A Run through the Parke

Remembering the Life and Legacy of Margaret Thatcher

2013-04-08T11:38:00.003-07:00

Prime Minister Thatcher (1925-2013) was a star, not only in her country, but in the United States as well. She will be remembered as a hero for contributing to the fall of communism with President Reagan, and for her domestic accomplishments to privatize Britain and curb socialism.

She has definitely inspired me, and I am reminded of the verse from Proverbs that says, "Iron sharpens iron." She did what no other politician has done. Ladies, she was a true feminist.

Here is my favorite speech from PM Thatcher on Socialism:

Sarah Palin, an American politician greatly inspired by the Iron Lady, captured it well on Facebook:

We’re deeply saddened at the loss of Margaret Thatcher. While the Iron Lady is sadly gone, her iron will, her unfailing trust in what is right and just, and her lessons to all of us will live on forever. She was a trailblazer like no other. We lost an icon, but her legacy, as solid as iron, will live on in perpetuity.

- Sarah Palin

You will be greatly missed, Mrs. Thatcher, but we will do all we can to make sure your legacy lives on.

Exodus 2013: Helping Workers Escape Abortion Clinics

2013-04-07T08:38:00.002-07:00

By Caleb Parke

Tomorrow is National "Leave the Abortion Industry" Day.

In the last 40 years, our nation has lost 56 million of our brothers and sisters to legal abortions. Our generation is missing precious lives that could've been saved. Enough is enough. We can no longer ignore abortion and the unbearable pain that it causes - to the mother, the father and the emptiness left after the baby's life is taken.

FOLLOW CALEB ON FACEBOOK FOR CONSERVATIVE VIEWS. CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Stand up and speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves. The true measure of any society is how it treats the least, the tiniest life in a mother's womb.

This day is a call for employees of abortion clinics to leave their jobs in pursuit of new careers, knowing they have support. The organization, And Then There Were None, is ready to provide these brave people with financial, legal, emotional and spiritual assistance as they transition out of the abortion industry and into a new line of work.

Do you work at an abortion clinic? Please read this letter from Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood employee who was the Planned Parenthood 2008 "Employee of the Year." She found healing and so can you.

I am a college student passionate about this because I could've been aborted. My mom chose life, and it angers me to no end to see innocent lives taken and people deceived, burdened with the pain that abortion causes. I want to see our generation step out of darkness and into the light and find the healing on the other side.

If this is a cause you care about, please join me in prayer and help raise awareness. May we encourage a culture of life and be the generation to end abortion.

#DayofExodus

Caleb Parke is a conservative college student at Grove City College majoring in political science. He was born and raised on a small horse farm in Findlay, Ohio.

New Generation Experiences Jurassic Park in 3-D

2013-04-05T08:54:00.003-07:00

As a child I would run around the house pretending to be a T-Rex or a Velociraptor, in large part, due to inspiration from my favorite movie, Jurassic Park.

Now, 20 years later, we get to experience, "Welcome to Jurassic Park" in 3-D.

I'll be honest, I've actually never seen a movie in 3-D, especially in theaters. I look forward to experiencing the thrill even more up-close and personal. I have one guarantee. It's going to be intense.

You can view the official trailer and other exciting features here.

Which scene(s) are you looking forward to most in 3-D?

University Says Pro-Life Display is “Too Controversial”

2013-03-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

By Caleb Parke

Eastern Michigan University refused to fund a student-sponsored pro-life exhibit because it was deemed “too controversial, biased, and one-sided,” according to a federal lawsuit filed against the university.

The Students For Life at EMU had applied for funding from student fees to host a pro-life display on campus called the Genocide Awareness Project – a traveling photo-mural exhibit which compares the contemporary genocide of abortion to historically recognized forms of genocide.

“Universities should encourage, not shut down, the free exchange of ideas,” said David Hacker, senior legal counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom. “The university funded the advocacy of other student organizations but singled out Students for Life for exclusion based purely upon its viewpoint.”

Alliance Defending Freedom is an Arizona-based group representing Students For Life.

The lawsuit, Students for Life at Eastern Michigan University v. Parker, notes that EMU officials have been inconsistent with their funding guidelines and have allocated the same funds to political and ideological speech discussing “welfare rights, women’s and abortion rights, student activist training, and race-conscious issues, just to name a few.”

The lawsuit also explains that the First Amendment’s Freedom of Speech Clause “prohibits content and viewpoint discrimination in a public university’s allocation of mandatory student fee funding.” Moreover, “the government may not regulate speech based on policies that permit arbitrary, discriminatory, and overzealous enforcement.” As the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed, “viewpoint neutrality” must be the operating principle of student fees and funding.

EMU's Students for Life lay out in their Constitution that they are "committed to save lives threatened by induced abortion, destruction of human embryos...to educate on life issues."

"The constitutional freedoms of pro-life student organizations should be recognized by university officials just as they recognize those freedoms for other student groups," ADF senior counsel Kevin Theriot said. “We hope EMU revises its student funding policy to include all groups, regardless of their political or ideological viewpoint.”

Sarah Palin's Monumental Speech

2013-03-19T13:35:00.001-07:00

Sarah Palin has made it cool to be a conservative.

The Lamestream Media had all but written off the former Alaska governor. They called her irrelevant.

But alas the Mama Grizzly came out of hibernation. She rose up and stole the show. I know. I was geeking out in the second row.

"I would not be in the U.S. Senate today if it were not for Governor Palin,” declared Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) as he introduced Palin to a packed house of cheering fans.

And personally – I would not be involved in politics as a college student had it not been for Gov. Palin.

Not only did she endorse a diverse and young batch ofcongressional candidates—who eventually won their seats, she also inspired thousands of young students to stop complaining about politics and do something about it.

Palin drew major accolades with a single act of defiance – she displayed a Big Gulp – and then gave a shout-out to young conservatives and College Republicans.

"I am so proud of you guys, all of you,” she said. “You are so bold. You guys keep your courage up, and my only piece of advice, because I'm a Mom, is ya gotta be thinking Sam Adams, not drinking Sam Adams."

Palin used humor to communicate policy that connects well with average, disenfranchised Americans. Her klout within conservative and independent circles is unmatched.

She recognizes that in order to make real change, you have to influence culture as well as politics. She has done this through her books, “Going Rogue” and “America By Heart,” and with the books she is writing this year - from fitness to food to Christmas. She even opened her home to the world with the 8-week docu-series, Sarah Palin's Alaska.

It is this reason that Palin has been trending on Twitter for the last three days: #SarahPalinDoes, #LibertyPose, Big Gulp,Sam Adams and #CPAC2013. She remains to be relevant because she's not afraid to buck convention and be counter-cultured.

Unlike many of the politicians at CPAC, Palin understands what motivates young conservatives.

"We're not here to rebrand a party,” she said. “We're here to rebuild a country."

Happy Birthday Sarah Palin!

2013-02-10T21:19:00.000-08:00

It was one year ago, today, that Palin celebrated her birthday at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) by delivering a rockstar speech, which you can watch here. I had the honor of being there and Palin signed my resume.
(A sign of good things to come?)

Today, we celebrate the birthday and living legacy of the former governor of Alaska. She has re-energized the conservative movement and inspired many young conservatives, like myself, to stand up and speak out in order to restore American Exceptionalism.

As those in the old Lamestream media continue to write her off (again), they ignore the power of new media - you know, WE THE PEOPLE - the citizen journalists, or as some try to belittle us, "just a blogger."

Her influence on social media and her ability to rally the troops at such short notice brings hope to the conservative movement.

Palin has taught me:

1. You don't need a title to make a change. Palin has said over and over that in or out of office she is going to fight for conservative principles. Another area where Palin has kept her word is that she said she would be a friend and an advocate to the special needs community, which she has done in and out of office.

2. Conservatism is for ALL people. As governor she did have a 93% approval rating - that happens to be the highest recorded approval rating of any governor in U.S. history. She knows a thing or two about the independent American spirit and she connects with average, everyday Americans on a level unparalleled by any politicians today.

3. Keep running. Palin inspired me to take my passion for politics and actually get involved. She also inspired me to become a distance runner. It was through an article in Runner's World and when she talks about running in her book, Going Rogue, that has culminated in my running in the Pittsburgh Marathon in May. (Prayer would be appreciated.) Palin lives out hard work and endurance in her personal and professional life.

4. Don't retreat; just reload. Palin has shown time and again that when the media attacks her, she just gets stronger and stronger. When conservatives stick to their guns, they win. We know conservatism works; we just need to learn how to market it.

5. Have a solid foundation. The reason for Palin's success is her solid foundation in her faith and in her family. This is one of the reasons that attacks against her are like water on a duck's back. She knows what she believes and she knows what is really important in life.

Finally, let's echo Palin's favorite Irish toast: "May we always be happy, and may our enemies always know it."

Happy Birthday Sarah! May God continue to richly bless you and your family!

How has Sarah Palin inspired you?

I encourage you to donate to SarahPAC for Sarah's birthday & if you fly a flag, put it at half mast in honor of America hero, Chris Kyle.

Today, Sarah and Todd are attending Chris Kyle's memorial and funeral service. As Sarah has said on her Faceboo k page, "God bless this great warrior. Let us keep his wife and children in our prayers, and may we never forget him or his sacrifice."

So God Made a Farmer...

2013-02-04T22:00:00.003-08:00

If you don't watch the Super Bowl for the game, you probably watch it for the commercials. My favorite ad from the Game leaves me speechless no matter how many times I watch it.

Dodge Ram ran a commercial praising the hard work of farmers, featuring Paul Harvey and mentioning God all throughout. Harvey's nostalgic voice, combined with the captivating images, made for a powerful message, especially given the carefree nature of the Super Bowl.

We all have a little farmer in us. Our ancestors farmed. In fact, if your family doesn't farm you probably have relatives or friends that farm. This is a message that resonates with all Americans. We thank God for farmers.

I have to admit, though, I'm a Ford guy. Regardless, this is definitely one of my favorite commercials of all time.

Roll the tape.

Click here to view my post in Counter Cultured.

A Look Back on the Mayflower Compact

2013-01-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

Let's take a look back on what John Quincy Adams described as the "first example in modern times of a social compact or system of government instituted by voluntary agreement conformable to the laws of nature, by men of equal rights and about to establish their community in a new country."

The Mayflower Compact, penned by William Bradford in less than 200 words, was signed by 41 Separatists, 393 years ago this year, at New Plymouth, known today as America's Hometown. This is an extraordinary document worth reading. Think about what these men gave up in search for something greater. Put yourself in their place when you read this.

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. IN WITNESS whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape-Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Domini; 1620.

Mr. John Carver,Mr. William Bradford,Mr Edward Winslow,Mr. William Brewster.Isaac Allerton,Myles Standish,John Alden,John Turner,Francis Eaton,James Chilton,John Craxton,John Billington,Joses Fletcher,John Goodman,Mr. Samuel Fuller,Mr. Christopher Martin,Mr. William Mullins,Mr. William White,Mr. Richard Warren,John Howland,Mr. Steven Hopkins,Digery Priest,Thomas Williams,Gilbert Winslow,Edmund Margesson,Peter Brown,Richard BritteridgeGeorge Soule,Edward Tilly,John Tilly, Francis Cooke, Thomas Rogers, Thomas Tinker, John Ridgdale Edward Fuller, Richard Clark, Richard Gardiner, Mr. John Allerton, Thomas English, Edward Doten, Edward Liester.

It goes without saying that our country has veered off the path to prosperity. If we want to get back on the right track, we need to look at the directions - the founding documents that helped shape this great country. Together, we can restore America. Educate your brothers and sisters, neighbors, co-workers and anyone willing to listen on the words and ideas of our Founding Fathers.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday Marks 40 Years Since Roe v. Wade

2013-01-20T11:52:00.002-08:00

Today is National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday first proclaimed by President Reagan. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and since then over 54 million babies have been lost to abortion. Today we celebrate life, but we recognize the pain and loss of abortion. May we be the generation to overturn that decision which violates divine law and create an overwhelmingly restorative and loving culture of life.

We had this insert in our bulletins this morning at church and we also read Psalm 139, which I encourage you to read and focus on thinking of the gift of life today.

Psalm 139

¹ You have searched me, LORD,

and you know me.

² You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue

you, LORD, know it completely.

⁵ You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,”

¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, God!

How vast is the sum of them!

¹⁸ Were I to count them,

they would outnumber the grains of sand—

when I awake, I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you, God, would slay the wicked!

Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;

your adversaries misuse your name.

²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,

and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

²² I have nothing but hatred for them;

I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

I encourage you to donate to your local pregnancy center or an organization fighting to save precious lives.
If you don't have or know of one, I encourage you to donate to the one in my hometown:
The Women's Resource Center of Hancock County.
Their slogan is "Hope for Today. Hope for Tomorrow." They help families through free pregnancy tests, a diaper points program, education around local schools and more. They are my friends fighting on the frontlines to save and defend life in my hometown.
You can donate here.

Will you help? Pray...Advocate...Volunteer...for Life.

Tea Party Calls for "Momma Grizzly" to Rise Up

2013-01-17T19:41:00.002-08:00

As the debate on gun control continues and with Obama's recent unveiling of his 23 Executive Orders, it is hard to point to anyone on the Republicans' side with a clear, strong voice in defense of the Second Amendment. The Bill of Rights is not up for debate or public opinion, these rights are God-given, inalienable rights. It's time for someone with credibility and experience to stand up and speak out.

The Tea Party is calling the "Momma Grizzly" from Alaska to join the fight. They sent the following message to Sarah Palin via Facebook on Thursday, January 17, 2013:

Dear Sarah:
We’ve missed you. We know you spend a lot of time with your family now and are on Fox News a lot, but we think it is time for “Momma Grizzly” to make an appearance again. Who better than you who grew up with all kinds of firearms to get involved again and lead a movement to protect the 2nd Amendment. Since many republicans in Congress are too weak-kneed to stand up to a tyrannical Constitution breaking President, maybe it’s high time for you to come to Washington and take down some of these corrupt gun grabbing politicians just like you did in Alaska by showing them why Americans have an ABSOLUTE 2nd Amendment right to bear arms and it “SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED” upon as the US Constitution states. It will drive the left absolutely CRAZY for you to get involved and stand up to Obama and his executive orders. Give us a shout and let us know you are in!

Sarah Palin is a key proponent in the gun control debate as she grew up in Alaska, a state where it is necessary for people to carry guns for safety. Anyone still blaming Palin for using "crosshairs" on a political map in 2010 and linking it to the Gabby Giffords shooting needs to realize that this was not the first time "crosshairs" were used in politics and should be dismissed because there was never any connection made. This is especially not a time to use crisis for political gain or advance an agenda that does not have every American in the best interest.

It's time for the Tea Party Americans to mobilize and rise up again - if we want our kids and their kids to experience the same freedoms we have, we need to protect the charters of liberty, especially those within the Bill of Rights.

Twelve Times in 2012

2012-12-30T15:14:00.000-08:00

Looking back is an interesting thing. It's easy to focus only on the positive, or if you're not an optimist like me, the negative. This has been one of the best years of my life - through the ups and downs, God has taught me that His ways are always better. (Remember, I'm an optimist, so some people might argue this actually hasn't been the best year of my life.)

Here are twelve times in 2012 that stand out in my mind as being momentous in my life. It is hard to put all of 2012 in a list, but here's my attempt:

Going to CPAC with tons of friends and getting my resume signed by Sarah Palin, on her birthday and after she gave - what I thought- was one of her best speeches.
Mission trip to Tuscon, Arizona to help out Life in Christ.
Internship at the Leadership Institute was my ideal summer.
Trip to Israel with Christians United for Israel with my brothers and sisters, making my ideal summer even more ideal. I can't wait to go back to Israel :)
Being an RA, making new friends and having some awesome guys on my hall.
Going to the Values Voter Summit with Sarah Landeene, seeing friends and famous people, including Arizona Governor Brewer and Steven Crowder.
Visiting my sis, Caitlin, at The Ohio State University, with Bekah and listening to T-Swift's Red album. Now we just have to go to a football game together!
Todd Starnes emailing Sarah Palin this picture of me right before the election.
Going to a Paul Ryan Rally the night before the historic 2012 presidential election.
Making 'Shalom Israel' an official club on campus at Grove City College with many lessons learned and friends make along the way. Here's to Israel & Jewish roots :)
Going to NYC with my sister, Caitlin, touring Fox News, Times Square, Macy's on 34th Street, the Brooklyn Bridge and seeing Billy Ray Cyrus on Broadway.
Spending Christmas with my family.

Don't be sad it's over; be glad it happened. But seriously, it gets better. When I look back to the beginning of 2012, I knew God had a lot in store for me and those around me, but I was blown away by His faithfulness and amazing love! No, my year wasn't perfect, but that's the beauty of life. This year I've been humbled, amazed, broken, ashamed, angry, happy and everything in between. No matter what I'm feeling in the moment, God is always holding me in His hand and teaching me new things everyday. God always has bigger, better plans for us. In 2013, trust Him and DREAM BIG!

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Founding Friday: Benjamin Rush

2012-12-28T14:35:00.002-08:00

Do you recognize this signature from the Declaration of Independence? I encourage you to get to know this Founding Father. We can learn a lot from the men and women who built this great country.

Benjamin Rush (Jan 4, 1746 - Apr 19, 1813) is relatively unknown today, despite all that he did to help prosper America. He was known as the "Father of American Medicine" because of his numerous medical discoveries, and the "Father of American Psychiatry," found on his grave to this day. He was also known as the "Father of Public Schools Under the Constitution" because he was the first to advance the idea of free public schools and was a pioneer for women's education. He helped Abigail Adams (wife of John Adams) by establishing the Young Ladies Academy of Philadelphia, one of America's first educational institutions for women.

He wrote textbooks, formed curriculum plans, crafted educational policies, and helped establish five universities and colleges. This is what the founder of public education in America had to say about what education should contain:

The only foundation for a useful education in a republic is to be laid in religion. Without this there can be no virtue, and without virtue there can be no liberty; and liberty is the object and life of all republican governments....We waste so much time and money in punishing crimes, and take so little pains to prevent them. We profess to be republicans, and yet we neglect the only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government, that is, the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity, by means of the Bible; for this divine book, above all others favors that equality among mankind, that respect for just laws.

This is just a small facet in the life of Benjamin Rush, as he was an eminent physician, writer, educator, humanitarian and was popular among his peers. Check out his words and his contributions because you probably didn't learn very much, if any, about him in public education.

It's ironic to see how the founder of public education in America wanted the Bible to be at the core of student curriculum. Yet today, carrying a Bible into a public school is prohibited and is to some as threatening as a gun.

A Parke Family Christmas

2012-12-25T18:18:00.000-08:00

Through the ups and the downs, you should always love your family. God loves us at all times and that is what He's taught me this Christmas. It is only through the gift of Jesus that we can truly love and forgive one another. I'm so thankful for all the opportunities that God has been continually providing for me and my family.

Here's a verse to focus on:

Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

And here's a glimpse at the Parke Family Christmas:

Here is a photo of me at Jesus' birthplace in Bethlehem -- Merry Christmas from the Holy Land!

My Review of "America By Heart"

2012-12-12T08:44:00.002-08:00

Sarah Palin wrote America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith, and Flag, a collection and reflection on her view of America that is, in her words, “from my heart, and by my heart. I give it now to my children and grandchildren, and to yours, so they will always know what it was like in America when people were free.” Governor Palin dedicates the book to her son with down syndrome, Trig, and cites Thomas Paine, “If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.” This quote captures the deep love of country that Palin portrays throughout this book.

We The People

The former Governor of Alaska recounts when she saw the different parts of the Soviet Union fall like dominoes. They had been told that it was the Soviet Union that had all kinds of rights, when in fact, this wasn’t so. Palin points out the hollowness of the Soviet document and highlights the strength of the U.S. Constitution through Reagan’s speech about the 200^th anniversary with three simple words that set the U.S. Constitution apart from all others – We the People. The Soviets promised the moon, but in reality it was the government who had all the rights, not the people. The U.S. Constitution puts the people in charge with their God-given rights. Progressives, including our current President Barack Obama, view the Constitution as an obstacle, going as far as saying he wants to “fundamentally transform America.” Palin points out the irony of the term “progressive” when one views the history of America as President Coolidge refuted the progressive agenda in 1926. Furthermore, progressives and those on the left use name-calling tactics, such as “racist,” to damn their opponents and distract from the real issues at hand.

Why They Serve

Palin recounts September 11, 2007 when her son, Track, enlisted in the army and also the sacrifice that John McCain made while serving this exceptional country. Vietnam was a low point in America with regard to the reception of Veterans, a shadow of undermining the troops done so commonly in academia and Hollywood. America has been fought for by heroes, people whose names we will never know, every day people willing to fight for the freedom that America enjoys and we should honor and respect their sacrifice.

America the Exceptional

Palin details American exceptionalism from Tocqueville to today in spite of those on the left that call America just plain bad. There are many reasons to be proud of America because of the good we’ve done not only for Americans but for the world. President Obama believes that America should act just like an ordinary nation, not American exceptionalism, which is sad because American exceptionalism used to be a belief held on both sides of the aisle. We cannot forget that we are heirs of a hard fought revolution that brings us individual freedom and equality. One of the keys to American exceptionalism is the Tenth Amendment meaning “the best government is government that is closest to the people.” Obama’s stimulus bill package is a good example of bribing states to surrender their rights. Another danger we are facing today is the Europeanization of America losing our free markets and good old fashioned American hard work and ingenuity.

Raising (small-r) Republicans & The Rise of the Mama Grizzlies

Palin digs into the importance of a strong family unit refuting leftist feminism, citing the ups and the downs and how family has only been strengthened because of it. The rise of mama grizzlies, as Palin calls commonsense conservative women, getting involved is not a new phenomenon. Women have been fighting for freedom and American values since the founding of our country. One of Palin’s personal heroes, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, transformed Great Britain at a time when it seemed like nationalization was inevitably rampant and the Soviets were threatening the world. Thatcher was a woman to reckon with telling George H.W. Bush during the first Gulf War, “don’t go wobbly now, George.” Palin calls herself a conservative feminist who benefited from Title IX, and she lays out how women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony have stood up for women’s rights in the American Frontier.

Are We Really the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For?

Sarah Palin reflects on the lessons she has learned from her love of athletics. Particularly training for a marathon, mile by mile, alone, when you find out whom you are – your inner strength. This inner strength is substituted with empty praise by the culture. Booker T. Washington is an excellent example of how hard work pays off as he went from slavery to eventually founding the Tuskegee Institute to help educate newly freed African Americans in poor, rural communities. True happiness comes from hard work, not something that is just given to a person.

The Indispensable Support of Freedom & I Hear America Praying

The indispensable support of freedom is faith. Something that in Europe is private, but in America it is very much public. As Mitt Romney stated, “Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone.” Many of the Founding Fathers and leaders throughout American history very publicly stated that faith is an important pillar of freedom. The left is trying to get rid of God in any public sphere, while the majority of Americans publicly seek God. In fact, “under God” wasn’t added to the pledge until 1954 in a unanimous vote, which today is somehow divisive.

Our North Star

Palin looks at the “good” in our culture that is rooted in the truth of the great religious traditions of America. Americans want to be entertained, but they also want to do the right thing. Alcoholics Anonymous is a great example of how religious values have helped millions of Americans. The famous “Serenity Prayer” is one that Palin keeps in a devotional:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

This is seen in the golden rule and is especially evidenced in a culture by how people treat those with special needs. Everyone has a natural desire to help others, but this can be changed if a culture is only focused on self. Everyone is battling something and everyone has a challenge, which Sarah says, “there’s no better place to experience it than in America.”

Conclusion Commonsense Constitutional Conservatism

Alaska has come a long way along with America to the problems we have today, and Palin is quick to admit that both parties are to blame. Without a doubt, we’re not succeeding in Washington. We’re losing the “hope” of America that President Obama promised during the 2008 campaign election. Palin’s brother shared this with her, “I’d rather have an army of sheep led by a lion than an army of lions led by a sheep.” We have a president that does not believe that America is an exceptional nation. The consequences of this view of our country are profound both here and abroad. This is evidenced especially overseas. We are seen as weak by other countries and at home, individuals are relying more and more on government for all their needs. America has been a force for good in this world, and to deny this is to deny the sacrifice of thousands of men and women who brought about this good. Reagan is remembered for many of his qualities: his communication skills, his principles, his optimism. But the greatest reason we love and admire Reagan is because he loved and admired us – the American people. He had boundless faith in the American people because he had boundless faith in the American idea. We have freedom held up with faith. We are still, as Reagan said, “the abiding alternative to tyranny.” We are still the shining city on a hill, a beacon for all who seek freedom and prosperity.

The question going forward, Palin asks, is how? How do we take this great awakening of the American people and reclaim our country? The answer is closer than many of us realize. We don’t need a manifesto. We don’t need a new party. We just need to honor what our country is and was meant to be. And we need to remember the common sense that most people are raised with. Sarah would proudly label herself as a “Commonsense Constitutional Conservative” who is also proud to register with the Republican Party because this party has a platform that is the strongest foundation upon which to build a great nation while protecting our God-given liberties. Some argue that we don’t have a two-party system, but that both Democrats and Republicans are the party of big government. If both are driving toward socialism, just at different rates, the conservative wants to turn the car around. They want to get back to the fundamental values of family, faith, and flag that are talked about in this book. Americans of all political persuasions are awakening to two sources of unity: our founding Charters of Liberty, and the virtues necessary to live up to them.

Maintaining a healthy republic requires a populace that adheres to those old-fashioned values of hard work, honesty, integrity, thrift, and courage. It is with family, the most localized form of government; faith, religion or the moral values transmitted in our secular culture; and flag, the understanding that we an exceptional nation with an exceptional message for the world. This unity comes from independent, commonsense Americans. It is about rediscovering our founding ideals and striving to be a nation that does justice to them. It is our responsibility to preserve and pass on those beliefs.

I would highly recommend Sarah Palin’s America By Heart based on the style, tone and content of the book. The style and tone are relatable and simple. Palin writes in a conversational tone that is complimentary to the audio version of the book which is read by the governor herself. Palin begins each chapter with personal or relatable examples of ideas that are central to America and then gives historical context and backs up her ideas with facts, not just opinions she came up with on her own. This is as an especially relevant book, given the state of America, and the need to turn back to America’s founding principles. Palin, much like Reagan, has excellent communication skills when speaking to average, every day Americans from all walks of life. Not only does she present her values, but she also refutes the arguments against her in a civil tone and without calling names or distracting from the actual issues. The content accurately captures Sarah Palin’s view of America through very personal experiences to the history of the founding and even outside perspectives of America, such as Alexis de Tocqueville, who all view America as being exceptional, a force for good in this world. Palin includes quotes from classic and contemporary texts that have moved and inspired her, as well as portraits of Americans, both famous and obscure, whom she admires. It is an excellent glimpse into the life of the first woman and youngest governor of the Frontier state, Alaska, who is also the first female to be chosen to run as vice-president on the Republican national ticket. This book provides insight into the worldview that has shaped her policies and superb style of reaching across the aisle without compromising fundamental principles but finding ways to make America better, achieving the honor of being the governor with the highest approval rating; in fact, it was at 93 percent at one point.

This book is personally inspiring for me, as Sarah Palin is one of the reasons I decided to switch my major from electrical engineering to political science. Her optimism and track record overcame my cynicism that I had with politicians and the lack of national leaders that shared not only my views, but actually lived them out. She rose to the national spotlight at a time when it seemed our country had turned to moderates and wobbly candidates not willing to stand for anything, but only willing to say what the polls and politicos advised them to stay so they could hold on to their power. No, Sarah Palin was definitely unconventional being from Alaska, a hockey mom, lifetime member of the NRA, pro-life with a son with down syndrome, a son in the army, a successful family-owned business of commercial fishing, a husband who boasted four national championships in snow machine racing, and that is only the tip of the iceberg that is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. After reading the book, I was not surprised to find that many of her influences are also influences in my life. Not only is Sarah Palin a conservative rockstar, but she is also just another American woman fighting for a better future for her kids and their grandkids.

Palin’s positivity and go-get-‘em attitude is encouraging for me, especially after the results of the 2012 presidential election. Today, it seems like America has been fundamentally transformed, just as President Barack Obama promised he do back in 2008. Although this is a good book, the question becomes whether or not Palin’s optimism and determination will be enough to convince a populace that is looking toward the same Europe that our Founding Fathers fled. My hope and prayer is that Palin is right. I must be honest; I am an eternal optimist so I tend to agree with Palin, but there is a part of me that wonders if America has run the car off the cliff and we just waiting to see how hard the hit is when we get to the bottom.

One thing that I wasn’t too excited about at first, was that Palin included long quotes and excerpts from other people and not from herself. Then I realized this was the very essence she was trying to get across, that Americans need to go back to the original documents and read them. Too many Americans today, learn what to feel about an event or document in history instead of visiting it firsthand and forming their own opinion. In a sense I am guilty of this too, but as Palin’s book has inspired me, I am going to visit America’s founding documents and form my own opinions. Palin inspired me in another way. I am running my first marathon next year, something that I never dreamed I would do until I read her chapter on running and putting hard work in to achieve happiness and find your inner strength. May America, as Palin says throughout the book, find her inner strength and turn back to the principles and values she was founded upon.

Happy Hanukkah!

2012-12-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

I know that Hanukkah started on Saturday night, but it's never to late to say "Happy Hanukkah," light some candles, eat latkes and spin some dreidels. As you probably know, Hanukkah is more than just fried food and fun - there's a deeper meaning that all can celebrate.

It is a time to praise God for his faithfulness in the past. Just as God provided oil on Hanukkah, God promises to provide for us, and just like the Maccabees rededicated the temple for God's purposes, God calls us to surrender our lives to him. For more on the story of Hanukkah, read here.

It is always encouraging to celebrate with others, especially brothers and sisters all over the world. I echo what Sarah Palin posted on her Facebook page:

I had the opportunity to host a hall program (I'm an RA) celebrating Hanukkah. I partnered with a new group that had just formed on campus, Shalom Israel, so that students could experience Hanukkah with latkes and other Jewish food, Hanukkah music (here's my playlist), dreidels, an 8-foot-tall menorah and a paper on Hanukkah that they could take with them.

We had a blast. If you've never celebrated the Festival of Lights, I encourage you to do so. Here are some photos of our event:

Elizabeth Keiper making latkes for Hanukkah.

John Green, far left, discussing the history and significance of Hanukkah.

Kelsey Kobil with the 8-foot-tall menorah.

What will you rededicate to God during this Festival of Lights?

Angels

2012-11-22T14:29:00.003-08:00

I keep coming back to this verse and I especially thought of it today, on Thanksgiving. The day we are thankful for what we have, but aware that people are struggling, close friends and others we will never even see. No matter where you are today, I encourage you to count your blessings and check out this verse:

Hebrews 13:2

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

I challenge you to go out of your way and do something for a stranger. Let me know how it goes. Who knows, maybe you'll interact with an angel.

Finally, thank you for reading my blog. It means a lot to me, and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to share my thoughts and have you read them. Now, do the challenge, eat, sleep and be thankful.

Watchmen on the Wall

2012-11-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

If there was ever a time to stand with Israel, that time is now. This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible about Israel:

Isaiah 62:6:

"On your walls, O Jerusalem,
I have set watchmen;
all the day and all the night
they shall never be silent."

There are so many reasons to support Israel as an American and especially as a Christian. Israel shares the values of America and is our strongest ally in the Middle East. Jerusalem and Israel are mentioned in the Bible thousands of times.

If anyone is confused about who the enemy is in this conflict, just look at their actions. When I visited the Gaza border in Israel this summer, I saw and heard firsthand from an IDF Sergeant how Hamas was shooting missiles at civilians and that his military base a few miles from the civilians had no missiles targeting it. Hamas kills Israeli civilians and uses Palestinian civilians as human shields. David French, writing for the National Review, covers the Gaza conflict here.

I will stand with Israel. I will not be silent. I am a watchman on the Wall.

Will you join the watchmen on the wall?

Even Still, Don't Lose Heart

2012-11-07T10:05:00.003-08:00

There are many ways to view this election and there will be a lot of analysis in the coming days. If there is anyone who knows about being attacked and losing, yet remaining positive and encouraging, it is Sarah Palin from the great state of Alaska.

I woke up today thinking that at least now when our economy fails, people will blame it on the big government policies that caused it and not the free market. Obama criticized Bush, and in some regard, rightly so, for the economic failures that Bush implemented. The only problem is Obama failed exponentially more than Bush.

I could go on and on about how bleak this looks, and I'll save more time for that in the next four years. I could go on about how bad voter fraud was in my state, Ohio and probably across the nation. I could go on about it, but I'm not going to. Here is an encouraging and timely message from Sarah Palin that she posted on her Facebook page.

America, don’t lose heart. This election is not an “Obama mandate,” nor is it a rejection of conservatism. Unanswered ads like this one running in blue collar swing states defined Romney early on, and the Obama media also piled on with the narrative that Romney would harm the middle class. (As I personally have witnessed, once a bell is rung by a biased media, it’s impossible to un-ring it.) Ironically, it’s Obama’s socialist policies that will destroy America’s working class as he outsources opportunities.

Hang in there, America. Fight for what is right. Don’t look to government or any politician to solve your problems. Government can’t make you happy, healthy, wealthy or wise. Obama is a master at reading the right “soaring” words fed into his teleprompter, but actions speak louder than words. So, hold tight to 2 Corinthians 4:8 because we’re in for a wild ride.

We must survive. United. One nation under God.

"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed." – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.

- Sarah Palin

What are your thoughts on the election?

Final Ryan Rally in the Buckeye State

2012-11-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

Republican vice-presidential candidate, Paul Ryan, made his last appearance in the Buckeye state in Vienna, Ohio. A group of Grove City College students attended the rally. We left at 4:00 pm, listening to Taylor Swift's album, Red, in hopes to paint our country Red today on Election Day.

Ohio state treasurer, Josh Mandel, was definitely our favorite speaker before the vice-presidential candidate. He worked the ropeline and after he was done, we anxiously waiting.

After standing in the cold, feet almost completely numb, Paul Ryan arrived on the "Believe in America" Romney campaign plane as only a rockstar would, over a half hour fashionably late to a crowd that on a cold night, was fired up.

His three children led out of the plane followed by Ryan and his wife as they exited the plane to a roaring crowd and energetic music. Ryan's wife and kids gracefully took the stage and then sat down as he started into his powerful speech.

Ryan began by thanking everyone for their hard work. He spoke about his connection to the Buckeye state as an alumni to Miami University. He talked about how Romney is the man for the moment and how our country and state of Ohio can't afford four more years.

Comparing the campaign to football, appealing to Buckeyes, Ryan said, "We’re in the home stretch. This is the final countdown. The red zone is here."

My favorite part was when Ryan shouted, "O-H!" and the crowd responded accordingly, "I-O!"

I also shook Paul Ryan's hand and looked into his eyes. He has a great handshake further proving to me that he is a man of integrity, respect and enthusiasm.

Does Ryan help Romney win the game?

Four Years & A Life Changed

2012-10-22T13:27:00.001-07:00

Four years ago, today, I saw Sarah Palin speak for the first time at the University of Findlay on October 22, 2008. I attended the rally with my mom, my sister and some friends. The gymnasium was packed like a rock concert, which you can read more about here.

Sarah Palin speaks at the University of Findlay on October 22, 2008.

Many people ask me why I admire Sarah Palin. Isn't she a dumb hockey mom from Alaska? Just type her name into the browser on Youtube and watch the myriad of videos. To those people, I challenge them to watch her entire speeches and look at her record in its entirety.

The media loves to hate Sarah Palin because she is real - she doesn't just talk about conservative solutions, she lives them in her personal and public life.

When Palin was announced as John McCain's Vice-Presidential running mate, I had very little interest and faith in the candidates running for office. Aside from Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-4), I didn't see any politicians who espoused my values.

Enter Sarah Palin. The more I looked at her record and listened to her speeches, the more I liked her. Palin inspired me to change my major from Electrical Engineering and actually do something about the political climate of more big government.

I transferred schools to Grove City College, a Christian and conservative school (the first school to reject federal funding) in western Pennsylvania to major in Political Science and Economics. I have since interned for Congressman Jordan, campaigned for Ohio's State Treasurer Josh Mandel and interned at the Leadership Institute this past summer.

I look forward to where God takes me, and I am very thankful for Sarah Palin sacrificing her life taking beating after beating from her political foes and the liberal media all in the name of conservative principles. She understands what makes our country great and together we can restore America.

Join me in praying for leaders like Sarah Palin, who selflessly serve our country to put government back on the side of We the People.

Palin has said, "I will live; I will die for the people of America; whatever I can do to help the American people."

To learn more about Sarah Palin, I encourage you to read about her and listen to her speeches.

Check out her books, Going Rogue: An American Life and America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith, and Flag. And read a book from her brother and father, Our Sarah: Made in Alaska.

Check out some of her best speeches: 2008 RNC Acceptance Speech, 2010 National Tea Party Convention Speech, and 2012 CPAC Speech.

You can follow Sarah Palin on Twitter and Facebook.

Bristol Rocks Her Rock-N-Roll Routine

2012-10-15T20:02:00.001-07:00

Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas had their strongest dance last week, but what happened this week? Bristol continues to shine! This was her best dance yet in front of the judges, including guest judge, Paula Abdul.

Sarah Palin was also in the audience supporting Bristol! Check out her performance:

Do you think Bristol will make it to the championship?

Palin & Parke Weigh In On the Biden/Ryan Debate Tonight

2012-10-11T14:15:00.001-07:00

Recall four years ago. "Can I call you Joe?", Sarah Palin asked during the opening handshake, setting up for a later rebuttal of Joe Biden by Palin, "Say it ain't so, Joe."

The 2008 Vice-Presidential debate was the most watched VP debate in history, with roughly 70 million viewers according to Nielsen Media Research. That makes it the first VP debate to surpass 70 million viewers and was second only to the 1980 presidential debate between Governor Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter, which drew nearly 81 million. (To read the full article click here.)

Sarah Palin shares some insight on the debate between Paul Ryan and Joe Biden on Fox News:

Do you think we will see a new Biden tonight or will Ryan destroy him?

Bristol's Back (Updated)

2012-09-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

She's brand new. Bristol Palin was dubbed "Most Improved" on last night's season opener of Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars. Sarah, Todd and Tripp were all in attendance. Let the All-Star Season begin:

Is this not the most adorable picture?

Tripp surprised Bristol backstage! (via Sarah Palin's FB)

How do you think Bristol did? Any predictions for the season?

Update: Bristol and Mark made it on to the next week!

Palin Persecution

2012-09-24T15:31:00.002-07:00

The Emmy's praised HBO's propaganda piece, Game Change, with no grace or humility. Julianne Moore won outstanding actress in a miniseries or movie for a pathetic portrayal of Sarah Palin. I couldn't make it past 10 minutes into the movie because of how disgusted I was. She then attacked the very person who gave her the platform to be able to speak.

No surprise here. Moore accepting her Emmy, "I feel so validated because Sarah Palin gave me a big thumbs down." She also said of Palin, "I wanted to give a shout out to Tina Fey and Katie Couric. They were really influential in the 2008 eleciton." Really? I'm not making this up.

The only difference between Moore and Palin is everything. Palin is smart, humble, beautiful and strong. Moore is a typical fake, Hollywood actress who, worse yet, can't play a decent role as Alaska's first female and youngest governor.

And to that I say, thankfully Sarah Palin doesn't get her praise from this world. Palin is a strong Christian and she knows very well these words from Matthew 5:10, "blessed are the persecuted." She has thanked prayer warriors many times in interviews. I am a prayer warrior for Sarah Palin and her family and you should be too. There is so much power in prayer, and we are obviously waging it against people who are willing to lie to the masses to get their way and cling to the power they think they have.

Here's the real Game Change:

So, tonight show Hollywood that you support the Palins and that you're tired of this liberal propaganda by watching Bristol Palin on Dancing With The Stars. Haters are gonna hate, so she might as well dance. May the Palins be happy and may their enemies know it!

I hope you'll vote for Bristol & Mark (online at the DWTS website or by calling 800-868-3409).
Follow Bristol on twitter.

Bristol the Pistol. Shout out to the Second Amendment?

Dance, Bristol, Dance!

Don't Waste Your Life

2012-09-23T09:19:00.001-07:00

"I've wasted it. I've wasted my life." Nobody wants to come to the end of their life and be left with only these words to say. I don't want to say this. My hope is that in every interaction I have that I would lead other people to Christ. That I would be able to say, "but whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ."

I was talking to one of my friends the other day about comforting other people. We both realized that a lot of times when someone is going through something difficult all we have to say is, "that stinks" or "I hope it gets better." And sometimes we have nothing to say. (I understand that being there is better than nothing.)

But 1 Peter 3:15 says, "but in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have..." When was the last time someone asked you about the hope that is in you? I know for me it has been a very long time, and that is shameful.

I want to be so full of God's Word and His Spirit that it would be a natural outpouring, just like Luke 11 and 12 says, "...do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." We can't help other people if we are not seeking help for ourselves.

There are so many ways to waste our lives, but only one way to live life to the fullest. I watched this sermon today, and my prayer is that it would change your life in a radical way and that you wouldn't say, "I've wasted my life."

For more from John Piper, you can go here.