We discussed a variety of different topics including state spending, property taxes, the Iowa Supreme Court ruling, abortion, what his priorities would be as Governor, our growing prison population, and why he decided to run.

One thing I certainly learned is that if you want to know what Chris thinks, just ask.  Also of all of the candidates running I would classify  him as the policy wonk of the bunch.  Especially when it comes to the budget.  He has also been talking up providing specific ideas for state government, and has many of those ideas listed at 99 Ideas.org.

I’m including the slightly edited audio of our meeting today, and will transcribe our conversation and post that periodically as I am able.  No promises for a time frame.

That is the key to history. Terrific energy is expended – civilizations are built up – excellent institutions are devised; but each time something goes wrong. Some fatal flow always brings the selfish and cruel people to the top and it all slides back into misery and ruin. Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis

The question has been posed, “Is conservatism moving farther to the right?” Many believe it is and argue that this is what is wrong with the Republican Party and detrimental to America’s progress. Yet historically, history repeats itself and what begins as right, true and moral generally moves away from its foundational beginning and disintegrates into ruin.

America’s founding documents were based on what many through out history have relied upon as a solid foundation for Truth and Goodness. The Constitution is what American law and structure is resting on, but deeper still is the bedrock on which this document is built upon.

Oral tradition and written law, all have what in the Bible is called the Ten Commandments. Every civilization dating back to pre-history has been influenced by a set of foundational moral standards and upon these, civilizations have flourished. It is only when a society begins to move away from these foundational truths and justify this movement in the name of progress, does that society turn the corner of progress and begin to decompose from the inside out.

America’s foundational document was Biblical law and morality and the movement away from this is what has sparked the notion that the Right is moving more right. Yet Truth – Bedrock, does not move and those foundational truths still ring true for most. Conservatism has always been embedded on this Rock.

The argument can be better made that the bedrock of morality and ethics and our Constitution remains firm, weathering all tides of ideology and political philosophy, but it is the people who choose to move away from this moral standard, redefining terms to fit their agenda, lifestyle or political persuasion.

Great societies rise and fall on their ability to remain true to its origin. Most however fall because its citizens become complacent in protecting the very foundation on which their lives are built. Human nature falls into complacent slumber when all appears to be well, allowing the enemy of apathy and ignorance to take hold and draw away in the name of progress. When this happens, the decline of that once great society becomes apparent as those who rule no longer appeal to the bedrock of Truth but appeal to the swaying emotions of a people. The leaders argue not from a position of unchanging morality but of the ever changing needs as reflected by a society grasping for security from its government and not from a position of solid foundational Truth.

As C. S. Lewis stated above, history is the key. The fatal flaw begins when humans move away from Goodness and Truth as found in the Bible, and create a society that relies on changing winds and financial tides. If Truth is indeed unchanging, then why do we elect those who change with every wind of ideology, whose lives stand for everything but Truth and whose lips whisper only those things that tickle the ears of the ignorant and the apathetic.

Pertinent Info:

Barnes & Noble
Southern Hills Mall
4400 Sergeant Road
Sioux City, IA 51106
1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2009

I’m thinking road trip unless she comes closer.  It had to be about as far away as you can get from Des Moines while still being in the state.  Car pool anyone?

HT: Josh Painter

President Ronald Reagan on June 12, 1987 gave an address in front of the Brandenberg Gate in West Berlin:

There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace.

General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate.

Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate.

Mr. Gorbachev — Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

Video excerpt of that famous speech:

And two years later the wall did fall.

President Obama decided that since he isn’t running for President anymore that he doesn’t need to go to the Berlin Wall, nor would it fit with an apology tour.  Governor Sarah Palin does understand, however, the importance of this anniversary noting on Facebook early this morning:

Twenty years ago, the ultimate symbol of the division between freedom and tyranny was torn down. The Berlin Wall was constructed for one purpose: to prevent the escape of East Germans to the freedom of the West. The Wall’s cold, gray façade was a stark reminder of the economic and political way of life across the Soviet Union’s sphere of influence in Eastern Europe.

Ronald Reagan never stopped regarding the Berlin Wall as an affront to human freedom. When so many other American leaders and opinion makers had come to accept its presence as inevitable and permanent, Reagan still hammered away at the Wall’s very premise in human tyranny, until finally the Wall itself was hammered down. Its downfall wasn’t the work of Reagan alone. Our president’s actions were joined with the brave acts of many individuals who stood firm and united in facing the Soviet Union. The Berlin Wall came down because millions of people behind the Iron Curtain refused to accept the fate of enslavement and their supporters in the West refused to accept that the “captive nations” would remain captive forever.

Though that long, tragic episode in human history had come to a close finally with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, it wasn’t the “end of history” or the end of conflict as some had hoped. New conflicts confront us today throughout the world which call for courage and resolve and dedication to freedom. The new democracies and market economies that have emerged in Central and Eastern Europe still require our friendship and alliances as they continue to seek security, prosperity, and self-determination. But as we reflect on present and future challenges, let’s take time to celebrate the anniversary of this awesome victory for freedom. The downfall of that cold, gray concrete Wall should be a lesson to us in hope. Nothing is inevitable. Tyranny is no match for the hope and resolve of those who work and fight for freedom.

- Sarah Palin

Now if only our current President would understand what President Reagan knew and Governor Palin recognizes that we need “courage and resolve and dedication to freedom.”  We need it in Afghanistan, and we need it with the threats we now face with Iran and North Korea.

Related, see this article at the UK’s Daily Mail Online by Melanie Phillips: “We were fools to think the fall of the Berlin Wall had killed off the far Left.  They’re back – and attacking us from within.”

I was very impressed by Governor Pawlenty’s ability to connect with his audience.  I appreciated his sense of humor, and he promoted conservative values in a straight forward way.  He reminded us that we have 37 gubernatorial races next year.  That America sees the need for a comeback and asked, “are we fired up and ready to fight back?”  Some quotes that I particularly liked:

• “Aren’t you embarrassed when the Secretary of State goes to China on bended knee to ask them to buy our debt?”
• “Aren’t you embarrassed that the President of France lectures us about appeasement?”
• “The United States of America is not a beggar nation.”
• My personal favorite of the night – “The only thing growing faster than the national debt is Chris Matthews’ man crush on Barack Obama.”

He then talked about his record in Minnesota which one year he set the record for the most vetoes in a year as he was trying to cut spending.  It is pretty evident he is positioning himself for a 2012 run, and I think he would make an interesting candidate.

Some other Pawlenty coverage:

• Over at The Iowa Independent – Jason Hancock mentions that Pawlenty took heat for endorsing Doug Hoffman in NY 23.  He didn’t receive heat from anyone who matters Jason.
• Dave Price has a good summary and a behind the scenes video.  He also highlights him botching Bill Northey’s (Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture) and Dave Vaudt’s (Iowa State Auditor) names.  He also has some other links.
• Craig Robinson over at The Iowa Republican liveblogged his speech.

• Pajamas Media: Sarah Palin and the Dysfunctional Political Class by James DeLong (HT: Josh Painter)
• Hawkeye Review: A travesty of leadership…
• Chicago Tribune: Dem: White House warned him about Fox appearance
• Times Online (UK): Blair’s last throw of the dice for presidency
• Oliver North: Obama’s unlearned lesson
• Wall St. Journal: The Lords of Entitlement
• George Will: Bad climate for global worriers
• World Magazine: Going somewhere by Joel Belz
• CNSNews.com: Waxman Says ‘No Guarantee’ Amendment Prohibiting Abortion Funding Will Be Retained in Final Version of Health-Care Bill
• Chuck Colson: Not Optional: Human Rights

Consider this an open thread, so comment on whatever you like.  Also if you have Facebook and haven’t done this already consider following Caffeinated Thoughts via NetworkedBlogs.

I wasn’t able to watch any of the debate yesterday on HR 3962, the House version of the health care reform bill.  I was kind of busy.  I did see the final result with it passing 220 to 215 in a late night session.

Why the rush?  Perhaps because the longer debate went and the more people actually saw this bill the less likely it would be passed.  Also you have to wonder how many of the members actually read the bill.  What struck me afterwards is how absolutely giddy Speaker Nancy Pelosi was, as well as, the rest of the Democrats who voted in favor of this monstrosity.  They stood up and applauded the very vote that will likely hang many of their members in 2010.

The ramrodded this through with only one Republican voting in favor of this bill so any attempts to paint this bill as “bipartisan” will be a bunch of bunk.  The lone Republican was Congressman Joseph Cao (R-LA).  At first I thought he needs to go, but after reading Lisa Graas’ post at Palin Twibe, and Quin Hillyer’s post over at American Spectator I realized that he was truly representing his district which was in favor of this bill.  If everyone in Congress listened to those in their districts it likely would not have passed.

We can say at least 39 Democrats crossed party lines (for Iowans – Boswell, Loesbeck, and Braley all voted in favor) and we can truly say there was bipartisan opposition.  We can also take some solace that the Stupak amendment was passed so abortion will not be funded by this bill.  What remains to be seen is if that measure will make it through conferencing if the Senate passes their version of the bill.

This bill still will cost $1.2 Trillion dollars (at least).  This bill includes rationing.  It will increase the size of government exponentially.  It will take control of 1/6 of our economy.  It will be a disaster to our economy, small businesses, and our personal liberty.  It will cover illegal aliens.  It is a garbage bill, period.  It needed to be killed in to start over.  This bill does not address tort reform, and therefore can not reasonably be seen as addressing health care costs.

We can be encouraged that it won’t totally go into effect until 2013, so there is still time to have it repealed if it is passed.  As Sarah Palin said last night at the end of her Facebook post:

But despite this late-night maneuvering, many of us were paying close attention tonight. We’ll keep paying close attention. We need to let our legislators in Washington know that they still represent us, and that the majority of Americans are not in favor of the “reform” they are pushing. After all, this is still a country “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” We will make our voices heard. It’s on to the Senate now. Our legislators can listen now, or they can hear us in 2010. It’s their choice.

Very true, we need to now turn our attention to our Senators and apply pressure and hope that they perhaps will listen to their constituents.

Update: Michelle Malkin has roll call links for the bill and the Stupak amendment.  Also, the cost of this bill is now estimated to be $1,800,000,000,000.

Friday night Governor Palin spoke at an event for Wisconsin Right to Life.  Cameras (except for the one that took the picture above), and any recording “gadget” were not allowed in by the organizers.  Media were allowed in (they just didn’t get in free), and Bill Glauber of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was in attendance.  He wrote:

Less than two weeks before the release of her memoir "Going Rogue," former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was on message during a Friday night speech to anti-abortion activists at State Fair Park.

"Let’s simplify, we’re pro children," Palin told thousands of people who attended a $30-a-ticket fund-raiser for the Wisconsin Right to Life Education Fund.

In a personal and passionate speech, Palin lauded the state’s anti-abortion movement for legislative advances achieved over time.

"We were told to sit down and shut up," Palin said. "Wisconsin, you went rogue."

Palin spoke movingly of her youngest son, Trig, who has Down syndrome. She recalled that when she was pregnant, she underwent an ultrasound and the technician told her, "I see boy parts."

Later, the technician told her that the baby’s neck "is a little bit thicker," an indication that there might be an extra chromosome. A few days later, Down syndrome was confirmed.

"I was scared," Palin said, adding that she asked her husband, Todd, "Why us?" He responded, "Why not?"

"My family life is much richer thanks to this beautiful baby boy Trig," Palin said. "He is awesome."

The speech marked Palin’s re-emergence on the national scene. The event was emceed by WTMJ-AM radio personality Charlie Sykes. The Journal Sentinel purchased a ticket to cover Palin’s speech.

K. Carpenter of Conservatives 4 Palin was in attendance and she wrote:

Governor Palin then began to tell a story of a conversation she and one of her friends in Alaska had a few weeks ago. Her friend had picked up a couple of the relatively new $1 dollar gold colored coins. They were discussing what was missing off of the front of the coins. Those four little words that have gotten America through her most troubling moments, “In God we trust”. As she observed; those four little words have been pushed off to the side of the coin. No longer prominently displayed on the face of the coin but those words have now been hidden on the outer edge of the coin. As she observed, this is kind of where we, as a Nation, have shoved God in our own lives. She even stated that she had kind of done that with her own pro life movement. Yes, she was always pro-life but it was not really something she prominently displayed until she became pregnant with Trig….

….There were plenty of religious references that would send the lefties into spasms. It was rather refreshing to see someone speak of their religious beliefs at a political event. She even read John 16:13 to the crowd: "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative…"

…Governor Palin left us with these words: "Don’t ever let anyone tell you to sit down and shut up!” (read her whole post)

There is another first-hand recount of the night at God, Guts & Sarah Palin that I’d encourage you to check out.  Also, it’s being reported by CNN and others that it was her decision not to allow the recording devices & cameras.  Governor Palin took time tonight to say on Facebook – not true.

One thing I’ve learned, comparing myself to Grant Young at Questions, Comments & Insults, I really suck as an interviewer.  The life of the blogger row party.

Spoke with Pat Bertroche who is a Congressional Candidate for the 3rd district.  He’s running because his son challenged him to… I’ll have some video for that.  Thanks for stopping by Pat!

Chris Reed, running for Congress in the 2nd District said he’d not make this race so personal like he did in his failed Senate bid when he ran against Senator Tom Harkin in 2008.  Video on him as well.

Matt Schultz, a candidate for Secretary of State said that his top priority will be business.  He wants to help make Iowa business-friendly in order to spur on job creation.  He also wants to reform election laws  to require a photo ID, and is concerned about same-day voter registration.  He wants to require provisional ballots.  “I want more people to vote, but I want to make sure they are eligible.”  Trust, but verify… Matt, you should put that on your yard sign.

Will update… check back!

5:50p – Tim Albrecht, Governor Branstad’s communications guy came by, but we talked more about the Tea Party and The Bean Walker.  He’s still looking for somebody to run it during the primaries.

6:01p – Got some chow, and spoke with Matthew Alcazar who is an independent candidate (why is he here?) running for the Iowa House in District 49 (Fort Dodge).  He’s always been independent, and so to just get into a party to run for office would be akin to changing who he is.  He does hope to be accepted by the GOP later on.  The incumbent for District 49 is Helen Miller.

Albrecht left his half-eaten burger here with Al Bregar and I, will it be safe?

6:11p – Terry Amman of Walnut Creek Community Church led invocation.  “As the pulpit goes, so goes America.”  So true.

Dave Vaudt, State Auditor, in a video greeting – “In God we trust, everyone else we audit.”

6:19p – Congressman Tom Latham did a video greeting, not able to be with us for obvious reasons.  He said he’s scheduled to vote on health care bill as we eat, but it looks like there has been a change in plans.

Video greeting from Congressman Steve King, a “great time to be an American.”  Talks about the PelosiCare bill.  “Our plan allows us to make health decisions without government interference.”  Talks about rationing, abortions being included, and how it will hurt businesses.  We need to rise up until this bill is “mortally wounded with a wooden stake in its heart.”

6:27p – Senator Chuck Grassley is speaking.  “We need to do our part to keep that trend (Tuesday night) that rejects big government policies.”

Raising taxes, raising private insurance premiums, increasing government involvement is not the health care reform that Americans asked for.  The requirement that we must purchase insurance is a violation of the 10th amendment.

“Tort reform is a no brainer when it comes to reducing the cost of health care.”  Will have video up later.

6:36p – Grassley: Hope and change in this new administration has caused fear.  We have clear choices.

If people think he’s riding the fence, I think can put their fears to rest.  He seems to be very much on board with the tea party agenda.

6:45p – Matt Strawn, the RPI Chair… “Iowans need leadership and Chet Culver isn’t providing it.  Iowans are desperate for competent and disciplined leadership.”  Introducing Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty…

6:56p – Tim Pawlenty is reminding about how after the Iowa Caucus, President Obama how he promised to garner bipartisan support for health care reform…. Guess that didn’t happen.

He asks aren’t you embarrassed when the U.S. Secretary of State goes to China on bended knee to ask them to buy our debt?  Aren’t you embarrassed that the President of France lectures us about appeasement?

7:06p – “The only thing growing faster than the national debt is the man crush that Chris Matthews has for Barack Obama.”  I’m going to do a separate post for Pawlenty.

7:18p – Gubernatorial candidates are up, I’m ending this liveblog, that will be a separate post.  Interesting note… Matt Strawn & co-chair will not endorse in the gubernatorial race.

• Christopher Reed – Congressional Candidate – Iowa 2nd
• Mariannette Miller-Meeks – Congressional Candidate – Iowa 2nd
• Representative Rod Roberts (R-Carroll) – Gubernatorial Candidate
• Bob Vander Plaats – Gubernatorial Candidate
• Pat Bertroche – Congressional Candidate – Iowa 3rd
• Christian Fong – Gubernatorial Candidate
• Former Governor Terry Branstad – Gubernatorial Candidate (still no website)
• Dave Funk – Congressional Candidate – Iowa 3rd
• Representative Chris Rants (R-Sioux City) – Gubernatorial Candidate
• Tom Shaw – Representative Candidate – Iowa House District 8, he is running as an independent.

Several organizations where there LUV Iowa, Iowa Right to Life, Iowa Gun Owners, Iowa Carry, Iowa Republican Assembly, Iowa Family Policy Center, Concerned Women for America, Team Huck, ParentalRights.org, Iowans for Discounted Taxes, Campaign for Liberty, and The 9/12 Project.  I’m sure I’m missing somebody.  Oh yeah the Democrats were there with their Terry Loves Taxes Campaign.  Nobody stopped by to visit them.  Then again I didn’t see a lot of traffic at the Branstad table either.

Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) spoke via video and she warned against government largess, the Cap and Trade Bill, and the Democrats’ plan for health care reform.  Congresswoman Bachmann being an Iowa native (was born in Waterloo) was unable to attend for obvious reasons.  She encouraged us to continue to speak up as the “American people are recoiling at the current practice of liberalism.”  She encourage us to call our members of Congress and tell them to vote no on any bill that oversteps the Constitution.  She lauded Congressman Tom Latham (R-IA 4th) and Congressman Steve King (R-IA 5th) as being the good guys and that we need to encourage them.  She ended by saying, “We can’t back down and we can’t retreat as retreat is not an option.”

I’ll update with videos of some of the speakers later.

Due to my schedule, I’ve decided not to include the video of this.  I’ve got a ton of video to render from the gubernatorial candidates and Tim Pawlenty speaking that I am not going to have time to get to this.  Sorry, not meant to be a slight to those involved, but I have to prioritize.  I noticed their were others there who were videoing and you will likely be able to find it on the web.