Chet Edwards Has His Own Radical Ties

In keeping with the huckster phrase "But wait! There's more..." it appears that connections to '60's radicals abound in this current election cycle. Thanks to Kyle-Ann Shiver, American Thinker readers are familiar with Sen. Barak Obama’s links to Saul Alinksy and Bill Ayers. However, for me, in researching Big Labor's campaign donations to my own representative Chet Edwards (D-TX 17), radicals are popping up much closer to home--thanks to the work of 60's radical Wade Rathke.

In researching campaign donations for Chet Edwards, I noticed that for a congressman in a non-union district in the right-to-work State of Texas, Edwards received a huge amount of money from unions. In fact, Edwards is in the top 20 of House members receiving money ($246,100) from labor organizations. But my Democratic Party congressman is not alone. In this 2008 election, Big Labor has funded Democrats with $47,609,244, or 91%, of all their political campaign donations. Although the closest auto manufacturing plant is in San Antonio (a non-union Toyota plant), Edwards has received $8,000 from the United Auto Workers Union. Your first step in determining who is funding your congressman is the Federal Election Commission Campaign Finance Reports and Data page.

However, it was not until I researched a $5000 donation from Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to Edwards that the big picture became abundantly clear: radicals have taken over labor organizations under the organizing direction of Wade Rathke. What makes this fact threatening to American capitalism is the Cloward/Pivens Strategy.

A Brief Introduction to Wade Rathke and the Cloward/Pivens Strategy

Wade Rathke is a former member of 60's radical group Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). SDS, under the organizing leadership of Tom Hayden, perpetrated the Chicago Riots at the 1968 Democratic Party Convention, the Columbia University takeover, and anti-Vietnam War marches in Washington, D.C.. After a national convention of SDS members in Austin, Texas, a new manifesto was written, with contributor Bernadine Dohrn (Bill Ayers' wife). Eventually, SDS evolved (devolved?) into The Weather Underground.

Rathke is the founder of ACORN and the labor group SEIU. Rathke also serves as chairman of the organizing committee for the AFL-CIO, whose president, John Sweeney, was a former president of SEIU. The purpose of these organizations is to put into practice a strategy penned by two Columbia University sociologists, Richard Andrew Cloward and Frances Fox Piven, who sought to destroy capitalism through managed crisis. According to DiscoverTheNetworks.Org, the Cloward/Piven Strategy "seeks to hasten the fall of capitalism by overloading the government bureaucracy with a flood of impossible demands, thus pushing society into crisis and economic collapse." The method involves using:

"what are commonly called Trojan Horse movements -- mass movements whose outward purpose seems to be providing material help to the downtrodden, but whose real objective is to draft poor people into service as revolutionary foot soldiers; to mobilize poor people en masse to overwhelm government agencies with a flood of demands beyond the capacity of those agencies to meet. The flood of demands was calculated to break the budget, jam the bureaucratic gears into gridlock, and bring the system crashing down. Fear, turmoil, violence and economic collapse would accompany such a breakdown -- providing perfect conditions for fostering radical change."

Wade Rathke writes that he has been "a professional organizer for thirty-five years. (I have) worked for and founded a series of organizations dedicated to winning social justice, workers rights, and a democracy where 'the people shall rule.'" (In other words, according to Rathke, under America's current constitution the people do not rule.) Rathke's beliefs coupled with the amount of money coming from SEIU into Democratic campaign coffers should be startling enough. Is your congressman on this list?

However, Rathke's connection with the extraordinary breadth of the AFL-CIO with its many affiliated labor unions also making donations, makes it easy to see this is a real problem for the future of the nation as we know it today. How many AFL-CIO affiliated labor groups are listed as donors to your congressman at OpenSecrets.Org? Use this widget at Open Secrets to easily see the amount of cash flowing into Democratic Party campaigns and also your district campaigns from these interconnected unions. These are the facts of Rep. Chet Edwards:

• Misc. Unions (Includes SEIU) - $18,250

• Public Sector Unions - $47,250

• Industrial Unions - $48,000

• Real Estate (Includes Fannie Mae) - $70,000

• Building Trade Unions - $66,500

• Transportation Unions - $67,850

• Civil Servants / Public Officials - $9,500

• Education - $30,950

According to WSJ: "[SEIU] adopted a new amendment to its constitution at last month's SEIU convention, requiring that every local contribute an amount equal to $6 per member per year to the union's national political action committee. This is in addition to regular union dues. Unions that fail to meet the requirement must contribute an amount in "local union funds" equal to the "deficiency," plus a 50% penalty. According to an SEIU union representative, this has always been policy, but has now simply been formalized." This coercive method of fund raising may be unlawful. According to Dianna Furchtgott-Roth, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute: "Private sector union membership peaked in the 1950s at 36% of the workforce. Now, only 7.5% of private sector workers belong to unions. Yet the DNC will pay homage to the union agenda, including removing the right to a secret ballot for workers voting on whether or not to join unions, higher minimum wages, higher taxes, and extending mandated benefits, such as paid leave, to even the smallest employers."

The issues listed above are the reason why unions are funneling large amounts of cash into Democratic campaigns. SEIU has contributed more that $16,000,000 to Barak Obama. However, as an advocate of the Cloward/Piven Strategy, Rathke's purpose is not to lift up the downtrodden. The strategy is to destroy the capitalist system by pushing the entire workforce into union organizations. Individuals are then under control and are then used to increase demands from employers and government. When the union is unable to meet these demands, such as the current pension fund debacle for auto workers, the debt will be passed off to the American treasury. The long-term strategy is to destroy the American economy.

Radicals have been very busy since exploding onto the scene in the 60's. They have organized, recruited, and are now pouring incredible amounts of money into Democratic Party candidates' coffers. The question we must ask is what do they want in return. These are just a few of the issues of votes and government funding ACORN, SEIU, the AFL-CIO, and others want in return for their donation to my congressman's campaign to continue their war against America.

My representative, Chet Edwards (D-TX 17) has radical connections. The question is, does your representative have these same radical ties?

Wisdom and The Rich

As the jackalope goes about her busy day, she often takes time to visit with young 20 somethings. You just can't take the teacher out of some with the teaching gift. The jackalope loves to visit with these young people and freely offers her wisdom just as in Proverbs 8.

Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice?
On top of the heights beside the way,
Where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
Beside the gates, at the opening to the city,
At the entrance of the doors, she cries out;
"To you, O men, I call,
And my voice is to the sons of men.
"O naive ones, discern prudence;
And, O fools, discern wisdom.
"Listen, for I shall speak noble things;
And the opening of my lips will produce right things.
"For my mouth will utter truth;
And wickedness is an abomination to my lips,
"All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness;
There is nothing crooked or perverted in them,
"They are all straightforward to him who understands,
And right to those who find knowledge."

This is the voice of the jackalope, earnestly seeking out those needing to hear truth in order to have hope in their own future. Today's lesson centered around government and freedom. Her young friend at first thought that rich people did nothing. Too often we associate mere celebrities who were blessed to be born rich, with "regular work hard and became successful" rich people. Try telling a star NFL player that he doesn't work hard, or a pop singer that she doesn't work. The great majority of Americans work hard for their money. Congress is a group that is paid far more than they deserve for the quality of legislation produced. How do Congressman become millionaires on less than $200,000?..... but I digress.

The truth about rich people is that they produce jobs. How many jobs has Bill Gates produced in his life of computer software development? How many companies were created because of the use of computers? Was Bill Gates always rich? No. He worked hard on his idea and pursued his dream. Through Gate's success thousands, possibly even millions, of others became wealthy.

Now, these wealthy individuals just living their lives provide jobs for others. The architects designing their mansions, the builders, electricians, plumbers, tile installers, not to forget the companies that manufacture all the fixtures and products needed to complete a home with every up to date amenity needed to enjoy life. Even in that aspect, the rich provide jobs for maids, butlers, nannies, chefs, clothes designers, window dressings and luscious fabrics to enhance every room. The list goes on forever.

The point is that we need rich people not government. When we rely on the wealthy to run the economy, we have freedom to pursue our own dream, our own field of study, our own niche market of service to others in order to earn our wages. By serving the needs of others, we earn our own daily bread.

When we rely on government, our earnings are taxed so that our elected officials can be charitable to those who did not serve others as well as we did. This system is full of corruption as our elected officials use our money as charity toward another in hopes of securing votes. Giving money to those that did not serve others as well as we the taxpayer did is nothing more than a bribe for a vote. The corrupt Congressman is now corrupting the citizen receiving the money. Nothing good can come of this as freedom requires individual morality. Corruption creates servitude and slavery for all.

So, my young readers, be wise. Do not fall for the lie about the rich. Observe that it is elected officials spreading this destructive and enslaving untruth. Watch and learn. Get registered to vote and send these liars and men of destruction out of power to intrude upon your life. Wisdom has spoken, I pray you have ears to hear.

Election Eve Prayer

Father, we need you every hour, but especially in this hour. We know that you hold the kings of the earth in the palm of Your hand and direct his heart as you would channels of water. We know that You have instructed those called by You to pray for our leaders and those in authority over us so that we are able to live in peace in the nation. Blessed God, our Creator and our Salvation, our Mighty Protector and Counselor from which all goodness flows, we beg for your mercy upon our nation and upon our people. We petition You for grace and mercy that only You can provide to still our hearts as we place all our hopes upon You.

Father, we are a stiff necked and disobedient people. Our foreheads are like flint, resistant to follow Your simple commands. But, Father you hear the prayers of your remnant and are moved to compassion in times past, so this is again our prayer for compassion. Darkness walks among us but speaks as if of light. He speaks of life, but the death of innocents are in his tongue. Father, Your people know that You knitted us together in the womb and know everything about us from that moment forward. Many have strayed from this truth and are finding themselves supporting something that You have called an abomination - the sacrifice of babies for the good of the living. Father, in this way, our nation is covered in the blood of innocents.

But LORD, we know that through the blood of your Son, Jesus, the atonement for sin, once and for all was given for us, that we might be redeemed through His blood. Thank you, Father for Your atoning grace. Father, You have promised that if Your people who are called by Your name should humble themselves before You and ask for Your blessing upon the nation, that You will hear and answer them. LORD, all across this nation, Your people are humbling themselves and calling upon You to be their God and to ask You to have mercy on this nation this night.

LORD, we know that You have perfect timing and that there is a plan beyond our understanding for Your creation. We know that in all things You are Sovereign, but we also know You are a God of mercy that would have all men come to understanding of Your Salvation and Truth, that none should perish, but that all would be saved. It is to this end that Your people are prayerful on this night. We know that swift and sure justice is what is required, but we beg you to hold back Your mighty arm at this moment so that grace abounds even more. Too many are lost and confused. Too many need good shepherds to guide them back to the path of righteousness. Too many need to hear of Your wonderfulness. Father, I thank Thee for those You have place in my care, but LORD, there are so many more that are in need of Thee.

Father, we pray for the wisdom to accept the leader You have chosen for Your Sovereign Plan even as we petition for mercy. Hold the heart of this nation's leader tightly and guide his ways into all things of benefit for the people. Father, hold back those intent upon destruction even as they call it good. Father, let us once again distinguish good from evil and determine in our hearts to stay upon the path of our Salvation and Your Law. You tell us that a fool does not wake up to find himself upon Your Highway, but so many are lost without a guide. Extend my time as a leader so that I might gather those that You have given me. There is so much work to be done.

Father, we pray for a swift conclusion to this election, without fraud or deception. Let men be strong in discernment of unlawful activity and be just in penalty. Father, we pray for hearts to accept Your decision in this election, even if it is not what we desired. We ask for sober understanding if adversity be upon us. Keep us humble and contrite of heart if Your judgment is stayed for a time. We pray for the rest of the world, because all the peoples will be affected by this outcome. We pray for Your Providence in this thing, but we ask for mercy not only for ourselves, but for those far away in distant lands.

Father, Sovereign though You are, You still delight to hear the prayers and petitions of Your people and are gracious to answer them. In all things You are God and above You there is no other. You created us for Your delight, to worship You in all situations. You alone are holy, good, and just. Regardless of my situation, I will still say, You are my God! My Rock, My living water. In all things, You are my LORD and Jesus Christ my Salvation. Amen.

A Good Question From A Student

After Reverend Peterson's presentation, a student asked the jackalope a great question: Will the election of Barak Obama affect me personally? I told her, "Yes, it will affect my life." When she asked me, "How?", I told her that because I am an artist, my customers - those far more wealthier than me - would not hire me because they won't have as much money to spend. I would not have work.

This is the nature of economics. Cynics laugh at the notion of trickle down economics, but they are only being a cynic, or as the Bible refers to them, scoffers. The Bible condemns the scoffer because he upholds the unrighteous while undermining the righteous and because a scoffer keeps the foolish unrepentant in his foolishness. Why is it so easy to ridicule the wealthy? "Let them get by with last year's yacht!", the scoffer responds to the idea of the rich having less money. Well, that's all well and good unless you are a yacht builder or a provider of materials and supplies to the yacht builder. Or even a minimum wage employee cleaner at any of the shops and factories connected to the yacht business.

This doesn't take into consideration all the myriad of other services like restaurants, truckers, dry cleaners, house cleaners, beauty salons, nail salons, sport events, theaters, on and on the death of an industry trickles down through the economy. The money that flowed freely has been cut off, because someone thought hurting the rich was a good idea. Not only did they hurt the ordinary man, they did it with purpose because an angry underclass are easy to control. The happy are content and can not be lead astray, but an angry mob is something to be used for political power.

Legal work of any type is worthy of esteem, no matter how menial or how extraordinarily well paid. This is a nation founded by the very principle that the "pursuit of happiness", which is the pursuit of property, is the key to freedom. It is control of our human nature, either through a personal relationship with God, or by government law that ensures civil society. The jackalope believes less law promotes civil society better than more. Everyone producing a service or product is held accountable for the quality of their work by their consumer. As a decorative painter, I must please my customer. My customer must treat me appropriately or I will refuse to work for them. No law required unless either party fails to meet the terms of their portion of the contract. This is the privilege of freedom. Only in a totalitarian dictatorship would I have the "right" to work...the problem is the jackalope wouldn't be an artist, I would have a "right" to work at the battery acid reclaimation plant. (the jackalope has already met the human bonfire of liberalism - read her story here)

The jackalope would ask her young readers to consider that their vote will always affect the lives of others. A vote in a republic must never be made for purely selfish motives - it's going to be good for me! That is why the jackalope believes firmly in the phrase: The government that governs best, governs least. The larger the government, the more people suffer because a bureaucracy shows no compassion - no remorse - only individuals are capable of these attributes.

The jackalope desires to work according to the talents given to her by her Creator. While I do not have the "right" to jobs that use that talent, she would ask young voters to consider that the power of their vote has immense impact on the private lives of others. Power should always be used cautiously because it affects civil society as a whole.

Reverand Jesse Lee Peterson @ Texas A&M - - A Cry For Mercy

Last night, Mr. and Mrs. Jackalope were at large on the Texas A&M campus to hear the controversial and black (meaning conservative while being black) Rev. Peterson. The jackalope was pleased to see her friend Brandon and to meet his friends at Rudder Theater. Being a former teacher, the jackalope so enjoys meeting young people, especially those in pursuit of intellectual understanding.

Mr. Peterson spoke of his community work with young boys concerning anger issues. Being students at one of the top universities in the nation, most of those attending the presentation came from loving and stable homes. God has blessed them tremendously, but to those whom much has been given, much is required. The jackalope was grieved to see the students' react so vitriolically to Mr. Peterson's work with those not benefiting from such stable homes. Having taught middle school remedial reading, the jackalope begs mercy for those young people not coming from loving, caring homes, who do have anger issues that impede their ability to learn.

Mr. Peterson described how he acts as a intermediary between his young club members and their teachers. What a great service he is doing. For children that have no responsible adult in their life, to have an adult act as a caring advocate is a mission of mercy. Without an adult to meet on an even field with another adult, these children become victims which only continues the feelings of isolation and anger. Human nature is not pretty when unrestricted. The tendency of adults to think themselves as 'virtuous' as they harshly pressure young people to perform 'for their own good', only intensifies the problem.

By having a caring adult acting in behalf of the child keeps those tendencies in check. Even the Psalmist, David, cried out to God for someone to plead his case in the presence of his enemies. This is the cry of anguish Mr. Peterson's community work is addressing. He should be applauded for helping those unable to plead their own case. This is the basic foundation of civil society.

The jackalope hopes that university students learn to resist internalizing their own blessed situation in response to the tragedy of others. Compassion, like sharing, is a learned behavior. As little children, we all had to be taught to share. Selfishness is never a taught behavior. Compassion comes when we can listen to the cries of others who are in tragic situations, without thinking that because we didn't bear that problem, then the problem others face is invalid. Through compassion, the lesson from last night's lesson, would be to rejoice in their hearts to see a man willing to stand in the gap between unbridled adults and the feelings of the young boys who found shelter under Mr. Peterson's mighty shadow.

Truth in Advertising

The jackalope never condones the defacing of any candidates' signs. However, could it be that what we see in this photo is not that at all, but rather a refreshing indication of truth in advertising by the Edwards campaign?

Chet Edwards - Wade Rathke: WHY IT MATTERS

To understand the purpose of campaign funding for a congressman of Texas District 17 by trade and labor unions (see my previous post), we must have a basic understanding of the radical philosophy and political strategy of Wade Rathke. After all, we all are aware of that great voter block of the United Auto Worker's Union here in Texas 17. [wink] Why does the great majority of Edwards' campaign funding come from trade and labor unions not represented in our district? What are these unions getting in return from our representative in Washington, D.C.? Open Secrets.org gives eye opening information as to how Big Labor is by far the largest donating PAC to every committee memerbership in Congress this election cycle.

Wade Rathke and the Cloward/Piven Strategy

In 1966, Richard Andrew Cloward and Frances Fox Piven, both sociologists at Columbia University, penned a strategy to destroy the capitalist system. They believed that as long as welfare kept the American poor satisfied, the poor would never rise up in revolution against the nation. Therefore, it was necessary to create a method to flood the system with demands until the entire American financial structure collapsed. An overloaded and overtaxed capitalist system would not be able to bear the weight of ever increasing demands.

It is important to note that none of these demands are for the benefit of the people for whom these radicals proport to care for and support. The purpose is solely for overwhelming the bureaucratic system with financial demands. It is therefore incumbent upon us to rid ourselves of the notion that their objective is to be a solution to social problems, no matter how beneficial and beneficent these ideas may seem at first glance. The purpose is simply to break the American treasury to further the cause of revolution.

Through ACORN, Rathke has almost achieved his radical goal through the current Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae mortgage and credit crisis. No member of the Democratic Party has gone on record criticizing Congress for this crisis, because either through corrupt willingness or by being an useful idiot dupe, this manufactured crisis was created for this very purpose.

Such a large scale attack is easier to discern than seemingly innocuous demands such as a request by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union for respirators signed by Chet Edwards. Note the "crisis" of pandemic flu justifying the need for respirators for every State, County, and Municipal Employee, followed by the ever escalating requirements of instruction, fitting, and following OSHA guidelines. These are the hallmarks of the Cloward/Piven Strategy.

Another example is this education idea from brother radicals and friends of Obama, Mike Klosky and Bill Ayers, where students are encouraged to demand their "right" to an education in every way except actually disciplining themselves to learn. This idea has been adopted by the NEA, who also support the campaign of Chet Edwards. In both cases, ever escalating demands are placed upon the treasury with no indication of their need, practicality, or even evidence that such money spent would solve the problem. The very purpose is to always demand more without solving the problem and in most cases, to actually exacerbate the problem.

Remember the purpose is not to help the supposed recipients, but to foment unrest and revolution. Note in the passage below of quotes by William Ayers, that parents and family members are missing from the solution needed to properly guide our "neglected" children in the rites of passage. The more confusion in a child's education under the banner of "help", the better; especially if your goal is civil unrest, not well-educated children.

"Today's youth face special problems and also have special promise," said Ayers, UIC distinguished professor of education and co-editor of "City Kids/City Teachers" (The New Press). "Adolescence is a period of life that is in many ways neglected, but it is when kids need caring, thoughtful adults in their lives more profoundly than ever." Ayers added that he hopes the forums will eventually become "a site for scholars and youth workers to gather to share approaches in the interest of serving kids better."

When the AFL-CIO hires Rathke to teach his method of organizing skills to expand their union membership, they are supporting ever increasing demands and intimidation as the means to their end. According to Project Vote Smart, Chet Edwards supported the AFL-CIO through his votes in Congress 95%. Rathke's creation, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) gives Edwards an 84%. Edwards supports the interests of The United Auto Worker's Union 100%.

View the video at Edwards campaign supporter, the Laborer's Union, to see why Unions are out to buy Edwards' vote out from under the residents of Texas 17. Remember the hidden purpose is to increase demands on employers and the American treasury until the entire capitalist system defaults. The American treasury is not currently responsible for the union's pension plan, but the promise can be read between the lines. Repeatedly the video states: those not supporting Obama do so because of racism.

If unions are able to purchase the election of Chet Edwards, their reward will be the end of secret ballots for employees as to whether to form a union (H.R. 800 Roll Call 118) and the fleecing of the American treasury to fund the pensions of every union member. Unfortunately for these union members, nothing is being done through benevolence for them as individuals, but rather the callous manipulation of their fears to foment unrest and revolution while making increasing demands upon all taxpayers until the entire experiment of free market economics falls never to rise again.

Texas District 17 can not afford to re-elect Chet Edwards.

Chet Edwards Has His Own Radical Ties

Nearly one third of Edwards' campaign donations come from Labor Organizations and Unions. One of these contributing groups is the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) which is a member group of the AFL-CIO. The SEIU was created by and currently operated by Wade Rathke, who also founded ACORN.

Wade Rathke was a member of the 60's radical group Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) along with Tom Hayden. It was SDS, under operational leadership of Hayden that led the 1968 Democratic Party Convention Riots in Chicago. It was SDS that took over buildings on university campuses, in particular Columbia University. SDS organized several Viet Nam War Protest events in Washington, D.C..

At a meeting in Austin, Texas, SDS, along with its splinter cell, Revolutionary Youth Movement, wrote a new manifesto declaring, "You don't have to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows." and SDS evolved [sic] into the Weather Underground Movement.

Today, Wade Rathke serves as leader of both SEIU and ACORN. He is also chairman of the organizers forum for the AFL-CIO, and is a co-founder and board member of the Tides Foundation. Both SEIU and AFL-CIO are donors to Chet Edwards' campaign.

Random Thoughts Inspired By Texas A&M Students

Dear Students,

Today, the jackalope ventured out into the world to attend a Meet the Candidates Forum on the Texas A&M campus. Normally, the jackalope is pretty reclusive, as she reveals in her blog header, but the opportunity was too enticing. What a great time she had visiting with both the candidates and the students. (Especially the students!) When the jackalope was a teacher, she aspired to instruct her students according to the tuning of their hearts. It was with such joy that she savored every conversation. So, thank you to each one who took the time to visit with her!

The jackalope was not surprised that her Representative gave her the back of the head treatment when she, after listening to a conversation about global warming between Mr. Edwards and a great Cadet, piped up her assertion that the sun controlled the earth's climate more than anything man was doing. That's the method of the Left, dismiss anyone that disagrees with them. No debate. No conversation. Chet just moved on to other young students to continue the indoctrination of the superiority of their ideas without allowing for the give and take of debate.

The jackalope is Mr. Edwards constituent, yet my opinion bears no significance with him. This is called tyranny, dear students. In a representational government, it is incumbent upon an elected official to listen to the voice of his constituent. That's the whole idea of a republic. The best ideas rise to the top. Some might say, that the Law of Global Warming has risen to the top, however, that does not mean that the ideas of solutions are Law. The jackalope questions the tyranny that attacks the very economic engine that keeps America free. The jackalope supports the House Republican Energy Plan that includes everything.

America needs oil and the jobs it will create right here, right now. American needs to begin moving in new directions in search of alternative energy. But for right here, right now, oil is the fuel of freedom. A growing economy means freedom in every aspect AND more revenue in the Treasury. More jobs means more tax payers. No one advocates destroying the environment; that would be self-elimination, which is stupid. This was the intent of the jackalope sharing her face to face encounter with The Beast of Liberalism in public education. How can a community survive if we allow twisted policies that receive Federal funding making it financially savvy to keep students in remedial classes or emotionally disturbed? Such policies are akin to allowing toxic dumping in our water supply. Complete Social Darwinism.

Freedom of movement. Freedom to choose from a myriad of products. Freedom to produce a product or service that fulfills a need for which others will exchange cash in order to better seek their own happiness. Freedom to create a better mousetrap and benefit financially from that endeavor. And ultimately, the freedom to share that wealth through charitable giving according to the values of the individual. This is the foundation of America. The only "change" America needs is to recognize these truths and defend them with all our being.

The tax system is currently viewed as a national collection plate - a code to bring about equality and justice. "From each according to his ability; to each according to his need." Karl Marx. Freedom produces economic opportunity for everyone through jobs and services. Government can spread money around, but it produces no product to keep the economic machine running. Freedom is the compassionate choice for people of every level.

Government bureaucracy is the most formidable force of evil created by man. Devoid of compassion. Dark and crushing. Constantly making mistakes that destroy the lives of individuals without conscience or shame. Separation of Church and State, y'know. The jackalope has discerned that particular non sequitur to be a cover for men to pass laws devoid conscience for pure political gain, while patting themselves on the back for replacing good with evil and evil for good. A man erased of moral convictions is unfit to serve the people; for his every action poisons the very groundwater of a community.


Imagine your health care coming from the machine of government. The most important event in your life in desperate need of compassion, delivered by the unblinking face of bureaucracy. Such an idea can never work because of the set nature of man. Only when a man receives that which makes him happy in exchange can he deliver a superior service to another. Altruism works better in liberty than under tyrannical control. Remember those in the Soviet gulags joked that they were more free than their guards because only prisoners could ridicule government leaders, laws and ideas. A guard caught laughing at the joke would quickly find himself on the other side of the fence. Altruism thrives in freedom and liberty and is stifled by control. Control leads not only to corruption, deceit, and condescension but it ultimately stifles the creative spirit endowed in Man by his Creator. It is in that light that the jackalope proclaims that "Free health care" is the most expensive commodity being peddled by the carney shysters of Big Government.

The jackalope is a radical for freedom and liberty. However, to be free, requires men to rise up out of the primordial slime of Darwinism, and accept the boundaries of morality and consequences. Freedom is as hard as moving out from your parents house and becoming an autonomous individual with the ability to provide your own basics needs: food, clothing, and shelter. Freedom is not free. Freedom must be defended at every point in life or we are quickly sucked back into the abyss of human nature. Those that try to rise up out of the abyss are pulled back down like crabs trying to escape a bucket. Don't live in the tyranny and chaos of the bucket; escape young people, rise up, fly, be free. Vote Republican.

With great love,
the jackalope

Chet Edwards (D TX17) Demagogues Fannie/Freddie Crisis

Today, in his interview on WTAW radio, Chet Edwards gave the current Democratic Party talking points in his assessment of the Fannie Mae/ Freddie Mac meltdown. Edwards blamed deregulation (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Bill) signed into law by President Bill Clinton and Wall Street greed for the crisis that is quickly accumulating to a 1 trillion $ plus bill to the American taxpayer.

What Chet failed to mention were the actual regulations Congress applied to the socialized government entities. Congress alone is responsible for the regulation requiring such little things as the inability to assess the ability of the mortgage applicant to actually pay back the loan or even proof of employment. And just how are these government entities allowed to contribute to political campaigns when private businesses can't, if not through those insidious little congressional regulations? Not to mention those little regulations that allowed the likes of Franklin Raines, Daniel Mudd, Jim Johnson and Jaime Gorelick to score big bonuses and fabulous perks.

These are just a few regulations the jackalope would like to see investigated and deregulated.

We need serious change in Congress. How about starting with one less Democrat in the House of Representatives?

Elect Rob Curnock (R) to represent Texas District 17.

Rob Curnock Campaign Video

Chet Edwards Blocks Drilling Motion

This is the jackalope's first video editing project. However, the truth of the project stands clear. While Chet Edwards talks "moderate" here in District 17, he has aspirations of higher positions in the Democratic Party and will vote against the best interest of the people to achieve that goal.

20/20 For Rob Curnock for Congress

The Jackalope is starting a web campaign to raise funds for Rob Curnock For Congress.

The plan is 20 for $20.00 and the Jackalope has made it easy with the SlateCard widget right here on The Jackalope's Voice. Just click on the contribute button and fill out the form to contribute $20.00 (or more) and then email 20 friends asking them to do the same.

The Jackalope's Voice is volunteering her blog to work for the campaign and I would appreciate her readers use this blog for raising web contributions. All money goes directly to Rob's account. However, this volunteer would like to show not only the power of the web, but also the benefits of her creativity. The hardworking farmer ought to receive credit for his hard work.

Chet Edwards (D-17TX) is Nancy Pelosi's choice for Obama's veep. That should speak volumes for those that believe in economic and political freedom.

Remember: Without Economic Freedom, Political Freedom is meaningless.

Conundrum

So, let me get this straight, Obama doesn't think he should help his half-brother because he doesn't know him. However, he thinks taxing us to help people we don't know is a sign of his munificence and caring for others.

Okay, I'm trying to get this straight: Obama doesn't think he should help his own half-brother who is living in a 6'x9' African shack, because he doesn't know him. But Obama thinks taxing us in order to help people we don't know is a sign of his munificence and beneficence to the world.

Right, I'm still trying to get this straight....

Riddle

A Twitter friend told me this riddle:

What do Obama and Osama have in common?

They both have friends that bombed the Pentagon (William Ayers)!

'nuff said?

It's just not safe to vote Democrat.

Rob Curnock for Congress

#DontGo Republicans Wary of Pelosi

The Republican Congressional leaders staying on in the lights off, microphones off, and cameras off House Floor should be wary of Speaker Pelosi's change on oil drilling. The "All of the Above" Energy Plan is a good plan. It deserves an up or down vote.

However, the jackalope disagrees with the idea that this is not a Republican or Democrat issue. She believes that when the economic freedom of the United States is at stake, then the political party standing in the way of that freedom deserves scorn, derision, and ultimately, loss of any political power.

The Democratic Party-controlled Congress made their choice when they voted to adjourn for summer vacation. When party unity stands in the way of economic freedom, that party no longer serves as defenders of the Constitution.

Don't Fall For Chet's Energy Talking Points

The Democratic Party-Controlled Congress is pandering to their constituents on the price of gas and oil.

What do they offer?

• Release the Strategic Petroleum Reserves

What happens in the case of a national emergency if reserves are not available?

• Investigate oil speculators

A waste of taxpayer's money. No investigation has turned up an evidence of criminal activity.

• Make Oil Companies Drill on Leases they Already Hold

Leases are a gamble for the oil company. The truth is that the oil companies need the freedom to drill in the best location for their needs, not the needs of a bureaucrat in Washington.

Chet Edwards (D-17 TX) is using these Democratic Party Talking Points.

Tell Chet we don't want pandering; we want Congress to do what promotes economic stability.

Send Rob Curnock to Congress. He supports District 17's republican values.

The Pelosi Premium

The Pelosi Premium and her Democratic Party-controlled Congress have been hard at work for you. Speaker Pelosi began the 110th Congress with the pledge that she and Democratic Party House Leadership had a plan to fix the rising price of gas.

Does Texas District 17 want to send a man to Congress that will give power to a political party unable to grasp the results of their own deed?

Without the freedom to control your private property, political freedom is meaningless.

Pelosi Book Tour

The jackalope loves seeing these protestors outside a Borders Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while Nancy Pelosi is inside on her book signing tour. Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less!

This is a movement of the people and by the people. This is a (r)epublican Revolution made up of rugged individuals committed to the cause of freedom. Without Economic Freedom, political freedom is not possible. Congress must not be allowed to stand in the way of their constituents Economic Freedom.

Uncle Jay Explains the News - September 3, 2007

Ever wonder how hard the 110th Democratic Party-Controlled Congress has worked for us? Let Uncle Jay 'splain it to you. Enjoy


YouTube - Uncle Jay Explains the News - September 3, 2007

Just More Oil-Drilling Gimmicks?

Proving they live in an alternative reality that is funded by the deep pockets of George Soros - a man that has made it his mission in life to bring the United States down to servant status to the United Nations - MoveOn.org will stage a rally on the Capitol steps today at 4:00 p.m. Eastern to protest the "gimmicks" of the oil companies that want to drill off-shore.

“Republicans have been escalating their attacks on [Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.)] and the Democrats over oil drilling, and we need to push back hard,” the group said in an e-mail to supporters, asking them to come to a 4 p.m. rally at the Capitol.

“Speaker Pelosi blocked their plan because it won't help lower gas prices—but it will line the pockets of Big Oil executives, the same people donating millions of dollars to Republicans,” the e-mail said. “But Republicans are working hard to make it seem like they're fighting for cash-strapped commuters—and not the oil companies who wrote their plan.”

The group plans to point to the ties between the GOP and Big Oil.

“We’ve invited the media, and having a good crowd is critical to show them that voters don’t want oil industry gimmicks—they want real solutions like alternative energy to solve our energy crisis,” the e-mail said."

This is an all expenses paid rent-a-mob. Do not be fooled into believing the group speaks for any real, everyday Americans. The representatives of those Americans are inside the House talking about the "All of the Above" Energy Plan. #dontgo.

Call Back Congress, Madam Speaker

Please sign the petition to have Congress come back from their vacations to vote on The Energy Crisis and solutions. The Republicans are behaving like adults when faced with a problem. Speaker Pelosi is merely running the clock out for the 110th Congress until Obama can be elected President.

High gas prices not only affect Americans at the pump, but every product we buy.

Sign the petition and spread to friends and family.

Chet Edwards Votes To Leave For Vacation

In considering the events going on this week in the House of Representatives, Texas District 17 should know that Rep. Chet Edwards voted to adjourn for a 5 week break rather than vote, or even debate, on solutions for the nation's Energy Crisis. 15 Blue Dog Democrats had the spine to stand against Speaker Pelosi and voted "Nay" to the adjournment. Chet Edwards (D-TX) was not among these noble men. Those 15 put the prosperity of the nation before partisan politics.

Let this be a clear delineation, that while Chet hails from the heart of conservatism, he is neither a Blue Dog nor a conservative.

Chet's value system has become skewed by the promise of political power. As my Daddy would say, "His plumb bob doesn't hang true right." By reading Chet's description of his faith, it is clear he designates the IRS as the great Collection Plate from which he can dispense the lucre according to his own charitable ideals.

In Chet's world the victims are not the taxpayers trying to make ends meet with what the government allows them to keep; but those who just can't get enough "charity" dispensed through "Bishop Edwards'" munificence in order that their every problem be solved. When political aspirations cause a man to legislate in direct conflict with the will of the people, that man must be removed to allow another to take his place.

There is a man to take his place. Rob Curnock would be an added voice to the Republicans in the House that are calling for a bold energy plan: All Of The Above. The Republicans are the party of ideas. The Democratic Party is the party of "No!"

Either lead or get out of the way. Chet Edwards (D-TX), with his vote to adjourn, exhibited the latter quality - he got out of the way. Time to make it permanent.

Stick a fork in him....he's done.

#dontgo - New Media Trounces Pelosi Blackout

August 1, 2008, Speaker Pelosi thought she could send the House of Representatives home for adjournment without a vote, or even debate, on solving the Energy Crisis. She turned off the lights, cameras, and microphones. She emptied the Press Gallery thinking the story was over.

Thanks to Rep. John Culberson and Real Time News, she thought wrong.

Breaking Speaker Pelosi's News Blackout

The Nancy Pelosi [a.k.a. Marie Antoinette] Book Tour

Rather than stay in Washington to work on legislation to solve the nation's energy crisis, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is promoting her new book - "Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters".

Pelosi provides hints of her leadership style only in one instance: her 2005 confrontation with Bush over his proposal to create private retirement accounts in place of the Social Security system.

America's daughters must understand that this woman stopped a wonderful plan to allow America's young men and women to place part of the Social Security taken from their paychecks by the government into a PRIVATE account of their own choosing. The President's plan would have guaranteed that upon reaching retirement age, at least that personal account would actually contain money, rather than an I.O.U. that's in the government's account.

But, solving a foreboding financial meltdown was not the purpose of this paragon of Democratic Party strategery. Assuming power, for the sake of power is Nancy Pelosi's political strategy with the financial security of America's daughters and sons.

But she and her allies chose another strategy.

"First, you must take down the ratings of your opposition," Pelosi writes. "Second, you must differentiate yourselves from them.

"And third, only when the time is right do you present your platform."

Pelosi assumed power in 1996 with the Democratic Party spin of "Culture of Corruption". Any plan to make America more prosperous and secure for the future has been bottled up in the 110th Congress, while spending/bailout legislation has skyrocketed. Pelosi needs to meet the power of America's daughters and sons voting to repudiate Pelosi and her brand of political scheming.

The republican revolution of France [falsely] accused Marie Antoinette of telling the starving peasants crying for bread, "Let Them Eat Cake". Marie unfortunately met her end upon the guillotine. Multi-millionaire Nancy Pelosi, offered no counter plan to President Bush's superb idea, thereby allowing the government to continue to "rob" young people of their hard earned money in the name of Social [In]Security. She's got hers, but she denied you a portion of your own.

The 109th and 110th Congress has stood in the way of sound investments in the future of America and the people. Chet Edwards (D-17 TX) has been a voting asset to Nancy Pelosi.

This is a call to arms of all America's young people - Know Your Power - elect a conservative to Congress.

In Texas District 17 - elect Rob Curnock a real conservative.

McCain Does It Right On MSM Obama Love

YouTube - Obama Love


Way to go John! This is so brilliant in so many ways.

Real Time News and Its Enemies

We are entering the next step of personalized news. Rather than waiting for your congressman to be chosen for an interview by Fox News or the New York Times, you can interview your own congressman in "real time." Watch this video from John Culberson (R-TX), who uses an internet-connected video camera and a Blackberry to "broadcast" his side of a news interview. Imagine the possibilities, and the accountability!

What are the ramifications of this new technology? The first major benefit is that we no longer have to wait until the MSM decides to interview our congressman. Real time technology allows us to interview him or her directly. We can watch our representatives and senators explain their votes, make speeches, or even observe a chat in the hallway as it happens. The second benefit is that we can disseminate this information to friends via the internet. This activity is the essence of classical republicanism which is based on individual equality and self-interest bound by morality. Ideas and events otherwise hidden in the netherworld of uncovered MSM news are brought into the light and into the hands of everyday citizens.

Real time can become your personal news source. Micro-blogging platforms such as Twitter, where short text messages are used to spread information about what is happening right now. Twitter is used by the firefighters in California to relay information and by the people being evacuated to tell family and loved ones where they are and where they are going. The Red Cross uses Twitter and so do Congressmen from the floor of the House. Sign up for Twitter and search, monitor, and communicate with anyone you choose, on your computer or cell phone. You don't have to be a geek or have a bunch of spare time--Twitter is quicker and easier than email.

In Congress, only leaders are allowed to use this technology. All other members are currently not allowed under the archaic House franking rules. For example, because email has the word "mail", it must be reviewed by the Franking Commission before it is sent. However, there are two congressmen, Representatives Culberson and Tim Ryan (D-OH), who are skirting the gray area by using Twitter, Facebook and Qik Video to talk directly with those members of the public that have signed up to do so. Culberson and Ryan send messages about what's happening on the House floor in real time, bypassing the MSM and, so far, leadership approval. This is the essence of the internet--free flowing information in real time. And as with Tivo, if you don't catch it live, watch the recording.

But not all is flowing smoothly. Full congressional use of this technology is being challenged in the Democratic-controlled House. At issue are concerns regarding decorum. The House doesn't want racy content or political advertisements adjacent to official congressional communications. Oddly, these same rules do not apply to print, radio or television. Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA), Chairman of the Commission, wrote this letter to Rep. Robert Brady (D-PA), Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, recommending no actual changes in the rules. This sparked a flurry of activity on Twitter last week, with even the left-leaning Sunlight Foundation joining the fracus with the Let Our Congress Tweet campaign. YouTube has also responded by offering to provide a separate platform for Congressional use without advertising. Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) fully supports the use of this technology, and issued this letter (pdf) to Speaker Pelosi saying:

"I believe Members of Congress should have the ability to choose whichever service they believe will best assist in communicating with their constituents, and not be limited to only services "approved" by the House Administration Committee or any other government entity. We must encourage, not restrict, the free and open flow of uncensored information between the American people and their elected leaders over the Internet."

Speaker Pelosi replied with this letter, castigating the Republicans for supposed false allegations:

Unfortunately, inaccurate rumors have been circulated asserting that the suggested standards allowing for web video outside of the House.gov domain would affect Member blogging or use of sites such as Twitter. Dissemination of this false information does a disservice to the vital dialogue on using technology to increase citizen involvement, education, and transparency in the House.

The above link from "inaccurate rumors" goes to a blog post in which the Capuano letter is sanitized by someone telling us what Capuano "meant" to say. Culberson writes in at comment #5 stating that he spoke directly with Capuano to confirm that oversight over all congressional electronic communication is the ultimate goal. According to Congress Daily, "He [Capuano]said that he is not seeking to regulate anything other than video — not blogs, chat rooms or any other written communication – “but [at] some point we may have to.” [emphasis added]

Culberson has since written this letter (pdf) to Speaker Pelosi in which he chronicles the fact that the rules placed upon internet communications are not, and rightfully so, applied to print,radio, or television. He believes Congressmen were elected by the people because of their good judgment and that Congress should place no burden restricting that judgment.

Real time is where it's at. Every rugged individualist should have the power to find their own personal news and then spread it among friends. Such ability is the true design of an engaged electorate in a free democratic republic. It is both the voice of democracy and the sublime nature of a republic when the leaders and the electorate can speak in an open dialog unedited into sound bites. The republic is then protected by a transparency that quickly reveals actions done for selfish motives for amassing control and power. Imagine a future in which congressmen who refuse to use this technology of transparency being viewed not only as Luddites but as suspect. Congress should act soon to allow its use.

The Defending the American Dream Summit

I met many new friends at the Defending the American Dream Summit this weekend in Austin. I'll write more about this conference in upcoming posts, but here's me with one of my new friends, Michelle Malkin. (!)

Jackalope on American Thinker!

Dear Readers,

The Jackalope is currently at the RightOnline/Americans for Prosperity Defending The American Dream Summit in Austin, Texas.

I am pleased to announce that today I have an article, "Real Time News and Its Enemies" posted at American Thinker. I will post the article tomorrow here at jackalope.blogspot.com, but I encourage you to visit American Thinker today and leave a comment.

Turning Civilization's Virtues Into Liabilities - The Democratic Party War Machine

Over the weekend Senator John McCain met up with the real Democratic Party War Machine (DPWM)—an alternate reality where virtues are turned into the blackest liabilities. Where molesting an intern is a virtue worthy of stalwart Democrats burning every grass crown of righteousness they’ve ever earned, but anything considered true, honorable, pure and of good report is considered a diabolical plot. The spin machine of the DPWM has accelerated to ramming speed. All party members are chained to their oars. Their target now is the one undeniable virtue of John McCain—his war-hero status as a Vietnam POW.

John McCain went through a brutality beyond even the scope of Abu Gharib or Club Gitmo. No quiet times sitting in the recliner listening as a guard read another chapter in the latest Harry Potter series for McCain. No fraternity prank of a sexually charged dominatrix leash or panties on the head for McCain. America is well aware of the atrocities he experienced in the Hanoi Hilton. Only Jack Bauer is able to apply the same rules of torture our enemies apply to their captives; where electricity is more than just a source of power to run a light or radio and bones are meant to be broken to aid in breaking the spirit. McCain only thinks he has experienced the worse a human heart can devise, but he and America are sitting targets for the depths of depravity the Democratic Party will use to sink their opposition.

This depravity graffitis over every virtuous ideal, making the once clear image unintelligible. Like a middle-school student’s book cover, the process begins by filling in all the enclosed spaces of print. As an “o” becomes a black hole, McCain’s Air Force service makes him guilty of not watching out for children in school crosswalks by his indiscriminate bombings. He is Robert Duvall smoking the trees and faceless innocents with napalm because Charlie don’t surf. Genuine torture victim John McCain doesn’t even deserve the idealistic virtue of never cracking under pressure, as Hollywood characters James Bond or Jack Bauer are able to do. So now it is McCain who is guilty of crimes against the United States or is as suspect as the Manchurian Candidate.

For innocent lambs puzzled by evil or obliviously unaware they are sure prey to those intent upon dark work, who think I am an alarmist, I cite the activities of my own Representative and Nancy Pelosi’s choice for Obama’s Vice-President, Chet Edwards (D-TX 17). Also of note is how the DPWM inner circle is revealed as Edwards gives his seminar on “How To Win In The Red States” at a Wesley Clark sponsored event. It is “et tu, Wesley” delivering the past weekend's dagger-stab to Caesar McCain. In the seminar, Edwards lays down the DPWM ground rules:

Let me just say that I am one that believes in the basics. I think that it's the basics that make the difference between a successful company or corporation or a failing one, an effective military organization or an ineffective one, or a winning campaign or not, sometimes.

It's the basics. And there are three basic rules, or 3 basic goals we had in our campaign that were sacrosanct.

1. I would define myself. I wouldn't let others do it, or my opponent do it. We defined ourselves.
2. Secondly, I defined my opponents.
3. And thirdly, we responded immediately if attacked.

Edwards further defines Basic Rule 2:

Let me get to the final, key thing that allowed us to win. Rule #2, I was going to define my opponent. … Take your opponent's greatest strength and turn it into their worst negative. (Emphasis added)

In practicing this rule, Edwards found a “victim” of his Republican opponent’s state-level cut in the CHIP children’s health insurance program, portraying Arlene Wolgemuth’s lower-taxes virtue as the darkest vice:

I'm Jamie Jones. I'm 28 years old. I live in Teague, Texas. I have a little girl that's 3, Bailey.
Two years ago in March, my husband was killed in a house fire. And she got put on CHIPs. That meant no matter what happened, she was going to be okay. And then about 6 months ago, we were denied.
I haven't changed. I didn't get a raise at work. She was just denied.
You know there are so many people out there that work so hard. I don't want welfare; I just want good insurance for my child.
I'm working hard. I could go quit my job tomorrow and she'd be set. But I'm not going to do that. There are a lot of people out there that aren't going to do that and why that group of us has to get hurt, I don't know.
Look at my little girl, look into her eyes and tell her why she's not good enough to be taken care of.

CHET EDWARDS: “I'm Chet Edwards and I approve this message because there's so much at stake.”

By playing the “Republicans are always out to starve children” ad, Edwards not only defined his opponent, he left a dark crater where that virtue of cutting government spending once stood. When the DPWM sends out a lightning bolt of destruction, nothing remains but charred rock—as if the Almighty Himself had hovered over the mountain of redemption. But, such is the practice of darkness that it always seeks to mimic the power of God.

Therefore, it is incumbent that we defend the marble pedestal upon which ALL military heroes stand. As I write here in a coffee shop, I pause to visit with a cool prosthetic-sporting Army vet from the Afghan terrorist front. When we refuse to allow the white marble of all war veterans to be graffitied into oblivion, we are defending this hero’s honor as much as John McCain’s. The DPWM is out to destroy any virtue, honor, truth, value, or reputation that gets in the way of their acquisition of power. The history of all things undeniable is destined to the ash heap of fallen civilizations unless we make the conscious decision to fight hard to keep these truths undeniable … and I’m not being an alarmist!

Who Is Chet Edwards?

Last Tuesday, June 24, Texans of District 17 learned that victorious Queen Bee Nancy Pelosi vaulted one of her inner-circle drones into the national eye as a possible Vice-Presidential candidate for Barak Obama. Who is Chester (Chet) Edwards and what does he bring to the Democratic Party Presidential ticket?

Chet Edwards, a 20-year member of Congress, assumed control of newly drawn Texas District 17 during the Tom Delay sponsored redistricting. He was the only Democrat able to maintain his seat in Congress in the 1992 Congressional election.

TX 17 is much more than President G.W. Bush’s district. It is home of:

• Texas A&M, a behemoth of bureaucrats, researchers and an airport beholden to tax funding,


• Fort Hood, another leviathan, a 340 square mile installation (217,337 acres) and the only post in the United States capable of stationing and training two Armored Divisions. This makes Fort Hood a tax funded construction contractor’s dream,


• Baylor University and Medical School, another higher education facility with its hand ready to be shook in allegiance,


• a collective of the Southernism known as “Yellow Dog Democrats”—ranchers, cotton and corn farmers, country folk, and retired military.

In Congress, Edwards is “one of the few House Members on both the Budget and Appropriations Committees and one of two House Democrats serving on three subcommittees.”

• Appropriations Committee
  • Chairman Military Construction and Veterans Affairs
  • Second ranking member Energy and Water Subcommittee
  • Member Homeland Security Subcommittee
• Budget Committee

In response to Speaker Pelosi’s announcement, Edwards released this political biography:

Edwards is the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. In his first year as Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee in 2007, Congressman Edwards authored a historic increase of $11.8 billion in veterans’ health care and benefits, the largest increase in veterans funding in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration (VA). Today, the Appropriations Committee unanimously passed the fiscal year 2009 bill, which increases VA spending by $2.9 billion above the President’s request and $4.6 billion more than the historic fiscal year 2008 level.

But what kind of man is Chet Edwards and what does he bring to the Obama ticket?

After winning the newly drawn District 17 in 1992, Edwards gave an informative political seminar: Winning in the Red States. If Obama practices the Alinsky method of political jujitsu, he’s a piker compared to Edwards. In the seminar, Edwards regales how he politically destroyed his Republican challenger, Arlene Wohlmeguth, by finding a pitiable victim of Wohlmeguth’s state level cuts in the CHIP. program. Edwards played the “Republicans starve children” ad and burned his opposition to the ground. Where Obama wins his races through political duplicity, Edwards is a hard-core Texas politician in the LBJ mold and he knows how to scare his constituents for votes.

Veterans are, in the words of Bonfire of the Vanities race pimp Rev. Bacon, “Steam Control” and Edwards knows how to keep the steam stoked and ready for his political machinations. In 2004, Edwards successfully stoked his Veteran steam to near explosion by playing a carney shell game with a willing and gullible press to get the headline he wanted in order to scare his own vote base: Lawmakers Work To Fill $1 Billion Gap In Funding For VA Lawmakers. The game involved bringing up a shortage in funding for veterans in a budget committee rather than in the appropriation committee of which Edwards is a member.

“I was accused of making partisan attacks. Now some of those people have apologized to me and are saying I was right and they were wrong,” Edwards said.

Rep. Jeb Hensarling, a member of the House Budget Committee, said Edwards’ efforts in that committee wouldn’t have made a difference because the panel votes on a budget blueprint, not appropriations.

Edwards is a prime mover in the insidious Democratic Party activity of insinuating that our government is not giving enough money, care, or help to group “X” in order to emotionally cripple their own voter base. This disgusting practice allows the perpetrator to self-anoint himself as the benefactor to his victim voter. Nothing is more debilitating to the mental health of a veteran than to start a whisper campaign that they are in fact being used and tossed away. What veterans must recognize in order to not fall under the spell of such duplicity is that the Democratic Party cares nothing for a military man until he in fact is blessed enough to actually become a veteran. Note in the above mentioned bio/press release that Edwards only lists massive spending increases for veterans and nothing for active duty troops.

Edwards first vote in this current Congress was the party line vote that refused to fund the surge in Iraq. Ditto the F.I.S.A. bill that has remained in limbo underneath Speaker Pelosi’s desk blotter until last Tuesday when Edwards gushingly reported to his constituents in his weekly radio interview that in a massive move of “bi-partisanship”—a constant buzzword in Chetspeak—Congress finally came together to pass the FISA bill. In the alternative world of those in the know, that means Congressional Democrats finally dug the bill out of the dark hole they had hidden it for almost 4 months and actually put the bill up for a vote.

This is a brief introduction to the man Nancy Pelosi has selected for Obama’s Vice-President and the method of power he would bring to the ticket. This would be a powerful Democratic ticket and Republicans would be wise to attend a Fight Club seminar before challenging an Obama/Edwards merger because as Fight Club says, “How much can you know about yourself if you’ve never been in a fight?” Chet Edwards knows how to fight and is not afraid of the dark alley.

Why can't we Republicans be…well…more republican?

Have we become so like spoiled children since 1994 that don’t know our own key political issues? On Friday, Rush Limbaugh opened his show with Reagan quotes from a 1977 CPAC speech that provided the answer to something that has been worrying me: conservatives seem to believe our leaders are doing nothing.

In the 1790's, Thomas Jefferson perceived that the Federalist Party was becoming too like the nation's previous English overlords - governing in a top down fashion. With the advent of the French Revolution, a spontaneous debate sprung up between Federalists and republicans that sought to further define the philosophy of this new experiment in democracy. Local clubs were formed and their ideas were printed in widely read newspapers. This was the first grassroots republican movement.
In 1801, Jefferson set about leading America toward an even more liberal democracy,

[by] instill[ing] the nation with his liberal convictions. That is, he succeeded in limiting the scope of government while protecting the informal public realm where people could form organizations, engage in politics and freely trade with one another. So familiar to us are these elements of public life that we easily forget that it took a foresighted leader to pluck, from the quiver of America's possibilities, the two arrows of participatory politics and limited government.

Joyce Appleby, Thomas Jefferson

We are republicans (little "r"), individuals united by a philosophy. We must not forget that republican leaders are only as powerful as we are unified behind them. We cannot let the fact that we are a motley crew of rugged individualists become our own downfall. As exhibited when we stopped the legislation on illegal immigration last year, we are the power behind the Republican (capital "R") throne!

"But, what are they doing?", we whimper. Actually, quite a lot, if you examine the sites listed below.

* The Heritage Foundation (10 Key Issues are listed with research to back them up)
* John Boehner/Republican Leader (A Superlative 14 Key Issues are listed here)
* Roy Blunt/Republican Whip (Follow House activities under Whip Resources)
* GOP.Gov (8 Key Issues are listed here)
* The Freedom Project (10 Key Issues are listed here. Join the team and Take Action Now)
* National Republican Senate Committee NRSC.ORG (View great ad campaigns here)
* The American Conservative Union Foundation (An outstanding online classroom of conservative study)

Our leaders are making the case for our cause every day and it must be increasingly disheartening for them to be told they are doing nothing. Anyone can be a critic, but it takes a real pair of...onions...to make a difference out in the world.

"But, there wasn't a television announcement", we blubber. Or was there? The news is not only about shaping your mind as to what to think, it's also about shaping your mind as to what to think about! Why did we learn nothing about Ira Magaziner perjuring himself at the court hearing of Hillary's secret Health Care Task Force? The news agencies played a shell game and moved our attention to The O.J. Simpson Show. The last thing we saw concerning the East Coast event was the swirl of Hillary's dragon-embroidered cape as she exited her black limo. And, so it goes today with Obama coverage sucking up all the bandwidth and brainwidth.

The Internet is our venue and word of mouth is our newspaper. We know, as Reagan told us,

[e]xtreme taxation, excessive controls, oppressive government competition with business, galloping inflation, frustrated minorities and forgotten Americans are not the products of free enterprise. They are the residue of centralized bureaucracy, of government by a self-anointed elite.

It is our job to spread the word and we are not a helpless minority. Reagan told us,

[l]et us lay to rest, once and for all, the myth of a small group of ideological purists trying to capture a majority. Replace it with the reality of a majority trying to assert its rights against the tyranny of powerful academics, fashionable left-revolutionaries, some economic illiterates who happen to hold elective office and the social engineers who dominate the dialogue and set the format in political and social affairs" (and because we are the majority) "let’s act and talk like it.

We must remember who we are, realize the power we possess, and act accordingly. Yes, we have been dismayed because John McCain's political compass doesn't point due north. But the answer is not to cry and run home to our mamas. The best solution is a powerfully charged electronic fence of a strong Congress backed up with an engaged electorate to keep our prone-to-stray mustang on the farm. We must use the fact that we have 3 branches of government to our own advantage.

Reagan tells us:

I refuse to believe that the good Lord divided this world into Republicans who defend basic values and Democrats who win elections.

Our party must be based on the kind of leadership that grows and takes its strength from the people. Any organization is in actuality only the lengthened shadow of its members. A political party is a mechanical structure created to further a cause. The cause, not the mechanism, brings and holds the members together. And our cause must be to rediscover, reassert and reapply America’s spiritual heritage to our national affairs. Then with God’s help we shall indeed be as a city upon a hill with the eyes of all people upon us.

It's the Congress, stupid

Let the mole do her work, while we rally to elect a Congress

We all remember November 1994, when then Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich initiated a unifying manifesto to give Americans a reason to rally the vote: The Contract With America. Considering this 2008 election we are forgetting one major aspect - the first 100 Days that heralded in the 1992 Clinton Co-Presidency. The martyred Barbara Olsen, in her book Hell To Pay reminds us that “(w)ith advisors like (Ira) Magaziner and (Vicente) Navarro, Hillary was determined to sweep aside the best medical delivery system in the world” with a plan of government control of a private business sector in order to “reshape 14 percent of America’s economy by enacting a national health care plan.”

What we must remind ourselves of is that every day, there was a new Munch silent scream as people actually read the fine print of “The Plan” and warned America of the danger that lurked in the heart of Hillary Clinton. We must remind ourselves of the little things, such as Hillary's vocal attacks on the pharmaceutical industry while her hedge fund not-yet-in-a-blind-trust was busy selling pharmaceutical stock short. Such was the beginning of the newfound Clinton wealth.

Such panic and fear was created in the first two years of the Clinton Presidency that private businesses actually made political commercials to alert the voting public of the threat not only to industry but also to the very personal well-being of the individual. I remember seeing a Vegas casino representative in an extremely nice suit and very sharp tie as a guest on This Week With David Brinkley stating in no uncertain terms that the people employed by whatever casino he represented had the best health care program available and were not in need of Mrs. Clinton's help. It seemed Michael Corleone took care of his own, and Mrs. Clinton should get her butt in the kitchen baking some canollies.

Motivated did not even begin to describe the roaring ocean of the Vox Populi, Vox Dei for the 1994 election. For those first two years the American public was held hostage by a maniacal power grabbing family backed up by Democratic Party control of both Houses of Congress. Recall the fawning of the Congressmen as they lined up to praise the “little woman” who so over-shown with brilliance that forevermore the President should be referred to as “Hillary Clinton's husband.” The 1993 torching of the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas made it perfectly clear that the Peace and Love Generation was running the nation, and nothing's scarier than a totalitarian regime with a tank. I saw a local newsguy proudly showing off his “Branch Davidian/Texas Bar-B-Que” novelty t-shirt to the rest of the crew back at the station; purchased no doubt from some of the more entrepreneurial revelers at the gas and burn event.

The sleeping giant was wide awake; fully cognizant that freedom and liberty were under assault. What Newt Gingrich did was solidify that national horror into a Republican Party we could vote for. The results of the 1994 election displayed an enormous backlash against the person Hillary Rodham Clinton. The political casualties included Speaker of the House, Tom Foley, George Mitchell, and Dan Rostenkowski.

It was then that a caller to the Rush Limbaugh show made a prescient observation: former Goldwater Girl Hillary Clinton could not be more destructive to the Democratic Party if she were a Republican mole destroying it from within. The wisdom of Solomon tells us a contentious woman will tear down her house with her own hands.

The present Democratic Party is the source of this nemesis against freedom. Let the mole do her work, while we rally to elect a Congress to stand in the gap between Liberty and tyranny. A Congress aware of the threat of terrorism will support Israel. A Congress firm in their understanding of our Constitution will keep McCain on the ranch.

It's the Congress, stupid.