Local Heros at CPAC-2010
South Florida is well represented this year at CPAC. Marco Rubio gave the keynote address, Ed Lynch spoke at a panel on illegal immigration, and Allen West had both a panel on Jihad as well as a 15 minute address on Saturday afternoon. Watch their speeches here.
(NOTE: You can watch the CPAC Finale with Glenn Beck HERE)
Also, check out the Post on Politics stories on Allen West and Edward Lynch.
Marco Rubio
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Edward Lynch
Lt. Colonel Allen West
Rubio/Crist to debate on Fox News Sunday on March 28th
Marco Rubio promised Fox News Sunday the first debate. Charlie Crist is trying to force him to go onto Meet the Press at an earlier date, however Rubio is holding fast to his promise. See Rubio/Crist debates.
A good essay on the people, teaparties and progressivism
There are more similarities between the Boston Teaparty and the current grassroots teaparties than most acknowledge. The Progressive Movement, beginning with President Wilson, has made the government less accountable to the people. This has only increased since then. The author explains why in Party Like It’s 1773.
Ed Lynch Volunteers Needed for Lake Worth and Boynton Beach Area
This is from Kathy Robbins of the Ed Lynch Campaign
We are creating a team to get out the vote for Ed Lynch in the Lake Worth, Boynton Beach area. We are looking for people who live in area gated communities (or know anyone who does!) as well as those willing to distribute Ed’s literature to small businesses. We have several projects going and our needs are varied so there is a place for everyone willing to give some time (even a couple of hours) to this important election in the next 57 days. But please sign up now so we can get organized! Also, anyone you know who may be willing to help is welcome! Just contact me at kathy@electlynch.com
Looking forward to working with you!
Kathy Robbins
After you hear Elizabeth’s story – join her in making a statement!
Elizabeth Andrijauskas stands up for America Monday through Saturday every day rain or shine. The South Florida 912 group had a rally for Elizabeth in January, surprising her on the corner of 441 and Okeechobee. They’ve decided to make it a monthly meetup.
Details can be found here.
RNC Chief Courts Grass Roots Leaders
According to the Washington Post, about 50 leaders of grass roots groups are meeting with RNC Chairman Michael Steele and top party “operatives” tomorrow in Washington. Karin Hoffman, the South Florida leader of DC Works for US is quoted in the story:
Karin Hoffman, founder of DC Works For Us, a South Florida tea party group, said she initiated the meeting by approaching Steele last month and asking him to sit down with a range of tea party organizers.
She said her goal is to open a civil dialogue with the GOP leadership, but she dismissed any suggestion that tea party groups would merge with the Republican Party. “From the get-go, the grass-roots movement emerged from people desiring to be heard and not feeling like their voices are being heard in Washington,” Hoffman said in an interview. “This is the beginning of a formal discussion with the political establishment.”
Read the full story HERE, and the local update in Post on Politics HERE, and the Politico take on it HERE.
Two Great Programs – Wednesday, February 24. RSVP Today!
Bring a FRIEND…
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
“America, Wake Up!”
Lunch – Bear Lakes Country Club
EDWARD J. “ED” LYNCH
Winner of FL District 19 Republican Primary
and
ELIZABETH ANDRIJAUSKAS
From Ukraine / sign holder at 441 and Okeechobee
11:30am Meet & Greet 12:00 Program Begins
$20 Members $25 Guests
No Jeans/ Cell Phones
Evening – DUFFY’s on VILLAGE
Wednesday is the RIGHT NIGHT for Republican Camaraderie.
Keep the fire burning. Take back our country.
5:30 to 7 p.m.
$5 Members and Guests
RSVP by noon Mon Feb 22 (561) 697-4911—BA Starkey
or e-mail: info@gopclubpb.com
RENEW your membership or JOIN Today!
Register on our NEW WEBSITE: gopclubpb.org
The Blue Model
So much of the news and opinion that is offered today on cable news and blog sites has an agenda. Right or left, it seeks to persuade, to ridicule, to bend the facts and the authors observations to fit the “narrative”. Because of this, it takes a lot of searching to find cogent analysis that is both objective and compelling, from sources of the opposite persuasion than your own. When I find such, it is always with delight.
Walter Russell Mead is unabashedly a liberal thinker. The Henry Kissinger senior fellow for US foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, and both a graduate and professor at Yale, he has been a lifelong democrat. In recent days, writing in the American Interest Online blog, he has published two pieces on what he calls “The Blue Model” – a name for the social and economic organization of the US since Franklin Roosevelt, characterized by stable employment, government regulation of business, and ever increasing standard of living. In the 70’s of course, the “Blue Model” started its descent into chaos and political polarization. His articles explore the reasons for this and hint at what is to come.
In the first, American Challenges: The Blue Model Breaks Down, he explains the model and the reasons for its decline, and then in Feeding the Blue Beast, he explores the dangers this poses to the democratic party, and what could be in our future.
He concludes:
What we really need in this country is a new generation of post-blue wonks who can think intelligently and creatively about how to dismantle the old structures and replace them with something that works. The political party that can figure this out and build a constituency for the massive and, inevitably, sometimes painful and disruptive restructuring this requires owns the future.
Highly recommended reading.
You Can Make a Difference
My thoughts:
After reading the below article from Kitty Werthmann, I sat down and starting composing this letter, not sure why.
The last few times I have seen a play at The Kravis, I’ve thought of “The Sound of Music” – everyone quietly enjoying a production while something dreadful was happening to their country. It also reminds me of the illustration of putting a live frog in warm water and he is so comfortable, he won’t jump out as you turn up the heat!
During Christmas, I was asked why I was fearful (due to my comments about our country’s leadership and choices that are being made). I am not fearful for myself, nothing can come to me that hasn’t first passed through the nail-scarred hands. I am deeply concerned for my country, the USA that was established on Judea/Christian believes and the Word of God. I’m concerned that my children, and especially my grandchildren, will not enjoy the freedoms that my grandparents, parents, myself and earlier generations enjoyed and experienced.
About 10 years ago, I was convinced, as a Christian, I could not quietly watch as our country’s moral fabric was being torn to shreds. Church’s cannot hide behind the fear of loss of tax breaks and/or their generous congregation deciding not to be so generous. (When asking a church to hold a nonpartisan voter registration drive on the 4th of July, the response was, “No, it would offend members.”) If our churches are teaching the Word of God – they must teach the truth and arm their Christian Soldiers with their rights and the Truth.
Over and over again, through out history – one person has made a difference, for good or bad. You can make a difference for GOOD. It is past time to stand up for what you believe is right. Yes, you have more on your schedule than you can possibly achieve. Not to be an alarmist, there are plenty out there, but this could truly be the most important item on your blackberry. Take a few minutes, a few days a week, and learn about your country and community. Learn about our Founding Fathers. Learn about the Political Parties. Learn about our elected officials – at all levels. Do not let the enemy tell you that you can’t make a difference. You can.
To be honest with you, I am sick of politicians. Most promise everything and deliver nothing. It appears their number one objective is to get re-elected, earmarks, lies and power. I have learned over the years, is it doesn’t matter how suave and debonair they appear, what matters is their soul. Are they a man/woman of character and integrity? With whom have they surrounded themselves? What are their core values? Do they change their beliefs depending on polls? Are they running for election to serve you or to serve themselves? Do they answer your questions or do they “spin”. Ah, that means you have to be asking them questions. Guess what, you can ask questions. Take time to call, write and attend events where candidates are speaking. We must hold them accountable. They work for us, We are the People!
If you would like ideas on how to get started, please attend our meetings and we will get you educated and prepared to make a difference. I stand amazed, my parents were in high school during WWII. It wasn’t that long ago.
Let Freedom Ring!
Kitty Werthmann, 77, of Pierre, is president of the South Dakota Eagle Forum. She lobbies the state Legislature on family issues. She has lived in the United States since 1950 and has been a U.S. citizen since 1962.
“The TRUTH is true even if no one believes it. A LIE, on the other hand, is Not True, even if Everyone believes it.” anonymous
America, Truly is the Greatest Country in the World. Don’t Let Freedom Slip Away
By: Kitty Werthmann (An Austrian who witnessed what took place under Hitler)
What I am about to tell you is something you’ve probably never heard or read in history books.
I am an eyewitness to history. I cannot tell you that Hitler took Austria by tanks and guns; it would distort history. We elected him by a landslide – 98% of the vote. I’ve never read that in any American publications. Everyone thinks that Hitler just rolled in with his tanks and took Austria by force. In 1938, Austria was in deep Depression. Nearly one-third of our workforce was unemployed. We had 25% inflation and 25% bank loan interest rates. Farmers and business people were declaring bankruptcy daily. Young people were going from house to house begging for food. Not that they didn’t want to work; there simply weren’t any jobs. My mother was a Christian woman and believed in helping people in need. Every day we cooked a big kettle of soup and baked bread to feed those poor, hungry people – about 30 daily. The Communist Party and the National Socialist Party were fighting each other. Blocks and blocks of cities like Vienna , Linz , and Graz were destroyed. The people became desperate and petitioned the government to let them decide what kind of government they wanted. We looked to our neighbor on the north, Germany , where Hitler had been in power since 1933. We had been told that they didn’t have unemployment or crime, and they had a high standard of living. Nothing was ever said about persecution of any group — Jewish or otherwise. We were led to believe that everyone was happy. We wanted the same way of life in Austria . We were promised that a vote for Hitler would mean the end of unemployment and help for the family. Hitler also said that businesses would be assisted, and farmers would get their farms back. Ninety-eight percent of the population voted to annex Austria to Germany and have Hitler for our ruler. We were overjoyed, and for three days we danced in the streets and had candlelight parades. The new government opened up big field kitchens and everyone was fed. After the election, German officials were appointed, and like a miracle, we suddenly had law and order. Three or four weeks later, everyone was employed. The government made sure that a lot of work was created through the Public Work Service.
Hitler decided we should have equal rights for women. Before this, it was a custom that married Austrian women did not work outside the home. An able-bodied husband would be looked down on if he couldn’t support his family. Many women in the teaching profession were elated that they could retain the jobs they previously had been required to give up for marriage. Hitler Targets Education – Eliminates Religious Instruction for Children:
Our education was nationalized. I attended a very good public school.. The population was predominantly Catholic, so we had religion in our schools. The day we elected Hitler (March 13, 1938), I walked into my schoolroom to find the crucifix replaced by Hitler’s picture hanging next to a Nazi flag. Our teacher, a very devout woman, stood up and told the class we wouldn’t pray or have religion anymore. Instead, we sang “Deutschland, Deutschland, Uber Alles,” and had physical education. Sunday became National Youth Day with compulsory attendance. Parents were not pleased about the sudden change in curriculum. They were told that if they did not send us, they would receive a stiff letter of warning the first time. The second time they would be fined the equivalent of $300, and the third time they would be subject to jail. The first two hours consisted of political indoctrination. The rest of the day we had sports. As time went along, we loved it. Oh, we had so much fun and got our sports equipment free. We would go home and gleefully tell our parents about the wonderful time we had. My mother was very unhappy. When the next term started, she took me out of public school and put me in a convent. I told her she couldn’t do that and she told me that someday when I grew up, I would be grateful. There was a very good curriculum, but hardly any fun – no sports, and no political indoctrination. I hated it at first but felt I could tolerate it. Every once in a while, on holidays, I went home. I would go back to my old friends and ask what was going on and what they were doing. Their loose lifestyle was very alarming to me. They lived without religion. By that time unwed mothers were glorified for having a baby for Hitler. It seemed strange to me that our society changed so suddenly. As time went along, I realized what a great deed my mother did so that I wasn’t exposed to that kind of humanistic philosophy. Equal Rights Hits Home:
In 1939, the war started and a food bank was established. All food was rationed and could only be purchased using food stamps. At the same time, a full-employment law was passed which meant if you didn’t work, you didn’t get a ration card, and if you didn’t have a card, you starved to death. Women who stayed home to raise their families didn’t have any marketable skills and often had to take jobs more suited for men. Soon after this, the draft was implemented. It was compulsory for young people, male and female, to give one year to the labor corps. During the day, the girls worked on the farms, and at night they returned to their barracks for military training just like the boys. They were trained to be anti-aircraft gunners and participated in the signal corps. After the labor corps, they were not discharged but were used in the front lines. When I go back to Austria to visit my family and friends, most of these women are emotional cripples because they just were not equipped to handle the horrors of combat. Three months before I turned 18, I was severely injured in an air raid attack. I nearly had a leg amputated, so I was spared having to go into the labor corps and into military service. Hitler Restructured the Family Through Daycare:
When the mothers had to go out into the work force, the government immediately established child care centers.. You could take your children ages 4 weeks to school age and leave them there around-the-clock, 7 days a week, under the total care of the government. The state raised a whole generation of children. There were no motherly women to take care of the children, just people highly trained in child psychology. By this time, no one talked about equal rights. We knew we had been had.. Health Care and Small Business Suffer Under Government Controls:
Before Hitler, we had very good medical care. Many American doctors trained at the University of Vienna .. After Hitler, health care was socialized, free for everyone. Doctors were salaried by the government. The problem was, since it was free, the people were going to the doctors for everything. When the good doctor arrived at his office at 8 a.m., 40 people were already waiting and, at the same time, the hospitals were full. If you needed elective surgery, you had to wait a year or two for your turn. There was no money for research as it was poured into socialized medicine. Research at the medical schools literally stopped, so the best doctors left Austria and emigrated to other countries.
As for healthcare, our tax rates went up to 80% of our income. Newlyweds immediately received a $1,000 loan from the government to establish a household. We had big programs for families. All day care and education were free. High schools were taken over by the government and college tuition was subsidized. Everyone was entitled to free handouts, such as food stamps, clothing, and housing.. We had another agency designed to monitor business. My brother-in-law owned a restaurant that had square tables. Government officials told him he had to replace them with round tables because people might bump themselves on the corners. Then they said he had to have additional bathroom facilities. It was just a small dairy business with a snack bar. He couldn’t meet all the demands. Soon, he went out of business. If the government owned the large businesses and not many small ones existed, it could be in control. We had consumer protection. We were told how to shop and what to buy. Free enterprise was essentially abolished. We had a planning agency specially designed for farmers. The agents would go to the farms, count the live-stock, and then tell the farmers what to produce, and how to produce it. “Mercy Killing” Redefined:
In 1944, I was a student teacher in a small village in the Alps . The villagers were surrounded by mountain passes which, in the winter, were closed off with snow, causing people to be isolated. So people intermarried and offspring were sometimes retarded. When I arrived, I was told there were 15 mentally retarded adults, but they were all useful and did good manual work. I knew one, named Vincent, very well. He was a janitor of the school. One day I looked out the window and saw Vincent and others getting into a van. I asked my superior where they were going. She said to an institution where the State Health Department would teach them a trade, and to read and write. The families were required to sign papers with a little clause that they could not visit for 6 months. They were told visits would interfere with the program and might cause homesickness. As time passed, letters started to dribble back saying these people died a natural, merciful death. The villagers were not fooled. We suspected what was happening. Those people left in excellent physical health and all died within 6 months. We called this euthanasia. The Final Steps – Gun Laws: Next came gun registration. People were getting injured by guns. Hitler said that the real way to catch criminals (we still had a few) was by matching serial numbers on guns. Most citizens were law abiding and dutifully marched to the police station to register their firearms. Not long after-wards, the police said that it was best for everyone to turn in their guns. The authorities already knew who had them, so it was futile not to comply voluntarily. No more freedom of speech. Anyone who said something against the government was taken away.. We knew many people who were arrested, not only Jews, but also priests and ministers who spoke up. Totalitarianism didn’t come quickly, it took 5 years from 1938 until 1943, to realize full dictatorship in Austria .. Had it happened overnight, my countrymen would have fought to the last breath. Instead, we had creeping gradualism. Now, our only weapons were broom handles. The whole idea sounds almost unbelievable that the state, little by little eroded our freedom. After World War II, Russian troops occupied Austria. Women were raped, preteen to elderly. The press never wrote about this either. When the Soviets left in 1955, they took everything that they could, dismantling whole factories in the process. They sawed down whole orchards of fruit, and what they couldn’t destroy, they burned. We called it The Burned Earth. Most of the population barricaded themselves in their houses. Women hid in their cellars for 6 weeks as the troops mobilized. Those who couldn’t; paid the price. There is a monument in Vienna today, dedicated to those women who were massacred by the Russians. This is an eye witness account. “It’s true….those of us who sailed past the Statue of Liberty came to a country of unbelievable freedom and opportunity.. America Truly is the Greatest Country in the World. Don’t Let Freedom Slip Away “After America , There is No Place to Go”
Please forward this message to other voters who may not have it.
Allen West in First Round of NRCC “Young Gun” Candidate
Washington-The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that ten Republican candidates have reached ‘Young Gun’ status, the top tier of the Committee’s three-level Young Guns recruitment program. These candidates have reached the third and final step by establishing a clear path to victory through their ability to build a formidable campaign structure and achieve important goals and benchmarks.
To read more: Go Here