There are currently five major candidates running for President:  Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.  Who is in the lead or mostly likely to win has changed from time to time, and it may or may not change again.  However, of those five –

Only one candidate voluntarily joined the military and proudly wore the uniform.

Rick Perry flew C130’s around the world.  Ron Paul was drafted.  The other three never served at all, they were neither drafted for Vietnam nor volunteered to serve.  Newt was ineligible for draft.  Mitt Romney was busy as a missionary in Paris when he could otherwise have been drafted.  Rick Santorum is too young to have been drafted.

Service in uniform is essential in a Commander in Chief.  Only someone who has served can truly understand the mind of the Soldier.  Although being a pilot, a grunt, or a deckhand doesn’t give one meaningful strategic vision, it does give one a unique appreciation for what it means to be at the bottom of the military food chain, where the action happens.

 Only one candidate has experience as commander of a large number of troops. 

While it is possible Ron Paul had subordinates while a Captain in the Air Force and ARNG, as a medical officer, it is unlikely, albeit possible, that he was in “command”.  Rick Perry has been the Commander in Chief of the Texas National Guard, an experience invaluable for someone aspiring to be Commander in Chief of the nation’s armed forces.  This gives Governor Perry an organizational understanding of the military to complement his service perspective.

Only one candidate has a real plan to overhaul Washington – to tear down the status quo rather than tease around the edges.

Governor Perry intends to completely overhaul Washington D.C.  He has well defined plans to simplify the tax code, rein in Congress, reduce spending, fix entitlements, eliminate departments, and reduce the national debt.  Other candidates have plans to do some of these things, but only Governor Perry’s plan paints with bold colors.  The others want to “fix” Washington, improve it.  Rick Perry wants to fundamentally change the way business is done there.  I say it’s about time.

Only one candidate has over a decade of executive governing experience.

The only other Governor in the race is Mitt Romney, who served one term and did not seek reelection in the face of certain defeat.  We have seen what executive inexperience at the POTUS level means. It is time for a Governor who has successfully governed a state has proven that they can handle the executive requirements of the office.

Only one candidate repeatedly and sincerely declaring intent to fully secure border with Mexico.

Governor Perry has been labeled as soft on immigration, and the evidence shows that this is an unfair perception.  As Governor of Texas, he has made great strides in securing Texas’ border with Mexico and has fought against sanctuary cities within his state.  He is the only candidate continuously stating his intention to secure the border, promising that “the border will be secure within 1 year of his hand leaving that Bible.”  In a field generally weak on illegal immigration, Rick Perry will seal the border, the others will likely continue to talk about the “illegal immigration” problem.

 Only one candidate is strong on all three legs of Reagan’s conservative stool, with the governing record to back the rhetoric.

Governor Perry is pro-life, pro-family, pro-2^nd Amendment rights, pro-right to work, anti-tax, anti-spending, pro-military.  He will nominate only conservative judges to the courts.  He has signed 6 balanced budgets in his state without raising taxes. He signed tort reform in his state.

 Only one candidate has a record of presiding over a government that created jobs, and continues to do so at a rate far outstripping the national average.

Texas created over 1 million jobs during Governor Perry’s time in office.  The rest of the country has a net loss of jobs over the same period.

Only one choice for me.

Many will tell you for one reason or another that you should not support Governor Perry.  I’ll lay it out simply.  If those that say Mitt Romney is inevitable are right, then you MUST vote for Rick Perry, because it will be a message to Romney and others what conservatives want.  If they are wrong, if Romney will eventually fall as the GOP electorate pays more attention( I believe this is possible if not likely, as long as there is an alternative in the race), then voting for Rick Perry keeps Governor Perry in long enough to get his message out.  Do not listen to those saying a vote for Rick Perry is a vote for Romney[or whoever], because this early in the game, strategic voting only makes sense if you want the talking heads to determine the outcome.  A vote for Rick Perry is a vote for Rick Perry, and all the things he stands for.  In the general, we vote for someone we may not like to beat the one we must.  In the primaries, we must vote for the one we most would like to see holding the office, otherwise, we abdicate our right to participate.

Governor Perry is the closest thing we may ever come to a conservative wish list candidate.  Although not perfect, he embodies the full spectrum of conservative ideals more than any of the others this cycle, and more than most in the past.

Many long time Redstate readers know me from the posts I started writing on my first deployment.  Some of you may think of me as the guy who keeps writing posts nagging us to remember that we are still at war.

As a veteran who served two tours in Iraq and saw good men and women lost, this issue resonates with me more than any other. Although our government has been bent and twisted from the founders’ intent, it still holds true that the central role of the President of the United States is that of Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.

Many have watched with dismay over the last few years as the military has been shackled with insane rules of engagement, resources that matched political expediency rather than mission requirements, more concern over the cultural sensibilities of our enemies than the lives of our Soldiers, and frankly – a CinC who appears to lose more sleep over a bad day at golf than over the deaths of America’s finest.

All of the GOP candidates (with the possible exception of Ron Paul), would clearly be much better than President Obama.  Other bloggers have made the general case for Rick Perry for President, including a group of Redstate front-pagers.   He is a good choice for many reasons.  But the most important reason to me – of all of the people seeking the nomination, it is my heartfelt opinion that he is the best choice for Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.  Governor Perry is a veteran himself, who flew missions around the globe.  He understands what it means to wear the uniform.  However, we only have to look at the likes of John Murtha, John Kerry, and Ron Paul to know that by itself, prior service isn’t enough.

Governor Perry already has experience as the Commander in Chief of the Texas National Guard, and he has a reputation in Texas for reaching out to both veterans and gold star families.  Marcus Lutrell, the man who lived through what was, at that time, the deadliest single day for American Special Forces, is a personal friend of the Perry family, and endorsed Governor Perry with a touching video:

The following video shows Governor Perry’s heart and passion for American troops, especially those in harm’s way – and he clearly understands on a gut level what the troops went through in the deserts of Iraq:

Governor Perry’s love for the troops and understanding of who and what they are also shines in a video intended for Veteran’s Day, featured in another post on Redstate.  Of all the men and women who have been on that stage this election cycle, none have my confidence and trust like Governor Perry.  Although the last troops(almost) just left Iraq, and the future in Afghanistan is uncertain, the War on Terror won’t go away because we wish it so.  The troops I trained and led and the ones they train and lead will serve in some god-forsaken ugly place with certifiably evil people trying to kill them, it is a given.  I pray that we can be wise enough give them a Commander in Chief that will respect their sacrifice and their devotion to this country, one that will allow them to complete their missions with the resources, RoEs and common sense they require.  Rick Perry is that person.

Rick Perry for Commander in Chief 2012

Cross Posted slightly different version at UnifiedPatriots.com

(Cross-Posted at Unified Patriots)

Fred!! -  2012

I know it isn’t a choice – too bad.

Seriously, I’ve waited throughout this pre-primary season: weighing the candidates, watching performances and plans, and examining reactions.  I am now ready to announce what the blogo-sphere has no doubt been breathlessly waiting for – my choice for GOP nominee.

To start, let me note that I have given to three campaigns this season.  First, I gave to Michele Bachmann before she officially announced to encourage her to get in.  She is my Congresswoman (at least for now, stupid redistricting), and is a conservative firebrand.  From the start I did not see her gaining the nomination, but knew that her voice on the national stage would be a strong one.  I suspected that she wasn’t ready to compete at this level, and I think the record has shown that to be true.  I still love Michele, but I do not support her in the primaries.

Second, I gave to Herman Cain.  He was the first candidate I remember “liking” on FaceBook.  What I knew of him at the time sounded good, and having political outsiders in the race seemed a good idea from the start.  I had a wait and see attitude, and actually gave to his campaign AFTER I dismissed him as my candidate of choice.  I believe his 999 plan is awesome – I don’t like the specifics and see glaring holes, but it is so much better than the non-plans the GOP has been putting forward for a long time.  While we can all agree that 999 won’t happen, it is a much better starting point than others’.  I gave to him after the sexual harassment news came out and as it became clear that he was being savaged for political reasons.  Although I don’t want him to be our nominee, I like him and see good things in his future and did not want a precedent of character assassination choosing our nominee.  Like Michele, he isn’t ready to compete at this level, with a message that isn’t focused enough to get the job done.  Given his age, he may not get the chance to compete at this level, but I don’t think he is done.  I’d like to see him as an advocate like Sarah Palin, or taking another run at Senator or House member, even a cabinet post would be a good use of his talents and knowledge base.

Tim Pawlenty was my first pretty solid choice for the nomination.  Though I had reservations about him because of his leftward slide as MN-GOV, he did well and was a likeable, relatively conservative guy.  I think his leaving the race when he did was ill-advised but principled.  By doing that, he has preserved his reputation for future runs.  (Endorsing Mitt Romney afterwards didn’t do him any favors in my eyes though).

Jon Huntsman, Rick Santorum, Thad McCotter, and various others.  None of them are serious candidates.  Not that I blame them for putting their hat in the ring in a crazy year where the rules are in flux, but they just aren’t real contenders.

Newt Gingrich is a good man, and the first national politician I met in person back in the early 90?s when he was Speaker of the House and he visited Liberty University where I was a student.  His lack of some key political skills hurt him and the movement then, and he hasn’t learned much.  Worse, he appears to think that it was his conservative ideology and not his condescending attitude that caused him to fail then.  So he has muddled his message and kept the attitude – not a winning combination.  Even worse, he was the only national figure dumb enough to hold on to the bitter end supporting Scozzafava.  Great performance from the smartest man in the room (at least from his perspective)? – FAIL.  His debate performances have been good, but I don’t feel conservatives can trust him not to get back on the couch.

Of all the candidates, the only one I could not vote for in the general, and the one I thoroughly detest, is Ron Paul.  As a full-spectrum conservative with special consideration for National Defense, I cannot stand this man’s “blame America” rhetoric and his unwillingness to defend America on the global stage.  That plus his whiny voice, his borderline conspiracy theory approach, his eagerness to identify problems(the Fed, earmarks) but un-seriousness with regard to solving them(Gold standard really?, sure gets plenty of earmarks for hating them so), and especially his followers make him an unsuitable candidate for any elected office in the United States, let alone POTUS.

I supported Mitt Romney in 2008, but only as the last remaining alternative to John McCain at the time of the Minnesota Caucuses.  I do not trust him, and believe he is not a conservative.  Were he to get elected President, it would be a crapshoot as to whether or not he would govern to the right or not.  As a candidate he is terribly lacking.  I am pretty sure his nomination would be the best thing President Obama could hope for.  It would depress the GOP base while gaining no converts from the middle and left.

So, if you are keeping track, that leaves one serious choice.  Rick Perry is my choice for the next President of the United States.  He is the third candidate I have donated to, and this time it is specifically because I want him to win.  Foremost, I trust him as a potential Commander-in-Chief.  His plans, both the economic plan and the government reform plan, are bold and inspiring.  As conservatives we know that we should paint in bold colors, not pale pastels.  His plans may not be feasible as written in the long run and it may be tough to get them through a self-interested Congress, but as a starting point, they blow everything else out of the water.  Rick Perry gets my strong, unequivocal, and unmitigated support.  I know some of you have different choices, and I know he has had some missteps on the campaign trail, but I think the choice is clear.  He meets or exceeds my requirements for the office:

x Likely strong CinC
x Bold plans
x Conservative message
x Proven conservative executive governing experience
x Charismatic
x Believes in American Exceptionalism and willing to state it

So, here it is -

Rick Perry 2012!!

Note: Although I mentioned negatives on several of the candidates, it was not my intention to drag any of them down, just explain why I have not chosen them. Other than Ron P, any of the candidates would make a fine POTUS and clearly be an improvement over the current empty suit “Occupying” the White House.   I hope that everyone intent on savaging any candidate, even Ron P, can find somewhere else to do it.  On the other hand, if you disagree with a negative I’ve stated about a candidate, feel free to build your choice up.

I do not know the source of the following quote, but it has a profound effect on me whenever I ponder it – “Only one bullet, one mortar, or one roadside bomb separates Veteran’s Day from Memorial Day.”   I’d like to bend your thinking about these two days a little.  On Veteran’s Day, we celebrate those who have served on our behalf, on Memorial Day we commemorate those who served and gave their lives.

I have the distinct honor and privilege of having served 7 years in the U.S. Army Reserve so far.  I have completed two tours in the sandbox as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and later Operation New Dawn.  This Memorial Day I will be toasting those I have known who sacrificed all in the Global War on Terror.  I think especially of SGT Kruize, who we lost in Baghdad on Easter Day in 2010 due to non-combat injuries.  I think of the 5 Soldiers in the Humvee I saw destroyed in front of my eyes.  I think of the fathers, brothers, sons, cousins, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends who will be absent from the dinner table this Memorial Day.  While much of the country kicks off the beginning of summer with BBQs and picnics, days at the lake and a three or four day weekend, many of us find ourselves caught in a vortex of emotion that is at its most intense on this, one of the most sacred days of our year.

There is a line in the narration that accompanies Queensryche’s “If I were King”.  The Marine telling of his experience states that even if he were to live the most perfect life and do as much good as possible, he still wonders if it would make up for the guilt of what he had to do for his country and for … making it back alive.

Post traumatic stress disorder, survivor’s guilt, the inhumanity of decisions and actions – both direct and indirect – that ended the existence of another human being.  Nightmares, flashbacks, jumpiness, sleep disorders, moodiness, irritability, fatigue.  Broken bones, missing limbs, respiratory illness, headaches, seizures, personality changes.   Failed marriages, disconnection from children, parents, siblings and friends, the loss of the joy of life.  Deep inside, a loneliness that cannot be expressed, because making the decisions they made, righteous though they may have been, caused a disconnect from the society of humanity.

If you know a Veteran, especially one that has been directly exposed to combat, they probably experience or have experienced some of those things listed above.  Some wounds are grotesque and horrifying to the sight, some wounds are not visible at all.  Soldiers are tough, it is part of the job description, and because of who they are and what they stand for, they will hide their infirmities as well as they are able.  As we think of those who did not return from war, also think of those who returned but may never truly make it back.

Memorial Day is a sacred day.  For those of us who breathe the beautiful and precious air of freedom, we owe a debt we cannot repay.  Let us never forget the sacrifices made for US.  Do not allow the day to be one of sadness, rather one where we revel in the freedom and joy that has been bought – just do not ever forget the price that was willingly paid.

Please consider supporting worthy organizations such as these–

http://woundedwarriorproject.org – Help Veterans recover in countless ways
http://soldiersangels.org – Let those still serving know you are here for them
http://www.militaryfamily.org – National Military Family Association , supporting Veterans, their families and their survivors
http://fallenheroesfund.org – Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

Most of all, exercise your freedom.  Be active in politics, so that the Nation that they fought and died for remains free and true to the Constitution they swore to defend.  As we consider the Presidential campaigns beginning to take shape, remember that the primary responsibility of the person holding that office is to be Commander-in-Chief of tomorrow’s Veterans – and tomorrow’s fallen Soldiers.

Over the course of the last year, my Army Reserve Battalion deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn.  The battalion operated in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan and we suffered one fatal casualty, SGT Kurt Kruize.

My unit is now home, they have received their DD214′s and reintegrated into civilian life. They have hugged their families, relearned the joy that is alcohol, and are dealing with all the issues that come with a sudden change from military to civilian life.  However…

I am not home.  Just before the unit left, something happened to me and I awoke in a hospital in Kuwait, was medevaced to Germany, and then brought to the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Riley.  Let me be clear, although my condition is serious and likely related to previous combat, the incident that placed me in the hospital was not itself combat related.  Along the way, I have met many of my fellow “Wounded Warriors”, the Army term for people it broke in the sandbox and then brought back here to get fixed.  They suffer from many varied conditions: severe PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injuries, broken arms, broken legs, broken backs, and more.  Some need time to heal, some will never be completely right again.

This isn’t a post about me, it is about the thousands of Service Members who are dealing with wounds, some visible, some invisible, that they have suffered in the course of defending freedom.  Frequently I post here at Redstate about the importance of not forgetting the hundreds of thousands of troops still in harm’s way in two wars on the other side of the world.  Today I post about not forgetting the thousands of troops who will have months, years, perhaps the rest of their lives spent recovering from the wounds that could have, but didn’t make them part of the 5839.

The Wounded Warrior Project has long been one of my favorite organizations.  When Soldiers get on cold medevac flights in Germany with little but the clothes they were wearing when they were sent, they also have a blanket, a hat, an UnderArmor jacket and an airplane pillow supplied by the Wounded Warrior Project. When Soldiers get to a Military Treatment Facility here in the states, the Wounded Warrior Project provides them with WWP’s, a backpack containing assorted clothing a Soldier can use.

So that you will know more of what it is like to be in this situation I will give you a brief tour.  One minute, you are doing your job, inside or outside the wire, on day just like all the rest.  The next thing you know, you find yourself in a Combat Support Hospital(CSH).  If you are lucky, your uniform has not been destroyed either by the incident or by the medical team trying to stabilize you.  You may be in a great amount of pain, or as I was, you may be so full of medicine that your only real memories of this time are those relayed to you by others.  You have little to none of your gear.  Luckily, before I was air evaced to Germany, my Soldiers were able to get me a bag containing some of my things.  Many troops do not get that.  After some time in the CSH, depending on the severity of your injury, you are flown to Germany, where you are evaluated and care truly begins.  If you are stable and well enough to travel, they send you to the States and place you in a Warrior Transition Unit.  In a warrior transition unit, your care is managed and the Army begins to decide what the future holds for you.  For some, this means a medical board to medically retire, some stay in the WTU for months or years while they are treated, some are returned to duty, some are released from active duty to seek care from civilian doctors.  This is a very scary time for many, dealing with injuries, spending time in 5, 10 or more beds in a couple of weeks, being away from family and friends and away from the unit of brothers and sisters in arms that they are so closely bonded to.

Unless you have experienced this, you cannot understand, but hopefully you all now have a better idea.  We often hear the media joyfully quote the number of those lost in these conflicts, but we rarely hear about the fates of those who come home broken.  If you want to help, contact the Wounded Warrior Project.  Remember to pray for the families of those lost, and pray for the recovery of those whose commitment to your freedom has left them less than when they left.

I will be returning home soon to receive further care from civilian doctors.  I am one of those lucky enough to spend Christmas this year with my family.  My condition makes it unlikely that I will return to posting regularly for a while, but I will be here at times and I am always thankful for the work that you all do to maintain freedom in the greatest country on earth.  While my brothers and sisters in the military defend us from those who would take our freedoms from the outside, you all defend us against those who would take them on the inside.

God bless America.
Hooah!!

There are some good ones out there.  Christmas is the favorite for most; for the secular-minded the presents make the day and Believers know that it marks the day that the Son of God came into this world to seek and save.  Many love Easter.  Again, there is something for both the religious and the irreligious – God’s sacrifice for the World and chocolate bunnies for those who don’t believe.  Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday as well, a time to enjoy good food and share with loved ones.

As much as I love each of those, my favorite holiday is the reason we are able to celebrate those holidays the way we do.  Without the holiday I am thinking of, we would have neither the means nor the freedom to indulge.

My favorite holiday is the 4th of July.  It is the day that we celebrate the most incredible political document in history – the Declaration of Independence.  It is the day that we celebrate the founding of the Nation that has brought more freedom and more prosperity to the world than any other.

When one truly understands what we were given by those admittedly imperfect men over 200 years ago, the only possible response is a sense of awe and wonder.  History has proven their wisdom.  Many around the world are jealous of the United States of America – I’ve talked with some of them just today.  Many within the country feel the success of the nation is unjust and wish to destroy it in a vain attempt to make the rest of the world better – these fools now outnumber patriots in all branches of our federal government.

America is the best place in the world.  I have pledged my life to do anything I can to keep it so.  Today that pledge places me on an Army base just outside Baghdad.  Tomorrow it may take me elsewhere, and where ever my country calls me, I will gladly go.  I love the United States and its Constitution more than I love life itself.  I love her the most for what she has to offer – especially to all those who hate her so.  The model that took us to greatness is no secret, any and all can have the same.  Those within America who rail against her are only afforded that ability because of the things they rail about – and the irony is lost on them.

This 4th of July, take a minute to think about all that we have that others do not.  Bow your head and thank Providence for placing you in the greatest nation in human history.  Think of those who have worked hard to make America great, think of those who have given all to keep her safe.  Most of all, consider what your country asks of you in this time of greatest need.  Take some time to teach your children the truth that the fireworks celebrate.  Find a little money to send to a patriot running for office – help them to get elected to right the ship.  Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, James Madison, and all the others – they were just men – but men who stood up for what was right.  Many of those who faced down King George suffered greatly for it.  Not a tenth of that risk is asked of you.  If you are able, are you not obligated?

God bless America, my home sweet home.

P.S.  Watch some fireworks for me – I’m not actually hoping for any this year.

I have missed interacting with my Redstate family for the last 6-8 months.  Rest assured, I have been reading Redstate as often as I can and think of all of you often.

For the last 6 years of my life, each Memorial Day has had new and powerful meanings to me.  This year, tragically, is no different.  On Easter Sunday, our battalion lost a Soldier that I knew rather well, someone who had been with my unit for longer than I have.  He was not the first comrade in arms I have seen lost, but the first one that I had known for so long.

SGT Kurt Kruize   -   Father, Husband, Son, Citizen Soldier    

11 June 1974 – 04 April 2010

SGT Kruize lost his life in a motor pool accident while he worked late hours to ensure that Soldiers going outside the wire the next day had reliable vehicles for transportation and protection.  His sacrifice was no less than that of any other man or woman who has given their lives in the 230+ years that men have taken up arms in defense of Liberty and the Constitution of the United States of America.  He left behind a wife and four children.

Much has been discussed recently about American Exceptionalism, maybe a confusing concept for some, a difficult ideal to explain for others – SGT Kurt Kruize’s life and sacrifice together display the definition of American Exceptionalism in flesh and blood.

This Memorial Day is mixed – even as I sit in silent contemplation of SGT Kruize’s loss, I see more hope this year.  Over 4000 American service members have given the ultimate sacrifice here in Iraq.  This is my second trip here, and the differences are clear.  Our interaction with the Iraqi Army is continuous and an inseperable part of how we do business now.  Casualties are way down.  Three years ago, virtually every convoy suffered an IED attack, now most convoys see no action. 

Our Iraqi interpreters live on post with us in the same housing we live in.  Speaking with them gives me the greatest satisfaction about the job we have done here. I spoke at length one night with one man and learned about his hopes and dreams.  Under Saddam’s regime, he had no prospects because he was not from the right part of Iraq.  When Saddam was in charge, only those who came from Saddam’s home town of Tikrit or were somehow related or connected to Saddam’s family or the Ba’ath party could succeed.  Now, this man makes decent money as an interpreter, and he is saving it in hopes of buying a small shop in the future.  Does that not sound like our American dream? 

His main concern is the corruption in the governement (as if that waqn’t nearly universal to the human condition).  He views our American Democracy in almost mythical terms, as if as Americans we have some magical formula that allows us to rule ourselves.  He does, however, have hope for a future of self-rule for his country.  He also now has the desire and the will to do what he can to make it happen.

Our sacrifices are now paying dividends.  Our Commander-in-Chief for the majority of this conflict stood his ground and fought on when the going was tough.  As a result, those of us in uniform did the same.  Because of this, Iraq is free, terrorism has one less safe haven, and the Middle East is beginning to see what true freedom is.

On Monday, Americans will go to the lake or the park, they will eat hot dogs, bratwurst and hamburgers.  There will be parades, fireworks and concerts.  Please enjoy this Holiday which marks the beginning of summer.  Just remember that my fellow Soldiers and I will spend the day running convoys, kicking down doors, training Iraqis and doing whatever else Uncle Sam requires of us in this war zone.  As our Battalion Commander reiterated recently after an Explosively Formed Projectile attack missed killing two of our Soldiers by less than a second, “The enemy is still out there and he still gets a vote on what happens.”  We will gladly do our part for the country we all dearly love, and all that we ask is that you recognize our fallen, rejoice in the triumphs those sacrifices have bought, and never forget those of us still fighting.

SGT Kruize’s unit, the Forward Support Company, 367th Engineer Battalion’s motto – “First Up, Last Down.”

God Bless America
Army Strong

This installment is one of the more important ones, even though it deals mostly with minor players. This is the one that puts the lie to two very prevalent media myths about NY-23.  See The Other McCain‘s excellent write up about Frank Rich and the media’s misrepresentation of NY-23.

The first myth is that the revolt in the GOP in NY-23 was about purity. To hear the media tell it, the Rush Limbaughs, Fred Thompsons, Erick Ericksons and Sarah Palins of the party want to kick out anyone that is not a strict conservative idealogue. The second myth was that it was all about the social issues, that the only reason Dede was unacceptable was because she was pro-choice and pro-gay marriage. How then do they explain the support from the following?

Tim Pawlenty – Minnesota’s two term Republican governor is one of a few likely 2012 Presidential hopefuls. In 2006, when Gil Gutknecht lost in CD-01, Mark Kennedy lost the Senate bid, Mary Kiffmeyer lost the Secretary of State office, and races up and down the ticket went badly for Republicans, Tim Pawlenty won reelection. Tim Pawlenty is not a liberal, but his positions on several issues, especially cap and trade, have made conservatives angry with him. Tim Pawlenty is really a true GOP moderate, he is right of center, but not overly so. Clearly his Presidential aspirations spurred him to get involved in NY-23, but even as a moderate, he was comfortable backing Doug Hoffman.

George Pataki and Rudy Giuliani – Both George Pataki and Rudy Giuliani gain no favor from pro-life groups for their pro-choice stances. Considering their positions in New York state and New York city politics respectively, a pro-choice view is not surprising. How is it that these two pro-choice politicians would line up behind Doug Hoffman, an unrepentant pro-life candidate, in a race that is supposed to be about ideological purity? The answer is simple, Dede Scozzafava was so far to the left that she was simply not acceptable even to Republican politicians with somewhat moderate views.

Dick Armey – In 2006, he made headlines for slamming social conservatives for being a problem in the GOP caucus. To his credit, he was not so much saying that social conservatives are bad, but that they were betraying limited government in favor of the social conservative issues. That is a debate left for a different time. What we have is Dick Armey, who clearly does not feel the social issues are the important ones, not only endorsing Doug Hoffman, but traveling to NY-23 to campaign on his behalf.

The Doug Hoffman campaign was a model we need to emulate in every race in the nation. Not the left wing crazy GOP candidate nor the third party conservative, but the coming together of Republicans of varying levels of conservative commitment to oppose the liberal agenda of Nancy Pelosi. NY-23 was the most unusual congressional race in a generation, but we can learn much by looking at it clearly.

Next up: The final installment in the unlikely backers series, and the one you did not expect and do not want to miss.

Sarah!! was catapulted to national prominence when she was picked as John McCain’s running mate. The right instantly fell in love and the left was immediately driven to irrational hate. The left (and some in the GOP leadership) hates Governor Palin for the same reason the right loves her: she is not a member of the elite ruling class. She is similar to Fred!! In many ways; a simple American perspective, an ability to clearly articulate her conservative views, and a natural connection with the average joe. On the other hand, she is more of a populist than an intellectual. She has a keen political mind, but sometimes fails to have the depth behind her arguments that someone like Senator Thompson does. That said, she still compares favorably with intellectual “heavyweights” of the other side such as President Obama and Vice President Biden.

NY-23 would not have been on the map without Fred Thompson, but it would not have received the wide ranging Republican support without Sarah Palin. After Sarah Palin endorsed Doug Hoffman, his campaign received $116,000 in contributions in one day. One of the campaign staffers, who stated that he was not real fond of Sarah Palin, said that the money and phone calls that came in immediately after her Facebook posting was unreal. Erick Erickson here at Redstate took the opportunity to make his headline Palin Wins. Pawlenty Fails. Within days, Tim Pawlenty had thrown his support behind Doug Hoffman, with a stampede of Republicans charging in as well. Whatever a person may think about Sarah, I can think of no other person right (or left) of center with that kind of influence. Sarah Palin is as responsible as anyone else for Doug Hoffman moving from 16% in the polls to 45% on the ballot in three weeks.

I wish I could end the story there, and leave you all with good thoughts about Sarah, but I have to address some negatives to the story. First, Sarah really was a Johnny-come-lately to the NY-23 race. The battle lines had been drawn and the skirmish had begun before she took the field. Understandable, but she gets far too much credit for her decision as if it was a bold move. Her influence was good, game changing even, but she would deserve the accolades much more if she been on the scene earlier.

Secondly, Sarah Palin and many of the other pro-Hoffman groups were probably tactically responsible for Doug’s loss even as they were strategically responsible for his surge. At the end of the campaign, when Scozzafava dropped out and endorsed Bill Owens, Joe Biden and others were able to use Sarah Palin and others as a club to beat Hoffman with. It worked, with late deciders going to Owens. Many of the campaign people on the ground were happy with the money and support brought in by Sarah, but they were also very concerned what her polarizing stature would do. In a district such as NY-23, the general populace does not like Sarah Palin, even if it is because all they know is what the leftist media has told them. If the election had been two days earlier or two days later I am convinced Doug Hoffman would have emerged the victor. More on that in another post.

There is no easy answer on this subject. Sarah Palin has a deep and wide love amongst conservatives, and among a certain set of independents, but the hate from the left and the perception by many moderates is a serious drawback. I am a Palin supporter, and I would be infinitely happy to see her as our next POTUS, but I am starting to question whether nominating her would be wise. With her political talent, she might be able to overcome the perception, and 2012 is a long ways off. I think, as with Fred Thompson, it may be that the best we can hope for from Sarah is destroying the President’s agenda with Facebook posts and launching conservative candidates into the spotlight. If that is the case, it is still a positive for us to have Sarah Palin out there. We just need to be careful how tightly she is connected to campaigns in less than conservative areas.

Some might wonder why I use the term unexpected to refer to Fred Thompson’s support of Doug Hoffman for Congress.  In hindsight, it seems perfectly natural.

Let’s look a little closer though.  NY-23 was originally a small time special election.  The result would not have affected the balance of power in the House regardless of who won.  It is unexpected that anyone at the national level would really get involved.

Fred Thompson found out about the specifics of the race from his wife Jeri.  When he discovered just how liberal Dede Scozzafava was, and what a contrast Doug Hoffman was to the politics-as-usual crowd, he got involved.  First he talked about it on his radio show.  Later he made a formal endorsement, traveled to the district and made TV appearances on Doug’s behalf on Sean Hannity’s show and elsewhere.

Who is Fred Thompson?  Most politically minded people know that he was once a Senator from Tennessee. Most of them also know he was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President last year.  His primary campaign theme was "Common-Sense Conservatism", a theme that found its way into Doug Hoffman’s stump speech.  A theme that interestingly enough was the focus of the RNC’s Trevor Francis on a bloggers call after the polls had closed but before we knew the outcome in NY-23.

Fred Thompson is a conservative.  His views and his persona are exactly what conservatism should look like.  He is driven by a simple set of principles which he uses to make his decisions.  Limited government, fiscal restraint, strong national defense and traditional values are part of the common-sense conservatism which Senator Thompson ran for president on and espouses today.  Through his radio show and FredPAC, he is daily influencing the debate in Washington, helping conservative candidates with funds and support, and being a voice for conservatism with the American people.

If Fred Thompson had never taken up Doug Hoffman’s cause, we would likely never have heard of Doug.  The conservatives in NY-23 would still not have voted for Dede Scozzafava, and Bill Owens would still have won the election. However, the NRCC would still think that meddling in local party politics is acceptable.  The NRCC, NRSC and RNC would not have learned a lesson about how powerful the conservative movement is following the summer of the TEA parties.  We don’t have to worry about that, because Fred Thompson was there.  He took up the cause and rallied hundreds of thousands of conservatives around the country to get involved through donations, volunteering and prayers.

If you are interested in conservatism, and in this country returning to the values and policies that made it great, I recommend that you give money to FredPAC, listen to Fred Thompson’s radio show, and pay close attention to what this conservative giant says and does.  It is unlikely that Fred will run for President again, and that is unfortunate, but it doesn’t stop him from being one of the most influential people on the political landscape today.

FredPAC website can be found here – FRED!!

Coming next: Part 4 – About the other political figure involved whose name occasionally appears with exclamation points.

Conservatives won in NY-23. The goal was to stop a liberal Republican. We did that. The goal was to send a message to the NRCC. We did that. The goal was to show that a conservative could be competitive in a district not considered conservative. We did that.

45% of the vote for a 3rd party candidate who was opposed by the Democrat-Union-Acorn machine and until the last minute opposed by the national Republican apparatus is incredible. Many pundits will dismiss this or try to cast blame at the feet of conservatives, but the number crunchers at the NRCC and RNC and NRSC will be forced to take notice.

With all the emotional investment, as I heard that Doug was about to concede I expected to be crushed by the weight of it. Instead, I found myself smiling through the whole speech. When Doug said that this was just one fight and a fight that was worth fighting, I could barely contain a he** yeah. I sit here, disappointed, but oddly cheerful.

In VA and NJ we dealt resounding blows to the Obama-Pelosi agenda. In NY-23 we lost a fight and improved our strategic position.

Doug Hoffman or another conservative wil run here in a year, and we can win. In a few months, we can put Rubio on the Senate ballot in New York Florida (Thanks to cwilson for catching my typo). We can put Devore on the ballot in California. We can bring this country back from the brink and make it better than ever before. We must not slow, we must not tarry, we must not quit.

The biggest difficulty at this point is that there is only so much to be done to get those people out.  The district has been so deluged with robo-calls, etcetra that people are tired of getting phone calls.  That said, anything that we can do to get more people out, it is vital to get the job done.

I walked all ovr Watertown, NY this morning.  It is considered one of the battleground areas of the state.  Interestingly enough, out of the 30 or so people I talked to at random today, I did not find a single Owens supporter.  Most were for Hoffman, several were unsure or did not plan to vote.  Believe it or not, two of the people I spoke to today had no idea what I was talking about – amazing considering that every other tv or radio commercial is for the race and every street corner has a Hoffman or Owens sign. 

GET OUT AND VOTE – AND THEN GET SOME OTHERS OUT TO VOTE – Let’s bring these races over the finish line.

[Update] Sandy Caligiore, communications director for Hoffman campaign just went on the record with me.  Quote:  We win.

I will update results as we get them, here is link for results from media -
http://watertowndailytimes.com/

[Update 2] Blogger call in a few minutes

[Update 3] The results don’t look good so far, but no one here can get good information on the specifics of where the votes are from.

[Update 4] Doug Hoffman conceded.

I am dissapointed in the results, but I simply can’t be despondent. A conservative 3rd party candidate running against the establishment recieved 45% of the vote in a 3 way race. Although Doug Hoffman didn’t win the election, we still won.

John Rich is not a person that anyone would consider a rabid conservative. He recently was all over radio with the song “Shutting Detroit Down”, a populist lament of bailouts to big business while the rank and file workers lost their jobs. An early support of Fred Thompson for President, he was a supporter of John McCain once McCain won the nomination. He even released a song online, “Raisin’ McCain” in support of the presidential bid.  He also performed at the 2008 Republican Convention.

John Rich is an incredibly friendly person. His flashy country superstar image belies a down home nice guy. Talking to him at the American Legion in Watertown, it felt like he was just one of the many guys in the building. Although there were lots of people looking to shake his hand or get his autograph, he didn’t rush anyone.

John Rich is a good guy who supports Republicans, including a moderate Republican such as John McCain.  It makes it that much more interesting when he takes time out of his schedule to support a third party candidate, including performing for free for several hundred Hoffman supporters in Watertown, NY.

There is no end to celebrity supporters of Democrats and liberals.  The difference is the refreshing humility of John Rich.  Unlike most of his leftist supporting counterparts, you never get the impression that he thinks he is better or smarter than you.  There is a genuine sense that he feels himself to be just one man with a heartfelt opinion, a love of his country, and a desire to see conservative priniciples make us great again.

Two and a half hours left until the polls close – VOTE, and remind anyone you know in NJ, CA, NY-23 or CA-10 to go VOTE.

CPT Scott O’Grady is a former Air Force pilot. His F16 was shot down over Bosnia in a story that spawned two books, a history channel documentary. The movie Behind Enemy Lines was loosely based on his experience.

CPT O’Grady is in many ways an average American. He is a war hero, to be sure, but in all other ways he is just a guy like us. He spoke at length with me about Doug Hoffman and NY-23. He tells about how the country he loves so much has gone so far afield. He laments the incremental loss of freedoms. With his quiet tone he talks about the founders and the brilliance of a country where average people can put down their business for a time and go to represent us in D.C. The problem according to CPT O’Grady is that the professional politicians, the ruling class, has taken over in Washington and the average person has a hard time getting to D.C. and is no longer represented. In his understated way, he makes the case that Doug Hoffman represents the “true sentiment of the American people.”

One wonders if the current crop of Veterans will rise to the occasion and be part of the effort that brings real representation back to our country. Our volunteer force has been tested in the trials of fire, and now they come back with a passion for the country they have sacrificed for. The now infamous memo from the Department of Homeland Security suggests that returning veterans may be a threat. I submit that DHS is wrong about the nature of the threat. It is a political threat that they pose.

Men and women who have faced the fire of enemies, whether IED’s destroying friends in the next HMMVW, mortars landing on their base while they seek to sleep, direct small arms fire in towers or on patrols or anti-aircraft fire filling the sky, have little to fear from the words of politicians. These men and women are standing up, in big ways and small, and they will not back down from the country the love enough to die for – and to live for.

CPT Scott O’Grady fought for his country in the skies(and on the ground) in Bosnia. Now he does battle in the field of ideas. God bless him and all those who serve.

P.S. If you have an election today – GET OUT AND VOTE.

Bob Adney, field director for Hoffman for Congress greeted me as I came in and immediately asked me to go to work at the phone bank. 

Here in Watertown they have over 40 phone lines humming.  Starting this evening, John Rich and Fred and Jeri Thompson will be holding a rally here.  I will update you all as it happens.

While here I met a fellow named Robert Stacy McCain, you may have heard of him, and we discussed the situation here. 

The consensus we reached is that a key part, ending Dede’s campaign, has been accomplished.  Putting Doug Hoffman in the House will be te finishing touch.  The message we send to Pelosi, et al will be undeniable.  The top Democrats may ignore it, but the “blue dogs” will be running scared.

For those of you who couldn’t be here but want to help follow the information below and make some calls. EVERY CALL COUNTS. If you can only put in a little time or all day tonight and tomorrow, do what you can. We can win this.

Sign-Up: to make calls for Doug: Note after you sign up it will take about 15 minutes for the system to recognize you. They will send you an email letting you know you are good to make calls.

http://bit.ly/2Q6LqZ

Update: This evenings event – Wow!

Fred Thompson is of course the key. He, probably more than anyone, brought this race to national attention. It is unfortunate that Fred Thompson did not become our President last year, but in his current role, he is showing just how valuable he remains to the conservative movement. Money quote: “The Vice President job is to attend funerals…which explains why he was here for the Owens campaign.”

Interesting tidbit: It was Jeri Thompson who brought the Doug Hoffman – Dede Scozzafava race to Fred’s attention. This is the one to watch. Jeri is every bit the ideological and intellectual match for her husband. She was gracious and gave me a quote to share with the readers of Redstate. “I heard Vice President Biden was here earlier today, I also understand that he revealed he was a lifeguard at one time. That surprised me. I didn’t know you could swim with your mouth open.”

Jon Rich gave a geat performance. Highlights:
“I’m not running for anything so I can say what the he** I want. Nancy Pelosi is like a witch flying around on her broom. Someone needs to drop a house on her.”

This town is Fort Drum’s area, home of the 10th Mountain Division. All of the speakers spoke at length about military issues, something dear to my heart.

The key speaker of course was Doug Hoffman himself. He is an unlikely candidate, unassuming, low key. His pitch is simple. He is an average person who wants to fix what is wrong in D.C.

[Update 2]

Last night, after all the fun was over and everyone went their seperate ways I stopped at a convenience store for some snacks before back to my hotel to hit the hay.  The employee at the convenience store commented on my rental car (a 2010 silver Ford Mustang convertible – I got upgraded for free) and we started talking about things.  Turns out he is a National Guard soldier and was in Iraq in 04-05.  We started talking about politics, and he referred to himself as a moderate, not really taking sides.  I asked him if he was going to vote.  He said he might.  I made the case for Doug Hoffman and I used the following points of info -

Doug Hoffman is not a member of the “political class”.

Doug Hoffman wants taxes lowered and less money spent.

Doug Hoffman is a veteran and storngly supports the military.

Those are conservative arguments, delivered to a moderate.  Guess what?  He told me he really wants to go and pull the lever for Doug Hoffman and assured me he would vote for Doug Hoffman today.  As we go through the rest of this election and into 2010, what are you doing to influence your friends, family and neighbors to vote?  You will be surprised as you find how easily many self-identfied moderates, independents and liberals are swayed by conservative arguments – as long as they are exposed to them.

Back to it now, will check back in about the campaign activity this morning and wil be at the Hoffman HQ this evening as results start coming in.

[Update 3] The Other McCain wrote a flattering piece about me, and I’ll link it here Boots on the ground - one of the most interesting aspects of this trip has been interacting with bloggers and reporters also covering this race.

[Update 4] – Continued here: http://www.redstate.com/hooah_mac/2009/11/03/boots-on-ground-in-ny-23-part-2/

Owens-

• President Obama
• DNC

Scozzafava-

• NRCC
• RNC
• Newt Gingrich
• DailyKOS
• Margaret Sanger Award

Hoffman-

• Fred!!
• Club For Growth
• Police Benevolent Association
• Concerned Women
• Citizens of the Republic
• Susan B. Anthony List
• American Conservative Union
• Citizens United Political Victory Fund
• Campaign for Working Families
• NYS Right to Life PAC
• GING-PAC
• Conservative Victory Fund
• Eagle Forum
• 912candidates.org
• Nat’l Organization for Marriage
• America’s Independent Party
• Steve Forbes
• Sarah Palin
• Wholesaler-Distributor Political Action Committee
• Freedoms Defense Fund
• U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Kansas)
• U.S. Representative Michelle Bachmann (R-Minnesota)
• And others

Looking at those lists, which candidate do you feel more comfortable with?  This race has become the testing ground.  How effective and influential are we as conservatives?  I challenge everyone reading this to give $50 to Doug Hoffman’s campaign today, then post below to encourage others about what you are doing.  If you can give more or can only give less, go for it.

http://doughoffmanforcongress.com/

If you can find the money but choose not to give, don’t complain in the future when the National Republican Apparatus continues to ignore our wishes and the winning path of conservatism.  Everyone already knows that Scozzafava can NOT win this race, it is just not possible.  She is a horrible candidate and does not have the support of her base.  The NRCC is only still supporting her because it refuses to admit its mistake.  Hoffman can win, and his winning will echo throughout the corridors of power, both within our party and without.

What was the most interesting fact of all about the candidate’s forum is that all of the serious candidates could be easily characterized as conservative. Let me introduce a few of them -

Pat Anderson – Former State Auditor who is running primarily on a “cut government” platform. Her main points at the candidate’s forum revolved around cutting the state government’s spending, taxing and influence in the lives of Minnesotans. Her presentation at the convention itself before the straw poll consisted of filling the stage and the area around it with MN, US, and Gadsden flags, brought in to the beat of a revolutionary era dressed drummer.

Tom Emmer – Current member of MN state house. Is a passionate and fiery conservative, not afraid to yell a little in his presentation. A big focus of his campaign is making MN more business friendly. In the candidate forum he spoke for photo ID laws for voting, removing excess government and stated that in reducing government, “the sky is the limit”. He also took the time to emphasize that he would continue the Pawlenty tradition of being present at every military arrival and departure for MN troops.

Paul Kohls – Also a member of the MN state house. He has repeatedly called for a state spending freeze. One of his top priorities is education. He used the term “educrats” in his discussion of state education. His strategy for victory is to use his good temperament to persuade the middle to choose conservative ideas.

Marty Seifert – Former minority leader of state house. His most recent claim to fame is doing a very good job of keeping the caucus together to give Governor Pawlenty the ability to veto bills without fear of Republican defectors overturning them. Making Minnesota a favorable environment for business is his biggest pitch, focusing on taxes, fees and regulations that have been driving businesses out of the state. He said that we don’t need to hold the line on taxes, we need to reduce them. He also released a “contract with Minnesota” type plan so that the MN GOP can run with a coherent message. When asked about bipartisanship, he turned the conventional definition of it around and said that he is all for bipartisanship, he would be very happy to have the democrats vote with us.

There are other candidates, but I focused on these because they either have the best chance of winning or had some interesting things to say. The other candidates either were completely uninteresting or a little fruity.

The moderator noted that all of the expected and announced DFL candidates for Governor are on record wanting to raise taxes and asked for a show of hands who would raise taxes. None of the GOP candidates did, bringing chuckles from the crowd.

I managed to speak one on one with every one of the candidates mentioned above, and think highly of the conservative principles I sensed in all of them. At the end of the post I’ll talk a little bit more about who is the best choice in my opinion. But first…

If you are still reading, you are either a Minnesotan, interested in Minnesota politics or you want to know why I referenced the 1994 GOP in the subject line. Since shortly after the 1994 sweep, the Republican party lost its way. In a quest to grow and maintain power, it fell for the idea that it needed to be in the center to win elections. The argument continuously put forward was that conservative principles could not be implemented and defended if Republicans did not win elections. The result a decade and half later? Conservative principles have not been implemented or defended and Republicans have not been winning elections.
The political landscape is changing very rapidly right now. If the GOP can channel the energy from the tea parties into election victory and follow that with legislative success, conservatism will once again drive this country forward. If they don’t, it may be nightfall for the U.S. and for freedom in the world and the west.
It is exciting that all indications are the MN GOP understands this. Every one of these candidates recognized the importance of the tea parties. Every one of them recognized that the GOP can not expect anything out of the middle of the road other than getting run over. It is my hope that this filters up to the national party very fast. One of the key indicators to me about the future of the GOP and the future of the U.S. will be the Rubio – Crist contest in Florida. If Rubio wins the primary, there is hope that the darkened sky is signaling the sun coming up on another morning in America. If Crist wins…well, I would recommend buying flashlights.
Although the GOP has failed many times in the last decade, they have been generally trying to go the correct way. Contrast that with the left. The left’s assault on reason, economics and liberty have brought them to the place they occupy now. America cannot afford to be at the mercy of the anti-intellectual left any longer.

Minnesota Governor Conclusion:

I am very strongly in support of Marty Seifert. Check out his website Seifert for Governor and drop him some money if you can. He is an incredibly personable man, a good speaker and he has a real plan. His experience in the legislature shows he has the leadership and the contacts in the house to accomplish his agenda. He is also committed to electing more Republicans to the state house and senate, and in my opinion he is the only candidate with a real shot at doing so.
I spoke with every one of these candidates at length and discussed them with many of my Minnesota political contacts. Marty is the first MN statewide candidate I feel comfortable and confident in supporting in at least a decade. I will be overseas and unable to help much with his campaign next year, so I hope some of my fellow conservative Minnesotans can step up. Governors races are very important, particularly as we see more overreach by the Federal government. We need conservative Governors who can tell the feds no from time to time.

Everyone is debating and discussing, arguing and accusing on all these issues. Average American is concerned about whether he can get $4500 for his old car or whether Uncle Sam is going to pay for his Viagra.

Meanwhile, here are some friends of mine that I have never met –

Army Pfc. William Z. Vanosdol 23 Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq

Army Pfc. Morris L. Walker 23 Paktika Province, Afghanistan

Army Staff Sgt. Clayton P. Bowen 29 Paktika Province, Afghanistan

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Adam F. Benjamin 34 Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Marine Lance Cpl. Leopold F. Damas, 26 Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Army Sgt. 1st Class William B. Woods Jr., 31 Ghazni, Afghanistan

Army Cpl. Nicholas R. Roush, 22 Herat, Afghanistan

These are all young men who willingly put their lives on the line every day. Unfortunately, neither you nor I will now get a chance to meet them. Each of them died this week in incidents directly related to enemy action in OEF/OIF.

Honor the Fallen

Those of us in the military are still fighting, and dying, because YOUR lives and freedom depend on it. You maybe didn’t know it because casualty counts are no longer a tool for one particular political party to gain power. In addition, Dancing with the stars, Michael Jackson’s death and what might or might not be in Tom Ridge’s book are much more interesting to the news media’s talking heads.

We don’t ask for much, you all know that. Indeed, without exception, we are a little embarrassed when we are thanked on the street. I don’t think it is too much to ask that people at least remember we are still out there, rough men prepared to do violence on your behalf so that you can sleep peaceably in your beds at night.

Regardless of the occupant of the oval office, regardless of the party in charge or the policy du jour, my brothers and sisters and I put on our uniforms and go into harm’s way, because we love this country and we revere the Constitution and the freedom that makes this country such a unique place in all of history.

Don’t forget us!

Note: I am currently preparing for another deployment to Iraq (at last word, we might still be shifted to Afghanistan) but will not be leaving until the beginning of next year as it stands right now.

We are a mostly working class town strongly steeped in the idea of Minnesota nice. For those who have never visited our state, that means we are quiet and don’t like to rock the boat or offend anyone. Minnesotans by and large are not overly social creatures, and we tend to keep our opinions to ourselves.

April 15, 2009. In the middle of the work day, 450 people (some credible reports put it as high as 600 people) found the time on their lunch hour or time off to attend the Tax Day Tea Party. It was an exciting event, with people well-behaved and respectful of each other, even as they made sure that the powers that be knew how they felt about the shape our country is in.

At the entrance to the area where the group was meeting was a sign that set the tone. In red, white and blue it said – “St. Cloud is Taxed Enough Already! God Bless America”.

Therein lies the clear difference between the Tea Parties and the typical leftist protest. We came not to denigrate our nation, but to demand that our leaders restore and preserve its greatness. Many homemade signs were in view, most decry the tax and spending and the failure of Congress to actually read the “stimulus” bill before they made it law. Note the American flag held proudly.

And again, despite being at a protest against the government of these United States, the pledge of allegiance was said, at the urging of the crowd.

One the main organizers of the event, Kathleen Virnig, was kind enough to talk to the camera to send a message to those of you who agree with the sentiment of these parties, and to urge you to take the next steps…

Lastly, someone I am proud to consider a new friend, a local radio personality and an all-around very smart guy, Dan “The Ox” Ochsner with a message of encouragement and perseverance-

Please support The Ox, 1450knsi.com and all the others who toil away daily in the attempt to keep this country headed towards more liberty and more prosperity. Also, do not forget, as The OX says, we are not only right, we are correct.

I had to look at her, because I couldn’t imagine that she was serious.  It seems many of the American people have forgotten about the TWO wars we are still fighting.  A disengaged public was convinced by the MSM that the wars were all President Bush’s fault.  Now they naively believe that the exit of Bush is the end to the conflicts.  Most of us know better, but it is important for us to keep it in mind, and to remind our fellow countrymen of what is truly happening in the world.

Even more, when Iraq does come to a close(we’ve won and it is just a matter of finishing the clean up), and Afghanistan ends(if President Obama doesn’t manage to screw it up), understand that for many the war never ends.  Hundreds of thousands of veterans will still be fighting these wars every night in their dreams and every day in moments of reflection.  Several of my family members work at the VA hospital here in town, and the old Korean and Vietnam war vets still struggle with what happened decades ago.  Pray for the veterans.  More than that, understand and honor the sacrifice they have made for YOU.

Let me leave with a video I found today.  It is not my kind of music, but the lyrics and the sentiment could have been pulled directly out of my head in those quiet moments of thought.  It is one of the most powerful videos I have ever watched:

If I were King – Queensryche