The Jersey-Texan

'Pay to Play" at the Harris County Republican Party

2012-04-14T19:05:00.001-05:00

I recently read an article by Ed Hubbard on Big Jolly Politics and was surprised that as the country is on the brink of losing freedoms with out of control spending and the "most important" Presidential election ever, Harris County Texas Republicans now must add keeping a more watchful eye on our own Party to our list of things to do.

Candidates that are able to raise thousands upon thousands of dollars and obtain local Party endorsements usually prevail in the primary. And here in Texas, if a candidate obtains the backing of the Harris County Republican Party (HCRP), one of the largest in the country, they're pretty golden ... so, why is said Party going to make candidates pay between $500 and $5,000 to speak to county convention participants?!

I love capitalism, but making candidates pay this "tax" to simply speak is crippling grassroots candidates. There have been many within the party that have done wonderful things to promote candidates who stand for conservatism, but allowing a "pay to play" system to continue is unacceptable. The Party should be raising money FOR the candidates, not the other way around!

From Ed Hubbard at Big Jolly Politics:

In a year when we have so much interest in public participation in our party’s primary, either as candidates or as voters, is this the system we want for choosing our candidates? Is this a system that we would be proud to explain to a middle school or high school civics class to promote the GOP to our children? Will a perpetuation of this system provide us with the tools we Republicans will need to meet the great challenges we have to address over the next two decades, including:

Reforming the federal government to return power and responsibility to state and local governments, which will allow for reform of federal spending and taxation;

Reforming state and local governments, and school districts to prepare them to accept and effectively manage the re-invigorated powers and responsibilities they will have to manage, which will require reform of state and local spending and taxation, and policies;

Expanding our party demographically to reach young people, and to reach into precincts where we currently have no infrastructure; and

Identifying, developing and supporting candidates for all offices who will effectively promote Republican principles and our agenda?

If you answered these questions with a resounding “no,” than we have some work to do.

Amen, Ed. We have a lot of work to do.

Read all of the embarrassing details to the HCRP "pay to play" story by Ed on Big Jolly Politics here.

With millions of tea partiers, 912ers and other grassroots conservatives across our great nation, we still need to get the word out to the rest of our population who sits quietly by admiring anything other than politics. We must unite and organize for and within the Party and ensure things like this "pay to play" cease to exist. We're better than this!

Do you wonder what you can do to make a difference?

Read more of the story and how you can help at Breitbart.com.

Don't leave it to someone else ... you ARE someone else!

Easter Care Package For The Troops!

2012-03-30T15:12:00.000-05:00

I love MoveAmericaForward.org and try to regularly send packages to our troops. I hope you will do the same and share this information with all you know so they can do the same.

HELP US GIVE OUR TROOPS A HAPPY EASTER

MAF is working hard to send thousands of care packages to the troops for Easter, but we NEED YOUR HELP! With only 9 days until Easter Sunday, we have hundreds of packages READY TO SHIP but we need sponsors to get them out the door!

Our Easter Care Packages for The Troops each include the same great items that the troops are used to receiving - gourmet coffee, fresh beef jerky, authentic Oreo cookies, gatorade, lip balm, wet wipes, deodorant, Candy Diplomacy Jelly Beans and more, but we're also including a special EASTER item...Marshmallow Peeps!

But the most important item of the whole care package is the one you write - your message of thanks and gratitude for the troops. Your personalized message is what gives our troops the encouragement and morale boost and is the most valuable component of our mission to support our military men and women!

AMAZING STORY YOU WON'T SEE IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA
AMERICAN SACRIFICES SELF TO SAVE LIFE OF AFGHAN GIRL

This is an amazing story that you need to see, but chances are that if you only see and hear from the mainstream media sources like MSNBC and Newsweek, you'll never hear about stories like this.

The media only wants to report negative stories about our troops and their mission in Afghanistan.Positive stories don't fit the media narrative - they're trying to convince you that we're losing the war on terror - and positive stories undermine that message. But good things are happening as a result of our troops and their selfless sacrifice and tireless work.

This story is about one American - Spc. Dennis Weichel - who CARED SO MUCH that he was willing to sacrifice himself - without hesitation - for an Afghan child who he didn't even know...because it was the right thing to do. His sacrifice is a testament to the goodness and compassion of the American soldier, unmatched throughout the world.

Most of the children moved, but one little girl went back to pick up some brass shell casings in the road. Afghan civilians often recycle the casings, and the girl appeared to aim to do that...according to Lt. Col. Denis Riel of the Rhode Island National Guard.

...Weichel saw the massive truck bearing down on the girl and grabbed her out of the way. But in the process, the truck ran him over, Riel said.

The little girl is fine. Weichel died a short time later of his injuries.

“He was a big kid at heart. He always had a smile on his face, and he made everyone laugh,” 1st Sgt. Nicky Peppe, who served with Weichel in Iraq, is quoted as saying in an Army story.

We are sending thousands of care packages to troops in Afghanistan for Easter. We are heartbroken that Dennis gave his life, but we know that he did it to save others. The least we can do in response, to honor his memory and to applaud his selfless acts, is DO SOMETHING to support his brothers and sisters who are still in Afghanistan serving and sacrificing for the greater good.

Thanks and God Bless!

Freedom From Obamacare ... err, PPACA (UPDATED 3-30-12)

2012-03-26T11:48:00.000-05:00

Arguments began today against the individual healthcare mandate, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), aka Obamacare, in the Supreme Court of the United States.

From the Texas Public Policy Foundation:

RE: Florida v. HHS – What To Expect Today

TODAY’S ISSUE: The applicability of the Anti-Injunction Act (AIA) as it relates to the individual mandate.

BACKGROUND: The Anti-Injunction Act bars challenges to taxes before they have actually been assessed, but allows challenges to fines and penalties. Neither side believes that the AIA bars the challenge to the individual mandate. Because the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a separate challenge to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on this ground, the Supreme Court appointed amicus curiae specifically to argue that the AIA does bar the current challenge.

OUR POSITION: The penalty associated with mandate is a penalty, not a tax, with the purpose of effecting behavior rather than raising revenue. As such, the AIA does not bar challenge to the individual mandate. Furthermore, the individual mandate imposes a substantive legal requirement separate from the tax penalty, and is therefore reviewable no matter how the Court rules on the AIA.

For real-time analysis of the Florida v. HHS argument, please visit www.PPACAction.com.

This mandate affects every American.

As SCOTUS weighs the fate of our healthcare freedoms, 43% of doctors have said they are considering retiring within the next five (5) years BECAUSE of PPACA. If it is found to be constitutional, the government will be instructing us where, when, how much and why. Your body, your choice will cease to exist.

PPACA will mandate almost 50% of Americans pay for 100% of the healthcare.

PPACA will have unaccountable government bureaucrats make the decisions that were once between you and your doctor.

PPACA will force millions to lose their current employer healthcare, despite President Obama stressing repeatedly to the public that this would never happen.

PPACA will make YOU responsible for my healthcare. Not me. YOU!

PPACA will put us all at the mercy the government for our health decisions.

There are a plethora of facts proving the negative impact of PPACA against American citizens. They even come from President Obama. Check out this video from American Crossroads on the individual mandate and President Obama now vs Presidential candidate Obama during his 2008 campaign:

Many of my fellow Smart Girls are joining other protesters against Obamacare in front of SCOTUS during the proceedings over the next few days. If you could be at SCOTUS to stand up for your healthcare freedoms, would you?

Freedom AGAINST Obamacare 3-26-2012

Even former Governor of Vermont and Democratic Presidential candidate Howard Dean believes SCOTUS will find and declare the individual healthcare mandate unconstitutional. I pray he's right.

For real time analysis, please visit www.PPACAction.com.

OBAMACARE FLOWCHART via a tweet from the awesome Congressman Allen West:

Does this flowchart look like freedom?!

Do you think SCOTUS should rule PPACA unconstitutional?

For real time analysis, don't forget to please visit www.PPACAction.com.

FINAL ANALYSIS from TPPF:

RE:                  Florida v. HHS – The Final Analysis

ISSUES

This week the Supreme Court heard arguments on four issues relating to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:
1)      Whether the Anti-Injunction Act (which limits the ability to bring a legal challenges to taxes) barred consideration of the challenge to the individual mandate.
2)      Whether the individual mandate itself was unconstitutional.
3)      Whether the individual mandate to purchase health insurance is severable from the remainder of the law.
4)      Whether the Medicaid expansion provisions amount to coercion of state funding by the federal government.

ANTI-INJUNCTION ACT

KEY POINTS FROM THE ARGUMENT: Most of the justices expressed skepticism about the argument that the challenge to the individual mandate is barred by the Anti-Injunction Act (AIA) as a tax. As Justice Ginsburg noted, “This is not a revenue-raising measure, because, if it’s successful, they won’t – nobody will pay the penalty and there will be no revenue to raise.” Justice Breyer agreed: “They called it a penalty and not a tax for a reason.”

OUR ANALYSIS: It is highly unlikely that the Supreme Court will put off consideration of the individual mandate based on the AIA.

INDIVIDUAL MANDATE

KEY POINTS FROM THE ARGUMENT: Several of the justices expressed skepticism about the propriety of the mandate. Justice Kennedy stated that the mandate “changes the relationship of the Federal Government to the individual in the very fundamental way.” Justice Scalia said that a law which violates the principle of limited powers cannot be “proper” within the meaning of the Necessary and Proper Clause. Justices Roberts and Alito also seemed deeply troubled by the government’s inability to articulate a limiting principle for the federal commerce power. The subsequent arguments on severability reinforced the idea that the mandate is in trouble, with several of the liberal justices seemed concerned to salvage as much as they could of the rest of the law.

OUR ANALYSIS: The federal government was unable to answer the obvious question: if the federal government can require people to purchase health insurance, what can’t it do? The federal government could not articulate a limiting principle. The Court’s ultimate ruling will hopefully give further clarity to the Constitution’s limits on the federal commerce power, particularly by confining the “substantial effects” doctrine to the Necessary and Proper Clause.

SEVERABILITY

KEY POINTS FROM THE ARGUMENT: While some justices seemed inclined to uphold the remainder of the law, others appeared open to striking the whole law down or to selectively invalidating parts of the law while leaving other provisions untouched. Justice Scalia: “My approach would say if you take the heart out of the statute, the statute's gone.” Justice Ginsburg: “[I]t's a choice between a wrecking operation, which is what you are requesting, or a salvage job. And the more conservative approach would be salvage rather than throwing out everything.”

OUR ANALYSIS: If the Court does invalidate the individual mandate, it is likely that the Court will also invalidate the Community Rating and Guaranteed Issue provisions of the law, if not all of Titles I and II. This is important, as without a mandate Community Rating and Guaranteed Issue will cause an “adverse selection spiral” where more and more people drop health insurance as the price of premiums rise.

MEDICAID

KEY POINTS FROM THE ARGUMENT: The law’s challengers received their toughest questions on the Medicaid provision. One quote from Justice Roberts provided a good summary of the states’ current predicament: “[I]sn't [this] a consequence of how willing [states] have been since the New Deal to take the Federal government's money? And it seems to me that they have compromised their status as independent sovereigns because they are so dependent on what the Federal government has done, they should not be surprised that the Federal government having attached the – they tied the strings, they shouldn't be surprised if the Federal government isn't going to start pulling them.”

OUR ANALYSIS: As Justice Kennedy noted at during the argument, conditional federal grants break down the accountability that is necessary to our democratic system. For democracy to function properly, legislators must be responsive to local preferences and the federal government must be accountable for its own policies. If the Supreme Court does not fashion real restraints on the ability of the federal government to impose conditional grants on the states, action to restore state sovereignty will have to come from states themselves learning to resist the temptation that federal funds pose.

I Choose Freedom.

2012-03-07T11:14:00.002-06:00

I Am Andrew Breitbart

2012-03-02T10:37:00.002-06:00

Just 24 hours ago, I was checking the morning news on twitter when to my horror, I read a tweet from @seanagnew about the death of Andrew Breitbart. My immediate response: NOOOOOOOOO! Immediately I went to the article expecting to read about the hoax. It was not. The article was written by Andrew's friend and business partner Larry Solov on Andrew's own website. Then another tweet from @Ben_Howe further confirming the news after he spoke to a personal friend who knew Andrew. My day from there was a complete mess.

I cried. I couldn't concentrate. I prayed for his wife, his children and his family. I still do. I found myself sitting in front of my laptop staring and reading tweet after tweet and searching the internet for all news Andrew. I even tried to write this, but knew there would be tributes out there from those who were much better writers and truly knew him. But in reality, it was that I was unable to put a sentence together without feeling a deep sense of sadness with a hole in my heart. Today I still have this feeling, but in honor of Andrew, I'm picking up my sword to continue as a happy warrior.

I've seen Andrew speak on several occasions while attending CPAC, RightOnline, and the Smart Girl Summit. It was at the Smart Girl Summit in St. Louis last summer that I was fortunate enough to actually meet, talk and get a picture with Andrew. He was so gracious as so many of us waited to talk to him. He listened, had long conversations and smiled in every photo with us.

When I was able to get the courage to walk up to him and talk, I was nervous because I admired him so much, but he immediately put me at ease with his wicked grin. I introduced myself and said "and I'm from Texas." He grinned even larger and said "I LOVE Texas!" I then proceeded to tell him that I just started blogging that year as a citizen journalist and recently started writing for his website Big Government. I shook his hand and thanked him. His response? "No, thank YOU!" :)

Smart Girl Summit July 2011

Later that weekend, I was hanging out with my fellow Smart Girls in the lobby bar after dinner and here comes Andrew with his young son Samson. Samson is the first person I thought of after I processed the news of Andrew's passing. Prayers. They were both came over and we all talked about life and the greatness of America. Samson drew pictures of my friends and we all laughed together at various stories.

Andrew was nothing like the vile tweets and articles on the web from those who hated him. They didn't know him like we did. They didn't know or want to believe he could possibly be the wonderful husband, loving father and amazing person that he truly was in life. They are ignorant and blinded by their own lies and hatred. I will pray for them. You should too.

My friend Sarah put together a beautiful tribute on Andrew noting we have lost a giant. She included links to other tributes from across the country. Including this one made by @Ben_Howe for the @Franklin Center: Warrior: Franklin Center Remembers Andrew Breitbart. Please read their stories and memories. This will keep Andrew's spirit alive.

As we continue to grieve, we know Andrew can never be replaced. He was a one-of-a-kind genius with more energy than anyone I have ever met. I would have loved to bottled up an ounce of that energy because ... damn. I could get so much done. :)

To honor him, we must pick up his sword ... our own sword ... and carry on the good fight against any hatred, injustice, and lie we see across our great nation. Andrew knew it would be the average American citizen ... not the politicians ... who would stop the runaway freedom stealing culture and race war spending train. Join me in stopping this crazy train!

We must unite. No more my candidate is better than your candidate. No more if [insert the candidate you despise the most] wins, we lose. That's CRAP. And no more if so-in-so wins, I'm not voting or I'm writing in what's his/her face name. That's giving your vote to 0bama.

The fight is against the 0bama administration and their freedom squashing policies. The fight is against the mainstream media who is the Super PAC for the progressive movement. The fight is for our own livelihood and for a smaller government, a stronger economy with a strong military, less federal regulation for more jobs, with focus on personal responsibility and prosperity for all.

Focus!

In April 2010, Andrew said:

"it's good that freedom loving Americans are finally realizing the power of their collective action, the power of expressing their voice and are no longer being cowed out to the powers of political correctness and multi culturalism and the threat that you're going to be called an 'ist' ... a racist ... a sexist ... or homophobic ... for disagreeing on policy."

We are all Andrew now. Don't leave it to someone else. You ARE someone else.

I am Andrew Breitbart.

RIP Davy Jones

2012-02-29T12:34:00.000-06:00

News traveled fast via Twitter today that Davy Jones from the Monkees passed away from a heart attack. How very sad.

RIP Davy Jones 12/30/45 - 02/29/12

Here is a video from earlier this month doing what he did best ... singing and making everyone around him smile.

And my favorite song "I'm A Believer." If only the music of today was so cheerful without curse words and lewd video. Yes, get off my lawn. :)

May Davy Jones rest in peace and prayers for his family, his friends and his fans.

Click here for a You Tube Mix for The Monkees.

America Needs Ted Cruz

2012-02-24T15:02:00.002-06:00

I've proudly been a member of "Bloggers for Cruz" supporting Ted Cruz's campaign for U.S. Senate since last summer. I've seen him at countless events throughout Texas and our great nation. Tea Party events, Republican Women's Club meetings, the Texas Straw Poll, Empower Texan's Senate debate, and CPAC last year and again this year. Ted repeatedly proves his dedication to meet with us, listen to us and talk with us about the importance of what our next Senator from Texas should do to put our country back on track to prosperity.

Earlier this week, the North Texas Tea Party released their February poll numbers from their membership regarding the US Senate Race and Ted led the dominated the candidates, winning with 57.5% of the vote. Wow. Just wow. The final results were as follows:

Glenn Addison 2.2%
Andrew Castanuela 0.0%
Curt Cleaver 0.0%
Ted Cruz 57.5%
David Dewhurst 6.0%
Tom Leppert 7.5%
Lela Pittenger 4.5%
Undecided 18.9%
Other 2.2%
Total 100%

Read more about this poll here.

And on Tuesday, the poll out by the Texas Tribune/UT further shows a Cruz surge continues and that he is headed to a runoff with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. This new, independent, statewide poll shows that Dewhurst is at 38%, Cruz at 27% and the next two candidates are 20 points behind at 7%. This means the race is headed for a runoff between Cruz and Dewhurst. UT pollster Jim Henson summarizes the situation: “Cruz is in the advantageous position right now of, for the most part, defending his ideas against Dewhurst's record. In the last few cycles, that's been a good place to be, and not to be the person who's having to defend your actions in government.”

Yes! The campaign is surging and Ted's message of returning our country to the limited government principles our Founding Fathers is resonating amongst Texas voters. But a Super PAC will soon be launching in Texas that will attack all others so we need to keep the Cruz Crew momentum alive! Listen to Ted as he speaks with Steve Bannon about the U.S. Senate battleground.

By electing Ted Cruz as Texas' next U.S. Senator, we will return to limited government principles, defend free market principles and restore and follow the Constitution. Ted will fight for us! I want Ted Cruz to be my Senator. Not simply for the awesomeness that is Texas, but for the greatness that is America. America needs Ted Cruz.

Join me in supporting and standing with Ted Cruz for U.S. Senate.

Remarkable Obama

2012-02-17T11:25:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I read an article that Poet Maya Angelou believes that "Barack Obama has done a remarkable job." Angelou goes further in the article to say that President Obama deserves to be re-elected. Deserves? No.

What can President Obama's remarkable record proclaim?

A real unemployment rate of 15% is remarkable.

Record number of families on food stamps is remarkable.

Instructing parents what their children can eat at school is remarkable.

Placing Hispanics in a box wrapped in a chimichanga is remarkable.

Promoting class and race warfare is remarkable.

Ordering Americans to purchase healthcare is remarkable.

Spending money we don't have over saving for our future is remarkable.

Supporting law breakers at Occupy protests is remarkable.

Giving my children, ages 20, 19 and 13 a citizen debt of $49,316.93 is remarkable. (Same for me, my husband and YOU too)

Calling any American an extremist who disagrees with his policies is remarkable.

Waging war on women's health and religious freedom is remarkable.

Not promoting the greatness of America is remarkable.

Promising to do more for Israel and not following through is remarkable.

Promising in 2008 to cut the deficit in half and instead doubling down on spending is remarkable.

Sitting quietly by as Senate Democrats don't pass a budget in over 1,000 days is remarkable.

Stating the jobs bill was paid for when it was NOT is remarkable.

Stating the United States produces more oil than ever before when we do NOT is remarkable.

Proclaiming the rich do not pay their fair share when they do is remarkable.

His "no boots on the ground" in Libya lie is remarkable.

"HCR is not increasing the deficit by one dime" LIE is remarkable.

"The Texas border is safer today that ever before" lie is remarkable.

"I'll get rid of earmarks" is yet another remarkable lie.

The most transparent administration in history is a remarkable lie.

Bills will be posted to read for three (3) days is a remarkable lie.

"The American Recovery Act will create/save more jobs" is another remarkable lie.

Yes, I could go on with more remarkable lies and promises broken by the Obama administration, but I will end my remarkable rant there. Well ... except to admit that President Obama did make one statement that holds true.

"We are going to fundamentally change America."

These were the words then Presidential candidate Barack Obama said on the campaign trail in 2008. Now, after 3 years of so many failed promises, failed policies and failed hope for Americans wanting a better future, it is these seven words yelled with confidence by Obama that have held true.

Food prices have sky rocked along with gas prices and all things that have a price tag on them. Where is the media outrage at our rising costs towards the Obama administration as they did with the Bush administration? Crickets.

More Americans are without work and 36.3% of working-age Americans do not have a job and aren't even looking. And then the Obama For America campaign charges $35,800 a plate at fundraising dinners.

Is this what you voted for?

From Political Editor Guy Benson comes the Political Quote Of The Year from Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner this week, speaking on behalf of President Obama and his administration, to Rep. Paul Ryan:

You are right to say we're not coming before you today to say "we have a definite solution to that long term problem. What we do know is we don't like yours."

Geithner admits to the Obama Administrations incompetence! Wow. Just wow.

No solutions. No leadership.

It's time for change, my friends. Vote. Him. Out. Vote them ALL out who continue to support the progressive agenda of putting us further in debt. I hope you will join me.

Remember in November!

Don't leave it to someone else. You ARE someone else!

0bama's Budget Represents A Broken Promise

2012-02-14T12:28:00.000-06:00

Big kudos to ABC News' Jake Tapper for showing the truth that is President 0bama's current budget proposal.

Happy Valentines Day, everyone.

Kabuki theater, indeed.

The Racism of Daily Kos for GOP Candidate Mia B. Love

2012-02-13T17:31:00.000-06:00

I was recently informed about a piece by Daily Kos promoting racism versus Republican candidate Mia B. Love. I've had the pleasure of meeting Mia in person at CPAC and welcome her campaign to bring conservative values to Utah's newly formed 4th Congressional District. Read more about her campaign at Love 4 Utah now.

Me with the awesome Mia B. Love at BlogBash at CPAC 2012.

The Kos piece, written in January 2012, is mentioned in this eye opening piece from 54°40′ Or Fight!

How is it acceptable in our "post-racial" world that Daily Kos promotes and accepts racism? They're so often featured on MSNBC and other mainstream media outlets as respected and prominent in providing insight into the "state of the union." Well, Daily Kos does promote racism by stating Mia B. Love is "one of only two African-Americans living in Utah not currently playing for the Jazz."

WOW. Just wow.

This is unacceptable and I will not stand for it.

The jig is up, Daily Kos. We've known it all along, but here it is in print. Maybe you should change your name to Racist Kos because that is what you are by allowing and promoting this type of vile rhetoric.

Here is a screen shot of the post in case Daily Kos tries to cut and run as cowards. Or maybe they'll say "he's not with us" like the Occupy DC protester who hit a police officer in the head with a brick this past weekend. Yeah, right.

Screen Print from 2-13-2012 of Racist Kos' piece versus Mia B. Love

Please stand with me in voicing your concerns that this racism is unacceptable. Leave comments, send emails, make phone calls and stand strong against this evil.

If you're on twitter, please follow @MiaBLove to find out the latest on her campaign.

Also, join me in supporting the 48 Hour Campaign Moneybomb - Love For Love!

If you're not on twitter or facebook, you may go directly to this link to support Mia B. Love with a personal donation.

Thank you for your support of Mia, her campaign and for joining me in fighting like a girl!

God Bless!

CPAC 2012: We STILL Hold These Truths

2012-02-09T00:39:00.002-06:00

This year is my second year attending CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, DC. As an official blogger, I'll be able to report and share with all of you what thousands of grassroots conservatives are witnessing during the conference. Three days of amazing speeches, policy discussions and networking opportunities galore! I look forward to doing my little part to help make our country a better place for everyone by standing by the principles of limited government, personal responsibility and freedom of religion, to name a few.

CPAC has been around for 39 years now and this year we'll have Presidential candidates, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum speaking at the event. Also scheduled to speak are my awesome Governor, Rick Perry, Rep. Paul Ryan, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Senator Rand Paul and the woman who opened my eyes, Sarah Palin. I can't wait to hear them all speak and look forward to sharing with you too.

I especially like this year's theme "We STILL Hold These Truths." Man, this is spot on!

And no worries about the unions and Occupy DC who plan on "making it count" by disrupting, physically and verbally assaulting the peaceful participants of CPAC. I plan on being safe and ignoring any confrontation that may come my way. The police and other security will be there to protect us. I just find it sad that my President, the White House administration, and Democratic party leaders support their cause. Very sad indeed. I thought the government was there to protect its citizens, but in this case, its only the citizens who support their agenda.

So pay attention my friends. Our children deserve a country free of violence and oppression. They don't deserve being in debt (as of today) of close to $50,000 per citizen. Nor do they deserve to be ridiculed for their religion or choices they make in their lives. What they do deserve is a strong country with a strong faith, a strong bank account, a strong military and a strong belief that we are and always will be the greatest nation on the planet.

I will do what I can do make this happen by continuing my quest to be a Community Organizer for the Constitution. Even if it's from my little blog. Join me!

Don't leave it to someone else. You ARE someone else!

Learn more about CPAC here!

Cancer Sucks!

2012-02-07T16:41:00.000-06:00

It's been a tough year for my friends, Fingers Malloy and John Brodigan, at From The Right Radio, who have lost loved ones to cancer over the past year. I have prayed for them and their families during their times of need and now want to help a little more by participating in a fantastic cause.

In the spirit of love and giving, FTR Radio is having a Friends and Family Fundraiser with the American Cancer Society to raise money in honor of Fingers' mother, Joeanne and John's father, Ed.

Please join me today in supporting this very worthy cause of donating $5, $10, or whatever you can to help kick cancers butt of sucky suckness out of existence.

CLICK HERE to help someone fight cancer today!

Thanks y'all!

Happy 101st Birthday, President Ronald Reagan!

2012-02-06T08:50:00.000-06:00

The first time I voted, it was for Ronald Reagan.

My friend Karen Townsend wrote a fantastic piece today on Reagan and where we are today in the GOP. Please read it here: Happy Birthday Ronald Reagan. I agree with her that we need to go back to the Reagan way.

I greatly miss his positive message. He truly believed in the good of America.

I wish we had that in our leadership today. Will we again?

Generation Gap

2012-01-30T08:59:00.000-06:00

Do you believe teenagers don't pay attention to politics, stories from around our country, our world, the news media and how it reports information or how pop culture affects changes in attitude and opinion?

Think again!

Please join me and my almost 20-something son this week for the premiere of our internet radio show, GENERATION GAP on From The Right Radio!

Check us out on the schedule and listen in! He and others his age are paying attention and do have an opinion of where our country is, where it's going and what needs to be done to keep her free with liberty and justice for all. And we'll talk about it all on our show.

So, don't leave it to someone else. You ARE someone else! Listen in and tell all your friends/family too. If you're on twitter, you can follow us as @TheGenGap for updates of show times/subject matter.

Let us know what you think about the show and what you'd like to hear too. We're open to all subject matter and will more than likely have an opinion on it ... even if our opinions differ. ;)

Thanks and God Bless!

Bring Out Your Dead!

2012-01-29T13:05:00.000-06:00

As our country continues to cling to the edge of a cliff due to the debt of entitlements, over-taxation and overall bad decisions by both Democrats and Republicans alike, it is with great pleasure I share this glimmer for some laughter amongst the sadness.

There is a new Monty Python sci-FARCE movie is in the works! Squeeeee!

Read more here about the Absolutely Anything movie and happy Sunday y'all! :)

SOPA and PIPA and Censorship, Oh My!

2012-01-18T12:06:00.002-06:00

As I'm sure you've heard over the past few days, many big named internet websites are protesting the House of Representatives Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Senate's Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) bills currently set for vote over the next several days/weeks. Do you like freedom of speech? Well, both of these bills will censor the internet and WE THE PEOPLE need to take a stand and stop it fast.

Need more information? Please educate yourself by watching the video below, call your Congressman and tell them to vote NO on these bills ... then SHARE this information with everyone you know while you still can! Seriously, my friends. This is a very big deal and is critical to our freedom of speech.

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

These bills are not about being a Republican or a Democrat because support comes from legislators on BOTH sides. If this passes, what next? Censor religion? Marriage? How many children you can have? What you can eat? All in due time, comrade, all in due time.

Yes, it's THAT big a deal. Here's another video to show how these bills will damage businesses, innovations and freedoms.

So, as I always say, don't leave it to someone else, you ARE someone else! Don't wait ... call your Congressman today and tell them to vote NO on SOPA and PIPA!

Not sure where or who to call? I've got you covered! Just click here: SOPA + PIPA Tracker

Get on your phone, send that email, hell, send a hand written letter (as long as it gets there within the next 6 days when the vote will come up again) ... just DO IT!

If the freedom of speech is taken away then the dumb and the silent we may be lead, like sheep to the slaughter. ~ George Washington

Most Truthful Cartoon You'll See Today

2012-01-05T19:17:00.000-06:00

Remember this, my voting friends and never forget.

2012 Republican Primary Debate Schedule

2012-01-04T11:48:00.000-06:00

Here is the schedule for the 2012 Republican Primary debates.

Watch. Listen. Be informed. Don't leave it to someone else. You ARE someone else!

January 7, 2012	Air Time: 9pm ET / 6pm PT on ABC Live Stream: WMUR and Yahoo! News Location: Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH Sponsor: ABC News and WMUR Participants: Perry, Gingrich, Santorum, Huntsman, Romney, Paul
January 8, 2012	9am ET on NBC (Yes, 9am) Location: Chubb Theatre at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH Sponsor: NBC News, Facebook and the Union Leader Participants: TBD
January 16, 2012	9pm ET on Fox News Location: Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Sponsor: Fox News and Republican Party of South Carolina Participants: TBD
January 19, 2012	Air time TBD on CNN Location: Charleston, SC Sponsor: CNN and the Southern Republican Leadership Conference Participants: TBD
January 23, 2012	Air time TBD on NBC Location:University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida Sponsor: The St. Petersburg Times, NBC News, the National Journal and the Florida Council of 100 Participants: TBD
January 26, 2012	Air time TBD on CNN Location: Jacksonville, FL Sponsor: CNN, CNN en Español, The Hispanic Leadership Network and The Republican Party of Florida Participants: TBD
February 22, 2012	8pm ET on CNN (Originally Dec 1, then Nov 30) Location: Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona Sponsor: CNN and the Republican Party of Arizona Participants: TBD
March 1, 2012	8pm ET on CNN Location: Georgia Sponsor: CNN and the Georgia Republican Party Participants: TBD
March 5, 2012	Air time TBD on NBC Location: Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA Sponsor: Reagan Library, NBC News and Politico Participants: TBD
March 19, 2012	Air time TBD on PBS Location: Portland, OR Sponsor: Oregon Public Broadcasting, NPR, PBS, and The Washington Times Participants: TBD

Previous debate info with video below! :)

May 5, 2011	Watch Entire Video (83 minutes) Location: Peace Center in Greenville, SC Sponsor: Fox News and South Carolina Republican Party Participants: Johnson, Paul, Cain, Pawlenty, Santorum
June 13, 2011	Watch Entire Video (100 minutes) – Post-Debate Analysis Location: Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH Sponsor: CNN, WMUR-TV and New Hampshire Union Leader Participants: Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Paul, Pawlenty, Romney, Santorum
August 11, 2011	Watch Entire Video (80 minutes) Location: Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa Sponsor: Fox News, The Washington Examiner and the Republican Party of Iowa Participants: Bachmann, Romney, Pawlenty, Paul, Cain, Huntsman, Santorum, Gingrich
September 5, 2011	Palmetto Freedom Forum Watch Entire Video (2 hours) Location: Columbia, South Carolina Sponsor: Senator Jim DeMint and the American Principles Project Participants: Romney, Gingrich, Bachmann, Cain, Paul
September 7, 2011	Watch Entire Video (108 minutes) Location: Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA Sponsor: Reagan Library, NBC News and Politico Participants: Perry, Paul, Huntsman, Romney, Santorum, Gingrich, Bachmann, Cain
September 12, 2011	Watch Entire Video (100 minutes) Location: Florida State Fair Grounds in Tampa, FL Sponsor: CNN and the Tea Party Express Participants: Perry, Bachmann, Romney, Paul, Gingrich, Cain, Santorum, Huntsman
September 22, 2011	Watch Entire Video (2 hours) Location: The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL Sponsor: Fox News, Google and Florida Republican Party Participants: Perry, Bachmann, Romney, Paul, Gingrich, Cain, Santorum, Huntsman, Johnson
October 11, 2011	Watch Entire Video (2 hours) Location: Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH Sponsor: Bloomberg, The Washington Post and WBIN-TV Participants: Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Huntsman, Paul, Perry, Romney, Santorum
October 18, 2011	Watch Entire Video (1 hr 40 minutes) Location: Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV Sponsor: CNN and the Western Republican Leadership Conference Participants: Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Paul, Perry, Romney, Santorum
November 5, 2011	The Cain/Gingrich Lincoln-Douglas Debate Watch Entire Video (80 minutes) Location: The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center in Houston, Texas Sponsor: Texas Tea Party Patriots PAC Participants: Cain, Gingrich
November 9, 2011	Watch Entire Video (91 minutes) Location: Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan Sponsor: CNBC, the Michigan Republican Party and Oakland University Participants: Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Huntsman, Paul, Perry, Romney, Santorum
November 12, 2011	Watch Entire Video (80 minutes) Location: Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina Sponsor: CBS News, The National Journal and the South Carolina Republican Party Participants: Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Huntsman, Paul, Perry, Romney, Santorum
November 19, 2011	Thanksgiving Family Forum Watch Entire Video (2 hours) Location: First Federated Church in Des Moines, Iowa Sponsor: The Family Leader Participants: Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Paul, Perry, Santorum
November 22, 2011	Watch Entire Video (90 minutes) Location: DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC Sponsor: CNN, The Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute Participants: Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Huntsman, Paul, Perry, Romney, Santorum
December 3, 2011	Mike Huckabee Presidential Forum Watch Entire Video (80 minutes) Location: Fox News Headquarters in New York City Sponsor: Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Fox News Participants: Romney, Perry, Bachmann, Gingrich, Santorum, Paul

December 10, 2011

Watch Entire Video (90 minutes)
Location: Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa
Sponsor: ABC News, ABC5/WOI-DT, The Des Moines Register and Republican Party of Iowa
Participants: Romney, Perry, Bachmann, Gingrich, Santorum, Paul

December 12, 2011

Gingrich/Huntsman Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Watch Entire Video (90 minutes)
Location: Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire
Sponsor: Saint Anselm College
Participants: Gingrich, Huntsman


December 15, 2011	Watch Entire Video Location: Sioux City Convention Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sponsor: Fox News and Republican Party of Iowa Participants: Bachmann, Gingrich, Huntsman, Paul, Perry, Romney, Santorum

ht John B. Cook, Jeffery Reynolds and 2012 Election Central

Schedule subject to change, but I'll do my best to keep it updated!

My Wish For You ...

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

... that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Enjoy some old school Bing Crosby singing my favorite Christmas song.

May your days be filled with big smiles, big laughter and big love.

God Bless,

Michelle

Last Minute Patriotic Christmas Gift Ideas!

2011-12-21T01:10:00.001-06:00

I've been blessed this year. Blessed with my family, my health and my friends. And blessed with you! So, with a few days left until Christmas Day, I wanted to share my favorite books of the year ... Just in time for your last minute gift shopping!

First, I had the pleasure this year of reading The Five Laws of Liberty by Scott Hyland. This book is an honest examination of the biblical view of freedom. The Five Laws of Liberty are: Remember the Past, Embrace the Truth, Respect Humanity, Self-control (Restraint), and Protect and Serve Others. The amount of information in this book kept me intrigued and mesmerized. I have a habit of highlighting sentences I like as I read and this book has so many, I might as well highlight the entire book! One of my favorite quotes discusses the value of privilege in freedom. Freedom has a taste to those who fight and die for it that the protected with never know. While I have never had the honor to serve in battle, I will fight for freedom ... as you know from reading my blog and from hearing me speak about our country and her path. There are so many quotes from this book I should share, but I'd be stealing from your reading pleasure. Get it today! For yourself and/or a fellow patriot. It's amazing!

"An invaluable playbook for parents who reject the Nanny State." This quote from Michelle Malkin is regarding Marybeth Hicks' book Don't Let Kids Drink the Kool-Aid. As the mother of three children ... two of which are in college ... this book's title instantly caught my attention. As Marybeth notes, our kids are being indoctrinated through television and their own educators to believe: Socialism is better than a free market, America is a villain, and the Government will save them. So even though socialism has a historical rate of failure, America has saved millions of lives in the name of liberty and freedom and our economy is tanking under 0bamanomics' Trickle Up Poverty, an alarming number of kids don't believe it. The government will educate you, and then your obligation is to serve the government's goals, not your own. Time to turn that television off. Listen to your kids and what their teachers are saying. And go buy this book to have an eye opening experience! It's fantastic!

I am in love with "One Nation Under God - A Book for Little Patriots" by Amelia Hamilton. I had heard about this book for children via my twitter pals and had the pleasure of meeting Amelia herself at BlogCon11 in Denver last month. This book is a MUST BUY for our little ones. They are the future of our country and will love reading this book on the basics of America and her greatness. One of my favorite paragraphs from Three Branches of Government reads: Checks and balances on each of the three, To keep us safe and fair and free. The power is divided so no one in king. We can govern ourselves. Let freedom ring! Yes, yes, YES! I cannot wait to give copies to the kids in my life this Christmas. You should too so get it today and read along with your children. It's truly wonderful!

Last, but surely not least, I had the honor of reading Freedom Bee, a hive story by Nicole Haas. As I opened the children's book and read the dedication "To Wyatt and Cody, may you be forever free," I immediately thought of one of my favorite quotes from Thomas Paine: If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace. Ah, yes. This quote is close to my heart. As is this sweet story of a worker bee and his rise to freedom. Liberty. Personal Responsibility. Honor. It's all covered in a whimsical rhyme about Scout the Bee. You are all capable of much better things! This is the moment to spread wide your wings! Nicole's book is another I'm looking forward to reading with the little ones in my life. You can also get it via e-Book download so don't delay, buy it today!

Even I can rhyme when I take my time. =) I better stop while I'm ahead.

So there you have it my friends! A few of my favorite books from this year that I highly recommend you get for yourself, the kiddos and your family/friends. Be a patriot and join me in celebrating our freedoms by supporting these wonderful authors today.

Thank you, God Bless and Merry Christmas!

I'll bet ABC News $10,000 their transcript of the Iowa Republican Debate is WRONG UPDATE

2011-12-15T15:49:00.000-06:00

UPDATE 12/15: ABC News has corrected their erroneous transcript. Don't think one person can make a difference? Think again. It's sad lil ole me had to call out big news network ABC, but when it needs to be done, do it! Don't leave it to someone else. You ARE someone else. p.s. Where's my $10K?! :)

*****************************************************

Why does the public distrust the mainstream media? Hmm ...

The list is oh-so-long, but it surely doesn't help when ABC News' own transcript states Governor Rick Perry said "okay" after Mitt Romney's bet and he clearly did NOT.

From ABC News' Full Transcript online:

MITT ROMNEY: You know what? You've raised that before, Rick. And-- you're simply wrong.

RICK PERRY: It-- it-- it was true then. (CHUCKLE) It's true now.

MITT ROMNEY: That-- now, this-- Rick, I'll-- I'll tell you what. (CHUCKLE) 10,000 bucks-- (APPLAUSE) $10,000 bet?

RICK PERRY: I'm not in the bettin' business, but, okay.

Video proof that Perry did NOT say "but, okay" via Legal Insurrection:

Read their lips, as it's clear Romney said "okay" in response to Perry. Sheesh!

ABC, please REVISE your transcript.

Jeebus. We citizen journalists have to keep you in line too much. Do your job and report the news correctly please. Thanks and GOD BLESS! =)

ht Pamela Barrasso

Remember. Honor. Teach.

2011-12-11T20:37:00.000-06:00

This past weekend our family had the honor of participating in Wreaths Across America (WAA) at the Houston National Cemetery amongst several thousand volunteers. We stood alongside Veterans, Active Duty, Patriot Riders, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, ROTC and FFA groups, and every day citizens by themselves or with their friend and families.

WAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and thanking our veterans for their service and sacrifice. The Wreaths Across America mission is to “Remember, Honor, and Teach." And what an honor it was.

Photo by Jennifer Yohner Tucker of Tomball, TX

Before laying the wreaths, the ceremony had everything from the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance to Invocation, Benediction, Rifle Salute and Taps. This was especially wonderful considering the fight we recently had to go through to be able to continue our freedom OF religion at the Houston National Cemetery. There was even a low fly over from the United States Coast Guard. Very cool. We were instructed that it wasn't a race and to take our time, be respectful and how to lay the wreaths properly.

At each grave, I straightened the bow, stepped back, read the name out loud, said a prayer in their honor and thanked them for their service and for my freedom. It is because of each of them and so many more that we are able to live free. Never forget. My intent was to lay 26 wreaths, in honor of my father who served 26 years in the U.S. Army, but we were able to lay so many more. This makes me happy and I wish we could have done more. I've shared the names of each of these heroes at the end of this post.

Of the 59,000 graves at the Houston National Cemetery, fundraising was able to bring in over 31,000 wreaths from Maine. Corporate sponsors KHOU 11, Wal-Mart, KBR and Waste Management helped make the event a success, as well as the countless individuals and groups that work months in advance. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, 12/8/2012 at 1100 hours!

Now, please join me in thanking the heroes below for their sacrifice and for our freedom. Say their name out loud. As WAA-Houston Director Scott deMasi noted during the opening ceremony, for many of our fallen heroes, it's been years since someone said their name. Let's make it twice in a matter of days. Please join me.

May God Bless them and their families today and always.

Remember. Honor. Teach.

Mark your 2012 calendars:

Clean Up Day - Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 0900-1200 hrs (hope to see you there!)
Wreaths Across America Houston - Saturday, December 8, 2012 from 1100-1600 hrs

God Bless Our Troops ... always!

Wreaths Across America

2011-12-04T22:03:00.000-06:00

During this Christmas season, I will be sharing information where your gift will keep on giving and today, I'd like to tell you about Wreaths Across America (WAA). The mission of WAA is to "Remember, Honor, Teach" and is carried out on the second Saturday of December each year at veterans cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states. WAA was founded to continue and expand the wreath laying ceremony began by businessman, Morrill Worcester of Maine in 1992 at Arlington National Cemetery.

Photo via ChaneysGirls.com

Now in over 600 locations, WAA has scheduled a week of events with thousands of volunteers who help organize, participate and raise funds to place wreaths on the graves of our veterans. There is no government funding for WAA and the goal this year is to place 500,000 wreaths on our veterans graves this Saturday, December 10, 2011. What a difference a day can make!

How can you help?

Volunteer Info

Sponsor A Wreath Here

Participating Locations

My oldest son has volunteered at the Wreaths Across America - Houston event since he was in high school and being the daughter of an Army veteran, I personally have found it a rewarding and emotional experience to help lay wreaths at the Houston National Cemetery.

So as you decorate your homes, write out your cards, schedule parties and shop for that perfect gift for family and friends, please consider a donation of your time and/or sponsoring a wreath to WAA. Our veterans are what have made our nation great and have kept her free. Please help honor them with helping WAA place a beautiful wreath from Maine at any of the 600 locations.

Thank you, God Bless and Merry Christmas!

34 Things I'm Thankful for in 2011

2011-11-23T10:54:00.001-06:00

As we celebrate Thanksgiving in homes across our great nation, I'd like to share a few things I'm thankful for today and every day. Why 34? It's my favorite number, so here they all are in order of how they popped into my spiky haired head.

I am thankful for ...

1. Family

2. My faith

3. My marriage

4. Friends

5. Living in America, the greatest nation on Earth

6. Our United States Armed Forces

7. My home

8. Kittehs (Pinky Tuscadero and Jack Daniels Bauer)

9. The Constitution and Declaration of Independence

10. Rock. And. Roll. \\ m //

11. Being able to drive a standard transmission

12. Smart Girl Politics

13. Tortellini

14. Jack Daniels

15. FTR Radio

16. Conservatism and the Tea Party

17. Being a contributor to BigGovernment.com and Politicalistas

18. Snow covered mountains

19. My health

20. My cowboy boots

21. Twitter and the internets

22. Having a job that helps people see and smile

23. Hollywood kisses with handsomehub

24. Good conversation

25. Freedom!

26. Cartoons

27. Traveling across our great country and around the world

28. Ron's Pub

29. Texas

30. Being called scrappy and/or feisty.

31. The truth that is "I am the 53%"

32. Thunderstorms

33. The WKRP in Cincinnati "Turkey Drop" episode

34. You!

Have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! ~ Corinthians 9:15

David Dewhurst: Do As I Say, Not As I Do ... Oh wait.

2011-11-21T15:35:00.001-06:00

Last week, Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst was interviewed by the Texas Tribune and had a lot to say about his run for U.S. Senate, but it's important to share with all Texans, what he did not say.

What Dewhurst Said:
Dewhurst said he was strongly against calls for a personal income tax in 2003, when the state faced a budget shortfall.

What He Left Out:

While he may have been opposed to an income tax in 2003, he did float the idea of raising the state sales tax in 2002; about 24-hours later, he completely flip-flopped and was against it. (Terrence Stutz, “Sharp, Dewhurst Clash During Forum,” Dallas Morning News, 5/2/02)
But Dewhurst did call for an income tax in 2005. He instead called it a “wage tax” and The Wall Street Journal said it would have expanded government & amounted to a new “income tax” on Texans. (Editorial, “Deep In The Heart Of Taxes,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/10/05)

What Dewhurst Said:
“Over my dead, cold political body will [we] ever have a personal state income tax.”

What He Left Out:

Dewhurst said in 2005 of a business income tax: “What good Texan is going to have heartburn over them paying $6,000 to $8,000 a year on income of $650,000 to improve the education of our youngsters?” (Terrence Stutz, “Dewhurst Blasts Tax Plan Foes Lieutenant Governor Tells Businesses: Pay Your Share,” Dallas Morning News, 5/4/05)

What Dewhurst Said:
"I've been involved in legislation 51 times that cut spending."

What He Left Out:

The Democrats were also involved in the legislation to cut spending; however, as any capitol watcher knows, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst was considered the "weak link" among state leaders on taxes. In fact, he pushed taxes on a number of occasions:

·Dewhurst was the Senate leader as the legislature considered a series of dramatic tax increases including a Wage Tax, a Car Tax, a 4% Business-Profits Tax, raising the Sales Tax, and various Sin Taxes. (Editorial, “Deep In The Heart Of Taxes,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/10/05)
Dewhurst told Business Groups in 2005: “It’s time to start paying your fair share.” “Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst angrily accused some top business groups of spreading false information about the Senate's tax plan Tuesday, and he issued them a stern warning: It's time to start paying your fair share.” (Terrence Stutz, “Dewhurst Blasts Tax Plan Foes Lieutenant Governor Tells Businesses: Pay Your Share,” Dallas Morning News, 5/4/05)
The Wall Street Journal Called Dewhurst’s Comments “The Kind Of Class-Warfare Reasoning Normally Reserved For Washington.” “[T]he Legislature is set to lift outlays for its two-year budget to $137.5 billion from $118 billion, or 12.5% a year – the biggest two-year bulge in Texas history. Mr. Dewhurst defends his plan by trotting out the kind of class-warfare reasoning normally reserved for Washington. ‘What good Texan is going to have real heartburn about paying – out of $650,000 - $6,000 to $9,000 to improve the education of youngsters?’ he asked last week.” (Editorial, “Deep In The Heart Of Taxes,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/10/05)
Dewhurst proposed a new tax on advertising in 2003. (Wendy Melillo, “Lieutenant Governor Proposes Texas Ad Tax,” AdWeek, 4/30/03)

What Dewhurst Said:
He called himself a problem-solver. Interviewer Evan Smith asked, if Dewhurst thought he solved school finance. Dewhurst's response? "We solved it at the time."

What He Left Out:

If solving an issue “at the time” is his standard, then Dewhurst owes Texans an apology for wasting their time as he didn’t solve problems when the Sanctuary Cities bill came up, or when the TSA Groping Bill came up. He stood aside and let the bills be killed in the Senate when he could easily have intervened.

What Dewhurst Said:
When asked if he was with anti-tax activists who pushed back against the administration, Dewhurst said, "I'm with the people of Texas."

What He Left Out:

Dewhurst has not been to a Tea Party meeting and since entering the U.S. Senate race, he has skipped 18 candidate forums, bypassing an opportunity to be with the “people of Texas.”

What Dewhurst Said:
"'I'm not conservative enough,' some say; they don't know me. When they get to know me . . . ."

What He Left Out:

Even the media recognizes Dewhurst as a middle-of-the road guy:

"When Dewhurst was first elected Lieutenant Governor in 2002, he was viewed as a conservative, but more moderate in his approach than then-House Speaker Tom Craddick, a Republican from Midland who was often at odds with his Senate counterpart. Even Senate Democrats praised Dewhurst in his first session.” (Terrence Stutz, “Dewhurst Seeks 3rd Term With Eye On D.C.,” Dallas Morning News, 10/16/10)
"Dewhurst is smart, even a bit nerdy—a good listener, everyone agrees, and a moderate at heart. But for whatever reason, he has broken with tradition and used the Senate for his own political purposes.” – Saul Elbein, “The Extra-Lite Gov” Texas Observer, 10/29/10

So there you have it. What was said and what was not. As the primary kicks into high gear just after the holidays, it's very important we investigate all the facts and records for anyone running for office.

Don't simply support a name that looks most familiar to you on a ballot. Please research all outlets for the good, the bad and the ugly facts. Find out who has the conservative record. Find out who gets what endorsement. Find out who will stand for what is best for you, your family, for Texas and for America.

In the meantime, as Dewhurst avoids debates with opponents, meeting with grassroots tea party activists in Texas and even Ducking Dewhurst around Austin, one thing is for certain. Voters will remember on election day and I'll continue to do my "fair share" to help inform Texans of what I find as well.

The Jersey-Texan

'Pay to Play" at the Harris County Republican Party

Easter Care Package For The Troops!

Freedom From Obamacare ... err, PPACA (UPDATED 3-30-12)

I Choose Freedom.

I Am Andrew Breitbart

RIP Davy Jones

America Needs Ted Cruz

Remarkable Obama

0bama's Budget Represents A Broken Promise

The Racism of Daily Kos for GOP Candidate Mia B. Love

CPAC 2012: We STILL Hold These Truths

Cancer Sucks!

Happy 101st Birthday, President Ronald Reagan!

Generation Gap

Bring Out Your Dead!

SOPA and PIPA and Censorship, Oh My!

Most Truthful Cartoon You'll See Today

2012 Republican Primary Debate Schedule

My Wish For You ...

Last Minute Patriotic Christmas Gift Ideas!

I'll bet ABC News $10,000 their transcript of the Iowa Republican Debate is WRONG **UPDATE**

Remember. Honor. Teach.

Wreaths Across America

34 Things I'm Thankful for in 2011

David Dewhurst: Do As I Say, Not As I Do ... Oh wait.

I'll bet ABC News $10,000 their transcript of the Iowa Republican Debate is WRONG UPDATE