CONSERVATIVES DISH ON CAIN, RACE: My Interview Below
| This is article appeared Sunday, June 13, 2011, in the Philadelphia Tribune and is written by Zack Burgess |
For more than two weeks now, and especially since Herman Cain was hit with allegations of sexual harassment, several talk show hosts have rallied around him, using race and his conservatism as a way to ex:plain why he has encountered some of his recent troubles.
First there was Rush Limbaugh, who recently said on his show: that the article in Politico is part of a process to tear down a Black Republican. Then there was Ann Coulter.
“Liberals detest, detest, detest conservative Blacks,” Coulter said. “…This is now the second time a conservative Black has had outrageous, and what appear to be false, allegations leveled against him.”
The first, in her view, was Clarence Thomas.
She didn’t stop there, inferring that a cadre of women, who were quick to forgive Bill Clinton for his sexual transgressions, was now attacking Herman Cain. “If you are a conservative Black, they will believe the most horrible sexualized fantasies of these uptight white feminists,” she said.
This prompted radio host Sean Hannity to wonder why liberals were, in his words, so “threatened” by Cain. Needless to say, Coulter was blunt in her response.
“Our Blacks are so much better than their Blacks,” she said, speaking of Democrats. “To become a Black Republican, you don’t just roll into it. You’re not going with the flow… and that’s why we have very impressive Blacks in the Republican Party.”
There has been a collective response to the Politico.com report that GOP front-runner Cain had settled two sexual harassment lawsuits when he headed the National Restaurant Association, a lobbying group for the food industry, in the 1990s.
And given that Cain gave inconsistent answers to questions raised by the article and has refused to acknowledge his latest accuser, Sharon Bialek — he has only been his own worst enemy.
“People refer to Herman Cain as a “Black conservative” as if he is some alien species,” said political analyst Mitch Baroody. “While the NAACP means well in protecting civil rights, I find them to be very quick on the trigger in pulling the race card and setting up divides. By talking about whites and Blacks like they are so different, it effectively makes them different. It allows people to use race as an excuse not to perform or an excuse as a defense to criticism.”
Coulter evoked the Thomas parallel when she dredged up the famous phrase from his nomination hearings 20 years ago.
At that time it was Thomas who made the statement that effectively neutralized questions about inappropriate sexual conduct raised by attorney Anita Hill.
Keep in mind, Coulter has called the Rev. Al Sharpton a “fat, race-baiting Black man” and has defended the white supremacist Council of Conservative Citizens as being unfairly accused of racism.
“The rendering of Black people as the ornaments of diversity, rather than incarnations of it, is one of the essential reasons why Blacks clash with conservatism,” said Political analyst Yvette Carnell.
Cain’s rise to the top of the GOP presidential pool has set off a furor among conservatives who saw Cain and other conservative minorities as victims of the so-called-liberal media. Limbaugh compared Cain’s problems to those of Marco Rubio, the U.S. senator from Florida who frequently told the story of his family fleeing Castro, which turned out to be untrue. Apparently the Rubios left Cuba several years before Castro came to power.
In a 12-minute exposition on the subject, Limbaugh called the reporting on Cain a “hit job.” “Anything good that happens to any Black or Hispanic in American politics can only happen via the Democrat Party. If it happens elsewhere, we’re going to destroy those people a la Clarence Thomas,” he said.
Speaking of Blacks’ place in America, MSNBC contributor, author and former Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan said in his just-released book, “Suicide of a Superpower: Will America Survive to 2025?”: “The European and Christian core of our country is shrinking.”
He says that “Old heroes like Columbus and Robert E. Lee may be replaced on calendars by Martin Luther King and Cesar Chavez.” He goes on to write: “The End of White America. Those who believe the rise to power of an Obama rainbow coalition of peoples of color means the whites who helped to engineer it will steer it are deluding themselves. The whites may discover what it is like to ride in the back of the bus.”
For 21 consecutive months now, MSNBC has been No. 1 among African-American viewers in prime time. So it’s no surprise that Buchanan, hasn’t appeared on the network since his comments.
The Huffington Post’s reported that Buchanan hasn’t shown up on MSNBC since Oct. 22, while doing the rounds on other stations to promote his new book.
“A Conservative does not change because he is a different color,” Baroody said. “A Liberal does not change his philosophy because of his color either. Color should not be a part of this debate. People should lean on the side of conviction and not outward appearance. But because people have put such an emphasis on color, it allows politicos to make excuses like, ‘the media doesn’t like me because I’m a Black Conservative.’ It’s disgusting that we have let our society come to this after the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968.”
ColorofChange.org, a civil rights group, asked its members to sign a petition urging MSNBC to fire Buchanan, rattling off a series of questionable comments he has made over the years.
The Anti-Defamation League also chimed in, labeling Buchanan a racist and anti-Semite. Calderone even spoke with a station executive, who told him that, “the network is taking the concerns seriously.”
He also stressed that the decision to freeze out Buchanan was made long before the groups started rallying against him.
“To me, it’s disgusting,” Baroody said. “Blacks and whites are equals, only different in appearance. In the progressive age we live in today, Blacks and whites should be sticking up for each other more and calling out those that abuse the ‘race card’ as an excuse. Every time someone refers to a candidate as a ‘Black Conservative’ there should be whites and Blacks protesting this type of language because it sets up divides.”
Zack Burgess is the enterprise writer for The Tribune. He is a freelance writer and editor who covers culture, politics and sports. He can be contacted at zackburgess.com.
Trouble in the Middle East: Lebanon Next?
The Middle East is in an uproar and no one has much of an explanation besides, “Radical Muslims are trying to overturn governments.” Wow, impressive..how many years of American university education did that take you?
The biggest problem with current American Foreign policy towards the Middle East is simple: There are too many university educated advisers and not enough authentic Lebanese, Egyptian, Libyan, etc. people doing the policy making. Before I rant about policy makers, let me explain my view of the situation.
First of all, people in the Muslim Brotherhood and in other radical sects do not understand democracy. There is no democracy in radical Islam, that has to be understood. There is not but one law, Sharia law, and there is not but one god, allah. That is how they think. So, before believing anything else, to understand what is going on, we cannot be naive and believe this is about democracy. It’s about everything but democracy.
A stronger Islamic presence in each of these governments means a weaker tolerance for Jewish and Christian factions in each country. It also means zero tolerance for the Jewish state of Israel. If you think people are negative and show too much hatred towards Israel now, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Christians will suffer a great deal because of these riots. However, the real suffering will be done by the country of Israel. The underlying purpose of fortifying Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and basically every other Middle Eastern country, with radical Islamic regimes, is to push for the destruction of the Jewish state so that the Palestinians can take over. Right now, Muslims believe that is quickly approaching. They are also looking to the skies for the return of their “hidden Imam” which they think is coming in the midst of this.
As for the country of Lebanon, things will be getting very interesting. Hezbollah’s presence in the country has grown to extraordinary depths. The people of Lebanon don’t have weapons, so they cannot defend themselves against Hezbollah’s weapon caches. Many members of the Lebanese Parliament are intimidated into supporting and joining Hezbollah. Yet Hezbollah claims to promote peace in Lebanon? Hezbollah is another radical Islamic sect just like the Muslim Brotherhood. Their goal is to take the country over and eventually attack Israel again and get their land back from the Sheba Farms area of Israel.
According to an unnamed source who may or may not be in Lebanon, on March 13, protests are apparently being held in Lebanon. But this force is anti-Hezbollah and for a truly unified Lebanese government. People are tired of Hezbollah pushing them around and these protests will likely spur even more international attention on the issue. 
However, given the current turn of the tides in the Middle East, do not be surprised if these protests turn violent, quickly. Hezbollah does not like to be challenged and their leader, Hassan Nasrallah. is a force to be reckoned with. This could be the next hot spot of activity. I would bet on it.
The problem with a protests and riots, even for a good purpose in Lebanon, is that it makes the Middle East even more unstable. Another country this close to Israel, with instability, only makes Israel more defensive in its parameter. If the riots happen, the U.S. needs to be quicker in coming out with a response. We must stand behind the Lebanese people in their fight against Hezbollah. This will help quiet Israel as they begin to get defensive to growing unrest in Lebanon.
If Lebanon becomes more unstable and if another country closer to Israel erupts as well, I see Israel being provoked into war with Syria and perhaps Iran at even the slightest test of their patience. That is if the U.S. doesn’t intervene in some manor.
Let’s not forget, Lebanese Hezbollah is funded by Iran and Syrica. If Israel is to sustain itself, even though God protects it, they must gain a foothold in Syria first. Second, they must keep Iran off their back. This could cause President Obama to show his hand. Will he stand with Israel or will he be the first President to sit back and watch the Middle East explode.
This decade will certainly give us the answer to what the future of the Middle East will look like. It may also result into one of the biggest and nastiest wars in the worlds history. As Thomas Paine said, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” I believe now is a very appropriate time to pull that quote out. What we are about to see happen is happening in biblical proportions.
First, as a country, we have to stand with our ally, Israel, and we have to push our other allies in the Middle East to stand with Israel or lose us. Next, we need to start immediate drilling off of our coasts. We have got to become energy dependent because America’s oil consumption depends on Middle East stability..the stability doesn’t look so good right now. Next, the State Department and President Obama need to stop relying so heavily on American academics and more on people that have actually have ties to the Middle East. People that have been held captive by radical extremists, people that understand the thinking of these people. This is the biggest change that needs to be made immediately.
Unfortunately, in the end, we may be provoked into war. But another Middle Eastern war, can we handle this? The bigger question is, can our economy recover from another war?
The Top 10 Reasons Alvin Greene Ran for U.S. Senate”
DISCLAIMER: The following does not reflect the personal views of Mitch Baroody. The content of the following top 10 list is meant for entertainment purposes only and does not present factual information, merely a fictional account, besides what is already known via public news media (CNN, FOXNEWS, ABC, CBS, NBC, The State). The purpose of this content is to bring humor to a very confusing situation and is not meant to be racist, a personal attack, or a stump for or against any particular candidate. Please keep this in mind when reading.
It has been a busy week for South Carolina. Nikki Haley and Gresham Barrett are set for the run off along with many others. This should be an interesting race and I urge each and every Republican to unify behind the winner. Even if we have certain established beliefs about the winner, certain ideas they don’t agree with, and even if they weren’t the first or second person we would support, the Republican Party must have little divisiveness and lots of unity to be successful this November.
The most interesting happening over the past week is the victory, from little known, of Alvin Greene in the Democrat U.S. Senate Primary. This has been the topic of many big news stories the past severals days. It has enraged Rep. Jim Clyburn and there has been a call for a full investigation as to who provided Greene with the 10,000 dollars he used for the filing fee.
The biggest question is, how a nominee was elected with a pending felony for obscenity on his resume. The story is, this guy showed pornographic photos to a young lady at USC and then asked to go to her dorm room. He was arrested as a result. The guy isn’t polished, gives a very poor interview, and is really quite funny to follow. I urge everyone to read more about this story if you don’t understand what is below.
To make light of this situation, I figured his candidacy needed a top ten list of explanations. Without further ado, here they are:
The Top 10 Reasons Alvin Green Ran for U.S. Senate
10. Because USC wouldn’t hire him as head of Public Safety.
9. He wants to have a wider audience, including 99 other Senators, to show his favorite “Computer Photos” to.
8. He is tired of Lt. Governor Andre Bauer referring to him as a “stray animal” because he received reduced lunch as a kid. He wants to become a Senator and have “Bauer ruled out of order for once.”
7. Tom Hanks told him he couldn’t grow up to be like “Bubba” because “Forrest Gump is just a movie. ” Greene abruptly “resigned’ from the military, ran for Senate, and plans to make a Resolution that will recognize Forrest Gump as a true story and not fictional entertainment.
6. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton broke into S.C. NAACP headquarters and destroyed his membership card. They told him he would have to find another club to join.
5. He saw that Mark Sanford, just a Governor, got an Argentinian mistress with South Carolinian’s tax payer dollars. He hopes to win a more powerful position, Senator, so that he can use tax payer dollars to get an even more “luxurious” mistress; he’s thinking Oprah.
4. He felt left out when Rep. Joe Wilson shouted “You Lie” at Barry-O. He wants the Congressman to pay him some attention and provide a shout out.
3. He wants to make a law that will allow felons to vote in elections so that he can vote for himself when he becomes Obama’s Vice-Presidential nominee in 2012.
2. Larry Craig told him how much fun it was to show pictures under Senate bathroom stalls…this seemed like a better plan than a USC computer lab.
1. He wants to be more credible than Will Folks and Larry Marchant so that Nikki Haley won’t turn him down again!
This is my list, tell me why you think he ran for U.S. Senate?
The Little Rascals: Spanky and the Gang
Tomorrow is the big day. The day everything changes or…..just begins again.
We will be electing more little rascals to follow a new Governor, their Spanky.
There are a lot of people asking me about this candidate and that candidate and who to vote for. So, I am going to give you my recommendations for the overall, BEST CANDIDATE for each job.
Governor:
Andre Bauer: Andre, the next Spanky, has the most common sense approach to fixing our problems. It starts with common sense, it ends with more jobs, economic growth, and South Carolinians that are a lot less government dependent. 
Andre walks the walk and he talks the talk. He’s one of the most transparent people in S.C. Politics. He has the experience to do the job right and you won’t be sorry if you vote for him.
Side note: Any of the candidates are better than train wreck in the waiting, Nikki Haley. Please do South Carolina a favor and avoid voting for her. She preaches transparency but she isn’t transparent, missed 70% of the House votes for transparency related bills, and she doesn’t know how to work with people (sounds eerily familiar to Mark Sanford) which is why she was reduced in leadership in the House.
Update: 8:09 PM Larry Marchant has passed a lie detector test confirming his physical relationship with the married Nikki Haley. This is the second lie detector test that has been released today. Lt. Gov Andre Bauer passed his test to confirm he had nothing to do with the spinning of the Haley affair. Looks like the wall is coming down on Haley guys!
Lieutenant Governor:
Ken Ard or Bill Connor: I worked for Ken and he is a smart businessman and he will do a great job for South Carolina. Ken knows business, he knows jobs, and he knows how to work with people. I have a lot of admiration for him and think he would do a good job.
Bill Connor is a fellow Citadel Alumni and he is a solid Conservative. Lately, he has taken a lot of heat from Larry Richter. The heat he has taken was not deserved and was WRONG. Larry has been disrespectful and anyone that has served in the military of any service or academy should be extremely upset. Bill was brave and served our country well and wants to be the same kind of leader in our State Senate. He would definitely shake things up. I urge you to read Ken and Bill’s websites to learn more about them. This is truly a preference position.
Side Note: DO NOT vote for LARRY RICHTER. His past of underhanded dealings, bribery accusations, removal from his judgeship, and accused drug use makes him a poor candidate. But his recent disrespect to Bill Connor makes him even worse. He has no respect for our military men and women. DO NOT give him your vote.
Attorney General:
Alan Wilson is hands down the best choice (read my article below for more details). His personality, military service, prosecuting experience, and burning desire to keep us all safe is just a few reasons that make him an incredible candidate.
His two opponents are great lawyers and would do a fine job as well. The difference in this race is that Alan Wilson won’t do a fine job, he will do a FANTASTIC job. South Carolina is better than fine. This state deserves FANTASTIC.
Superintendent of Education:
If you are looking for someone with more executive experience and a track record of success in fixing education problems, Gen. Mick Zais is your best bet. If you want a new type of candidate, a school teacher and conservative, Kelly Payne is a great choice.
Treasurer’s Race:
Curtis Loftis is the most conservative and responsible choice. Converse Chellis has wasted tax payer dollars for far too long, definitely isn’t a Conservative, and he was also sued for fraud, sexual harassment, and a poor work ethic by his former business partner (reportedly settled for over 250,000). However, Chellis is a pretty nice guy. Unfortunately, being a nice guy isn’t enough. Loftis is the Conservative and responsible choice S.C. needs.
SC 1st Congressional District:
Carroll Campbell III is the best choice for this position. He has the business leadership that will bring jobs and I-73 to Myrtle beach.
He is a solid Conservative, believes in his father’s philosophy of “Building Relationships” to get business done for his district.
Unlike other people running this election cycle, Carroll IS NOT a career politician. A great guy and he will be a great congressman.
SC 6th Congressional District
Jim Pratt: I shouldn’t be giving this race any credibility at all by posting it on here but I have been asked about it. There is no chance a Republican will EVER win this district. It hasn’t happened, it won’t happen this time, and it won’t happen in the future. It doesn’t matter who you are, how famous you might be, or how much money you have…it cannot be won! With all this in mind, if you have to pick someone, Jim Pratt is about as sane as it gets. Another positive note, he doesn’t refer to himself as “The Clint Eastwood of Marion.” Vote Pratt if you don’t abstain.
This is the rundown as I see it. I tried to be as fair as possible. Tomorrow, your vote is power. Exercise it wisely and remember, the choices you make have the potential to improve or cripple the Republican party. No longer can we afford to take steps back or continue doing the same failed policies of our current Governor. We need to move forward, reform our government, and get things working right for once. Most importantly, don’t believe someone’s lies just because you don’t want negative stuff about them to be true. In the end, the wall a lie rests on will not only crumple itself but those that stand near it.
By MEB
S.C. First District Congressional Race: Campbell’s Soup v.s. Scott Paper Towels
Truthfully, I never planned to get involved in the race for Congress in the First Congressional District. But I felt like there was a candidate that shined out above the others and couldn’t resist. I never cared for Rep. Henry Brown. Yes, I did attend his barbecue where half of the attendees got sick. That was probably to help them forget the less than memorable job he did in Congress.
When I would walk around the House office buildings in the U.S. Congress, I would sometimes see Rep. Henry Brown wondering around, lonely and confused. I once saw him sitting in a house meeting room, by himself, hours before the meeting began. I walked in and looked at him. He looked at me confused. I looked at him wondering why a Congressman wasn’t busier. I don’t think he had the passion to do his job and this was in April of 2009.
This was before his big barbecue and before he ever announced his retirement. I knew he had reached his peek. His lackluster performance and staleness had reached a point of no return. The first district needed a savior.
The first to arrive on the scene was a name familiar to me. 
People in South Carolina referred to his father, Gov. Carroll Campbell, like most Republicans refer to President Reagan. In fact, I often consider Gov. Campbell as the Reagan of South Carolina. The name I kept hearing about was his son, Carroll “Tumpy” Campbell.
I was thrilled to have heard someone had the bravery and courage to stand up to an incumbent that had been in Congress several terms. After hearing from people who worked for him and from seeing him myself, I knew Mr. Brown would never serve another term. Tumpy Campbell led the charge to bring the representation the first district deserved. But then, the race slowly but surely, became James and the Giant Peaches.
There will certainly be a runoff in this race. The top three contenders for this seat are obviously Tumpy Campbell, State Rep. Tim Scott, and Paul Thurmond. I want to focus on Campbell and Scott, so let me briefly dismiss Thurmond. Paul Thurmond lacks the energy, drive, and enthusiasm to be effective in Washington. His commercials have shown his lack of enthusiasm. I have learned very little from following him besides who his father was and his “desire” to focus on issues rather than “the name.”
Paul got in the race a little later than others and he has not built the enthusiasm he needs to overcome the incredible grassroots support of Campbell and Scott. After Tuesday’s election, Tumpy Campbell and Tim Scott will be battling it out. I have no doubt things will get real “crabby” in this low country debacle.
I saw Tim and have met him a couple of times while I worked and advised one of his opponents for Lt. Governor. While many find themselves in awe of his presence, I wasn’t impressed. He is enthusiastic but I find him to be overly cocky. I would be too if I had been in four races in two years. That is some experience. But that is the experience of a political opportunist, not a statesman of the people.
Many give reasons for not supporting Scott, some crazy, some not so crazy. 
I’ve heard everything from “He’s Actually Gay” to “This is just another stepping stone for him.” Regardless of everyone’s speculations, I don’t think it has to be that complicated. Even if he is a an opportunist, that has run for Council, State Representative, Lt. Governor, and now Congress, there are other reasons not to vote for him. Perhaps, he just isn’t the right guy for this job.
We need jobs in South Carolina and in our country. The answer to these jobs isn’t through bailouts and more government spending. Tim Scott and Tumpy Campbell both understand this and I applaud them for that.
However, there is a key difference. Tumpy Campbell is a small business owner with incredible experience. Tumpy knows business because he grew up learning from one of the best business men in recent memory, his Father. He has met a payroll and knows the sacrifices businessmen have to make. Tim Scott is a great speaker and believes in attracting business. The problem is, businessmen relate better to businessmen not career politicians that have never owned a business.
I respect Tim for his efforts, his great story that he tells so much, and for being able to hold two elected positions, possibly three if he had stayed in the Lt. Governor’s race. However, for our economy and the current needs of our state, the U.S. Congress needs more than a career politician. Washington needs a common sense, CONSERVATIVE, Businessman to lead the charge for government reform and responsible economic reform. One that knows how to bring jobs because he has a track record of creating them.
Tumpy Campbell, one who doesn’t have to live in his father’s shadow like other candidates, sets himself apart with his business savvy. He sets himself apart with his incredibly structured 10 point job plan. He sets himself apart because he is real and not a career politician. He found true conviction when he saw Rep. Brown not doing his job.
His two daughters have meant the world to him and for them to suffer at the hands of More Government, sickened him. He is running and will win for the right reasons. Not because he wants to further his career, but because he wants to further prosperity in South Carolina.
While Scott may look nice on TV, may sound nice in front of a crowd, and may be a really good Conservative, he isn’t the right candidate for the first district. If the district is to prosper, it needs Tumpy Campbell to go to Washington, gather resources and support, and grow it.
This is a tough time for the economy of the first district. It has hit everyone hard. Tumpy understands this a little better than Mr. Scott and he will lead the way his father led so honorably.
When voting this Tuesday, think about Campbell’s soup and Scott Paper Towels. 
Campbell’s soup nourishes you, fills you up, and makes you prosper with your day.
But Scott Paper towels don’t nourish your body, prosper your day, or even absorb everything they should; they just stick around for the next big mess and fall on it. Vote Tumpy Campbell for U.S. Congress, in your heart you know it’s right!
By Mitchell E. Baroody
The Race for S.C. Attorney General: Who Will Put the Joker Away?
While the feet of gubernatorial candidates are shuffling as controversy rises like smoke from a burning Rome, another race is a lot quieter but just as important. This race is for Attorney General of South Carolina. There are three candidates as many of you know: Alan Wilson, Leighton Lord, and Robert Bolchoz. All three of these guys are great people. They all know law like they know their wives. They would all do a great job at putting bad guys behind bars. The problem is, South Carolina needs one Attorney General, not three. Let’s get down to business.
I will immediately knock Bolchoz out of the race. He doesn’t have the name recognition or the likability factor to garner the votes this Tuesday. His polling hasn’t been very good and his message has come across as extreme to many. While many agree with him on most issues, his positions would be better suited towards a run for Congress.
I can confidently say this race is between two people: Wilson and “The” Lord. Following in the footsteps of two incredible Attorney Generals, Henry McMaster and Charlie Condon, is going to be quite difficult. What many thought would be hard for McMaster became quite simple. His impressive and almost legendary work against sex offenders has put his predecessor, Charlie Condon, in Columbia’s shadows. The question is: who can take over this office and make McMaster look “average”? Is that even possible?
Leighton Lord touts his experience running triathlons. He uses this as an outreach to kids. When he talked about this experience and his outreach, his hopes were to show how much effort he has put into caring about South Carolina children. Isn’t that nice? However, while “The” Lord has been running triathlons and reaching out to underprivileged kids, Alan Wilson has had his own outreach program.
See, Alan Wilson knows a thing or two about running. He ran as bullets were shot his way in Iraq. He protected Iraqi children from the harsh dictatorship they were used to. He protected kids in Iraq who, compared to America’s underprivileged, were much worse off. Alan put his life on the line as he ran and deflected bullets for children. He doesn’t have to run a triathlon to prove he would protect children in South Carolina, he just puts on his camouflage and shows his medals.
The next experience factor is with prosecuting. Leighton Lord worked in Washington and did a great job putting away “Asian” gangs. He hopes to put “Asian” gangs away in South Carolina too since there is such a problem with them (news to many of us). Leighton was a hard fighter against organized crime and he is a brilliant attorney. There is no question as to his incredible skills, he is truly brilliant. He touts his experience working with prosecutors and telling them what to do while in Washington.
Alan Wilson, on the other hand, knows what the role of a prosecutor is because he was one. Leighton has never prosecuted a case to put a bad guy away. Alan has been assistant attorney general and has helped a “GREAT” attorney General put sex offenders behind bars. Alan didn’t have to work for a Senate Committee, even though he could have, to know about being a prosecutor. He has seen the worst of violence whether in Iraq or on our dangerous streets. Alan has gotten his hands dirty for the people of our state and our World. He knows the only effective way to stop crime is to cut it at crime’s throat. If you don’t believe me, believe the sixty prosecutors around the state that have endorsed him with open arms. Sixty!
Leighton Lord often talks about knowing the proper roles people should play and directing them to do so. He knows what but Alan Wilson knows what and how. Leighton may be a great lawyer who can negotiate a questionable deal with Boeing, but Alan Wilson is a worker than won’t always delegate, he will do. .
Finally, no offense to veterans, Leighton Lord reminds me a lot of the war in Vietnam. It was fought with a bunch of people in Washington that were far away from the battle. They said what to do, but they didn’t know how. This turned out to be a terrible disaster as you may remember. Alan Wilson is an example of the brave men that fought that war, not the bureaucrats that tried to run it. He knows what and he knows how to win no matter the situation. We do not need any more quagmires now do we? Whether he is under fire or is putting a sex offender behind bars, Alan knows how to make us safer.
Many say Alan is “too young and inexperienced.” I have also heard, “this isn’t Alan’s time yet; it’s Leighton’s turn.” But I ask a simple question. Had MANY Republicans not said, “It isn’t ______’s (fill in 2008 Presidential Candidate other than McCain) time yet; it’s McCain’s turn,” our country would be freer and a lot safer right now.
Let’s not make the same mistake many made back in 2008. Even if Alan is young, he has the experience to protect each and every South Carolinian. He has done it on the battlefield and in the court room. His opponent knows how to direct and be a lawyer. But South Carolina doesn’t need another bureaucrat and just another lawyer. South Carolina needs a leader and a fighter too. I hate to say it, but this is something “The” Lord knows little about when it comes to working outside of his law practice.
After knowing, working with, and walking with Alan’s father, Congressman Joe Wilson, I know the set of values and integrity Alan has. He comes from a father that has fought for his country and stood up for his people, even when it was unpopular, against a corrupt President. Alan isn’t his father. Alan has a different drive. He has different goals.
But he has the same personal bravery, integrity, and call to duty for the people of South Carolina. I have no doubt that Alan will stand out and will stand up for South Carolinians. He is a leader and a fighter. He is the stand up guy our state and our family’s need. Alan is the “Batman” to put every “Joker” away. He will be getting my vote on Tuesday, I hope he gets yours.
By Mitchell E. Baroody
A Night with the Governor Candidates: The Good, The Bad, The Contradictory
Tuesday night’s Gubernatorial debate was not the heated explosion some may have hoped for. However, this debate effectively represented each of the candidates for who they are….or who they think they are.
The following is a summary of what I gathered from each candidate: Bauer is confident, knows what he wants, and he wants to cut government waste and stop generational dependency; Gresham Barrett loves God, wants jobs, and has 8 ways to bring them;
McMaster touts his proven leadership abilities, has no clear and decisive plan for anything, but believes he is the only candidate that can effectively execute the laws from the legislature to the homes of the people; finally, Nikki Haley hates government, anyone that disagrees with her ideas, will intimidate those that disagree with her, and is basically Mark Sanford on steroids.
Before I begin a thorough analysis, let me say this. Bauer, Barrett, and McMaster deserve a pat on the back for staying after the debate, answering many questions, and greeting those in attendance including young children that recognized them from TV and school. I will have to say, I am quite disappointed in Mrs. Haley for not taking the time to greet the people in attendance, especially the kids. She obviously thinks her current “Front Runner” status exempts her from meeting the people in Florence, especially kids.
Now for the analysis. First we will start with Gresham Barrett. 
Barrett was impressive and VERY unimpressive on certain issues. He was one of the few that actually mentioned a plan for bringing jobs. He mentioned his 8 step plan and actually knew what each step was.
He identified himself as a job ambassador and constantly referred to former Governor Campbell as someone to idolize himself after. While bringing jobs sounds nice, let’s look at one way he wants to do it. He said that tourism is crucial to making our state grow, especially marketing areas like Myrtle Beach. He mentioned bringing 2,000 jobs by building an oil rig off the shores of the Myrtle Beach area. For this….I say really? Common sense says this is a bad idea right now.
After the disaster in the Gulf, should we truly continue putting faith in offshore drilling, miles and miles from the coast? What if another company messes up and floods our coasts? This will screw up tourism for years. The Myrtle Beach economy would have quite a lot of trouble recovering. This has disaster all over it. These candidates, especially Congressman Barrett, cannot be for beach tourism and for offshore drilling. Gresham continued to indirectly refer to no child left behind, and the bush tax cuts that put our country into an incredible deficit (along with the war).
This only reminded me of one thing, his bailout vote. He seems more and more like the non-conservative President Bush was. I cannot see Gresham as anything more than a Social Conservative. I give him that because he talks the Christian talk. Overall, he’s a nice guy but he didn’t win the debate. Even though I disagree with a great deal of what he says, I give him 2nd place for being decisive. As a candidate, he’s pretty good. But some of his stuff is just hard to stomach.
Attorney General McMaster is another story all together. While he is a friendly guy, amusing to listen to, and fun to watch, there is no way this guy is going to be governor. I’m sorry to bust the bubble of so many, but he isn’t going to do it. This election year is very, very important for our state. People are listening more than ever. When you listen to Henry, who I often refer to as General Lee, he does stay on message.
The bad thing is, his message has nothing to do with actual policies. He touts his experience as an executor, putting sex predators behind bars, and making everything safer. He makes it sound like he is the only one that knows how to do the job because of his tenure bankrupting the state Republican Party and doing a pretty fantastic job as Attorney General. Being Governor and being Attorney General are two different ballgames though. Henry was given the chance to show himself as a true conservative candidate.
All he could say was “I want a strategic plan” for economic development. In other words, there is no plan. His connection to Reagan and his past performances as an executor will make everything fix itself…apparently. I was disappointed most in Henry because he really had a chance tonight…but he failed…not just a fail but a miserable fail. He was fourth place tonight.
While I was very disappointed in Nikki Haley’s sudden rush off, after the debate, I found myself agreeing with her on certain points. For once, we do need to audit every government agency. 
We need to find out where and why our agencies are losing money.
I agree with her on this. She wants to put more energy into small business. I completely agree with her that an environment for small business is necessary. She spoke against the corruption and lack of conservatism in the state house and will fight it. She will also bring more accountability and transparency to the table. Hold up…wait a minute…let’s go back to the corruption first.
She wants to fight corruption in the state house. She said she will exert her influence on legislators that will not support her reform efforts. In other words, she will intimidate legislators into backing her agenda. If they do not, she specifically said, she will expose them in the media through lists. This doesn’t sound too nice. She is going to be a dictator?
I guess having an opinion other than your Governor will no longer be allowed. Furthermore, checks and balances will be history under Nikki. If you disagree, you better just quit or you will be exposed as a burden to the taxpayers.
Next, she spoke about accountability and transparency. Wow….that is all I have to say. Nikki wants more accountability for the legislators. However, according to a credible but unnamed source of mine, she was absent over 70% of the time for these votes in the house. This includes one of the votes that would increase accountability and transparency. Unbelievable huh? It gets better. For a woman touting transparency, she isn’t very transparent.
There is a VERY well known “secret” that was just let out about her and blogger, Will Folks. Many claim it isn’t true. Many of the same people that were talking about how true it was several years ago are now claiming how false it is. The best way this could be solved is if legislators were transparent, right? That is what Nikki would say, correct?
But when asked for her emails and logs as a legislator, she will not clear the air by releasing them. She is talking the talk but not walking the walk. What is the conclusion based on this and her not filing legal action against the alleged accuser? The conclusion is simple. The affair probably happened, as I heard it did several years ago, and she is probably not being very truthful right now. I look forward to seeing more evidence in the upcoming weeks.
As a candidate, she is nothing more than Mark Sanford on steroids. She has the ideologue politics, she may or may not have the mastress, and she doesn’t practice what she preaches. Yikes, four more years of this? She said we need an accountant as Governor. I agree, that would be helpful at times, but the answer isn’t Accountant Haley. A businessman with experience balancing budgets and saving money would be just as effective. Despite everything on the table, she still did better than Henry. I give her third for this debate. Unfortunately, it looks like she will probably lead the pack for first in the primary. But there are still a few days left!
Andre standing under Calhoun in State Senate
Finally, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer. While I have been kind to Andre on my website before, my purpose has been to be very objective in this article…with only slight subjectivity. Andre hasn’t changed very much. He continues to tout the same message he has always been bringing. He wants to bring us out of the Stone Age. Andre said, “The answer to our school systems isn’t throwing money at it.
The answer is to fix the discipline system.” He continued to talk about saving money, how he has always conserved money and in fact, given 400,000 dollars back to the state. He claims to have been the only member to travel and actually sit down with companies to bring them to the state.
If anyone knows how to be a jobs ambassador, Andre does. He only speaks common sense. Everyone can identify with what Andre said tonight. You don’t ever find yourself questioning what he says.
The problem for many is that he makes too much sense. People can’t understand why a politician would be so incredibly upfront. Tonight, he was so confident he answered one question with a simple, “No.” Andre has served in both houses and is a TRUE Conservative.
However, Andre is not the conservative ideologue Nikki Haley is. Andre knows how to work with the legislator to get thins passed that will help the people immediately. Unfortunately, he had to sit and watch Mark Sanford lock the door on communication for eight years. If anything, he knows how NOT to govern.
He pushed off the questions about his personal life saying, “Everyone already knows it. I have nothing to hide.” I thought this was another show of his grace, calmness, and confidence. Tonight, Andre established himself as the one to beat. He spoke common sense with clear plans. His ideas are so innovative like his plans to make South Carolina greener and energy efficient.
There are other ways to fix the energy problem than drilling offshore and hurting tourism by having an oil spill on the coast of our state. Most importantly, he doesn’t shy away from tough issues or even questions.
After the debate, I overheard him being asked a question. The lady asked, “What about homeschoolers. Will you give us tax credits?” His response showed the condition of his conviction. He replied, “You bet. Homeschoolers save taxpayers money. Anything it takes to save taxpayers money, I’m up for it.” Andre talked the talk and walked the walk tonight.
For this, I gave him two thumbs up and can honestly say, in a tight debate, he set himself apart. I think there is little certainty, he won it tonight.
As for the primary, I think what we will see is very simple. Barring overwhelming evidence of an affair coming out against Nikki Haley in the next few days, she makes the run-off with Andre Bauer. Truthfully, it all depends on how much they are all seen and what type of television ads they put on the screen. The next few days and tonight’s debate in Charleston will continue to give a clearer picture. But I don’t’ think it gets clearer than a run off of Bauer and Haley.
John C. Calhoun: Still Serving, Fighting for State’s Rights, Making the Federal Government Take Blood Pressure Pills
By Mitch Baroody
Nero was ecstatic while watching Rome burn. He arrogantly played his fiddle while inhaling the smoke of the burning city. King George III scoffed at peasant farmers advocating for their freedom. He arrogantly mocked them, fought a war he thought would be easy, and lost everything as a result. Franklin Roosevelt began a campaign that would bring the early stages of government dependency to America. He set a harmful and dangerous precedent of big government policies that would eventually allow future leaders to completely wipe away the original American government in exchange for a welfare state.
Finally, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe’s welfare state now has the world’s highest inflation rate, an 80 percent employment rate and, since 1988, the life expectancy has dropped from age 62 to 38. In 2005, Mugabe launched Operation Murambatsvina (“clean the filth”), which forced the eviction of 700,000 people to “restore order and sanity.”
Then there is Barack Obama who smiles big, prances up to the stage like a squirrel hopping out of a tree, and exclaims, “This is what Change looks like.” In American history, arrogance and ego-driven government has only led to one thing: Failure. As for the last leader, Barack the Change-Maker, the blood may fill the oceans and the deepest part of American soil more than any other world leader ever did to their country.
Not only will his healthcare plan kill people, his disregard for the constitution will destroy everything good America ever had going. He is worse than Nero, worse than King George III, makes FDR look like Santa, and has probably become Mugabe’s pick for American idol. Take these four leaders and you get one Obama.
There is one simple truth found in the healthcare plan this disastrous leader has just signed: The plan is not about healthcare at all. For all intents and purposes, Barack Obama is a pretty honest guy. He is staying true to his campaign promise: Change. The problem with the unfortunate Americans that voted for him was their lack of questions about what this “Change” meant. See, his change means the changing of the guard. Our guard has been a Constitutional Republic since inception.
However, this healthcare plan is the precedent that will move our great country away from the constitution that has held it together with such fluidity.
This is the first strike of change this President will push through. Our lives, our laws, our freedoms are falling down a dangerous cliff and what we have always known is close to death. Many say our President is not a citizen; many call him various names that may or may not be true. Personally, I do not need to look at any evidence or any assumptions. Just look at the bill he signed and what it does. A government mandate that imposes a penalty endangers every freedom we enjoy.
How then do we fight and tackle this attack on America? The better question is, how do you fight terrorism if the terrorists are not foreigners? What if they are not hidden at all? What if they are visible and law enforcement doesn’t do anything to stop them? What if they are the President of the United States, Speaker of the U.S. House, and Leader of the U.S. Senate? Why continue searching for Osama Bin Laden when you have someone of equal magnitude being paid to destroy America in the White House?
Many attorney generals have filed lawsuits to tackle this issue. At first, I found this to be quite an honorable and even noble move. The South Carolina Attorney General, Henry “General Lee” McMaster, has done a great job at showing his support for state sovereignty.
However, his fight is certainly not the most sensible. However, in an election year, a legal battle that will not hold up in court is still going to be pushed by any candidate for higher office that has an ESQ after their name.
With the Governor’s race completely put aside, I still leave the question open, “How do we fight Obamacare?” I received a very interesting phone call several days ago that left me with my jaw opened. My exact words were, “This is bold and it will not only work. It will change our country. Wow.” The crazy thing is it wasn’t unbelievable considering who it came from.
There is one man that never fears the impossible. He never backs away from a challenge. When you least expect it, he will creep up behind you, surprise you, and make you feel lost in translation. He should make every South Carolinian feel the way the insurgents in Iraq felt when a bunker bomb ruined their midnight poker party: In a state of Shock and Awe. He is perhaps the most underrated elected official in South Carolina, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer. Sure, I think he’s a great candidate for Governor.
But this is not about the Governor’s race and is not about me giving talking points about why he may or may not be the best candidate for this office. This is about the preservation of our freedom and our future and his obvious 20/20 vision to see the necessary steps to ensure we have a future.
Lt. Governor Bauer has made a bold move that is outside the box and is bigger than anything other states have begun to think of. On March 25, the Lt. Governor called on the South Carolina legislature to back a resolution that calls for a constitutional convention. The convention’s purpose is to create an amendment protecting every American citizen from this horrendous, socialist legislation. It will require the ratification of 38 states to be adopted.
I have said in the past, “Where are the John C. Calhouns hiding at?” I have often wondered, “When are the statesmen going to quit burrowing in their hibernation chambers and buy a .25 cent can of initiative?”
Andre standing under Calhoun in the State Senate
Then, one leader creeps out of the bushes where he actually had never been hibernating, just thinking long and hard about feasible, common sense solutions.
The Lt. Governor realized that these lawsuits will not hold up and that a constitutional convention is the only thing that will stand in between radical socialism with a delicious dessert of communism to follow and the American people’s freedom.
See, our federal government has it all wrong. The union is nothing without the states. The states have the power in the grand scheme of things. If the states aren’t happy, there cannot be a union. Andre Bauer sees this and has taken this bold move to show state sovereignty and superiority to socialism.
Will it work? Once people get over the initial shock of such a bold move, it has a high feasibility of becoming a REAL and working solution. This is more than a lawsuit presented by a few attorney generals. This is throwing the constitution at the democrats and specifically President Happy Feet. The constitution is what keeps us together and if we neglect it now, our union cannot stand.
Americans are lucky there is someone like Andre Bauer, willing to stand up and fight using feasible, common sense solutions to preserve our freedoms. He deserves a great thanks for his efforts and for putting his political livelihood on the line to fight such an incredible atrocity.
I implore you to contact your state legislators and ask them to stand with Andre to fight this encroachment in the most sensible way possible, a constitutional convention.
The spirit of John C. Calhoun and his strict opposition to the encroachment on state power, still lives on. If there were such a thing as reincarnation, I am quite certain John C. Calhoun is still in politics.
He is still very bold. He still hates the federal government. He still loves the people. He still loves a bold fight.
He works at the capitol and has a great title, Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. He even adopted a French name, Andre!
Keep Your Politics Off My Football
By Brad Turner
What role do politics play in the world of sports? The answer: None. However looks like the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus has forgotten this. After the news got out of the possibility that the University of South Carolina was going to lose its lone black Board of Trustee member, the Black Caucus got on the phones. And who did they call? Ghostbusters? Well they might as well have because they sure didn’t call anyone who could do more about it. They called the 2010 recruiting class for the South Carolina Carolina football team. That’s right, they called out of state TEENAGERS.
This call to arms is headed by Democratic Representative Todd Rutherford. For whatever reason, he has come to the conclusion that in order to fix a perceived problem in the legislature, he would try to make kids stop coming to college in South Carolina. Needless to say this isn’t good for anyone.
First off, Rutherford apparently doesn’t realize the potential damage he could do if these future student-athletes listen to him. They are under a contract to come to USC at this point. They have signed their letters of intent back in February. In order for them to be able to go to a different school they would have to be released by the program then sit out a year. Apparently Rutherford doesn’t care what happens to these kids, even if that means losing a year of their scholarship and football career, as long as he gets his point across.
His complaints stem from the “lack” of diversity of both the University and its board. African-Americans make up 14% of the student body at USC. This is actually the same or better than a number of schools in the Southeast including the University of North Carolina (11%), University of Virginia (8%), University of Tennessee (9%), University of Georgia (8%), University of Florida (10%), Louisiana State University (10%), University of Mississippi (14%), University of Kentucky (5%), and instate Clemson University (8%). In terms of diversity in the Southeast, USC is progressive!
Telling black students to not come to USC is counter-productive to say the least. Rutherford complains that the student body of USC does not reflect the racial diversity of the state. However, he is telling black students not to come. I don’t see how this makes things better. Instead, you would think the logical solution would be to encourage the black population in South Carolina to apply to USC and thus add the desired diversity.
Now for a slightly more pointed message I want to get across. Can he prove that the loss of the lone black board member is in any way, shape, or form a racial attack? No. He only points out that there would no longer be a black member. Leah Moody is currently the only black Trustee. She replaced Samuel Foster II when a bank fraud scandal forced him to resign on July 1, 2009. Foster was the first elected African-American to be elected on the board. Moody is now facing Alton Hyatt Jr. for the spot. House Speaker Bobby Harrell of Charleston has clearly expressed that the election is not a case of race. “What everyone should be thinking about is who’s the best person for the job, regardless of race?” That makes sense to me.
Picking someone just because of race is wrong, no matter their color. If Hyatt is not the best person for the job then he does not deserve to be on the board, simple as that. But if he is, then elect him. We need to help our schools in any way possible. If a less qualified person is placed on the board simply because of race, we are moving in the wrong direction. The black caucus should be spending their time finding candidates who are more qualified for the position rather than try to threaten the state when they don’t get their way.
The backlash from the attack on South Carolina’s football program has come hard and quick. I have to give it to Rutherford, He knows how to get peoples attention. However, the negative attention is probably not what he was looking for. Much of the talk on the sport radio networks have all been the same; this is a political problem and it does not need to be intertwined with athletics. Rutherford defended himself by saying, “Gamecock fans should not be calling and threatening black legislators. Call the Republican leadership.” Well Mr. Rutherford, it looks like you brought this on yourself. The Gamecock nation is not going to sit idly by while you try to blackmail their beloved football program and their University. Most people can plainly see that the football program cannot effect the Board of Trustees in any way. Why can’t Rutherford?
I will admit, I feel bad for Moody. She has come out and said that she does not support calling the recruits, “The race is in the General Assembly.” She is running on her own merit instead of her race. And good for her, she gets it. I’m glad she is distancing herself from this nonsense. She knows that she should be elected on what she can bring to the Board of Trustees. Rutherford should shut up for a minute and listen to her. This is her race to win, not his. If he wants to help, talk to the representatives who have a say in this election and convince them that she deserves this spot by what she can provide to the University and not because of the color of her skin.
Mr. Rutherford, it is time to stop using race as a talking point to get votes. Here is your chance to step up to the plate and back a candidate based on ability. Leave the student-athletes of the University of South Carolina alone, and if you want to make a change, talk to the people who can do it.
Who is taking care of you now?
By Brad Turner
So it finally happened. The government turned its back on the American people and their wishes and they are doing what they think is best for us. Healthcare passed in a late session in congress, and the liberal forces who are in charge of our country are giddy like a school girl. So what have we gotten ourselves into.
I was hoping to write my first article for Mitch on the education system in this state, but I feel this is more important at the moment. Our government has taken over healthcare. We cannot sit by and let this happen quietly. If it’s gonna happen against our will, we need to go down kicking and screaming.
The government has taken over a system, that with all of its faults, has worked out for most people. Saying the insurance companies got it right all the time is far from correct, but thinking that the government can do better is absurd! This is the same government who is in control of our education system, which at the best of times is adequate. How can we expect a new bureaucracy to take over and do anything productive. The dangerous slope we are falling down now can only get steeper and we will only pick up more momentum if we do not let our representatives know how we feel.
The idea that the government can step in and require a business to give healthcare to its employees reeks of socialism. The free market system that has carried this country since its foundation is just that, FREE! The government should not be able to step in and tell a business what it has to spend its money on. If an employer wants to provide insurance, then it should have that option, but if it chooses not to then more power to them. An employee has the option to work for that company or not. Nobody is forcing them to work for them. If they find a company that is willing to give them healthcare then work for them. It is the loss of the company that is at stake.
Now I do appreciate some points in healthcare. Helping children who cannot help themselves is great. I’m all for that. However, once someone turns 18 then they are a legal adults. If they want healthcare then they can get it for themselves. The American people are smart enough to choose for themselves insurance. I don’t need their help, and neither do you!
One of the most ridiculous comments I have heard so far has come from South Carolina’s own, Rep. Jim Clyburn. He has the nerve to compare this piece of legislature to the Civil Rights movement of the 1950′s and 1960′s. First off, I see no comparison. The civil rights movement was for basic human rights. The idea that all people are created equal. In no way, shape, or form does healthcare provide RIGHTS for anything. It provides a service for people paid by other people. If anything it is a violation of rights, taking my money and giving it to people who don’t want to spend their money on healthcare.
Finally, the abortion executive order that is suppose to be added on with Obama’s signing of the bill is complete and utter BS! Selective abortion should not, under any circumstance, be covered by tax money! I am morally opposed to abortion. My taxes should not go to the girl who can’t keep her legs closed and gets herself pregnant!
The pride that liberals have in defying the wishes of the American people is beyond belief. The beaming picture of Obama, as the vote passes, worries me. Do we have a president who only cares about pushing his own agenda? I held out hope that maybe he cares for ALL Americans, but it seems that he cares for less then half of them. Here is your change, how do you like it?
Evening Joe: A Heated Debate with One Clear Winner
This past month has been dogged with the Late Night crisis between Jay Leno and Conan O’brien. But apparently, the winds from NBC blew crisis to Charleston on Thursday night. Boy, was the beginning of the Gubernatorial debate interesting.
I sat down in my lazy boy, put my popcorn in my elephant container, and began munching down to Joe Scarborough’s sarcasm. Then a bunch of screeching, scratching, hair pulling, and silence took place. Not to mention, all of Nikki Haley’s speech was silenced. The TV then went blank. I thought of a few reasons this could have happened.
1. CBS affiliate executives have cut down power to preserve it for the upcoming “winter storm disaster” that is expected to hit South Carolina with ice and snow this weekend…we all know the dangers of 1-3 inches.
2. Maria Chapur became angry that she was not invited to be Mark Sanford’s female companion at the SCGOP luncheon in Charleston on Thursday. So, she made her presence known by knocking out the sound guy and hijacking the debate.
3. President Obama’s renewed hope and change from the state of the union was just to divert our attention from the 100% regulations he would now be having over TV stations. That means no more Republican debates and especially no more long narratives from Attorney General Henry McMaster.
4. The only other reason would be that they just had poor sound quality and they didn’t have it all together at first.
So, I stuck with the fourth reason, and it came back on at 8:30. All four of them ready to lead our state into the next decade or were they? So let’s go through each candidate and analyze their performance tonight.
First, I will start from the bottom with Gresham Barrett. As a Citadel colleague, I was really disappointed in his performance. Not that I was even supporting him, but you wish each other the best. Congressman Barrett was less than confident, and sometimes seemed more like a Southern Baptist preacher rather than someone ready to lead our state…amen?
What bothered me most was the defense of his vote for Socialism in the bailout/tarp saga. He consistently defended this vote and refused to back down. I am in disbelief that anyone claiming to be “The 4th most Conservative Congressman” could stand behind a vote like this.
Many in South Carolina’s conservative circles spoke with him the night before he voted and warned him…but he apparently knew best. Barrett went on to not answer questions, beat around the bush, and really did not establish himself as a credible candidate.
He seemed just like acurrent U.S. Congressman should: Uninformed and Out of touch. I am sure that is how many South Carolinians see him as well.
Next, let’s talk about General Robert E. Lee. Excuse me, I mean Attorney General Henry McMaster. Where do I begin…. the other candidates seemed to get tickled every time McMaster would speak. This in return, made things interesting. The only statement that stands out in my mind about him is that he has “the most executive experience” out of all of the candidates. I hear him say that in the midstof his Southern charmed, rambling. While he comes across like a Southern Gentleman, not even waving but bowing at the audience, he too seemed out of touch.
While I appreciate and respect his Conservatism and think he has been one of the best AG’s in S.C. History, I do not believe he showed he could effectively win against Vince Sheheen or Jim Rex tonight.
Often, he didn’t answer the questions, he went on random tangents, and he couldn’t break out of the box and be real with the people. He seemed too much like a polished politician and not a personable statesman that the people will need to move forward with the state’s problems.
Yes, the state should be open for business, but I have a feeling General Henry may open it for business by delegating a lot of the responsibility the way he does in the AG office. While it works as Attorney General, as Governor, we have seen the Department of Commerce’s unimpressive performance. We can’t afford another four years of relying on them.
He finally went on to talk about how he did a great job as Chairman of the Party to bring Republicans to victory. While this may have been true, he failed to mention the financial mess he left when he ran for Attorney General. After his performance tonight, I know one thing…I’m not lovin’ it. So, I don’t think I can “back that Mac” because it may look good, but the intentions it has for each and every one of us may not be so beneficial.
The biggest surprise of the night was Nikki Haley. The “daughter of immigrants” was on top of her game. She did very well. However, I will bring up a few shortcomings. She should have never answered the question about censuring Lindsey Graham. She said she would have! This makes her seem like she is not a compromising figure, something our state greatly needs in the Governor’s office. This is the one thing I will agree on with Senator Robert Ford, yes a democrat.
This also shows the lack of distance between her and Mark Sanford. She continues to keep herself close to “Sanfordesque” positions such as not accepting stimulus funds. The Nikki Haley Campaign analysis is pretty simple. Let’s look at the election between McCain and Obama. People were tired of Bush and tired of anyone similar and too close to Bush. McCain was not different enough. People voted for change because they were sick and tired of the same ole, same ole.
The same principle will apply to South Carolina this election cycle. The non-Sanford candidate is going to be the only hope for Republicans. Nikki Haley is too much like Sanford and will most certainly fail come primaries as a result of it. I see her poll numbers improving a little but she will never make it to the top when the general election comes around in November. Her message will resonate with tea party people and could surprise us come June, but she will never beat Sheheen if he wins the primary (which it looks like he will). However, her performance tonight should be admired. It was something to be proud of.
Finally, tonight’s winner……..Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, a true non-Sanford candidate. His confidence, clear and direct answers, and composure show his maturity from the last few years. Tonight, he was in his element and proved victorious. First, the bad. The hosts ganged up on the poor guy and pulled out all of the bad about him. They mentioned his recent “Animal-kid” comment and his driving record. Andre displayed a bit of arrogance to the female co-host when she lambasted him about the animal comment. He stated that a minority preacher asked him to speak at his congregation.
In response to the female co-hosts continued bullying, he replied, “I’ll give you his number if you want.” Even with this comment, he showed something special…”Straight Talk.” While John McCain often said he was all about straight talk, he hardly showed it. Tonight, a new bearer of this title is Andre Bauer.
When asked which Senator shared his ideology, he quickly stated “Jim DeMint.” He had an answer for everything. They were concise and easy to understand. No elaborate stories, no monologues from “God’s and Generals,” no over-doing religiosity, but just Andre speaking his convictions.
This is the type of Governor South Carolina has been itching for. Tonight, Andre Bauer showed his seriousness about the race. For a while, I had my doubts, but tonight I know he is ready to become Governor of South Carolina. There is no doubt.
If Republicans want to win in November, there must be a lot of thought to who that candidate will be on the other side. If it is Vince Sheheen, which I feel it will be, it will be a tough fight.
All jokes aside, these four candidates are great people. They all have excellent qualities with great intentions. However, when it comes to the difficult opposition this November, in the aftermath of Mark Sanford, the field will be extremely difficult. Too tough for the likes of Nikki Haley and Gresham Barrett. I believe the Attorney General and Lt. Governor are the only two that will stand a chance. While the Attorney General showed he is a good candidate to beat Sheehen, Andre Bauer showed he is the best candidate to not only beat the democrats, but lead our state with honor, integrity, and great vision for the next decade…for this…I salute the Lieutenant Governor.
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The Adventures of Jack Bauer and His Brother Andre: No More Shenanigans
South Carolina: Smiling Faces, Beautiful places…as it used to be known. Then, we tried to change the motto to “I Believe.”
Now, South Carolina is quickly garnering a reputation and motto as the “home of America’s most controversial politicians.” 
First, the Governor decides to investigate 2012 rumors and go to South America…instead of finding out the truth behind 2012 and the ancient Indian customs that dominate South America, he found himself a lover, “beautiful Maria.” He may have a promising career as a romance novelist. At least that is a positive aspect from the “expedition.”
Then there is my old friend Rep. Joe Wilson of the beautiful 2nd district of South Carolina. President Obama apparently bumped into Joe in the bathroom before his address to Congress. Joe was washing his hands from South Carolina controversy and of the upcoming healthcare bill that would cripple his constituents.
Obama told Joe in the bathroom that he would 
“mention his name” or give him a “shout out” in the state of the union as a means of “reaching across the aisle for Change.” Joe was upset he didn’t get a “Shout Out” as the President says. So, Joe screamed “YOU LIE!” Okay, maybe this wasn’t the story, but it sounds a heck of a lot better than a random “You Lie” being shouted at the President. Still, you got to love Joe Wilson.
Now a new scandal is on the horizon and has been spun by the National Media. The brother of famed action hero Jack Bauer, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, tried to continue his honorable efforts at defending taxpayers from government waste. In many ways, he is like Jack Bauer off of 24, except Jack Bauer has never compared poor kids to animals.
He only kills the occasional animal and the occasional terrorist kid who gets in the way of national security. If you take out that metaphor, they are virtually the same person: both trying to save the American people from disaster.
In an article from POLITCO Andre Bauer is quoted as saying:
“my grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she told me as a small child to quit feeding stray animals. You know why? Because they breed. You’re facilitating the problem if you give an animal or a person ample food supply. “They will reproduce, especially ones that don’t think too much further than that.”
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/31996.html#ixzz0dhSry6J7
Okay so let’s get this straight. Just like one of the most honorable Judges in South Carolina history, Judge Segars-Andrews, Andre Bauer has never been the favorite of the political elite in South Carolina either. He isn’t beloved by Most activists. No political scientist will even predict him to win an election. In fact, he is the candidate that many love to hate.
At the end of the day, he outworks the competition and ends up winning even if it is a slim margin. I find it to be no surprise that some in South Carolina would jump at the opportunity to eliminate his credibility.
After all, most do not give him credit, but he is tied for first in a hotly contested election for Governor. Get this: He hasn’t even announced! What better way to destroy the integrity of a frontrunner for Governor who hasn’t announced yet, than to take his comments out of context and make something out of them that isn’t true?
Andre said “Government has bred a culture of dependency, and there’s absolutely no one in government with the courage to stand up and say, ‘We need to break that cycle of generational poverty and dependence.’ Well, now there IS someone saying it.” He suggests children on reduced lunch have their parents come into school every now and then for a visit. If we are going to pay for their lunch, the least the parents can do is come to school and support their kids.
After all, Andre knows what it is like to be on reduced lunch. That’s right, he was on this program while growing up. He has the right to talk about it. Unlike many of the political elite, he slaved as a kid and worked his way up to the position he has.
People are getting sick and tired of the same political stories. For instance, I heard a story that kind of went like this. “I’m tired of being in Washington, that makes me the best candidate for Governor.” Then you look at why they are leaving Washington. They leave because they already voted to socialize the federal government, so they want to come back to the state and get it into sync too. Makes sense.
Then there is the story where the narrator paints a picture of a “good hallmark movie themed plot with lots of cannons and horses to tackle the federal government.” Some candidates feel that telling a story makes them most qualified for governor.
Then, there is the person, nice as they can be, who feels left out because of their idealism and inability to work with anyone in their party. They decide to mount a run in order to usher their idealism back into the state picture.
But I tell you what folks, I like the guy that puts aside his fancy political rhetoric, puts aside his idealism accompanied by elaborate stories, and talks about the really difficult issues that burden the taxpayer with solid solutions.
I like a conservative that says what isn’t popular but what is true. Someone who isn’t a common man but sees it as his right to be uncommon and stands up to show it. To be fair, I also owe Attorney General Henry McMaster a high five for standing up against the healthcare bill. He too has recently taken an unpopular stand and spoken with a loud voice against socialist Washington.
While every candidate in the race for South Carolina Governor has a lot to bring to the table and is probably qualified to fill the seat, today I choose to commend the uncommon man, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer. I appreciate the point he was trying to make and not the way in which he said it.
At least he is honest. Furthermore, I think we should all condemn those South Carolinians or “a rival campaign” that took it out of context and spun it. I especially question their integrity and their underlying motives. Finally, someone steps up to the plate and sees the issues for what they are and talks about them. Unfortunately, he is getting unfair lip service for it.
This is the type of Governor South Carolina is going to need to overcome the extreme barriers of the past. In fact, this is an example of the type of leadership Republicans need to groom into all seats across the nation. There wasn’t a political presence from the S.C. delegation helping to elect Scott Brown, spreading the message of new Conservative Republican ideals across the nation. But there was one member that was faithfully campaigning for victory. Lt. Governor Bauer was there, standing beside Brown, ushering in the victorious win over socialized healthcare. Did everyone else in South Carolina get the memo?
While I’m not endorsing Andre, I do find it interesting that he tells the truth, no matter how painful it may appear. He somehow remains in first place, despite not even announcing, for a heated race towards the Governor’s mansion. There is a reason for the Lt. Governor’s high polling…South Carolinians are tired of shenanigans. With that in mind, Andre is no shenanigan.
Santa’s Clause: Invading our Civil Liberties?
With Contributions by Carissa Fazio
I was getting into the Christmas spirit this morning but also staying depressed with our government continually growing with no restraint. It is hard to be merry right now. Anyway, I happened to have a conversation with Carissa Fazio, who made some very interesting observations about one of Christmas time’s most legendary figures. Then we realized, this figure is actually pretty creepy. In fact, he isn’t so jolly after all. Santa Claus has ulterior motives and they aren’t good. Below are some of the observations we made….take a read for yourself and draw your own conclusions.
Santa Claus:
He knows your identity: For starters, Santa knows who you are. When constructing his list of good and bad children, he obviously has to know your name. He would have to know how old you are so he can deliver an age appropriate gift, and also where you live. Does he have access to some magical database? This brings up another thought provoking scenario. Does the U.N. have a database of all world citizens and then hand this over to Santa? How terrifying!
He knows what you do: Santa delivers gifts based on how good you are throughout the year. He is always watching you. Do not think you can hide what you do from Santa, he is going to find out. He knows when you hit your brother, steal a pack of gum, or color on the wall. He keeps track of everything you do on his list [next to your name]. This brings up the question, how? My assumption is in the past decade, the Bush Administration started giving him the ability to wiretap anyone and everyone. This made his operations easier. Where is Lou Dobbs to stand up for our rights? Furthermore, does Santa bug our houses? For him to know these things, he would have to know exactly what we do in our homes. Finally, he must have access to traffic lights and security cameras at every store in America at least. This is a SEVERE breach of our Civil Liberties, yet, No One has stood up. Democrats, you worry about the public option but your very rights to make one are in jeopardy! Republicans, put down your expensive presents and fight for your rights!
He knows your sleeping patterns: He sees you when you are sleeping. He knows when you are awake. This goes hand in hand with knowing what you do, but on a creepier level. He knows if you are sound asleep in your bed, or sitting up with insomnia. Maybe he sends elves out to keep track of your consciousness status, aka the CIA, but still. Ultimately, Santa knows your sleep patterns. If this is true, why hasn’t “Santa” given up Osama’s sleeping patterns over to U.S. special forces? Apparently, President Bush nor President Obama have been very good boys. But for every day citizens, the greater question is, does Santa monitor our dreams? I sure hope not! But if he does, this is such a violation of our rights….Santa the Fasicst is slowly bribing us with gifts, by seeing our greatest desires in dreamworld, to eventually take over our world as the leader de-facto.
He sneaks into your house: This particular stalkerish act that Santa partakes in makes me thankful for a gas fireplace. We do not have a chimney for him to get down. But, what do parents tell their children who have gas fireplaces? Do they tell them Santa can still get in? Because that would honestly creep me out if I was a kid. “Don’t worry Junior, Santa will find a way to get in the house. He will check your bed to make sure you are asleep, and then leave your presents under the tree.” Even the government can’t get into our house physically…how can a man like Santa? I bet he gave the “White House State Dinner Crashers” some crazy tips at getting in the white house!
He likes kids: Maybe this is taking the whole stalker thing a bit far, but letting kids sit on Santa’s lap seems like a pretty weird tradition for him to start. Has the FBI not looked into this yet? Sure, his white beard makes him look very innocent. However, South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster should probably take Santa’s laptop and check it for “Kitty” material just in case. Not saying Santa is guilty, but something is up.
So basically, Santa Claus is the ultimate stalker. But more than that, he is the ultimate idea of “Big Government” and “Big Brother.” Most people look at Santa Claus as a harmless figure to represent the joy of Christmas. But is Santa really government propaganda? Perhaps Santa is used by the government to get into the lives of every American. If Santa can know when we are sleeping, know when we are awake, and know if we’ve been bad or good, why can’t the government? The government’s role is to promote the general welfare after-all right? In many ways, they are on the same team.
Maybe the first line in the song Santa Claus is Coming to Town says it all…. “You better watch out.” Big government intrusion is coming into our lives this Christmas, next Christmas, and every Christmas after. Santa is merely blackmailing every American and every citizen of the World. He buys our allegiance and what do we give back? More civil liberties….GONE! Enough about Obama, what about Santa? This Christmas, think long and hard before you put out the fire in your chimney or gas fireplace…..you may want to burn the real reason our rights are being taken away!
Have a Merry Christmas even if your merriness is being watched and over-analyzed by a man in Red.
Nero Watches While Rome Burns: A Commentary on South Carolina lawmakers
The more I look at the landscape of South Carolina politics, the more I feel like I am watching a History Channel special on Nero observing Rome burn to the ground. The state lawmakers, especially the Republicans, are watching from the second floor of the capitol enjoying and taking part in the show. There are some serious problems in South Carolina right now. The double digit unemployment rate is bad. The ballooning size of the federal government is worse. Tremendous challenges exist in South Carolina education. Is there no one to give attention to these issues or is there focus going to remain on political war?
Being a South Carolina lawmaker comes with a South Carolina responsibility. These are big shoes that have to be filled. For instance, John C. Calhoun once fought the federal government over unconstitutional laws in his Nullification Debate. I can look at the entire legislature and tell you, there is not one John C. Calhoun present.
However, that may be a result of still having the voice voting system in the Senate. We may be surprised who will pop up when transparent voting takes place there. Instead of fighting the biggest problem this generation will ever face, state lawmakers find Mark Sanford to be a much more viable target.
This is the type of Political cleansing done by the Republican Party elite. This is the type of cleansing that makes me ashamed to associate with some members of the Republican Party. Is it a social club or is it a group dedicated to serving the interests of the people? When a Governor makes a point to bring pigs in the statehouse, utilizes a horse and buggy, plays the hard line with stimulus funding, and does not bow to the pressure of other Republicans, he marks himself in the eyes of Republican leaders like Glenn McConnell, Bobby Harrell, and even Jakie Knotts. Our lawmakers are merely sparring and bottom feeding on their own like a bunch of aggressive Beta fish. Is there no clear voice to lead us towards a better South Carolina?
Lawmakers, including a majority of Republicans, try to impeach Gov. Sanford because he got caught sinning. I ask these men and women, are you without sin? If this is about sin, let’s impeach every single lawmaker in the state and federal government. Since when was being without sin a qualification to be a lawmaker or even Governor? This isn’t even a qualification to be a priest.
I guarantee you none of them are perfect. If there was one perfect man, he would have all of the solutions and be able to pass them to fix our decaying state. This is about far more than Sanford’s affair with “beautiful Maria.” This is about his hard-line stances and his true Conservatism.
I find it to be a rarity for any lawmaker to stand up for the best interests of South Carolinians. Rep. Joe Wilson’s outburst doesn’t count. Mark Sanford, truth be told, knows that limited government is the best form and was willing to make it as limited as possible before his affair. Don’t crucify the man for obeying the true meaning of our Constitution. Also, don’t make a legislative session out of a sin many consistently commit and many lawmakers have committed. There has been a target on his back for years.
The only reason his indiscretion is brought up is because he got caught and that is a convenient target for his opponents. There are much bigger problems to worry about than Sanford’s indiscretions and possible “Ethics” concerns.
This debate goes much further than just Mark Sanford. Senator Glenn McConnell has made it his prerogative to ruin the career of a noble jurist, family court judge Charlie Segars-Andrews. Since her votes may not have always gone to elect McConnell and his friends, it appears they believe she does not understand the laws enough to be a Judge anymore after 16 years on the bench. Therefore, she is being cleansed by South Carolina politicians, notably Republicans, because she isn’t in the good ole boy system. This is a South Carolina tragedy and just another example of how our leaders do not lead.
These personal attacks have gone far enough. Many South Carolina lawmakers are more concerned with personal problems than the dire problems our state faces. Who are they going to attack when our state is succumbed by the Federal government? I would like to see them try and remove Hillary Clinton when her ideology doesn’t mesh well in the future North American union. That is a Jihad in itself.
If these personal attacks are going to continue, why not take them to those that are not serving South Carolina’s best interest? I know beyond any doubt Gov. Sanford and Judge Andrews are not the real problem. Rep. Jim Clyburn and Rep. John Spratt are two of the enormous problems. Why don’t they get any criticism? They consistently vote to increase our national debt by funding extraneous programs like bridges to nowhere, socialism in America, and vote against the sovereignty of our state. Governor Sanford stood up for sovereignty and responsible spending at one time. Look where it got him!
Then there is Rep Bob Inglis who couldn’t be more out of touch with what his constituents actually want him to do. He even voted against a Congressman who embarrassed the state but still should be commended for taking a stand. Go after those that are truly hurting the state not those that do not mesh well with the GOP establishment. Unfortunately, this will not happen because our lawmakers act out of revenge for hurt feelings and hypocrisy rather than integrity and principle.
South Carolina is burning to the ground and one would think it is because of the unemployment rate and because of the growing federal government’s hand squeezing our necks. However, the match that lit the torch was done by the GOP establishment sitting in the halls of our capitol. Political cleansing has hurt our state’s potential. We have succumbed to politics instead of truly making a difference and taking a stand with principle. The people of South Carolina are tired of it. Where is a true leader at?
Why can’t our state begin standing up against the Socialist Obama Administration? Where are the John C. Calhouns when we need them? What we have is a mob of Romans plotting against each other and several Neros fiddling as they watch our “state burns” to lower levels of mediocrity. How much further will this go before a true leader stands up and says ENOUGH?
Help save South Carolina from Partisan politics. Sign the petition to help save Judge Andrews:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/judgeandrews
Breaking The Divide: Changing The GOP Brand
Branded…that is one word I cannot stand. When you are associated with one group, it is believed that you live like and believe like that group. Being branded by a political party is one of the worst problems in politics today. If the political parties knew what they actually stood for, it may not be that big of a problem. However, both major parties in today’s political spectrum have members that seem very displaced and disillusioned with their platform.
The Republican Party couldn’t be further away from knowing where it stands. Does it go Conservative or does it go Moderate? Senator Olympia Snowe consistently shows her moderate views as a Republican; always moving across the aisle to back liberal, progressive reforms. Then there are Conservatives like Jim DeMint who stand their ground and hope for the party to move further to the right.
The Democratic Party is on the biggest move towards the left in its history. Although, the New Deal programs were a pretty big push as well. Every day, America hears of a leftist initiative coming out of the White House and the Democratic controlled Congress. However, they have disgruntled democrats that are commonly called “Blue Dogs.” Whether they disagree socially or fiscally, they still line up with many Republicans just the way Senator Snowe lines up with many democrats.
The question is, where is the median and how do the parties provide separation so that one can clearly stand apart? While the Republicans struggle with moderates and the Democrats struggle with blue dogs, I don’t foresee either leaving their respective parties or forming new ones. A three party system, while a great idea, is not realistic in our country.
Therefore, which party can come on top right now and gain superiority from the disarray? I think it is the Republicans that will come on top if they are willing to make some big changes in the future. There is one key part of the Republican Party that I think is wrong and is continuously being done wrong. If it is not corrected, the party will remain in a quagmire state of disarray. It could grow and become “The Party” if one simple adjustment is made. That is with social issues.
The Republican Party needs to reach out to Fiscally Conservative Democrats and bring them over. They also need to make amends with Socially Moderate liberals within the GOP. Social Issues have been killing the GOP for some time now. It is time to get over them.
First of all, a new stance on the right to life must be taken. While moving towards Conservatism, the Republican Party should move towards a Pro-Choice stance on Abortions. I am sure you have already read my reasoning behind Conservatives backing a Pro-Choice platform, but please hear me out again clearly please. Being Pro-Choice is being Conservative. However, the Party must move towards defining a fetus at conception and giving it rights. Therefore, any abortion would be murder under a new Federal Law. Yeah, this is the roundabout way of eliminating abortions. However, it is the Conservative way of doing it.
Don’t call yourself a Conservative unless you believe a Woman has the right to choose what she does to her body as long as it is not Murder. True Conservative Principle 1, a person should always have the choice to do what they want to their body; the government should NEVER regulate that. However, if there is an embryo in that body, it should not only be defined as a person but its rights should be protected from detrimental procedures just like every other person in this country.
Second, the Republican Party must embrace Domestic Partnerships for all Americans. This should apply to couples of all sexes. Moving towards Conservatism is moving towards keeping the government’s definition of personal lives very minimal. If two women who don’t ever plan to get married and are not lesbian, want to live together in order to make it by, give them the same benefits as a normal couple whether they are gay or not. It is fair.
The government should be equal and fair. Taking these rights, only because of a marriage certificate, is not fair. True Conservative Principle 2, the government should never be bias towards its citizens. The Republican Party should push domestic partnerships because they believe in less government in the lives of Americans. Marriage should be done in a church and is something between heterosexual couples with God. Receiving benefits is a different story.
These two social issues are enough to sway some Conservative Democrats over to the GOP. If the Republican Party did a 180 degree turn on these issues, majorities would be seen all over the country in 2010 and 2012. Many voters are democrat because of social issues. Change the platform, win the voters. To do this, religious Conservatives will finally have to admit that being a Conservative is being anti-government regulation even in the right to life and the right to partnership. Keeping the government out of a woman’s body and a couple’s partnership is also keeping the government out of religion! It works well for everyone!
I believe victory for the Republican Party lies in a move towards a Conservative stance. However, before that move can take place, Conservatism must be redefined from its present meaning. While it may not be popular for a while, it is what Conservatism truly is and it will make the Republican Party the majority party again. Until then, social issues will be the mark of defeat for the Republican Party.
GITMO Moving to Charleston: Citadel Cadets to Guard Prisoners?
I can see the headlines now, “CITADEL CADETS CALLED ON BY STATE TO ASSIST IN MANHUNT.” At four A.M., ten terrorists escaped from the navy brig in Charleston and are on the loose. The South Carolina Unorganized Militia was called on by the Governor to track down these evil men. Led by professors of all walks of life, many who don’t know the proper way to salute. Then the cadets who have no experience shooting weapons, only carrying them, and they have no experience making arrests, only writing punishment slips for each other when their rooms aren’t clean. They do have experience shouting loud at football games and other situations that we won’t speak of. This provides the intimidation factor that will allow a quick victory over the terror that has escaped in Charleston. They will get the job done!
Okay, so this is probably a long shot of what may happen in the near future, but it is possible. I am not trying to make this website entirely based on South Carolina, don’t’ get me wrong. However, after last night’s article on CNN, I couldn’t’ help myself. Charleston has been picked for a trial run to hosts a friendly, kind, and warmhearted group of prisoners from GITMO. These terrorists are incredibly good people, I don’t know what city would be better to bring them to than the one with amicable southern hospitality like Charleston.
I know Mayor Joe Riley (D-Charleston) is jumping up and down with excitement. For a city already rich in tourism,I bet they will line the terrorists up downtown and have a terrorist petting zoo. This would give Charleston the ability to put up another “boastful” billboard promoting its tourism. Given, most people have never seen a terrorist before! Everyone is posing the question, how did Charleston get so lucky?
This takes me back to a bigger issue. Why the heck did you close a good thing in Cuba Mr. Obama? This was the perfect place for us to have the world’s most evil people. A place for people that commit the most evil offenses and kill our brothers and sisters in the armed forces abroad. There was a place, far away from civilization, somewhere that women and children couldn’t come in contact with them.
President Obama closes that place and wants to bring the prisoner to Charleston? I mean common. There are places in Alaska and in the West, far away from people, yet the military wants to bring it to a thriving port city? Maybe this is a slap in the face to Charleston for starting the Civil War, or it is just another example of THIS administration extending unbelievable rights and comfort to more of America’s enemy. I guess it isn’t that unbelievable. President Obama did bow to the King of Saudi Arabia.
You think you can stop torture based on location? No. Torture is going to happen whether Mr. Obama, John McCain, and any other person likes it or not. It won’t be written and it won’t be spoken of. However, when it comes to the life of someone abroad or the lives of American citizens in U.S. cities, this is sometimes the only way to get answers. Bringing it to Charleston doesn’t solve the problem, it actually creates more of one.
In the event these prisoners do escape, what will Charleston and S.C. do? Terrorists aren’t regular gang members or bank robbers. 
They are a different kind of prisoner. Do you call on the Charleston police? What about the National Guard? Wait, that would scare people to death seeing the military on the street. That would almost be martial law. Then my idea, the old Citadel and their cannons.
I am sure that would scare the prisoners really good. Although, it would probably scare the people just as much. Not only did the cadets and their cannons “start the civil war,” the cannons sure scares me every time I hear one go off on campus. Every internal organ I have shakes with fear. Somehow, I don’t think it would do the same to Rafiq and Omar the terrorists. Gives you something to think about.
My Theme for the Gop: Fresh Start for Government, Fresh Start at Home, Fresh Start Abroad
In the midst of the ruckus in Washington, some wonder if there is any room for optimism towards the future. The answer is clearly very subjective. If you ask a Democrat if there is room for optimism, they are going to say yes because of the majority in both houses, the white house, and the initiatives that they plan to pass. As for Republicans, it depends on what day and what democratic initiative is about to pass. Some Republicans will say they are optimistic because the democrats under the leadership of Obama have failed at all of their initiatives thus far and the American people now see the light. Then there is the faction of Republicans that is close to building underground shelters for the “ongoing” and “Soon-to-be” communist takeover of America. So they say.
So where do I stand? First, I think both parties have a lot to be proud of. There hasn’t been a great depression, the terrorists haven’t blown up the entire country, the monetary system hasn’t failed yet, and a Russian professor’s prediction of a total collapse starting in October doesn’t seem to be in the works yet. Whoever is in office would be blamed for these consequences, so it is a victory for all Americans, Republicans or Democrats.
On that note, the democrats have made a growing majority of Americans angry and fearful. Taking insurance from 85% of the insured in exchange for a government option isn’t a very good idea. Putting generations into debt, that is democrats including Rep. BOB INGLIS (R-S.C.), with stimulus plans that stimulate rats in San Francisco just don’t get the job done for most Americans. Young men and women dying in Afghanistan without a clear strategy or a Commander in Chief leading, doesn’t sit well with most Americans. Powerful democrats like Rep. Barney Frank openly admitting to plotting the takeover of freedoms and instilling more government regulation in our everyday lives just doesn’t sit too well. The American people are waking up and see what is on the agenda. This, I will have to say, shifts the enthusiasm and optimism to the Republican side.
However, I don’t think the Republican Party is able to lead the way quite yet. There is nothing but bickering, power struggles, and a people identified by an elephant not knowing what their platform really is across the country. Unfortunately, it is a party still creating an identity for itself after losing it during the past election cycle. If the party is going to succeed and take over the country, as the Democrats hand over the reins after failing to make it better, I think they need to consider an achievable battle plan. After a lot of thought, I have created a three-step roadmap or “battle plan” to seeing “Red” these next two election cycles.
- It starts with the platform. When Michael Baroody, one of my heroes, wrote the Republican Party platform in 1980, people had a reason to shout “We See Red.” Republicans knew what they stood for and they had a leader that could clearly articulate it. Instead of being a party of “Straight Talk” and “Mavericking” it is time to go to a three-fold message that we don’t compromise with. A message that goes back to the basics of conservatism and what a Republican really is. I propose the theme, “Fresh Start for government, Fresh Start at home, Fresh Start Abroad.” The fresh start for Government calls for less government, less regulations, more transparency in government, and more accountability in government. The fresh start at home calls for more jobs, energy independence (by drilling offshore, coal and nuclear energy, and preventing any increased energy taxation), welfare reform, lower taxes that help boost the economy, and stronger incentives for joining the military. Finally, the fresh start abroad initiative brings tax payer dollars, given to foreign countries that fail to stand with the U.S. during crisis, back to the American taxpayer, reduces U.S. troop levels across the world, calls for “accountability or abolition” with the U.N., and reaches out to Israel to restore ties destroyed by the Obama Administration
- After a clear platform (above) is created, building enthusiasm and energy across the grassroots level around it is key. Gathering around the candidate will come with time, but knowing what we stand for is the most important thing.
Myself with Energetic Young Republicans Chelsie Paulson and SCGOP 3rd Vice Chairman Adam Piper
Campaigns to energize young people are one of the biggest parts of building this energy and enthusiasm at the grassroots level. If we use technology and many of the techniques our opponents used in the past, we will be seeing a lot of “Red” at the grassroots level. This will bring momentum unseen to the Republican Party in decades. Focusing on our future and not our past, while pushing our platform, will energize all bases and allow the party to pick the best andidates and not the compromise candidates.
- Picking the RIGHT candidates will be a breeze if we accomplish the first two steps. Knowing what we stand for as Republicans and building momentum around the foundation will bring forth energetic leaders that share our values and can promote them as President, in Congress, and in other elected positions. There will not be any “Compromise” candidate as John McCain was. There won’t be any need to stay home at the polls because the candidate just doesn’t share the right values. If candidates back the platform, it will energize Republicans, and energize those seeking office. Therefore, this will energize our government and allow us to see “Red” in the near future.
- The likelihood of any of this happening anytime soon is probably dim. From a South Carolina perspective, it has been great to see the reorganizing of county parties and the energy at tea parties. However, all of these organizations and protests are pointless without a clear plan and a theme for the future. Right now, I see none in the Republican party at least nationally speaking. While I think my plan is great, I am sure a great many would disagree. As for now, I’d call it anybody’s ballgame. Speaking of which, it sure is a shame the Phillies and the Yankees can’t both lose the World Series. I don’t want to cheer for either one! Go Braves!
Myself with Energetic Young Republicans Chelsie Paulson and Adam Piper
What Does Being a Conservative Really Mean 2: Defining “True” Conservatism
I thought I would go back to the article I wrote on Monday for further discussion. I would like to thank Jim Lee, candidate for U.S. Congress in the upstate, for his comment. He’s a solid Conservative and good guy. Jim’s comment has spurred me to further clarify my convictions on being a “True Conservative.” I want to make sure I am being very clear. Many who call themselves a hardcore, nail hammering, trench fighting “True Conservative,” have very little understanding of what it means. Sure, there are common stereotypes, but the social issues are the problem.
I cannot call myself a blood biting “True Conservative” because of the social issues. I am a Pro-Lifer, Anti-Gay Marriage, and an Evangelical Christian. You may be thinking, wait, this guy is a hardcore “True Conservative” then. But no, I’m not and neither are you if you agree with me on these above stances.
A “True Conservative” believes in limited government, limited government programs, limited regulation, and tons of Freedom. So what does this mean for social issues?
- Pro-Life- Most will say they are Pro-Life and this is the conservative point of view. I disagree. Most Republicans and Christians are Pro-Life, but this does not mean they are Conservative. In fact, they are very far from it. Being Conservative is believing in limited government control over private lives. Limited government control means “control over what is only necessary to sustain the country.” Therefore, regulating whether a Woman can have a medical procedure or not is violating this “limited government” approach that Conservatives claim to believe. If you are a “True Conservative” you do not won’t the government telling you what you can and cannot do to your body; you want them out of your life! So, make sure you don’t say you are “VERY CONSERVATIVE” or are a “TRUE CONSERVATIVE” unless you are willing to accept being Pro-Choice.
- Gay Marriage- The practice of marriage is celebrated in many religions. It has become of paramount importance to our society. However, a “True Conservative” should never want their government to support this religious institution. By the government supporting marriage, they are establishing a religious practice. In effect, this establishes a religion over ever citizen under that government, giving the government the power and control to license and say who can and cannot be married. This type of government control prevents members of the same sex from seeking marriage. Not only does it push traditional religious views on homosexuals, the government controls a very personal area of their lives. For this, a “True Conservative” should NEVER support even the institution of Marriage as it is because they stand for limited government control. A “True Conservative” should call for the institution of domestic partnerships, marriage to be abolished as it is, and for Marriage to still be an important practice in their respective churches (not in a legal sense), just like baptism.
- Church and State- This is where it gets heated. I am right there with you when you say the country was founded on Christian principles. I do not doubt it and I strongly believe that. However, saying you are a “True Conservative” means that you are willing to sacrifice this belief for great freedom. As Mr. Lee said, “the separation was to protect religion from the state, not the state from religion.” However, having religion in the state will have a certain eliminate of bias. It is human nature to be bias, subjective individuals. Therefore, certain denominational traits will be displayed by these religious views in government. As a result, they will discriminate against the citizens that live in the respective country. This leads to government saying what is acceptable religiously and what is not. Subsequently, people in the country will be lead by a religious leaning they do not stand for. This is why separating church and state is vital. Many wars have been fought over religion and government. The Muslims blow each other up every day because of it. A “True Conservative” does not want their government to favor one religion over the other because this is government favoritism and negatively effects the way they will live their lives under new laws and regulations.
Be stunned if you want to. A Republican who says “True Conservatives” actually believe social issues like a liberal. I said it, I wrote it, and I stand behind it. However, I don’t call myself a “True Conservative” just a simple to moderate Conservative. Next time you are amongst friends or anywhere for that matter, make sure you know what you are saying when you say you are a hardcore “True Conservative”. If you are one, don’t make excuses for why you don’t want to believe in the Social Issues the “True Conservative” way. The reality is, the three social issues I discussed are being a “True Conservative” in its purist form.
What does being a Conservative really mean?
It has been a week since I have written because I have been dealing with the death of my grandmother. But now, I am back into the action. I have been pondering the past several days on what to write about. New stimulus plans, more healthcare debate, Fox news v.s. Obama. I will be talking about these topics in the next few days but right now, I want to touch on something I find really important: Conservatism.
It appears that the liberals have it together in some aspects for the time being. While they are quickly headed to their demise, they at least know what they believe. On the other hand, conservatives aren’t so sure at times. John McCain called himself a conservative, but is he really? Lindsey Graham still thinks he is a conservative. What is the true reality behind Lindsey’s thoughts and the true reality?
Who is a Conservative? Is it Rush Limbaugh? Ann Coulter? Glenn Beck? Even St. Ronald Reagan as he is often hailed? Maybe it is anyone that is against the Obama administration since Conservative is defined as “Against Change.” Some think it means being a Republican but Sen. Olympia Snowe isn’t a Conservative. Some think it is believing in only the Constitution and nothing more. That is a Constitutionalist or some would say Libertarian philosophy. So what is a Conservative really mean?
I think it is a subjective word but a word with several objective beliefs that are defined by it. A conservative believes in no more government than was originally desired by the founding fathers of a respective institution. While there is room for change in a society, just like a speed limit changes, there is little room for deviation in the area of government involvement in the lives of citizens. In America, a conservative shouldn’t want government programs that go beyond the government’s constitutional responsibility of ensuring justice, tranquility, defense, the general welfare and securing the blessings of liberty.
The founding fathers had no intention of a welfare program that promotes laziness when they sought to promote the general welfare. They had no intention of ensuring justice by making everyone economically equal. They also had no intention of securing the blessings of liberty by fighting imperialistic wars in places like Vietnam and perhaps we can consider Iraq. Yes, I said it. Conservatives believe in government but not a corrupt government that wants to run the people. A Conservative should believe in a Government that wants the people to run it.
Simply put, a Conservative is a person that likes the people running the government only when they don’t have the government’s interests at stake. The people running a government should always have the people’s best interests at stake not an institution that could potentially harm the people.
With so many ideas of Conservatism, I have compiled a top ten list as I often like to do. This top ten list is appropriately titled, “You Might be a Conservative if…..”
- You might be a Conservative if you believe Social Security, Medicare, and Welfare are a complete fraud and abuse of Congress’ constitutional powers of the purse.
- You might be a Conservative if you understand losing the quality of healthcare is the only result of the Government running it. Furthermore, even if there are uninsured, it isn’t the government’s job to pay for their insurance. It is the government’s job to make sure the environment of the nation is healthy and fluid for them to put together the means to provide or not provide for themselves healthcare.
- You might be a Conservative if you believe a little Revolution never hurt anyone as long as the revolution decreases the size of government and increases the size of citizen freedom.
- You might be a True Conservative if you realize being Pro-Life isn’t Conservative. Agreeing that the unborn should be protected and given the same rights as those that are born is extremely important DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND ME. I STRONGLY BELIEVE IN THE SANCTITY OF LIFE. But for argument sake, this isn’t Conservative. Saying the government should regulate a medical procedure for a citizen, is actually quite liberal and not Conservative at all.
- You might be a True Conservative if you believe the government regulating who can be married and who cannot is actually quite liberal and not conservative. Marriage, since it is a religious practice, should actually only be recognized as a religious issue. Deciding on who can be “Married” invades the freedom of every American to make that choice for themselves. Therefore, Domestic Partnerships are actually more Conservative than Marriage. They allow you to choose who you want to have government benefits with, not the government choosing who it will give benefits too. That is true freedom and truly conservative, like it or not.
- You might be a True Conservative if you believe Church and State should be separate. Christianity is a good example. There are many interpretations of God and who he is. Baptists believe “once saved always saved” while Assembly of God Christians, rooted in the Armenian theology, believe you can lose your salvation. As a result of varying interpretations, one denomination in a religious group cannot rule a country because the other will be offended. While all may love God, all share his love and understand his love differently. Therefore, a religion cannot be the basis for a society because it has denominations and as a result, will alienate certain groups within that society even if they are a part of that religion. Sunni vs. Shiite Muslims are a great example of this on-going battle. So, separating church and state is the only way to have a smooth government, smooth civil discourse, and a free society. That is true Conservativism.
- You might be a Conservative if you are eligible for unemployment but don’t file because it means too much government in your personal life. While unemployment is great for those that lose their job, it is not a Conservative program. Unemployment promotes laziness just like welfare. It gives people a reason to stay out of work longer. They are supposed to look for a job, but many just collect the checks and lie every time they report. Not accepting the money is being a True Conservative.
- You might be a Conservative if you vote for the person and not the party. A true conservative will vote for one with the ideals that promote less government in the lives of people and more people in the workings of government. One that understands how bad government can be and has the interests of protecting the people rather than promoting programs to run the people is who a True Conservative will vote for.
- You might be a Conservative if you believe the Great Depression is an example of what True Conservatism should bring. It was a horrible time, but a necessary time. However, it wasn’t a conservative event in history after the New Deal was created. A true Conservative will allow things to fail, without government intervention, even if it means poverty because this also allows things to freely pick themselves back up and work again. The New Deal didn’t get America out of the Great Depression, the war did. Bailouts and stimulus bills are liberal hogwash. A good depression allows for a good cleansing and allows the free market to take back over.
- You might be a conservative if you believe defining a conservative is actually liberal. You may think I’m crazy with this one but here is my reasoning. If you define something, you do not give it room to be further examined or explored for further meanings. It may mean new things in the future. Therefore, a Conservative doesn’t say exactly what he is. He states the core things he believes but allows his belief to constantly be explored, further examined, and further defined because this is true freedom. Having Conservative beliefs cannot be defined by the word Conservative. Constricting these beliefs to that word is putting too much intervention into this important political philosophy.
After reading these, you probably thing I am a little off of my rocker. But it is really how I see the word Conservative. I guess many of us aren’t quite as Conservative as we think we are? The word is abused, misused, and overused. Many don’t know what it means and many claim to be one but have never understood what “one” is. It’s much easier to be a liberal than to be a conservative. Liberals have set rules, regulations, and guidelines. Conservatives live by one principle, “the less control over our lives, the better.” The rest is left for further defining.
*Picture of Me Speaking to South Carolinians for Responsible Government
The Nobel Peace Fraud
Last night, before I went to bed, I happened to watch an episode of the Twilight Zone. Little did I know, I would wake up and somehow be mixed up into one of Rod Sterling’s masterpieces. Boy was this a masterpiece! President Barack Obama: lecturer, community activist, state senator, U.S. Senator, President, and now, Nobel Peace Prize Winner. This is truly amazing. It is actually extraordinary for the President. What a great example for our country’s children. Wait….how do we explain to young people the way to get the Nobel Prize? I am trying really hard to figure out what the President did to deserve it but……..well I’m having a lot of trouble.
When my cousin, in the 7th grade, asks me how someone can get one, I am clueless as to the criteria. I guess I will tell him you just have to be President of the United States…wait….Reagan didn’t get it. The people that chose this must be out of their mind. Seriously, they need a shot of epinephrine to be woken back up apparently. So, in the midst of my world apparently spiraling out of control in the Twilight Zone, I have compiled a top ten list of reasons President Obama doesn’t deserve the Peace prize.
- Putting American generations in debt by pushing a corrupt stimulus package through Congress. A package that gave millions of our hard earned dollars to programs that the great majority of Americans will never see the benefit of. Furthermore, leaving the GOP out of the debate. Peaceful? Nope.
- Tried to pass a Health Care plan by bullying Congress, leaving the GOP out of the debate, and possibly still using a very un-peaceful nuclear option to ruin Health Care for the 85% that are insured. Also, alienating the poor in his country by passing this plan because of under the table payouts, which will become common place in medicine. Peaceful? Nope
- Pushing an Employee Free Choice Act that will alienate freedom of choice and the right to privacy in union elections. Is this making peace with the American people? Nope
- He is soley responsible for bringing the troops out of Iraq. Oh wait! That’s right. President Bush, John McCain, General David Petraeus (most notably), and others are responsible for allowing us to withdraw so many troops. President Obama voted against it in the Senate. So the surge that brought a little peace to Iraq because of its overwhelming effectiveness was actually the work of President Bush and co. Obama said it would FAIL! Does this make him a man of peace? A big NOPE
- If he brought peace to Afghanistan it would be one thing, but he can’t make a decision. The Taliban is reforming and the President wants to work with them to restore order. Working with a group that alienated their people, brought strict Shira law on them, killed many, and made the entire country live in fear? Our President wants to let some of them come back into power. But wait, he doesn’t even have a plan for Afghanistan because he can’t listen to the very men that are over there. Is he bringing peace to this growingly bad situation? NOPE
- Did President Obama spend his entire life fighting poverty, going into the trenches and helping the helpless, bringing peace to the hearts and minds of men and women that had none, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and doctoring the sick? Mother Theresa did and she won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. President Obama is no Mother Theresa. His reforms will alienate the poor, hungry, and sick even more..read my piece about Universal Healthcare. So, does he do these things and as a result, become a man of peace? NOPE
- Did President Obama ever get put in prison for his efforts to fight racism, dictatorship, and the fight for freedom? Nelson Mandela did and he won the prize. President Obama jokes about racism on late night tv, is quickly moving America towards a socialist state, and can’t decide whether he wants to fight for freedom in Afghanistan while he takes freedom away from Americans with his socialist policies. To his credit, he did drugs and would have been put in Jail had he been caught. For the question, I say NOPE.
- Martin Luther King was one of the most eloquent speakers in history. Not to mention eloquent, he was a man of principal, a man of conviction, a true man of courage, and one who officially broke down the racial barriers in the US. He was one of the greatest leaders in World History and is an example for all cultures to follow. He won the Nobel Peace Prize. Is Obama anything like him? He bows to Saudi Kings and gives good speeches in Prague. He talks about his experiences with racism growing up and gives good speeches but they haven’t had much of an effect. Back to the question, is he anything like Martin Luther King Jr.? NOPE.
- Anwar Sadat won the Nobel Peace prize for his efforts to bring peace between Egypt and Israel. He was a true peacemaker and martyr. Obama only alienates Israel, and doesn’t do very much to protect our staunch ally. Last time he got between Israel and Palestine, it didn’t go so well. There is no peace there and as far as I know, they are still blowing each other up. Is he anything like Anwar Sadat, heck, even a flower child that walked around promoting peace getting people to drop everything, smile and be happy? NOPE.
- The biggest snub ever was President Ronald Reagan. He should have been given the Nobel Prize along with his friend, Gorbachev. Reagan promoted peace, a non-nuclear USSR, and ensured the safety of his country in an era of uncertainty, THE COLD WAR. He is responsible for the free Russia and Germany we know today. He didn’t get a prize, WHY should Obama? Is Obama anything like Reagan? NOPE
Argue with me if you may. These are just ten of many reasons President Obama SHOULD NOT GET THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE. I am now going to go back to sleep and hopefully wake back up into reality. If this is reality, then I plan to sleep for the rest of the day. I am still in disbelief. Today, when my young cousin asks me about how to win the prize, my answer will be simple. Be President, alienate the people in your country, don’t’ bring any peace at all overseas, make good speeches with a teleprompter, and don’t be like anyone else that won the prize, especially Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, and Anwar Sadat.
To Win or Not To Win: The Afghan Dillema
It was September 11th, 2001 and I was learning about Sir Isaac Newton in 8th grade earth science. My teacher was called out of the room, then she came back in with devastating news….New York was under attack and a plane had flown into one of the twin towers. I froze in shock and wondered what this meant for our nation. I got home from school and stayed glued to the television, watching more planes do more of the same. Death was everywhere and I wondered, what did this mean?
I had a sense of pride later that night when my President, George W. Bush, spoke to the American people and let us know we would find those that did it and they would pay. For next few months, a sense of patriotism not seen in years came across the country. People loved the troops, people were proud of our fight against terror, and you saw flags on cars every day. One day….it all stopped.
Today, I look at the news and I see a President that is obviously clueless when managing a war and a fight that could eventually come back home again. At The Citadel, cadets learn to listen to everyone when making a decision. Everyone in the chain of command is vital to an operation. However, sometimes a leader doesn’t listen and that is when things get sticky and the small problem becomes big. President Obama has consistently been told what to do in Afghanistan. Gen. McChrystal, the head General in Afghanistan, asked for 40,000 troops to complete a counterinsurgency to make sure the Taliban do not get back in power and to ensure Al Qaeda stays weak. The President has turned his back on his General and doesn’t seem to be listening.
Last time a General requested a surge, it wasn’t popular but it allowed our troops to stabilize and leave Iraq. General Petraeus was brilliant for recommending and drafting this plan. Why doesn’t President Obama learn from history and see that this is vital for victory in Afghanistan as well? Instead, he mentions possibly working with the Taliban and keeping some of them in power. Are you kidding me?
This is the SAME Taliban that harbored the SAME terrorists who brought so much bloodshed to our country on September 11th. He wants to keep some of them in power and not fight against them? My greatest fear is for the Taliban to reclaim any control over Afghanistan. While Mr. Obama has been waiting to make a decision, the Taliban has been doing what they do best. They just claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan this week. On Saturday, 8 troops were killed when the Taliban overran their base because there weren’t enough troops there to defend it. This group sounds very amicable to me. The Taliban will bring Shira law, hate for America, and a love for Al Qaeda to the table. If they harbored them once, they will harbor them twice. Furthermore, if Al Qaeda gets a place to train once and conduct a mass attack like September 11th, they will do it again if the Taliban rule.
If he goes with the strategy to ignore top commanders and work with the enemy, our President will be writing a risky future for our country on the wall. If we do not win in Afghanistan, September 11th will not seem so much in the past. It will likely be part of our future again at some point. This President clearly needs to understand how vital it is to listen to those under him; especially since he has never had combat experience or any form of military training to understand the stakes on the ground. Being Commander in Chief means using all of the command under you to make accurate decisions as the Chief decision maker. I think he needs someone to give him the heads up on what his job actually entails. Maybe Truman left a manual in the White House somewhere.
The President claims he has the best people advising him. Advice that comes from people that aren’t Generals. People like Vice-President Joe Biden. This is the same Joe Biden that wanted to split Iraq up into four sectarian regions and eliminate it as a country. He was dead wrong there. Then there is Hillary Clinton. What does she know about War? All she knows about is being a lawyer and covering up her crimes ex. Whitewater, how to bomb a hill or two (from her husband), being an ineffective Senator, and how NOT to pass a Healthcare bill (As she tried in the 90’s). At least she has a few things in common with the President. My stomach hurts when I think about the non-military advice Obama is getting. It is truly scary.
The clock is ticking and I hope we get some sort of decision from the President soon. However, I am afraid this decision may be one that we feel for years to come. Pray for our country, Pray for our troops, and Pray that our President receives wisdom in making these decisions. This isn’t the only crucial decision that needs to be made right now, but our safety is first priority. Therefore, this has to be dealt with and dealt with timely and effectively. To ensure our own safety, we MUST have an Afghanistan that doesn’t harbor terrorist groups.
