Last night I finished reading Governor Palin's newest book, America by Heart. It was a wonderful, encouraging, challenging read. In fact, I fear I read it too quickly and didn't let everything sink in--kind of like when you regret eating a piece of dark chocolate too quickly. I will be re-reading it soon.
I found the book almost to be like an American took a theoretical journey similar to that of Alexis de Tocqueville when he traveled throughout all of America in the early 19th century observing American culture, politics, and Founding documents. In a sense, that's what Governor Palin did when she wrote this book. She viewed America's Founding documents, speeches by Presidents like Reagan, Kennedy, and Coolidge. She spoke of American work ethic and how great joy comes through the effort of hard work, not entitlement. She wrote of issues of race and feminism. She wrote of her personal experiences with family-- the birth of her children and her relationship with her husband. She wrote of her faith--how it is both deeply personal, but also very public.
Many politicians and political leaders write about such things, but there is something different about how Governor Palin presents the message. I think it has something to do with the title--America by Heart. It wasn't America by Mind or Thoughts on American Exceptionalism; it was America by Heart. The thoughts that she put down on paper were heart-felt. They were genuine. She didn't present a long dissertation on feminism or economics, but she did present well-reasoned, heart felt thoughts on those topics. You knew that she meant every word she wrote. Her words weren't focused group tested or written for the sake of political expediency; they were written because she meant them.
During the 2008 campaign, in the nascent days of my political awareness, I decided to read Obama's book, the Audacity of Hope, and McCain's book, Faith of my Fathers, prior to election day, hoping to get a first person perspective of the two men running for president. Prior to the 2008 campaign, I'd only really seen the term,"hope", as a religious term. Particularly, I always thought of hope as described by the writer of Hebrews in the New Testament: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". We hope for things in the future, and things not of this world, but of eternity. Without getting too theological, suffice it to say, hope to me, was looking ahead to something, rather than viewing things in light of the present or the past.
When Obama's campaign mantra was "hope and change", what I thought about was a forward focused hope in what the country could be changed to. This is what Obama said, even a fundamental transformation of America. What America is currently is not good. There is no American exceptionalism--at least exclusively. He was "bold" enough to hope though that America could and would be transformed to something "better". This is what separates President Obama and Governor Palin both in terms of their books and their ideology. Governor Palin's book outlines American Exceptionalism as America was in its founding and what it still is today. There isn't a hoping for a better America. That exceptional America is already here, if we choose to recognize who we are as a nation and what our Founders intended for America to be. This is why Governor Palin said at the Restoring Honor rally that we need to "fundamentally restore America".
Governor Palin sees that a great America is nothing to be hoped for because it is already here, if we choose to live like that is the truth--the audacity of American Exceptionalism.
Cross posted here and here.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Governor Palin on the Issues: Monetary Policy
A few weeks ago, C4P asked readers and commenters for suggestions for the site. One commenter (H/T Riley4Palin) suggested that we comprehensively highlight Governor Palin's stance on policy issues. Over the next few months, I will attempt to post on at least one issue per week. It is my hope that this project will help to show what many of us as Palin supporters already know--Governor Palin has a firm, intelligent grasp on the issues and a principled, yet pragmatic approach to policy. The likes of Karl Rove should know that gravitas is not defined as possession of XY chromosomes and an Ivy League education. It is defined as showing policy chops in such a way that resonates with the American people. Governor Palin does this exceedingly well.
Most recently, Governor Palin has been a leading voice on monetary policy. She also spoke out on the devaluing of the dollar more than a year ago. Governor Palin has effectively addressed the issue of a weakened dollar and its relationship to the rising U.S. debt and the policy of quantitative easing that contributes to inflation. She addresses these issues in the context of how policies affect the American people directly and what can be done to address these problems.
Regarding the devaluing of the dollar, Governor Palin recognized that out-of-control spending and debt both contribute to the problem, while cutting spending and reducing debt, in addition to becoming more energy independent help provide the solution. In October of 2009, Governor Palin said:
A few quick facts about the Fed. It was established in 1913 by President Wilson to address banking crises, but its general goal was to provide stability to prices. The Fed is an independent entity, as its decisions do not have to be approved by the President prior to implementation, but it is under the oversight of Congress. In 1977, the Fed was forced to also met another mandate in addition to price stability: maximization of employment.The Fed's dual mandate often requires contradictory actions, and thus makes these goals difficult to simultaneously meet.
Governor Palin does a very effective job at addressing the earlier Fed mandate in her speech and in her appearance on Judge Napolitano's show by addressing impact of inflation on grocery prices while also addressing the fact that she first warned about a year ago--the direct relationship between energy independence and the value of the American dollar. She also discussed on Napolitano's show that QE2 could potentially put America in the same position as countries like Japan with such actions by the Fed. In a Facebook post following her QE2 speech, Governor Palin also addresses the second mandate of the Fed--unemployment (emphasis mine):
As an additional note, the Left,uber purists, and Paulbots often argue that Governor Palin supported the bailout in the Fall of 2008. However, it should be noted that such support can only be construed as support for her running mate, Senator McCain, and due to the limited information of the details of the plan at the time of the Senatorial vote. Any discussion of the bailouts following the campaign showed that Governor Palin did not support them. For example, in an interview with Human Events in December of 2008, Governor Palin said:
Thanks to Chicago's Conservative for his assistance.
Crossposted here and here.
Most recently, Governor Palin has been a leading voice on monetary policy. She also spoke out on the devaluing of the dollar more than a year ago. Governor Palin has effectively addressed the issue of a weakened dollar and its relationship to the rising U.S. debt and the policy of quantitative easing that contributes to inflation. She addresses these issues in the context of how policies affect the American people directly and what can be done to address these problems.
Regarding the devaluing of the dollar, Governor Palin recognized that out-of-control spending and debt both contribute to the problem, while cutting spending and reducing debt, in addition to becoming more energy independent help provide the solution. In October of 2009, Governor Palin said:
In fact, today a United Nations official called for a new global reserve currency to replace the dollar and end our “privilege” to run up huge deficits.[3] We can see the effect of this in the price of gold, which hit a record high today in response to fears about the weakened dollar.[4]Discussion of issues such as the price of gold, standard currencies, and the like are generally left to members of the banking industry and economists. Governor Palin distills these issues down to describe why they are important for everyday Americans-- governmental spending, national debt, energy independence,and commodity prices. Obviously, governmental spending and the national debt are related, but Governor Palin addresses why her signature issue of energy independence ties into value of the dollar, as it puts America at the mercy of foreign countries for both energy sources and potential changes in trade currency that would have far reaching ramifications. The increase in commodity prices ties into one of the problems that Governor Palin discusses with her recent discussions on Quantitative Easing--rising grocery prices. The National Review recently published an excerpt of a speech that she gave on this "priming of the pump" by Ben Bernanke:
All of this is a result of our out-of-control debt. This is why we need to rein in spending, and this is also why we need energy independence. A weakened dollar means higher commodity prices. This will make it more difficult to pay our bills – including the bill to import oil.
[...]
We’re ignoring the looming crisis caused by our dependence on foreign oil. Because we’re dependent on foreign nations for our oil, we’re also at their mercy if they decide to dump the dollar as their trade currency. We can’t allow ourselves to be so vulnerable to the whims of foreign nations. That’s why we must develop our own domestic supplies of oil and gas.
I’m deeply concerned about the Federal Reserve’s plans to buy up anywhere from $600 billion to as much as $1 trillion of government securities. The technical term for it is “quantitative easing.” It means our government is pumping money into the banking system by buying up treasury bonds. And where, you may ask, are we getting the money to pay for all this? We’re printing it out of thin air.Governor Palin also does an excellent job of articulating the effects of Quantitative Easing on Judge Napolitano's show a couple of weeks ago. For the video, courtesy of the Right Scoop, go here.
The Fed hopes doing this may buy us a little temporary economic growth by supplying banks with extra cash which they could then lend out to businesses. But it’s far from certain this will even work. After all, the problem isn’t that banks don’t have enough cash on hand – it’s that they don’t want to lend it out, because they don’t trust the current economic climate.
[...]
All this pump priming will come at a serious price. And I mean that literally: everyone who ever goes out shopping for groceries knows that prices have risen significantly over the past year or so. Pump priming would push them even higher. And it’s not just groceries. Oil recently hit a six month high, at more than $87 a barrel. The weak dollar – a direct result of the Fed’s decision to dump more dollars onto the market – is pushing oil prices upwards. That’s like an extra tax on earnings. And the worst part of it: because the Obama White House refuses to open up our offshore and onshore oil reserves for exploration, most of that money will go directly to foreign regimes who don’t have America’s best interests at heart.
A few quick facts about the Fed. It was established in 1913 by President Wilson to address banking crises, but its general goal was to provide stability to prices. The Fed is an independent entity, as its decisions do not have to be approved by the President prior to implementation, but it is under the oversight of Congress. In 1977, the Fed was forced to also met another mandate in addition to price stability: maximization of employment.The Fed's dual mandate often requires contradictory actions, and thus makes these goals difficult to simultaneously meet.
Governor Palin does a very effective job at addressing the earlier Fed mandate in her speech and in her appearance on Judge Napolitano's show by addressing impact of inflation on grocery prices while also addressing the fact that she first warned about a year ago--the direct relationship between energy independence and the value of the American dollar. She also discussed on Napolitano's show that QE2 could potentially put America in the same position as countries like Japan with such actions by the Fed. In a Facebook post following her QE2 speech, Governor Palin also addresses the second mandate of the Fed--unemployment (emphasis mine):
Will QE2 then at least boost domestic investment? No, again. As I explained in my speech in Phoenix, the reason banks aren’t lending and businesses aren’t investing isn’t because of insufficient access to credit. There’s plenty of money around, it’s just that no one’s willing to spend it. Big businesses especially have been hoarding cash. They’re not expanding or adding to their workforce because there’s just too much uncertainty created by a lot of big government experiments that aren’t working. It’s the President’s own policies that are creating this uncertainty.Governor Palin understands and emphasizes the effect that the Fed's actions not only drive up inflation which increases grocery prices and other expenses for American families (i.e. their actions have not stabilized prices), it affects American businesses that provide jobs. Governor Palin stands firmly against the actions of the federal government in policies which simultaneously devalue our dollar, drive up our debt and leave us dependent on foreign sources of energy. She also stands against the actions of the Fed which inflate prices at a time when Americans are already on tight budgets and do nothing to aid employment.
As an additional note, the Left,uber purists, and Paulbots often argue that Governor Palin supported the bailout in the Fall of 2008. However, it should be noted that such support can only be construed as support for her running mate, Senator McCain, and due to the limited information of the details of the plan at the time of the Senatorial vote. Any discussion of the bailouts following the campaign showed that Governor Palin did not support them. For example, in an interview with Human Events in December of 2008, Governor Palin said:
Of course, we saw [Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben] Bernanke and others appear to change the rules right away, it seemed like, after that initial rescue plan or bailout was given the green light, then everybody in the public, including me, started hearing that the rules were changing on where those dollars would go and what the criterion would be. Unfortunately, that leads to distrust of decisions our politicians make on our behalf and bureaucrats make on our behalf.Governor Palin remains consistent in her belief that the reach of elected officials and appointed bureaucrats be short and the goal of any government action be done in concert with the will and the benefit of the people.
Thanks to Chicago's Conservative for his assistance.
Crossposted here and here.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Bonnie Erbe Plays a Bad Hand against Governor Palin
It has become customary over the past two-plus years for "journalists" and columnists to play a number of dog-eared cards from their deck of memes, slights, and misconceptions about Governor Palin in their articles and columns. A syndicated editorial piece by Bonnie Erbe (who is no friend to strong, out spoken conservative women as Michelle Malkin can attest to) published this weekend plays several of these cards against Governor Palin, her book, and her potential run for the presidency. Erbe begins by mocking Governor Palin's star power and her straightforward approach. Then, she goes on to provide her own off base, biased, mocking summary of Governor Palin's newest book by playing the racist and anti-feminist cards and mocking Governor Palin's unabashed conservatism:
Later in America by Heart, Governor Palin eschews the notion of liberal feminism based upon victimhood, big government, and pro-abortion stances. She does not bash feminism; she redefines it based upon the rugged individualism of the pioneering women of the West and the work of the earliest American women involved in American and Alaskan politics. Throughout the book, yes, Governor Palin does criticize liberal politicians and squishy Republicans. When the Democrats recent policies have resulted in trillions of dollars in new spending and greater government involvement in industries and Republicans behave more like liberals, then Governor Palin never hesitates to call a spade a spade.
Beyond the ideological cards, Erbe decides also to play the all-too-often used card of "polarization". Erbe references a recent CNN poll which shows Governor Palin to be unfavorable to the American people as a whole. Authors all too often ignore that many people are unfavorable of the caricature of Governor Palin that has been portrayed by the media, not the person herself. In August, I wrote something that still remains true today (with the exception of the fact that President Obama has maintained his negative double digit approval rating for more than 4 months now):
In addition to falsely stating that Governor Palin was disloyal to Senator McCain during the 2008 Presidential campaign and levying gratuitous knocks at Bristol Palin, Erbe closes her piece by playing a card often played by the likes of Meghan McCain:
Governor Palin does not seek to gain attention for herself, but for a message that she has become the face of over the last two years: commonsense conservative ideas, clean, uncorrupted government, and a media that seeks to inform public opinion not give its own. Erbe is right. Governor Palin is not a seasoned politician; she is an experienced leader with character. She has twenty years of experience in politics. She has experience in the private and public sectors and involvement in negotiations between the private and public sectors. She has been a city council woman, mayor, oil and gas commissioner, governor, and vice presidential candidate. Stateswoman she is, contrary to Erbe's assertion. No one has endured such attacks on her family, herself, and her record of achievements as Governor Palin has, and yet has handled it with such grace. People with in her own party have repeatedly diminished and insulted her, yet she has always adhered to Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment with grace.
The unnamed GOP hierarchy may continue to feel threatened by her potential presidential run, but no other potential candidates adheres to the principles of the Republican party better than Governor Palin. Should she seek office, her "Big Tent" will have its stakes firmly driven into the foundation of those core values of the Republican party--limited government, strong national defense, and the sanctity of life. Why should Erbe be "concerned" that a potential Republican candidate adheres to the planks of the party platform better than the party leadership does?
Erbe and the rest of the columnists and "journalists" who attempt to play from their deck of cards against Govenror Palin could learn a lesson from Kenny Rogers in his song , "The Gambler", "you gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run". These "journalists" can choose to fold or walk away. They are playing with a bad hand.
(H/T Stacy and Dave C)
Crossposted here and here.
In it, she blasts feminists (after once having called herself one) and waves the flag of racial division. She blasts Democrats as Socialists, bullies Republicans for being too weak-kneed on budget items and dares to tread where no man (or woman) in the national political spotlight has had little-enough common sense to tread before.Ms.Erbe must have read a different book than scores of Americans and I are reading, but like many of her "journalist" counterparts, Erbe feels that insinuating that any conservative who opposes the President on any aspect of his progressive agenda is a racist. My challenge to Erbe, David Frum, and Richard Cohen is to read pages 23-33 of America by Heart, and then attempt to say Governor Palin "waves the flag of racial division". In this particular section of the book, Governor Palin briefly outlines the history of America and race from the Constitutional convention to to the Civil War to the speeches of Martin Luther King Jr.. Governor Palin even praises candidate Obama's speech on race during the 2008 campaign. Governor Palin recognizes the errors of America's past while encouraging Americans to be unified around the exceptionalism that is America. When discussing academia's propensity to talk about slavery in light of America's birth, Governor Palin writes on pages 24-25:
It sometimes seems like slavery is all that liberal academia and the mainstream media wants to talk about when the topic is America's birth, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't acknowledge the contradiction that slavery represented to American principles. To do less is to denigrate the greatness of those principles. To love our country is to confront our history squarely and honestly. To love our fellow Americans is to admit that we have not always, as a nation, respected their God-given rights.Governor Palin is definitely not waving a flag of "racial division"there, but instead a flag of American unity based upon a truthful understanding of our past and an optimistic outlook of our present and future.
Later in America by Heart, Governor Palin eschews the notion of liberal feminism based upon victimhood, big government, and pro-abortion stances. She does not bash feminism; she redefines it based upon the rugged individualism of the pioneering women of the West and the work of the earliest American women involved in American and Alaskan politics. Throughout the book, yes, Governor Palin does criticize liberal politicians and squishy Republicans. When the Democrats recent policies have resulted in trillions of dollars in new spending and greater government involvement in industries and Republicans behave more like liberals, then Governor Palin never hesitates to call a spade a spade.
Beyond the ideological cards, Erbe decides also to play the all-too-often used card of "polarization". Erbe references a recent CNN poll which shows Governor Palin to be unfavorable to the American people as a whole. Authors all too often ignore that many people are unfavorable of the caricature of Governor Palin that has been portrayed by the media, not the person herself. In August, I wrote something that still remains true today (with the exception of the fact that President Obama has maintained his negative double digit approval rating for more than 4 months now):
In spite of all the media attacks and frivolous ethics complaints levied at Governor Palin, and despite the misrepresentations of her stellar gubernatorial record over the past nearly two years, Governor Palin maintains a 44/47 favorable/unfavorable rating, a favorability index of -3, in the country. Contrast this with President Obama,whose approval index has stayed in the negative double digits for more than six weeks straight and for the vast majority of 2010 in spite of the fact that the President has a largely doting media supporting him. Despite what the media have done to support President Obama and trash Governor Palin, it seems that the country likes Governor Palin more than they approve of President Obama.As Stacy recently highlighted, the polarization card is often played to marginalize Governor Palin. However, when Governor Palin is seen as more favorable than the President is seen approved, and the majority of American people see their views are more in line with Governor Palin's than President Obama's, the media (and the rest of us) have to ask themselves, who really is polarizing?
In addition to falsely stating that Governor Palin was disloyal to Senator McCain during the 2008 Presidential campaign and levying gratuitous knocks at Bristol Palin, Erbe closes her piece by playing a card often played by the likes of Meghan McCain:
The chaos never ends. And on one level her mastery of it is fascinating. Her ability to consume way more than her share of “ink” or media coverage is incredible as well. But as a stateswoman or seasoned politician there’s no there there.It is ironic how so often the likes of Bonnie Erbe and Meghan McCain complain about the amount of press Governor Palin receives by writing a editorial piece about Governor Palin themselves. Beyond that, Erbe attempts to diminish the Governor Palin as a purveyor of chaos who seeks to gain attention and as a tactless, wild woman of a politician who has no chance to win a Presidential election, but may very well defy the potential wishes of the anonymous hierarchy of the Republican party.
The question for now is, has she become over-exposed? Will the media tire of her shortly? Will she just have to keep getting more and more outrageous to get attention?
I do not believe she could possibly win a general presidential election. But I also feel sorry for the Republican Party hierarchy because it will have absolutely no say in whether she runs for the nomination or not. Let us hope the media and the public tire of her increasingly predictable routine.
Governor Palin does not seek to gain attention for herself, but for a message that she has become the face of over the last two years: commonsense conservative ideas, clean, uncorrupted government, and a media that seeks to inform public opinion not give its own. Erbe is right. Governor Palin is not a seasoned politician; she is an experienced leader with character. She has twenty years of experience in politics. She has experience in the private and public sectors and involvement in negotiations between the private and public sectors. She has been a city council woman, mayor, oil and gas commissioner, governor, and vice presidential candidate. Stateswoman she is, contrary to Erbe's assertion. No one has endured such attacks on her family, herself, and her record of achievements as Governor Palin has, and yet has handled it with such grace. People with in her own party have repeatedly diminished and insulted her, yet she has always adhered to Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment with grace.
The unnamed GOP hierarchy may continue to feel threatened by her potential presidential run, but no other potential candidates adheres to the principles of the Republican party better than Governor Palin. Should she seek office, her "Big Tent" will have its stakes firmly driven into the foundation of those core values of the Republican party--limited government, strong national defense, and the sanctity of life. Why should Erbe be "concerned" that a potential Republican candidate adheres to the planks of the party platform better than the party leadership does?
Erbe and the rest of the columnists and "journalists" who attempt to play from their deck of cards against Govenror Palin could learn a lesson from Kenny Rogers in his song , "The Gambler", "you gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run". These "journalists" can choose to fold or walk away. They are playing with a bad hand.
(H/T Stacy and Dave C)
Crossposted here and here.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
CNN's Roland Martin's Reckless Views on Palin and Personal Respnsibility
The North Korea/South Korea "nontroversy" was not the only thing that commentators took issue with in Governor Palin's radio interviews on Wednesday. CNN commentator Roland Martin found it necessary to address a comment that Governor Palin made about First Lady Michelle Obama's anti-obesity initiative on Laura Ingraham's show. Martin actually provides the partial transcript from the radio appearance in his piece:
Since President Obama took office, the federal government and even government at state and local levels have tried to address the problem of obesity, improper nutrition, and physical activity through further legislation and nanny state regulations. The Institute of Medicine has recommended putting restrictions on the amount of salt that can be in food. The city of San Francisco has recently banned kids' meals offering toys if the meal contains over a certain number of calories and levels of sodium or fat. Additionally, this Spring the Commissioner of Food and Drugs recommended that the FDA require food companies to put nutrition information the front of the box. Apparently, in the eyes of this regulator, we are too unintelligent or lazy to turn the box over to read about the nutrition of our food. The government has continued to act as a nanny state, rather than a protector of liberty for individuals and families. As Governor Palin highlighted in a recent speech, Pennsylvania had been discussing banning sweets from classroom celebrations in public schools, so Governor Palin brought cookies to kids at private school where she spoke. At this speech, Governor Palin said:
Martin closes out his piece by affirming what Governor Palin believes about nutrition, exercise, and health:
Crossposted here and here.
Take her anti-obesity thing that she is on. She is on this kick, right. What she is telling us is she cannot trust parents to make decisions for their own children, for their own families in what we should eat.Governor Palin called it, as she is indeed being criticized for bring this up. I do give Martin a tiny bit credit, at least he attempted to criticize Governor Palin on policy, instead of something non-substantive. This only comes after he refers to her as the "Kim Kardashian of politics" for the second time in two weeks. However, it would have been nice if he would have addressed what she said, not what she did not say. Governor Palin takes issue with the First Lady, the Obama administration, and liberals who think that government intervention is the way to solve every societal problem. Governor Palin does not deny the problem of obesity in America nor does she think that such a problem should not be addressed. In his argument, Martin shamelessly tries to play the "military card" on Governor Palin:
And I know I'm going to be again criticized for bringing this up, but instead of a government thinking that they need to take over and make decisions for us according to some politician or politician's wife priorities, just leave us alone, get off our back and allow us as individuals to exercise our own God-given rights to make our own decisions and then our country gets back on the right track.
Now, since Palin is always talking about our nation's military and how we have to honor them and show them love and affection, let's listen to what a group of generals said a few months ago about obesity and America's national defense.While the facts of the levels of obesity in young adults of age to enlist in the military are indeed alarming, it's hard to ignore the fact the the study that Martin references is funded by organizations such as the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the W.K.Kellogg Foundation, both of which have decidedly liberal agendas that would influence the recommendations that this organization would offer. Martin's suggestion that, as a major supporter of the military, Governor Palin should agree with a small group of military leaders on nutrition policy is nothing more than tasteless baiting.
A study released in April by Mission: Readiness, a nonprofit group of more than 150 retired generals and admirals, concluded that 27 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds are too fat to join the military.
In testimony before Congress, the former head of the California Army National Guard, retired U.S. Army Major Gen. Paul Monroe, said that "80 percent of children who were overweight between the ages of 10 to 15 were obese by age 25."
He and other military leaders want Congress to enact a massive child nutrition bill to remove all junk food and high-calorie beverages from schools, improve nutrition standards in schools, upgrade school menus and, the group said, "help develop new school-based strategies, based on research, that help parents and children adopt healthier lifelong eating and exercise habits."
So, Sarah Palin, are you going to also rip into this decorated American and say that he and 150 other military leaders are dead wrong?
Since President Obama took office, the federal government and even government at state and local levels have tried to address the problem of obesity, improper nutrition, and physical activity through further legislation and nanny state regulations. The Institute of Medicine has recommended putting restrictions on the amount of salt that can be in food. The city of San Francisco has recently banned kids' meals offering toys if the meal contains over a certain number of calories and levels of sodium or fat. Additionally, this Spring the Commissioner of Food and Drugs recommended that the FDA require food companies to put nutrition information the front of the box. Apparently, in the eyes of this regulator, we are too unintelligent or lazy to turn the box over to read about the nutrition of our food. The government has continued to act as a nanny state, rather than a protector of liberty for individuals and families. As Governor Palin highlighted in a recent speech, Pennsylvania had been discussing banning sweets from classroom celebrations in public schools, so Governor Palin brought cookies to kids at private school where she spoke. At this speech, Governor Palin said:
I wanted these kids to bring home the idea to their parents for discussion.Who should be making the decisions what you eat, school choice and everything else? Should it be government or should it be the parents? It should be the parents.Governor Palin is one who believes firmly believes in the need to reduce obesity and for America to become more healthy. However, her belief is that government's role in this should be limited. The government does not need to ban happy meals, sweets from classroom parties, or regulate salt. Governor Palin believes that the government has its proper role in healthcare, but that personal responsibility and personal choices are the key to good health. In her book, Going Rogue, one line encapsulated her view on government and personal responsibility across many policy issues, "the role of government is to protect us, not perfect us". Something that Roland Martin does not understand about Governor Palin's stance:
This latest broadside by Palin shows how reckless and ridiculous she is.Actually, Governor Palin does see a proper, yet limited role for government in protecting health and nutrition, not perfecting Americans. Governor Palin addressed the issue health care reform, childhood obesity, personal responsibility in health, and government's role in protecting the food supply in her State of the State address in 2009. Keep in mind, this speech was given prior to health care reform discussions, showing Governor Palin's prescience once again (video courtesy of Sheya at PalinTV):
Libertarians and far right conservative Republicans are always talking about government intrusion into our lives, but when we look at clean water, air quality and food supply, thank God for governmental standards.
Martin closes out his piece by affirming what Governor Palin believes about nutrition, exercise, and health:
Don't think for a second I'm not paying attention. I've increased my health awareness, am changing my diet and working out more to lose weight, and am pushing family members to do the same.Notice how Martin didn't say, " The government has increased my health awareness, changed my diet, and forced me to work out more to lose weight, and pushed my family members to do the same". Changes to diet and exercise to improve one's health and one's family's health is a personal responsibility. Martin proves Governor Palin's point.
Crossposted here and here.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving Proclamation
Presidential proclamations of the Thanksgiving have been made since President Washington's administration, but the actual celebration of Thanksgiving Day on the final Thursday of November was first instituted by President Lincoln in 1863. In October of 1863 in the midst of the Civil War and just months after issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, President Lincoln shared these words:
By the President of the United States of America.Crossposted here.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward,
Secretary of State
Denial is not just a river in Egypt, Mr. President!
Amongst all the other news of the day, President Obama revealed that he suffers from denial when he said to Barbara Walters in an interview to air later this week :" I don't think about Sarah Palin".
Really, Mr President?
Like in your health care speech when you referred to a "prominent politician" and "death panels":
Or when she challenged you on your nuclear arms strategy?
What about people in you administration responding to Governor Palin? Like your press secretary when he said the following in the NYT recently:
Or when someone in the state department responded to a tweet by Governor Palin:
Or what about today, when you made a Dancing with the Stars reference when pardoning the turkey?
Nope. Govenrnor Palin's not in your head.
Denial.
Really, Mr President?
Like in your health care speech when you referred to a "prominent politician" and "death panels":
Or when she challenged you on your nuclear arms strategy?
What about people in you administration responding to Governor Palin? Like your press secretary when he said the following in the NYT recently:
His voice dripping with exasperation, the White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, said to me one July afternoon in his office: “If I would have told you that I could open up a Facebook account or a Twitter account, simply post quotes, and have the White House asked about those, and to have the entire White House press corps focused on your quote of the day on Facebook — that’s Sarah Palin. She tweets one thing, and all of a sudden you’ve got a room full of people that want to know. . . .”
Gibbs shook his head and continued: “Now, I could say, ‘You know what? I’m not going to deal with that.’ And big headline: Palin Accuses Obama of X. The White House Had No Comment.”
Or when someone in the state department responded to a tweet by Governor Palin:
"My tweet was simply to suggest that a reasonable celebration of President Ahmadinejad's birthday would be to release Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal. I can't imagine why Sarah Palin would object to the release of the two hikers who remain in custody, we think inappropriately," State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said in response to a question about Palin's criticism.
Or what about today, when you made a Dancing with the Stars reference when pardoning the turkey?
Nope. Govenrnor Palin's not in your head.
Denial.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Early Thoughts on America by Heart
For me this is the essence of freedom: to be a child of God whose God-given rights and responsibilities are respected by her government under the Constitution.
-Governor Palin
America by Heart
After work today, I went to my local Barnes and Noble bookstore to pick up Governor Palin's new book. I picked it up from a display near the front of the store, but what I find fitting is that her memoir, Going Rogue, was found in between biographies about Thomas Paine and General Patton. I had read a few positive reviews earlier in the day by people who had actually read the whole book. I had also read a piece by race baiter, Richard Cohen, and another piece by Canadian RINO, David Frum.Both had obviously not read the book yet.
Prior to what will likely be my final time watching Dancing with the Stars, I read the introduction and first chapter of the book. I decided to brew some tea, which I felt was the appropriate beverage to accompany such a book.
What I found in the first few dozen pages was that Governor Palin essentially did what Alexis de Tocqueville did when he came to America as a 26 year old. de Tocqueville came from France early in the 19th century to see what really made America exceptional and what made it function so much better than other countries. He then wrote a book, Democracy in America, entailing his discoveries through his travels and studies of the Founding documents. Governor Palin did the same thing by studying Americans and those "charters of liberty" as an American herself--something we should all probably do individually.
She speaks of the beauty of the tea party movement and how you can see America through that movement. She spoke of the wisdom and time tested truths found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution,and she speaks of the need for judges to use the Constitution as their guide for decision making, not empathy, as President Obama once suggested.
Reports by the MSM would have you believe that Governor Palin, in writing this book, only drew from watching the movie Juno. What you see in the introduction and first chapter is that she draws from Presidents Reagan, Coolidge, Lincoln, and even Obama (both negatively and positively). She references Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (one of my favorite movies too). She speaks of American exceptionalism and gives us a historical, philosophical, and ideological lesson on what our country truly was founded on and what makes it great. As she has said many times, America doesn't need to be transformed, but restored. That begins with us. She writes about members of her family who weren't ever particularly political who got involved in the Tea Party movement.
She ends the first chapter with an excellent discussion of the ills of slavery and racism and how our nation overcame those evils. The irony lies in the pieces that Cohen and Frum wrote prior to reading Governor Palin's book.How can someone criticize another about the prejudice of race when they themselves are prejudiced about that other person? They criticize her of supposed racism or a lack of historical knowledge when Palin spends a solid third of her first chapter talking about the political battle during the Constitutional convention over slavery and the political process that addressed the racism that is unfortunately part of history. She quotes Martin Luther King Jr. and President Obama, wishing that President Obama would govern with the perspective he spoke of in 2008.
These first pages spell out what makes me respect and admire Governor Palin so much. She loves America, and she lays out what makes America so great. She recognizes that our Founding documents are blueprints, not doormats. She is optimistic--not in the American government, but in the American people.
I look forward to reading the rest of the book in the coming days.
-Governor Palin
America by Heart
After work today, I went to my local Barnes and Noble bookstore to pick up Governor Palin's new book. I picked it up from a display near the front of the store, but what I find fitting is that her memoir, Going Rogue, was found in between biographies about Thomas Paine and General Patton. I had read a few positive reviews earlier in the day by people who had actually read the whole book. I had also read a piece by race baiter, Richard Cohen, and another piece by Canadian RINO, David Frum.Both had obviously not read the book yet.
Prior to what will likely be my final time watching Dancing with the Stars, I read the introduction and first chapter of the book. I decided to brew some tea, which I felt was the appropriate beverage to accompany such a book.
What I found in the first few dozen pages was that Governor Palin essentially did what Alexis de Tocqueville did when he came to America as a 26 year old. de Tocqueville came from France early in the 19th century to see what really made America exceptional and what made it function so much better than other countries. He then wrote a book, Democracy in America, entailing his discoveries through his travels and studies of the Founding documents. Governor Palin did the same thing by studying Americans and those "charters of liberty" as an American herself--something we should all probably do individually.
She speaks of the beauty of the tea party movement and how you can see America through that movement. She spoke of the wisdom and time tested truths found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution,and she speaks of the need for judges to use the Constitution as their guide for decision making, not empathy, as President Obama once suggested.
Reports by the MSM would have you believe that Governor Palin, in writing this book, only drew from watching the movie Juno. What you see in the introduction and first chapter is that she draws from Presidents Reagan, Coolidge, Lincoln, and even Obama (both negatively and positively). She references Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (one of my favorite movies too). She speaks of American exceptionalism and gives us a historical, philosophical, and ideological lesson on what our country truly was founded on and what makes it great. As she has said many times, America doesn't need to be transformed, but restored. That begins with us. She writes about members of her family who weren't ever particularly political who got involved in the Tea Party movement.
She ends the first chapter with an excellent discussion of the ills of slavery and racism and how our nation overcame those evils. The irony lies in the pieces that Cohen and Frum wrote prior to reading Governor Palin's book.How can someone criticize another about the prejudice of race when they themselves are prejudiced about that other person? They criticize her of supposed racism or a lack of historical knowledge when Palin spends a solid third of her first chapter talking about the political battle during the Constitutional convention over slavery and the political process that addressed the racism that is unfortunately part of history. She quotes Martin Luther King Jr. and President Obama, wishing that President Obama would govern with the perspective he spoke of in 2008.
These first pages spell out what makes me respect and admire Governor Palin so much. She loves America, and she lays out what makes America so great. She recognizes that our Founding documents are blueprints, not doormats. She is optimistic--not in the American government, but in the American people.
I look forward to reading the rest of the book in the coming days.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wrap-Up of the Chicago C4P Meet-up
Ninety-one ordinary barbarians, or as CNN would say a "handful", met in the bastion of liberalism, Chicago, on the weekend of November 12th -14th to show support for Governor Palin and the conservative movement. Attendees arrived throughout the day on Friday. One attendee even was approached to sign a petition for Rahm Emanuel's mayoral candidacy on the train from the airport to downtown Chicago. We started the weekend meeting together for pizza at a local restaurant. One of our speakers, S.E. Cupp, signed her latest book following the meal. While she signed her books, a patron at the restaurant yelled out, "Sarah Palin's a freakin' moron", showing that the Left is generally only capable of playground insults, not rational discussion. S.E. Cupp stood up from her seat, turned around, and blew a kiss at the shouter,then went back to signing books. Perfect response.
On Saturday morning, we began the morning with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a salute to the military by Ron Devito, editor of US for Palin, and a video clip, created by Kit Casey and "Chicago's Conservative" highlighting Governor Palin's support of the military and American exceptionalism. S.E. Cupp spoke with wit and intelligence on the identity politics should be eschewed and conservative policies embraced as they are applicable to people of all demographic groups and voting blocs. She mentioned the Meet-up in her latest column. During Cupp's question and answer session, we were blessed with a call from the Governor herself. Governor Palin graciously thanked her supporters and those who have been real grassroots supporters. Governor Palin specifically gave a shout out to one of the first ordinary barbarians, Tim Lindell, PalinTV, and Karen Allen for their hard work. Governor Palin also challenged us to hold newly elected leaders and incumbents accountable for their actions. Governor Palin tweeted a "thank you" following her call:
Karen Allen spoke next on the topic of grassroots support and getting involved in online and boots on the ground conservative activism. She is the editor of Palintwibe and Organize4Palin and is one of the most dedicated, hardworking, and humble members of the grassroots. Karen also spoke of the humorous news story that emerged when Governor Palin highlighted her Organize4Palin site. The story was that her site was funded by billionaires, which, of course, was news to Karen. Karen has written about her experience at the meet-up here. Following Karen's presentation, participants got into groups to discuss ways to support Governor Palin and get involved in campaigns, should Governor Palin run for president in 2012.
In the afternoon, Dr.Gina Loudon, "mama grizzly", Tea Party activist, and radio talk show host gave a heartfelt, passionate speech about her family's experiences in politics and life. She shared the following video during her speech:
Following Dr. Loudon's speech, Steve Bannon, producer and writer of "Fire from the Heartland", a documentary about the rise of conservative women, introduced a screening of his film. Bannon was gracious enough to give a complimentary copy of the film to meet-up attendees.We also were blessed to hear from C4P co-founder and current SarahPAC staff member, Rebecca Mansour, via phone during the afternoon session.
On Saturday evening, we were blessed to have two speakers speak at dinner: Jedediah Bila and Tammy Bruce. Jedediah Bila, columnist and FoxNews contributor, re-counted her time working in liberal schools in New York City and revival of conservatism during the midterm elections and going forward. Jedediah is a savvy and well spoken supporter of the Governor. She shared her experience at the meet-up here. Tammy Bruce, radio host, columnist,and FoxNews contributor, spoke following dinner, and she gave a challenging, inspiring barnburner of a speech focused on the being prepared and ready for action in the next two years, and she spoke of embracing the happiness and joy that lie in conservatism.
The meet-up brought in "ordinary barbarians" from as far away as England and Alaska and attendees from all sorts of demographic backgrounds. What such an event shows is that Palin supporters are conservative, patriotic, generous warriors. A silent auction at the event brought in 825 dollars, which will be split between the National Association of Down Syndrome, a Chicago area organization that SarahPAC has donated to, and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, an organization that provides scholarship funding to the children of fallen soldiers. What such an event has shown is that Palin supporters reflect the character of the Governor herself as caring, patriotic individuals.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank all of those who volunteered their time, effort, money, and prayers to help make this event possible. Thank you to Jordan Shaw for his graphics work. Thank you to Kit Casey and “Chicago’s Conservative” for their work in video editing and music composition. A big thanks goes to “Bean Counter” for doing the accounting for this event. Thank you to “DefendAmerica” for acting as the event photographer/videographer. Thank you to “Amaze830” and “MarkRNY” for leading the Pledge. Thank you to Jon Siner, Ellen Anderson, Manajordan for offering prayers at the event. Thanks to Ron Devito for offering a salute to the military at the event. Thank you to Janne Myrdal for introducing our speakers during Saturday events. Thank you to all who prayed for the success of this event and to all of those who so generously contributed financially. Thank you to all of our wonderful presenters for speaking to us this weekend. We thank the men and women in uniform who serve our country and fight for our freedoms. Thank you to Governor Palin for all that you do for the conservative movement and for our country. Thanks for having our back, and we have yours!
--The C4P Meet-up Committee
Beehive, Chicago's Conservative, Mia, Riley4Palin, and Whitney
Crossposted here.
On Saturday morning, we began the morning with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a salute to the military by Ron Devito, editor of US for Palin, and a video clip, created by Kit Casey and "Chicago's Conservative" highlighting Governor Palin's support of the military and American exceptionalism. S.E. Cupp spoke with wit and intelligence on the identity politics should be eschewed and conservative policies embraced as they are applicable to people of all demographic groups and voting blocs. She mentioned the Meet-up in her latest column. During Cupp's question and answer session, we were blessed with a call from the Governor herself. Governor Palin graciously thanked her supporters and those who have been real grassroots supporters. Governor Palin specifically gave a shout out to one of the first ordinary barbarians, Tim Lindell, PalinTV, and Karen Allen for their hard work. Governor Palin also challenged us to hold newly elected leaders and incumbents accountable for their actions. Governor Palin tweeted a "thank you" following her call:
Karen Allen spoke next on the topic of grassroots support and getting involved in online and boots on the ground conservative activism. She is the editor of Palintwibe and Organize4Palin and is one of the most dedicated, hardworking, and humble members of the grassroots. Karen also spoke of the humorous news story that emerged when Governor Palin highlighted her Organize4Palin site. The story was that her site was funded by billionaires, which, of course, was news to Karen. Karen has written about her experience at the meet-up here. Following Karen's presentation, participants got into groups to discuss ways to support Governor Palin and get involved in campaigns, should Governor Palin run for president in 2012.
In the afternoon, Dr.Gina Loudon, "mama grizzly", Tea Party activist, and radio talk show host gave a heartfelt, passionate speech about her family's experiences in politics and life. She shared the following video during her speech:
Following Dr. Loudon's speech, Steve Bannon, producer and writer of "Fire from the Heartland", a documentary about the rise of conservative women, introduced a screening of his film. Bannon was gracious enough to give a complimentary copy of the film to meet-up attendees.We also were blessed to hear from C4P co-founder and current SarahPAC staff member, Rebecca Mansour, via phone during the afternoon session.
On Saturday evening, we were blessed to have two speakers speak at dinner: Jedediah Bila and Tammy Bruce. Jedediah Bila, columnist and FoxNews contributor, re-counted her time working in liberal schools in New York City and revival of conservatism during the midterm elections and going forward. Jedediah is a savvy and well spoken supporter of the Governor. She shared her experience at the meet-up here. Tammy Bruce, radio host, columnist,and FoxNews contributor, spoke following dinner, and she gave a challenging, inspiring barnburner of a speech focused on the being prepared and ready for action in the next two years, and she spoke of embracing the happiness and joy that lie in conservatism.
The meet-up brought in "ordinary barbarians" from as far away as England and Alaska and attendees from all sorts of demographic backgrounds. What such an event shows is that Palin supporters are conservative, patriotic, generous warriors. A silent auction at the event brought in 825 dollars, which will be split between the National Association of Down Syndrome, a Chicago area organization that SarahPAC has donated to, and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, an organization that provides scholarship funding to the children of fallen soldiers. What such an event has shown is that Palin supporters reflect the character of the Governor herself as caring, patriotic individuals.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank all of those who volunteered their time, effort, money, and prayers to help make this event possible. Thank you to Jordan Shaw for his graphics work. Thank you to Kit Casey and “Chicago’s Conservative” for their work in video editing and music composition. A big thanks goes to “Bean Counter” for doing the accounting for this event. Thank you to “DefendAmerica” for acting as the event photographer/videographer. Thank you to “Amaze830” and “MarkRNY” for leading the Pledge. Thank you to Jon Siner, Ellen Anderson, Manajordan for offering prayers at the event. Thanks to Ron Devito for offering a salute to the military at the event. Thank you to Janne Myrdal for introducing our speakers during Saturday events. Thank you to all who prayed for the success of this event and to all of those who so generously contributed financially. Thank you to all of our wonderful presenters for speaking to us this weekend. We thank the men and women in uniform who serve our country and fight for our freedoms. Thank you to Governor Palin for all that you do for the conservative movement and for our country. Thanks for having our back, and we have yours!
--The C4P Meet-up Committee
Beehive, Chicago's Conservative, Mia, Riley4Palin, and Whitney
A Special Announcement from Beehive:
Stay tuned for information about the third C4P meet-up coming to a city near you!
Crossposted here.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The NYT's Refreshingly Fair Profile of Governor Palin
The New York Times Magazine has a refreshingly fair piece posted on its website today that will be published in their upcoming hardcopy edition. It is amazing how including quotes from former Republican strategist Mary Matalin rather than the anonymous, generic "GOP operative" or "high ranking Republican official" can give a news piece credibility. Politico and Vanity Fair could learn some lessons from the article's author, Robert Draper. The lengthy article touched on many aspects of Governor Palin's political profile, ranging from her unique use of social media to her dedicated staff to a potential presidential run to her distrust of an irresponsible media.
On a potential 2012 Presidential run, the piece quotes Governor Palin as saying:
The Robert Draper piece also discusses Governor Palin's use of Twitter and Facebook:
The article profiles members of Governor Palin's staff like Conservative4Palin co-founder, Rebecca Mansour, Thomas van Flein, and Andrew Davis. It also includes several quotes from the Governor herself as well as people like Fred Malek and Joe Lieberman. This piece does what a good piece of journalism should do--lay out the facts, quote people on both sides of the story, and leave the opinion making up to the reader. The only quibble I have with the article is that it seems to insinuate that Governor Palin endorsed Sharron Angle in the Nevada Senate primary, but other than that, reading the article in its entirely would be well worth your time.
Crossposted here.
On a potential 2012 Presidential run, the piece quotes Governor Palin as saying:
“I am,” Sarah Palin told me the next day when I asked her if she was already weighing a run for president. “I’m engaged in the internal deliberations candidly, and having that discussion with my family, because my family is the most important consideration here.” Palin went on to say that there weren’t meaningful differences in policy among the field of G.O.P. hopefuls “but that in fact there’s more to the presidency than that” and that her decision would involve evaluating whether she could bring unique qualities to the table.
...
She went on: “I know that a hurdle I would have to cross, that some other potential candidates wouldn’t have to cross right out of the chute, is proving my record. That’s the most frustrating thing for me — the warped and perverted description of my record and what I’ve accomplished over the last two decades. It’s been much more perplexing to me than where the lamestream media has wanted to go about my personal life. And other candidates haven’t faced these criticisms the way I have.”
The Robert Draper piece also discusses Governor Palin's use of Twitter and Facebook:
“I just tweet; that’s just the way I roll,” Palin told me. “Just expressing my feelings via Twitter and Facebook. I choose them because they’re convenient for me, especially from Wasilla.” She continued: “The only thing I do consider is when I think of what’s going on in the East Coast, with the difference in time zones. I can tweet before going to bed at midnight or 1 and know that they’re up and at ’em, and they’re going to have to respond.” In this compressed, no-nuance cyberzone, Palin can land a hard punch without ever setting foot in the ring — calling the then-White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel “as shallow/narrowminded/political/irresponsible as they come” and saying the Politico writer Jonathan Martin is “full of crap.” In July, Palin’s BlackBerry spewed out a much-publicized volley of tweets calling on peaceful Muslims to “refudiate” the “ground zero mosque” and in the process suckering Obama into taking a position for which he was attacked by all sides. Palin wrote these without consulting anyone, her lawyer Thomas Van Flein told me: “I found out like everyone else did. This is her political instinct in action.”The White House has taken notice of the impact Governor Palin has on the political discourse. As much as the White House previously denied Governor Palin's influence, it seems there is no question that she is living rent-free in the heads of President Obama and members of his administration. Draper has a priceless quote from Press Secretary Robert Gibbs (emphasis mine):
It seems that the C4P contributors who put together the following video in the late summer of 2009 were spot on with their assessment of Governor Palin's new media strategy and the White House's reaction:His voice dripping with exasperation, the White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, said to me one July afternoon in his office: “If I would have told you that I could open up a Facebook account or a Twitter account, simply post quotes, and have the White House asked about those, and to have the entire White House press corps focused on your quote of the day on Facebook — that’s Sarah Palin. She tweets one thing, and all of a sudden you’ve got a room full of people that want to know. . . .”
Gibbs shook his head and continued: “Now, I could say, ‘You know what? I’m not going to deal with that.’ And big headline: Palin Accuses Obama of X. The White House Had No Comment.”
The article profiles members of Governor Palin's staff like Conservative4Palin co-founder, Rebecca Mansour, Thomas van Flein, and Andrew Davis. It also includes several quotes from the Governor herself as well as people like Fred Malek and Joe Lieberman. This piece does what a good piece of journalism should do--lay out the facts, quote people on both sides of the story, and leave the opinion making up to the reader. The only quibble I have with the article is that it seems to insinuate that Governor Palin endorsed Sharron Angle in the Nevada Senate primary, but other than that, reading the article in its entirely would be well worth your time.
Crossposted here.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Paul Krugman, Death Panels, and Governor Palin's Solution to the National Debt
Over the weekend, Keynesian economist and New York Times columnist, Paul Krugman, appeared on the "This Week" to discuss the recent findings of President Obama's debt commission. Krugman discussed the changes to entitlement programs that need to be made as a result of the findings of the "debt panel". Newsbusters has a partial transcript from this exchange (emphasis mine):
Going beyond what Krugman said, Governor Palin's prescience continues to be front and center. While he did not specifically mention the "stimulus" bill, Krugman mentioned the concept of comparative effectiveness when he discusses how Medicare will have to decide what treatments are deemed "effective" and thus payable by Medicare and what treatments are not. Funding for "comparative effectiveness" health care research, determining what treatments are most effective for a given malady, was arguably the most under emphasized part of the stimulus bill. The general concept of "comparative effectiveness" appears benign as most Americans want to make sure that the receive the best treatment for a disease and do not wish to receive unnecessary, ineffective treatment. However, when applied to decisions made by government panels, it is just another indication that further government intervention results in less freedom and volitional control to the individual,as such research provides the basis for a government panel to make decisions based upon cost-effectiveness that should be made by a doctor and his or her patient based upon effectiveness of treatment. Ironically, the stimulus bill that contributed in large part to the need for a debt commission provides the supposed "answer" to debt problem--ration health care through Medicare. Upon the passage of the stimulus bill, Governor Palin said:
Additionally, Governor Palin's ideas about tackling the national debt are the polar opposite of Leftists like Krugman. While Krugman supports tax increases and panels to ration Medicare funded health care, Governor Palin advocates cutting spending and taxes and providing reforms to Medicare not by rationing care but by approaching it humanely, as she states in her letter to Congressional freshman:
(H/T Mel, Sinistar, and Sheya)
Cross posted here and here.
PAUL KRUGMAN, NEW YORK TIMES: If they were going to do reality therapy, they should have said, OK, look, Medicare is going to have to decide what it's going to pay for. And at least for starters, it's going to have to decide which medical procedures are not effective at all and should not be paid for at all. In other words, it should have endorsed the panel that was part of the health care reform.This is not the first time that Krugman has made a reference to what Governor Palin has deemed "death panels". In March, Krugman explained that death panels were indeed rationing panels as indicated by the health care reform bill passed in the Spring. Essentially, Krugman is admitting yet again that Governor Palin is right, as Rush Limbaugh pointed out on his show today. See here at the Right Scoop.If it's not even -- if the commission isn't even brave enough to take on the death panels people, then it's doing no good at all. It's not educating the public. It's not telling people about the kinds of choices that need to be made.
Going beyond what Krugman said, Governor Palin's prescience continues to be front and center. While he did not specifically mention the "stimulus" bill, Krugman mentioned the concept of comparative effectiveness when he discusses how Medicare will have to decide what treatments are deemed "effective" and thus payable by Medicare and what treatments are not. Funding for "comparative effectiveness" health care research, determining what treatments are most effective for a given malady, was arguably the most under emphasized part of the stimulus bill. The general concept of "comparative effectiveness" appears benign as most Americans want to make sure that the receive the best treatment for a disease and do not wish to receive unnecessary, ineffective treatment. However, when applied to decisions made by government panels, it is just another indication that further government intervention results in less freedom and volitional control to the individual,as such research provides the basis for a government panel to make decisions based upon cost-effectiveness that should be made by a doctor and his or her patient based upon effectiveness of treatment. Ironically, the stimulus bill that contributed in large part to the need for a debt commission provides the supposed "answer" to debt problem--ration health care through Medicare. Upon the passage of the stimulus bill, Governor Palin said:
Our desire is to foster a discussion about what is true stimulus and what is just more federal interference in Alaskans' lives through the growth of governmentWhether it be through supposed health care reform or through theoretical debt reduction, Governor Palin's prescience on federal interference continues.
Additionally, Governor Palin's ideas about tackling the national debt are the polar opposite of Leftists like Krugman. While Krugman supports tax increases and panels to ration Medicare funded health care, Governor Palin advocates cutting spending and taxes and providing reforms to Medicare not by rationing care but by approaching it humanely, as she states in her letter to Congressional freshman:
You’ve also got to be deadly serious about cutting the deficit. Despite what some would like us to believe, tax cuts didn’t get us into the mess we’re in. Government spending did. Tough decisions need to be made about reducing government spending. The longer we put them off, the worse it will get. We need to start by cutting non-essential spending. That includes stopping earmarks (because abuse of the earmark process created the "gateway-drug" that allowed backroom deals and bloated budgets), canceling all further spending on the failed Stimulus program, and rolling back non-discretionary spending to 2008 levels. You can do more, but this would be a good start.Taking advice from the Left and the current administration on debt reduction is akin to a basketball player going to a free throw clinic run by Shaquille O'Neal or a weight loss program run by Michael Moore. I don't know about you all, but I'd rather take debt reduction advice from a Governor who actually put $5 billion into savings for Alaska. Hopefully, Krugman will one day say the same thing.
In order to avert a fiscal disaster, we will also need to check the growth of spending on our entitlement programs. That will be a huge challenge, but it must be confronted head on. We must do it in a humane way that honors the government’s current commitments to our fellow Americans while also keeping faith with future generations. We cannot rob from our children and grandchildren’s tomorrow to pay for our unchecked spending today. Beyond that, we need to reform the way Congress conducts business in order to make it procedurally easier to cut spending than to increase it. We need to encourage zero-based budgeting practices in D.C. like the kind fiscally conservative mayors and governors utilize to balance their budgets and reduce unnecessary spending.
(H/T Mel, Sinistar, and Sheya)
Cross posted here and here.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Commemorating America's Finest on Veterans' Day
When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen; and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in the happy hour when the establishment of American Liberty, upon the most firm and solid foundations shall enable us to return to our Private Stations in the bosom of a free, peacefully and happy Country.
-George Washington June 26, 1775
The origins of Veterans' Day reach back nearly 100 years, though today what its remembrance encapsulates extends back more than 230 years. World War I ended on June 28, 1919 when the Treaty of Versailles was signed. However, armistice was agreed upon between the United States and France on November 11, 1918. A year later, President Wilson signed a commemoration of "Armistice Day" stating:
To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…
An official recognition of Armistice Day was acknowledged by Congress on June 4, 1926. In 1938, it was designated a legal holiday, and in 1954, "Armistice Day" became known as "Veterans Day" to commemorate the veterans of all wars. President Eisenhower stated:
In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.
Efforts were made to commemorate Veterans' Day as part of a three day weekend. However, it now remains on November 11th regardless of what day of the week it falls on as a reminder of what day was essentially the end of World War I. Let us take today to remember those American men and women who have fought for our freedoms and defended our liberties across 4 centuries in wars ranging from the War for Independence to the Spanish American War to World War II to the current day action in Afghanistan. Thank you.
Crossposted here.
Parker Patronizes Palin's Endorsements and Kitchen Table Politics
Kathleen Parker has decided to join in her fellow GOP Elitists, Peggy Noonan and Michael Gerson, in placing all responsibility for any Republican losses in last week's Mid-term elections on Governor Palin. Of course, the Elite probably retroactively blame Governor Palin for Reagan losing Minnesota in 1984 as well. Rumor has it as well that the Elite are in contact with Alaskan geologists to re-name the location of the massive 1964 Alaskan earthquake--Sarah Palin's fault-- as her family's move to Alaska when she was an infant was obviously the reason for the devastation.
Rather than a hit piece filled with anonymous sources, Parker's editorial uses patronizing, insulting phrases to characterize Governor Palin and her endorsements. Parker calls Governor Palin "She to Whom Respect Must Be Paid", "princess party girl", and "an attractive nuisance", then goes on to refer to her endorsements as "gambles" and her endorsed candidates as "anointed ones".
Parker then parrots the fallacy from Congressman Bachus regarding the timing of Governor Palin's endorsement of Sharron Angle:
Beyond the discussion of the recent midterm elections, Parker drags out the well worn "stupid" meme when it comes to Governor Palin:
The greater issue is that politician need to be able to both understand and articulate complex policy issues to the American people in a way that is meaningful to them. Americans may understand the process of trading carbon credits, but what they are really concerned with is how cap and tax will impact their energy bills. They may understand all the levels of production a value added tax has an additional "charge", but what they're really concerned with is how this tax may increase the price of goods. The same can be said of QE2. Parker and her friends patronize this commonsense approach to policy discussion, but the American deal with policy with their checkbooks, not with pie charts and bar graphs.
Parker closes her piece by trotting out the Palin is "dangerous" meme:
UPDATE: Ironically, in Parker's drivel, she pulls a page from the Couric playbook and tries to take a smack at Governor Palin's reading choices by mentioning the Economist. Governor Palin is front and center on the latest edition of the Economist leading the Republican charge on Washington:
Crossposted here.
Rather than a hit piece filled with anonymous sources, Parker's editorial uses patronizing, insulting phrases to characterize Governor Palin and her endorsements. Parker calls Governor Palin "She to Whom Respect Must Be Paid", "princess party girl", and "an attractive nuisance", then goes on to refer to her endorsements as "gambles" and her endorsed candidates as "anointed ones".
Parker then parrots the fallacy from Congressman Bachus regarding the timing of Governor Palin's endorsement of Sharron Angle:
Other notable lost seats in states where the establishment candidate might have won include Nevada, where Harry Reid defeated Tea Party pick Sharron Angle. Conventional wisdom among political veterans is that Angle's primary opponent, Sue Lowden, would have bested Reid by 15 points.Governor Palin, as Ian pointed out earlier this week, did not endorse Sharron Angle until after the primary, so Governor Palin's endorsement had no effect on the GOP candidate selection in Nevada. Par for the course, Parker also trashes Governor Palin's endorsements of Christine O'Donnell and Joe Miller because of course in the eyes of the Establishment, it's better to have Senators who cling to power rather than those who cling to principle.
Beyond the discussion of the recent midterm elections, Parker drags out the well worn "stupid" meme when it comes to Governor Palin:
Cutting government spending may be the central mantra of the Tea Party and, increasingly, of Palin. She recently wrote against the QE2 - "quantitative easing" - whereby the Federal Reserve will dump $600 billion in freshly minted dollars into circulation in hopes of revving the economy. Doubtless, this inspired critique evolved from Palin's long years poring over the Economist.Parker does not dispute Governor Palin's discussion of this poor plan tosupposedly help the economy. She only uses it to take a gratuitous slap at Governor Palin. Ironically, Parker's insult of Governor Palin's supposed illiteracy comes just a day after Governor Palin called out Parker's fellow "journalists" for not even reading their own newspaper. What Parker cannot seem to grasp is that Governor Palin has an uncanny ability to distill complex public policy into practical kitchen table politics. Policy is crafted by politicians and staffers in Washington, but the heavy handed effects of such policies are felt by families across the country sitting at their kitchen table trying to balance their monthly budgets. As Governor Palin pointed out in her recent speech, the potential effects of QE2 could be an increase in food prices:
All this pump priming will come at a serious price. And I mean that literally: everyone who ever goes out shopping for groceries knows that prices have risen significantly over the past year or so.These Americans who have a grasp of what has happened to grocery prices do not include President Obama. In September, President Obama tried to purchase four apples for a dollar during a trip to Philadelphia thinking that was sufficient to cover the cost.Obviously the repercussions of quantitative easing did not factor into the Obama administration decision to purchase these bonds.
The greater issue is that politician need to be able to both understand and articulate complex policy issues to the American people in a way that is meaningful to them. Americans may understand the process of trading carbon credits, but what they are really concerned with is how cap and tax will impact their energy bills. They may understand all the levels of production a value added tax has an additional "charge", but what they're really concerned with is how this tax may increase the price of goods. The same can be said of QE2. Parker and her friends patronize this commonsense approach to policy discussion, but the American deal with policy with their checkbooks, not with pie charts and bar graphs.
Parker closes her piece by trotting out the Palin is "dangerous" meme:
Watching Palin drop foreign policy and economic nuggets into the twitterverse confirms that the real agenda for Palin is President Palin, and therein lies fresh terror for Republicans. She's too powerful to ignore, and too (fill-in-the-blank) to take seriously.In response to a Politico hit piece a couple of weeks ago where an anonymous source called a potential Palin presidential nomination a "disaster", I wrote:
She is - in a word yet again whispered rather than uttered - "Dangerous."
Not only would Palin the presidential candidate drive away other Republican candidates, but she would most certainly lose a national election. Thus, the GOP finds itself in a pickle: How to shed itself of this attractive nuisance?
Rather than being fearful for the effects of the Obama agenda, the GOP Establishment appears to have a greater fear of Palin nomination and the "wrath" of "enthralled" Palin supporters. The GOP Establishment deems that nominating Governor Palin in 2012 would spell disaster. However, for whom would a Palin nomination be a disaster? The GOP Establishment? One of the GOP boys: Romney, Huckabee, Pawlenty, Gingrich, Thune, Barbour, Daniels? President Obama?The same message applies. Be it Kathleen Parker or an anonymous source, the Elites see Governor Palin as a disaster and a danger, but Governor Palin is only disastrous and dangerous to the GOP Establishment and to President Obama. Some may say that addressing the likes of Parker and friends isn't worth the blog space, but it has become increasingly clear,especially now that the 2010 Midterms are over, that there continues to be a battle for the Republican Party in general and the 2012 Presidential nomination specifically. The likes of Parker, Noonan, and Gerson may claim that the Establishment must be embraced and the Tea Party shunned and that commonsense language eschewed for hundred dollar words. However, the ultimate battle is against the Left. For conservatives and Republicans, that battle needs to be waged not by those who choose to endorse candidates only when it's politically safe or those who choose to comment on an issue only when loss of political capital is likely to be minimal. Governor Palin has repeatedly led on endorsing candidates, not for the sake of political expediency but for the sake of political principle. She has risked, but not lost, political capital when she has taken the lead on the issues of Obamacare, quantitative easing, and a whole slew of other issues. Parker claims the GOP can't be led by Governor Palin, but by all accounts, she is one of the few who has been willing to lead.
UPDATE: Ironically, in Parker's drivel, she pulls a page from the Couric playbook and tries to take a smack at Governor Palin's reading choices by mentioning the Economist. Governor Palin is front and center on the latest edition of the Economist leading the Republican charge on Washington:
Crossposted here.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Governor Palin Endorsees Lead the House Transition to Majority
With the GOP gains in the House last week, Republicans are transitioning into their House majority with a team of representatives facilitating this change. Four of Governor Palin's endorsees have been selected to be a part of this team:
Crossposted here and here.
House Republicans have tapped two newly elected congressmen who drew tea party backing in their campaigns to help lead the party's transition to power.Congressman Walden of Oregon is acting as the leader of this team to help the GOP transition to power.While this may be a "cross-section" of Republicans, it cannot be overlooked that the four freshman House members tapped to assist in this transition were all endorsed by Governor Palin, as Gardner and Roby were also endorsed by Governor Palin. Couple this with the fact that Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is throwing her hat in the ring for GOP conference chair, it is obvious that Governor Palin chose to endorse not only strong candidates, but strong leaders. Governor Palin's endorsements made a huge impact on conservative gains in the House last week. Certain members of that House, such as Congressman Bauchus, would do well to take notice of his new colleagues, rather than wrongfully blame her for a Senatorial minority.
Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Tim Scott of South Carolina, who won endorsements by Sarah Palin and support from tea party activists, are part of a newly named 22-member team charged with crafting new rules and smoothing the GOP's shift from minority to majority.
...
Two other freshmen, Cory Gardner of Colorado and Martha Roby of Alabama, are also on the roster.
Walden said he didn't choose the team based on whether they had tea party backing, telling reporters last week that he wasn't sure whether those he was recruiting were supported by the conservative-libertarian movement. "It's a nice cross-section of our Republican conference," he said of the group.
But it's clear Republicans are aware that the grass-roots movement that helped propel them to big wins in last week's elections will be an important part of their new House majority and bolstered Senate minority.
Crossposted here and here.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Ms.Noonan, Show Some Patriotic Grace!
Peggy Noonan has returned to her Palin-denigrating ways again. In a piece entitled, "Americans Vote for Maturity", Noonan writes about the aftermath of the 2010 elections, what it means for both Democrats and Republicans, and what campaign strategies proved to be effective or ineffective in the recent elections. She also took aim at President Obama's detachment and offers advice for both Democrats and Republicans. However, she saved her most pointed criticism and "advice"for Governor Palin.
Perhaps Noonan had a premonition about MSNBC's impending suspension of Keith Olbermann, so she want to position herself as a potential guest host, as the first thing Noonan does is criticize Governor Palin for telling the truth (emphasis mine):
Noonan then outlines Reagan's career, while taking a slap at Governor Palin:
Since stepping aside from office, she has challenged conservatives and has honed her speaking ability through speaking engagements ranging from businesspeople in Hong Kong to conservative leaders in Florida to to pro-life advocates in the Midwest. She has supported this conservative movement that has swept the country helping to bring about a flip of the House, gains in the Senate, and complete upheavals in state government throughout the country. In essence,Governor Palin has done what President Reagan did when Noonan writes that Reagan "popularize modern conservative political philosophy without the help of a conservative infrastructure." Governor Palin has helped inspire a new brand of conservatism--Constitutional conservatism--a message has often run in the face of both the GOP Establishment and the Democrats.
Noonan wraps this most recent recurrence of Palin Derrangement Syndrome with this nonsensical, unsupported argument:
There will never be another Ronald Reagan. Governor Palin, while she often speaks in glowing terms of President Reagan and espouses his political philosophy, does not claim to be the second coming of Reagan. However, there are those traits that extend beyond political ideology--courage and character--traits that both conservative leaders have. They are able to connect with people with their optimism and ability to articulate American exceptionalism.
In 2008, Peggy Noonan wrote a book entitled, Patriotic Grace. I would encourage Ms.Noonan to show some.
Crossposted here.
Perhaps Noonan had a premonition about MSNBC's impending suspension of Keith Olbermann, so she want to position herself as a potential guest host, as the first thing Noonan does is criticize Governor Palin for telling the truth (emphasis mine):
Conservatives talked a lot about Ronald Reagan this year, but they have to take him more to heart, because his example here is a guide. All this seemed lost last week on Sarah Palin, who called him, on Fox, "an actor." She was defending her form of political celebrity—reality show, "Dancing With the Stars," etc. This is how she did it: "Wasn't Ronald Reagan an actor? Wasn't he in 'Bedtime for Bonzo,' Bozo, something? Ronald Reagan was an actor."As a biographer of President Reagan, one would think that Noonan knows that Ronald Reagan was indeed an actor. Did he later become more politically active? Did he later become Governor and President? Yes, but he was an actor. Governor Palin was not diminishing President Reagan's accomplished political career. She was pointing to his well rounded life experiences that enabled him to connect with the American people even before he held political office.
Noonan then outlines Reagan's career, while taking a slap at Governor Palin:
Excuse me, but this was ignorant even for Mrs. Palin. Reagan people quietly flipped their lids, but I'll voice their consternation to make a larger point. Ronald Reagan was an artist who willed himself into leadership as president of a major American labor union (Screen Actors Guild, seven terms, 1947-59.) He led that union successfully through major upheavals (the Hollywood communist wars, labor-management struggles); discovered and honed his ability to speak persuasively by talking to workers on the line at General Electric for eight years; was elected to and completed two full terms as governor of California; challenged and almost unseated an incumbent president of his own party; and went on to popularize modern conservative political philosophy without the help of a conservative infrastructure. Then he was elected president.Allow me, if I may, to educate Ms. Noonan. Governor Palin is a wife, mother of five, and grandmother, who has a great impact on the American political landscape by currently unofficially leading a movement without a title. Sarah Palin was a journalist/fisherwoman who first got involved in the public arena as a concerned mom through the local PTA. She later was elected to the Wasilla City Council where she served for two terms. She then served as mayor of Wasilla for two terms and acted as the head of the Alaska council of mayors. Sarah Palin served as a commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Commission where she rooted out corruption in her own party. She later was elected to the Alaska governorship where she served through three legislative sessions. In these three years, she reduced spending by nearly 10% over her predecessor, reduced earmark requests by 80%, invested $5 billion dollars in savings, passed major ethics reform, and negotiated the largest private sector infrastructure project in North American history with the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act.
Since stepping aside from office, she has challenged conservatives and has honed her speaking ability through speaking engagements ranging from businesspeople in Hong Kong to conservative leaders in Florida to to pro-life advocates in the Midwest. She has supported this conservative movement that has swept the country helping to bring about a flip of the House, gains in the Senate, and complete upheavals in state government throughout the country. In essence,Governor Palin has done what President Reagan did when Noonan writes that Reagan "popularize modern conservative political philosophy without the help of a conservative infrastructure." Governor Palin has helped inspire a new brand of conservatism--Constitutional conservatism--a message has often run in the face of both the GOP Establishment and the Democrats.
Noonan wraps this most recent recurrence of Palin Derrangement Syndrome with this nonsensical, unsupported argument:
Noonan loses her claim of "maturity" when she labels Governor Palin a "nincompoop". Beyond that however, she seems to ignore Governor Palin's focus, abilities, political accomplishments, and natural talents for connecting with everyday Americans. Noonan asserts that you have to be able to "bring people in and along". This is what Reagan did when he went on the speaker's circuit; this is where Reagan truly became Reagan--the Great Communicator. Reagan had a unique way of connecting with the American people, an ability that Governor Palin shares, and Noonan once saw that trait in Governor Palin following her 2008 Vice Presidential debate with Joe Biden:The point is not "He was a great man and you are a nincompoop," though that is true. The point is that Reagan's career is a guide, not only for the tea party but for all in politics. He brought his fully mature, fully seasoned self into politics with him. He wasn't in search of a life when he ran for office, and he wasn't in search of fame; he'd already lived a life, he was already well known, he'd accomplished things in the world.
Here is an old tradition badly in need of return: You have to earn your way into politics. You should go have a life, build a string of accomplishments, then enter public service. And you need actual talent: You have to be able to bring people in and along. You can't just bully them, you can't just assert and taunt, you have to be able to persuade.
There will never be another Ronald Reagan. Governor Palin, while she often speaks in glowing terms of President Reagan and espouses his political philosophy, does not claim to be the second coming of Reagan. However, there are those traits that extend beyond political ideology--courage and character--traits that both conservative leaders have. They are able to connect with people with their optimism and ability to articulate American exceptionalism.
In 2008, Peggy Noonan wrote a book entitled, Patriotic Grace. I would encourage Ms.Noonan to show some.
Crossposted here.
Governor Palin Rocks the House!
In addition to being loose with the facts and scant on proper nouns, Politico writers have also now proven themselves to be terrible with math.Perhaps a lesson in the three "R's"--reading,'riting, and 'rithimitc--are in order for these "journalists". A Politico piece posted Wednesday wove together the victories of Palin endorsed candidates with knocks at Governor Palin all the while completely miscalculating the number of candidates whom she endorsed and the number of candidates who won in Tuesday's election:
One of Governor Palin's goals with her endorsements was to help conservative candidates win seats back from 20 Democrats who voted for Obamacare and represented districts that she and Senator McCain carried in 2008. Thus, she launched the Take Back the 20 initiative. Eighteen of these candidates have won their races, with one race left to be decided. The people of these districts spoke with their vote against the government takeover of health care. So while these 18 representatives didn't hear their constituents in March, they certainly heard them loud and clear in November.
Palin endorsed candidates also had success in blue states like New York and Illinois. In New York, Michael Grimm won the Empire state's 13th Congressional District, defeating an incumbent Democrat. Governor Palin endorsed two House candidates in Illinois, Adam Kinzinger and Randy Hultgren, who were both running against incumbent Democrats. Both of these candidates won their respective races, contributing to a red wave through the Prairie state which included four seat flipping to Republicans, and Illinois House Republicans now have an 11 to 8 seat edge. In Kinzinger's win, he gave a Palinesque victory speech:
Several others House victories for Palin endorsees had unique significances as well. Governor Palin endorsed Sean Duffy to represent Wisconsin's 7th District, a seat occupied by "stimulus" bill author, David Obey. Shortly following Palin's endorsement of Duffy, Obey declared he would retire from Congress following this term. Duffy later went on to defeat his Democratic challenger. Conservative favorites Michele Bachmann and Allen West also won their respective races. Bachmann's race against her challenger drew a lot funding from the DNC and DCCC that could have been used elsewhere, yet despite the smears and massive funding from Democrats, Bachmann won her race by more than 12 points. Allen West, the army veteran whose ability to give a rousing speech is rivaled only by Governor Palin herself, won his race over his Democratic opponent. In fact, every Palin endorsed candidate in Florida, whether for the House, Senate, or statewide races, won their respective races. The same is true for the bellweather state of Ohio. Tim Scott, Congressional candidate in South Carolina became the first African American Republican to represent South Carolina in Congress. Additionally, Dr. Benishek won his race to replace retiring Michigan Congressman, Bart Stupak, whose capitulation on abortion funding ultimately led to the passage of Obamacare. These are just a sampling of the three dozen winning House candidates whom Governor Palin endorsed. Her influence on House races lies both in the quantity and quality of the candidates she supported.
The Politico piece also attempts to relegate Governor Palin to the role of Republican cheerleader:
Crossposted here and here.
Sarah Palin endorsed 60 candidates this year, but when dust settled Wednesday morning, the biggest beneficiary of the “Sarah Palin effect” was not necessarily the candidates themselves, but the Palin brand.In the realm of non-Politico math where the rest of us live, Governor Palin endorsed 82 candidates (NOTE: these numbers are taken from the candidate list at sister site, Organize4Palin. There are a few candidates whom SarahPAC gave money to or Governor Palin recorded robocalls for that are not listed) in the general election with at least 52 of those candidates winning (as of Wednesday night, 8 races had not yet been called). In a photo caption, Politico also claims that Governor Palin endorsed 34 House candidates with only 15 of these winning. Governor Palin actually endorsed 57 candidates for the House with at least 36 of these candidates winning their respective Congressional seats. In actuality, Palin endorsed Congressional candidates won more seats than Politico claims she endorsed. As usual, facts are irrelevant to the folks at Politico.
Of the 34 candidates Palin endorsed for the House, only 15 won, a less-than-stellar average for someone vying to be the difference-maker in Republican politics.
One of Governor Palin's goals with her endorsements was to help conservative candidates win seats back from 20 Democrats who voted for Obamacare and represented districts that she and Senator McCain carried in 2008. Thus, she launched the Take Back the 20 initiative. Eighteen of these candidates have won their races, with one race left to be decided. The people of these districts spoke with their vote against the government takeover of health care. So while these 18 representatives didn't hear their constituents in March, they certainly heard them loud and clear in November.
Palin endorsed candidates also had success in blue states like New York and Illinois. In New York, Michael Grimm won the Empire state's 13th Congressional District, defeating an incumbent Democrat. Governor Palin endorsed two House candidates in Illinois, Adam Kinzinger and Randy Hultgren, who were both running against incumbent Democrats. Both of these candidates won their respective races, contributing to a red wave through the Prairie state which included four seat flipping to Republicans, and Illinois House Republicans now have an 11 to 8 seat edge. In Kinzinger's win, he gave a Palinesque victory speech:
Several others House victories for Palin endorsees had unique significances as well. Governor Palin endorsed Sean Duffy to represent Wisconsin's 7th District, a seat occupied by "stimulus" bill author, David Obey. Shortly following Palin's endorsement of Duffy, Obey declared he would retire from Congress following this term. Duffy later went on to defeat his Democratic challenger. Conservative favorites Michele Bachmann and Allen West also won their respective races. Bachmann's race against her challenger drew a lot funding from the DNC and DCCC that could have been used elsewhere, yet despite the smears and massive funding from Democrats, Bachmann won her race by more than 12 points. Allen West, the army veteran whose ability to give a rousing speech is rivaled only by Governor Palin herself, won his race over his Democratic opponent. In fact, every Palin endorsed candidate in Florida, whether for the House, Senate, or statewide races, won their respective races. The same is true for the bellweather state of Ohio. Tim Scott, Congressional candidate in South Carolina became the first African American Republican to represent South Carolina in Congress. Additionally, Dr. Benishek won his race to replace retiring Michigan Congressman, Bart Stupak, whose capitulation on abortion funding ultimately led to the passage of Obamacare. These are just a sampling of the three dozen winning House candidates whom Governor Palin endorsed. Her influence on House races lies both in the quantity and quality of the candidates she supported.
The Politico piece also attempts to relegate Governor Palin to the role of Republican cheerleader:
Late Tuesday evening, Palin took to Twitter — where she has found a quick and easy way this cycle to wield her influence 140 characters at a time — to praise her victorious candidates.While Politico may state that Governor Palin is a "cheerleader for the conservative cause", she actually is the point guard of the conservative cause. While others choose only to endorse when it is politically expedient or when an electoral victory is evident, Governor Palin was and is willing to lead and support candidates on principle and is willing to take political risks in her endorsements. Beyond the 2010 elections, Governor Palin has led on the issues as the strongest voice against the Obama administration's policies on health care, cap and tax, and the Bush tax cuts. She has been the one voice who has been willing to speak out against the Obama administration's handling of the war in Afghanistan, nuclear discussions with Russia, and the Gulf oil spill. Yes, her support of conservative candidates helps bring them to victory, but her leadership and action are what truly have bolstered the conservative cause.
“As always, proud to be American! Thanks, Commonsense Constitutional Conservatives,u didn't sit down & shut up...u ‘refudiated’ extreme left,” she wrote.
The note was emblematic of her presence in the elections: part cheerleader for the conservative cause, part affirming voice for the candidates who have followed in her footsteps.
Crossposted here and here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)