Quotes

"I was bold in the Pursuit of Knowledge, never fearing to follow Truth and Reason to whatever results they led and bearding every authority which stood in their way" ~ Thomas Jefferson

Sunday, March 21, 2010

“A Tale of Two, Three or 30 Congressmen – the Stupak Buy-Out”

UPDATE: March 21, 2010

I knew (and dreaded the possibility) that I would need to amend or update my blog, “A Tale of Two Congressmen,” and, after watching Rep. Bart Stupak announce in a news conference his decision to change his vote to a “Yes” for ObamaCare despite months of firm, decisive claims to the contrary, I need to clarify and retract portions of that article.

Rep. Stupak just changed his “No” vote to a “Yes” for ObamaCare, based on a last minute promise by Mr. Obama to write an Executive Order prohibiting federal funds for abortion, with exceptions for rape, incest or to protect the health of the mother.

In fairness, I can’t brand Rep. Stupak as another crooked politician; he didn’t specifically deviate from his position on abortion or his desire for health care reform. Stupak was clear that he would support HR 3590 if it did not include federal funds for abortion.

While the bill may be considered amended by the Executive Order, it is my understanding that Mr. Obama has the latitude to retract an Executive Order, as will subsequent presidents. If that is the case (I’ve read the EO, but need more information before taking a definitive position), then the rights of the unborn are still in peril.

“A Tale of Two Congressmen,” compares the ethics of Stupak and Rep. Dennis Kucinich. While an Executive Order is in a different “perk” category than plane rides on Air Force One or promises of party and financial support (according to news reports), Stupak’s decision puts him, from my perspective, in a gray area. Yes, the congressman, more or less, kept his word; however, as I comprehend this development, the provision in the Senate bill wasn’t changed; it is negated by the Executive Order.

Stupak, like many of his colleagues, negotiated a deal with Mr. Obama – welcome to the club, Congressman! You may know some of the members: Flyboy Kucinich, Louisiana Purchase Landrieu, as well your cohorts from Tennessee, North Dakota, Oregon, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin, Montana and the District of Columbia. (Sources: NPR, Fox News)

As pro-ObamaCare Democrats stand around and congratulate themselves over their “victory,” more than half of Americans (according to a number of polls) fiercely reject this bill and the sneaky, bamboozling of our political system.

Mr. Obama, Sen. Reid and Speaker Pelosi know that Americans are angry over the abuse of Reconciliation, Deem and Pass and other, usually legitimate, political actions taken to coerce this bill into law, so why aren’t they listening to their constituents?

According to today’s Rasmussen Reports polls, 42% of Americans strongly disapprove of Obama’s performance as Presidential, giving him an Approval Index rating of -16. Also determined by Rasmussen, “50% of voters are less likely to vote for a Member of Congress who supports the health care reform plan proposed by the President and Congressional Democrats. Just 20% believe that most Members of Congress will understand the proposed health care bill before they vote on it.”

Furthermore, Real Clear Politics polls indicate that 75.8% of Americans disapprove of Congressional job performance and over 60% of the country believes that America is headed in the wrong direction. Is anyone in Washington, on the “Left” side of the aisle, listening? We know that Obama’s Oval Office is sound-proofed with arrogance and an iron will to get “his” bill passed today.

Yesterday, a small group angry citizens hurled racial epithets and homophobic slurs at a few elected Democrats. The Bold Pursuit strongly denounces those actions.

However, we support the majority of angry, fuming Americans who feel betrayed by the way our system is being manipulated so that Obama, Pelosi and Reid can have their “win.”

Today, they may revel in having the votes needed to cram through unwanted legislation that is predicted to inflict profoundly negative and fundamental change in our country, but next November the gloating will turn to gloom as the results of the Democratic “eviction” campaigns send an unequivocal message to Washington: “you should have listened to the People and Killed the Bill.”

Thursday, March 18, 2010

A Tale of Two Congressmen...

by Clio

Yesterday, I watched an interview between Megyn Kelly, Fox News, and Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) in which Ms. Kelly questioned the Congressman regarding his decision to vote against the current Senate healthcare bill (HR 3590).

Rep. Stupak concisely and candidly expressed his reason for not supporting the Senate bill – he opposes federally-funded abortions and believes the Senate bill will provide a loophole for that action. He repeatedly stated, in the Fox News interview and to other media, that he supports current law on abortion and will not change his vote on the Senate bill.

There was very little spin in Rep. Stupak’s dialogue with Ms. Kelly. He did politely sidestep Kelly’s question regarding Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s honesty about having enough votes to pass the bill. His spin was subtle (“the Speaker always has the votes…”) and more of a courtesy than a deflection.

I’m a conservative and a registered Republican, so I have no allegiance to Rep. Stupak. However, I admired his forthright and direct responses to Kelly’s incisive questioning on his position, the status of the Stupak 12, a group of pro-life Democrats who oppose Senate bill HR 3950, and his insider’s description of political gamesmanship.

One rarely hears a politician, from either side of the aisle, speak so openly and clearly about their views, position and the behind the scenes chicanery (political pressure, bribes and telephone call campaigns prompting a change in position). I applaud Rep. Stupak’s honesty and wish both parties would take a page out of his playbook.

Another Congressman in the headlines: Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D), Ohio. In a news conference yesterday morning, Rep. Kucinich explained his decision to change his vote from “nay” to “aye.”

Kucinich: “… after careful discussions with the President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, Elizabeth my wife and close friends, I have decided to cast a vote in favor of the legislation.”

What about your constituents, Rep. Kucinich? Did you consult with them or was there static on the phone lines aboard Air Force One? Did you poll the people who voted you into office or did you arrive at your new position while enjoying complimentary peanuts and a free ride to Ohio on March 15?


Photo from fOTOGLIF


Rep. Kucinich, were you swayed by Mr. Obama’s light-handed reproach at a health care rally in your home state? Granted, a politician needs the support of administration and party leadership, but your constituents’ desires are going to determine your political future. Congressman, consider the buoyancy of the watercraft you’ve embarked upon – it’s a sinking ship.

In the congressman’s statement (also posted on his web site, http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=176730), he states that “I still have doubts about the bill. I do not think it is a first step toward anything I have supported in the past. This is not the bill I wanted to support, even as I continue efforts until the last minute to modify the bill.” If my elected representative had doubts about a bill of such monumental import, I would expect him or her to vote “NO.”

To be fair, Rep. Kucinich is considered one of the most liberal Democrats in Congress, a proponent of nationalized health care, as well as an ardent supporter of Mr. Obama.

The difference between the two congressmen can be summed up in one word: integrity.

Rep. Stupak has stated and reiterated his objections to the Senate version of the health care bill and repeatedly denies that he will change his vote. He’s made his decision and claims that he isn’t changing his mind.

Rep. Kucinich yielded to pressure from Obama, Pelosi, et al, enjoyed a free ride on Air Force One and the implied support (monetary and otherwise) of the Democratic National Party and changed his intention to vote against HR 3950.

I hope Rep. Kucinich spends his 30 pieces of silver wisely … his constituents and Americans will hold him accountable.

The contrast of integrity between the two congressmen is stark; one is open, candid and stalwart in his views, the other can be bought off with perks and promises.

Stupak is the kind of politician that I can respect. I don’t have any intention of switching parties and voting for him, but I do admire his candor and the lack of political spin that is practiced with such agility by elected officials in both Houses and on both sides of the aisle.

The Senate health care bill, the amendment to the Senate bill, the reconciliation and “deem and pass” (the Slaughterhouse Rule) maneuvers, as well as the dogged drive to pass the first massive, social legislation in over 30 years has, understandably, alarmed and angered a majority of Americans.

Why is this bill so significant? HR 3950 will devour one-sixth of our economy, affect our national deficit (the Congressional Budget Office is still scoring the bill; news agencies report that there will be an announcement tomorrow, March 18), potentially increase taxes and force Americans to buy insurance or pay a tax (fine) – and there is much more packed into the bill’s 2074 pages!

The passage of this legislation will create epic change in our economy and the American way of life – no amount of arm-twisting or freebies should influence a vote.

Kill the Bill – that’s my vote.


© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Monday, March 15, 2010

Stand Up! Keep the Change... Special to The Bold Pursuit

Stand Up!
Keep the Change
By Thomas S Schmitz

One year into the controversial presidency of Barack Obama we can now answer one of 2008 biggest questions. What does Hope and Change mean? Bluntly put; Hoax and Chains would have been more accurate. By looking at his statist policies it is clear that by change the president does not want to improve our country and restore American greatness. Rather he wishes to fundamentally transform the United States of America.

We the people believe in the fundamental spirit and makeup of America. We don’t want to transform America. We want to refound America. The good people of Massachusetts sent Obama a message on January 19th. The Shot heard round the world dealt a devastating blow to the president and his unpopular policies by sending unknown State Senator Scott Brown to the United States Senate to fill the seat held by the far left for 38 years and to vote against the poisonous Obamacare health bill.

On November 2, 2010 there are 435 house seats and 36 senate seats up for reelection. As Ronald Reagan said in 1964, “Now is the time for choosing.” We must decide just what exactly is the role of government? Do we want to return to a representational form of government as our founding mothers and fathers fought for us to have, where government is on the side of the people? Or do we want to continue on the road to serfdom in Obama’s utopian statist dominion that shamelessly embraces socialism as he continues his attempt to rule over us rather than serve us. As Sarah Palin warned us in 2008, “The stakes for our nation could not be higher.”

We have our work cut out for us. The American conservative populate has been united by the Tea Parties and of course Sarah Palin. We know how we feel; we know what we must do. We must “throw the bums out” as Sarah likes to say. But how? Our first focus is the primaries. Not just for our own state but our country as a whole.

The Tea Parties and especially Sarah Palin have shown us that by donating time and money across state lines victory is much more than a possibility. The primaries are where we do our spring cleaning by weeding out the RINOs, establishment Republicans and the Dede Scozzafava’s. This skirmish can be made easier by using our online resources in these battles. With each of us uniting and making the most of websites like: http://www.ourcaucus.com/ http://www.resistnet.com/ we do our own vetting of the candidates to make sure they support Sarah Palin’s values and positive message of free enterprise, smaller government, strong national security, energy independence, support for our troops, American individualism, liberty and life. Our vigilance will produce candidates who are pro-America and motivated by these ideals.

Not only is now the time for choosing. Now is the time to take a stand. Take a stand for your country by sending people to Washington who want to serve for the right reasons, and demand to Obama that even though he has taken all our bills he can keep the change.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Surge In Afghanistan Began This Morning ...

The Bold Pursuit is pleased to present a "View From the North," submitted by our "Northern Neighbour." We hope you will enjoy reading another perspective from outside the U.S.

February 13, 2010

That which should have happened last year has finally started this
morning. May God keep all of our soldiers in the palm of his hand and
protect the innocent.

War is a sad thing. Our soldiers have done far more good in this world
than bad. I believe that and I always will. I supported Bush in both
Wars and I always will.

911 was the last wake up call I needed to prove there is real evil in the world and all they want to do is kill Americans. America is my friend and neighbour. In all the years our countries have lived side by side we fought once and Canada won - well okay maybe it was a draw but we burned the White House down. DON'T MAKE ME COME DOWN THERE WITH A MATCH AGAIN WASHINGTON!!!!

With all the 'dithering' your POTUS did trying to make up his inexperienced mind last year we lost lives in all our countries. There was no excuse for that. Their deaths are on Obama's hands....

Obama will try and hide the facts.

FACT – the surge shall be a success.

FACT – Obama will try and take credit for it.

FACT – this administration will attempt to bury facts in the memories of Americans regarding the delay.

FACT – This Canadian hopes he fails to do so.

Yes, I hope he fails to use propaganda to help make Americans forget the actual facts.

I hope he fails and I believe he will fail because Americans are not stupid. This administration is banking on the fact they have short memories and that a victory will lull them back to sleep.

This Canadian will continue to work hard and keep Americans on top of the truth.

Obama is a beginner.

A puppet President and a danger to the free world.

He is a slow learner and he and his Vice President have big mouths.

Duct tape please.

Any questions? ....

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Palin’s Not So Slick “Sleight” of Hand

by Clio

After newly-elected Senator Scott Brown’s crushing and ego-bruising victory in Massachusetts last month, liberals feel that they finally have reason to celebrate and hope for a brighter future thanks to an inexcusable, career-defining and potentially destructive political gaffe by a popular conservative. This is big, folks!

It’s very easy to spot a liberal on this early February day; they are the people walking around with smug, superior, barely-concealed smiles (or, in many cases, wickedly snickering and/or rolling on the floor in gleeful, gloating, ‘gonna-wet-my-pants I’m so happy’ giggles). In spite of the raging blizzards that are bombarding states east of the Mississippi, liberals are feeling all warm and fuzzy right now.

What is the cause of this liberal elation, you ask? What could possibly make their little left-leaning hearts so upbeat and buoyant?

I’m sure the suspense must be agonizing, so I’ll tell you why the Dems are delighted: in a post-speech interview in Nashville last Saturday, February 6, cameras caught America’s favorite conservative, Sarah Palin, making a very serious faux pas – one that will likely cause permanent damage to her reputation and future political aspirations.

Finally, all of us, conservative and liberal alike, have a topic worthy of deep and intellectual discussion.

We’ve endured more than a year of tedious talk about trying terrorists in New York City, closing Guantanamo Bay and spending millions to refurbish a prison in Illinois.

Wait a minute, isn’t Illinois Mr. Obama’s adopted home state? Well, what a coinkidink! Who needs the Olympics? A refurbed prison will bring jobs and attention to Illinois as the new home base for enemy combatants … I mean “those who provide substantial assistance to al-Qaeda and its associates around the globe” while they await trial for their terrorist – sorry, I’m having a hard time keeping up with the New Obama Progressive Dictionary terms – I meant to say their “man-caused disaster” activities.

We can also take a breather from inconsequential issues such as the creation of a national healthcare nightmare and more taxes due to exorbitantly expensive, ill-conceived and poorly-administered bailouts that will burden present and future generations of Americans until global warming forces us to grow gills.

Yes, liberals now have some real meaty, controversial material in which to sink their drooling, freshly-sharpened choppers: Palin scribbled crib notes on her palm.

A camera captured the evidence of Palin’s underhanded attempt to provide prompts during her chat with Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips and the left is reveling in her inky error.

Personally, I think Governor Palin could have found a more appropriate way to jog her memory during her Q&A with Mr. Phillips. The method she chose was a little sophomoric, but not moronic, as comedians, talk show and cable news hosts were ballyhooing at full blast today.

Let’s have a show of hands: how many of us have written a number or note on our palms for convenience or just because we didn’t want to bother finding notepaper? Yep, I thought so… only the conservatives are confessing to their ink-stained handiwork.

The Left argues that a potential presidential candidate shouldn’t have a cheat sheet written on her hand. The Right may counter with “we shouldn’t have a president who can’t speak to his country or make foreign policy statements without reading his rhetoric off a teleprompter.”

My conservative friends may not like this, but I agree with both positions.

I believe that we should criticize our leaders (or potential leaders) if their behavior isn’t up to par (in fact, I think there’s something about the privilege of free speech in our Bill of Rights).

Sarah Palin isn’t a newcomer to the political arena, but she is still finding her footing on the national political stage. She spent the months before the election and almost a year and half since the failed McCain/Palin presidential bid fighting slander and libel from the left, as well as numerous and unfounded (and now dismissed) ethics violation complaints.

Sarah Palin has walked through the fire and emerged unburned. I think she can handle a little criticism.

We can forgive a few (small) mistakes and still support her. I’m confident that Governor Palin is a quick learner and predict that she’ll recover from this silly error in judgment. If she doesn’t, we’ll know soon enough.

So, let the Left laugh while they can and enjoy these stolen moments of trivial pleasure; there are two years before we elect a NEW president and Governor Palin has plenty of time to redeem herself from this embarrassment. Hopefully, she’ll discover the joys of post-it notes or find a more discreet “tickler” method.

Regardless of last Saturday’s mistake, conservatives still support Governor Sarah Palin. In fact, we owe her our gratitude for bringing excitement and energy to the Grand Old Party.

Not only did Governor Palin enliven interest and bring votes to the GOP, it’s my position that the post-election grassroots movement and Tea Party phenomena are inspired by that energy.

Conservative, Independent and Libertarian Americans are taking stands in peaceful activism and uniting in a worthy cause: the protection and preservation of our country, its soul and purpose … Sarah Palin is one of a few bright lights pointing the way to the “shining city on the hill” – a global icon of liberty that is currently under heavy cloud cover.

I think it’s highly possible that Governor Palin can handily overcome her penned palm prompt mess and become, at the very least, an asset to conservative candidates and causes – or, at best, a leader in high office.

Now let’s all shake hands and look beyond this little incident to more important issues.


© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Memo to Mr. Obama: Time to Read the Tea Leaves…

by Clio

In an act as symbolic as the Boston Tea Party in December 1773, Massachusetts voters went to the polls in record numbers to send Washington a clear and unambiguous message by electing Republican Scott Brown over Democrat Martha Coakley to fill the late Senator Ted Kennedy’s seat in the United States Senate.

Brown is the first Republican since the 1970s to be elected to the U.S. Senate by Massachusetts voters.

Senator-Elect Brown campaigned on a platform that objects to the Obama administration’s haste and waste method of government. He opposes big government, the immensely unpopular healthcare plan and the egregious 13-trillion dollar national debt incurred by Mr. Obama’s policies.

Tonight’s election results are, in effect, a priority memo to Washington: it’s time to read the “tea leaves.”

The unusually high number of voters tonight is indicative of scenarios that will, predictably, be played out across the country in the coming months and years: voters flocking to the polls to the express their outrage at Mr. Obama’s aggressive and tax-heavy agendas, including the much-repudiated healthcare legislation, Senate and Congressional bribery (for example, Landrieu’s “Louisiana Purchase” and Nelson’s Nebraska “Cornhusker Kickback”) and his full back-track on campaign promises.

Accountability is the new keyword for American voters. We’re searching for it and we will have it. Lawmakers who prefer to follow the ill-conceived agendas and legislation of Mr. Obama’s government, in defiance of their constituents’ desires and best interests, may find themselves unemployed in the near future.

In 2008, a slight majority of Americans voted for Mr. Obama, based on his lofty campaign promises of hope and change. It is almost exactly one year after his inauguration and we have witnessed change in our country: sloppy, hasty, poorly-conceived and executed changes, i.e., the Guantanamo Bay closure and plans to try terrorists in civil trials in New York courthouses.

Change, yes, but not the “change we need.” It’s the kind of change that Mr. Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (who is currently lagging in his re-election polls in Nevada) want to cram down our national gullet by any means possible.

We can only hope that, in the upcoming races, the electorate will send a message to Obama, Pelosi and Reid as easy to decipher as history’s Boston Tea Party and Senator-Elect Scott Brown’s victory tonight in Massachusetts: America doesn’t want your healthcare plan and exorbitant taxes.

We do not want big government, 13 trillion-dollar debts or ineffective bailout plans. We do want you and the party in power (Democrats) to listen: for most of the past year, Americans have stood up in Town Hall meetings and strongly expressed their concerns regarding Medicare cuts, fundamentally-flawed healthcare legislation and other bills that were forced through the House and Senate, often without allowing our representatives time to read the hefty, 1000-plus page documents.

In recent months, Americans took to the streets to march in peaceful protests, rallies and tea parties across our nation. Mr. Obama, Sen. Reid and Speaker Pelosi – you didn’t listen. You maligned and ignored the people you govern.

Now, America is heading to the polls with a message you can’t ignore: “Good Bye.”



© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Monday, January 11, 2010

Gov Palin to Contribute to Fox News Channel - Special to The Bold Pursuit

The Bold Pursuit is pleased to offer our readers the following commentary, courtesy of www.us4palin.com

by Ron Devito on January 11, 2010

Governor Palin is going places.

According to Rutenberg (2010), Governor Palin will be a paid contributor to the Fox News Channel (Rutenberg, 2010, ¶1-2). She will host a series that runs occasionally in a similar manner to Oliver North’s “War Stories” (Rutenberg, 2010, ¶3).

Comprehensive FoxNews Coverage

Commentary
Currently, Governor Palin uses Facebook for most of her writing and social networking, Twitter for brief updates, and the SarahPAC site for processing donations to SarahPAC. Governor Palin has written op-eds for the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and National Review. Most print columns are syndicated. Her presence on the Fox News Channel is a major accomplishment, because Governor Palin can now incorporate a mainstream broadcast channel with its syndication into her overall media strategy.

References
Rutenberg, J. (2010, January 11). Media Decoder, “Sarah Palin to Contribute to Fox News.” The New York Times. Retrieved January 11, 2009 from:
http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/11/sarah-palin-to-contribute-to-fox-news/

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Silent No More - Special to The Bold Pursuit ....

The Bold Pursuit is pleased to share with our readers some of the finest work from the conservative blogger community. Today, we are delighted to feature a blog written by Thomas S. Schmitz, originally published by The Team Sarah Conservative Voice on January 1, 2010


Silent No More
By Thomas S Schmitz

It’s us vs. them. There I said it. The war between the silent majority and intellectual imperialism has officially begun. God help us. It began on September 3 2008 when Sarah Louise Heath Palin walked onto the stage in Saint Paul Minnesota to accept the Republican Party nomination for vice president. In that instant the massed mouths of America hit the floor. Some jaws hit the floor because of intellectual disdain, yet many more jaws hit the floor for quite a different reason. On that stage stood a living, breathing, walking and talking affront to the dangerous progressive ideals of the self anointed brainy and cerebral left. Sarah Palin took the offense and instantly became our warrior, an effective thorn in the side of the pretentiously puffed up liberals. She proved that women didn’t have to divorce their husbands and have abortions to be successful. She spoke our language, she inspired us that all was not lost; she gave us hope, she was a populist and showed our own that we finally had adequate representation for the first time since Ronald Reagan.

Who is the silent majority? As Sarah said in Saint Paul, “They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars “. I’ll take it a step farther, the silent majority did not attend Harvard, Princeton or Yale ( the original Axis of Evil ) and we don’t drink lattes, have colonics, “ do lunch “, pay someone to walk our dog, or frighten our children with “green” anti-capitalist environmental propaganda. We say our prayers at night, get up in the morning, go about our day, run our errands, and are proud to contribute to free market American individualism. We don’t read “self help” books about the power of persuasion and we don’t care what Oprah thinks. We try hard to solve our problems on our own. We care for and raise our families very nicely without the learned experience of nannies, birthing specialists, life coaches or surrogates.

On July 26 2009 the silent majority received an important message which resonated deeply within each of us when Sarah Palin beat the democrats at their own game by transferring power to Lt. Governor Sean Parnell. Sarah said, “it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: “Sit down and shut up”, but that's the worthless, easy path; that's a quitter's way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and “go with the flow”. Nah, only dead fish “go with the flow”. Then came healthcare and America got a shocking glimpse at the blatant authoritarian agenda of this administration. Yet something wonderful and very American happened. We saw Sarah Palin’s inspirational words come to action in August as thousands upon thousands of regular everyday citizens flocked to town hall meetings, intent to loudly raise their previously ignored voices of opposition to their out of touch lordly representatives.

And so the sleeping giant has been awakened. Phase two of this war begins. One million patriots marched on Washington DC on September 12 2009 to protest big government. The cavalry has arrived. Sarah Palin has united the conservative American populate. The timing could not be more crucial to our republic. As the intentionally hypnotic and deceptive charm of President Barack Obama is rapidly fading into redundancy, his true colors are beginning to show. The intellectual lefts oppressive agenda can no longer be hidden behind his flashing smile and bogus centrism. Yes the sleeping giant has been awakened just in time to see that this creepy new emperor has no clothes.
Sources:

Page 1 - Second paragraph – Quote from Sarah:
http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/president/conventions/videos/20080903_PALIN_SPEECH.html#

Page 1 – Third paragraph – Quote from Sarah:
http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/full-text-of-palins-resignation-speech.php

Monday, January 4, 2010

The Fundamental Transformation of America - Special to The Bold Pursuit ....

While Clio recuperates from a blogging injury, The Bold Pursuit is pleased to share with our readers some of the finest work from the conservative blogger community. Today, we are delighted to feature a blog from "Tony's Take":

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Fundamental Transformation of America

How long has Mr. Obama been President? Not even one year yet and look at all the things he has accomplished. This is the change he promised us. Does anything matter to you anymore?

When Obama wrote a book and said he was mentored as a youth by Frank, (Frank Marshall Davis) an avowed Communist, people said it didn't matter.

When it was discovered that his grandparents, were strong socialists, sent Obama's mother to a socialist school, introduced Frank Marshall Davis to young Obama, People said it didn't matter.

When people found out that he was enrolled as a Muslim child in school and his father and step father were both Muslims, people said it didn't matter.

When he wrote in another book he authored “I will stand with them (Muslims) should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.” people said it didn't matter.

When he admittedly, in his book,said he chose Marxist friends and professors in college, people said it didn't matter.

When he traveled to Pakistan , after college on an unknown national passport, people said it didn't matter.

When he sought the endorsement of the Marxist party in 1996 as he ran for the Illinois Senate, people said it doesn't matter.

When he sat in a Chicago Church for twenty years and listened to a preacher spew hatred for America and preach black liberation theology, people said it didn't matter.

When an independent Washington organization, that tracks senate voting records, gave him the distinctive title as the "most liberal senator", people said it didn't matter.

When the Palestinians in Gaza , set up a fund raising telethon to raise money for his election campaign, people said it didn't matter.

When his voting record supported gun control, people said it didn't matter.

When he refused to disclose who donated money to his election campaign, as other candidates had done, people said it didn't matter.

When he received endorsements from people like Louis Farrakhan and Mummar Kadaffi and Hugo Chavez, people said it didn't matter.

When it was pointed out that he was a total, newcomer and had absolutely no experience at anything except community organizing, people said it didn't matter.

When he chose friends and acquaintances such as Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn who were revolutionary radicals, people said it didn't matter.

When his voting record in the Illinois senate and in the U.S. Senate came into question, people said it didn't matter.

When he refused to wear a flag, lapel pin and did so only after a public outcry, people said it didn't matter.

When people started treating him as a Messiah and children in schools were taught to sing his praises, people said it didn't matter.

When he stood with his hands over his groin area for the playing of the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, people said it didn't matter.

When he surrounded himself in the White house with advisers who were pro gun control, pro abortion, pro homosexual marriage and wanting to curtail freedom of speech to silence the opposition people said it didn't matter.

When he aired his views on abortion, homosexuality and a host of other issues, people said it didn't matter.

When he said he favors sex education in Kindergarten, including homosexual indoctrination, people said it didn't matter.

When his background was either scrubbed or hidden and nothing could be found about him, people said it didn't matter.

When the place of his birth was called into question, and he refused to produce a birth certificate, people said it didn't matter.

When he had an association in Chicago with Tony Rezco, a man of questionable character, who is now in prison and had helped Obama to a sweet deal on the purchase of his home, people said it didn't matter.

When it became known that George Soros, a multi-billionaire Marxist, spent a ton of money to get him elected, people said it didn't matter.

When he started appointing czars that were radicals, revolutionaries, and even avowed Marxist/Communist, people said it didn't matter.

When he stood before the nation and told us that his intentions were to "fundamentally transform this nation" into something else, people said it didn't matter.

When it became known that he had trained ACORN workers in Chicago and served as an attorney for ACORN, people said it didn't matter.

When he appointed a cabinet members and several advisers who were tax cheats and socialist, people said it didn't matter.

When he appointed a science czar, John Holdren, who believes in forced abortions, mass sterilizations and seizing babies from teen mothers, people said it didn't matter.

When he appointed Cass Sunstein as regulatory czar and he believes in "Explicit Consent", harvesting human organs with out family consent, and to allow animals to be represented in court, while banning all hunting, people said it didn't matter.

When he appointed Kevin Jennings, a homosexual, and organizer of a group called gay, lesbian, straight, Education network, as safe school czar and it became known that he had a history of bad advice to teenagers, people said it didn't matter.

When he appointed Mark Lloyd as diversity czar and he believed in curtailing free speech, taking from one and giving to another to spread the wealth and admires Hugo Chavez, people said it didn't matter.

When Valerie Jarrett was selected as Obama's senior White House adviser and she is an avowed Socialist, people said it didn't matter.

When Anita Dunn, White House Communications director said Mao Tse Tung was her favorite philosopher and the person she turned to most for inspiration, people said it didn't matter.

When he appointed Carol Browner as global warming czar, and she is a well known socialist working on Cap and trade as the nations largest tax, people said it doesn't matter.

When he appointed Van Jones, an ex-con and avowed Communist as green energy czar, who since had to resign when this was made known, people said it didn't matter.

When Tom Daschle, Obama's pick for health and human services secretary could not be confirmed, because he was a tax cheat, people said it didn't matter.

When as president of the United States, he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, people said it didn't matter.

When he traveled around the world criticizing America and never once talking of her greatness, people said it didn't matter.

When his actions concerning the middle-east seemed to support the Palestinians over Israel, our long time friend, people said it doesn't matter.

When he took American tax dollars to resettle thousands of Palestinians from Gaza to the United States, people said it doesn't matter.

When he upset the Europeans by removing plans for a missile defense system against the Russians, people said it doesn't matter.

When he played politics in Afghanistan by not sending troops the Field Commanders said we had to have to win, people said it didn't matter.

When he started spending us into a debt that was so big we could not pay it off, people said it didn't matter.

When he took a huge spending bill under the guise of stimulus and used it to pay off organizations, unions and individuals that got him elected, people said it didn't matter.

When he took over insurance companies, car companies, banks, etc. people said it didn't matter.

When he took away student loans from the banks and put it through the government, people said it didn't matter.

When he designed plans to take over the health care system and put it under government control, people said it didn't matter.

When he set into motion a plan to take over the control of all energy in the United States through Cap and Trade, people said it didn't matter.

When he finally completed his transformation of America into a Socialist State , people finally woke up........ but it was too late.

Any one of these things, in and of themselves are bad, but does that not really matter? Can you add to this list? I can name two more just from today. Did I mention giving terrorists the same rights as American Citizens? I guess that doesn't matter either.

And.... when you add them up one by one you get a phenomenal score that points to the fact that our Obama is determined to make America over into a Marxist/Socialist society. All of the items in the preceding paragraphs have been put into place. All can be documented very easily. Before you disavow this, do an internet search. The last paragraph alone is not yet cast in stone. You and I will write that paragraph. Will it read as above or will it be a more happy ending for most of America ? Personally, I like happy endings.

If you are an Obama Supporter, please do not be angry with me because I know your president is a socialist. There are too many facts supporting this. If you seek the truth you will be richer for it. Don't just belittle the opposition. Search for the truth. I did. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Constitutionalists, Libertarians and what have you, we all need to pull together. We all must pull together or watch the demise of a society that we all love and cherish. If you are a religious person, pray for our nation.

Never before in the history of America have we been confronted with problems so huge and numerous that the very existence of our country is in jeopardy. Don't rely on most television news and what you read in the newspapers for the truth. Search the internet. Yes, there is a lot of bad information, lies and distortions there too but you are smart enough to spot the fallacies. Newspapers are a dying breed. They are currently seeking a bailout from the government. Do you really think they are about to print the truth? Obama praises all the television news networks except Fox who he has waged war against. There must be a reason. He does not call them down on any specifics, just a general battle against them. If they lie, he should call them out on it but he doesn't. Please, find the truth, it will set you free. Our biggest enemy is not China , Russia , Iran ; no, our biggest enemy is a contingent of politicians in Washington DC . http://speaktony.blogspot.com/

Thursday, December 24, 2009

“It’s beginning to look a lot like … Chicago-style politics in Washington, D.C.”

By Clio

The Bold Pursuit wishes everyone a Joyous Christmas and Happy Chanukah. It is our hope that, like Mr. Obama, Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi, you will find your most desired gifts, wrapped in festive paper and adorned with bright ribbons under your trees. Of course, we also hope that you didn’t ask Santa for a horror of a health care plan that will burden your nation with taxes or raise the debt ceiling a few hundred billion dollars…

We found this quote from an article by Martha R. Gore on Suite101.com (full attribution and permission links below). This paragraph seems very apropos considering the man who occupies the Oval Office learned what he knows of politics from a grand city, one our favorite places, albeit one of the most politically corrupt towns in our country:

“Political corruption in Chicago in 1910s and 1920s flourished as organized crime stepped into the mix with payoffs to policemen. It continued under the leadership of Mayor Anton Cermack and then the Kelly-Nash machine that doled out patronage jobs, political appointments, and broad favors to ethnic groups. They kept the city solvent during the New Deal years by obtaining federal funds as well as resources from organized crime…” 1 (Italics added for emphasis by Clio.)
Does the above have a familiar ring? Trading funds for favors? As noted by a recent guest on Fox News, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s bribes bought enough votes in order to cram through a health care bill that was not thoroughly vetted or debated (the cloture vote last weekend brought that option to a screeching halt), not to mention a bill that the majority of Americans, according to almost every major pollster, do not want. However, the Democrats want to hand Mr. Obama a “win” before Christmas – regardless of the desires or best interests of their constituents. The vote this morning tied a big RED ribbon on this lump of coal. Happy Holidays, Mr. Obama!

According to the Fox News commentator (and I paraphrase), Sen. Bill Nelson’s “sweetheart deal” (NE) or Sen. Mary Landrieu’s (LA) multi-million dollar grab bag, just to name a few of the political profiteers, in any other context would be called bribery; however, in Washington, D.C. this is simply “horse-trading.”

I will refrain from expressing myself on this point, except to say that the first word of my opinion begins with “horse.”

Mr. Obama learned and earned his political stripes in a city that, one could argue, is synonymous with political corruption. Forget former Governor Rod Blagojevich's wiretaps, Obama and Blago chum, Tony Rezko’s convictions for fraud and money-laundering, or infamous Chicago “boss” Mayor Richard Daley tainted reign of Chi-Town; Chicago’s colorful and crooked political history is so rife with generational lawlessness that it is, by some, considered the norm. Of course, Al Capone, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, earned his reputation as one of America’s most infamous early gangsters in Chicago.

“This source of corruption, alas, is inherent in the democratic system itself, and it can only be controlled, if at all, by finding ways to encourage legislators to subordinate ambition to principle.” James L. Buckley

Honestly, I really don’t care about presenting Mr. Obama with a “win” in order to shore up his weak and ill-defined (but frenetically aggressive) agendas. Mr. Obama was elected to govern the American people and act in their best interests – not indulge his own narcissistic needs. Americans have clearly, loudly and emphatically expressed their disapproval of the federal government taking over health care, as well as the broader ramifications that will accompany acquisition of approximately one-sixth of our economy.

The protests heard in town hall meetings, marches, tea party events, letters and phone calls to elected officials fell on deaf and uncaring ears: the bill was passed, 60 – 39, and now goes to conference in which the committee will attempt to merge or reconcile the Congressional and Senate bills.

As we contemplate this next step, it is fair to ask “Are there problems with the current state of health care in America? Do we need new legislation?” Yes. I know this firsthand as an independent, small business owner.

Many years ago, I was diagnosed with a serious illness just nine months after obtaining an individual health policy. My first claims for diagnostic tests and treatment were denied. I didn’t politely accept the denial; I fired off angry letters and rattled every cage I could find. My claims were, in short order, accepted. I am the proverbial squeaky wheel and know how to throw a first-class, window-rattling, indignant fit in order to get past patronizing gatekeepers.

Health care providers: A friend of mine owns an insurance agency. Every year, the premiums increase at rates that range from 20-35%. My friend must pass on these increases to his clients and many opt to drop certain benefits, change providers or drop coverage for all employees – they simply can’t afford the egregious premiums.

Portability: when I moved from one state to another, I was not allowed to keep my private policy. Since I had a pre-existing condition, the possibility of obtaining an affordable individual policy was unlikely.

“Big Pharma”: my first policy did not, initially, include a pharmacy plan. My out-of-pocket costs for medicine were exorbitant – even in 1992. Years later, when my employer went out of business and all of us lost our medical coverage, I tried to purchase medication and was stunned when charged hundreds of dollars for one month’s supply of medicine.

Tort reform, keeping insurance providers and the pharmaceutical industries in check without restricting free trade, offering portability, as well as affordable plans for the self- or unemployed are a few positive steps that could salvage a premier health care industry. With a few carefully considered legislative acts, we could help keep costs in check, expand coverage availability without burdening Americans with more taxes and prevent chasing away qualified medical personnel who will seek employment elsewhere in order to be able to support their families, pay onerous malpractice insurance and repay their expensive student loans. Medical professionals may even opt to choose another profession.

Of course, all of the above has been suggested by president after president to uncooperative, partisan representatives.

Mr. Obama claims that seven presidents before him tried to enact health care reform … and failed. Why did they fail, Mr. Obama? President Clinton also wanted socialized medicine for America, but America didn’t want ClintonCare.

President George W. Bush pushed for tort reform, portability, health care spending accounts and, facing an uncooperative House and Senate, was unable to pass his legislation.

Mr. Obama will claim his “win” through bribery and deceitful practices, learned from his friends and neighbors in the sullied style of the Chicago political machine. In my opinion, that’s not a win or a victory to trumpet –it’s a buyout.

This country does need health care reform – there is no question on that point. However, we should try to pass health care reform that Americans want and need, not pass out political payouts.

Mr. Obama, find your ego-stroking, big-ticket win by governing this country with integrity and hard work. We know you are inexperienced in Washington politics, having served approximately 150 days in the Senate prior to your election, but no one gets to make excuses in the Oval Office. Isn’t it time, Mr. Obama, that you stopped whining and finger-pointing at the Bush Administration and started acting like a true leader? How does one define that? Consider the following:

“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower

“Character matters; leadership descends from character.” Rush Limbaugh

“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.”
Norman Schwarzkopf

“Leadership has a harder job to do than just choose sides. It must bring sides together.” Jesse Jackson

Mr. Obama, Majority Leader Reid, Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats in the Senate and House: Back room deals and vote manipulation may foist an unwanted partisan plan on our country, but this “win” may very well become a loss when voters go to the polls in upcoming elections. America will let you know what it thinks of your sweetheart deals, bribery and corruption. Your holiday gift may turn into an “unclean” lump of unburnable coal.

Merry Christmas, America!

1 Permission to quote granted by author, Martha R. Gore, M.L.S.Read more at Suite101: Corruption in American Cities: Chicago: From the Great Fire of 1871 to the 21st Century, Corruption Thrives | Suite101.com http://americanaffairs.suite101.com/article.cfm/corruption_in_amerian_cities_chicago#ixzz0aNU01hOe





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