My Conversation with Chris Cannon

Today, Alvin and I were able to spend two-and-a-half hours with Chris Cannon and a few other Precinct Chairs. He welcomed us into his home and it was great to listen to what he had to say, and to hear others stand up and talk about how impressed they've been with Chris and his time served in the Congress.

I have been a staunch supporter of Chris for many years. To learn of my experiences with Chris over the eleven years he has served as my congressman, read what I wrote on my personal blog: "Become a Partner With Chris Cannon."

Today I learned that one of his opponents has chosen to hammer him for not being present for various votes which needed to be cast by him. Chris is a hard-working congressman who fights for his constituents, the Constitution and this nation every minute, of every day, of every week, of every month and year. Today, one of his staff outlined for us what was going on in Chris' life when he missed those votes.

The first time his wife, Claudia, was having a baby. (She chimed in that she was old when this occurred and she needed Chris by her side.) Really, his opponent has a problem with Chris being by his wife's side when she gave birth to one of their children? That's not a man I'd want to vote for.

The second time was when his daughter, Rachel, was sick, so was the third time as she was reacting violently due to the medications she was being given. The fourth time he missed the vote was when his sweet daughter died. What kind of man would attack our congressman over these missed votes?

There was indeed one time when Chris missed a vote because he was working hard on some legislation and heard the buzzer too late to get the floor and cast his vote. He did say he felt pretty bad about that one.

Chris does not rush to the floor to vote on bills renaming post offices or roads, or other nonsensical matters which I am floored to find Congress dabbling in . . . but there you have it. Our Congressman was busy dealing with the bills he was writing, co-sponsoring or submitting in order to protect our rights and our lands here in Utah.

Again I ask . . . what opponent would challenge him on this?

So I brought up my concerns. I asked what was being done about our dependence on foreign oil. I knew this was a hot issue for him. He asked me if I knew how much was being sent out of the country? I nodded and replied, "$450 billion . . ." I was wrong. It is now $550 billion! Chris has been pushing hard to end of our reliance on foreign oil. He told us about reports stating we have five times the amount of shale oil in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah as they do in the Middle East. He explained the technology was in place, a company had purchased the rights to the technology and is prepared to begin drilling in the fall. They only have 47 government agencies which have to sign off on it. He feels pretty optimistic that it will come to pass. Until it does, he'll keep fighting for it.

In the meantime, the Democrats are fighting the Republicans tooth and nail. They want us to continue being reliant on foreign energy sources. The only answer to the myriad of problems we face in America is the taking back of the Senate and the House. Some say it can't be done. I say it will be deadly if it is not.

By the way . . . shale oil produces diesel and will drastically drop the diesel costs here in Utah. I'm guessing we will all want to start looking at diesel engines eventually. Just keep your eye on the news.

We also talked about immigration and how he and the other committee members drove along our southern border checking the fence which has been built. He talked about erroneous numbers coming out of Homeland Security, there's a surprise, and shared with us what he'd actually experienced.

He favors a worker ID program for the following reasons:

1. We don't know who is illegal in the U.S. and who is not. Finding out will cost a fortune.
2. We don't have the manpower to round them up and it will cost a fortune to hire all the policemen and agents needed to accomplish this monumental task.
3. He believes a worker ID program will restrict them being able to use our Emergency Rooms for their free medical visits and end their reliance on our welfare programs.
4. And finally he said we need to increase the number of citizenship spots available

I don't know if Chris is right, but I sure haven't heard a better plan. Yes, we need to close the borders. Fight with us to take the majority of the Senate and the House back and get the job done. It won't get done with the Democrats. Yes, we need to rectify the illegal immigration problem, this definitely won't get done with the Democrats. In other words, work with us to bring Conservative Republicans, like Chris, back into power so that we can get America back on the right track.

We spoke about universal health care. He's not a fan of it. Neither am I.

We spoke about the War on Terror. He thinks our efforts can be logistically improved, but that pulling out now would be the worst mistake we could make. I agree.

We spoke of honor, integrity, the courage to stand for the issues as well as the values and needs of Utahns despite all obstacles. He has done this.

I have spoken with Chris often over the last few years, as I outlined in the article on my personal blog linked at the top of this article, and he has always answered me. Whether by email, letter or phone call, Chris has been my support, in the congressional sense, when I stood helpless against issues only my congressman could fix. And he fixed them. He has never let me down. Ever.

You can go to Chris' website and learn where he stands and what he's done on the issues facing America today. You can check his record in Congress and see for yourself what he has done for the State of Utah and the constituents of the 3rd Congressional District.

In other words, it behooves you to investigate the claims made by the other candidates and learn for yourself why I stand behind Chris Cannon in his bid for the 3rd Congressional seat. The websites links of each of the candidates are available to the left of this article.

Catching Up

Just a quick update.

My brain is still fried from the LDS Storymakers Writers Conference. Apparently I overloaded the brain with the teaching as well as everything I learned. Valuable two days! I'm already looking forward to next year and have started putting money aside so that I can just stay at the hotel and actually sleep in a little. Getting up at 4:00 was the for the birds!

I'm buckling down and forcing myself to write for four to six hours a day, so I'll only be blogging every other day from now on. Sorry . . .

Alvin is doing great. He and I are hitting the gym four times a week now in pursuit of those bodies we had in college. He's lost 22 pounds so far and working hard to keep it coming off so that he can get his transplant in April. I'm still praying hard that all the efforts he is making pay off and the weight comes off FAST. The transplant team is being really cranky about the excess weight. The man's lost 135 pounds, but that's okay. He only has 55 more to go and he's back to his college weight. The trick is maintaining the workout schedule without pushing him so hard that he doesn't get sick. So he stops whenever he's feeling lightheaded.

Here's the ironic part, on Thursdays and Saturdays we get up and work at 4:00 in the morning. Yes, I'm beginning to stagger with exhaustion. But we'll be skinny soon, right? Alvin will have a new kidney. Life will be better, freeing up 25 hours a week for Alvin, giving him the energy, strength and stamina to play sports again, help with the garden and the yard . . . just things he hasn't been able to do. So it's all good!

Check out the yourLDSneighborhood link to the left. What a great website! I am so excited. I'll be writing for them now. We're just working out all the kinks and then I'll begin submitting articles. It's a great place to browse, read, shop and win contests. Just by signing up on their email list you're eligible to win fabulous prizes. I don't want to go to China, but that Caribbean is lookin' good! I'm pleased to be associated with such a great company.

I am still the blog manager over at LDSBlogs.com as well. I'm still blogging in their Leaders and Basic Mormon Beliefs sections. That won't change. I love writing about the gospel too much.

Huh, maybe I can afford to actually go get a pedicure again! Man, I have missed those!

Politics . . . well I was elected Precinct Chair again. I'm excited about those individuals who were elected in our precinct. I decided to start a blog for our precinct in the hopes that people will use it to keep up with everything that is happening in the political season. It is my hope it will help us to all become better informed voters. So if you live in Orem 28 Precinct, hit http://orem28.blogspot.com for your updates. I'm trying to track down the candidates and get some interviews done to post on there. If I manage, I'll post them here too.

Hang in there everyone. Dreams are worth pursuing. Life is worth living. And, family is worth fighting for, to the death.

Caucus Day for Utah Republicans

Today is the day!

Your neighborhood caucus is your best chance to effect change in the political process at the grass roots level.

Tonight, Republicans across the state of Utah will be gathering in their local caucuses to elect delegates, precinct chairs, precinct vice-chairs and support staff. These people then go on to the county and state Republican conventions where the vast political field is whittled down to a single candidate, for example, Chris Cannon.

If that candidate cannot garner 60% of the vote at convention, then it will go to a primary between the two highest contenders. This is where you as the voter step in and choose one candidate to represent our part in the November elections.

It is an exciting political process our nation is founded on. Through this process, power has passed from American to American without any coups, revolutions or uprisings. This is a privilege that Americans enjoy and should be excited to participate in.

Over the pulpit of the LDS Church this last Sunday a letter was read from The First Presidency. They asked all wards to be sure to not have any meetings or activities that night and every Latter-day Saint go to the caucuses and participate in the political process.

We have been admonished to choose honest and wise men to lead us in government.

Proverbs 29:2 reads: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."

This is where it starts. The caucuses begin at 7:00 p.m. tonight. Click here to find your caucus location. Hire the babysitter, grab your husband and all those who are of voting age in your household and join us!

This is where it all begins!

Whitney Award Winners Announced!

The Whitney Awards Gala concluded the two-day long LDS Storymakers Writers Conference. H.B. Moore and Annette Lyon did an exemplary job in coordinating and running the conference. We had every level of the writing market represented. From the beginning writers to the most accomplished, it mattered not.

Tristi Pinkston and I were in charge of the Boot Camp and it simply rocked! We, along with Gordon Ryan, Janette Rallison, Cindy Bezas, Jamie Theler and Deborah Talmadge taught topics such as "Creating a Believable Antagonist," "Balancing Your Writing," "Choosing Your Words," "Showing Emotion in Your Writing, " and "Dialogue vs. Exposition." Each instructor did a fantastic job and I feel like we packed a lot of learning, growing and teaching in that 4 1/2 hour time block.

The classes provided throughout the two days were fantastic. Published authors taught a number of classes on "Writing a Hook," "Making the Leap from the LDS Market to the National Market," "How to Write a Synopsis," "The Editing Process," "Internet Marketing," on and on. One class after another shed so much light on the writing process, from inception to sale.

G.P. Putnam's Sons Senior Editor, Timothy Travaglini (silent "g"), spoke and also taught a class. I have reams of notes from his classes which were packed with great tips, humor and self-deprecating humor . . . and a great deal of humor directed at his client, national Young Adult author, Janette Rallison -- whose books simply rock!

Jamie Weiss Chilton, a national literary agent with Andrea Brown Literary Agency, represents clients who write children's books, teen novels, middle grade fiction, chapter books, picture books, and narrative nonfiction. She was our Saturday lunch keynote speaker and did a fantastic job explaining how to submit things to her, what to look for and we learned a little more about her in the process. She likes our mountains.

Lisa Mangum of Desert Book gave a fantastic class learning to "love" the slush pile. Not sure that's ever going to happen but she gave us some great info how to make sure we catch her attention and keep it. Again, reams of notes.

Kirk Shaw of Covenant Communications also taught a wonderful class on ways to get our story noticed. Excellent tips, wonderful sample of a query letter, and general good information all the way around. Need I repeat myself . . . yeah, tons of notes.

All in all, I ended up in conversations with just about everybody. Have been given the opportunity to submit my new manuscripts to three different publishing houses. Now it's up to me to take full advantage of this opportunity. I am leaning a little more toward one than the other two . . . but really, whoever ponies up the most marketing dollars will be my favorite.

And on to the Whitney Awards. All I can is WOW! We had live commentary going on at http://whitneyawards.blogspot.com. Some very funny and astute, talented people did the blogging . . . Matthew Buckley, Tristi Pinkston, Jamie Theler and Hillary Blair (Kerry Lynn Blair's daughter.)

YourLDSNeighborhood.com was the big sponsor of the night for the Whitney Awards. Truly an amazing organization. The LDS Storymakers and Whitney Awards Academy thank them profusely for their generosity and help. The tables were elegantly set with gorgeous floral centerpieces, snow white table clothes and burgundy napkins. We were all dressed to the nines . . . okay maybe some were sixes and sevens, but you get the drift. The first Whitney Awards gala was amazing.

The Whitney Awards are named after early Mormon apostle, Orson F. Whitney. In 1888 he said,

"We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own.

"God's ammunition is not exhausted. His brightest spirits are held in reserve for the latter times. In God's name and by His help we will build up a literature whose top shall touch heaven, though its foundations may now be low in the earth.

"Small things are the seeds of great things, and, like the acorn that brings forth the oak, or the snowflake that forms the avalanche, God's kingdom will grown, and on the wings of light and power soar to the summit of its destiny."

And the winners are:

Best Romance/Women's Fiction: Michele Paige Holmes ~ Counting Stars
Best Mystery/Suspense: Josi Kilpack ~ Sheep's Clothing
Best Young Adult/Children's Fiction: Brandon Mull ~ Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star
Best Speculative Fiction: Shannon Hale ~ Book of a Thousand Days
Best Historical: H.B. Moore ~ Out of Jerusalem: Land of Inheritance
Best Novel By a New Author: Jessica Day George ~ Dragonslippers
Best Novel of the Year: Coke Newell~ On the Road to Heaven

Congratulations to each of you! You richly deserve your rewards.

There were Lifetime Achievement Awards given to: Jennie Hansen, Anita Stansfield and Dean Hughes.

The room was filled with national authors as well as regional authors, publishers, magazines and family to all of the above.

Heather Moore and Annette Lyon did a FANTASTIC job in pulling this all together. My metaphorical hat is off to them.

Robison Wells and his committee did an incredible job with the Whitney Awards. The awards themselves were amazing. YourLDSNeighborhood.com donated cash awards for every winner. The two awards (Best Novel and Best New Author) were awarded $1,000, and every other winner was awarded $500. So a HUGE thank you to YourLDSNeighborhood.com. I bow to your greatness!

Julie Wright, her husband, Scott and their precious daughter (whose name is escaping me at the moment,) did an incredible job with the conference bookstore. Books from ALL the Whitney Award finalists were there as well as books from every single LDS Storymaker working the conference. Yes, I even dropped some money in there. I'm going to have some happy nephews and nieces. Jules -- every year you rock this and this year was no exception. Thanks for the incredible amount of hard work and effort you and your family put in every single year.

I'm just so proud of everyone. We already outgrew the Sandy facility and will be looking for a bigger venue next year. Jeffrey S. Savage has been chosen as the "Gentleman in Charge" (I'm sure he wants to be called King Jeff or something like that) for the 2009 writers conference. This is a must attend, we just get bigger and better every year. Check the LDS Storymakers website often, and as of December 1, 2008 you will be able to register for the 2009 conference. Don't wait, don't delay. We're selling out fast and completely now, every year. And every year, the conference organizers, instructors and speakers go out of way their to insure you get more than your money's worth.

We have been touted the best writers conference west of the Mississippi. I put ours up against anyone's, nationwide . . . we are the best! And modest too. So start saving your money now . . . next year's is going to be amazing.

John McCain on Budget & Economy

John McCain. Yes, I know . . . it's shocking that I've come from such a strong supporter of Mitt Romney whom I believe would have pulled this nation back from the brink of disaster it currently stands at . . . to being a strong supporter of John McCain. You know, interestingly enough . . . it only takes someone like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to get me to jump on board with McCain. Granted, I'm having to take something for the continual nausea I feel, but there you have it. If we hope to have a nation to turn over to Mitt Romney in 2012 we've got to vote for John McCain. So, I've done some research on the man in the hopes that I can bring more of my fellow Conservatives to the same agreement. (And yes, by the time 2010 rolls around there will be a new political party and home for the Conservatives of America: the Independent American Party. But I'm getting ahead of myself.)

From his website we grab his bio:

John McCain has a remarkable record of leadership and experience that embodies his unwavering lifetime commitment to service. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona in 1982, John has led the fight for reforming Washington, eliminating wasteful government spending, and strengthening our nation's armed forces.

John McCain's reform agenda to reduce federal spending and lower taxes quickly elevated him to statewide office and he was elected to the United States Senate in 1986, after serving two terms in the U.S. House.

In the Senate, John continued to demand that Congress put an end to loopholes for special interests and fix the broken system in Washington that too often allows lobbyists to write legislation and members of Congress to waste taxpayer money. In November 2004, Senator McCain was overwhelmingly reelected with nearly 77 percent of the vote.

As the son and grandson of distinguished Navy admirals, John McCain deeply values duty, honor and service of country. John attended college at the United States Naval Academy, and launched a 22-year career as a naval aviator upon his graduation. He continued the McCain tradition of service to country passed down to him from his father and grandfather when he asked to serve in the Vietnam War.

On July 29 1967, John narrowly survived the first of many near-death experiences during his lifetime while preparing to take off on a bombing mission over North Vietnam from his ship, the USS Forrestal. A missile accidentally fired from a nearby plane struck the fuel tanks on John's plane and created a deadly inferno aboard the ship. John barely escaped the fiery disaster that killed 134 men, injured hundreds more and destroyed 20 planes.

Instead of taking the option to return home after the Forrestal disaster, Senator McCain volunteered for more combat duty - a fateful decision that stopped the clock on his life and separated him from his family, and country, for five and a half years.

During his 23rd bombing mission on October 26, 1967, a missile struck John's plane and forced him to eject, knocking him unconscious and breaking both his arms and his leg. John was then taken as a prisoner of war into the now infamous "Hanoi Hilton," where he was denied necessary medical treatment and often beaten by the North Vietnamese.

John spent much of his time as a prisoner of war in solitary confinement, aided by his faith and the friendships of his fellow POWs. When he was finally released and able to return home years later, John continued his service by regaining his naval flight status.

Senator McCain's last Navy duty assignment was to serve as the naval liaison to the United States Senate. John retired from the Navy in 1981. His naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Senator McCain has seven children and four grandchildren, and currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Cindy.

Moving on to his record on the issues:

1. On Budget and Economy

McCain's statements, as drawn from Republican debates, are as follows:

Q: Are Americans better off than they were eight years ago?

A: You could argue that Americans overall are better off, because we have had a pretty good prosperous time, with low unemployment and low inflation and a lot of good things have happened. A lot of jobs have been created. But let's have some straight talk. Things are tough right now. Americans are uncertain about this housing crisis. Americans are uncertain about the economy, as we see the stock market bounce up and down. But I think what we're trying to do to fix this economy is important. We've got to address the subprime housing problem. We need to make the Bush tax cuts permanent, which I voted for twice to do so. I think we need to eliminate the alternate minimum tax.

A: I think we are better off overall if you look at the entire eight-year period, when you look at the millions of jobs that have been created, the improvement in the economy, etc. (2008 Republican debate at Reagan Library in Simi Valley Jan 30, 2008)

Q: Do you have a plan to help people with bad credit get lower interest rates so they can keep those homes and avoid foreclosure?

A: Yes, and it's tough here in California, it's tough in Arizona, it's tough particularly all over, but it's very tough particularly in the high growth states. The efforts that have been made so far are laudable. We may have to go further, but the fact that the FHA and the other organizations of government under Secretary Paulson's direction, and he is doing a good job of sitting down and fixing at least a significant number of these problems. We've got to return to the principal that you don't lend money that can't pay it back. There's some greedy people on Wall Street that perhaps need to be punished. There's got to be a huge amount more of transparency as to how this whole thing came about so we can prevent it from happening again. If necessary, we're going to have to take additional actions and particularly in cleaning up a mortgage. (2008 Republican debate at Reagan Library in Simi Valley Jan 30, 2008)

A mortgage should be one page and there should be big letters at the bottom that says, "I understand this document." We ought to adjust the mortgages so people who were eligible for better terms, but were somehow convinced to accept the mortgages which were more onerous on them. We need to fix the rating systems, which clearly were erroneous in their ratings, which led people to believe that there were these institutions which were stable, which clearly were not. We may have to take further steps if this subprime lending situation continues to be serious. Part of the problem in any recession is psychological. I'm still optimistic that nothing is inevitable. I still rely on the innovation and the talent of the US. But we've got to make the tax cuts permanent. We need to get rid of the Alternative Minimum Tax. We need to give people a depreciation in one year for their business and investment. We need to encourage research and development and tax credits that are associated with it. (2008 Republican debate at Reagan Library in Simi Valley Jan 30, 2008)

Q: Is it a problem for your campaign that the economy is now the most important issue, one that, by your own acknowledgment, you are not well versed on?

A: Actually, I don't know where you got that quote from. I'm very well versed in economics. I was there at the Reagan Revolution. I was there just after we enacted the first tax cuts and the restraints on spending. I was chairman of the Commerce Committee in the Senate, which addresses virtually every major economic issue that affects the US. I'm very well versed on economics. That's why I have a strong team around me that respect my views and my vision. And that's why The Wall Street Journal, in a survey of economists recently, that the majority of economists thought that I could handle the nation's economy best. And I have been a consistent fighter to restrain spending and to cut taxes. And my credentials and my experience and my knowledge of these economic issues, I think, are extensive. And I would match them against anybody who's running. (2008 GOP debate in Boca Raton Florida Jan 24, 2008)

FactCheck: Said--then denied--he needed economics education

McCain cast doubt on moderator Tim Russert's assertion that the candidate had said he was no expert on economics. Russert claimed that McCain had repeatedly said, "I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated." McCain responded, "Actually, I don't know where you got that quote from. I'm very well-versed in economics."

Russert's quote comes from a 2005 interview with the Wall Street Journal on Nov. 26, 2005: "I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated."

We could not find that McCain has said that quote "repeatedly," but he has made similar comments recently The Chicago Tribune quoted McCain talking to reporters on Dec. 18, 2007: "The issue of economics is something that I've really never understood as well as I should. I understand the basics, the fundamentals, the vision, all that kind of stuff." (FactCheck.org on 2008 GOP debate in Boca Raton Florida Jan 24, 2008) (OntheIssues.org)

Q: Why should we continue a Republican in the White House with the current kind of economic record?

A: I will, as president, veto every one of these big spending bills. I will impose some fiscal discipline. We will clean up our act and we will regain the confidence of the American people as being careful stewards of our tax dollars, and we will fix this problem with having to borrow money from China, then we will balance our budget, just like every governor in America has been required to do. (2008 GOP debate in Boca Raton Florida Jan 24, 2008)

Q: You would leave troops in Iraq for an indefinite period. How will you do this, both militarily & economically?

A: I know of no military leader, including Gen. Petraeus, who says we can't sustain our effort in Iraq. So you're wrong. The fact is, we are succeeding in Iraq. We're going back down to previous levels, and we will be able to withdraw troops over time if we succeed. We have American troops all over the world today & nobody complains about it because we're defending freedom That's one of the obligations of being the world's superpower. I'm proud to adopt the strategy that is succeeding, and that's happened. I'm the only one that said that. It is succeeding. We will be able to reduce our costs, and we will be able to have a stable Middle East, where our vital national interests, national security interests are at stake. I'm so proud of the job that the men and women in the military are doing there, and they don't want us to raise the white flag of surrender. (2008 GOP debate in Boca Raton Florida Jan 24, 2008)

On reforming insurance to cover violent weather patterns, McCain said:

As more and more violent weather patterns take place, people's homes are more and more in jeopardy. We can address it regionally. We can address it with the governors and the legislatures working with the federal government to have insurance spread across state lines, increasing the risk pool. We can reform insurance. I will call the regulators, the governors and the legislators and work together to provide every American that's in jeopardy to have the insurance that they need and deserve. (2008 GOP debate in Boca Raton Florida Jan 24, 2008)

Q: If we're talking about a recession in the next few months, in 2008, what kind of short-term, more immediate government fixes would you propose to try to keep the slowdown diminished or to reverse it? And would you support them even if they added to th government deficit?

A: The first thing we need to do is stop the out-of-control spending. Out-of-control spending is what caused the interest rates to rise. It causes people to be less able to afford to own their own homes. We need to stop the spending And the way we can get our budget under control is to have strong, fundamental fiscal underpinnings. The second thing that we need to do, of course, is stop spending $400 billion a year overseas to oil-producing countries that come right out of our economy immediately. Some of that money goes, unfortunately, to fund terrorist organizations. We've got to develop technologies to reduce this dependency on foreign oil, and eventually eliminate it, and stop this outflow of some $400 billion a year. (2008 GOP debate in S.C. sponsored by Fox News Jan 10, 2008)

Q: Does our country's financial situation creates a security risk?

A: Of course, any nation that no longer has economic strength sooner or later will lose its military strength, so it's a national security issue. We have many trillions of dollars of unfunded liability. Obviously, we've been on a spending spree. If oil reaches $100 a barrel, which many people think it may, $400 billion of America treasure will go to oil-producing countries. Some of those monies will go to terrorist organizations.
Source: 2007 Des Moines Register Republican debate Dec 12, 2007

Q: Have Republicans forgotten how to control spending?

A: Absolutely. We let spending lurch completely out of control. As president of the United States, I'd take an old veto pen that Ronald Reagan gave me, and I'd veto every single pork barrel bill that comes across my desk. And we've got to stop it and stop it now. I look forward to it. (2007 GOP YouTube debate in St. Petersburg, Florida Nov 28, 2007)

Congress spends money like a drunken sailor, McCain responded:

"We lost the election in 2006 because we lost our way. We began to value principle over power, and spending got out of control. Spending lurched completely out of control. Ronald Reagan used to say, we spend money like a drunken sailor. I never knew a sailor, drunk or sober, with the imagination of the Congress. I received an e-mail recently from a guy who said, "As a former drunken sailor, I resent being compared to members of Congress." (2007 GOP primary debate, at Reagan library, hosted by MSNBC May 3, 2007)

Q: How will you be different, in any way, from Pres. Bush?

A: I would have vetoed spending bill after spending bill after pork-barrel project after pork-barrel project, in the tradition of President Reagan. The first pork-barrel bill that crosses my desk, I'm going to veto it and make the authors of those pork-barrel items famous all over America. We're going to stop it.

Q: What specific programs would you cut if you were president?

A: Line-item veto is the best tool. We need it very badly. (2007 GOP primary debate, at Reagan library, hosted by MSNBC May 3, 2007)

For Balanced Budget Amend., & off-budget Social Security

McCain was one of only two Republicans who voted twice, in 1995 and again in 1997, to take Social Security “off-budget” - removing it from balanced budget calculations as part of a constitutional balanced budget amendment - which would have prevented the government from filling the trust fund with “IOU’s”. (McCain for President web Site Jul 2, 1999)

List of budgetary spending priorities

* McCain would “maintain status” on spending for:
* AIDS programs
* Environmental programs
* Foreign aid
* Housing projects
* Job training programs
* Medicaid & Medicare
* Student loan programs

* McCain would “slightly increase” spending for:Education (K-12)
* Law enforcement
* Military & Veterans Benefits
* Border Control

* McCain would “slightly decrease” spending for:NASA
* Welfare

* McCain would eliminate spending for:Arts funding

Source: Project Vote Smart, 1998, www.vote-smart.org Jul 2, 1998

From John McCain's website we find his economic stimulus plan for dealing with all these budget and economy issues:

• Cut The Corporate Tax Rate From 35 To 25 Percent.
• Allow First-Year Deduction, Or “Expensing”, Of Equipment And Technology Investments.
• Establish Permanent Tax Credit Equal To 10 Percent Of Wages Spent On R&D.
• These Are Essential First Steps On The Path To Fundamental Tax Reform, Which Could Increase U.S. GDP By As Much As 10 Percent Over The Long Term.[
  

Senator McCain . . . you NEED Mitt Romney desperately to help come up with an Economic Stimulus plan that will help America across the board.

All in all, he has some good ideas, both in his responses in the debates, and his plan, but he doesn't have the "know how" to get the job done. He needs Mitt Romney as his running mate. With McCain's strength in national security and Romney's strength in business and the economy, they'd be an unbeatable team.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have plans that will do nothing but bring us into a full slide in socialism (government takes care of you because you're not smart enough to do it yourself,) and stomping toward communism. These two, independently of each other, or together, will bring down the America we know and introduce the way Russia governs her people on to these sacred shores.

John McCain WILL defend this nation. He's done so personally and as a Senator. He will make sure we remain strong as a nation. With Mitt Romney handling the business matters here at home--HINT, HINT, HINT--they would insure America would remain as a leading superpower. And that's right where we want her. If America falls, as she would under Obama or Clinton, there will be no last line of defense for freedom in the world. And if you think that's bad, stop and think what freedom you will have lost right in your backyard.

Watch for John McCain on Energy & Oil . . . coming Monday, March 24, 2008.

Lest We Forget

Today I received a beautiful email from my brother which had been forwarded from all around the world, originating from an old Dutch Airman who wished to honor all those of the Allies who had fallen in wars past. American, British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealanders are who he specifically mentioned. I couldn't forward it for some reason, so decided to post it on my blog today to be shared with the world.

I add my heartfelt thanks and continual prayers that the families of these men and women are protected and cared for. This country we live in, still the greatest in the world, is under attack from those who wish to destroy us . . . and yes, I name Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton at the top of that list. This war John Kerry says we lost . . . if we'd lost we'd all be wearing burkas and fathers and brothers would be killing their daughters and sisters on a regular basis. Freedom of speech would be a thing of the fondly remembered past when things weren't as bad as we thought. Free enterprise will be gone and we'll all be working for the government trying to eek out a living while the rich get richer and the poor get poorer (see USSR or Russia as she is now known.)

So, please look at these pictures and remember these soldiers, from all who defended freedom, who have paid the ultimate price for your freedom.

Remember this America we love so much, this freedom that you no longer treasure because you've never had it challenged in a way that makes you understand how precarious our situation truly is, this way of life you enjoy . . . for all the free countries in the world . . . for all those who are able to get up and go to work in a job of their choice . . . for all those who are allowed to pay for their children to go to private schools . . . for all those who began a small family business and grew it into a corporation . . for the Mom & Pop grocery store on the corner . . . for the small salon . . . for the small window cleaning business armed by a single man with a bucket and a squigee . . . for that college student who pays her way through school walking dogs . . .

None of this is possible under a communist government. Socialism is on our doorstep, and my friends, this is what our troops fight against every day. Remember them in your prayers this night and every night hereafter. And live your lives worthy of these sacrifices.

Remember what it cost.

Obama and His Mentor

Barack Obama continues to softly denounce Jeremiah Wright's words of racism, hatred and bigotry without denouncing Wright as the hatemonger he is.

My husband, Alvin, tells me the sentiments of Jeremiah Wright are common in all black churches. I found myself amazed that could be true until I watched Bill O'Reilly interview two women who heartily defended Wright's remarks and repeated what my husband had told me.

So first, let me say this. I unashamedly and vehemently denounce slavery and that part of our nation's history which condoned it. 620,000 men died fighting this very battle which freed those same people who had been enslaved. Bigotry, and it was VERY wrong, continued until brave young men and women marched in the streets and risked their very lives to bring forth equality to all of the human race. I couldn't be prouder of those people.

BUT! I now listen to this unmitigated garbage preached over the pulpits of Black America and wonder, if you hate America so much . . . if you blame America for all your ills and woes . . . if you wish to see her brought to her knees and conquered by Islamic jihadists . . . keep it up. A divided America is just makes her weak. If you hate America so much, leave.

And Barack Obama? He talks about inclusion, he talks about a United States of America and I happen to agree with him. But I don't believe he really thinks that way. Because if he did, he would turn his back on the Trinity United Church of Christ, as Oprah did, and walk away from the place who preaches divisiveness with all the energy and hatred they can muster. If he truly believed in a United States of America he would categorically denounce the message of hatred and racism, as well as its purveyor.

In Newsmax yesterday this column appeared. It's worth reading:

Obama Attended Hate America Sermon

Sunday, March 16, 2008 7:14 PM
By: Ronald Kessler

Obama claims he was completely unaware that the Reverend Wright’s trademark preaching style at the Trinity United Church of Christ targeted “white” America.

Contrary to Senator Barack Obama’s claim that he never heard his pastor Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. preach hatred of America, Obama was in the pews last July 22 when the minister blamed the “white arrogance” of America’s Caucasian majority for the world’s suffering, especially the oppression of blacks.

Senator Obama has sought to separate himself from his pastor’s incendiary remarks, issuing a statement Friday rejecting them as “inflammatory and appalling” but failing to renounce Wright himself for his venomous and paranoid denunciations of America.

In his press release, Obama claimed, “The statements that Rev. Wright made that are the cause of this controversy were not statements I personally heard him preach while I sat in the pews of Trinity [United Church of Christ] or heard him utter in private conversation.”

Appearing on cable news shows this past weekend, Obama claimed when he saw recent videos that have Wright making such comments as “God damn America,” he was “shocked.” Obama implied that the reverend had not used such derogatory language in any of the church services Obama attended over the past two decades.

If Obama’s claims are true that he was completely unaware that Wright’s trademark preaching style at the Trinity United Church of Christ has targeted “white” America and Israel, he would have been one of the few people in Chicago to be so uninformed. Wright’s reputation for spewing hate is well known.

In fact, Obama was present in the South Side Chicago church on July 22 last year when Jim Davis, a freelance correspondent for Newsmax, attended services along with Obama. [See: ”Obama’s Church: Cauldron of Division.”]

In his sermon that day, Wright tore into America, referring to the “United States of White America” and lacing his sermon with expletives as Obama listened. Hearing Wright’s attacks on his own country, Obama had the opportunity to walk out, but Davis said the senator sat in his pew and nodded in agreement.

Addressing the Iraq war, Wright thundered, “Young African-American men” were “dying for nothing.” The “illegal war,” he shouted, was “based on Bush’s lies” and is being “fought for oil money.”

Obama’s most famous celebrity backer, Oprah Winfrey began attending Wright’s church in 1984. Last year, Newsmax magazine reported that Winfrey abruptly stopped attending years ago, and suggested that she did so to distance herself from Wright’s inflammatory rhetoric. She soon found herself a target of Wright, who excoriated her for having broken with “traditional faith.”

The Reverend Wright’s anti-white theology that Senator Obama expressed surprise over is evident on the church’s website. The site says the congregation subscribes to what it calls the Black Value System, which is described as a disavowal of “our racist competitive society” and the pursuit of “middle-classness.” That is defined as a way for American society to “snare” blacks rather than “killing them off directly” or “placing them in concentration camps,” just as the country structures “an economic environment that induces captive youth to fill the jails and prisons.”

“In the 21st century, white America got a wake-up call after 9/11/01,” Wright wrote in the church-affiliated magazine Trumpet four years after the attacks. “White America and the western world came to realize that people of color had not gone away, faded into the woodwork or just ‘disappeared’ as the Great White West kept on its merry way of ignoring black concerns.”

The Relationship Unravels

Senator Obama now is attempting to minimize his long and close relationship with the controversial minister.

On Friday, John McCain’s campaign distributed a Wall Street Journal op-ed “Obama and the Minister” written under my byline based on my reporting for Newsmax going back to early January of this year.

The op-ed included details of a sermon Wright gave at Howard University blaming America for starting the AIDS virus, training professional killers, importing drugs, shamelessly supporting Israel, and creating a racist society that would never elect a black man as president. [See: “Obama’s Minister’s Hatred of America.”]

Obama’s campaign quickly responded to the Wall Street Journal op-ed, posting a statement on the Huffington Post. In his statement, Obama acknowledged that some of Wright’s statements have been “inflammatory and appalling.”

Saying he strongly condemns Wright’s comments, Obama continued, “I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies. I also believe that words that degrade individuals have no place in our public dialogue, whether it’s on the campaign stump or in the pulpit. In sum, I reject outright the statements by Rev. Wright that are at issue.” [emphasis added]

Again, Obama moved to narrowly distance himself from specific comments Wright had made, while still praising his minister in recent interviews for leading him to Jesus and preaching a “social gospel.”

Obama went on to claim that he first learned about Wright’s controversial statements when he began his presidential campaign. But this assertion conflicts with the fact that just before Obama’s nationally televised campaign kickoff rally on Feb. 10, 2007, the candidate disinvited Wright from giving the public invocation.

At the time, Wright explained: “When [Obama’s] enemies find out that in 1984 I went to Tripoli” to visit Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, “a lot of his Jewish support will dry up quicker than a snowball in hell.”

According to Wright, Obama then told him, “'You can get kind of rough in the sermons, so what we’ve decided is that it’s best for you not to be out there in public.'” Still, Obama and his family prayed privately with Wright just before the presidential announcement.

Apparently Obama never foresaw Wright’s sermons making national television or becoming a sensation on YouTube. But lending graphic detail to the saga, ABC News and other networks began running a 2003 sermon in which Wright said, “The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing ‘God Bless America.’ No, no, no, God damn America, that’s in the Bible, for killing innocent people ... God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme.” [Click Here to see video]

Obama has described Wright as a sounding board and mentor. Wright is one of the first people Obama thanked after his election to the Senate in 2004. Obama consulted Wright before deciding to run for president. The title of Obama’s bestseller “The Audacity of Hope” comes from one of Wright’s sermons. Obama’s “Yes We Can!” slogan is one of Wright’s exhortations.

Apologists for Wright have said that what he says is normal in black churches, and many blacks claim such preaching cannot be understood by whites.

“If you’re black, it’s hard to say what you truly think and not upset white people,” the New York Times quoted James Cone as saying. Cone is a professor at Union Theological Seminary and the father of what is known as black liberation theology.

But Juan Williams, a Fox News commentator and author of “Enough: The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements, and Culture of Failure That Are Undermining Black America,” tells Newsmax that Wright’s sermons reflect “the victim mindset that is so self-defeating in the black community and one that is played on by weak black leadership that chooses to have black people identified as victims rather than inspiring them as people who have overcome. In posing as victims, they say the most prejudiced and vicious things, not only about whites but about America. They call it theology. In fact, it’s nothing but bigotry.”

In failing to condemn Wright himself and claiming that he was unaware of the preacher’s hate-filled speech, Obama is continuing a longstanding pattern.

Obama often refers to Wright as being "like an old uncle, who sometimes says things I don't agree with." Wright is not Obama’s “uncle” — a person born into a blood relationship — but a man he has cultivated for decades as a close friend, mentor and adviser.

After Newsmax broke the story on Jan. 14 that Wright’s church gave an award to Louis Farrakhan in December for lifetime achievement, Obama again sought to denounce his minister’s action without criticizing Wright himself.

Like Wright, Farrakhan has repeatedly made hate-filled statements targeting Jews (calling Judaism a “gutter religion”), whites, and America. He has called whites “blue-eyed devils” and the “anti-Christ.” He has described Jews as “bloodsuckers” who control the government, the media, and some black organizations.

After the Newsmax story, Obama issued a statement purportedly addressing the issue.

"I decry racism and anti-Semitism in every form and strongly condemn the anti-Semitic statements made by Minister Farrakhan," Obama said.

Again, Obama was careful not to condemn Farrakhan himself or Wright who had spoken adoringly of Farrakhan and put their church behind the award to the controversial Nation of Islam leader.

“When Minister Farrakhan speaks, black America listens,” Trumpet quoted Wright as saying. “His depth on analysis [sic] when it comes to the racial ills of this nation is astounding and eye-opening. He brings a perspective that is helpful and honest.”

Obama adroitly said, “I assume that Trumpet magazine made its own decision to honor Farrakhan based on his efforts to rehabilitate ex-offenders, but it is not a decision with which I agree.”

In fact, Trumpet is published by Wright’s church using the church’s offices. Wright’s daughters serve as publisher and executive editor.

Having gotten away with sidestepping Wright’s adoring comments about Farrakhan, Obama told Jewish leaders flatly in Cleveland on Jan. 24 that the award was because of Farrakhan’s work with ex-offenders. To date, no news outlet has pointed out that Obama’s claim is false.

Obama went on to explain away Wright’s anti-Zionist statements as being rooted in his anger over the Jewish state’s support for South Africa under its previous policy of apartheid. As with his claim that the award to Farrakhan was made because of his work with ex-offenders, Obama made that up. Wright’s statements denouncing Israel have not been qualified in any way.

On Fox News’ Hannity & Colmes on Friday, Obama said he would have quit the church if he had “repeatedly” been present when Wright made inflammatory statements. He was not asked why he did not quit the church when it gave an award to Farrakhan.

Having considered Wright a friend and mentor for two decades, Obama now often mentions that his pastor recently retired. Wright suggested to the New York Times last year that he and Obama might have to do something of a distancing act in the run up to the election.

"If Barack gets past the primary, he might have to publicly distance himself from me," Wright was quoted by The New York Times. "I said it to Barack personally, and he said, ‘Yeah, that might have to happen.'"

Ronald Kessler is chief Washington correspondent of Newsmax.com. View his previous reports and get his dispatches sent to you free via e-mail. Go here now.

© 2008 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

And so I ask again, is this really the man we want running the most powerful country in the world? Not if you want her to remain that way. If he cannot walk away from a purveyor of hate then what conviction will he have in the White House when faced with untold numbers of America's enemies, many, apparently, within our own borders.

LDS Storymakers Conference

This is it. This is the week. The anxiously awaited LDS Storymakers writers conference is finally here. This weekend, March 21st and 22nd, writers, both published and unpublished, will gather in Sandy, Utah to spend two days networking, learning, pitching and honing their craft. We've had some seats open up (illness, accidents, etc.), so take a look at our schedule and see if you don't really want to join us! Email Annette if you're interested.

FEATURED PRESENTERS:

Timothy Travaglini
Senior Editor at G.P. Putnam's Sons
(a division of Penguin Group, USA)

Tim Travaglini has worked at Walker & Company; Henry Holt; Scholastic; and Books of Wonder, an all-children's bookstore in Manhattan. He is the editor of How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-boyfriend by Janette Rallison; the MONSTER BLOOD TATTOO trilogy by D. M. Cornish;
Blackbringer (FAERIES OF DREAMDARK, Book One) by Laini Taylor; Bean Thirteen by Matthew McElligott; and Yellowbelly and Plum go to School by Nathan Hale.

Jamie Weiss Chilton
Agent—Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.

Jamie Weiss Chilton represents children's books, teen novels, middle grade fiction, chapter books, picture books, and narrative nonfiction. Her specific interests include literary fiction with intense emotional content (character-driven, not issue-driven plots); smart thrillers and mysteries; science fiction; surreal stories and magical realism; sweet, funny, quirky chapter books and picture books.

Jamie's career in children's books began in 1998, with an editorial internship at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, followed by positions as an Editorial Assistant and Assistant Editor at Bantam Delacorte Dell, Wendy Lamb Books, and Knopf & Crown Books for Young Readers, all divisions of Random House Children's Books. After returning to her hometown of Los Angeles, Jamie pursued her love of children's books in a new arena, as Conference Manager and Golden Kite Award Director at the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

Conference Highlights:

Friday Night Entertainer: David Nibley
Panel: LDS Publishers
Panel: Finding an agent
One-to-one interviews with editors/agents

And your favorites:

• Writing Contest-- NOW CLOSED -- Good luck to all who entered! (someone's gonna win a nifty-slick Neo Alphasmart)
• Boot Camp
• Exclusive Book Store
  

Special Announcement:

Saturday Night: The Whitney Awards Gala—
Recognizing excellence in fiction by LDS authors
(Watch for the announcement of finalists at The Whitney Awards
on January 15, 2008 at 7:00 a.m. MST.)

Schedule Tentative; Subject to Change

Friday, March 21, 2008

7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Boot Camp

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Registration

11:00 - 11:15 a.m. Welcome and Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Robison Wells

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Lunch & Keynote Speaker, Editor Tim Travaglini: Getting Out of the Slush Pile

12:30 - 1:20 p.m. Breakout Workshops #1

• Writing in Spite of a Busy Life: Rachel Ann Nunes
• ADVANCED - Writing a Synopsis: Josi Kilpack
• Writing about Real issues for Children & Youth: Tamra Norton
  

1:30 - 2:20 p.m. Breakout Workshops #2

• The Middle Grade Writer: Character, Voice & Audience: Lael Littke
• 10 Things That Get You Noticed/What LDS Publishers are Looking For: Kirk Shaw, Covenant
• BEGINNING - Your First Novel: Step by Step Basics: Heather Moore & Julie Wright
  

2:20 - 3:00 p.m. Break: Bookstore & Mingling

3:00 - 3:50 p.m. Breakout Workshops #3

• Creating Your Inner Writing Team: Carroll Morris
• ADVANCED - The Editing Process: Lisa Mangum, Deseret Book
• Non-Fiction—Finding Your Niche: Shirley Bahlmann & Jaime Theler
  

4:00 - 4:50 p.m. Publishers Panel

• Q&A with representatives from major LDS publishing houses

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. General Session Speaker: Chris Crowe, Author

6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Break: Bookstore & Mingling

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Dinner & Entertainment with Comedian David Nibley

Saturday March 22, 2008

7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Boot Camp Conclusion

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Registration for Saturday-only Attendees)

9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Robison Wells

9:30 - 10:20 a.m.

• Panel: Finding an Agent, with Jeff Savage, James Dashner, Janette Rallison, & Brandon Sanderson

10:30 - 11:20 a.m. Breakout Workshops #1

• Self-Publishing from Writing to Distribution: Jewel Adams & Marsha Ward
• Improve Your Writing: Tip from a Senior Editor at Putnam: Tim Travaglini
  

11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Breakout Workshops #2

• Critique Groups in Action: Annette Lyon, Heather Moore, Lu Ann Staheli, Michele Paige Holmes, Jeff Savage, & James Dashner
• Fantasy—Creating a New World: Brandon Sanderson
• Internet Promotion—Blogging/Podcasts/Reviews: Tristi Pinkston & Candace Salima
  

12:30 - 12:45 p.m. Conference Writing Contest Awards Announced

12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Lunch & Keynote Speaker, Jamie Weiss Chilton, Agent

1:45 - 2:00 p.m. Break: Bookstore & Mingling

2:00 - 2:50 p.m. Breakout Workshops #3

• ADVANCED - It's the Story, Stupid: Jeff Savage & James Dashner
• Transitioning from the LDS to the National Market: Janette Rallison
• Writing a Historical Series from Start to Finish: Gordon Ryan
  

3:00 - 3:50 p.m. Breakout Workshops #4

• Hooks That Will Get You Published—A Hands-On Workshop: Jeff Savage
• Research is Not Just for Historicals: Julie Bellon & Michele Paige Holmes
• ADVANCED - Magazine Writing: Annette Lyon
  

3:50 - 4:15 p.m. Break: Bookstore, Mingling, and Easter Bunny Appearance

4:15 - 5:15 p.m. General Session - Self-Promotion: MaryAnn Jones of Deseret Book

5:15 - 5:30 p.m.

• Closing Ceremonies

6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Whitney Awards Gala

TO RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM AT THE COTTONTREE INN:
Call 800-662-6886
Group: LDS Storymakers
Block: 901558

We have reserved non-smoking rooms for March 20, 21, and 22nd under our group.
You can select one night or multiple nights.
You are responsible for all charges.
The 2008 group rate is $89.00/night plus 12.85% tax rate.
If you're sharing a room, calling sooner than later will ensure securing a two-queen bedroom.

So what do you think? Definitely worth joining us. We were completely sold out but, as mentioned before, some spots have opened up. Grab 'em quick folks. It's worth every penny and every minute of your time!

Find me when you get there. Tristi and I are in charge of the Boot Camp plus we have our Internet Marketing class as well. So find us both!

Obama's Pastor and Mentor Condemns America

Barack Obama's preacher, whom Obama went to and listened to and supported for 20 years, has foolishly made his ranting and raving public. I apologize for his language. No representative, or pretended representative, of God should ever speak this way. I had the video of Rev. Wright's remarks, but YouTube removed the incendiary and inflammatory video and Barack has released his own. Just so you can see the Reverend's hate-filled words for yourself,

I pulled this off of FoxNews.com. Again, I apologize in advance for the language:

In a fiery sermon in April 2003, Wright said: “The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes three-strike laws and wants them to sing God Bless America.

“No! No No!

“God d*** America … for killing innocent people.

“God d*** America for threatening citizens as less than humans.

“God d*** America as long as she tries to act like she is God and supreme.”

In DVD copies of his sermons available for purchase, Wright can also be seen questioning America’s role in the spreading of the HIV virus that leads to AIDS. In another speech, made in the days after 9/11, he suggested that American foreign policy invited the terror attacks.

“We bombed Hiroshima. We bombed Nagasaki. And we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon and we never batted an eye,” Wright said.

“We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because of stuff we have done overseas is now brought back into our own backyard. America is chickens coming home to roost.”

The pastor also said: “The government lied about inventing the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color. The government lied.”

This is Obama trying to do damage control. He says that he categorically denounces these comments from Jeremiah Wright. Am I really supposed to believe that Reverend (and I use that term loosely) Wright really just started making these statement? Are you kidding me, Barack? Just how naive do you expect Americans to be?

And here the hateful Reverend is again:



Tell me, how can so many Americans ignore his vitrolic, hatred filled rantings and ravings and still vote for Barack Obama when he attended this church for twenty years without seeing a problem with it?

People! Look what you're doing! Do we really want an inexperienced Senator who has let such vitrolic spewings into his mind and heart for twenty years running this nation?

Never mind that he's a socialist, and he is.

Never mind that he's the most liberal, even left of Ted Kennedy, Senator in the history of the Senate.

Never mind that he has no desire for America as she has stood and been fought for for over 200 years to continue.

Okay wait . . . yeah, MIND! How is it possible so many people are supporting him? I'm stunned. Can it be his smile? It's not that great. Can it be his looks? Huh, Denzel has him beat, hands down! (Denzel's smile just does me in every time.) Can it be that he's campaigning on fluff? No, can it?

Stop people! Think. Listen and for God's sake, use the brain the Creator gave you! A vote for Barack Obama is a vote for the destruction of America. If that's what you want, move! Leave the rest of us alone.

Huh, John McCain is looking better and better every day . . . and yes, I realize I damn him with faint praise, but give me a break. I'm workin' on it!

Take a Stand

I decided to shake things up and get myself a new look for my blog. I like it. It's bright, calming, pretty . . . I'll let it sit for awhile and see if I'll stick with it.

I received this email from one of the gentlemen I work with at More Good Foundation.

---

Dear Friends,

Your help is needed. Please read this and forward it on to all of your friends and family. Please take a stand with me against this brutal attack on Mormonism.

I'm very saddened and sickened to report that while browsing YouTube.com, I noticed that the very first video that comes up for the search term "mormon" is a horrible, hateful video titled "Cartoon banned by the Mormon church," which was created by the "God Makers." It is appalling to me that YouTube has allowed this video to remain on their site, when it clearly violates their community rule:

We encourage free speech and defend everyone's right to express unpopular points of view. But we don't permit hate speech (speech which attacks or demeans a group based on race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, veteran status, and sexual orientation/gender identity).

Why has YouTube allowed this hate video about the Mormon Religion to be on their site for so long? If it was about another faith, would it be taken down already? Or is it that we as members don't feel the need to stand up for what we believe in when it comes to things like this online? I for one am tired of hearing and having to respond to the lies and absurd things that come out of this video.

It's very important to note that it's not only Mormons who are appalled by this, but so is the National Conference of Christians and Jews. The NCCJ committee sent a letter to "Concerned Christians" which stated, among other things, that,

The film does not fairly portray the Mormon Church, Mormon history, or Mormon belief. It makes extensive use of half-truths, faulty generalizations, sensationalism, and is not reflective of the true spirit of Mormon faith. We find particularly offensive the emphasis that Mormonism is some sort of subversive plot-a danger to the community, a threat to the institution of marriage, and destructive to the mental health of teenagers. We are of the opinion that the film relies heavily on appeals to fear, prejudice and unworthy human emotions. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_God_Makers_(film)

I'm asking everyone of every faith to take a stand with us and flag this video. To do this, you will need a http://www.YouTube.com account. It's free and easy to sign up. If you have any problems, please let me know and I can help walk you through it. Once you have an account, you can search for the word Mormon. Click on the video, and below the video to the right, you will see an option to flag it and you can select the reason why. I selected "Hateful or abusive content" and then "Promotes hatred or violence." If you have any problem finding the video, let me know.

It's not right that there are Mormon Youtube video makers that are submitting wonderful, uplifting videos, who are under attack and on the verge of being removed because of anti-Mormon campaigns against them. Yet we stand idly by and let people think this "God Maker" garbage is true.

STAND FOR SOMETHING!

Giuseppe Martinengo
More Good Foundation
http://www.moregoodfoundation.org

If anyone has any problems with this following these steps to flag this video, please let me know. I have already gone out and flagged it, and a number of other anti- Mormon videos as "Hateful or Abusive Content." Please join with us and take a stand.

Two Latter-day Saints Shine on American Idol

Meridian Magazine has a marvelous article on two of my favorite contestants on American Idol (Michael Johns would be the other.) I'm going to include the entire thing and then at the bottom, include the link to posts I've written at LDSBlogs.com lately.

by Maurine Proctor

Six months ago, nobody had heard of David Archuleta or Brooke White. But now, thanks to their soaring on “American Idol,” the television show that seeks to find the country’s new vocal superstars, they have become household names with their own fans, websites, blogs and pictures splashed across the Internet.

Both have survived stiff competition — beginning with thousands who auditioned across the U.S. — and the caustic comments of judge Simon Cowell to land among the twelve finalists. These finalists are chosen by popularity with everyone invited to cast their vote via text messaging. (In last week’s competition, 36 million votes were tallied.)

What is refreshing, in fact downright heartening, about both of them is that in contrast to an edgy youth culture that pushes every limit, both David and Brooke stand out for their grounding in goodness. Sometimes when Latter-day Saints get a moment in the sun, you wish they had the strength to hold stronger against a popular culture that wears down their standards, but David and Brooke are consistent. Notably even the panel of judges — Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell — notice something particularly likeable about each.

Stand Up and Be Counted

When Brooke, a 24-year-old nanny from Mesa, Arizona, first auditioned, the judges asked her to tell them something unique about herself. She said, “I’ve never seen a rated-R movie.” They were somewhat incredulous and asked how that came about and she answered, “My parents had some rules or guidelines, and it stuck with me. It was always my choice. It makes sense to me. It makes sense to my life.”

Then she went on to surprise them even more when she acknowledged that her husband had never seen an R-rated movie either.

The judges teased her, suggesting that is just what he told her and that when she went to bed at night he would say, “I’ll be upstairs in just a minute.”

During her audition, the program also showed film clips of her playing with the twins for whom she nannies and who she says she adores. She was singing to them, “I want to eat, eat, eat, apples and bananas.” Almost despite themselves, the judges were taken and as they gave her the nod to move on to the next level of competition, Simon Cowell said, “We can bring you over to the dark side a bit,” to which Brooke retorted, “I dare you.”

This was a comment clearly not to be taken as a challenge, but a stand — she wasn’t about to be brought. After as the judges summed up her performance they said she was just so — with hesitation as if they were trying to find the word — pure.

Brooke’s engaging smile and clear sense of who she is led one reporter to say that she “has charm enough to fill a stadium.” Undoubtedly, part of that charm is a certain radiance of her spirit to which even the hardened cannot help but respond.

Arch Angel

At 17 years-old and the youngest in the competition, David Archuleta from Murray, Utah, has been called the one to beat. The Los Angeles Times has dubbed him the Chosen One. Ann Power, writing for the Times, said, “Who is David Archuleta, really? Aside from the next American Idol, that is. In this second round of boys' night, the dewy teen pulled out so far ahead of the competition that we might as well all go to the gym Tuesday evenings for the next few weeks and skip the show.”

The press has called him “a child singer seemingly genetically engineered to fulfill the ‘Idol’ prophecies of greatness.” After his Feb. 26 performance, where he sang John Lennon’s Imagine, judge Simon Cowell said, “Right now, you're the one to beat, and there are 19 very miserable contestants sitting here tonight, trust me, after that,” clearly implying that in his mind, at least, Archuleta stands out as the competition’s best singer.

The Salt Lake Tribune said, “Imagine little David Archuleta belting out a John Lennon song. Imagine no mistakes, no "pitchy" problems. Imagine all the people rising to their feet and going crazy. That was the scene Tuesday night when the 17-year-old Murray teen wowed everyone with his arrangement of Lennon's classic song "Imagine."

This seems enough to go a young man’s head, but David, too, has an outlook that puts it all in perspective. His performance of “Imagine” was so moving with a voice that seems to outstrip his youth, that the judges claimed it was the best of the night and absolutely captivating, one of the best ever on “American Idol.” Paula Abdul was in tears and then raved, “I want to squish you, squeeze your head off and dangle you from my rearview mirror.”

This was not the first time that Paula said she wanted to hug David.

The judges, however, noted one other thing the night that David sang “Imagine.” He only sang the third verse — not the first. The reason, undoubtedly, is that in the first verses of the song the words say, “Imagine no religion.” As an active Latter-day Saint, that is not a world that David would want to imagine.

Brenda Fisher, the secretary of the Murray High School seminary who calls herself David’s number one fan, said David really cares about the message and the words of the songs he sings. In a recent show, David chose to sing the Phil Collins song, “Another Day in Paradise,” which highlights the forgotten and hungry people of the world. Simon Cowell thought the tune was a bit gloomy for a 17-year-old, but David said he liked the message. “It’s about homeless people, and we need to remember them.”

Since David first appeared on the “American Idol” auditions and captured the heart of so many across America, the question has floated across the Internet, “Is David Archuleta a Mormon?” with assorted speculations. Not only is he a Latter-day Saint, but his seminary principal and former teacher, Justin Harper, said, “Kids come and go, but he is one who stands out as being grounded. You wish you had a thousand like him.

“David has been gone for weeks from school because of the show, but he was back in town and at seminary the day after President Hinckley died. His seminary held an assembly that day and he was asked to tell a little about being in Hollywood, but he didn’t want to draw any attention to himself. Then, however, when it time to bear testimonies, he was one of the first to get up and bear his testimony about how much he loved President Hinckley and how much the prophet had influenced his life.”

Harper said, “He’s more shy then you would ever imagine. He isn’t trying to stand out at all. He won’t try to do anything to draw undue attention to himself. Yet, every time we have a devotional where he gets to sing, all the students clear out their classrooms to come and listen.”

Brenda Fisher said the first time she heard him sing, he was doing “Be Still My Soul.” “I was overwhelmed at his voice and the passion with which he sang. It put me in tears.”

Many of the kids at seminary were wondering how to convey their good wishes to David, so Harper put a big sheet covering the wall for them to scrawl their messages in colored markers. That filled up so fast, he put up another, and then another. Then he filmed a picture of the greetings and put them on YouTube so David would know his friends were supporting him.

His teachers say that David never stops smiling and laughing and that his contagious good will attracts many friends.

Yet, Brenda said that they had a marriage week at seminary in which the kids were supposed to be married. David was so shy he came and hid under her desk. His smiling is a way to hide his shyness.

“He is very humble,” she said, “When people come up and thank him for singing, he says, ‘Well, thank you.’ He said on a Fox interview regarding all this attention, ‘It just seems surreal.’”

“I don’t think he knows that his face is on the front page of USA Today. I don’t think he knows how big he really is. All he knows is that he’s getting to sing. He knows he’s been given this talent. He knows it’s a gift and he just wants to share it and feels that he has to share it,” said Brenda.

More than Vocals

An American Idol is not chosen based on vocal ability alone, but on a combination of personality, showmanship and charisma as well. Both Brooke and David have that special something about them that have made them winners to this point and are vote magnets as America notes their favorites by text messaging at the end of the show.

What has struck me, however, is that fused into both of their personalities is a wholesomeness that is rare on television and so uplifting, it is like a breath of fresh air in a world of entertainment that is increasingly crude and vacuous.

Both are just plain likable, and surprisingly nobody resents them for their likability. We haven’t seen charges of their being boring or too perfect, though, Simon Cowell did tell Brooke once that her singing was like “washing liquid,” meaning that it was very clean and happy. Still he came back again the next show telling her how terrific her singing is.

More and more entertainment journalists are saying that among the ladies, she is the one to watch. They are impressed with her “folksy mellow voice” and her daring to be just herself. Two weeks ago, she sang, “You’re So Vain” and enjoyed a good laugh with Randy and Paula, who were certain she had chosen this song to describe the arrogant Simon.

Some entertainment blogs are listing David and Brooke as the top two contenders. As one said, “This might be wishful thinking, but White is a breath of fresh, folksy air. We’ve seen enough loud, diva-like singers over the year on Idol to get behind a pretty face who just sits on a stool, strums a guitar and makes beautiful music.”

Congratulations to David Archuleta and Brooke White for making some great music, but most of all for giving us someone to cheer for because of being unwavering in what they stand for.

Alvin Update: 15 pounds down and 5 to go. Alvin wants to lose a total of 30 before the transplant and he's well on his way to doing that. Power of prayer is an amazing thing! We fasted and prayed for him last Sunday, that the weight would literally melt off him. He's stopped drinking pop and eating sweets, he's allowed one dessert a week, and he's riding a stationary bike for 18 to 25 minutes two or three times a week. I'm so proud of him!

Life will be so new for us once he has his transplant. We are so excited we can hardly wait!

Written lately on LDSBlogs.com:

Emma Smith: Wife, Mother, Helpmeet - Part 1
Thomas S. Monson: Life Goes On
The Salvaging of a Nation Begins At Home
John Taylor: The Value of Education
Personal Reflections on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
Cyrus: A Type and Shadow of Jesus Christ
Abraham & Isaac: Foreshadows of God
Who Was I Before Life?
Faith: The Things Unseen But Hoped For
A Literate People

I am so grateful to be able to write for LDSBlogs.com. Every day I begin with immersing myself in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What an absolutely marvelous way to begin a day, don't you think? My knowledge of the gospel is expanding, my testimony is becoming more firm as well as growing by leaps and bounds, and oddly, my burdens are lighter. I hope you enjoy what I've written as I continue to explore the gospel.