Guest Commentary… Getting to Know GOOOH

Guest Commentary night again. As I have continued to say, this is one of my favorite parts of this blog. I love being able to have other folks talk about what they are passionate about. I love giving a forum to different ideas and points of view. As always, I have not censored or altered the thoughts of the guest commentator. As such, the opinions of guest commentators are their own, and have nothing to do with me. I am merely the conduit to the process. Over the last couple of weeks we have had some great commentaries. We had a Canadian’s take on Socialized Health Care, Common Man’s signs of socialism, and LOI’s take on the influences that pushed us there. I hope to see even more from folks as this becomes a regular Friday night tradition (so get writing all of you!). Tonight’s guest commentator is making a return appearance in the guest commentary spotlight. It seems that he liked the attention so much last time that he has subjected himself to coming back for more scrutiny and abuse! So I bring all of you tonight’s guest commentary from Life of Illusion…

Nothing New, But Important Questions Here

At the request of several of the folks who read here regularly, I am not going to offer a new topic this evening. The most recent philosophy post from Just A Citizen is a lot to digest and there are plenty of discussions that still are taking place on that article. It is important that we take the time to hash them all out before we move on. So that is what we are going to do. Additionally, the “Liberal Trap” article requires my attention as well, as I have committed to answering all the questions that are posed there so that we can address and move forward in a positive way. But there have been a few points brought up in that “Liberal Trap” article that I want to address here and get everyone’s opinion on. After all this site is nothing without readers, so I want to go forward with your opinions counted.

Building a Foundation For Resurrecting America Part IV

And back to the philosophy we go. This series is going to jump around a bit. We took a couple of days off and dealt with some other topics. But now we are back to it. We have now begun to understand why philosophy is important and gotten a grasp on some of the terminology and thought processes as they apply. Now we will get a chance to see some of that philosophy applied to the founders. We often are taught to believe that the founders were infallible geniuses who we just had the good fortune to have around when we needed to form a country. Not so. They were merely men who did the best they could with what they had…

Jumping Head First Into the Liberal Trap

I have always had a bit of an adrenaline obsession. At one point it manifested itself as a lust to do dangerous things with my body. Jumping out of planes, climbing mountains, repelling, allowing myself to be sent into dangerous places at the behest of my government. But now I am old. A ripe old 39. So I don’t do much of that stuff any more. Oh I keep in shape, and I imagine if I had to I could take care of myself OK. But I don’t usually go looking for any trouble or excitement any more, unless it is on a poker table. That is another topic for another day. Much against the advice of many of those here who emailed me and told me to ignore such pettiness, I am going to take one last stab at helping some folks who disagree with me understand the error of their ways….

Does the 10th Amendment Movement Have Hope?

There has been a distinct increase in the rhetoric concerning the 10th Amendment over the last couple of months. I first started hearing real rumblings in about February. It began with the Economic Stimulus Bill and grew from there. While I haven’t verified it, I even heard that the Governor of Texas, while attending one of the Tax Day Tea Parties, used the word secession in his speech. There is no doubt that the federal government’s level of control over the states has grown over the last several years, and the stimulus bill added a significant amount of that in February. At this point I would have to say that the level of power held by the states is at an all time low. This, in my opinion, goes against the very ideals of the founders. Apparently I am not alone in this opinion…

Republicans Finding Their Voice?

Over the last week or so I have seen countless articles discussing the current state of politics and proclaiming that the Republicans have found their way back to relevance through the topic of national defense. Along with that are the childish debates about whether Rush Limbaugh, Dick Cheney, or Colin Powell are the proper choice to be the voice of the new Republican party. I read these articles. I watch the videos. I listen to the speeches. And one thing that just sticks in my mind is that the Republicans are grasping at straws. Not one of those three men are fit to be the “voice of the Republican party”. The Republican party has no voice today because they do not stand for anything. They lost their relevance because they pandered and abused and lost their principles. When will that party wake up?

Honoring America’s Veterans

So we find ourselves on Memorial Day. No big topics today. No debate over who is right and who is wrong on the political scales. Instead, a simple recognition of soldiers on one of the few days that are dedicated to them. You know, oddly enough, when I was a new soldier, I saw Memorial Day as just another chance for a 4-day weekend courtesy of the US government. Ah, so young and dumb… you know the rest. But once I learned the meaning of Memorial Day, it became a holiday that I cherished and honored each year. And now here I am, for the first Memorial Day as a person who runs a website. And I am so glad that this gives me the opportunity to offer at least some form of tribute to those fallen heroes that provided me the ability to voice my dissent today.

Nationalized Health Care… A Canadian’s View

Friday night comes once again, which means that we are at the part of the week that gives the readers of Stand Up For America the chance to have their voices heard on issues that are passionate to them. This has been a pretty tough week of learning and discussing! All the philosophy discussions not only forced us to use that ten pound lump of matter in our heads, but may have actually caused some of us to begin the process of reevaluating the positions that we have held sacred for so long. While difficult, I do believe that this is one of the best things we can possibly accomplish. You have heard me say several times that while debating BF is maddening, he will force you to solidify your position or abandon it. Now you are all beginning to learn the tools that will make others say that about you!

The Reality of Taxing the “Rich”

We have all heard plenty of talking points over the last year or so from the left about getting the rich to “pay their fair share”. Given the realities of who pays what in this country, that is a baffling statement from folks who obviously are appealing to emotion rather than looking at the facts surrounding what they are talking about. Recently in the comments I saw some discussion about the “death tax” and how it was the right thing to do, about what its purpose was, etc… But again I saw so many facts being ignored when that argument was being made. So I decided that I wanted to once again tackle the idea of class warfare and getting the rich under control, a game played by the left these days, but played by all politicians when it is politically expedient to do so. Because there are just too many flaws in the argument, and too many individual rights being trampled on…

Building a Foundation For Resurrecting America Part III

Back to it this evening folks. I think that the day off was a good thing. It allowed everyone to discuss the topics some more and re-read the articles and hopefully get a better grasp on the subject matter. I will be able to participate in the conversations a bit more on this article. Yesterday was golf with some friends I don’t see enough of and it was also my wedding anniversary. Another year of my wonderful wife putting up with me. It should be a national holiday. With my Celtics and Bruins both successfully eliminated from the playoffs, I am down to just baseball, although everyone who knows me knows that I am consumed by the sport. 

Passing of Ed Freeman, Medal of Honor Recipient

Just A Citizen passed this on to me in the form of an email. Not a random forward, but a “hey did you see this”. I wanted to include it as a quick post so that everyone gets to see it. The email included a very large “Shame on the Media” at the bottom. I didn’t include it here. I am not so much in the mindset of being upset with the media for not covering it. I merely thought that a true American hero deserves a moment on my blog. So I am posting this with no intent other than to share it will all of you. 

OK… I Know Some Are Confused

I know, some of you feel as though your head is going to explode. It is OK. I know it seems a bit overwhelming with all of these big, fancified words. It feels as though much of this stuff is going right over your head. I am here tonight doing nothing but settling it all down. No new content. Nothing new to try and wrap our heads around. No big words, and no new ideas. Just a bit of an explanation as to why this nasty topic is important and some thoughts that will hopefully help everyone to focus on the important take away material while merely reading and gaining a minimal understanding of the rest.

Building a Foundation for Resurrecting America Part II

So we started down the philosophy trail last night with an introduction to why philosophy is important. I have to be honest and say that I was a bit surprised by some of the reaction to the comments once I was able to jump in and take a look at what people were saying. Some folks took umbrage with the thoughts from Ayn Rand. I hadn’t realized that her thoughts alone would stir a bit of controversy. There were not a lot of comments overall, which was not surprising to JAC, BF, or Myself. We anticipated the first article would be that way. There really wasn’t a lot to discuss there. It really was about presenting a case for why it is important to understand and embrace philosophy.

Building a Foundation for Resurrecting America Part I

Ah the beginning of a new series. Always an exciting and tense time for me. In the short time that I have been writing this blog, I have often found myself in a very uncomfortable position… one of trepidation. Each night when I get ready to hit the “publish” button on whatever article I am submitting for the night, there is a little moment of trepidation. Because I am worried.  I wonder what people will think of what I post. I wonder if I am taking the right stance. I wonder if what I am about to say is going to be the thing that drives people away, rather than towards, the site. Then I take a Deep Breath, and remember that I am just me, and I am OK being judged. And I hit the button….

Common Man on “My Mantra Going Forward”

And so we arrive on Guest Commentary night. Another Friday has come so quickly. An interesting week so far I must say. We have had debates on the bias of my little site. We have discussed hypocritical Democrats and Hypocritical Republicans. We have set ourselves up for some learning and introspection that will be coming to us shortly. I have asked for more guest commentary pieces for submission. And you, my dear readers, have responded with a slew of them, which pleases me more than I can put into words. The differing opinions and discussions that come from them are refreshing and rewarding for all those who frequent Stand Up For America…

Social Darwinism and Class Warfare…

It seemed as though one of the main discussion points yesterday ended up being the fact that I said that I am a proponent of Social Darwinism. I make no bones about that fact. I believe that you adapt or you die. You are a contributing member of society or you are a drain on society. You cannot be both. There were some questions from some of you asking for what Social Darwinism looks like in my opinion, and whether it leads eventually to class warfare. So I will discuss Social Darwinism and why I am a fervent believer in it. Further, I will discuss why it does not lead to class warfare and set up the discussion of what IS the cause of class warfare, since I feel Social Darwinism has nothing to do with it. I will then leave it to the rest of you to tell me where I am wrong.

Where Are We Going From Here?

I was asked in one of the comments the other day to further define where we are going. I said in a post that I was going somewhere with all the stuff that I write about. To be honest it is hard to articulate where we are going exactly and how we will get there precisely. But over the course of the last several months, I think most here would agree that we are are all learning just a little bit each day how we can better look at our arguments while limiting the contradictions that naturally occur when we fall back on the ideas and facts presented by today’s politicians. Admittedly I take more stabs at liberal politicians than I do Republican ones. But believe me when I say that I don’t trust most politicians, no matter which side of the aisle they come from. 

Let’s Just Clear A Few Things Up Shall We…

You know, I found myself arguing back and forth with Ray and Todd yesterday, trying to make my point. At some point I crossed a threshold and realized that I was writing another damn article just to make my point. That isn’t to knock those two. I love to be challenged. They were doing exactly what I want people to do. But there seems to be some sort of misunderstanding about where I stand on the issues and where I lean politically. More important, there seems to be some misconceptions about this site in particular and what I created it to do and what I hope it will become. So let’s just take some time to address those particular questions, shall we?

Couldn’t Happen to a Better Person

Oh, the sweet, sweet taste of one of my most disliked politicians finding themselves in a bit of a scandal and caught outright lying to the American people. They got you, Queen Nancy. They got you. For those that have not been following this ongoing drama as it played out over the last few weeks, allow me to just come right out and say what I am thinking. I cannot stand Nancy Pelosi. She is, in my opinion, the epitome of everything that is wrong with the American political system today. It isn’t because she is from the left. It is because she is not a good person. She is bitter and nasty and 100% full of bulldookey. There are bad politicians on both sides of the aisle, no doubt. But I struggle to find any worse than her. So the news breaking tonight that she has been caught in her hypocritical stance and caught lying about it just makes me giggle like a school-girl…

Third Party Viability…. Scene 3, Take 2

I covered this topic once upon a time. In fact it was the 4th blog post that I wrote way back when I started. I covered the topic OK then, but I think I can do better this time around. More importantly, the last time I covered it I only had about 3 readers, lol. I got 3 responses other than my own, one was Revolution, whom some of you have become acquainted with, and another was my wife. I would say we have grown a bit with a couple thousand page hits a day. It is hard for me to tell how many people actually come to the site, but I am sure that the number is significantly larger than it was the last time I talked about this. When I started writing this blog, I was disgusted with the outcome of the elections and disgusted with the Republican party. Those two factors in the equation have not changed. I was also in the firm belief that moving to a third party, possibly the Libertarians, was the absolute best move for me. So let’s talk about a third party and whether that is a viable move in today’s political climate…

RNC Chairman Steele Says GOP base is Bigoted?

I got wind of this and to be honest I was a bit shocked when I read it. Many of the readers of this blog would consider themselves conservative. At least that is the impression that I get from all the comments. We have a few folks from the left (which I would like to see more of), but a generally conservative base. I often comment that the Republican party is no better than the Democrats these days. And I know I am not alone when I say the Republican party over the last bunch of years has become a party we don’t recognize any longer, and a party that certainly does not get unwavering support. Reading about RNC Chairman Michael Steele’s comments yesterday showed me a side of the Republican party that is exactly why I walked away from them several years ago. 

Another Democratic Flip-Flop

In a surprising turn of events, the Obama administration is now reported to be reversing course and has come to the conclusion that all of their bitching and whining was unjustified. Realizing the flaw in their initial thinking and acknowledging that their petty attacks and reckless accusations against President Bush were unwarranted in this particular area, they have issued a formal apology. OK, I made that second part up. We all know that there will not be a time when the arrogant group of liberals running the Democratic party admit to being wrong or offer any apologies to Bush. But interestingly, they are in fact reversing course in the military commission system at Gitmo.

Guest Commentary: Life of Illusion Weighs In

Another Friday night is upon us. I am quite pleased to say that I have been receiving quite a few submissions for guest commentaries. I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. Not only does it mean that I get a night off of researching and writing (for the most part). It also means that more and more of you reading this blog are getting involved and researching the things you are passionate about. And there is nothing I could want more from this endeavor than to spur the thought process and engage people’s brains again. Many of you have discussed the fact that you were apathetic for a long time and now find that getting the brain active again is a great feeling. I see the increase in submissions as proof this is happening!

Hate Crime Legislation is Immoral

Alright, I made a fairly straight-forward statement there with that title. But I want everyone to understand how ridiculous I think all of the legislation around this is. Not only is hate crime legislation unfair and contradictory, it is hypocritical in today’s hate filled climate. This is a topic that I have actually wanted to cover ever since I started writing this blog. I just never got around to it. Today the news discussed the fact that Michael Savage (Conservative radio host) was banned from coming to the UK because of the things he says on the air. During the coverage on some sites, hate speech legislation came up because that is what he is banned from the UK for, hate speech.

Some Links to Those Who Write Here

OK, a long day coming to an end for me. Because I spent my evening at the hockey game and in the traffic leaving it, I simply don’t have the time to write a coherent post this evening. And as an interesting factor in the mix tonight, I am a bit intrigued with some of the discussion on last night’s post. So I am going to fill you all in on my night, offer some interesting reading from some of the folks who write blogs and also comment here, and then direct you to continuing the discussion that we started yesterday. 

Best If Used Before….

I have had quite a few requests for this topic so I figured I would take a stab at it and see where the conversation takes us. The topic is term limits for the people we elect to represent us in Congress. Hence the title of the article, as politicians need to have expiration dates. That way we can simply check the “Best if Used By” date on the carton and throw them away before we take the lid off and ruin a perfectly good bowl of cereal with them. I can tell you that I, at this point, would like to see term limits placed upon members of Congress. I am not sure how long those limits should be. But we’ll discuss that. It seems to me that the biggest obstacle to Congress serving the constituency is that the members of Congress have evolved into a political elite who do everything in their power to hold on to that seat and the money and power that comes with it.

Silencing His Critics?

So I saw yet another news story hit today, and being the skeptic that I have become, I immediately saw this as another part of a massive set-up. Now as many of you know, I am not a fan of conspiracy theories. It isn’t that I don’t think these things are possible, it is just that I don’t devote time on my blog to them much because there are lots of places where you can go do that. And what I am trying to do here is more education and rallying the troops for what may come. What I am doing is providing information that you can take, process, and decide for yourself what it means to you and what you are going to do about it. I do intend at some point to use every one of you to help form a plan. But we are still building the network here and learning and figuring everything out. As you saw in the upcoming articles, there is going to be significant debate and introspective thought upcoming.

The Importance of Understanding the Past

In keeping with the day of relaxation that I set up for myself today, I decided that I wanted to write a post that was based completely on opinion, no research, no digging around for information. Just my opinion out there for the world to tear apart. That way I was still able to spend the entire day with my wife and even watch a bit of the hockey playoffs and a movie with her. Unfortunately the movie was horrible (“The Spirit”, the only bright spot being a very sexy Eva Mendes) and the hockey game ended with my team taking a loss at home. But that did not dampen my spirit, as my wife prepared a wonderful dinner and I did get to stare at her all day, which is always a good thing.

Taking a Bit of a Break Tonight (But Please Read!)

As many of you know, I very rarely take a night off from writing the blog. I am pretty committed to writing every night. I enjoy doing so. I also know that many of my readers like to read my ranting over their morning coffee and get a chuckle out of it. And I hate to disappoint my readers. But every now and then I need a break, so I am going to work to build some breaks in, while ensuring that I keep content fresh for all of those who come and read every day. To that end I am going to take tonight to kind of outline my plan and how I am thinking so that you guys can let me know what you think. I will also below talk about some of the changes I am making to the site to make it better for all of you.

Uh Oh… Souter Retires, Liberals Get Giddy

The news broke this morning and I immediately fell to my knees and screamed to the heavens “Nooooo”. OK that didn’t really happen, because I saw this coming, as the rumors had been swirling for a while now. Justice David Souter has announced that when the summer session ends he will step down as a Supreme Court Justice after 20 years on the nation’s highest bench. This means that the “Progressive President” will have his first opportunity to appoint a Justice to the Supreme Court. I know that many of you are already starting to panic. You are afraid that the ultra-liberal agenda of the current administration means that the Supreme Court is going to drastically change, moving far to the left, and the world as we know it is going to crash down around us. I can already hear some of you grinding your teeth and packing up your belongings so that you can make a quick exit from the country. To everyone I say…