Sharron Angle Thanks Joy Behar for the Campaign Boost!

Whether it is comparing California liberals to "permanent residents of a unicorn ranch in fantasyland" or using singing puppets to mock the Obama administration's inability to read a short illegal immigration bill, conservative women, like Governor Palin and Governor Brewer, certainly know how to use humor effectively. Sharron Angle has shown she has a knack for this as well. Earlier this week, "Joyless" Behar said Angle is "a b**** who is going to hell". As far as I know, Angle has no intentions of going on the View, so Behar's wishes for Angle will be unfulfilled. In fact, this outburst actually boosted Angle's campaign funds. Angle's campaign responded wittily to this tirade by Behar:

No one can accuse Team Angle of not having a healthy sense of humor.

In response to Joy Behar’s vicious remarks on The View, the Angle campaign sent a lovely flower arrangement with a note enclosed.

“Joy, Raised $150,000 online yesterday. Thanks for your help. Sincerely, Sharron Angle”

Sharron Angle shared a picture of the flowers via Twitter:


Governor Palin recently spoke at a Tea Party Express rally in Reno, Nevada, showing support for Angle's campaign. Angle currently has a four point lead over Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid.

Update: Michelle Malkin reports that Behar doubled down on her insult and claimed that illegal immigrants probably picked the flowers. Joy, certainly is a unfitting name for her, huh?

Crossposted here and here.

Governor Palin and Robert Gibbs Agree on the "Nation's Car"

The Democrats have been obsessed in recent months with using a car analogy for the Obama administration and their role in altering the direction of the economy and the country. Recently, the DNC changed their logo to represent "drive" on a car's gear shift, as a supposed indicator that Democrats are about moving the country forward. However, that "forward" direction only meets the approval of 30% of the country. In recent campaign events, President Obama has even said that Republicans need to ride in the back seat as Republicans are apparently incapable of helping the country get back on the right track.

Today, reporters questioned Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs, about the Obama administration's role in getting the country out of the proverbial ditch. In a rare occurrence of truthfulness, Gibbs indicated that the Obama administration is culpable for the poor economy, as Governor Palin tweeted this afternoon:

Classic admittance: nation's car driven in ditch & "there's an Obama bumpersticker on it" so says Obama spokesman. Um, that's been our point

Here is the exchange between Gibbs and reporters that Governor Palin references:



Crossposted here.

Supporting Palin Endorsed Candidates in the Home Stretch!

We are now just a week from the 2010 midterm election. As we are all aware, there is a lot at stake. Republicans have the opportunity to take back the House and the Senate just a week from today. The boys of the GOP have put in place their ways to make a mark on these elections. One of the boys has turned the 2010 elections into a political form of American Idol. One of these boys has turned copycat initiatives (and often times, copycat endorsements) and big money donors. One of these boys has created a major funding mechanism to raise loads of cash for candidates.This shows the distinct difference between Governor Palin and the boys. Governor Palin has the backing of the grassroots both through financial support and through action. She does not go about things in the same way that a typical politician does by using gimmicks.

Governor Palin has endorsed 11 Senatorial candidates, 8 gubernatorial candidates, 53 Congressional candidates, 3 Attorney General candidates, 1 Secretary of State candidate, and 1 State Assembly candidate. In the homestretch of this election, we have the opportunity to support candidates by sending money, making calls, going door-to-door, poll watching, waving signs, and supporting candidates online through blog posts and the like. To volunteer in these or other capacities, please visit Organize4Palin. As a reminder, here is why Organize4Palin was launched:

Organize 4 Palin (O4P) is a site many Governor Sarah Palin supporters have been waiting for…a chance to put all of our gifts, talents, and plain old elbow grease to work behind the ideals and leadership of Governor Palin. A sister site to Conservatives 4 Palin and PalinTV, O4P is a grassroots effort and not affiliated with SarahPAC.

With that said, let’s show America what Governor Palin supporters are made of. We are not fans. We are not puppets. We are not easily deterred by the mud slinging left and insider GOP good old boys (and girls). Bottom line? We love our country and have no doubt that Governor Palin is forging the path of common sense leadership we feel confident in following.

What’s to come? Pages for every endorsed candidate, with specific calls to action as needed. Personal accounts for you to share what you are doing to help. A media gallery to share pictures and video of your work. And forums for you to connect and network with other Governor Palin supporters.

Why was this site necessary? We realize there are many positive Governor Palin sites that do wonderful things to promote the Governor and defend her good name. Many in the Palin blogosphere know each other and have worked hard since 2008 to set the record straight. We’ve blogged, commented, created media, donated, and educated friends, family, and co-workers. This will be a place for Governor Palin supporters to shine even more. We’re ready to give it our all in support of Governor Palin’s endorsed candidates. When they win, Governor Palin wins. We can see November from everywhere.

Those candidate specific pages have been up and running for weeks. By supporting the candidates that Governor Palin has endorsed, we have the opportunity to see a conservative fill the Senate seats once held by Joe Biden and Robert Byrd. We have the chance to see two women who disrespected military service be called "ma'am" again. We may get see Barney Frank and Harry Reid defeated. If the two candidates Governor Palin endorsed in Illlinois win, Republicans become poised to have more seats in Congress than Democrats representing Illinois. We have the chance to see the first woman elected to the governorship in South Carolina. We have the chance to help see a lumberjacking lawyer from Wisconsin and a rocket scientist from Arizona represent their districts in Congress. We have the opportunity to see a woman who named her kids after Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill be re-elected to the Secretary of State's office in Alabama. These are just a sampling of the candidates endorsed by Governor Palin.The greater importance is that commonsense Constitutional conservatives are poised to take office. To see all endorsed candidates and how you can support them, see here.

November 2nd is just around the corner, and we soon have the chance to party like it's 1773. Let's do all that we can to support these candidates, whether it is financial support, volunteer support, or prayer.

Crossposted here.

Adam Kinzinger on Health Care, Tax Cuts and the Economy

On Fox Chicago Sunday today, Republican candidate for the 11th Congressional District spoke about repealing and replacing the health care "reform" bill, deficit reduction, the "stimulus" bill, and the Bush tax cuts:



Kinzinger is running against incumbent, Debbie Halvorson. A recent article in the Pantagraph highlights the stark contrasts between Kinzinger and Halvorson:

The campaigns are in stark contrast on many major issues. The congresswoman voted for the federal economic stimulus legislation and health care reform and favors allowing the Bush-era tax cuts to expire for wealthy Americans.

Her opponent has called the economic and health care legislation faulty ideas, characterizing each as big government overstepping its reach and increasing the nation's debt. He wants tax cuts extended for all taxpayers.

"People are frustrated with an economy that is slow to recover, and the congresswoman shares in that frustration," said Halvorson spokesman Anthony DeAngelo. But, people should take a step back and see that there's been nine consecutive months of private-sector job growth, so the country is moving in the right direction, he said.

Halvorson is looking to legislation that "moves forward to create new jobs and continues to invest in infrastructure and clean energy," which in turn would lead to more jobs and economic development, said DeAngelo.

The congresswoman also wants to close loopholes that encourage businesses to relocate overseas, he said.

Kinzinger says the key difference between him and his opponent is their view on how to turn the economy around: "Congresswoman Halvorson buys into this philosophy that jobs are created by the government," he said.

Congress and the president can foster an environment conducive to job growth, creating fair regulations and a positive tax structure, but it's entrepreneurs who need to actually create jobs, he said.

Government-funded job creation only adds to the national debt, Kinzinger has said.

The Republican also said that rather than blocking companies from moving overseas, the government should find ways to make staying here more attractive.

Cross posted here and here.

Support the Hockey Dad for Minnesota Governor!

Tom Emmer is a "hockey dad" running for Governor of Minnesota and has served in the state legislature since 2004. Emmer has developed a budget plan that includes cutting business and property taxes, reforming state regulatory agencies to ensure efficiency, and reforming the relationship between state and local governments. Emmer strongly supports streamlining regulations to help farmers and small businesses.

The father of seven has a very strong "less government, less regulation" mentality. As the Star Tribune reports:

In his quest to be Minnesota's next governor, Emmer often frames government as an invasive species that must be beaten back, and he espouses a pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps approach that threads through much of his life. He believes it resonates with the voters he meets.

"There's an awakening going on," Emmer said. "There are more people today interested in taking ownership of their life, of their freedom. I think that's an exciting thing, and why I think we should be optimistic."

Emmer is focusing his campaign on " Honoring the Constitution, Expanding Liberty and Fostering Economic Freedom." Recent polling shows him statistically even with his Democratic opponent, so please support Emmer in any way you can! You can volunteer for his campaign here or donating here.

Crossposted here.

Rise above Politics with Stephen Fincher!

Stephen Fincher was endorsed by Governor Palin this past Thursday:

Stephen Fincher is not a politician. He’s a farmer, business man, gospel singer, and a true patriot from Frog Jump (pop. 400) in West Tennessee. He’s a conservative committed to limited government, lower taxes, and job creation. Please visit Stephen’s website at www.stephenfincher.org and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

One of the first things that Fincher did in deciding to run for Congress was to read the Constitution. He stands for cutting spending, cutting taxes, and reducing the debt. He believes in creating a comprehensive energy plan that includes drilling in ANWR and expanding nuclear energy. He stands for free market principles and ending the power of Big Labor.

A recent poll shows that Fincher is leading his opponent, a state Senator, who has misrepresented campaign funding that Fincher received in the primaries. The 8th Congressional seat has been a Democratic stronghold for 35 years , but voters recognize that a politician is not what they are seeking, but a public servant. One voter says of Fincher:

“He seems like he can reach the common man kind of thing,” Harris says. “And that kind of touches me in a way that nobody else seems to be able to do that.”

Crossposted here.

Random, Fun Videos from This Week

I have to say that Michelle Malkin is one of my favorite columnists/bloggers. She always does an excellent job researching for her posts and columns and writes with pointedness and sarcasm. I would love to take a trip to Colorado Springs (because it is beautiful!) and learn from her great talent as a writer. She was on Hannity on her 40th birthday earlier this week, and I have to say this is probably the most fired up I've ever seen her:



H/T the Right Scoop

I ran across this video on the Twitterverse and Blogosphere last night. I've always been a big fan of the movie Airplane, and this anti-Barbara Boxer clip, made by David Zucker Airplane producer, is hilarious!

Call Me Senator from RightChange on Vimeo.

Sarah Palin's Fault

Not wanting to be outdone by Politico, the New York Daily News released their own hit piece today which includes quotes from well known GOP operatives such as " a household name and a big time player in Republican circles", "other party elders", "a well-wired Republican political consultant", and "another GOP consultant". Some of these Republican strategists have awfully long names, don't they?

These anonymous sources claim that if Republicans don't win the Senate, it's Governor Palin's fault because she's endorsed Christine O'Donnell, Sharron Angle, and Carly Fiorina. Christine O'Donnell must be closing the gap in the polls against Chris Coons even without much help from the GOP Establishment and the NRSC as President Obama and Vice President Biden will be campaigning in Delaware. This seems to indicate that the race is tighter than public polling may indicate. After annihilating Senator Reid in a recent debate, Sharron Angle has a lead in the Nevada Senate race. In the California race, Carly Fiorina is statistically tied with Ma'am Boxer. These women are still poised to potentially win their races.

Specifically, the NYDN piece asserts that Governor Palin's endorsement must be toxic, especially in California:

Palin is extremely unpopular among indie voters, especially in California. A recent Field Poll found that 69% of California independent voters have an unfavorable opinion of Palin. And independents are nearly a quarter of the California electorate.

Even worse for GOP senatorial and gubernatorial prospects in the Golden State, two-thirds of independents say they're less inclined to vote for a candidate Palin has endorsed.

This must come as a shock to Carly Fiorina supporters. Fiorina has been endorsed by Governor Palin and sees herself as a "practical commonsense conservative like Sarah Palin" (see the 4:00 mark):



Carly Fiorina has embraced Governor Palin's endorsement and has run as a true commonsense conservative. She finds herself neck-and-neck with Boxer with less than two weeks to go before the election. On the other hand, gubernatorial candidate, Meg Whitman, has eschewed any association with Governor Palin, and find herself trailing an unpopular former Governor, Jerry Brown. If the polling numbers that the NYDN touts ring true, then California voters wouldn't be supportive of Fiorina, but would be supportive of Whitman. However, midterm election polling of these candidates seem to indicate that Fiorina, who has embraced Palin's endorsement, is fairing better than Whitman who has tried to distance herself from Governor Palin.

Governor Palin has encouraged partying like it's 1773 after election day in a few weeks, but it seems the media and some of the faceless, spineless members of the GOP want to prematurely point fingers like it's 2008. In fact, anonymous sources say that these unnamed GOP operatives are in contact with geologists and seismologists in Alaska. Remember, in 1964, just a few months after the Heath family moved to Alaska, a 9.2 magnitude earthquake hit Alaska. Now, obviously, this earthquake had to be due to then Sarah Heath's arrival to the state, right? Because Governor Palin is culpable for any potential political earthquakes or natural earthquakes, these GOP operatives are petitioning scientists to rename the space between tectonic plates causing that massive earthquake 46 years ago, "Sarah Palin's Fault". You heard it here first.

Crossposted here and here.

Governor Palin's Defense of Freedom of the Press

If you want to anger a conservative, lie to them. If you want to anger a liberal, tell them the truth.
-Unknown

Governor Palin, as a fierce defender of the Constitution and as former journalist, has stood consistently for the freedoms noted in the First Amendment. When Governor Palin stepped aside from the public office nearly 15 months ago, she spoke of her support of freedom of the press:

Together we stand with gratitude for the troops who protect all our cherished freedoms. This includes our First Amendment guaranteed freedom of speech – which, par for the course – I shall exercise. First, with some “straight talk,” I will address some, just some, in the media because another right that is protected is the freedom of the press. You have such important jobs reporting facts and informing the electorate and exerting power to influence. You represent what could and should be a respected and honest profession that could and should be a cornerstone of our democracy. Democracy depends on you. That is why our troops are willing to die for you. So, how about in honor of the American soldier you quit making things up. And don’t underestimate the wisdom of the American people.

Last Spring, when Governor Palin was named to Time Magazine's 100 List, she spoke to the press and to attendees:

Sarah, on the other hand, was happy to be in a room with so many reporters — particularly Time's Joe Klein, of whom she is a fan — so she could set the record straight. "I did talk to a couple of reporters already and said that a bunch of stuff that they write is bogus, but we had a great conversation about it and we agreed to disagree on a lot of things," she said. "One thing we can all agree on, though, is how much we respect and want to protect the freedom of the press and we have that in common, so at the end of the day, I think as long as we’re protecting that and not abusing the right — we have to be writing truth — then we’ll get along just fine tonight."

...
As if to drive home the point, Palin reiterated her great respect for journalism in her public "toast" to those who influence her, a Time 100 dinner tradition. "I want to make a toast to all at this press event who agree with Thomas Jefferson, who said that our liberty depends on the freedom of the press," she said. "So I want to lift a glass to those who defend that freedom. Our finest, the men and women in uniform who defend that freedom, our Constitution, and our exceptional way of life in America."

Yesterday, Governor Palin wrote in response of NPR's firing of Juan Williams:

I don’t expect Juan Williams to support me (he’s said some tough things about me in the past) – but I will always support his right and the right of all Americans to speak honestly about the threats this country faces. And for Juan, speaking honestly about these issues isn’t just his right, it’s his job. Up until yesterday, he was doing that job at NPR. Firing him is their loss.

In her pointed and appropriate criticism of the media, she never once has called for anyone to be fired. She never called for anyone to be censored. She never even asked for criticism to be halted. She never accused any particular networks of being "destructive to the country" like others have done. She has even supported those who have been critical and even completely disrespectful to her on occasion such as Juan Williams. She has supported the right for a radio commenter, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, to speak freely, even when Schlessinger questioned the Governor's decision to run for VP as a mother of five children.

Governor Palin has only asked for honest and truthful reporting. She has called for journalists to take their jobs seriously. She has called for them to embrace, not abuse, their freedom of the press. Increasingly, the lines between news and commentary are being blurred. Too often, what is being portrayed as "news" is an editorial in actuality. Too often, anonymous sources are portrayed as legitimate, and a lot of people named " someone close to the Palin camp" are quoted in news stories. Too often easily debunked lies are attempted to be portrayed as truth, such as Politico's most recent hit piece against the Governor. Claims made in that "news" story were quickly refudiated by Mark Levin, Glenn Beck, Senator Grassley and Representative King, and the Southern Republican Leadership Committee.

The quote at the beginning of this post encompasses the Governor's response to this and other hit pieces. What upset Governor Palin as a conservative is when the press lies. Yesterday, she didn't even expresses frustration about the press lying about her, but about others:

Johnny, Johnny, Johnny...ya just made big mistake lying about Levin, Beck, Rush...U can lie about me, but taking on the Big Guns? Not smart

Governor Palin is critical of the media, often dubbing them the "lamestream media". However, she never calls for them to be shut down or silenced. She simply responds to their exercise of the first amendment by exercising her own. The press has consistently bemoaned that Governor Palin does not speak to them or circumvents them by using social media. A private citizen, even if they are a public figure, holds no obligation to the press. However, the press holds an obligation to the public, especially when that press is funded by the public. NPR had no problems firing Juan Williams over his comments about Muslims, but had no qualms with their "journalists" presenting a lesson on how to speak "teabagger". They had no problems with a commentator hoping for a GOP Senator and his grandkids to get AIDS.

Governor Palin has been attacked on every side. Her ever move turns into a PDS sufferer concocted "gate": bus-gate, visor-gate, socialized medicine gate, palm-gate, bendy straw gate, and eye roll gate, just to name a few. The media has accepted, as truth, information from a site questioning Governor Palin as Trig's mom. More than three times as many "fact checkers" were dedicated to her first book than the "climategate"email scandals. In the most recent Politico piece, the author drags out an old meme that Governor Palin can defy the laws of physics by physically appearing at every possible campaign event to which she was invited. This, of course, conflicts with the meme that her endorsements are so toxic that no one wants to embrace them, but corroborates with the "defiance of physics" meme that made it possible for Governor Palin to travel back in time to ban books before they were written.

Governor Palin has only called for the truth to reported. She has not called for the media to agree with her political viewpoints. She has called for them to purveyors of the truth and to be transparent when they are presenting opinion. She has called them a "cornerstone of our democracy" and has stated that "our liberty depends on freedom of the press". In spite of all of the lies of the press, she is their defender. Governor Palin remains a simultaneous defender of the press and of the truth.

Crossposted here and here.

Nunnelee for Mississippi!

Alan Nunnelee is running for Congress in Mississippi's 1st Congressional District who desires to bring conservative values to Washington D.C.:

I believe that the strength of America lies in its people, neighborhoods, churches and communities, not in the Federal Government. I want to take Mississippi values to Washington because I believe our leaders can learn something from the good people of Mississippi. I am proud of Mississippi and I will be the same person in Washington as I am here at home – Conservative, pro-life, pro-family, fiscally responsible and a defender of the Second Amendment.

As a Mississippi state Senator Nunnelee has been a reformer on taxes, tort, and Medicaid. He has been a strong defender of the unborn, veterans, and those with physical disabilities. Nunnelee believes that the role of the public sector is to allow the private sector to thrive through limited government and lower taxes. He is a strong proponent of energy independence and is opposed to earmarks.



Crossposted here.

Help Turn Illinois Red with Randy Hultgren!

Today, Governor Palin endorsed Randy Hultgren for Congress:

Want to send a message about President Obama’s out-of-touch agenda? Let’s win some seats in his backyard. As an accomplished businessman and father of four, Randy Hultgren is committed to fighting for lower taxes and constitutional principles to get our country back on track. We can count on Randy to stand up for Illinois families and bring real accountability to Washington. Please visit Randy’s website at www.hultgrenforcongress.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Hultgren is an Illinois State Senator who has experience in the Illinois House and the DuPage County Board and is running for Congress in Illinois' 14th District. During his time in state government, Hultgren has been instrumental in passing medical malpractice reform, freezing property taxes for disabled veterans, protecting elderly consumers from fraud,and, much like Governor Palin, passing legislation that would put the state's financial records online leading to increased governmental transparency.

Hultgren's race against the incumbent Democrat is one of three races in Illinois where the Republican has the real potential to defeat the Democrat. Another such race involves fellow Palin endorsee, Adam Kinzinger.If these three GOP candidates win their races, the liberal bastion of Illinois will have more Republican Congressmen than Democrats!

Hultgren stands for the elimination of the death tax, lowering energy costs, and reducing taxes on small businesses. His economic plan involves freeing up private capital to create jobs. He stands strongly with veterans and has the endorsement of several pro-life organizations.

Below is a video of Hultgren speaking about common sense at an event earlier this month with Illinois GOP gubernatorial candidate, Bill Brady, in President Reagan's hometown of Dixon, Illinois:



Crossposted here.

The Left's Hypocrisy on Campaign Funding

Despite President Obama's call for "special interest" groups to remain uninvolved in upcoming midterm elections and the disparagement of the Tea Party movement and its campaign actions by the Democrats, it seems that double standards to occur. Then again as often is the case, if it wasn't for double standards, most of the Left wouldn't have standards.

Under the seemingly benign name of the America's Families First Action Fund, this special interest group has spent nearly $1.5 million for advertising against Palin endorsed Congressional candidates in the last two weeks alone. This includes more than $375K against Wisconsin Congressional candidate, Sean Duffy, more than $400K against Florida Congressional candidate, Steve Southerland, nearly half a million dollars against Arizona candidates, Ruth McClung and David Schweikert, and nearly $200K total against Colorado candidate, Scott Tipton, and New Mexico candidate, Steve Pearce.

The bigger story, however, is not the amount of cash invested in bringing down conservative candidates, but the method behind the madness. The America's Families First Fund is aimed a promoting "progressive issues". This organization did not file "statement of organization" papers with the Federal Election Committee until August,and their skeleton of a website shows no information regarding its supposed focal points and acts primarily as a simply an additional temporary funnel for liberal dollars to flow through. Its contributions come only from a small cadre of big dollar donors and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Politico describes this PAC as (emphasis mine), "one of three newly formed Democratic committees not aligned with a union that are swooping in during the final weeks, hoping to stall the Republicans’ momentum". However, half a million dollars of their donations came from the International Association of Firefighters, which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO is a coalition of labor unions headed by known union "thug", Richard Trumka. You can put lipstick on union funding, but it's still thug backed campaign funding.

An interesting cast of characters have given six figures to this PAC themselves. These donors include Agnus Gund who fought for " fair elections" by removing "special interest"funding. Ironically, this very issue that Gund fought against is the very issue upheld by the Supreme Court in the Citizens United vs. FEC case allowing organizations like the America's Family First Fund to operate to oppose candidates. George Marcus and Stephen Silberstein, both big time Democratic donors, gave a combined $350,000 to America's Families First. Rob McKay, HuffPo blogger and chairman of the Democratic Alliance, contributed $100,000 to this PAC. McKay's Democratic Alliance is supported by George Soros, supported ACORN, and had a role in the Norm Coleman-Al Franken recount in Minnesota's 2008 Senate race.

PAC expenditures went toward political consulting groups such as Project New West, whose President has worked for the DNC and NARAL pro-choice America among other Left leaning organizations. They also employed the communication consulting of Winning over Washington led by Ramona Oliver who has prior experience with SEIU and EMILY's List. Nothing says "America's Family First" like strategies provided by groups lead by individuals proudly supportive of pro-"choice", pro-thug union groups,right?

The Democrats as a party and the Left as an ideology try to claim to support the "little guy". However, when their causes are supported in large part by Union backed PACs and wealthy donors some with nefarious ties, this hardly seems to be the case. The "little guy" that Governor Palin has been referencing in her recent speeches are the same people who are expressing support for the the Tea Party movement and Governor Palin's PAC itself. Although the FEC rules for a 401 (c)4 organization like America's Families First and a national leadership PAC like SarahPAC differ, recent quarterly reports show a great grassroots support from small donors, even more so than President Obama's leadership PAC prior to his run for the Presidency. In spite of negative campaigning by corporatistic PACs, the election is ultimately decided by the "little guy" at the ballot box.

You can help positively support these targeted Palin endorsed candidates and others by visiting Organize4Palin.


Big thanks to Stacy for her assistance with research for this post.

Crossposted here.

1773 and a History Lesson for the Left

The Left again proves itself to be devoid of a basic knowledge of American history. Yesterday at the Tea Party Express rally in Reno, Nevada, Governor Palin spoke with appropriate cautiousness about celebrating electoral victories prematurely by telling rally attendees to not "party like it's 1773 just yet". As conservatives know, 1773 was the year of the Boston Tea Party. Michelle Malkin shares this link for those who may need a refresher. Malkin also reports:

Sarah Palin wisely warned Tea Party activists to keep working hard right up until Election Day — and not to “party like it’s 1773″ yet.

Intellectually superior leftists from Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas to PBS “moderator”/Obama cheerleader Gwen Ifill took to Twitter to snicker about Palin’s historical illiteracy.

But it’s the Palin-bashers who humiliated themselves, via Cuffy Meigs.

“Ummm” yourself, nitwit.

Of course they wouldn’t know when the Tea Party occurred.

They’re too busy wallowing in teabagging jokes and hate smears.

Of course Moulitsas has been too busy trying to astroturf internet search engines to smear conservatives running up to the midterm elections to study up on American history. Gwen Ifill perhaps took a history lesson from Joe Biden who confused the First and Second Articles of the Constitution during the 2008 Vice Presidential debate that she moderated between Biden and Palin.

It's always humorous to see the pseudointellectual Left get knocked down from their high horse. Perhaps this chronologically wrong version of history is taught on that "unicorn ranch in fantasyland" that Governor Palin spoke of last week.

Read Ace of Spades' take on this here.

Crossposted here.

IL-9: The Clear Difference between Joel Pollak and Jan Schakowsky

Joel Pollak is the Republican candidate for the Congress in Illinois' 9th district. The differences between him and his opponent corrupt Democrat, Jan Schakowsky, couldn't be more clear. For example, Schakowsky believes that only the government can end the recession, where Pollak believes the free market is necessary:

Q: Is there a role for the federal government in determining what kind of economy we should have?
Schakowsky: Only the federal government can spur sufficient demand to end a recession; the Recovery Act stopped the current recession from becoming another Great Depression. The Wall Street reform law set rules to prevent the recklessness that cost 8 million jobs and created the Consumer Financial Protection Agency to prevent a recurrence. And the federal government also supports essential parts of our economy including public schools, fire and police protection, defense, Social Security and Medicare.

Pollak: We have a free market, capitalist economy. The federal government’s role is to enforce the law, uphold contracts, and help those in dire need. Under both Bush and Obama, we have seen the federal government expand its control of our economy. That is bad for jobs, bad for opportunity, and bad for freedom. The last thing we need are politicians who live on taxpayers’ money telling us what to buy, where to work and whom to hire.

Additionally, the New York Times is reporting that the candidates' stances on Israel are becoming a campaign issue for both of these Jewish candidates. Although Schakowsky's record is reasonably pro-Israel, the New York Times reports two interesting pieces of information: President Obama's decreasing approval among the Jewish community and Schakowsky's association with J-Street:

While political analysts regard Mrs. Schakowsky’s seat as safe, Mr. Pollak’s Israel-centric campaign has made for one of the tightest races in the Ninth District in the last 50 years. She considers it a trumped-up wedge issue, but is not ignoring Mr. Pollak’s criticism.

She conceded that her contest is “exemplary of some of the tension within the community,” largely over whether President Obama’s policies have been sufficiently supportive of Israel.

Mr. Obama and Mrs. Schakowsky have been criticized by some Jews for their connections to the left-leaning Jewish organization J Street, which describes itself as strongly pro-Israel but believes that Israeli government policies should not be exempt from criticism.

The Pollak campaign reports that Schakowsky raised campaign funds at an event with noted anti-Semite,Helen Thomas. Schakowsky states she did not know of Thomas's views, but has yet to return any funds raised at that event. Additionally, Schakowsky has expressed support for CAIR (the Council on American-Islamic Relations) which does not seem congruent with a self-professed support for Israel, nor her voting record.

As the New York Times states, this race is stated to be a safe Democratic seat although it's a lot closer race than in decades. Internal polling by the Pollak campaign shows that Schakowsky has fallen below48% meaning that with a little more than two weeks until the election, anything can happen.

Crossposted here.

Sunday Afternoon Rant against Meggie Mac and M. Dowd

Ever since Meghan McCain started to blab about being a voice for young "conservative" women, I've developed a certain "attitude" towards her. Maybe it's because of her arrogance in feeling like she can speak for all young conservative women. As someone a year old than Meggie Mac, this bothers me a tad I suppose. Maybe it's because she feels that the only way the Republican party can return to prominence is to become more "moderate" and to become a "big tent" party. Maybe it's because her like mannerisms, disposition, and like rhetoric don't necessarily represent as young conservative women classy or articulate. Over the past few weeks, McCain has whined about the media coverage, ironically by writing a Daily Beast about it and spouted nonsense on some Sunday morning show just today. Perhaps the fact that I'm even blogging about her shows that perhaps she holds some relevance in my mind, or perhaps I'm simply ranting because I have a little bit of free time on a Sunday afternoon. What McCain (and often her dad) need to realize is that the reason the Republicans lost prominence is because they became more moderate. Why vote for a moderate, squishy Republican if you can vote for a Democrat? The Republican party does need to force a big tent; they need to articulate how personal liberty, strong national defense,and pro-life values really do reach across all demographic barriers. What's the point in having a big tent if the tent pegs are driven in to squishy ground? The tent is just going to collapse.

Then, there's Maureen Dowd, generally a good source of liberal amusement. Dowd is pouting today in her NYT column about the "mean girls" like Palin, Fiorina, Angle, and O'Donnell who are taking on the liberal eunuchs and women. These are strong women who are taking on the likes of Obama, Boxer, Reid, and the bearded Marxist on the records of the individuals. Apparently, when Boxer disrespected a military man and Pelosi wanted to name a landfill or waste area after President Bush, that was acceptable behavior. I hope that I'm never clouded enough by my political bias to not call a spade a spade. If the likes of my political heroines--Palin, Bachmann, Fiorina, Haley etc--ever cross a line, I hope that I'm able to recognize it and want them to act respectfully. However, at least for the time being, I have not seen that in these ladies. I also haven't seen that kind of objectivity in Dowd.

I will say the same thing about pseudoconservative twentysomethings who claim to speak for all young conservatives and "feminist" columnists who try to push that there way of thinking is indeed enlightened thinking that I did about Emily's List's response to Governor Palin's SarahPAC video in a Conservatives4Palin post in August:

For Governor Palin and conservative and independent women throughout America, it's not about being placed in the "women" box of identity politics. For conservative women, it's not about Governor Palin speaking for us; it's about being able to speak for ourselves. This is the kind of worldview that Governor Palin espouses and supports in candidates whom she endorses. It isn't about government dictating to female small business owners how they must run their business or about levying burdensome taxes on them. It's about removing burdensome regulations and taxes that allow these business owners to increase their inventory and their staff--both of which help fuel the economy. This allows these women to speak and act for themselves. It's not about creating more government programs to "provide" for women. It's about creating an environment for women to manage their budgets and their households, and it's about ensuring that the money spent on government programs now isn't going to mortgage the future of these women's children. When Governor Palin wants to advocate for First Amendment rights, she is not about stifling dissenting opinions, but it's about ensuring that a double standard isn't applied, even if the women she is defending has been less than complimentary to her in the past.

Governor Palin hasn't made it her goal to be the voice for women, but in this process, in many ways, she has become just that. She speaks for us because she advocates for women to speak and act for themselves. It is not about placing women or any other demographic group in a certain box, it's about allowing them to speak and act for themselves.

So, again, you ladies don't speak for me. Identity politics are a thing of the past.


Rant done.

Meet Bill Marcy for Mississippi's 2nd District!

At Organize4Palin, Karen Allen writes:

This is a fun (but true) video that a Bill Marcy (MS-2) supporter made. Bill put it on his website. Learn more about and donate to Bill HERE.

And here’s what one of his supporters posted on his Facebook:

Ed Holliday: Bill is building excitement! You can feel the momentum. I was with Bill in Washington as he met with Sarah Palin. I saw them speak and look each other in the eye and I knew then that Sarah understood what a dynamic person and candidate that Bill is. There as Bill and Sarah spoke I realized that Bill is Mississippi’s… conservative grizzly bear and he’s not afraid of the big bad Bennie wolf. Go get ‘em. Bill!

Marcy is a former Chicago police officer worked as a security director in the private sector before moving to Mississippi in 2001. He is running for Congress is Mississippi's second district against incumbent Bennie Thompson who supported both Obamacare and cap and tax and has voted on Democratic party lines 98% of the time. Marcy is a pro-life, pro-free market, pro energy development, anti-bailout conservative. Marcy distills his political worldview on the frontpage of his website:

The 2nd District needs a better tomorrow, a stepping stone to a brighter future. While others work to set America back, we will work to take America forward.

Every day, our Government takes one more step towards encroaching on our civil liberties, and worse yet, spending our hard earned money on policies that do not meld with our core value system. And some of our Congressional leaders are battling for power and position within their political parties, instead of representing the constituents.

I believe that our Constitution guarantees – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Government’s job is to govern, not to restrict our prosperity as secured by natural law and the rights of the individual.

Together, we can point our Country back to the values that our Founding Father’s(sic) envisioned. I’m Bill Marcy, and I want to be a part of building the landscape of better education, better jobs and a better, safer life for our children.

If you are able, please support Marcy's campaign with your time or donation. To support any of the candidates endorsed by Governor Palin, please visit Organize4Palin.

Cross posted here.

Four Palin Endorsed Candidates Make Time's Top 40 under 40 List

Four candidates endorsed by Governor Palin in the upcoming 2010 elections have made Time Magazine's top 40 under 40 list in their "new civic leaders" category. These candidates include Sean Duffy, Nikki Haley, Adam Kinzinger, and Marco Rubio. The article profiles each candidate individually. Here's what they had to say:

Sean Duffy:

Duffy, 39, may be best known for his turn on MTV's The Real World or perhaps as a five-time world-champion log climber. But in northwestern Wisconsin, the Republican is thought of as the district attorney who cracked down on child sex crimes. That law-and-order rep has made him the front runner for the state's 7th Congressional District seat. And his clever television commercials, in which he out-lumberjacks his rivals, have gone viral.

Who is your political hero/inspiration?
Ronald Reagan

What's your go-to political blog?
Real Clear Politics and Redstate.com

If you weren't working in politics, what would you be doing?
I loved my job as a prosecutor. If I wasn't running for Congress I'd still be a DA and a lumberjack competitor.

What's the most overlooked issue facing America these days?
The most overlooked issue facing America is the economic nuclear bomb we have given to China thanks to Washington's inability to reign in spending. Our reliance on China to fund projects we can't afford does not come without serious national security implications.

Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?
I'm a father and a husband first. In five years, I hope representing Wisconsin's 7th District will also be on that list.

Nikki Haley:

Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, may seem an unlikely figure to lead the rebirth of South Carolina's Republican Party. But when the stiletto-heeled 38-year-old bested three white men to win its gubernatorial nomination in June, she proved that the good-ol'-boy culture of Southern politics is no match for a charismatic conservative newcomer who promises to shake up the Palmetto State.

Who is your political hero/inspiration?
Margaret Thatcher.

What's your go-to political blog?
Redstate.

If you weren't working in politics, what would you be doing?
I'd be back to my roots in small business.

What's the most overlooked issue facing America these days?
Understanding that tax dollars don't belong to government, that people pay this money in and how elected officials spend it matters.

Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?
Continuing to remind people the power of their voice and that elected officials work for the people, not the other way around.

Adam Kinzinger:

As a sophomore in college, Kinzinger beat a three-term incumbent for a seat on the McLean County, Illinois, board of supervisors. Now, after a stint in Iraq with the Air Force, the 32-year-old Republican is taking on another Democratic incumbent, in the state's 11th Congressional District.

Who is your political hero/inspiration?
I consider both Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan to be amazing political figures. During times of great national distress, both men saw beyond the current difficulties the Union was facing and knew that the American spirit would prevail. When I toured the Lincoln Library in Springfield, IL, I noticed something never before pointed out to me — the rapid aging of President Lincoln during his time in office, and the great stress his eyes showed during the height of the war. He made the difficult decision of leading a nation to unity, when he could have instead ended the war in quickly by simply accepting a divided Union. Similarly, President Reagan took over a nation overwhelmed by malaise, a stagnant economy, and an imposing Soviet power. He would not accept the status quo, and instead led the nation with a clear vision of where America could once again return.

What's your go-to political blog?
Politico.com and realclearpolitics.com

If you weren't working in politics, what would you be doing?
Flying planes for the Air Force. I still fly as a reservist, but had I not been running for Congress, I would be flying full time. It's quite a job!

What's the most overlooked issue facing America these days?
Education. As we have seen, students are turning less and less to STEM areas of study (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). While it is good to have a wide variety of educated students, those core proficiencies are essential for us to maintain our technological edge and our manufacturing superpower status. America has the strongest economy in the world — bar none, but we must continue investing in our future in order to maintain that.

Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?
That is not an easy question to answer. I hope to earn the trust of voters in November and am passionate about serving my District in Congress for a period of time — but only as long as that passion stays alive. I am committed to public service in some form, and whether that means holding elected office or not remains to be seen.

Marco Rubio:

When he became Florida's youngest House Speaker, Rubio received a golden sword from then governor Jeb Bush — a gift that confirmed Rubio, now 39, as Bush's political heir. If the son of Cuban exiles can win the state's open Senate seat, he'll go from prodigy to bona fide conservative hero.

Who is your political hero/inspiration?
Ronald Reagan

What's your go-to political blog?
Red State

If you weren't working in politics, what would you be doing?
Practicing law, teaching and trying to land an NFL front office job.

What's the most overlooked issue facing America these days?
The national security component of our federal debt.

Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?
Hopefully in the U.S. Senate working to protect America's exceptionalism.

Crossposted here and here.
To support these or other Palin endorsed candidate, please visit Organize4Palin.

Isaac Hayes Takes on Jesse Jackson Jr.

Who would have thought that the Illinois' 2nd Congressional seat, currently held by Jesse Jackson Jr., has the potential to be filled by a Republican. However, the AP reports that Republican Isaac Hayes is gaining traction:

Isaac Hayes, a conservative Republican challenging U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., is getting more attention lately — and not just because he shares a name with the soul legend known for the "Shaft" theme.

More revelations about Jackson's links to the corruption case of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and a relationship he had with a female "social acquaintance" have given Hayes an opening in the reliably Democratic and largely black district that Jackson won with nearly 90 percent of the vote two years ago.

Hayes suddenly is getting notice from national Republicans and is being mentioned often on black radio stations. While political experts see him as unlikely to score an upset in November, he could benefit from voter sentiment about Jackson's troubles.

"There has to be a change," Hayes said. "People are saying 'enough is enough.'"

Emma Pouncy, a 66-year-old retiree in the 2nd Congressional District, which covers Chicago's South Side and south suburbs, voted for Jackson over the years because of his work for a third area airport and because of his family's civil rights legacy, namely his father the Rev. Jesse Jackson. But now she says she won't vote at all, citing the Blagojevich corruption allegations and affair.

"He was dependable, everybody thought he was a nice guy," she said. "But things change. We can only take so much."

Hayes is trying to capitalize on Jackson's troubles; his website is called isaac4honesty.com. He bills himself as a "Booker T. Washington Republican" who is conservative on fiscal and social issues — he opposes abortion and gay marriage or civil unions — and as a fighter for civil rights.

The son of a minister, Hayes works at the massive Apostolic Church Of God on Chicago's South Side where 20,000 people are members and 7,000 regularly attend services. Hayes thinks he can win by appealing to devout Christians and independents.

"He's a new conservative African-American who is exactly what people are looking for in this environment," said Lee Roupas, chairman of Cook County Republicans. "Given the corruption, the lies, the scandals surrounding Jesse Jackson Jr., this is a race that we're taking seriously."

In an unusual move, the National Republican Congressional Committee last month named Hayes a candidate to watch in its "Young Guns" program — usually designated in districts that are more of a toss-up. For the first time, the black-owned Kankakee City News has endorsed Hayes over Jackson, citing the Blagojevich allegations.

Read more here.



Cross posted here.

Chris Matthews and the Thrill of the Chilean Miners and the Tea Party

On Wednesday, Chris Matthews spoke of the Chilean mine rescue efforts. Rather than viewing it as a triumph of the strength of the human spirit, teamwork, and ingenuity, Matthews used this situation to take an gratuitous slap at the Tea Party in an interview with union boss Richard Trumka (yes, that Richard Trumka):

CHRIS MATTHEWS: Okay let's talk about what the...message to a lot of the people was. The message coming out of the Tea Party people, and lot of them are good people, is every man for himself, basically. "No more taxes, no more government, no more everything. No more safety net. No more health care for everybody. Everybody just get out there, make your buck, save it, screw the government, move on." Right?

RICHARD TRUMKA: Yeah.

MATTHEWS: You know these people, if they were every man for himself down in that mine they [the Chilean miners] wouldn't have gotten out.

Many of us have been glued to the TV the past few days to see the jubilation of reunited families as each miner was brought to the surface. However, such exciting news must not have given Matthews a "thrill" because he is completely off base, as usual, to suggest the philosophy of the Tea Party would mean the death of the Chilean miners.

The Chilean government employed several methods in concert with each other to make the rescue of the thirty-three miners a success: appropriate governmental support from a conservative leader, foreign assistance, American ingenuity, and prayer. The Chilean president, Sebastián Piñera, who was a constant presence at the rescue site, was the first conservative President elected to lead Chile in 52 years. The Chilean navy engineers developed the rescue capsule that was used. The Chilean government accepted help from the United States including the American ingenuity of a drilling company in Pennsylvania and a contractor in Colorado. The miners relied on faith in God to give them the strength to persevere through more than two months trapped nearly half a mile underground.

Interestingly, the Chileans' successful response to their national crisis is quite similar to what Governor Palin suggested to the Obama administration during America's most recent "national crisis": the Gulf oil spill. Governor Palin, as a conservative leader, suggested accepting foreign assistance, embracing American ingenuity, and prayer.

When the Obama administration was dithering with how to approach the largest environmental disaster in America's history, Governor Palin was urging him to waive the Jones Act to allow foreign assistance from the Dutch who have experience building sand dikes that could be used to clean up the spill and accepting the offers of help like that of a Maine company that builds booms, as she stated on the O'Reilly Factor in June (emphasis mine):

They can't even get a phone call returned, Bill. The Dutch. They are known in the Norwegian (sic). They are known for — for dikes and for cleaning up water and for dealing with spills. They offered to help and, yet, no, they too, with a proverbial can't even get a phone call back. That is what the Norwegians are telling us, and the Dutch are telling us. And then the entrepreneurial Americans, the company in Maine that has the boom and the absorbents, those companies that are waiting for the Obama administration eight weeks later for the regulators to come in and say, OK, we'll purchase from you now. We'll do all that we can. That's where some of the frustration is.

Now, we saw the same thing though with Katrina, didn't we? So, I'm not going to point fingers and make this a partisan issue at all, point fingers at different administrations. But it is that inherent problem that we have with government, not necessarily being prepared, because our priorities in government are wrong. National security, safety of the people, needs to be the top priority. That's where we need to be funding instead of funding these other things on the periphery that really just get in the way of the private sector's progress, their ability to produce and to thrive and to prosper, Instead, our priorities in the national government have been screwed up.

The Obama administration did eventually accept help from the Dutch, but as with most aspects of the oil spill, he was a day late and a dollar short. However, just as the Chilean government did, Governor Palin promoted accepting foreign assistance (by removing isolationist regulations) and called for utilization of American entrepreneurs. Additionally, just as the miners did, she encouraged prayer for those affected by the Gulf spill:

Gulf disaster needs divine intervention as man's efforts have been futile. Gulf lawmakers designate today Day of Prayer for solution/miracle

So, Mr. Matthews, when faced with a national crisis, Governor Palin's solutions are congruent with those of the successes in Chile. When the Tea Party calls for less government, they are not calling for anarchy or a non-response to a national crisis. They are calling for a government that is supposed to protect the American people, not burden them with excessive regulation, as Governor Palin said in her appearance on O'Reilly's show this summer. What we saw with the oil spill is that too often government regulations got in the way of the solving the problems like when oil skimming barges were docked due to too few life jackets (as regulated by the government).

Such a misrepresentation of the Tea Party movement has become common place among the liberal press. The Tea Party is not about no government, it's about limited government. It is not about an "every man for himself" mentality; it's about the voluntary generosity of individuals rather than the obligatory redistribution of wealth. It's about everyday Americans, not the political elite or the Establishment. Just because it's so good, let's re-visit what the Tea Party really is:



Does that give anyone a thrill?

Crossposted here and here.

Meet Morgan Philpot for Utah's 2nd District!

Meet Morgan Philpot, one of the latest candidates endorsed by Governor Palin. He is running for the House in Utah's second district. Philpot is a former representative in the Utah state legislature where he sponsored legislation for school vouchers for families with children with special needs. This program now serves over 500 individuals. Following his time in the state legislature, he went to law school, and now works as a lawyer for a private sector company.

Philpot supports extending the Bush tax cuts, reducing the corporate tax rate, ratifying free trade agreements, and reducing government's role in business to help put people back to work . He supports repeal of Obamacare and both earmark and entitlement reform to help restore fiscal common sense in Washington.

Philpot is running against Democratic incumbent, Jim Matheson, who currently has a 10 point lead on Philpot. Philpot characterizes the second Congressional seat as an "empty seat", as Matheson has been in Congress ten years, but has accomplished little for citizens of the Beehive state:



You can help support Philpot's campaign by donating or volunteering. To help support Philpot and other Palin endorsed candidates, go to Organize4palin.

Crossposted here and here.

Happy 85th Birthday, Baroness Thatcher!

Across the Pond, the day is coming to a close, but, today, October 13th marks Margaret Thatcher's 85th birthday. Last year, Governor Palin offered these remarks regarding the "Iron Lady's" birthday:

I would like to extend warm birthday wishes to Margaret Thatcher today. Baroness Thatcher continues to remain a role model to many people, particularly women, around the world. Her career is a collection of "firsts." She was the youngest female Conservative Party member to stand for election in history, she was the first woman to hold the title Leader of the Opposition, and she was the first woman to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

As Prime Minister, she took an active role in defending economic freedom and democratic ideals. Her push to privatize British industry and lower tax rates led to a substantial economic expansion in the United Kingdom. She was just as influential in foreign policy. Along with President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II, Prime Minister Thatcher recognized the evil of Communism and worked tirelessly to erode the power and influence of the Soviet Union.

Her life and career serve as a blueprint for overcoming the odds and challenging the "status quo." She started life as a grocer's daughter from Grantham and rose to become Prime Minister - all by her own merit and hard work. I cherish the accomplishments of Margaret Thatcher and will always count her as one of my role models.

Governor Palin is much like Margaret Thatcher. Governor Palin is the daughter of a school teacher; Margaret Thatcher is the daughter of a grocer. Both have been ostracized by the Establishment. Both have scrutinized about their accent and mannerisms. Both are outspoken, bold women who believe wholeheartedly in the free market, personal liberty, and strong national security. As much as Governor Palin is compared to President Reagan, comparisons can be made to Margaret Thatcher as well. Personally, I like to say that Governor Palin is the political love child of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.

Often times, Governor Palin's rhetoric echos that of President Reagan, and quite often, whether intentionally or coincidentally, her rhetoric echos that of Margaret Thatcher:

On a woman being the national leader-

Margaret Thatcher: "Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country."

Governor Palin: "“I think this country would be served very well by a woman president, someone who has raised a family. We just want to get from point A to point B and get the job done. I don’t waste time; I’m too busy."

On facing criticism-

Margaret Thatcher: " If my critics saw me walking over the Thames they would say it was because I couldn't swim."

Governor Palin: "I couldn't do anything without Nick Carney griping about it. That was the nature of our relationship. I could have walked across Lake Lucile on the water, and he would have griped about me splashing."

On their upbringing-

Margaret Thatcher-"I just owe almost everything to my father and it's passionately interesting for me that the things that I learned in a small town, in a very modest home, are just the things that I believe have won the election. " -

Governor Palin" My mom and dad both worked at the elementary school in our small town. And among the many things I owe them is one simple lesson: that this is America, and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity."


On remaining true to conservative principles-

Margaret Thatcher-"Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides."

Sarah Palin-"The GOP needs to live the planks of its platform, not just offer lip service."

Happy birthday, Margaret Thatcher!

My Dream Solution to Susan G. Komen's Misuse of Donors' Dollars

Today, a story was posted at the Daily Caller that indicated that money donated to Susan G.Komen, an organization that funds breast cancer research, has given money to Planned Parenthood:

According to Hammarley, about 20 of Komen’s 122 affiliates are responsible for the money that goes to Planned Parenthood and that those funds are used only for breast cancer treatment, education, or screening programs that happen to be affiliated with the abortion group.

“Those funds are audited twice a year to make sure that the money that is invested from the Komen affiliate is being used for screening, treatment or education of breast cancer only,” Hammarley said. “If they ever find that it is either intermingled with their general fund or used specifically for something else, it is shut down. Legal action
is taken and the program is required to pay back the money.”

Hammarley went on to state that such action has never been taken.

In FY 2009 Komen affiliates contributed about $7.5 million to programs sponsored by Planned Parenthood. “That $7.5 million is less than one percent of the entire amount of community grant funding that affiliates around the country contribute,” Hammarley said.

But to people like Bordlee, the amount is insignificant. It is the principle of it. “No matter whether they are giving $500,000 a year to Planned Parenthood, or $5, people who respect the dignity of human life and are trying to save people with disease don’t want any part of their money going to an organization that is subsidizing an abortion provider,” she said.

Yes, Planned Parenthood claims that they audit the funds they receive from Komen and ensure they are only for screenings and education. However, there is always the chance that funds will be misappropriated. Additionally, when individuals donate money to an organization, they do so trusting that those funds will be used to fulfill the purposes of that organization, not funneled to a different organization (especially an organization founded by someone who believes in eugenics). If some really wanted to give to Planned Parenthood to fund screenings performed by them, they are welcomed to do so. Although I definitely don't support what Planned Parenthood does, with the current laws, it is still legal. Therefore, people still have the freedom to donate to this organization directly if they wish.

On a personal note, when I first sat down with my thesis adviser in grad school, I told her that I wanted to do a project on breast cancer in rural areas. Her exact words were, " I know you want to save the world, but you can't do it with your master's thesis". I went away feeling a bit disappointed, but I also realized perhaps it was too ambitious of a goal for a master's thesis. However, it still remained a bit of a dream of mine.

Last year, my boss at the time, who had always allowed me some independence, allowed me to draft a project on if rural-urban disparities existed in mammography and if distance from available mammography affected what stage breast cancer was detected in. It was second grant application I had ever written. I knew it was not likely to be funded. My boss signed on as the primary investigator, and as a rheumatologist, he didn't have breast cancer expertise, and as one of the other people listed on the grant was only two years removed from graduate school with only one publication under my belt. The grant did make it past the preliminary stage, but not the final stage. Our grant returned unfunded with a good deal of constructive criticism, as I still have a lot to learn about the ins and outs of research study design.

There were probably several other projects more well designed than ours that didn't get funded as well. Couldn' t they have received the money given to Planned Parenthood? The story reported that $7.5 million of Komen money was given to Planned Parenthood. A lot of research projects are granted a quarter million dollars to cover a two year study. With the money given to Planned Parenthood in FY2009 alone, thirty two-year research studies could have been funded.

Breast cancer research and eradication has always been something close to my heart. My great grandmother passed away from breast cancer in the 1960s before they had the necessary tools for early detection and treatment. A good friend's mom had it when she was in her thirties. Two people I've come to know through political blogging have had it (one recently passing on to God). With this deeply saddening news, it only reaffirms my desire to do one of the things on my "bucket list". While I've wanted to start a health care funding organization that doesn't fund projects that use embryonic stem cells, I now want to extend that mission to ensure that people would have an organization they could feel comfortable contributing to that does not funnel its funds to an organization that also funds abortions. It is a needed alternative.