Wishing You All A Safe & Happy New Year!

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Conservative Women Should Support Caroline Kennedy for the Senate.

One of the reasons that I started Smart Girl Politics was the treatment that Sarah Palin received during her run for Vice-President. Many conservative women felt that women's groups and feminist organizations no longer represented all women.

Organizations like N.O.W. made it more than clear to those women on the right that they would no longer pretend to tolerate their beliefs. Conservative Women were abandoned and left to fight their own battles.

Now Conservative Women's organizations are springing up all over the internet to finally take a stand for women's issues. I am proud to have Smart Girl Politics, SGP, as one of the sites that is taking that stand. What I am not proud of, however, is my initial response to Caroline Kennedy's decision to fight for the Senate seat in New York.

There are many arguments being made on both sides of the aisle as to why she is not "qualified" to run for office. Sound familiar? Most of the arguments that were made against Sarah Palin are now being made against Caroline Kennedy.

Since when does staying at home to raise your children, volunteering your time with charitable organizations, and surrounding yourself with politics qualify as negatives on a political resume. Yes, she has the Kennedy name, but that should be an asset to her qualifications not a deterrent. It seems to me that she has many of the qualifications that Hillary Clinton had when she ran for that office.

Have our career politicians really served either party well in the last several years?  We continue to say that we need to bring talent from outside of Washington.  I suppose it sounds better to most on paper than in reality.

I do not believe in anything that Caroline Kennedy stands for in politics. However, the fact of the matter is that a Democrat is going to be appointed to the position. Why shouldn't that person be Caroline Kennedy?

If Conservative women are going to speak out against sexist treatment of women on the right, it is in our best interests not to be hypocrites and to speak out for those on the left as well. Therefore, for as much as Caroline Kennedy can get my vote, she has it.

Auto Industry Begs for Funds as UAW Leadership Retreats to Their Multi-Million Golf Course.

President Bush disappointed many Republicans by going against his core principles to save the auto industry. It may be a hard reality to swallow, but the American auto industry deserved to die. Many of the companies and industries that have been helped by this bailout out should have been forced to let nature takes it's course.

The American auto industry has suffered many setbacks over the last twenty years. Many of them would have been survivable had they not had a gigantic monkey on their back the entire step of the way. The United Automakers Union has had a death grip on the auto industry for years and it will be this union sooner rather than later that puts the final nail in the coffin.

During the recent bailout negotiations in which the automakers were begging Congress for their share of the magic pot of gold, the UAW was asked to help out the automakers with concessions from the workers union. The President of the UAW, Ron Gettelfinger, stated in November that the UAW would make no new concessions to help the struggling industry.

Why wouldn't they want to help out an industry that pays for their $33 million golf retreat in Northern Michigan? This palatial retreat also includes a $6 million golf course and costs the UAW millions of dollars to operate each year.

If the auto industry executives were ridiculed in front of Congress for taking private jets to Washington to request funding, what example should be made of the heads of the union who are living it up in luxury? I am sure that every single average American auto worker, that nine to five, blue-collar worker is flown to Northern Michigan to live up the good life at the union's retreat.

The auto industry should have been forced into bankruptcy if for no other reason to than to cut off life support for their blood sucking union friends. Unfortunately, you won't find those leaders in front of Congress. They are too buys hanging out in their pockets.

Merry Christmas

Thank you to everyone who has followed my blog and now my network this year.  I truly appreciate the conversations that I have had with all of you.

I hope that you and your families have a wonderful, safe, and Merry Christmas.

Stacy

Thank You For Helping Me Spread Hannah's Story

Thank you to all my fellow bloggers who took Hannah's story from the SGP Network Site. 

I would like to especially thank DBD for his special cartoon tribute and Michelle Malkin for telling Hannah's story too.  It's nice to know that people can still make a difference.

Help Make Hannah's Christmas Wish Come True.

I posted this on the main SGP site, but forgot to post it on my blog. Please help make Hannah's wish come true.

Update: One of Hannah's family or friends also started a Facebook Group where you can leave well wishes for her as well.

Hannah's Facebook Group

Many of you may remember my dear friend, Chris Garman, who lost her battle with breast cancer 2 years ago. When she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, she was pregnant with her third child. Her doctors didn't thinkChris would live through her pregnancy without treatment, so they took a chance & gave her chemo while shewas pregnant. Chris survived her pregnancy & had a beautiful, healthy little girl named Hannah Faith.

Chris died when Hannah was three.Hannah is now five, and this breaks my heart all over again, but In October, Hannah has been diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a rare and incurable brain tumor.She was given about 12 weeks to live. She was going to be the flower girl in a wedding in May, but was diagnosed A week after she was asked.

Right now she has lost most of her motor skills. She is confined to bedAnd cannot really do anything or play with the gifts she is getting frompeople, but she LOVES getting cards - she has gotten so many from people she does not know and jus t loves to have grandma read about the people who send Them and see their pictures and is so proud of all her cards. Her room is just filled with cards.When asked what she wants for Christmas she said she wants to see howMany Christmas cards she can get. Many people have passed this wish along to their churches, prayer groups, friends and family. There are school groupswhere children are making her cards. People are including pictures so shecan see who it i s that i s sending her the card.

If you would like to help with her wish, please send her a card at:

Hannah Garman
704 Orchard Rd
Lititz, PA 17543

THANKS! Feel free to pass this along to your own prayer group, church,school, etc. Let's see if we can have the cards coming in big postal bagsfor her this Christmas, since it will be her last holiday.

Please pray for her family. Her older brother & sister watched their mom go through This just two short years ago and now they are watching their baby sister.P.S. You can also send my email to anyone you forward this to, if they Have questions. sheripie@hotmail.com read more about Hannah, see pics,and stay updated on her progress at

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahgarman

I Will Pay it Forward This Christmas. Will You?

One of my favorite movies was one that I don't even like.  Do you think that doesn't make sense?  Here is my explanation for the craziness.  I loved the concept of the movie "Pay it Forward".  The actual movie itself, while touching, had a horrible ending.  In case you haven't seen it, I won't share the end, but it did not necessarily match the power of the message in the movie.

If you haven't seen the movie, it is based on a small boy who starts a nationwide movement by doing one small good deed for someone in need.  The only thing that he asks in return is for that person to pay it forward and do a good deed for someone else.  The story continues with thousands of people helping out their fellow man.

This seems to me to be the perfect time of year to pay it forward.  There is enough hardship this year to go around, but luckily my family, so far, is not one of those facing the economic turmoil.  I always seem to have better intentions than I can actually follow through on.

The movie I described is probably one that is ten years old, but I still think about how I can pay it forward.  I do small things like most other people.  I make monetary donations here and there.  I donate our old clothes and toys to Goodwill or the Veterans organizations.  I donate toys to local toys drives, but still I don't feel like I have that personal affect on someones life.  To those that I donate to, I am an anonymous person.  

I know the things that I mentioned above are good things and that those who receive them appreciate and need them.  I will gladly continue to do them, but I feel like it's not enough. So finally, this Christmas season, I will pay it forward.

There is a local army recruiting center down the street from my house.  I have always wanted to do something for them to say thank you.  This week, just before Christmas, I am taking them lunch as a thank you.  The one catch is that they already pay it forward every day.

I want to ask that those who read my blog or are members of Smart Girl Politics think of a way that they can pay it forward.  Whether you pay for someones lunch that is in a drive-thru line behind you or buy someones groceries who are in line ahead of you, find a way to pay it forward for someone.  You can even get one of those Dear Santa dead letters at your local post office and fulfill someones dream.

I have always wanted to pay it forward and this Christmas I will finally complete the mission.  If you chose this mission, I would love for you to come back and share with everyone what you did to pay it forward.

State Governments Continue to Step on Business as They Beg for Bailouts

The United States economy has hit a road block in the last year. Day by day, we continue to watch industries step up to the coffer with their hands held out high. Today, we watch in horror as to whether President Bush will bypass Congress and hand out money to the auto industry. Standing in the shadows quietly waiting for their "we're too big to fail" loans are now the state governments.

The biggest state asking for help is California. Anyone who has ever lived, worked, or been in a human resource position responsible for California should not be surprised by their record economic troubles. California is not a business-friendly state. The Government of California has imposed more rules and regulations on it's business community than most other states in the union. It is for that reason that business is flooding quickly out of the state and the tax dollars they are draining have a huge impact on California's budget short falls.

While most of the focus on the economy is currently being paid to the Federal Government, state governments continue to shoot themselves in the foot with already struggling economies. For example, in October of this year, Pennsylvania's state government led by Governor Ed Rendell passed the Energy Conservation Bill. What's the big deal about this bill? It calls for energy companies to reduce consumption by 1% in 3 years, and up to 4.5 by 2013. I am not saying we should be against energy conservation, but for a state to tell an industry to cut it's business by law is more than ridiculous.

Today, news came out that New York Governor, David Paterson is looking to raise $404 million for the state by increasing taxes on such things as hospitals, insurance policies and yes a disturbing "obesity tax" on non-diet soda. It is interesting that in a deep economic hardship the first thing some of these state governments see as a solution is to raise taxes on citizens who are already struggling to make ends meet.

If we are now going to impose an obesity tax on soda, where does this craziness end? Will he be taxing chocolate makers or candy makers in general? How about New York pizza parlors? I'm sure with all of those slices New Yorkers eat each year are bound to put on some of their extra weight? Why not just increase taxes on food in general?

With all of the intelligent people we have running these states, do you really wonder why companies head over seas? I know the instinct right now is to watch all of the loan bailouts the Federal government is dishing out, but I'd be keeping a careful eye on your local and state governments. They will have a much quicker impact on your paycheck and your wallet.

Could the Blago/Obama Chaos Open a New Steel Door for Republicans?

Governor Blagojevich met with his attorney today to discuss his current legal options. Fox news is reporting that he will decide by Monday whether to step down as Governor of Illinois. The news for President-elect Obama looked a little more murky as news broke that his new chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, had spoken with the Governor about Obama's replacement.

It's interesting that the soon to be administration that promised transparency has had very little to say on the topic. Top Republicans are questioning Obama and his aides as to what, who, why, when, and how long? The one statement on the subject that President-elect Obama made on the subject has a more holes in it than Swiss cheese.

Even die-hard liberals are scratching their heads at the circumstances surrounding Governor Blagojevich. It's not a shock to anyone that there is corruption in Chicago politics. However, will the residents of the blue state begin weining their support for the ruling party. With all of the chaos that now surrounds the appointment of Obama's Senate replacement, many are calling for a special election.

Could this be the opening door that the Republicans in the state have been waiting for? After all, the country threw out the Republicans in 2004 for far less corruption than we see going on today in Chicago. How much more embarrassment can one state take from it's leadership? Republicans already have a winning streak going for post-November elections.

Could the Obama drama be a signal for a Republican come-back even before he spends a single day as the President?

Crooked Politicians Shocking? Not So Much.

Is it really that surprising that a crooked politician from a crooked political town was arrested today for corruption. It does not shock me that Governor Blagojevich was arrested. It shocks me that people were shocked by the news.

This is a man who has been under federal investigation for years. Here is a man who knew he was being watched by the Feds, but apparently had such an ego that he thought he was above it all. Chicago is and has long been a sesspool for crooked politicians. The sad fact is that Governor Blagojevich will not be the first Illinois Governor to go to prison should he be convicted. In fact, if he is convicted, he could share a prison cell with another former Governor of Illinois, George Ryan.

The issue about this case that I find even more interesting is the response from those surrounding President-elect Obama. Initially Barack Obama would not make a statement on the situation. Yet, later in the day he came out and made a strong statement concerning his dealing with Blagojevich:

"I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so I was not aware of
what was happening"

According to the Associated Press his statement that he didn't have contact with Blagojevich about the Senate seat seems to conflict with that of top adviser David Axelrod, who told Fox News Chicago on Nov. 23: "I know he's talked to the governor, and there are a whole range of names, many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them."

Conveniently, later in the day, Axelrod made a statement saying that he was "mistaken" about any discussion Obama had with Blagojevich regarding the Senate seat. One last tidbit of information, if Obama had no knowledge of what was going on, why is there now information creeping out that Rahm Emanuel may have been the one that tipped the Feds of about the corruption.

While there is no evidence of wrong doing on Obama's part in this case or the Rezko case, it still smells bad for the new President-elect. He hasn't been sworn in to office yet and there are two cases with his name attached in one way or another. With all of the corruption surrounding this man, President Clinton is starting to look like a saint. Maybe Hillary still has a shot at 2012 after all.

Do you travel to the dark side and if so why?

Do people subconsciously befriend people who share their same beliefs without knowing before hand? Do we tend to gravitate to live in areas for the same reason? For example, I live in a blue state, but I happened to move to one of the reddest counties in the state. Was it intentional? Of course not, we moved to the county and to the neighborhood based on a completely different set of criteria.

I am obviously conservative. I started a conservative women's movement, SGP, so I hope I am conservative. I tend to read conservative websites, news sites, and blogs. That is not to say that I don't read information regarding the other side of the aisle. To read about the Democrats, I don't have to go any further than the New York Times, NBC, CNN and on occasion MSNBC for laughs. When I am really ambitious, I will read the Dailykos.

I do not, however, go to individual left leaning or liberal websites. What's the point? It's not about their beliefs, it's about mine. I definitely do not go there and try to debate them on their vision of the world. Do you go to the dark side? If you are conservative, do you go to liberal websites and leave comments berating their point of view? Do you go there and call them names, tell them how stupid they are, and they should go back where they came from?

What possesses someone to argue in that manner with someone they do not know? I don't think liberals are evil. I don't think they are bad people. They have a different view of the world and a different way in which to change the world. I do not agree with what they stand for, but I don't attack the person.

I chose not to go to the dark side. I am interested, however, in how many of you do? Do you make the journey to the dark side of the aisle and if so why?


Disclaimer: No, American Liberal, this is not about you. You are still more than welcome to debate your points of view.

Conservatives are flocking to Twitter, but will the GOP ignore their flight.

As I mentioned in my last post, conservative grassroots organizations are exploding all over the internet. Groups on Facebook have doubled since the election, but no social media site has been more intriguing to conservatives than Twitter.

If you belong to Twitter, you understand what can only be called an obsession. If you do not belong to Twitter, you probably have no idea what I am talking about. Twitter is a communication forum that allows people to write comments no longer than 140 characters about whatever they wish. You have the ability to view others comments when you "follow" them and they have the ability to view yours if they chose to "follow" you.

It's not necessarily important to understand twitter itself, but how conservatives are using it to network, exchange ideas, strategize and even speak one on one with GOP members. In fact, one of the RNC chair candidates, Saul Anuzis, is a favorite on twitter because he openly communicates about his daily political life with average conservatives.

Twitter has become so popular with Conservatives that a new site has formed that tracks the top conservatives on twitter. Top Conservatives to Follow on Twitter was the brain child of Michael Leahy, an author and Republican strategist. Last week, Michael started the group which now consists of over 300 members with more vying for a position every day. It features some well known conservatives, such as Senator Jim DeMint from South Carolina, Hugh Hewitt, and most recently Governor Mike Huckabee.

Twitter is only the beginning of the conservative movement on the net. It is allowing those the grass roots to communicate in a fast environment, organize quickly, and spread the message to an ever growing audience. It is only the beginning of the strategy to move conservatives and hopefully the GOP into the 21st century.

This couldn't come at a better time as reports state that President-elect Obama will be holding on to a campaign surplus of over $30 million. Aides closest to him say he may use the excess cash to build a massive grass roots program to support his agenda. The GOP will need it's own grass roots campaign to fight back.

It's already forming, but will they catch on in time to take the lead of it?

GOP Grassroots Explodes With Presidential Loss

I would have preferred that John McCain had won, but I have to admit that the loss may actually be a good thing for the Republican party. While some news reports state that there is a division in the party, it appears that the opposite is actually occurring.

After the election, I started the Smart Girl Politics Network which now has almost one hundred members and over fifty conservative women bloggers. My network, however, is not the only conservative movement on the Internet. There are new groups popping up on Wordpress, Blogspot, Facebook each day.

A few of the best new networks are Read My Lipstick Network which actually started earlier this year during the election season. Rebuild the Party has developed a ten point action plan to modernize and strengthen the party. The New Republicans is a grassroots college organization that is trying to unite the youth of the party. There are new groups on Facebook such as America's Next Generation of Conservatives and The Next Right which are also looking to unite conservatives and change the direction of the party.

This election has already changed the Republican party for the better. It's no surprise that Republicans owned talk radio, but it was the Democrats that owned the Internet this year. With the grassroots movements growing and each individual group gaining momentum, there is a good chance that come 2012, the GOP will be fighting for that title.

Some wonder whether these individual splinter groups can have the intended effect. They can and they will. It is important that these groups bring conservatives out of the wood work. If the intent is to bring together people who in the past have not been active in the party, it's working. GOP supporters have little to do right now besides regroup, organize, and prepare for another battle in two years.

If these groups continue to grow and then are guided in one direction or another by the leaders of the party and more specifically the RNC's new chair, it will be a movement like we have never seen before in our party. At this point it may not matter which group you join, as long as you join a group.

2010 will look like a different race and these groups will be the ones leading the fight.

If Our Country Removes God, Do We Lose Our Country?

We have all heard those stories from our grandparents about how much they used to pay for this or that.  The favorite stories are the ones when they would talk about how far they used to walk to get here or there.  I look at those stories now with such envy.  Of course, when your a seven year old and your mom is making you listen to some old person tell you something, you could care less.

As we start to age ourselves, it's strange how often you begin to look back on your own past. How far you go back depends on how far to your favorite memories.  Do you go back to your childhood and playing outside with your friends?  Do you go back to the times you spent the holidays with your family and those traditions you remember so well?  Do you go onto Facebook and look for friends from high school or college?

It seems like if you are at that point in your life that you can look back to something that you are old enough to realize how much things have really changed.  When did our society lose it's innocence?  It would be frightening to do some of the things today that we did back then.

Could you imagine leaving your doors unlocked and your windows wide open?  What would happen if you let your children play around the neighborhood the entire day only to come home for dinner?  Would you let your pre-teen go to the mall and hang out with friends alone?  

I look back on my childhood and I don't remember terrorism.  It may have been happening, but it wasn't something that as a child you were aware.  I know that was not the case during the cold war, but I'm not quite that old.  Today, children are too aware of what is going on in the world.  They are bombarded with bad news via television, the Internet, or even from friends at school.

When I went outside to play with my friends, my mom didn't have to worry that a pedophile was going to abduct me.  I know that the media plays up a lot of these issues, but they are happening.  The fears are real, not imagined.

What has changed in our country that has brought us to the point of greed, promiscuity, hate, and a complete lack of respect of others?  It could be just a coincidence, but it seems like the further away from God, whichever God that is for you, the further away we get from being a civilized society.

I have to admit, while I consider myself Catholic, I am far from a practicing one.  I do try to live my life as a Catholic.  I teach my children what is right and what is wrong.  Yet it feels like the further our country as a whole moves away from God, the further we move away from a civilized country.

Each piece of God that is taken out of our society leads us one step further into moral demise. No more God in school, but yet kids can pray who wins American Idol.  No more prayers in public places, yet people can protest with hatred and vulgarity against a war.  No more Christmas plays or Christmas parades, but people will crush a man to death to get a flat screen TV on sale.

What kind of memories will our children have to look back on if this trend continues?  How far back will their favorite memories be hidden?  Is it so wrong to say a little prayer to keep someone safe, or to hope that someone gets better?  Is it so wrong to hope that we are safe from harm and that our children have nothing to fear?

What is next?  Removing "In God We Trust"?  Taking the Christmas out of Christmas?  I really do fear where we are headed.  And this is coming from someone who doesn't go to Church..........but should!

SGP Network is Proud to Launch Our New Site!

The day after the election I posted a request on my blog. I wanted to get conservative women together to discuss our thoughts, ideas, and principles. I wanted to start a group that would allow conservative women a voice. I knew there were sites out there, but none that met all of the requirements for which I was looking.

I wanted a group that did not support a single candidate. I wanted a group where conservative women felt like they could be heard. I wanted a group where, as we grew in numbers, we could actually influence the direction of the Republican party.

I am proud of how far we have come so far. As of today, we have our network on Twitter, Facebook, Teamsarah.org, and Youtube. We have over twenty blogs listed on our blogroll. We have added new authors on our SGP network sites. Finally, the biggest announcement to date in our network, the launch of our new site on Ning.

Smart Girl Politics

We welcome conservative women to join our discussion on how we can help conservative candidates in the elections to come. We will support conservative women at all levels in politics. We are a grassroots effort that will work on local, state, and national levels. Please visit us at the new site. We will be hosting an online Meet & Greet on Tuesday, December 2 @ 10 pm (eastern).

The Bright Spots in a Bleak Economy!

Every night I read through the news to decide on a topic to write. Tonight, I was almost depressed reading the news. There were so many stories about how bad the economy is and how much worse it could get. Almost every news story started with "the worst in X amount of years." Instead of contributing to the negativity, I decided to put some positives out there. A few bright spots so to speak.

First, oil prices fell below $50 today for the first time in almost two years. The average price of gas is down almost fifty percent to $2.02. With the dramatic drop in oil and gas prices, the consumer price index data for October was historic as well. October’s 1 percent drop in consumer prices was the largest monthly decrease in the 61-year record of comparable data.

In keeping with my positive theme, this is good news for those of us who have to buy anything right now. People may have a few extra dollars to spend on their kids for Christmas rather than putting it them in their gas tanks to get to work.

Second, due to the same drop in prices, a few of those countries that do not have our best interest at heart are falling on hard times. Iran continues to feel the pressure of the falling gas prices. With less income from their oil, they may be slowed in some of their evil ambitions. The strain could eventually push the people of Iran to question their leadership. We could hope that leadership gets tossed out on there butts. (I know it's wishful thinking, but this is a positive article.)

Finally, with the economic data not so bright, the illegal immigration into the country has dropped 46%. With the reduction in jobs and the elimination of some construction jobs, the opportunities for illegal immigrants is on the decline. This does not account for the number of illegal immigrants who have returned to their native countries for the same reasons.

My point to all of this is that for years we have been told how bad things were. Some justified. Others exaggerated. If you are a person who see things half empty, you most likely will find your life half empty. If you are a person who see things half full, you most likely will find that your life is in fact full. There are bright spots in everything we see in life. You just have to look for them.

Credit Card Companies Are Now Crunching Consumers..Beware!

If you think today's economic news is terrible, hold onto your seat because it is about to get a lot worse. There is still one extremely large shoe to drop before all is said and done in the financial district. That shoe is full of lead and headed in one direction...down. Credit card defaults are about to skyrocket.

At this point you would think that these companies would start learn their lesson. Unfortunately, due to greed or pure stupidity these companies are about to send our economy further into the dark hole.

Most credit card companies were also the holders of those bad mortgages. In an attempt to recoup some of their losses, these companies are increasing rates on their credit card holders. Many of these rate increases are occurring with no apparent reason. What I mean is usually your credit card rate is increased due to late payments. When you pay your credit card bill late, the credit card companies usually will set your interest rate to the default rate. Those default rates are now as high as 35%.

Credit card holders all over the country that are being hit hard by other areas of the economy are now having their credit card rates increased to the these higher rates without a reason. They are already struggling to pay mortgages, food bills, and now their credit cards. Many of the people hardest hit by the economy were paying the minimum payment only on their cards. Now with the increased rates, they are unable to make their payments and are delinquent in paying their bills.

Instead of allowing customers to continue paying their bills at the current interest rates, these companies are forcing people into bankruptcy. Why wouldn't these companies want some payments coming into them? By increasing the rates and in some cases the minimum payments, they are pushing people into default.

Know your rights: Watch your credit card statements each month. If you see that your credit card company has increased your rate, you have the right to put a hold on the previous rate. If you call or write your credit card company and request that a rate hold be placed on your card. You will no longer be able to charge on that card, but they will not be able to raise the interest rate on the current balance.

If these companies continue with this practice, they will send more and more people into bankruptcy and it won't just be the credit card companies that don't get paid.

Welcome A New Blog to the SGP Network of Blogs

As part of the grassroots effort to help spread the views of conservative women, we are rolling out a series of new blogs that will help support our movement.  The latest blog to roll out as part of the Smart Girl Politics network is Conservative Women United.  This blog will feature writing from a key group of conservative women, as well as guest bloggers from within the SGP network.

Watch out.  This is an opinionated group of women with a lot to say to the world.  Check out the first two posts by a new blogger named "D".  We will be adding additional blogs and additional writers as we begin to expand our message. Also while your on the site, make sure to check out a few of our network blogs at the top of the page.

Keep an eye out for another new blog soon to be up and running.....Smart Girl Report.  If you are interested in joining our network of authors and bloggers, please send an email to me at smartgirlpolitics@yahoo.com.

If you don't want to write, but want to be part of our new network, join us at the Smart Girl Politics Group.  You can be part of the discussion or join to network with other conservative women.

The First Conservative Battlefront: Immigration Reform?

Of all the subjects that went completely without debate or discussion throughout the election cycle, immigration appears to be at the top of the new administration's agenda. Why exactly was it that immigration was not mentioned during the Presidential debates? Could it be that there was no need for a debate?

What exactly did the former rivals have to say to each other today? Was immigration at the top of the discussion? Most speculators are waging their bets that immigration was, in fact, a key part of those discussions. John McCain is not the President-elect. However, he does have a chance to make one of his final marks on the country. What better way to redeem his legacy than to take one of his most famous bills that went down in flames a few years ago and push it through a new, more cooperative Congress.

Immigration reform is one of the key elements to the continuing success of the Democratic party. Should the Democratic party led by their most liberal captains push through an immigration reform bill that would grant amnesty to over twelve million people, it would all but guarantee the expansion of their voter rolls. They will not close our borders. We have seen proof of that in the last several years. They will fake it as usual and state one policy (build a fence) while they undermine it with another (no money to pay for that fence).

While it is extremely unlikely that you could ever deport twelve million people, it is also criminal to allow amnesty to those who broke our laws by coming here illegally. There has to be a way to protect our country from those who cross our borders with or without the direct threat to destroy it.

I respect John McCain. I voted for John McCain. However, I hope that John McCain does not make a deal in the shadows of secrecy that will further push him away from the Republicans that he represented in this election cycle. His legacy amongst his fellow party members would be better served by opposing such legistlation rather than supporting it.

If Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, et all chose to make this one of the first of their liberal agenda items, it will be the first test of a new Republican party. It will give conservatives a view of which team players are really in their court and which ones truly are RINOs. It will give all of the new conservative movements on line their first challenge of putting their mobilizing forces to use.

Get ready....the first fight of many may be just over the horizon and it doesn't look pretty.

"I Don't Think We Have The Votes!"...... Thank Goodness!

There may be a small chunk of goods news in the midst of all the bad bailout news.  It appears less likely that the Big 3 auto dealers will be seeing any chunk of change now or in the future.

Sen. Chris Dodd to ABC News:  "I want to help them if we can, but I'm not going to give anyone a blank check, so we're going to try and do something if we can next week.  I don't think the votes are there.  Candidly, I don't think we have the votes to get that done.  With no big change between now and next Wednesday, I'm skeptical."

The Democrats will need help from Republicans to "get it done" even in January. Republicans are less likely to agree to the deal after the last $700 billion bailout.  Could they actually have learned their lesson?  Republicans have stated that if they bailout the auto industry it will just be a matter of time before the next industry lines up.

It is even more crucial that at least one of the three Senate seats currently up for grabs remains in the hands of the Republican party.  Americans were angered by the last bailout and continue to watch their tax payer dollars being thrown at problems that aren't getting fixed.

We can hope that those so-called "blue-dog" Democrats can still hear their constituents screaming in their ears or we are going to have bigger problems in the near future than those we have today.

RNC Chair Up In The Air?

It could very well be the first battle of many on which direction the Republican party takes in the next 2-4 years.  Many names are being thrown out to lead the Republican National Committee.  It could be the decision that saves or kills the party itself.

Michael Steele has thrown his name into the mix.  Newt Gingrich for the time being has taken his name off the list.  Mike Duncan, the current RNC chair, has tipped his hat that he may run for re-election.  Fred Thompson seems to be sending out signals that he would take the job.  

Tonight it appears that Mike Huckabee will back his former campaign manager, Chip Saltman for the position.  He has not begun making formal calls on Chip's behalf, but has made a statement that Chip has his support for the position.

Angered by the results of the Presidential election in his state, current Michigan Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis took an original approach at announcing his desire to run for the position. Mr. Anuzis took the liberty of announcing his intention to run using the "Obama strategy" using Twitter, Facebook, and emails before a formal release tothe MSM.  Mr Anuzis is a techie who blogs on his website "That's Saul, Folks!"

Each have their own pros and cons, but regardless of who takes the position it is more important what they actually will do with the position.  The Republican party doesn't need new principles or ideas.  It needs a party that actually lives up to the ones they always have had.

The next RNC chair is going to have to be savvy.  They not only have to be the voice of the party, but they will also have to be the marketing, advertising, CEO, and community organizer (sorry..couldn't help myself) of the "new" Republican party.  Republicans are going to have to be smarter and more energizing of their base than they have been in the past.  They are going to have to target groups of voters that they have severely neglected in recent years.

Can the new chair save the GOP?  Let's see who wins and who the reach out to when they do!

Let them fail or we all fail.

Hello Congress.  In the last several months, you have cherry picked which companies survived and which ones failed.  You asked the American people for over $1 trillion with promises that it would loosen the financial constraints  currently being placed on the country. (It's not like we had a choice, but to give them this money.)

Unfortunately, it is time to let some, most, fail.  The companies are lining up to literally grease their pockets with tax payer dollars.  Today, American Express requested to become a deposit bank in order to qualify for some of that cash.  If I say I am a bank, will you give me some extra cash too?  I could use it right about now.

Next in line is the "big three".  Do we really need to save the auto industry too?  What happens if we let them fail?  It could actually be a win-win situation to let these companies fail. Throwing money at this industry is not going to solve the problems they are facing.  In fact, it will most likely make it worse.  If in fact we let them fail, the market will take care of the problem.  

The reason that American car manufacturers can no longer be competitive is because they are being dragged down by their unions.  Foreign car companies, who also employ a large number of American workers, are not beholden to the unions.  They are able to be more competitive and offer better cars at cheaper prices.  Every American made car has $1500 built into the price for health care costs to union members.  This amount doesn't include the pension plans that the unions have enforced onto these companies.

If these companies are allowed to fail, some will be gone for good, others will reorganize under Chapter 11, and other companies will step up and fill in the voids.  If we let them fail, it will send a signal to other companies and other industries.  It will force them to find alternative solutions and they will find those solutions.

If we bail out this industry now, next week there will be another dozen lined up with their hands out waving to Congress.  Where will it stop?  There was news today, that the US' credit rating may be lowered from "AAA."  It will cost us more to borrow from other countries.  Our debt will continue to rise and we will find ourselves in a weakened state of affairs.  I don't mean financially.

Unfortunately, they won't be allowed to fail.  The Democrats have too many favors to pay back to the unions.

What Do You Think About The New Look?

S.P.G. or Smart Girl Politics is under construction. For all of those who have been with me from the beginning, please share your thoughts and suggestions about the new look of the blog. You read my blog so your opinion matters.

I will be back with my regular posts this weekend. Thank you for a great four months.

Hey GOP - Wake Up and Pay Attention - You're Missing The Point!

In the wake of defeat, the Republican party is in retreat and regroup mode. Members of the party are jockeying for key new leadership roles, conservatives and moderates are currently meeting to redefine what the party is and what the party should become. Yet for all of the self-reflection, will they actually miss the point of their great loss?

The party is now in a battle with itself. Conservatives are challenging moderates to take back the party. Conservatives did not lose this election because they were conservative. Moderates did not win because they were moderates. The Republican party must go back to it's roots. It must go back to the good ole Reagan days. Unfortunately, in today's political climate it may not be enough.

The only voting block that Republicans won were white males. They lost the voting blocks of women, hispanics, and blacks. Now obviously with the first black candidate running for President of the United States, it was a vote that they were all but guaranteed to lose. However, without painting all of them with a broad stroke, most Hispanics are conservative by nature. The women's vote is one that should be a challenge, but is attainable with a little effort.

Yes, Sarah Palin was a great first step. However, if John McCain hadn't decided to throw that "hail-Mary pass", how long would it have taken the party to nominate a women for President or Vice-President. The fact of the matter is that Republican leadership has done a pitiful job of reaching out to women voters. There is no female bench in the Republican party. As great as Kay Bailey Hutchinson is, she can no longer be the token Conservative woman. Yes, there are a few others, but only one or two are known nationally.

Only 11% of the GOP's candidates for Congress this year were women (38 of 342 candidates were women). Eleven percent is pitiful to say it politely. I am not suggesting that there be a quota system set up, but there are extremely talented conservative women who need to be given the opportunity to not only run, but need to be given leadership roles in the party. No, Sarah Palin does not give the party a pass. She wasn't elected.............yet.

If the Republican party is going to truly have a chance to regroup and come back with a vengeance, it must actually change with the times and stop bowing to that "old boys network". They already have the white male vote in the bag. If they do not change now, the name for the future GOP should be the "grand ole dinosaur."

Thank You To Everyone.....Big Changes Are Coming Soon!

Thanks to all of my readers over the last three months.  Although the outcome was not what we had hoped, I personally had a lot of fun debating everyone and meeting so many new people.  It was even worth dealing with all of the Obama trolls on a daily basis.

I will be taking a few days off from posting anything major.  You will see minor changes in the works to prepare for some bigger ones coming soon.  I will be focusing in a new direction and reaching out to Conservative Women.  

Thank you to all of you who have already emailed me to join in the fun.  It looks like we will have a motivated and fun group going forward.  Check your email the first of next week and we can start putting some real changes to work.

Anyone interested in joining in a new Conservative Women's Movement, please contact me at smartgirlpolitics@yahoo.com.  It is time that we had a voice as Conservative Women.  It is apparent after this election that past organizations such as N.O.W. no longer have our best interests in mind.

It is up to us to speak up, be heard, and start making a difference in the future of the Republican party.  Thank you again for all of your support.  I look forward to everyone's feedback in the coming weeks and months.

Stacy

Stand Up and Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight....and Then Go Vote!

It is most likely a rare occurrence that anyone visiting this blog is an undecided voter. Most people who visit sites such as this are solidly in their camps. This final blog before election night is not to influence any one's vote, but to help remind you why you should do whatever you can tomorrow to get out the vote. Call at least five friends and make sure they got their behinds to the polls. After you vote, take your I voted sticker over to Starbucks and get your free cup of coffee.

Card Check: If we allow unions to go into business and bully employees with an open vote, we will open all small businesses to union intimidation. Small businesses will be forced to lay people off in order to have money to fight off the unions. We all know how well industries taken over by union have fared in history. (airlines, steel, and auto). The unions will be more powerful and even more influential in the Democratic party.

Taxes: If you think the tax threshold will remain at $250,000, you are naive. We have already heard Democratic surrogates lowering the expectations down to $120k. Do you think that was an accident? No way, they are softening the blow purposely. I had a friend of mine this evening, a small business owner, tell me that if Obama is elected he will be laying off two or three of his employees after January 1 to adjust for the tax increase he will feel. Do you work for a small company? Is your job safe under Obama's administration?

Fairness Doctrine: Say goodbye to Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham and all of your other favorite talk radio hosts. Just look at what Obama did to those newspapers who didn't endorse him. Shutting down opposing views is anti-American no matter which candidate you support.

Energy Independence: Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid will cave to their environmental extremists. We will never have energy independence under this threesome. They oppose drilling and will immediately place the ban back on off-shore drilling and will oppose drilling for gas or oil shale in the Rockies. The Democrats are against coal, nuclear power, and drilling. If you don't think your energy costs are going to go back up, think again.

Retirement/401k accounts: At the very least, the Democrats want to tax your contributions. If you employer matching funds are taxed as well, you most likely will not receive them again. The worst case scenario is that they will actually seize your retirement accounts and tie it to your social security. What happens if social security goes bankrupt?

These are not the only issue that are of concern under an Obama administration and both houses controlled by the same party. These are the final arguments for voting for McCain/Palin, but don't just vote. Paraphrasing the words of one John McCain:

Stand up and fight, never give up, never give in, stand up and fight, fight for what you believe in, fight, fight, fight.

Oh.......and go vote too.

Killing The Coal Industry Will Lead To Energy Independence?? Update: Video Added

On September 23, 2008, I wrote this blog detailing how Joe Biden stated there will be no more coal plants built in the US.  He stated that China can keep the coal plants over there.  His comments were made in response to an environmentalist's question why an Obama/Biden administration would use coal. Video proof of his comments were included.

The very next day, I posted this blog entry detailing how the members of the Coal Industry could very well determine who wins this election.  I wrote the entry in response to Al Gore's call that same day for students to show civil disobedience when new coal plants were being built around the country.  This entry also included statements by Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, saying that she was against coal because she was trying to "Save the planet."  As well as comments by Senate Leader, Harry Reid, stating how "coal was making us all sick."

If at any point in this election, you had doubts about where the leaders of the Democrat party stood on the issue of coal, this should settle it for you.  Today, a recording of Presidential candidate Barack Obama has surfaced stating how he will "bankrupt" the coal industry.  I have included the recording for you to hear it for yourself.

The one state where I have the most readers is Pennsylvania.  Most likely because I am a resident here as well, but I hope it is because I also understand the people here.  The coal industry is critical to the tri-state area (OH, PA, WV).  It is critical to the Ohio Valley more than anything.  This area is a large Democrat party stronghold.  I hope that they look at which party will be serving their self-interest in the next four years and skip over the rhetoric of the last two.

H/T Hotair.com  If you live in the areas affected by the coal industry, email this video to them today.  Send this video to your local newspapers and TV stations.  It is crucial that we know exactly where Barack Obama and the leaders of the Democrat party want to lead us.

UPDATE:  High five to the McCain/Palin campaign for jumping on this tape.  I am in a suburb of Pittsburgh and just received a robocall stating that the future of the coal industry is in jeopardy.  It tells you to listen to Barack Obama himself and then plays the tape above.  

UPDATE2:  Video of the conversation added below.  Again, h/t to Hotair.com.

Things I Just Don't Understand About Liberals....

Several years back, I considered myself a Democrat.  I would not say that I ever considered myself liberal.  Now, as a Conservative finding my way through this election I have truly tried to understand how the liberal mind works.  I have several liberals in my family and I want to understand where their opinions come from, but I have to say.......I am more perplexed than ever.

Liberals scream and yell about sexism and equal rights for women.  However, when they are actually faced with defending a woman, they chose to ignore abuse because it doesn't fit a certain mold.  They chose to elect a President who talks about equal pay, but pays his female staff less than his male staff. All the while chastising a man who actually picks a woman for the ticket.

Liberals scream and yell about how President Bush is trampling on their rights as Americans. They say President Bush has no right to eavesdrop on terrorists who are calling into our country. However, they see no issue with partisan government officials snooping into a citizen who dared to ask a question of a  presidential candidate.

Liberals scream and yell about hate crimes and racism when an effigy of Barack Obama is hung in the name of Halloween.  However, they see no issue in someone doing the same to an effigy of Sarah Palin.  Personally, I think it's despicable in both cases.

Liberals scream foul when Sarah Palin has the audacity to talk about pro-American parts of the country.  However, liberal Democrats have no issue calling parts of the country racist, redneck, or the ever loving term "fly-over country."

Liberals are scared to death of Republicans "suppressing" the vote by intimidation.  However they have no issue with Card Check which will allow direct intimidation in union voting.  They fight to have the homeless be allowed to use a park bench as a voting address, but fight not to accept military votes that left a signature off of a card that had no place for the signature in the first place.

Liberals are the first ones to join groups like P.E.T.A to defiantly defend animals.  However, have no objection to partial-birth abortion or abortion at all for that matter.

I do not see all Democrats as Liberals.  I believe they are a different breed to say the least.  I have more in common with the moderate Democrats than I would like to admit.  However, I believe that it is the part of the party that I listed above that has now taken over.  I only hope that those moderates with whom I have more common ground are the ones with the louder screams should Obama win this election.  

If Everything In This Election Favors Obama.......Why Can't He Close The Deal?

If you were a passive observer of this election, you may very well agree with the public polls that you see. You may believe that not only is Barack Obama going to be our next President, but that it will be a huge blow out in his favor.

You watch the news and see that Obama is planning his $2 million election party. You read that his campaign has already started his inauguration speech. You read how his transition team is preparing for his inevitable trip to the White House.

First, Barack Obama has raised over $600 million dollars. Everyone can agree that is a huge amount of money. It is impressive by any stretch of the imagination. He has used this large sum of money to his advantage. He has spent double, triple, sometimes quadruple the amount of money on ads in battlegrounds states than John McCain.

Second, Barack Obama has used the Internet to advance his campaign like no other in our history. The way that his campaign captured email and cell phone account numbers was amazing. Just think of all of the information they gathered with the announcement of his VP candidate. (they get a pass for screwing up the actual announcement)

Third, Obama's campaign has made huge gains in voter registration. We can argue all day and night about ACORN, but the fact is that they have increased their voter rolls. Even the homeless in Ohio can claim a park bench as a residency. The Democrats have widened their party identification by huge numbers this election season.

Finally, Obama has 70-90% of the media in the tank for him. Almost all of the research and polls done on this subject show that Obama has double the positive press than John McCain. Just looking at the magazine covers will give that fact away. All of the polls have been showing Obama way up.

At this point, Conservatives, Republicans, and McCain supporters should be feeling more than a little disenfranchised and ready to throw in the towels. But here's a little secret that will give you hope...more than hope....it should make you optimistic...no it should give you a warm and fuzzy feeling. Here it is....

For all of the information I just shared, Barack Obama is not above 50% in most polls. He isn't above 50% in most of the battleground polls. This week his campaign sent out requests that he needed just $10 more from each of his supporters to help him out.

If Barack Obama is on the verge of this great blowout, why is he spending so much time in Pennsylvania this week? Why does he have both Clintons in Pennsylvania this week? Why did he feel the need to buy 30-minutes of airtime on three major networks? Why are the Clinton traveling to New Hampshire this week? Why is Barack Obama spending so much money in Pennsylvania if he really has a 10-point lead in the state?

This race is far from over. The Obama campaign may be publicly spouting their confidence (I call it arrogance), but privately there is a completely different conversation going on. His team knows that going into the final days that he must keep his head above that 50% mark or he may very well lose this election that most have already said he won.

Ask yourself this question, if you cannot seal this deal with $600 million dollars, the press in the tank, a huge advantage in voter registration, and a ground game that equals no other, what exactly will it take for you to close this deal? Are you capable of closing this deal at all? At this point in the primaries, the undecided voters went overwhelmingly to Hillary Clinton.

Can John McCain still win this race?...........................You Betcha!!!!

Do You Really Want The Media To Hear You?....Are You Ready to Take A Stand?

On Wednesday night, Barack Obama will take thirty minutes of precious airtime from three of the major networks. CBS, NBC, and Fox will be broadcasting his half hour info-mercial beginning at 8:00 pm. Fox will be pushing the start of the world series game for fifteen minutes in order to air the commercial. They pushed back the World Series......that doesn't worry you?

Is anyone else creeped out by this whole media buy? I know there is a historical reference to Ross Perot doing the same thing during his campaign run, but I remember that being quite creepy as well. Will there be subliminal messages intertwined into the ad? Just kidding...or I am?

The only major news channel that is not running the Obama advertisement is ABC. For what ever reason, they will keep their struggling show, "Pushing Daisies" on at it's regular time. It really is a good show. It probably deserves getting an additional audience of hundreds of thousands that night.

If you really want to send the Main Stream Media a message, do not turn on those three channels Wednesday night. Do not turn it on for even one second. Do not TiVo or record it on your DVR. I know there will be the temptation to watch just out of curiosity, but fight the urge. You know it will be played and overplayed on the Internet afterwards. If you have to watch it, wait for the Internet.

Instead, make the conscious decision to watch ABC that night. Give Pushing Daisies a helping hand while telling Barack Obama, "thanks, but no thanks" at the same time. There are very few times in your life where you can make a real impact. This could be one of those times. Of course, the other is November 4th.

Are you going to stand up to the Main Stream Media or reward Obama's $3 million ad buy?

Breaking News......Obama Finally Sits Down To Answer Some Tough Questions!

Barack Obama is possibly eights days away from being elected as the next President of the United States. IF, he does become the next POTUS he will be one of the first candidates in history to do so without releasing some of the most important information about himself.

As of today, Senator Obama has not yet released his medical records, his Illinois State Senate records, his college history, or his birth certificate. It is amazing that the main stream media is worried about how much money was purchased on clothing for Sarah Palin, but has yet to ask for any of this information to be released.

Yesterday, news broke that Joe Biden finally had a few questions asked of him that he felt were tough. The Obama campaign's response was to blast the news anchor and cut her station off from any further interviews. I believe when Sarah Palin has been asked tough questions, she received the following:

"If she can't take tough questions from the news media, how can we expect her to handle Putin."

Well, don't worry everyone. We may finally be getting the answers about Barack Obama that we have been waiting for. No, really. This is BREAKING NEWS..........

According to ABC's Jake Tapper, Obama Shuns Press Conferences, Sits With 'EXTRA!'s' Mario Lopez.

If anyone can get the answers that we are so lacking from Senator Obama, it has to be Saved By The Bell's AC Slater. Come on...stop laughing! He was on Dancing With The Stars. I am sure he can get at least one of the answers to the questions we are asking.


STOP reading the POLLS......Get Out The Vote......Make Phone Calls...and DO NOT LET this man that we know so little about get away with taking this election. Life as you know it may depend on it.

Kiss Your 401k Good Bye!!

Have you looked at your 401k lately? Many of us have chosen not to look at the numbers and just ride this nasty wave out. After hearing the following information, you may want to look at it just in case the Democrats get the win they are planning November 4th.

As I wrote yesterday, the closer the election, the more the Democrats are coming out of their liberal shells. Barnie Frank, again filled with the gift to gab, gave us another inside look at the Democrats' agenda. How will they pay for the almost $1 trillion in new spending that they propose? The first way is to cut military spending by 25%. Does anyone else have concerns about cutting our military as Russia enters our waters to the south and Iran inches closer to nuclear weapons? I digress..that's a whole different post.

What's another way they could raise some money to fill up their social program coffers? How does seizing your 401k plans sound to you? Think it's far-fetched. Think again. Think Democrats aren't dumb enough to try it....we can only hope.

The Democrats are considering just this option should they take super majorities in both the House and Senate. Democrats have stated in recent months that they don't like tax-free deposits to 401k accounts. This is tax money that they could be using for other programs. According to US News & World Reports :

House Democrats recently invited Teresa Ghilarducci, a professor at the New School of Social Research, to testify before a subcommittee on her idea to eliminate the preferential tax treatment of the popular retirement plans. In place of 401(k) plans, she would have workers transfer their dough into government-created "guaranteed retirement accounts" for every worker. The government would deposit $600 (inflation indexed) every year into the GRAs. Each worker would also have to save 5 percent of pay into the accounts, to which the government would pay a measly 3 percent return. Rep. Jim McDermott, a Democrat from Washington and chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, said that since "the savings rate isn't going up for the investment of $80 billion [in 401(k) tax breaks], we have to start to think about whether or not we want to continue to invest that $80 billion for a policy that's not generating what we now say it should."

Do you have a 401k? Do you make less than $250k a year? Well apparently, if they chose this option, Obama's promise not to raise taxes on those making less than that will go out the window. Your company will no longer have incentive to participate in matching funds. Instead of the potential to receive thousands from your employer matching fund, the government will be happy to give you a measly $600 per year. Whoo Hoo.....start celebrating.

Your taxable income will go up because your retirement savings deposits will no longer be tax deferred. So yes, not only will you be paying more income tax, but state tax, local tax.....should I continue? If workers through their 401k accounts are no longer investing in the stock market, exactly what will that do to our stock market? What will that do to our economy?

The government has done such a great job with social security. Do you really want them controlling the one retirement plan that you currently control?

UPDATE:  I was originally going to add this tidbit to the post above, but left it out.  Argentina recently did this exact same thing.  They took control of all retirement plans, they have a different name for them.  Guess what happened to their stock market right after it happened?    IT LOST 26% IN ONE WEEK!  

I Love This Guy-Zo For President 2012!

Meet Zo. If you haven't seen him before? Where have you been? You want a little straight talk.....here you go. H/T The New Conservatives.

Attention Women For Palin: Be A Part Of History!!

My next article has been preempted by a little bit of history in the making.  I am inviting all of my female readers who support Governor Palin to join the Team Sarah Organization.  This organization will be making history this Saturday.

Team Sarah will make history this Saturday, October 25 from 11AM-1PM, by calling one million women voters in battleground states and invite them to participate in a live tele-townhall over the phone.  This has never been done before!  Imagine one million women voters on one phone call.

If you would like to be included in the call, sign up to be a member of Team Sarah and make sure to fill in your phone number in the profile section.  Your phone number will remain private and will only be used for this call.

Even if you don't want to be included in the call, join Team Sarah and be a part of history.  It is time to take a stand against the disgusting treatment that Governor Palin has received in the last few weeks.  This is your chance to stand up for her and be counted.  

I will return to my original blog tomorrow whenever my children allow me the time....it's a good one too.

Democrats Start Letting Their True Agenda Out of The Bag!

As the election approaches it's final days, it is easy to see that the Democrats believe they will not only win the Presidency, but also strong majorities in the House and Senate.  Do you want a tell-tale sign?  They are no longer trying to hide their true ideology, but are slowly putting it out in front of the world to see.

Although many felt that Barack Obama's slip with "Spread the Wealth" was accidental, I am beginning to think it was more cockiness.  He hasn't been the only one in recent days to come out of the liberal closet so to speak.  Just listen to the words of Democrats making their gleeful rounds on the media circuit.  

Barney Frank last week on CNBC said:

I think at this point, there needs to be an immediate increase in spending, and I think this is a time when deficit fear has to take a second, uh, a second seat.  I do think this is the time for a very important kind of dose of (unintelligible).  Yes, I think later on, there should be tax increases.  Speaking, personally, I think there are a lot of rich people out there who can tax at a point down the road to recover some of this money.

This week New Mexico Democrat Jeff Bingaman told a local radio stations the following:

"I would want this station and all stations to have to present a balance perspective and different points of view."

While the fairness doctrine sounds "fair" it's sole purpose is to rid talk radio of such personalities as Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and Laura Ingraham.  You don't see the Democrats referring to The New York Times, MSNBC, or CNN when they refer to the "Fairness" Doctrine. 

While I am sure Liberals will be jumping out of their seats at the chance to silence these conservatives, it should scare the crap out of independents and moderates.  You might as well be living in China listening to state run radio.  It won't be much different.

There are a few even scarier scenarios that are trickling out today.  Even if Obama doesn't take money from your paycheck, he is about to empty your wallet if elected........more on this tonight.

Something Interesting Is Going On Here In Pennsylvania!

Could John McCain actually win Pennsylvania? According to the latest polls, the answer should be a resounding.....NO. The Real Clear Politics poll average in Pennsylvania is currently at 11%. So, what exactly is going on here in PA?

An internal Democrat poll leaked to a radio personality at the end of last week, shows that the current set of public polls may be way off. This internal poll shows Barack Obama with a 2-point lead over John McCain. This is well within the margin of error. One could saythat is probably an outlier. Maybe....but there are a few tell-tale signs that suggest other wise.

First, John Murtha is doing everything he can to lose Western PA for Obama. He told the two major Pittsburgh newspapers that his part of the state are racists or do not like change. Then after apologizing for his comments, he opened his mouth again and stated that this part of the state are "rednecks". I guess he considers that an upgrade to racist. This may have a small impact on the polls, but a 8-11%. I don't think so. There has to be more to it than just Murtha.

Second, this is the one battle ground state where John McCain has his largest deficit. Why is he focused on PA? Why would he not spend more time and money in Iowa or Colorado or even New Mexico where the polls don't show quite a dramatic gap? John McCain and Sarah Palin will make four stops here in three days. Palin has added a stop in Beaver, a Democrat strong-hold, on Thursday. This was just added to the schedule today.

Third, in a new CNN article tonight, "Rendell "still a little nervous" about Penn., asks Obama to return. If the public polls are correct, why is Rendell so nervous? The article states:

Rendell said the McCain campaign is clearly making a push to win Pennsylvania, given the recent visits by the Arizona senator, his wife and his running mate. As a result, he wants Obama to appear in western Pennsylvania, Harrisburg and one more “large rally” in Philadelphia.

Democrats generally worry that the race is significantly closer than what recent polls have suggested. According to Rendell, there is also worry among Democrats the McCain campaign has successfully raised the enthusiasm level among Republicans in the state.

It appears he is not the only one nervous. Several union leaders have stated that they are facing resistance from their members to voting for Obama. Teachers Unions have been on the phones to their members as well taking polls to gauge which candidate has their support.

With this information, it begs the question......If the polls in Pennsylvania are off by 9 points, what do other internal state polls look like? If you add even a five point error in McCain's favor to most state polls, Obama loses the election.

$63 Million In "Questionable" Obama Campaign Donations?

Ken Timmerman from Newsmax has been looking into recent donations to the Obama campaign and came up with some interesting tidbits. Could $63 million of Barack Obama's campaign donations have come from Foreign Sources?

John McCain has made his complete list of donors, even those giving under $200, available on line for all to see. The question is......why does Barack Obama's campaign continue to hide these contributors?

During the Newsmax investigation, there continue to be numerous donors who have given well over the allowed amount by the FEC. Some of the donors did have money returned to them, but there are more questions about these donors than answers.
But many of the donors Newsmax canvassed said they had “never” been contacted by the Obama campaign or seen any refunds, even though their contributions went over the limit months ago. In all, Newsmax found more than 2,000 donors who had contributed in excess of the $4,600 limit for individuals per election cycle.

Such donations, if not returned within 60 days, are a clear violation of federal campaign finance laws. Lisa Handley, a stay-at-home mom from Portland, Ore., recalled giving $4,600 to the Obama campaign by credit card, contributions she made because “I love Obama,” she said. According to FEC records, however, she gave an additional $2,300 to the campaign, putting her over the limit.

The Obama campaign reported that it had “redesignated” the excess money, which could mean that it had contributed it to a separate party committee or a joint fundraising committee, which have higher limits. But if that happened, it’s news to Handley. “No one ever contacted me to return any of the money or told me they were redesignating some of the money,” she said.

The Obama campaign continues to hide it's donor list. Of their 2.5 million donors the campaign claims to have, they have kept 2 million of them secret. What's with all of their secrets? How many people have now come forward claiming that their credit cards have been charged $2300 without their permission by the Obama campaign?

How many people have had contributions made using their names in order to bypass the FEC? Do they truly have 2.5 million donors or are some of these aliases? Is this a huge fraud being perpetrated on our country....in addition to ACORN? According to the Newsmax article:

But there’s one problem with the Obama data: Sharpe doesn’t remember giving that much money to the Obama campaign in the first place, nor does he recall anyone from the campaign ever contacting him to return money. “At the end, I was making monthly payments,” he told Newsmax. The Obama campaign records do not show any such payments.

You can't help to ask questions about the dollar amounts. $150 million in one month in the middle of what this country has gone through in the last month is very interesting. Do you think there is any point in which we will find out about where these donations have been coming from?

Vetting The Media........What's In Couric, Olbermann, Matthews Closets?

There should be no doubt that the media has inserted itself into this election.  The final straw came this week when the New York Times reporter sent a message to friends of John McCain's youngest daughter through Facebook looking for dirt on her mother.

Heaven forbid that a normal citizen ask Barack Obama a question without having his entire life history thrown throughout the media like tabloid trash.  Joe The Plumber did not seek out Barack Obama to ask him a question.  He was simply playing football in his front yard with his son.

Barack Obama, along with his media pals, came to Joe's neighborhood to do some door-to-door campaigning.  The man asked Obama a simple question.  It was Barack Obama who showed his true colors by stating that he wanted to "spread the wealth". 

Now in the blink of an eye, poor Joe has been trashed up and down.  He can no longer continue working as a plumber in Ohio.  The media has taken away his ability to support his son.  This guy is an average Joe.  It could have been any of us that asked him a question that day.  Imagine how you would feel if the media had gone through your personal life.

Since the media continues to fail it's one duty....to be objective, they have in essence become part of the campaign itself.  So why shouldn't they get their turn at being vetted.  I am not sure that two wrongs make a right, but I have to tell you.......I will be happy to read the dirt.

There is now a new website that intends to vet that same media that has taken it upon themselves to vet Joe the Plumber.  The new website is http://mediavetting.com.  The site was only started on Friday so it is still in the infancy stage.  They have already received hundreds of volunteer requests and are currently taking any tips regarding media personalities.

If the media has the right to vet or not vet a candidate, do we have the right to vet or not vet the media?

WOW....A Politician Who Doesn't Apologize For Being American

Yesterday, I listened to Joe the Plumber give a press conference.  One of the most important things he had to say is that he is tired of politicians bashing Americans.  He said that it angered his friends and neighbors.  They aren't the only ones angry about American being bashed from within.  Here is yet another reason, why Sarah Palin has so much support.  

Does it not make you stop and think that poor Joe the Plumber is getting the same treatment from the media and Obamabots that Sarah Palin received?  H/T again to Hotair.com

One Reason Why Sarah Palin Can Draw A Crowd of 20,0000

I have been a supporter of Governor Palin before she was even on the short list. I have many people who ask why we support her and what she can contribute. This video will give you just one small reason why 20,000 people show up to her rallies.  This is a far cry from those that are shown on other media yelling things from the crowd.  It also shows that she is genuine.  You can't teach it and you certainly cannot fake it. H/T...Hotair.com

You Know It's Time For Election Season To Be Over When.....

Today, my 4-year old's principal told me that he had them in stitches laughing today.  Now, if you knew my little boy, you would know that there were probably a million different stories that she could have told me.  If this story doesn't tell you that it's time for the election season to be over......

The principle told me that my little boy had informed the staff and his fellow classmates that he had a new girlfriend.  He told them that his new girlfriend was none other than............Governor Palin.  Not Sarah Palin, but Governor Palin.  He went on to tell them what a nice person she is and that he thought she was pretty.

In my defense, I had met the Governor at a rally right after she was announced and have pictures of her on my camera.  He is able to identify Governor Palin and John McCain on TV which I guess is more than we can say about some of the Obama supporters............just kidding.

Let Freedom Ring Starts It's $5 Million Ad Campaign In Battle Ground States.....The Chicken Button Included.

The group, Let Freedom Ring announced today that it is kicking off a $5 million three-part radio and television spot campaign. It is the largest single ad campaign by an outside group this election cycle.
It will run in three parts in battleground states. The differences with these ads are that they are simple, to the point, and get the word out. You can read their press release here for all of the details. Here are a few of the best ads.....all of them are available on Youtube.

The Chicken Button-By Barack Obama

Thanks to the Patriot Room for showing me this great video:

A Vote For Obama Is A Vote For............President Bush?

For those of you who believe that John McCain will be the third term of George Bush, did you know that Barack Obama may be a George Bush too? There is a great article on CNN.com by Tara Wall. In the article Tara Wall describes 20 policies that Barack Obama has agreed with or supported President Bush. You can find the whole article here.

I thought I would share a few of the highlights.

3. Budgets: Obama voted for Bush's budgets, which included 19 spending bills.

**This is hardly surprising as this is one of the biggest Bush policies that Obama would likely continue. It is also one of the biggest thing I and most other fiscal conservatives will cringe at the most.

7. Energy: In signing the $12.3 billion Energy Policy Act of 2005, Bush said it "promotes dependable, affordable, and environmentally sound production and distribution of energy for America's future." Obama voted for the energy plan and called it a "first step toward decreasing America's dependence on foreign oil."

**Ironically this is the one that John McCain voted against because it gave too big of tax breaks to big oil companies......and yet Barack Obama had no issue voting for tax breaks for "Big Oil"......until he needed to run against big oil in his campaign rhetoric.

9. FISA: Of the Senate bill passage that rewrote intelligence laws to grant immunity to telecommunications companies that participated in the Bush administration's wiretapping program, Bush said: "This vital intelligence bill will allow our national security professionals to quickly and effectively monitor the plans of terrorists outside the United States, while respecting the liberties of the American people."

Obama, who supported it, after opposing FISA last year, said: "Given the grave threats that we face, our national security agencies must have the capability to gather intelligence and track down terrorists before they strike, while respecting the rule of law and the privacy and civil liberties of the American people." Almost identical, huh? Are we sure they don't share the same speechwriter? But Obama did take heat for his change of heart, as The Washington Post reported that: "The Illinois senator's reversal on the issue has angered liberal groups." Guess you can't please everyone.

**Isn't this the one big campaign promise that Obama made to his supporters in the primaries? This was one of the biggest issues that won him the nomination. Yet, he had no issue changing his position after securing the nomination. If he broke this promise to his most loyal supporters what will he do to the rest of us.

15. National security: Obama voted yes on preauthorizing the much ballyhooed Patriot Act, sought by the Bush administration.

**And yet another betrayal of his supporters. Isn't this one of the biggest reasons that liberals hate President Bush.


I don't want to be snarky on this issue, but there is such hatred for President Bush. I disagree with Bush's economic policies. I don't believe he handled the war as well as it should have been after we went in there. The fact is that you will never agree with everything any politician does, but you can always find something to agree on.