifes. "It's a truly inspiring project," the Oscar nominee Stallone said. "I've made a career portraying underdogs, and there is no bigger underdog than Sarah Palin and her supporters at Conservatives4Palin. It's a cause that touches my heart."
Of course, instead of pounding away at computer screens and twittering, these onscreen "barbarians" will be launching grenades and firing AK-47s. Gotta keep the audience awake, right?
Stallone says he came up with the rough concept for "Ordinary Barbarians" after a chance encounter with Palin advisor and Conservatives4Palin co-founder Rebecca Mansour at a Hollywood hotspot. "Becky and I share a certain Mediterranean feistiness," Stallone joked. "I teasingly refer to her as RAMBO FIVE."
Stallone turned heads when he unabashedly told papparazi of his affection for Sarah Palin during the 2008 election.
Robert Duvall, another screen veteran and Sarah Palin fan, is involved as an executive producer in the project.
"It bothers me that certain people in the Republican Party have attacked Palin, like super-nerd George ... What's his name? George ... George, I can't even think. George Will," the perennial tough-guy Duvall joked, referring to the reptilian Washington Post columnist who has been critical of Palin.
"And 'women' like Peggy Noonan (another conservative critic) want to be the only woman on the dais. But Palin is like a rancher's wife. She's strong, she's direct, and she's quick on her feet."
Joining Stallone and Duvall in the project will be 36-year-old pop singer and songwriter, Jewel, an Alaska native, who has been tapped to compose the soundtrack. "It's definitely a challenge for me to write music for an action/war movie," the balladeer Jewel said, adding that she's been drawing inspiration listening to hours and hours of Metallica and Alanis Morrisette. "Fortunately, Alaska women are really can-do women," she said. "I love the state I’m from. The people up there are really grounded, really down to earth. The women feel like they can do everything. And I love it. And I like that about Sarah, as well, though I can’t say we agree on everything political wise."
Stallone, Duvall and Jewel are attempting to convince Angelina Jolie to play the role of Palin. Jolie's father, actor Jon Voight, has said he supports Palin for president in 2012. Jolie has told friends she thinks Obama is a socialist, and that his presidency is nothing but "smoke and mirrors."
Will Jolie bite? Stay tuned. Meanwhile, speaking of bites, Duvall and Stallone are discussing a potential restaurant chain called Barbarian Planet to feed the hungry Palin blogosphere. No doubt Caribou hot dogs will be on the menu.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Beyond Betrayal: Winning the Tea Party Vote
War is hell, life is unfair ... get over it! Isn't that what Gov. Palin tried to say in her Facebook post last night?
I was shocked at the level of angst I unwittingly inspired yesterday (475+ comments) with the seemingly innocuous suggestion that there might be a few silver linings in a Bachmann candidacy. When I discussed these "Bachmann Benefits" with others on the C4P team, they didn't seem like such radically stupid ideas. Then again, this wouldn't be the first time I have been accused of being completely naive. I prefer to think of myself as being a consumate pragmatist.
Let me first say that I completely agree with the sentiment that Bachmann's potential run "feels" wrong and does have potential negative consequences. It wasn't supposed to go down like this. (And for all we know, it won't. It's still SO early.) In "fairness," Gov. Palin shouldn't have to defend her right flank against "one of her own" while simultaneously taking on RINO Nation and Media Derangement Syndrome.
But why the hell not?
I will give you a few more reasons why a Bachmann run could strengthen Palin. For one, it forces Gov. Palin to "walk the walk" on her praise of contested primaries.
Governor Palin has earned my respect in countless ways, but one of the most glaring is her belief in free market competition. It shows in everything she has done in her career. Shall we review? The woman who would eventually open up competitive bidding on the largest private infrastructure project in North American history has never been afraid to challenge entrenched (and often corrupt) power brokers. From her first days on the city council, she was not about to be CONTROLLED by anyone. She voted against the financial interests of the man who recruited her to the city council! She later challenged the incumbent mayor who had also been one of her key supporters. Yeah, I'll say it: she went Bachmann on him. Let us simply be grateful that in going "Bachmann," she didn't pull an "Obama": try to get him kicked off the ballot.
See, that's the difference between the crony system and the free market system. Cronies attempt to guarantee outcomes -- either by intimidation, bribery or legal shenanigans. Free marketers like Governor Palin promote honest competition and healthy debate on a level playing field. Palin has never subscribed to the "next in line" philosophy so often employed by cronies in the Republican party, most noticiably in presidential politics. Hell, she didn't even endorse her own mother-in-law for mayor (and later regretted it, as Michelle Bachmann may ultimately regret challenging Palin). Can Palin really be surprised that the powerful Tea Party movement would spawn a challenger for her when so often she has insisted there is no single leader of the movement? Don't Americans engaged in the most inspiring grassroots movement in recent political history deserve to have a choice?
And who are we to question Bachmann's motives? Who is to say they aren't just as high-minded as Governor Palin's.
And even if they're not ... so what?
At the end of the day, Bachmann is just another politician Palin will have to defeat in the quest to win more votes. As she has said time and again: contested primaries produce a better product.
And that brings me to my next point ... competition prepares you for the next level by making you a better candidate. On paper, the person who faces the easier path to the nomination should be better off, right? But that's hardly ever the case for presidential challengers. Wrapping up the nomination easily usually means that the public has lost interest in you because you're a sure loser in the general. Drama means interest, and interest means votes.
For presidential challengers, epic primary battles force you to hone your message to appeal to the largest number of people. They also attract the very attention that gives you a boost heading into the general. Heated rivalries suck the oxygen out of the room. We saw this with the monster showdown bewteen Obama and Hillary last time around, and with Bush and McCain in 2000. Seriously, I'm trying to imagine Mitt Romney, Haley Barbour or Tim Pawlenty drawing any attention with Palin and Bachmann in the room.
But how exactly will Gov. Palin compete for the Tea Party vote against Bachmann or any of her other competitors?
She will do something that Obama can never do: she will run on her record.
And if any of Governor Palin's competitors can match her pro-growth, pro-limited government record, more power to them. We have just learned this week the extent of Governor Palin's visionary leadership. Her ACES plan directly led to a $12 billion surplus for Alaska. We'll say it again: $12 billion surplus! Even Alaska Democrats are praising the way Palin's plan attracted private-sector business growth while simultaneously preventing the state from going through the fiscal crisis faced by so many other states. It wasn't inevitable ... it required Palin's leadership and courage to shake things up.
Palin also can point to her record of vetoing wasteful spending projects (the most in Alaska history), forward funding education, and opening up energy development while leveling the competitive field. None of this was a given ... she had to lead.
No one can match Palin on energy development. It is her ace in the hole. In an election that promises to be about "digging" out of a fiscal hell hole, Palin can point to the sure way to get America back on track: unleashing her natural resources. Can you imagine if Palin could do for America's balance sheet what she did for Alaska's? America is only gonna survive our current difficulties if we elect a leader who will stand up to the entitlement classes, call out environmental obstructionists, and sideline the special interest looters.
There is only ONE candidate with a track record of doing just that ... Governor Palin. Through the twists and turns of the heated campaign, let's try to keep that front and center.
Bachmann may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, folks. The next presidential election will be about implementing the Tea Party vision of America. Isn't it only fitting to have two strong, beautiful, fearless conservative women leading the charge, both vying for the opportunity to preside over the rebirth of American exceptionalism?
As a writer, I couldn't think of a better storyline.
And for Tea Party Americans, it may come down to a choice between "good" and "better." In an era of voting for the "lesser" of two evils, that's more than we could ever ask.
Now go ahead and tell I"m completely wrong. Ha!
I was shocked at the level of angst I unwittingly inspired yesterday (475+ comments) with the seemingly innocuous suggestion that there might be a few silver linings in a Bachmann candidacy. When I discussed these "Bachmann Benefits" with others on the C4P team, they didn't seem like such radically stupid ideas. Then again, this wouldn't be the first time I have been accused of being completely naive. I prefer to think of myself as being a consumate pragmatist.
Let me first say that I completely agree with the sentiment that Bachmann's potential run "feels" wrong and does have potential negative consequences. It wasn't supposed to go down like this. (And for all we know, it won't. It's still SO early.) In "fairness," Gov. Palin shouldn't have to defend her right flank against "one of her own" while simultaneously taking on RINO Nation and Media Derangement Syndrome.
But why the hell not?
I will give you a few more reasons why a Bachmann run could strengthen Palin. For one, it forces Gov. Palin to "walk the walk" on her praise of contested primaries.
Governor Palin has earned my respect in countless ways, but one of the most glaring is her belief in free market competition. It shows in everything she has done in her career. Shall we review? The woman who would eventually open up competitive bidding on the largest private infrastructure project in North American history has never been afraid to challenge entrenched (and often corrupt) power brokers. From her first days on the city council, she was not about to be CONTROLLED by anyone. She voted against the financial interests of the man who recruited her to the city council! She later challenged the incumbent mayor who had also been one of her key supporters. Yeah, I'll say it: she went Bachmann on him. Let us simply be grateful that in going "Bachmann," she didn't pull an "Obama": try to get him kicked off the ballot.
See, that's the difference between the crony system and the free market system. Cronies attempt to guarantee outcomes -- either by intimidation, bribery or legal shenanigans. Free marketers like Governor Palin promote honest competition and healthy debate on a level playing field. Palin has never subscribed to the "next in line" philosophy so often employed by cronies in the Republican party, most noticiably in presidential politics. Hell, she didn't even endorse her own mother-in-law for mayor (and later regretted it, as Michelle Bachmann may ultimately regret challenging Palin). Can Palin really be surprised that the powerful Tea Party movement would spawn a challenger for her when so often she has insisted there is no single leader of the movement? Don't Americans engaged in the most inspiring grassroots movement in recent political history deserve to have a choice?
And who are we to question Bachmann's motives? Who is to say they aren't just as high-minded as Governor Palin's.
And even if they're not ... so what?
At the end of the day, Bachmann is just another politician Palin will have to defeat in the quest to win more votes. As she has said time and again: contested primaries produce a better product.
And that brings me to my next point ... competition prepares you for the next level by making you a better candidate. On paper, the person who faces the easier path to the nomination should be better off, right? But that's hardly ever the case for presidential challengers. Wrapping up the nomination easily usually means that the public has lost interest in you because you're a sure loser in the general. Drama means interest, and interest means votes.
For presidential challengers, epic primary battles force you to hone your message to appeal to the largest number of people. They also attract the very attention that gives you a boost heading into the general. Heated rivalries suck the oxygen out of the room. We saw this with the monster showdown bewteen Obama and Hillary last time around, and with Bush and McCain in 2000. Seriously, I'm trying to imagine Mitt Romney, Haley Barbour or Tim Pawlenty drawing any attention with Palin and Bachmann in the room.
But how exactly will Gov. Palin compete for the Tea Party vote against Bachmann or any of her other competitors?
She will do something that Obama can never do: she will run on her record.
And if any of Governor Palin's competitors can match her pro-growth, pro-limited government record, more power to them. We have just learned this week the extent of Governor Palin's visionary leadership. Her ACES plan directly led to a $12 billion surplus for Alaska. We'll say it again: $12 billion surplus! Even Alaska Democrats are praising the way Palin's plan attracted private-sector business growth while simultaneously preventing the state from going through the fiscal crisis faced by so many other states. It wasn't inevitable ... it required Palin's leadership and courage to shake things up.
Palin also can point to her record of vetoing wasteful spending projects (the most in Alaska history), forward funding education, and opening up energy development while leveling the competitive field. None of this was a given ... she had to lead.
No one can match Palin on energy development. It is her ace in the hole. In an election that promises to be about "digging" out of a fiscal hell hole, Palin can point to the sure way to get America back on track: unleashing her natural resources. Can you imagine if Palin could do for America's balance sheet what she did for Alaska's? America is only gonna survive our current difficulties if we elect a leader who will stand up to the entitlement classes, call out environmental obstructionists, and sideline the special interest looters.
There is only ONE candidate with a track record of doing just that ... Governor Palin. Through the twists and turns of the heated campaign, let's try to keep that front and center.
Bachmann may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, folks. The next presidential election will be about implementing the Tea Party vision of America. Isn't it only fitting to have two strong, beautiful, fearless conservative women leading the charge, both vying for the opportunity to preside over the rebirth of American exceptionalism?
As a writer, I couldn't think of a better storyline.
And for Tea Party Americans, it may come down to a choice between "good" and "better." In an era of voting for the "lesser" of two evils, that's more than we could ever ask.
Now go ahead and tell I"m completely wrong. Ha!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Reflections on a Tragic Day
On January 8th, I was enjoying a wintery Saturday in our busy household, planning a grocery list, preparing to take my three kids sledding, and wondering if the Philadelphia Eagles would overcome their recent slump to triumph in the playoffs when I turned on the TV, and to my horror, I learn that a Congresswoman has just been assassinated. For at least 30 minutes the major networks, NPR, and the blogosphere reported that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords had died.
I was horrified and saddened. I couldn't believe this could happen. Then, miracle ... we learned she was not dead, but in critical condition undergoing surgery. Sadly, however, news begins to trickle in that six others were killed, and many more are injured in this vicious mass shooting.
Intriguingly, now, looking back, I did not think twice about the fact that Giffords was involved in one of the races Governor Sarah Palin highlighted in her house challenger map. And I was one who spent six months gearing up for the midterms. I posted Palin's map on my blog, Conservatives4Congress. I displayed it prominently and my fellow bloggers and I tracked the status of those 20 races on election night, where 18 of the house challengers were victorious.
After election night, and after the incumbent Giffords was declared the winner in her razor-close race, that was the last I thought of that map, actually.
Frankly, at a time like this, Giffords' political affiliation didn't matter. I would have had the same response had she been Republican. A young American Congresswoman had been shot! And six others, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old girl had been killed in cold blood.
Which made it all the more gut-wrenching, when I get a strange Facebook comment that very day on my public wall from my ex-boss, Sean Bailey, who never contacts me on Facebook, much less posting something for my 2,700 friends to see. He is curious if I am finally satisfied, now that Palin's crosshairs and gun metaphors have achieved the Tea Party's purpose with Giffords' blood.
Huh?
Was Sean Bailey honestly suggesting that a commonplace political map was responsible for a murderous rampage? Moreover, could Sean Bailey actually believe that the blame lay with the Tea Party, the most peaceful movement in American political history? I thought of the violent G-20 protesters with their arrests and vandalism, and compared it with the law-abiding rallies I'd attended for the Tea Party. But now my former boss and countless others in the liberal media are accusing us all of being accessories to murder?
I decided not to respond to Bailey because I knew that anyone with that kind of irrational mind would not listen to reason. The fact of the matter is that in the midst of a national tragedy, and after not speaking to me for nine months, Bailey decided to reach out to me, a former underling, and attempt to hurt me -- psychologically. The interesting question is why?
He knows I am active in the Tea Party movement. He knows I admire Governor Palin. We'd had pleasant email exchanges in the last six months. We'd talk about our kids, and concern for the health of a former co-worker, the kind of stuff that transcends politics. I'd even shared the fact I'd written a self-published book of satire about the media scrutiny of Sarah Palin, and that I had been quoted in national publications as a Palin supporter.
All was well between us, apparently, until a lunatic shooter who had stalked Giffords since 2007 goes off in Arizona... and somehow Sarah Palin, who wasn't even on the national scene until Sept. 2008 is "to blame" and Bailey decides to contact ME about his misplaced rage.
And yes, I admire Sarah Palin ... in the same way I can appreciate many people admire Barack Obama. I would never hold him accountable for the actions of a psycho killer, even though Obama himself has employed violent metaphors on many occasions. He recently urged an audience to "punish your enemies." He has compared Republicans to "hostage takers," and told supporters that if Republicans bring a knife to the fight, Democrats should "bring a gun." This is what you call "free speech" and aggressive campaign rhetoric, even if it violates Obama's mythical "new politics."
Political free speech does not cause violence. It helps us PREVENT violence by giving us an outlet to voice our frustration, and to inform and mobilize our right to vote. This was the case during the eight years of Bush hatred on the Left, when dissent was "patriotic" remember? And this is what Palin has been saying the last year, time and again denouncing ridiculous suggestions that she is calling for an armed revolution. She was calling for people to vote, and no one but the truly unhinged Palin haters believe otherwise, notwithstanding the fact she is a hunter and she is Christian, which somehow makes her the reincarnation of ... Pol Pot?
And so I decided to write this cathartic blog post ... Actually it was recommended to me by someone I respect greatly in the financial business who shares my Tea Party philosophy.
I will not be cowed by people who hate Sarah Palin and the Tea Party. I will not be silenced by those who hope to shame our movement. We have a vision for a constrained government in which the people are sovereign. I thought this quote summed it up well, what we're "fighting" for and will continue to "fight" for even when opposed by the metaphorically challenged.
I was horrified and saddened. I couldn't believe this could happen. Then, miracle ... we learned she was not dead, but in critical condition undergoing surgery. Sadly, however, news begins to trickle in that six others were killed, and many more are injured in this vicious mass shooting.
Intriguingly, now, looking back, I did not think twice about the fact that Giffords was involved in one of the races Governor Sarah Palin highlighted in her house challenger map. And I was one who spent six months gearing up for the midterms. I posted Palin's map on my blog, Conservatives4Congress. I displayed it prominently and my fellow bloggers and I tracked the status of those 20 races on election night, where 18 of the house challengers were victorious.
After election night, and after the incumbent Giffords was declared the winner in her razor-close race, that was the last I thought of that map, actually.
Frankly, at a time like this, Giffords' political affiliation didn't matter. I would have had the same response had she been Republican. A young American Congresswoman had been shot! And six others, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old girl had been killed in cold blood.
Which made it all the more gut-wrenching, when I get a strange Facebook comment that very day on my public wall from my ex-boss, Sean Bailey, who never contacts me on Facebook, much less posting something for my 2,700 friends to see. He is curious if I am finally satisfied, now that Palin's crosshairs and gun metaphors have achieved the Tea Party's purpose with Giffords' blood.
Huh?
Was Sean Bailey honestly suggesting that a commonplace political map was responsible for a murderous rampage? Moreover, could Sean Bailey actually believe that the blame lay with the Tea Party, the most peaceful movement in American political history? I thought of the violent G-20 protesters with their arrests and vandalism, and compared it with the law-abiding rallies I'd attended for the Tea Party. But now my former boss and countless others in the liberal media are accusing us all of being accessories to murder?
I decided not to respond to Bailey because I knew that anyone with that kind of irrational mind would not listen to reason. The fact of the matter is that in the midst of a national tragedy, and after not speaking to me for nine months, Bailey decided to reach out to me, a former underling, and attempt to hurt me -- psychologically. The interesting question is why?
He knows I am active in the Tea Party movement. He knows I admire Governor Palin. We'd had pleasant email exchanges in the last six months. We'd talk about our kids, and concern for the health of a former co-worker, the kind of stuff that transcends politics. I'd even shared the fact I'd written a self-published book of satire about the media scrutiny of Sarah Palin, and that I had been quoted in national publications as a Palin supporter.
All was well between us, apparently, until a lunatic shooter who had stalked Giffords since 2007 goes off in Arizona... and somehow Sarah Palin, who wasn't even on the national scene until Sept. 2008 is "to blame" and Bailey decides to contact ME about his misplaced rage.
And yes, I admire Sarah Palin ... in the same way I can appreciate many people admire Barack Obama. I would never hold him accountable for the actions of a psycho killer, even though Obama himself has employed violent metaphors on many occasions. He recently urged an audience to "punish your enemies." He has compared Republicans to "hostage takers," and told supporters that if Republicans bring a knife to the fight, Democrats should "bring a gun." This is what you call "free speech" and aggressive campaign rhetoric, even if it violates Obama's mythical "new politics."
Political free speech does not cause violence. It helps us PREVENT violence by giving us an outlet to voice our frustration, and to inform and mobilize our right to vote. This was the case during the eight years of Bush hatred on the Left, when dissent was "patriotic" remember? And this is what Palin has been saying the last year, time and again denouncing ridiculous suggestions that she is calling for an armed revolution. She was calling for people to vote, and no one but the truly unhinged Palin haters believe otherwise, notwithstanding the fact she is a hunter and she is Christian, which somehow makes her the reincarnation of ... Pol Pot?
And so I decided to write this cathartic blog post ... Actually it was recommended to me by someone I respect greatly in the financial business who shares my Tea Party philosophy.
I will not be cowed by people who hate Sarah Palin and the Tea Party. I will not be silenced by those who hope to shame our movement. We have a vision for a constrained government in which the people are sovereign. I thought this quote summed it up well, what we're "fighting" for and will continue to "fight" for even when opposed by the metaphorically challenged.
You and I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon if I can. I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for the dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say: This I have done. All this is what it means to be American. (Dean Alfange, originally published in Reader’s Digest 10/52)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Wait, Did My Get-Out-The-Vote Blog Inspire You to Take Out a Shopping Mall? My Bad
As supporters of Governor Palin we’ve grown accustomed to her defiance of political convention, and refusal to cave in to the delusional memes concocted by liberals and establishment Republicans.
The latest fantasy narrative is that she should apologize for being falsely accused of inciting murder. The mother-of-five who was instantly and incredulously blamed for inspiring a madman’s massacre has now been blasted for not being sufficiently apologetic in her reaction to those baseless accusations, her heartfelt declarations of sympathy and support for the victims notwithstanding.
But how do you apologize for not being the cause of something?
As Steve Martin used to say, “Excuuuuuuuse me.”
In the spirit of unwarranted groveling to the PC Gods, I’d like to apologize for displaying Governor Palin’s now-infamous targeting map on my blog, Conservatives4Congress. Kelsey and I, and others, wrote about the Healthcare 20 challengers. I hope the media far and wide will start to blame us conservative bloggers for our roles in random acts of voting, I mean, rightwing extremism.
Little did we know, little could we hope, that our irascible and feverish blogging would lead to a Democrat disaster: the sudden dismissal of 69 of their house and senate members. And frankly, it should be perfectly clear that we controlled the electorate – with grammar.
While I’m needlessly apologizing for everything under the liberal sun, I’d also like to say, I’m sorry for inadvertently causing the Galveston Flood of 1900 that killed around 8,000 people. That was never my intent. I wasn’t born yet at the time, obviously, but I have visited Galveston on multiple occasions. My in-laws live there and my husband grew up there. And everyone who knows me, knows I’m unabashedly windy in my conversation. I could have easily stirred up some waves -- given the chance. Hurricane Ike in '08, likewise ... my bad.
I should probably also fess up to the wildfires that scorch Southern California on a regular basis. I am a Southern California native, after all, and spent 16 years in the vicinity of these recurrent killer flames. I’m also somewhat of a hothead. No doubt, I share some blame and should “cool” down my tone.
And, finally, I have to admit, I was driving down 13th street in Wichita, Kansas right past George Tiller’s church the day he was gunned down. My church was actually a few blocks away on the same street, meeting at roughly the same time. I must have had something to do with it given that my car was on the same road as the killer's. And I am pro-life.
I think the only logical takeaway from this sad ordeal in Tuscon, is that next time a criminal strikes, we should all collectively take some blame. It's only fair.
In liberal looneyville, the only acceptable response to a mass shooting or act of terror, is in fact:
“Was it something I said? Oh, I’m so sorry! I'll try to do better next time.”
That way, we can replace a fabricated climate of hate, with a delusional atmosphere of self-loathing. Much better, isn't it?
The latest fantasy narrative is that she should apologize for being falsely accused of inciting murder. The mother-of-five who was instantly and incredulously blamed for inspiring a madman’s massacre has now been blasted for not being sufficiently apologetic in her reaction to those baseless accusations, her heartfelt declarations of sympathy and support for the victims notwithstanding.
But how do you apologize for not being the cause of something?
As Steve Martin used to say, “Excuuuuuuuse me.”
In the spirit of unwarranted groveling to the PC Gods, I’d like to apologize for displaying Governor Palin’s now-infamous targeting map on my blog, Conservatives4Congress. Kelsey and I, and others, wrote about the Healthcare 20 challengers. I hope the media far and wide will start to blame us conservative bloggers for our roles in random acts of voting, I mean, rightwing extremism.
Little did we know, little could we hope, that our irascible and feverish blogging would lead to a Democrat disaster: the sudden dismissal of 69 of their house and senate members. And frankly, it should be perfectly clear that we controlled the electorate – with grammar.
While I’m needlessly apologizing for everything under the liberal sun, I’d also like to say, I’m sorry for inadvertently causing the Galveston Flood of 1900 that killed around 8,000 people. That was never my intent. I wasn’t born yet at the time, obviously, but I have visited Galveston on multiple occasions. My in-laws live there and my husband grew up there. And everyone who knows me, knows I’m unabashedly windy in my conversation. I could have easily stirred up some waves -- given the chance. Hurricane Ike in '08, likewise ... my bad.
I should probably also fess up to the wildfires that scorch Southern California on a regular basis. I am a Southern California native, after all, and spent 16 years in the vicinity of these recurrent killer flames. I’m also somewhat of a hothead. No doubt, I share some blame and should “cool” down my tone.
And, finally, I have to admit, I was driving down 13th street in Wichita, Kansas right past George Tiller’s church the day he was gunned down. My church was actually a few blocks away on the same street, meeting at roughly the same time. I must have had something to do with it given that my car was on the same road as the killer's. And I am pro-life.
I think the only logical takeaway from this sad ordeal in Tuscon, is that next time a criminal strikes, we should all collectively take some blame. It's only fair.
In liberal looneyville, the only acceptable response to a mass shooting or act of terror, is in fact:
“Was it something I said? Oh, I’m so sorry! I'll try to do better next time.”
That way, we can replace a fabricated climate of hate, with a delusional atmosphere of self-loathing. Much better, isn't it?
The Antidote
The antidote to liberal nastiness is to give them a dose of their own medicine.
They will then wail and caterwaul like you've insulted Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
"Oh, you've spoken too harshly against Dear Leader."
"You've used military rhetoric in a political campaign."
"You're not going along with our program. You're hateful."
All the while, they slander and insult you - in uncivil fashion, I might add.
Kinda like my ex-boss did moments after Gabrielle Giffords was shot. Here's what I was doing: sitting in my tiny rented house, minding my own business, playing with my three small children, planning a grocery list, wondering if the Philadelphia Eagles would overcome the recent praise from Dear Leader or be cursed like our economy ... when I flip on Fox News (yes, I watch Fox News like millions of other Americans) and to my horror I learn that a Congresswoman has just been assassinated. For 30 minutes the major networks and blogosphere reported that Giffords had died.
I was horrified and saddened. I couldn't believe this could happen. Then, miracle ... we learn she's not dead, but is in critical condition undergoing surgery. But the sad news begins to trickle in that six others were killed, and many more are injured.
Not once in all this news viewing did it occur to me that Giffords was in Palin's "crosshairs" map. Giffords' political affiliation didn't matter. I knew she was a Democrat. I knew she was a 2nd Amendment-supporting, border-enforcing Democrat who had also voted for health care legislation, and against Pelosi as minority leader. I'd seen her interviewed numerous times on Fox News. But politics didn't matter in that moment, for me at least. I would have had the same response had she been Republican! A young American Congresswoman had been shot! And six others, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old girl had been killed in cold blood. No words for the way I felt.
I don't think my initial reaction to the tragedy was anything unique. And I was one who spent six months gearing up for the midterms. I posted an image of Palin's "infamous" map on my blog, Conservatives4Congress. I displayed it prominently and my fellow bloggers and I tracked the status of those 20 races on election night.
And after election night, 18 out of the 20 house challengers were victorious. Several days later the votes were tallied that declared incumbent Giffords the winner in her close race. And that's the last I ever thought about the now infamous "map" as I'm sure is the case with most Tea Party Americans.
Until that awful Saturday, when, to my shock, I get a Facebook comment on my public wall from my ex-boss, Sean Bailey, who never contacts me via Facebook because he claims to have my status updates on "ignore." He is curious if I am finally satisfied, now that Palin's crosshairs and gun metaphors have achieved the Tea Party's purpose.
What the HELL? Satisfied? Achieved our purpose? Are you INSANE? We're freakin' in shock like the rest of America -- and you're blaming US for this massacre? Wait. I repeat ... What the HELL?
And that was my reaction. I honestly wanted to reply: You SUCK SEAN BAILEY. Or worse.
But reason prevailed, knowing that Sean is a hopeless leftist, not worth any vain attempt to enlighten or even insult, I simply chose to hit "delete" on his public comments to my 2,700 Facebook friends ... I can't even tell you exactly what Bailey wrote. The prick. But my anger simmered.
How dare Sean Bailey and his liberal ilk libel the Tea Party movement, the most peaceful movement in American political history! Unlike the vicious, vandalizing G-20 protesters, Tea Partiers respect life and property. Liberals can't point to a single instance of law-breaking behavior from the Tea Party and now they're accusing us of being accessories to murder?
And let me just say a little bit about boundaries, Bailey. I QUIT working for you, in part, because I felt hounded - even as a telecommuter. Over the long haul, your free-floating anxiety did not mesh well with my generalized anxiety disorder. Yeah, I have a disorder. Does that make me immune from critique? Maybe if I were still a liberal. But I own up to my problems now that I'm a conservative. I have a nervous personality, and Bailey would always third degree me. It's creepy. He bullies people, and I'm not the only one to notice. He is intolerant to anyone with a different political view, obviously, and his position at the company is sadly autocratic. Has been for 10 years. Best thing I coulda done was get myself free from that shit.
Now, in the midst of a national tragedy, and after not speaking to me for nine months, Bailey decides to "reach out" with his freakishly juvenile accusations. Which disturbed me more than all the shit coming from the Krugmans, the wackos at MSNBC, and Hanoi Jane Fonda.
It disturbed me because this was my 52-year-old former boss who praised me when I left, and with whom I'd had pleasant email exchanges in the last six months. We'd talk about our kids, and concern for the health of a former co-worker, the kind of stuff that transcends politics. I'd even shared the fact I'd written a self-published book of satire about the media scrutiny of Sarah Palin, and that I had been quoted in national publications as a Palin supporter. He politely feigned interest. I kept our communications upbeat and pleasant. All was well.
So, there was no doubt that Bailey's only intent on January 8th was to injure me psychologically. For some reason, when an obscure Congresswoman on the other side of the country was shot, one of his first thoughts was: Hey, I'm gonna contact Nicole and accuse her hero of murder right on her public Facebook wall! For some reason ... that was what this "man" thought to do on a day of tragedy and bloodshed.
And yes, I admire Sarah Palin ... in the same way I can appreciate many people admire Barack Obama.. I would never hold him accountable for the actions of a lunatic killer, even though Obama himself has employed violent metaphors on many occasions. He recently urged an audience to "punish your enemies." He has compared Republicans to "hostage takers," and told supporters that if Republicans bring a knife to the fight, Democrats should "bring a gun." This is what you call "free speech" and typical campaign rhetoric, even if it violates Obama's mythical "new politics."
Political free speech does not cause violence. It helps us PREVENT violence by giving us an outlet to voice our frustration with the government, and to exercise our right to vote. This was the case during the eight years of Bush hatred on the Left, when dissent was "patriotic" remember? And this is what Palin has been saying the last year, time and again denouncing suggestions that she was calling for an armed revolution. She was calling for people to vote, and no one but the truly unhinged Palin haters could believe otherwise. Notwithstanding the fact she is a hunter. EEK! She hunts! She's Christian! Scary!
And so I decided to start this cathartic blog ... Actually it was recommended to me by someone I respect greatly in the financial business who shares my Tea Party philosophy.
Consider this my "public" response to your petulant and blood libelous accusations, Bailey. And when I say "Kiss My Ass, Bailey" I'm speaking metaphorically. Since you are a literalist when it comes to conservative rhetoric, I don't want you to get the mistaken impression that I want you anywhere NEAR my ass. And just in case you are unable to discern derisive metaphor from literally wanting you near my ass, I'll remind you that my husband has a shotgun. I'm certain that scares you.
Oh, and thanks for defriending me on Facebook after I ignored your childish post.
Bailey logic: Insane shooter kills six in Arizona. I must defriend Nicole Coulter.
Avoir, douche.
They will then wail and caterwaul like you've insulted Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
"Oh, you've spoken too harshly against Dear Leader."
"You've used military rhetoric in a political campaign."
"You're not going along with our program. You're hateful."
All the while, they slander and insult you - in uncivil fashion, I might add.
Kinda like my ex-boss did moments after Gabrielle Giffords was shot. Here's what I was doing: sitting in my tiny rented house, minding my own business, playing with my three small children, planning a grocery list, wondering if the Philadelphia Eagles would overcome the recent praise from Dear Leader or be cursed like our economy ... when I flip on Fox News (yes, I watch Fox News like millions of other Americans) and to my horror I learn that a Congresswoman has just been assassinated. For 30 minutes the major networks and blogosphere reported that Giffords had died.
I was horrified and saddened. I couldn't believe this could happen. Then, miracle ... we learn she's not dead, but is in critical condition undergoing surgery. But the sad news begins to trickle in that six others were killed, and many more are injured.
Not once in all this news viewing did it occur to me that Giffords was in Palin's "crosshairs" map. Giffords' political affiliation didn't matter. I knew she was a Democrat. I knew she was a 2nd Amendment-supporting, border-enforcing Democrat who had also voted for health care legislation, and against Pelosi as minority leader. I'd seen her interviewed numerous times on Fox News. But politics didn't matter in that moment, for me at least. I would have had the same response had she been Republican! A young American Congresswoman had been shot! And six others, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old girl had been killed in cold blood. No words for the way I felt.
I don't think my initial reaction to the tragedy was anything unique. And I was one who spent six months gearing up for the midterms. I posted an image of Palin's "infamous" map on my blog, Conservatives4Congress. I displayed it prominently and my fellow bloggers and I tracked the status of those 20 races on election night.
And after election night, 18 out of the 20 house challengers were victorious. Several days later the votes were tallied that declared incumbent Giffords the winner in her close race. And that's the last I ever thought about the now infamous "map" as I'm sure is the case with most Tea Party Americans.
Until that awful Saturday, when, to my shock, I get a Facebook comment on my public wall from my ex-boss, Sean Bailey, who never contacts me via Facebook because he claims to have my status updates on "ignore." He is curious if I am finally satisfied, now that Palin's crosshairs and gun metaphors have achieved the Tea Party's purpose.
What the HELL? Satisfied? Achieved our purpose? Are you INSANE? We're freakin' in shock like the rest of America -- and you're blaming US for this massacre? Wait. I repeat ... What the HELL?
And that was my reaction. I honestly wanted to reply: You SUCK SEAN BAILEY. Or worse.
But reason prevailed, knowing that Sean is a hopeless leftist, not worth any vain attempt to enlighten or even insult, I simply chose to hit "delete" on his public comments to my 2,700 Facebook friends ... I can't even tell you exactly what Bailey wrote. The prick. But my anger simmered.
How dare Sean Bailey and his liberal ilk libel the Tea Party movement, the most peaceful movement in American political history! Unlike the vicious, vandalizing G-20 protesters, Tea Partiers respect life and property. Liberals can't point to a single instance of law-breaking behavior from the Tea Party and now they're accusing us of being accessories to murder?
And let me just say a little bit about boundaries, Bailey. I QUIT working for you, in part, because I felt hounded - even as a telecommuter. Over the long haul, your free-floating anxiety did not mesh well with my generalized anxiety disorder. Yeah, I have a disorder. Does that make me immune from critique? Maybe if I were still a liberal. But I own up to my problems now that I'm a conservative. I have a nervous personality, and Bailey would always third degree me. It's creepy. He bullies people, and I'm not the only one to notice. He is intolerant to anyone with a different political view, obviously, and his position at the company is sadly autocratic. Has been for 10 years. Best thing I coulda done was get myself free from that shit.
Now, in the midst of a national tragedy, and after not speaking to me for nine months, Bailey decides to "reach out" with his freakishly juvenile accusations. Which disturbed me more than all the shit coming from the Krugmans, the wackos at MSNBC, and Hanoi Jane Fonda.
It disturbed me because this was my 52-year-old former boss who praised me when I left, and with whom I'd had pleasant email exchanges in the last six months. We'd talk about our kids, and concern for the health of a former co-worker, the kind of stuff that transcends politics. I'd even shared the fact I'd written a self-published book of satire about the media scrutiny of Sarah Palin, and that I had been quoted in national publications as a Palin supporter. He politely feigned interest. I kept our communications upbeat and pleasant. All was well.
So, there was no doubt that Bailey's only intent on January 8th was to injure me psychologically. For some reason, when an obscure Congresswoman on the other side of the country was shot, one of his first thoughts was: Hey, I'm gonna contact Nicole and accuse her hero of murder right on her public Facebook wall! For some reason ... that was what this "man" thought to do on a day of tragedy and bloodshed.
And yes, I admire Sarah Palin ... in the same way I can appreciate many people admire Barack Obama.. I would never hold him accountable for the actions of a lunatic killer, even though Obama himself has employed violent metaphors on many occasions. He recently urged an audience to "punish your enemies." He has compared Republicans to "hostage takers," and told supporters that if Republicans bring a knife to the fight, Democrats should "bring a gun." This is what you call "free speech" and typical campaign rhetoric, even if it violates Obama's mythical "new politics."
Political free speech does not cause violence. It helps us PREVENT violence by giving us an outlet to voice our frustration with the government, and to exercise our right to vote. This was the case during the eight years of Bush hatred on the Left, when dissent was "patriotic" remember? And this is what Palin has been saying the last year, time and again denouncing suggestions that she was calling for an armed revolution. She was calling for people to vote, and no one but the truly unhinged Palin haters could believe otherwise. Notwithstanding the fact she is a hunter. EEK! She hunts! She's Christian! Scary!
And so I decided to start this cathartic blog ... Actually it was recommended to me by someone I respect greatly in the financial business who shares my Tea Party philosophy.
Consider this my "public" response to your petulant and blood libelous accusations, Bailey. And when I say "Kiss My Ass, Bailey" I'm speaking metaphorically. Since you are a literalist when it comes to conservative rhetoric, I don't want you to get the mistaken impression that I want you anywhere NEAR my ass. And just in case you are unable to discern derisive metaphor from literally wanting you near my ass, I'll remind you that my husband has a shotgun. I'm certain that scares you.
Oh, and thanks for defriending me on Facebook after I ignored your childish post.
Bailey logic: Insane shooter kills six in Arizona. I must defriend Nicole Coulter.
Avoir, douche.
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