Turning the Tide...: April 2010

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Army Preps for Tea Party

By Mark Alexander · Thursday, April 29, 2010

Publisher's Note: Regarding my essay, Army Preps for Tea Party 'Terrorists,' I was contacted by senior command staff at Ft. Knox on the afternoon of the date of publication. There was a security exercise at Ft. Knox this week, but an officer in the security loop altered the scenario "in order to make it more realistic." Those alterations were described in my essay, exactly as they appeared. The command staff informed me that the alterations were not approved at the command level and that the individual who circulated the scenario through official channels will "receive appropriate counsel." I was assured that the Command staff would not have authorized such a scenario.

A few months back, the commander in chief of our Armed Forces, that erstwhile community organizer Barack Hussein Obama, denigrated a large cross section of Americans who identify with the Tea Party movement -- those who advocate for Essential Liberty and Rule of Law.

>> Read More

I'm pretty sure you all know how I feel about this...

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Utah's Mike Lee on Glenn Beck Radio Show

Mike Lee took his message to the nation today via the Glenn Beck Radio Show:

and part two:

Friday, April 23, 2010

Contract from America: Has your candidate signed it?

The Contract from America

We, the undersigned, call upon those seeking to represent us in public office to sign the Contract from America and by doing so commit to support each of its agenda items, work to bring each agenda item to a vote during the first year, and pledge to advocate on behalf of individual liberty, limited government, and economic freedom.

Individual Liberty

Our moral, political, and economic liberties are inherent, not granted by our government. It is essential to the practice of these liberties that we be free from restriction over our peaceful political expression and free from excessive control over our economic choices.

Limited Government

The purpose of our government is to exercise only those limited powers that have been relinquished to it by the people, chief among these being the protection of our liberties by administering justice and ensuring our safety from threats arising inside or outside our country’s sovereign borders. When our government ventures beyond these functions and attempts to increase its power over the marketplace and the economic decisions of individuals, our liberties are diminished and the probability of corruption, internal strife, economic depression, and poverty increases.

Economic Freedom

The most powerful, proven instrument of material and social progress is the free market. The market economy, driven by the accumulated expressions of individual economic choices, is the only economic system that preserves and enhances individual liberty. Any other economic system, regardless of its intended pragmatic benefits, undermines our fundamental rights as free people.

1. Protect the Constitution

Require each bill to identify the specific provision of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to do what the bill does. (82.03%)

2. Reject Cap & Trade

Stop costly new regulations that would increase unemployment, raise consumer prices, and weaken the nation’s global competitiveness with virtually no impact on global temperatures. (72.20%)

3. Demand a Balanced Budget

Begin the Constitutional amendment process to require a balanced budget with a two-thirds majority needed for any tax hike. (69.69%)

4. Enact Fundamental Tax Reform

Adopt a simple and fair single-rate tax system by scrapping the internal revenue code and replacing it with one that is no longer than 4,543 words—the length of the original Constitution. (64.90%)

5. Restore Fiscal Responsibility & Constitutionally Limited Government in Washington

Create a Blue Ribbon taskforce that engages in a complete audit of federal agencies and programs, assessing their Constitutionality, and identifying duplication, waste, ineffectiveness, and agencies and programs better left for the states or local authorities, or ripe for wholesale reform or elimination due to our efforts to restore limited government consistent with the US Constitution’s meaning. (63.37%)

6. End Runaway Government Spending

Impose a statutory cap limiting the annual growth in total federal spending to the sum of the inflation rate plus the percentage of population growth. (56.57%)

7. Defund, Repeal, & Replace Government-run Health Care

Defund, repeal and replace the recently passed government-run health care with a system that actually makes health care and insurance more affordable by enabling a competitive, open, and transparent free-market health care and health insurance system that isn’t restricted by state boundaries. (56.39%)

8. Pass an ‘All-of-the-Above” Energy Policy

Authorize the exploration of proven energy reserves to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources from unstable countries and reduce regulatory barriers to all other forms of energy creation, lowering prices and creating competition and jobs. (55.51%)

9. Stop the Pork

Place a moratorium on all earmarks until the budget is balanced, and then require a 2/3 majority to pass any earmark. (55.47%)

10. Stop the Tax Hikes

Permanently repeal all tax hikes, including those to the income, capital gains, and death taxes, currently scheduled to begin in 2011. (53.38%)

Contract from America

Signed Senator Jim DeMint and U.S. Candidate Mike Lee

I am a Republican Party Precinct Chair, and I would sign this too.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

U.S. Senate Candidate, Mike Lee, Signs "Contract from America"

April 21st, 2010

Salt Lake City, UT, April 21, 2010 — U.S. Senate candidate Mike Lee today signed the “Contract From America,” an innovative policy agenda promoting free enterprise, individual liberty, and limited government. Lee said:

“I am pleased to join Senator Jim DeMint in signing this contract and agenda which reflects and captures a nationwide movement demanding that Congress restore America’s constitutional principles. Developed by a consensus of almost a half-million patriots across the country, I believe that this contract articulates the principles that I and other true conservatives are fighting for.”

The “Contract From America,” which is available in full here, lays out a 10-step plan to reduce the size, cost and reach of government and to restore the true greatness of the United States.

The contract’s principles are:

Protect the Constitution

Reject Cap & Trade

Demand a Balanced Budget

Enact Fundamental Tax Reform

Restore Fiscal Responsibility & Constitutionally Limited Government in Washington

End Runaway Government Spending

Defund, Repeal, & Replace Government-run Health Care

Pass an “All-of-the-Above” Energy Policy

Stop the Pork

Stop the Tax Hikes

Senator DeMint declared, "This contract was created by the people and outlines a commonsense, constitutional approach to set our country back on the road to prosperity." Then continued, "This is a grassroots-generated positive agenda for reform that all Republicans, Democrats, and Independents should be able to support."

Lee concluded by saying, “This initiative comes in the tradition of 1994’s ‘Contract With America,’ which spurred a tidal wave of Republican victories that ended decades of Democratic stranglehold on Congress and helped put the brakes on the Clinton Administration. I’m inspired that so many Americans are behind a restoration of those values, and I look forward to working with Senator DeMint and others to implement them.”

About Mike Lee: An attorney from Alpine, Utah, Mike has spent his career helping individuals and organizations get overreaching government regulations and control out of their lives and businesses. A lifetime student of the Constitution, he graduated from the Brigham Young University Law School. Mike served as a law clerk to Judge Dee Benson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah and later spent time as General Counsel to Governor Jon Huntsman. Mike has twice served as a law clerk to current Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. He first clerked for the solidly conservative jurist at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, then was asked to return as a clerk during Justice Alito’s important first year on the bench of the U.S. Supreme Court. Mike has also held positions in private practice, and is currently a partner with the Washington, D.C.-based law firm of Howrey LLP. His understanding of the Constitution and law have made him a valuable resource for individuals and organizations throughout the country.

###

I participated in choosing the items we should address in "Contract from America." I am pleased, beyond all measure, that the candidate of my choice, Mike Lee, has signed this contract. Has your candidate of choice signed it as well? How about your sitting Senators?

Sunday, April 18, 2010

My 2010 Tax Day Tea Party Experience

One year ago on April 15th, I stood in the rain, wind, sleet and then snow and spoke to 3,000 plus devoted patriots about what America was facing under a Barack Obama administration. I don't think I was fully aware that the 111th Congress was going to turn against the American people as they did, but I am fully aware of it now.

Last year I said (skip ahead if you've already watched this speech):

I asked the tea partiers to blog, send emails, letters to editors and make phone calls about America, the real America, the Constitution, politicians, legislation ... everything that would educate America and/or call the politicians to task. I also asked them to find a candidate they could wholly support and then throw their all behind that candidate.

So this year, when April 15th dawned I looked cautiously at the weather report and was ecstatic to find sunny skies and a promised 64 degrees. I REALLY wanted the weatherman to be right, and he was. What a glorious day it turned out to be.

My vice-chair showed up at 8:30 a.m. and we headed toward Salt Lake City and the Federal Plaza, the site of last year's tea party. We met old friends, new friends, Americans one and all. I spoke to the reporters who'd covered the tea party last year and was encouraged by their willingness to be fair. I connected with the Mike Lee campaign, Mike and Sharon Lee, Carl and Sherry Wimmer and lots of Facebook friends as well as neighborhood friends. I think we had upwards of 200 tea partiers there and listened to some really great speeches and saw some really great signs. Utah's Attorney General Mark Shurtleff closed that tea party and invited everyone to reconvene at the Utah Capitol as we moved from the federal building to the Capitol building in a symbolic tip to the power moving from the federal government back to the state where it belongs.

We reached the Capitol building about 15 minutes later and the crowd grew to about 2,000 people at its peak. We listened to many speakers and then Governor Gary Herbert and his sweet wife came out and spoke to the crowd for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then it was my turn.

I had some thoughts, a list of six things my father taught his children to watch out for, but that was about it. I was handed the microphone and began to speak.

As the speech went on there was a perfect moment of clarity which struck me. It was if time had suddenly frozen:

Above me was a bright blue sky with a beautiful spring sun shining down. Behind me the dignity of the Utah State Capitol rose above me and below me the Salt Lake valley was nestled between the majesty of snow-capped mountains. Two thousand patriotic Americans were cheering and celebrating a year of American firsts as we began taking America back. In the front of that crowd stood Mike and Sharon Lee, clapping with huge smiles on their faces. To my left stood Carl Wimmer and his daughter, Jade, were doing the same. Behind and to the right of them was a World War II Navy veteran who had wept as the national anthem was sung by Drew Reese. American flags waved from every corner, both behind and in front of me. The words of outrage and patriotism were printed on signs of all sizes and shapes held high by Americans from all walk of life.

All this was captured in a single moment in my mind's eye as I spoke. And I thought to myself, "This is what I fight for. This is the America I love and the America I will preserve."

Over the past year conservative Americans, otherwise known as tea partiers, have effected changes in elections in Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts and almost in New York. In Utah, we swept the Republican caucuses. 80% of the 2010 delegates elected are brand new. I was one of the 20% who remained. I am the precinct chair in my neighborhood.

I made a promise last year that I would not rest until constitutional government was restored in America. The year had almost passed with no candidate I could endorse until I happened to have the opportunity to hear Mike Lee speak one evening at a nearby charter school. That night he spoke of the U.S. Constitution. He took us back to where it went wrong and socialism began creeping into our nation, when America fundamentally changed. He talked of real world solutions to the problems America now faces. After 2 hours, I spoke with Mike briefly and walked out of the auditorium with hope once again in my heart, and it has not dispelled.

On tax day, as I concluded my speech, I was privileged to introduce Mike Lee as the candidate I had chosen to represent me, Utah and America in Washington, D.C. as our next U.S. Senator. It was the last thing I needed to do to bring April 15, 2009 to April 15, 2010 full circle. We will send an army of junior Senators and Congressmen and Congresswomen to Washington, D.C. and the Constitution will be restored. The challenge from the socialists went out and we answered with all the passion and fierceness the American people hold.

Barack Obama and those of his ilk may dismiss us, but it will be to their political detriment. The 111th Congress has ignored the American people although tens of millions raised their voices against monstrous legislation, out of control spending, extortion, bribery and payoffs. And the more Congress and Obama ignored us, the more determined tea partiers became. In November, we answer that challenge and will permanently retire those who tried to dismantle the U.S. Constitution and our beloved Republic. And in 2013 the rest of them will be forcibly retired from political life and the work to repeal everything Obama has signed into law will begin. Constitutional government will be restored to the sacred halls of Congress, the hallowed chambers of the U.S. Supreme Court and the White House, that symbol of hope to all seeking freedom. The checks and balances established by the Founding Fathers will be restored and America can begin its recovery.

America will once against be that shining city on a hill ... because of the tea party movement, be of patriotic, loyal Americans. Do not falter. Do not grow faint. Do not grow weary. We have accomplished much and we will finish the job. May God bless America that she may be fully restored.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Tea Party Infiltrators

From the Tax Day Tea Party national organizers:

Tea Party Infiltrators -

Lions and Tigers and Bears...

Oh My!!!

Many have asked about the news that there may be "infiltrators" at tea parties around the nation. A website (crashtheteaparty.org) was recently set up. The creator, though he tried to hide his identity, has been outed; his name is Jason Levin, and he's a middle school teacher in Beaverton, Oregon. He's on record saying that you might see some of his team in Nazi uniforms at your local tea party pretending to be racists and other offensive characters. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy doesn't it? And one has to ask the question; if tea partiers are racist, anti-Semitic homophobes, and it's so obvious, why does he need to plant people who pretend to be those things at your tea parties? Ah...leftist logic and tactics...there is no way to understand their twisted thoughts. But you do need to know what the left is up to.

And by the way, if you'd like to let Mr. Levin's school district know what you think of his behavior, and his potential influence on public school students in Beaverton, Oregon, you can contact them here. And you can reach the Principal at his school, Mr. Zan Hess, at this number: (503) 524-1345. If you choose to contact them, in direct contrast to Mr. Levin's behavior, please be polite. Remember, just because he's exposed himself publicly as a vile, indecent human being who will stoop to Nazi symbolism, and the promotion of racism and bigotry to silence those with whom he disagrees, doesn't mean everyone in the school district is bad.

In any event, we know that infiltrators might be coming to our tea parties. But remember last April 15th; the idea that the tea parties would be infiltrated in the same way was all over the news. The results? Virtually no infiltration. We know they might be coming, and they know we know. And they know we are ready. So if you're a couple of guys who enjoy wearing Nazi uniforms or holding racist signs, are you really likely to show up...just a couple of you, all alone, at a well organized tea party of 1,000-20,000 people who disagree with you? I haven't seen many leftists with that much spine. They prefer to hide in the shadows and lurk, like sleazy predators, or secret molesters. They don't want to be identified. And we ARE ready to identify them. Do they really want their ugly mugs pasted all over the internet holding racist signs? Hmmm...they might find it funny to think about and even to threaten, but it's probably not a good career move, and most will chicken out before they ever get started.

So here are some tips for dealing with this situation, should it arise at your tea party.

1. Be prepared. Make sure your security team knows about the potential for disturbance, and your procedures for dealing with any issues. If you have law enforcement at your event, let them know about the potential threats in advance. Most are happy to remove people who intend to disturb your event.

a. Have a plan. We suggest that you handle every incident in a predetermined manner. Your preparation will allow you to handle any incident in a calm and reasoned manner.

i. No aggressive confrontation. Make sure all of your people know that they are in the media spotlight. Our behavior will be watched. So if you encounter these miscreants, be polite, and ask them to leave your event. If you have police there, ask them to help you.

ii. Video, video, video. Make sure you have teams of people with Flip cams or other easy format video, and make sure every single encounter of this nature is captured on videotape. Create the record. We'll use it later to publicly humiliate the bad actors, and also to allow you to prove your version of the incidents if challenged.

iii. Partner up. If you are going to deal with one of these situations, always have at least one other person with you. It's imperative that any situation not be your word against someone else's. Have a witness and a helper with you at all times.

iv. Make signs that say "Infiltrator. This person is not with us." Put a big arrow on it so that you can stand next to infiltrators and point at them. Usually this will embarrass them, ruin their prank, and they will leave. Plus it's just plain fun and makes for great photos and video. Again...always with good humor, and a cheerful demeanor. It's fun to mock the lefties, and it makes them truly crazy when you are nice.

b. Talk about the issue of behavior and signs at the beginning of your event. Set the guidelines from stage.

i. No signs or behavior evidencing bigotry or racism of any kind will be tolerated, and people will be asked to get rid of them or leave.

ii. We are polite, law abiding people, and that's how we run our events.

iii. Ask attendees to immediately report any suspicious people to event security or the police (according to your own guidelines).

c. Don't worry...be happy. If you weren't so good at what you are doing, and so successful at influencing the debate in this country, people wouldn't feel compelled to try to shoot you down using sleazy tactics. You are dominating the political playing field, and doing so by being honest, operating with integrity and staying within the law. Be proud of what you are accomplishing, and enjoy your day.

Tax Day Tea Party - Today's Important Points to Remember

1. The Significance of Tax Day. April 15th is known as Tax Day because for decades it is the date on the calendar when tax returns are due to both federal and state governments.

2. History of Tax Day Tea Parties. April 15, 2009 millions of hardworking Americans stood in unison in over 800 protests around the country. These demonstrations became known as the Tax Day Tea Party, which gave birth to a movement that speaks to millions of Americans.

3. Tea Party Patriots has been here since the start. TPP was there from the very beginning and remains a leader in the movement. With your help we are driving the dialogue that there is an excessive amount of government spending, taxation, and regulation. Government is not doing more with less; instead it is mortgaging the future of our children and grandchildren.

4. 2010 Tea Party Patriots Tax Day Tea Parties. Once again, Tea Party Patriots will lead the conversation, with thousands of local coordinators hosting local events on April 15th which will include the participation of millions of Americans. We will use Tax Day as a means to further attract, educate, organize and mobilize our fellow citizens to secure public policy consistent with three core values of fiscal responsibility, Constitutionally limited government and free markets.

Government Out of Control - Fast Facts

1. Job Killing Health Care Bill Raises Taxes. Obama Pays For His Government-Run Health Care Bill With $569.2 Billion In Job-Killing Taxes On Small Businesses, Investments And Innovation. (Douglas W. Elmendorf, Letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 3/18/10)

2. Obama's $3.8 Trillion Budget Raises Taxes by $2 Trillion. "President Barack Obama's $3.8 trillion budget for fiscal 2011 raises $2 trillion in taxes, cuts spending on programs with considerable political support and still leaves the nation with $8.5 trillion in additional debt over the next decade." (Jonathan Weisman, "White House Proposes $3.8 Trillion Budget," The Wall Street Journal, 2/1/10)

Share on Facebook

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Utah's Tax Day Tea Party - One Year Later and Still Going Strong

** NEWS ITEM **

ONE YEAR LATER AND UTAH'S TEA PARTY IS STILL GOING STRONG

Join us at the Tax Day Tea Party April 15, 2010. One year later and where are we now?

Contact Information

Name: Becky Pirente

Cell: 801-362-7392

Email: pirente@gmail.com

1 April 2010 – SALT LAKE CITY -- APRIL 15 Tea Party! Just over 1 year ago the first Tea Parties and 912 movements got started. We invite you to Utah’s 2nd Annual Tax Day Tea Party/912 Rally to protest massive government intrusion in our lives, especially the 111th Congress’ 219-212 vote on Obamacare.

When: April 15th:

10:00 a.m. at the Federal Building in Salt Lake City

12:00 Noon on the South Lawn of the Capitol (in the Rotunda if it is raining/snowing).

What To Bring: BRING YOUR NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS, AND CLEVER SIGNS (KEEP THEM FAMILY FRIENDLY!)

RAIN, SNOW, or SHINE! SEE YOU THERE!

Invited Speakers include a veritable Who’s Who of Utah:

Governor Gary Herbert, Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, Morgan Philpot--Utah Congressional 2nd District Candidate, Chris Herrod and Carl Wimmer--Patrick Henry Caucus Founders, Margaret Dayton--Utah State Senator, Utah Rising Co-Founder and Davis County 912 Organizer Darcy Van Orden, Publisher and Conservative Political Activist, Candace E. Salima, Utah Senate Candidates Mike Lee, Tim Bridgewater, Merrill Cook, & Cherilyn Eagar, Susan Southwich and Adam Gardiner!

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved by Candace E. Salima.

Share on Facebook

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Carl Wimmer: Right for Utah!

Guess what I've learned? Here in Utah we have an incredible legislator named Carl Wimmer. Co-founder of the Patrick Henry Caucus. Awesome man. Former S.W.A.T. Businessman. A man who can be trusted. Therefore, the liberals HATE him. He threatens everything liberals believe in. He has proven this again and again as he has sponsored or co-sponsored numerous 10th Amendment legislation through the House, Senate and onto the Governor's mansion. I know Carl, and know him well. I personally and publicly have endorsed him.

So the Democrats and the AFLCIO (Federation of labor organizations) have picked a "pony" and put him in the race against Carl Wimmer. Chad Reyes, who has agreed to be the "front man" for the Democrats and the AFLCIO against Carl Wimmer. They've poured money into Reyes' coffers. They've posted a website to defeat Carl. And are throwing their all against Carl Wimmer. Seriously?!

Utah Legislative District 52, I call to you to rise up against this clear and concerted effort to effect our elections in Utah. Carl Wimmer is your representative. He's done a stellar job in building a wall of legislative protection against the federal government. If you oppose the overreaching efforts of Barack Obama and the 111th Congress, please work to re-elect Carl Wimmer and show the Democrats and the AFLCIO that their shenanigans are not welcome in the District 52.

I will be doing some fundraising efforts on behalf of Carl Wimmer. Mike Lee (U.S. Senate), Carl Wimmer (District 52) and Brad Daw (District 60) ... these are stellar men who are worthy of our trust. That doesn't mean we don't keep an eye on them, it means that even though we do, they will not betray that trust.

If you have $5, $10, $20, $25, $100, $250, $500 or even a $1,000 to donate to Carl's cause, please do so. I refuse to let the Democrats and AFLCIO come in and be successful. We in Utah are WAY too smart.

Learn more about Carl yourself: www.carlwimmer.com.

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved by Candace E. Salima.

Share on Facebook

Daddy's Poem

This poem came to me via email. I don't know who wrote, but the words are no less powerful for the lack of that knowledge. My heart was touched.

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail, her favorite dress tied with a bow.

Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home.

Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say.

What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone.

And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all.

About a dad she never sees a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet.

Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats.

One by one the teacher called a student from the class.

To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare.

Each of them was searching, for a man who wasn't there.

"Where's her daddy at?" She heard a boy call out.

"She probably doesn't have one," another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say,

"Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day."

The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mom.

And looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak.

And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique.

"My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away.

But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know.

All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories he taught me to ride my bike.

He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone.

And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone.

"Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart.

I know because he told me, he'll forever be in my heart."

With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest.

Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress."

And from somewhere there in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears.

Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life.

Doing what was best for her, doing what was a right.

And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd.

She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud.

"I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star.

And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far.

"You see he is an American Soldier and died just this past year

When a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught Americans to fear.

"But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away."

And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day.

And to her mother's amazement, she witnessed with surprise.

A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside.

Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side.

"I know you're with me Daddy," to the silence she called out.

And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed.

But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star.

And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far.

# # #

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

There must be many children in the same boat as this little girl, thanks to our servicemen and their families for the sacrifice they are making to keep our country Free.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Mike Lee: My Stance on Afghanistan

Obviously, if you're a regular reader of my blog and you have eyes, I am a strong supporter of Mike Lee. One of his opponents has labeled me an "over-the-top rabid supporter of Mike Lee." I have to laugh. I find it quite amusing to be labeled as such for following through on what I said I'd do last year.

On April 15th of last year, I spoke at the Tax Day Tea Party at the Federal Plaza in Salt Lake City. I asked people to become politically active, informed and then blog, email and make phone calls. I also asked them to find a candidate they believed would best represent the conservative values held by the tea partiers on that cold, wet, snowy spring day. Then I asked them to throw their all behind that candidate.

If we love America and hope to save her, then we have to do we all we can. There's nothing rabid about that at all. It's simply me keeping my word, standing up for what I believe and supporting the candidate I've chosen who would best represent my conservative ideals. That man is Mike Lee. A - B - C. Simple as that.

Now on to Mike's statement. In order to correct some misinformation directed by the Bennett campaign, Mike Lee has issued the following statement:

My Stance on Afghanistan

www.mikelee2010.com

April 8th, 2010

As a delegate to the state convention, I recently received an interesting letter from Senator Bennett stating that my policy for Afghanistan was to “cut and run.” That was news to me. I have never advocated such a policy, nor will I.

My policy on Afghanistan is simple: our troops are there to take out military targets—i.e., things that present a clear and present threat to our national security—and should be brought home as soon as possible after all such targets have been destroyed or neutralized. Our duty to those who protect us, and to those they protect, requires nothing less.

When we send our troops into harm’s way, it is critical that we support them in their assignments before, during, and after their deployment. These extraordinary men and women and their families—who daily encounter “the last full test of true devotion”—deserve the very best from the country they defend and the people they protect. They also deserve to serve under rules of engagement that enable them to do what they are there to do without undue interference from Washington. As your U.S. Senator, I will make sure that they have whatever support they need to achieve their critical objectives.

# # #

Share on Facebook

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Real American Stories hosted by Sarah Palin

I'm excited about this new series by Sarah Palin on FoxNews. Celebrating the American spirit is something I think we need a lot of right now. I'm excited to watch this tonight. Well, I'll be TiVoing it, but I'll watch it late tonight.

Congratulations, Governor Palin.