Young America's Foundation

Sunny - Hi 69 Lo 51 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 72 Lo 38 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Rain - Hi 44 Lo 34 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: So Much to Say, Dave Matthews Band

Ramble:

Just a quick note on a couple of things... Michael and I are strong supporters of Young America's Foundation. It is one thing to preach to the choir--our generation, but the reality is that the future of our country is in the hands of young people and that is where the focus should be. Children are indoctrinated into left leaning views at an early age in the most innocent ways. I love cartoons, but can not stomach most of them, the subtle yet constant drumbeat message is there for the taking. How things are taught in school , the constant drumbeat of television, radio, movies and the internet, the shift in philosophy of team sports, the arts, etc... and once a child has entered college, they are pummeled by left thinking professors and organizations.

Ronald Reagan described their mission, "Young America's Foundation programs offer invaluable assistance to young men and women searching for the encouragement and understanding necessary to reinforce the values of a free society and individual responsibility. As young conservatives, you have a very special task before you — that of developing the political awareness of your fellow students."

I urge you to do a couple of things:
1. Visit Young America's Foundation website.
2. Go to Townhall.com and go to the podcast links, there you will find recorded speeches by today's top conservatives. Go HERE now or if you are not sure or don't have time to go through the list, then listen to THIS ONE. It is story I had not heard and a recollection from someone who dearly loves this country. Listen to what he says.

You can either listen to these podcasts on your computer or you can download them to your iPod/MP3 player.

In the meantime, I have been working on a couple of posts however, the terrorist attacks in India are pretty disturbing and have distracted me. I hope and pray the new team coming into office is paying attention and realizes the world is not a safe place and people still want us dead simply because we are Americans or simply because we are Jewish...

Ah, I will let you in on a little secret, I am going to be moving my blog in the new year. You can take a sneak peak here... It is still under construction, but I think it is coming along nicely. Anyone know what is up with Blogrolling??

Now, a little video I took last week for my Scootertrash Hubby... His totem... the blue heron (and yes that is snow).



Have a great week everyone!

Saturdays with Yoshiko

Partly Cloudy - Hi 77 Lo 57 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 80 Lo for 46 Qandahar, Afghanistan
Cloudy - Hi 46 Lo 28 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Trouble Me, 10,000 Maniacs

Whenever I am a little blue, Natalie Merchant's soothing voice always brings me comfort.

Ramble:

The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society. The central liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save it from itself. - Daniel Patrick Moynihan

For the past couple of months, I have spent my Saturday afternoons with my mom. Initially, I thought it was going to be a nightmare… you see she purchased her very first computer… my role was to teach her how to use it. Try explaining how to use a mouse to a person who has never used a mouse… "Why do you right click sometimes and left click other times?" "I dunno… you just do…" How do you teach home keys? "Why are the letters not in order?" "I dunno…that’s just the way it is…" I found some great online tutorials and my mom has been steadfast in her eagerness and determination to master this contraption. I have to be honest… I was dreading this… my mom is stubborn and impatient and does not listen… but I must tell you, it has been surprisingly quite wonderful. We have spent more time together these past couple of months than we have in the past ten years. She has had a chance to get to know me… I have gotten to know her. The best part… we actually enjoy each other’s company. I have shared in this forum in the past my mom’s trials and tribulations. She is a woman that is inspiring… just in her being. She is self taught, self disciplined, self determined, self made. She had nothing as a child, she had nothing when she came to this country…She had even less when my father was around. She put my brother and me ahead of everything… she has endured more pain and suffering and yet sacrificed more than anyone I have ever known in my life. She is a savvy businesswoman and has been quite successful. She lives modestly, however, she can afford much more than what she has. Her story is the American Dream personified and one that should be held up for others to see and be inspired.

The election upset my mother. Having her beloved adopted country much less her home Ohio --- Hamilton County--- Cincinnati go Democrat was more than she could take. She has never depended on anyone but herself to make things happen. She never depended on government or the welfare system to provide for her. My father was absent and never paid child support. She did it on her own… I can tell you that she is pissed… She is hurt… the people in the country she loves so much have become so dependent and so willing to hold out their collective hands to take something never earned is just beyond her comprehension. Her heart is broken, but not her spirit and definitely not her intestinal fortitude.

I share my mother’s sentiments.

Barack Obama is to be congratulated on running an excellent campaign. His election is historical and should be noted and commended. He will join a small fraternity of Americans -43 soon to be 44. President-elect Obama has my respect – he will be the President of the United States and I will always have respect for the office.

I must confess--- I was so depressed Tuesday night. Although President-elect Obama ran a centrist campaign, all roads for him lead to a very left leaning, dare I say it, Socialist mindset. All one has to do is listen to the NPR interview, look at those he associates with and see what his philosophy is. He is all about bigger government… he wants government to be the answer to all our woes.

Wednesday I woke up still depressed. I heard John McCain’s concession speech… I turned off the radio and listened to my iPod the rest of the day. As Wednesday rolled along, I became angry. I realized that had Senator McCain won, I would have been extremely disheartened and disgusted by his presidency. Senator McCain is a gentleman. He is exactly what he has always been. His life story is one we should all revere. It can be argued, he has sacrificed and put himself on the line for our country more than anyone in modern American history. There is no doubt Senator McCain as president would have been strong on the war against terror. However, he would have reached across party lines and compromised on things I as a conservative would never stand for. I still am not clear on how he was going to secure our borders... or not. He would have presented good candidates for the Supreme Court. However, Senator McCain as president would not have been about smaller government. I was not keen on voting for him until he brought Sarah on board. As a conservative, I was left without a candidate. Voting for Barr was not an option and as far as I was concerned a wasted vote. I voted for McCain, but more so and more importantly… I voted for Sarah Palin.

The latest trashing of Sarah has me infuriated. The fact that Senator McCain even after his campaign chose not to come to her defense adds to my reasons for why he is not our next president. McCain's staff trashing this woman makes me believe even more that he would have been left of center on many many issues. The election was not a landslide… we are very much a divided country. It is a cultural battle. Senator McCain was not the conservative we on the right crave and believe is needed for this great land. We wanted to believe... we needed to believe. We want smaller government. We want to live our lives and stay out of the way. We want the government to defend our borders. We want the opportunity to strive towards our American Dream-- whatever it might be. That’s it.

My grandmother, a staunch conservative, active politically throughout her adult life, a member of the greatest generation asked the rhetorical question… How did we get here? I guess it started just a little bit at a time… no one notices that way… little things… it starts in the schools… subtle changes to how kids are taught... what they are taught… kids playing sports… everyone gets trophies… there are no losers…everyone wins… we are politically correct... we have changed the culture by changing how we speak... smoking is bad for you… became the big tobacco devil… now the 2 smokers left in the country are lepers and considered subhuman…traffic cameras to catch speeders under the guise of keeping us safe but we know it is more about the ability for our local communities to collect extra money... motorcycle helmet and seat belt and child seat laws... of course all good ideas... but mandated by the government? Law abiding gun owners are required to register their guns. Certain guns are banned. Guns kill... Trans fats are now banned… There are mandates on fast food in some cities. Before too long the obese person or maybe the slightly overweight person in line at MacDonald's will be sent off to be with the smoking lepers. Fat people are too ignorant to make a decision on what to put in their body. Kids are not being taught American history--- . Celebrity worship...panems and circuses... We in this country have lost our moral compass and have muddied the waters on what is right and what is wrong. It is more important for men and women to be equal, subsequently, we have a bunch of girl like men while women call each other dude... and we are more promiscuous all because once upon a time we had to figure out what the definition of the word "is" is... Along the way we forgot that we are very different creatures. Women now instead of raising and nurturing children are substituting dogs to obtain that love. With Obama as president no one (except those making over $250,000--- $200,000--- $150,000) will have the burden of paying for everything… I guess I should be happy—Michael and I can sit back and let someone else pay our mortgage… pay for our gas… no more worries. I must ask though, what else is on that slippery slope? The slope has become much more steep... What is next? I suppose it is just a matter of time before we are required to purchase carbon offsets, experience rolling black outs on a regular basis, in some areas of our country water rationing, and taxation on the amount of garbage we generate.

We have entered the age of self entitlement and subsequently developed an insatiable dependency on the government tit to think for us and provide for us.

Senator Mitch McConnell will receive lots and lots of notes from me—more now than ever before. He isn’t the conservative I would like him to be… however, I’m watching him. I will make sure he knows what I think… He is the Republican Minority Leader in the Senate and has a lot of work ahead of him. Those of us in Kentucky, those of us across the country need to pay attention and make him understand.

So, I look to the horizon. I think of Ronald Reagan and his shining city on the hill and the beacon we are supposed to be… I think of morning in America… I will pray for President-elect Obama, as I have prayed for President Bush. I INTEND TO BE THE LOYAL OPPOSITION. Meaning, I will be loyal to the country, I will be loyal to the office of the President. However, I am here… I am watching… I will not be nice for the sake of being nice. I love this country and that will not change. I will stand by my conservative values and will do everything I can to keep her the land of the free and home of the brave.

The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society. The central liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save it from itself. - Daniel Patrick Moynihan

God Bless America

Have a great week everyone!

Update 11/10/2008 7:30 PM: It's a rare day when my Scootertrash Hubby writes a blog post-- Despite the date of 11/5--- he finished it today so go check it out. It's worth the read--- Go check him out here.

Hey Buddy, Can You Spare Me the Change?

Sunny - Hi 95 Lo 75 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 94 Lo 59 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Mostly Sunny - Hi 79 Lo 55 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Time To Change, The Brady Kids

I discovered during Michelle Obama's speech at the Democrat National Convention that she and I have something in common. It is an embarrassing malady that I don't like to discuss much, but like Michelle, I can pretty much recite nearly every episode of the Brady Bunch by heart. Knowing this reminded me of the episode in which the Peter's voice was changing...

Ramble:

How long has the election campaign been going? Two years? Well, thankfully we are down to one more month of this...

I thought I would compile a list of Presidential Campaign Slogans.

1976 Jimmy Carter: A Leader, For Change
1980 Jimmy Carter: ??
1984 Walter Mondale: America Needs a Change
1988 Michael Dukakis: Competence Not Ideology
1992: Bill Clinton: It's Time to Change America, he also used For People, for a Change
1996 Bill Clinton: Building a bridge to the 21st Century
2000 Al Gore: Prosperity and Progress or Prosperity for America's families
2004 John Kerry: Change Starts Here or Let America be America again
2008 Barack Obama: Change We Can Believe In

Let me contrast those with Republican Presidential Campaign Slogans:

1976 Gerald Ford: He's Making Us Proud Again
1980 Ronald Reagan: Morning In America
1984: Ronald Reagan: It's Morning Again in America
1988 George Bush: Kinder Gentler Nation
1996 Bob Dole: A Better Man for a Better America
2000: George W. Bush: Compassionate Conservatism
2004: George W. Bush: Yes, America Can!
2008 John McCain: Country First

One point of observation is the contrast in attitude-- There is an optimism, a can do attitude in the Republican slogans whereas the Democrat slogans are.... not.

Back in 1964 Ronald Reagan understood intrinsically the importance of this country and the importance of her people and what we must do as a nation. "You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done."

And in his second inaugural address, Ronald Reagan explained quite nicely, "We are creating a nation once again vibrant, robust, and alive. There are many mountains yet to climb. We will not rest until every American enjoys the fullness of freedom, dignity, and opportunity as our birthright. It is our birthright as citizens of this great republic."

Ronald Reagan never spoke of handouts and redistribution of wealth cloaked in the word change. Instead he described a place where we worked to enjoy the freedoms and the countless opportunities this country has to offer. In the work, we find the satisfaction and appreciation for all that we have and in the work we realize what other opportunities are out there.

So... Just a suggestion to any and all Democrat Presidential Nominee Wannabees of the Future... Please, I beg you... try super duper hard to refrain from using the word, "CHANGE". Y'all have been trying to change for a real long long time. Quite frankly, change for the sake of change doesn't mean anything. Really. It doesn't.

Have a great week everyone!

Home

Sunny - Hi 52 Lo 31 for Baghdad, Iraq
Rain - Hi 50 Lo 37 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Evening Showers - Hi 57 Lo 52 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Home, Foo Fighters

As you know, Foo Fighters are one of my favorite bands. This song from their latest album, Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace is the last track on the album. I have to say this is probably their most sophisticated work to date. If you enjoy the loud screaming Dave Grohl... the first track, The Pretender as well as Erase/Replace will get your pulse racing. They have stretched their reach and like anyone that gets older... their range and interests have grown and thankfully it is reflected in this album. The lyrics to Home forever speak to that emptiness we all carry at one time or another... Whether it is being far from home and yearning to be there... or whether thoughts of a loved one lost, be it through break up, just losing touch, a fight, or death... this song speaks to that longing- of looking back, of looking forward... of being home...

Ramble:

Happy New Year.

Did you watch the Iowa Caucus? You know Hillary is just pissed. I have not decided who I'm going to vote for yet-- and to be perfectly frank, I have only been listening with one ear. I mean really--- we have been listening to this for how long? When are the elections? Com' on! In any event, I still believe the Republicans have the strongest bench. It will get ugly on the Republican side as the field of contenders gets culled. Conservatives and those right of center are passionate about the person they are supporting. It appears to be that way on the Democrat bench as well. Weaknesses are obvious in all the Republican candidates and overall, I think each one is better than anyone offered on the Democrat side. But that is a pretty woosy way for me to draw a line in the sand... huh? Yeah, I know. Depending on the moment... I am leaning toward Thompson or Romney and at times Giuliani. If Thompson wins the nomination and must face Hillary- I think he can win. If he faces Obama... I'm not so sure... Thompson has the tendency of looking old and sluggish and that will be even more exaggerated if up against Obama. If the match is against Hillary... I really think anyone on the Republican bench will beat her. I think people don't want to hear her screeching voice or that maniacal forced laugh for 4 years.... Gawd, I know I don't...

Fred Thompson: I think when it is all said and done, we are projecting our need for Fred to be our new Ronald Wilson Reagan. Although Fred has a lot of charisma and appears to be a man of integrity... we will never see the likes of Ronald Reagan again.

Mitt Romney: Mitt Romney is squeaky clean. He is a member of LDS and there are still those that won't vote for him because of that. He is a man of character. He is a family man-- his family is the American dream ideal. He is a good businessman.

Rudy Giuliani: Rudy Giuliani loves a good fight. I MUST see him in a debate with Hillary... That will be fantastic. We know he was a great prosecutor. We know he cleaned up NYC when he was mayor. We know he stood strong and father like when our nation was brought to her knees.

Duncan Hunter: I think Duncan Hunter is ideally my first choice. But I don't think he has a snowman's chance in hell.

Regardless, of who I want, I will support the Republican ticket.... and Gawd help me... that includes McCain or Paul...

Here is what is important to me-The war against terrorism, securing our borders, a strong military, and lowering our taxes. I am NOT interested in having a Nanny State where Uncle Sam believes me to be to ignorant and incapable of making my own decisions... that includes Social Security, health care and unreal... my mortgage...

I think that covers it.

Home

Wish I were with you
I couldn't stay
Every direction
Leads me away
Pray for tomorrow
But for today

All I want is to be home

Stand in the mirror
You look the same
Just lookin' for shelter
From cold and the pain
Someone to cover
Safe from the rain

All I want is to be home

Echoes and silence

Patience and grace

All of these moments
I'll never replace
No fear of my heart
Absence of faith

All I want is to be home
Ooh

All I want is to be home

People I've loved
I have no regrets
Some I remember
Some I forget
Some of them living
Some of them dead

All I want is to be home

Have a great week everyone!

Time Marches On....but stop for a moment and give pause...

Sunny - Hi 53 Lo 35 for Baghdad, Iraq
Rainy - Hi 56 Lo 46 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Time of Your Life, Green Day

Ramble:

I have always found comfort in pomp and ceremony- the steadfast ritual of tradition. With age, it has become more meaningful. From baptisms to weddings to funerals the symbolism of what is done and said can be quite moving.

Ceremonies of this nature are an opportunity to reflect on the life to be, the life in progress, or the life lived. It is only natural when reflecting on someone else's journey we look at our own journey. At the time of President Reagan's death, the entire country grieved-- Never in my life had I witnessed anything like that--- The outpouring of sympathy, the grief we felt as a nation--During President Reagan's state funeral, like the rest of the nation, I felt that I had lost a close member of my family. He meant that much to me. I desperately wanted to go to Washington, but that was out of the question so, in trying to deal with my own grief, I focused my attention on "the schedule" of the funeral. I took comfort in learning the symbolism of the caisson, the Old Guard, in understanding the meaning of the caparisoned horse (riderless horse). I found out when they were going to do 21 gun salutes, I learned about the history of the Lincoln catafalque upon which Reagan's (and now Ford's) casket rests. In learning and knowing the schedule, I felt comforted. I was being tasked to do something. I had a purpose. It helped. Pomp and ceremony is designed to do that.

A plan for a funeral must be in place when the president takes office. However, once he has left office the president and his family sit down and design a detailed funeral. The funeral is a reflection of the man and his first lady. (Tuck that away in a recess of your mind for future consumption.) The men and women that carry out these orders for the family are the most compelling- the most profound...in the simplest of terms they are carrying out orders, but with that they are showing the utmost respect for the fallen comrade or fallen leader... If you have ever been to a military funeral, the silent precision of the changing of the guard gives chills and brings tears.

Our nation is so young... We have only had 43 presidents... 43... That is one hell of a small club. In that time we have fought in 11 wars. The deadliest was the Civil War with nearly 620,000 lives lost. Our ugliest moment in time was our fight within....................

It has been said and I concur that President Ford was a decent man- kind, honest, humble. As a nine year old, I remember his voice more than anything-- soothing.... comforting... His voice was that of a great uncle or grandfather.

"I assume the Presidency under extraordinary circumstances.... This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts."

When President Ford took office- it proved once again that our government works. No, he was not elected- not as Vice President, nor as President, but a series of events brought him to this most exclusive of clubs and it is the chain of command that our brilliant forefathers had the insight to put in place. Our government did not stop... Yes, we were coming out of Viet Nam and the scandal of Watergate... Our flag had been witness to much worse... President Ford was the man to bring calm to our nation. The feeding frenzy needed to end and end it he did.

OK...OK... President Ford was........a little on the boring side... But in reflection, he wasn't boring at all. He was simply a quiet soft spoken gentleman of integrity, honesty, and good character. Chevy Chase came to fame making fun of the man. But remember, President Ford was an athlete... he was masculine grace.... He was offered contracts to play professional football-- the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. He turned them down............. He went to Yale and became an attorney. Like so many of his generation he served his country during WWII. From there he served his country for another quarter of a century in Congress and we know the rest... 6 months as the Vice President and President for a little over 2 years.

I remember the 2 attempts on the President's life- one by Squeaky Fromme and the other by Sara Jane Moore.

But what I remember most vividly and fondly are the family moments and their dog having puppies...

So, as I watched President Ford's motorcade last night on Fox, I reflected on my personal remembrances and what the Ford Legacy will mean to me... I will remember that he brought comfort to us when we thought our government was vile and corrupt. But more importantly, I will remember a big gentle man that loved his wife and loved his family and loved his golden retriever, Liberty...........

We live in such an amazing country. We live in an amazing time. WE have a responsibility to the next generation to leave it better than the way we received it. We live in a time when the enemy is no longer defined by a border- a nation... It is our responsibility to remain vigilant. We owe it to our founding fathers who fought so couragously for our independence and freedom.

We owe it to our great great grandparents that endured a nation that was ripped apart in a time of great inner turmoil. I have no doubt President Lincoln was our greatest president. A lesser man would have crumbled. He knew what our nation stood for.

And, we owe it to the greatest generation... the generation that fought a war against an evil tyranny-- that put everything aside to remember Pearl Harbor...a generation that sacrificed so much...

As I look back in reflection at 2006, I must look forward to 2007. It appears we are approaching a fork in the road. I will remain vigilant and stand by my convictions that my family raised me to uphold.

What will our nation do? Where is she headed?

We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power... the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.

-Patrick Henry


Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

* Blogger and Spc. J. R. Salzman from Lumberjack in a Desert was injured before Christmas. He lost his right arm and his left arm has been injured as well. He is currently at Walter Reed Hospital. Go visit him and send him a note or leave him a comment... go...go now... really.

H/T: BlackFive and Little Green Footballs

* Military District of Washington - Guardians of the Nation's Capital

* Military District of Washington - The MDW is responsible for administering of state funerals. Visit this website to learn more about the funeral, the schedule, "the why'd they do that's...."

* Ford Presidential Library and Museum - A letter from Mrs. Ford can be found here. Photos of President Ford courtesy of the Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Please click on photo to enlarge.

* U.S. Torture and Atrocities - Visit this site... you can see all the awful things that are happening in Iraq.... really... go... I love our servicemen......

* Goomba News Network - Last May we lost one of the best bloggers- Nickie was kind, giving and so bloody funny. His blog, Nickie Goomba, was one of the funniest around. He hit serious topics too--- I still miss him. Thankfully, some of his familia have put the GNN back on the blogosphere... enjoy.

* Earth Cam - New York City - Watch the ball drop on Times Square.

Time of Your Life

Another turning point
A fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist
directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test
and don't ask why.
It's not a question
But a lesson learned in time.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

So take the photographs
and still frames in your mind.
Hang them on a shelf
In good health and good times
Tattoos and memories
and dead skin on trial.
For what it's worth,
it was worth all the while.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

I wish you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Four Years Later

Sunny Hi 109 Lo 80 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny Hi 89 Lo 66 for Northern Kentucky, USA

Song of the week: Times Like These, Foo Fighters

"it's times like these you learn to live again
it's times like these you give and give again
it's times like these you learn to love again
it's times like these time and time again"
-Foo Fighters


It's been four years since the events that took place on September 11, 2001. The following is something I wrote nearly a year ago when I joined an organization to be more active in my community, to be vigilant, to not be a whiner or a complainer, to do my part and stand up for what I believe in and to always do what is right.

I can't really add anything new. I've changed it somewhat to meet the needs of this blog, but it IS in my voice. It was originally read aloud and with the passion of someone that loves this country that loves this life. There will be others that will write much more eloquently. There will be plenty written on comparisons to 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina and our lack of preparedness. There will be a lot of gnashing of teeth and ongoing name calling and finger pointing. The only comparison that can be made as I see it is that we didn't ask for the attack on 9/11 (or any of the other attacks for that matter) and we didn't ask for a hurricane to "attack" us on 8/29. The comparison comes with the intestinal fortitude of the American people. The "can do" spirit that resides in this country will overcome this and any obstacles we may face in the future...

My name is Cathy. I’ve lived in Burlington nearly 9 years. I’ve been married to Michael for over 14 years. We have a great life together- we own our home, we pay taxes, and we both work full time jobs. We have too many cats- but I wouldn’t give any of them up.

I can’t recall a time in my life when being an American..., being proud that I was part of a family full of Marines, being politically opinionated wasn’t part of my life. Some of my earliest childhood memories revolve around my grandfather calling Walter Cronkite all sorts of unflattering but accurate names… I remember watching the footage on the evening news of the Vietnam War and having to leave the room when a tape cassette came in the mail from my Uncle Steve—listening to an account about the awful realities of war from a 19 year old wasn’t something a 5 year old needed to hear. One of the big mantras of my childhood was “GET US OUT OF THE UN NOW!”

With exception to a couple of misguided years while in college, I have been a conservative. The first election that I was old enough to vote in was to re-elect President Reagan to his 2nd term and I did cast my vote enthusiastically.

On September 11, I was at work—my first day back from vacation—a Tuesday. I received a phone call from a dear friend--- “Hey, have you heard the news? A B-25 or some plane has crashed into the Empire State Building. I poopooed him—I was in a fowl mood… after all, it was Tuesday, and I had just gotten back from vacation, so work had piled up… “Yeah yea right, whatever, ok, Rob-- gotta go bye see ya.” I can’t recall if Rob called me back, but I somehow found out—it wasn’t a B-25 into the Empire State Building—it was a Jet airliner into the World Trade Center…. Oh God.....—then another jet flew in to the 2nd tower... and then we all knew........ We weren’t safe and someone wanted us all dead. Like everyone, I was stunned, frightened, moved to tears over the loss of human life, overwhelmed by stories of courage. The shock turned to anger-- In Burlington, the skies were silent for a few days… being so close to the airport… it was eerie… I remember seeing a couple of jet fighters. Then President Bush spoke to us. He told us---he PROMISED us, these murderers- these terrorists would be caught. I believed him and still do. Like countless others, we put our flag at half staff; I became a bigger talk radio junkie. I found it critical to become active—I needed to do something to show support for our President and for our military. The anti-war protesters were already out there before the war began and Michael and I wanted to give voice to the numbers that supported our troops, that supported their Commander in Chief. Rallies were proposed and we went… as close as Florence as far away as Washington D.C. Our numbers mattered- it was good to be around people with similar views. It’s easy to be sucked into the vortex of America sucks and blame America first….

Pre-election 2004. Going to the rallies was a great experience- I met some wonderful folks, but it still did not ease that need for wanting to make a difference. Griping and moaning and complaining simply were not resolving any of the issues we were facing as Americans. The thought of having someone like John Kerry as president was more than disconcerting. Then in October, a friend, Jeff, emailed us about putting a “club” together for conservative thought… We conservatives are out there and I think there are a lot of us. But we are working, we are paying taxes and just trying to make it to the next paycheck hoping to sock a little away for retirement. The excuses started going through my mind…. I’m too busy; I’m tired after work… Only an unemployed liberal from Seattle has time to protest on a weekday at the Republican Convention… NO excuses --- we are going to do this and it’s going to be great!

We are going to make sure that our Representatives know where we stand and if they do not represent us--- we will vote for someone else who WILL represent us. We are going to write letters to editors—our voices will be heard! I feel I am giving back to my grandparents, my mom and I am doing my part to make sure that we give my nieces and nephews a fair shot at life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.


To the family and friends of those lost on 9/11, we will never forget.

To our fighting men and women in the military, thank you, thank you for your service.

And as for me, I will remain viligant, I will keep doing my part and I will never forget...

"Officers and men and women of the corps, ladies and gentlemen, I came here today to pay homage to the heroes of Lebanon and Grenada. We grieve along with the families of these brave, proud Americans who have given their lives for their country and for the preservation of peace.
I have just met with the families of many of those who were killed. I think all Americans would cradle them in our arms if we could. We share their sorrow. I want all of you who lost loved ones and friends to know that the thoughts and prayers of this nation are with you.
If this country is to remain a force for good in the world, we'll face times like these, times of sadness and loss. Your fellow citizens know and appreciate that marines and their families are carrying a heavy burden.
America seeks no new territory, nor do we wish to dominate others. We commit our resources and risk the lives of those in our Armed Forces to rescue others from bloodshed and turmoil and to prevent humankind from drowning in a sea of tyranny..."
-Ronald Reagan
Remarks to Marines at Cherry Point, North Carolina, on the United States Casualties in Lebanon and Grenada
11/4/1983
Cherry Point, North Carolina

I urge you to visit all the links listed below... the first few are tributes. Visit Take Back the Memorial...don't let them turn this into a mockery.The last link is to bring to light to the Flight 93 Memorial. Calling it a disappointment is an understatement... however Rob and Michelle have it covered.

GCS Distributing Tribute

9/11 Remembered

9/11 Pentagon

9/11 America Attacked

St. Paul's Chapel

"...We'll be deliberate, yet time is not on our side. I will not wait on events, while dangers gather. I will not stand by, as peril draws closer and closer. The United States of America will not permit the world's most dangerous regimes to threaten us with the world's most destructive weapons.
Our war on terror is well begun, but it is only begun. This campaign may not be finished on our watch -- yet it must be and it will be waged on our watch.
We can't stop short. If we stop now -- leaving terror camps intact and terror states unchecked -- our sense of security would be false and temporary. History has called America and our allies to action, and it is both our responsibility and our privilege to fight freedom's fight..."
-President George W. Bush
State of the Union
29 January, 2002

So that we never forget...Take Back the Memorial

Thank you Cap'n Bob.

Rob reports The Hijacking Continues

"The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country."
-Abraham Lincoln
Annual Message to Congress
1 December, 1862