GrassRoots GOP Platform

Weiner, Weiner, Weiner get your Weiner Facts Here!

2010-05-20T09:09:00.003-04:00

Learn as much as you can about Mr. Weiner. Glenn Beck's new site to help set the facts straight about little Weiners everywhere. If you want to support Weiner education then please also post a blog about weiners linking to www.weinerfacts.com.

You can learn more about how you can help promote weiner facts here. It really is important to help Congressman Anthony Weiner and Obama's white house get some free press about their attacks on goldline, gold, and Mr. Beck.

Dear Mr Weiner, quit being such a Weiner.

Where is John Galt?

2009-04-30T22:52:00.000-04:00

Those of us who have read Atlas Shrugged lately know that the goverment "looters" have a worthy opponent in the intelligent capitalists of the day. John Galt's "strikers" stop accepting the burdens imposed on them and stood up for what they believed is right.

Where is our John Galt? Who in industry and business will stand up to goverment and call a spade a spade? CEOs fired. Executives hiding from mobs in their houses. TARP wives pretending not to have money. Now the latest is private investment firms speared by the President in prime time.

The leadership of the GOP remains devoid of a clear message or dynamic leader. I am convinced that leader must come out of business, not Washington or state goverment. We need to leave the lobbyists and gamesmanship out of politics. Get back to the honorable debate of ideas and actually reading bills. We have to tell the American people that they have the power to restart the economy. Not the goverment. It is their "confidence" and ingenuity that will grow tax revenues. Not an energy tax scheme.

The problem is that I see no John Galt. Not in business circles. Not in Washington circles.. Not in the UN and not in politics anywhere.

Mr. Galt...would you please stand up?

Take this bipartisanship or I will shove it down your throat!

2009-02-15T14:29:00.001-05:00

It is comical to see people talk about the stimulus bill in terms of it being bipartisan because less than .5% of Republicans in congress voted for the plan. 3 people total from the right side of the aisle supported this bill.

So were the Republicans "declaring war on Obama" as Anderson Cooper discussed this week? Or did Nancy Pelosi stuff lots of soldiers in this Trojan Horse?

Clearly the Democrats shoved this bill down the GOP's throat and expected them to swallow or else be called partisan. There is so much distressing stuff in this bill I dont know what to inform my friends about. The attacks come in funding, policy, and econimic directions. It is overwelming as a conservative American.

If you are a Democrat and came upon this ariticle about the "bipartisan stimulus bill", please ask yourself these questions:

What would you do if George Bush had tried to have Karl Rove run the census?

You were upset about "warrentless wiretapping"...but are you ok with the Government having 100% access to your medical records?

Are you OK with the fact that the #1 donor organization to your party is the Unions and the #1 beneficiary of this stimulus bill is those same Unions?

What if George Bush had appointed a TAX CHEAT to run the Department of TREASURY? (obama did)

please, slow down. look at how quick the CHANGE is coming. Some might say it is HASTY

Arlen Spector and The March of the R.I.N.O.'s ...again.

2009-02-07T17:01:00.003-05:00

Our friendly R.I.N.O.'s are on the loose again. This time stopping the GOP from being united against an expansion of government. Do you think they know they are being used?

Clearly everything they stripped out will be rammed down our throats this year in subsequent spending bills. So what did they gain? Press coverage. Party invitations. What a joke.

Arlen Spector is my Senator and his office assured me this week he would only accept a true Stimulus bill and not a Democratic spending wish list. This is going to be a long four years.

Republicans. What do we stand for?

President Elect Barack Obama

2008-11-04T22:15:00.000-05:00

It appears that Senator Obama is our president elect. I am sad that our country believes he was the best man for the job. But he is my President; and I will give him an honest shot. His acceptance speech today will be his first opportunity. His history shows him to the left; but he campaigned to the center. If he governs from the center; I will be impressed. I hope that his talk of bi-partisanship and cooperation was more than just talk.

To all Democrats that fought hard for Senator Obama...congratulations. To all Republicans who worked and voted for John McCain lets be good losers and show the world how this Democracy accepts the will of the people.

May God continue to Bless America.

Headline 11/5/08: How did Barack Obama Lose?

2008-10-31T09:20:00.000-04:00

(...5 days from today)

The entire world had predicted last week that Barack Obama would win the Presidential election. The polls told us so for weeks. The pundits told us so for months. This transformational candidate would win the country with more than a 300 electoral college votes. So what happened last night? How did John McCain squeak out a narrow 280 - 258 victory? There is just one word to explain it...BIAS!

Many this morning are talking about the Bradley effect and how voters lied to pollsters and in the end could not vote for a black candidate. This is irresponsible and false. The truth is the polls never showed Barack with a big lead unless you projected the vote incorrectly.

There were three major flaws in our pre-election polls that all the experts failed to see. First, the myth of the youth vote was once again proved false. Yesterday youth turnout exceeded 2004 numbers by less than 1% while all other segments of the population turned out in record numbers. Next, none of the polls predicted that so many Democrats in the rust belt and traditional red states would jump off the Obama ship. Apparently there really are conservative Democrats that could not vote for someone with such a liberal voting records. Finally the polls were distorted intentionally by the Obama campaign to try to achieve the sense of inevitability.

The distortion of the polls started in the Primary. Obama supporters were getting themselves onto polling lists and passing the word to insure they always answered pollsters questions. Online polls and phone polls were packed with partisans from one side. Meanwhile the disaffected conservatives who reluctantly supported John McCain had no enthusiasm for such trivial time wastes. The most ironic part of this strategy is that it is what likely cost Obama Pennsylvania by less than a 1000 vote margin.

The polls in Pennsylvania showed a 5-15 margin for Senator Obama before the weekend. So how did he lose the state? Simple. His voters didn't believe they had to show up. Obama won just six counties in Pennsylvania all surrounding Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. His campaign was destroyed in the suburbs and rural areas in margins not seen since the Reagan elections.

So today we find ourselves with huge Democratic majorities in the Senate and House with a moderate Republican to lead them in the White House. This is not what everyone expected, but it may be what everyone needs.

This may not be the headline on Tuesday, but it could be. Should be. I pray it will be!

Why Iraq WAS worth the Cost!

2008-08-05T23:23:00.000-04:00

Now that the surge has worked and the United States military and diplomatic efforts are succeeding, the debate should shift toward whether or not it was worth the costs...IT WAS.

Saddam Hussein and his sons are dead. They will kill torture and torment the world no more. Since the invasion of Kuwait the United States foreign policy and military efforts have been forced to focus on Iraq and what this mad man might do. The current government of Iraq cannot muster an attack on Kuwait, Iran, or any of its neighbors. Whatever the Iraqi government becomes after we leave, they will be consumed with internal politics and power for quite some time.

After we defeated Saddam and his ilk, Al Qaeda decided Iraq is the battlefield they would fight us on. They felt that in Iraq, not Afghanistan or the United States, is where they would make their stand. They have lost that gamble. After sacrificing thousands of recruits and the entire Bush presidency to defeat our military, they are routed and headed back to the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Good. Hide there. We will see you soon. Since 9-11 we have not allowed a sanctuary around the world. This one too will come crashing down on these murderers.

We know that recently yellow cake uranium was removed from Iraq. This will never find its way to terrorist or be used by Saddam to create a bomb. While no link exists between Saddam and Al Qaeda, he did pay the families of suicide bombers in Israel. This was a man who WOULD use terror if it suited him. 9-11 showed dictators that maybe terror was a way you could strike the US. George Bush showed all dictators we can and will take action. As a result Libya volunteered it's nuclear program. The North Korean nuclear problem is also in a better state than pre-Iraq war. Neither was possible without the war.

Today in Iraq we have our largest base in the Middle East. Just miles from the border of Iran the mightiest military in the world makes a home. Children don't act up as much when their parents are near by. The Iranians are full of bluster and media shows. But they are well aware they cannot strike Israel or allow a terrorist attack to be planned on their soil. Either would result in their destruction. While many pundits talk about Iran's new strength, they have also been dealt a defeat in Iraq. Their economy is in shambles and their bad faith negotiations are about to lead to more sanctions. The Iranians are also stuck on internal problems.

The Iraqi people have voted once and just might be on their way to a Democracy. With luck, they may vote again before our elections in November. Do you remember the purple fingers from Iraq and Afghanistan as people cast their first real votes? I do. Today in Iraq there is a free press. Local muscle like Muqtada al-Sadr has been forced to put down their arms in order to maneuver for upcoming elections. Elections. ELECTIONS! Made possible by the war in Iraq.

Finally and least importantly, the Iraqi economy is showing signs of life. Their oil exports are becomings stable and exceeding pre-war levels. In the next ten years they could increase dramatically depending upon development. Markets are open. The people are returning. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq is an advanced and civilized country. It's people will thrive. We will soon get out of their way. The Iraqi war has changed the Middle East and the world. Over the next ten years, we will see by how much. History will judge. But if the past is our guide, Democracy will be good for Iraq, the Iraqis and the world.

Wars take time. They cost lives. They cost treasure. This war is in an entire region with agents spread around the world. We currently fight it in Iraq, Afghanistan, in the Philippians, in Africa and at home. In Iraq and Afghanistan we have learned much about our enemy. We are winning in both. Our military is more experienced and capable than ever before. The technology for modern and counter-insurgency military operations has been dramatically improved.

For all these benefits we should be grateful. Our soldiers are heroes. Everyone who died should know they did not die in vain. They died with honor. Fighting for freedom. Fighting to keep the world safe. Someday I hope a monument will stand in Iraq honoring them. Not built by us, or requested by the US. Built by Iraqis, honoring their liberation. I salute every soldier and thank them for their service. It was worth it. You country is proud.

Why are Gas and Energy Prices So High?

2008-07-02T23:33:00.000-04:00

1) U.S. Domestic Oil production has been shrinking since its peak in the 1970s. The oil companies have been hamstrung by Environmentalists, Lawyers, and Democrats since then; making drilling in the U.S. un-profitable.

2) U.S. petroleum consumption far exceeds production. That means we have to import it from the Middle East, Russia, Mexico, Canada, and Venezuela. None of these countries have any problem drilling THEIR oil and selling it to us, shouldn’t we drill for our own?

…worldwide consumption is also rising

3) The law of supply and demand is simple. When demand rises faster than supply, the price goes up. When supply rises faster than demand, the price goes down. The answer to lower gas prices is more supply. NOT taxing the companies that get the oil from the desert to my car.

4) Speculators are driving the cost of oil up, but only because it is a safe bet that oil prices will rise. “Speculators” buy an oil contract for 5 years from now. What they purchase sets the price. If the price went down, these investors would get creamed. If the U.S. quickly opened the way to new drilling in the continental shelf and A.N.W.R. the traders would be forced to bet on lower prices and other oil producers would have more competition. A commitment to new drilling could reduce prices in the next few months. By the way, who are these EVIL speculators…pension funds. (pass too tight a law against speculators and pensions could decline quick)

5) The last Nuclear power plant built in the US was is 1977. Yet Nuclear power still provides 19% of our electricity. Not building more plants has increased the cost of electricity dramatically. (France gets nearly 80% of their power from nuclear.) It currently takes longer to get a permit to build a nuclear power plant than it takes to build one.

6) Renewable energy is a future technology, not a “now” technology. Right now renewable energy accounts for just 9.5% of US electricity production compared to nearly 50% for coal, 20% for nuclear and 20% for natural gas. That is a huge gap that renewable would need to fill.

7) Wind is the only alternative energy source that is even remotely cost effective. Even Nuclear doesn’t compare to coal or natural gas. The reality is that carbon based energy is here to stay OR we cannot COMPETE in a global economy.

Cost Per Kilowatt Hour (cents)

	Low	High	Avg
Natural Gas	3.9	4.4	4.15
Coal	4.8	5.5	5.15
Nuclear	11.1	14.15	12.625
Wind	4	6	5
GeoThermal	4.5	30	17.25
Hydro	5.1	11.3	8.2
Solar	15	30	22.5

Plus..no one really knows what harnessing wind power will do to weather patterns and climate. A few wind farms here and there would have no impact. Enough to generate 50% of US energy demand, might cause some problems. Ted Kennedy doesn’t even want a wind farm where he boats….

8) Natural Gas production has also been completely flat or on a down trend despite increasing energy demand. This is thought of as the cleanest fossil fuel, but the ban on coastal drilling has kept much of US natural gas stocks in the ground instead of the pipeline.

9) Environmentalists are FOR high energy prices to encourage conservation. They are willing to pay MUCH more for environmental and supposed “health” benefits. Despite fossil fuels being the only economical option to power the US for the next 20 years. (or more) Harry Reid, leader of the Democrats in the Senate actually said “coal makes us sick” … “oil makes us sick”. While true if you live on top of a power plant; there is no widespread sickness sweeping the world. In fact life expectancy in the U.S. remains over 70 and rising.

10) When the cost of energy goes up, the price of EVERYTHING goes up. Can you afford $7 gas or $5 milk? I can’t. In fact, energy costs and taxes are the two fastest way to cause inflation so that your money isn’t worth as much. If gasoline, electricity, and natural gas costs continue to rise, then our economy will be in real trouble. But if we get out of our own way and take advantage of U.S. energy resources then we can be wealthy enough to clean up after ourselves. High energy prices means high food prices and inflation, that hurts everyone.

Sign the petition for Drill Here Drill Now and make sure Obama AND McCain are talking about new energy production immediately not some dream of alternatives that just aren’t ready yet. McCain is talking about Nuclear and some drilling but not enough. Obama is all alternatives, conservation, and wishing that the price of gas had just risen slower.

If you are not for more energy production, then you are FOR higher energy costs. So if we can’t drill? How do you generate more energy…or are you going to pass a law mandating that we can’t keep our thermostats at 72 degrees. If you are pro conservation, then start talking about rationing electricity and gasoline.

References:

1 - http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/hist/mcrfpus1m.htm

2 - http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/cfapps/STEO_Query/steotables.cfm

3 - http://www.curriculumlink.org/econ/materials/sdlaws.html

4 - http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D91INO8O0.htm

5 - http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_was_the_last_nuclear_power_plant_built_in_the_US

5 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power

5 - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16554514/

6 - http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epa/epat1p1.html

7 - http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Cents_Per_Kilowatt-Hour

8 - http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_sum_dcu_NUS_m.htm

9 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqR0Ui0g3wI

9 - http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0005148.html

10 - http://www.euractiv.com/en/cap/current-world-food-prices-high/article-173769

10 - http://www.newsday.com/classified/automotive/ny-bzecon025749064jul02,0,7109041.story

*http://www.wtrg.com/prices.htm

*http://www.americansolutions.com

* http://youtube.com/watch?v=XXIvmJ8xenc

Obama says...We cant keep out homes at 72 degrees

2008-05-19T21:42:00.000-04:00

For anyone who doesn't know anything about Barack Obama yet. Please read this quote and watch this video.

"We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times and whether we're living in the desert or if we are living in the tundra and then just expect that every other country is going to say ok you guys go ahead and keep on using 25 % of the world's energy even though you only account for 3% of the population and we'll be fine, don't worry about us." (View Obama's quote on youtube)

Why not? There is no energy shortage. There is no such thing as 25% of the world's energy. There is 25% of the worlds energy production but why can't we just produce more energy. Because globalists like Barack Obama will not allow the U.S. to drill for oil, build nuclear power plants, build refineries, build coal power plants or create energy in any efficient manner.

THE ISSUE IS NOT THE PRICE OF GASOLINE, THE ISSUE IS THE COST OF ENERGY.

I drive and SUV because that is how much room I need to get to my in laws and to get to camp. My wife turns the heat up to 72 degrees when she is cold. Find some other way to save the planet but I am not changing either....and I dont feel bad about it at all.

Attn Senator McCain: I want to support you, but I cant...yet

2008-02-12T23:00:00.002-05:00

Call it conservative angst, or call it standing on principals. I will obviously vote for John McCain in November as the Democrats offer nothing but socialism and retreat. The question now is can I give anything more than my vote to John McCain.

In the last two presidential elections and in the important Senate races here in PA, I was a contributor and a volunteer. I donated meager amounts of money, but more importantly over 75 volunteer hours making phone calls and knocking on doors. For me to reach into my checkbook or fit campaigning into my schedule I need to believe in someone. Right now, I still fear John McCain.
People talk about reaching out. Well reaching out means more than endorsements and speeches invoking the name of Ronald Reagan. It means a platform we will fight for. To get conservatives John McCain has to answer just these simple questions...

You say you will secure the borders first. Great. I believe you so I am willing to give you a chance. Then what?
Why did you use class warfare rhetoric when opposing the Bush tax cuts?
How can you achieve energy independence without expanding the use of domestic fossil fuels? And how can you do that while drinking global warming kool-aid?
In hindsight, what would you change about McCain-Feingold to make 527s more accountable while not infringing anymore on freedom of speech.

I think if you answer these couple questions, I will be with you 100%. Right now, I am a wishy-washy luke warm supporter.

...what do you think?

Can I support John McCain?

2007-12-24T12:12:00.000-05:00

Less than two weeks from the Iowa caucuses and I still have no candidate. I have flirted with all the camps (except Rudi) and given a small donation to two. Now I may find myself supporting someone I swore I would NEVER vote for. John McCain.

The person who gave us the debacle that is McCain-Feingold. The man who tried to ram Amnesty down our throats more than once. The politician who allows the mainstream media to use him on Sunday programs to build up their view whenever it is different than the President. (then ignores him when he agrees).

But when I look at our slate of candidates, John McCain is the only one I believe that is Presidential and deserving of such a high office. His life, family, and political experience are second to none in the race. He has the ability to attract independents and some democratic voters if he can just hold on to those of us on the conservative side of the aisle. Clearly he was right on the war and is a strong national security candidate. But can I trust him on my other important issues?

Take immigration for example. Here he is now for a border security first plan and I can live with some of the other items from immigration reform AFTER the border is secure. But on his website he doesn't state emphatically that he will build the southern fence. If Senator McCain was elected and decided to push for "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" he would get it. I am not sure I can live with that.

What about campaign finance reform? John has always been in favor of legislation to control the process. His last attempt has resulted in the 527 loophole which has made a complete farce of TV and other advertising for campaigns. Now you have no idea who the money is behind a candidate. Clearly some of these groups coordinate with campaigns and there is no way to stop it. The way to clean up the financing is to allow a free-for-all with immediate and 100% disclosure of where your funds come from. Anything less is a restriction of free speech. I tend to believe Mr. McCain will overreach here again and regulate more, not less.

His views on global warming also scare me. This is from an op-ed he wrote in 2003..."Global warming is a serious threat. There is overwhelming evidence that increasing amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are heating up the Earth's climate and that inaction could be disastrous." This is so blatantly false it upsets me every time I hear some liberal state it as a fact. IT IS NOT DISASTROUS AND THERE IS NO PROOF WE ARE CAUSING ANY WARMING. The warming crowd is already pretty sure they are wrong, so they are changing the name to "climate change" so that when it doesn't warm they can keep on their world government agenda. Anyway, again I am not sure I can support him on this.

So where does that leave me? A great man I disagree with on many items and don't quite trust on others. Ugh, Newt where are't thou? The Huckaboom is over and Mitt just doesn't catch my fever. Please Please don't let Hillary win. I just don't know if I can support John McCain or not, but I think he is the only one who can win.

What do you think?

CNN YouTube Republican Debate: What will they ask

2007-11-27T23:35:00.000-05:00

One of the best stories of today's Republican debate on CNN is what questions will CNN choose. The questions do come from the public, but they will be picked out by a panel now doubt. So in a GOP primary, will they reflect republican issues, or will they be driven by a progressive agenda?

I think it is safe to say we will get a solid dose of global warming questions that assume it as a fact. I have no doubt we will get at least one question vilifying George Bush and "his war". But will they get illegal immigration, border security, and pork barrel spending covered?

I predict at least 20 minutes of horse race questions. Completely useless items about why you are gaining, losing, or not showing up in the polls. I will say this, I am very excited to see the candidates show their stuff and I hope to be won over by someone. Anyone...

Any predictions?

The Republican Nomination: A free and open debate for the Party

2007-11-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Republicans,

We need to start thinking about the race in front of us in a different way. According to Real Clear Politics, there are five serious contenders for the nomination. (plus Ron Paul). Rather than lament that their isn't a perfect candidate to get behind, we need to embrace the debate for the candidate of our party. The Wednesday YouTube debate on CNN should be a true test of these leaders and whether or not they can run the country.

Republican party members will be watching the debate in huge numbers. They are honestly waiting for a candidate to express their views and to pick the candidate they are willing to support. The Democrats are leading the money races in huge figures, but that is just because GOP dollars are still waiting on the sidelines. On the 28th we will judge these men on character, elect ability, policies and record. May the best candidate win.

Who do you support?

Myself, I have still not solidified on a candidate. I have donated a few dollars to both McCain and Huckabee to support them staying in the race. But I could still end up supporting Romney or Giuliani if they convince me that they are ready. So at the end of the debate, I will either be still undecided or firmly in someone's camp.

McCain is the war / foreign policy strong man. He is tough and knowledgeable on international issues. The senator knows you can't trust the UN, but can reach out to allies and speak tough to enemies. His campaign finance legislation and comprehensive immigration reform stand might be too much to overcome though. He has to convince me he learned from those two errors for me to give him my vote.

Giuliani wins if you dislike crime and you are a social moderate. The only way I end up in his camp is after he wins the nomination. I could support a pro-choice candidate, but only after my pro-life candidate lost in the primary. He does great in one-liners and would be an effective leader. I just disagree with him on too many issues.

Huckabee is an attractive candidate that comes off as the everyman. I would be most comfortable with him in a room. He says the right things on border security and spending, but his spending record looks pretty liberal. On the moral issues, he has a strong Christian faith and I think he would lead morally to help the American family. But some of his comments on healthcare have sounded too much like "nanny state" and not enough towards "personal responsibility".

Governor Romney can also lead on the moral issues. Like Huckabee he is founded by his faith in God. I admit, as an evangelical Christian I have a preference towards supporting someone of my faith. But most important to me is that our leader have faith and truly believe in what he exposes. So despite our disagreement on doctrine, I think he could make a great nominee. But he is a little too "slick willy" or "Breck Girl" with his fancy hair cuts and perfectly tailored message. I am right with him on the issues, I just have to decide if I believe him or not.

Fred Thomson is in the race only in the polls. I was in his camp for a month until his campaign started. By the time he had got in, I had checked out. Plus he looks like a dead fish in interviews and debates. As the drive bys say, no gravitas.

So despite the commenting rules, this post is open to blatant support of a candidate. Promote, link, or whatever, just try to keep them short.

Contribute your opinions to the GOP Grassroots Platform 2008. Version 2 coming soon.

Republican Party, What is the US Role in the World?

2007-11-20T23:30:00.000-05:00

This post idea comes from a commenter today about the main GOP platform on this site. The anonymous writer makes a good case for the conservative position of reducing our role in the world. Fundamentally, I agree that less meddling and financial aid spent abroad is better for US interests and national security. However I also believe that 9-11 changed the world. Because of that date AND escalating terrorism leading up to it; WE ARE CURRENTLY AT WAR WITH A GLOBAL ISLAMIC TERRORIST ideology. The ideology has spawned 100s of dangerous organizations. These organizations are active here, in Europe, and worldwide. They are headquartered and recruited from the sands of the Middle East. Part of the fight will take place there.

How do I put these two opposed items into my world view and a platform I could support for the Republican Party? I guess I have to start by recognizing where we are in history. It is the year 2007 and the US interests are interwoven in the Global economy. US troops are invested throughout the world in Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, Bosnia and elsewhere. Our bases in Europe are important to NATO and our long-term allies. None of these things are commitments that should end in 2008 with a new President. The platform can't be about isolationism anti-trade or anti-UN. It must be about actionable events.

That leads me to the first part of my proposal, victory in Iraq. Today, we have 130,000+ troops in Iraq who are part of a major war effort. Plus we have invested a large civilian effort towards the goal of Democracy. These efforts have cost lives, treasure, political capital and more. The surge is showing signs of success and the chance for victory. As a party we have to believe the United States is capable of winning. Then we need to choose the Presidential Candidate who will lead to a victory. You simply cannot allow any time lines when considering the long term interests of the US. Like it or not we are at war, we can win. So we must.

Secondly we must understand there are people who want to attack us throughout the world. These small groups can cause unbelievable damage to lives and economies. From Afghanistan to Pakistan to hot spots in Africa or the Philippines. Our troops that actively fight the war on terror must be supported. This is defended in the constitution as providing for a common defense. While our military fights on offense, homeland security must improve domestic intelligence and secure our borders.

Then we must get back to the conservative part of our world view and policies. I suggest starting by modernizing and reducing troop levels at long-term bases and deployments. This includes South Korea, Europe, Japan and anywhere else that reductions can be responsibly made. Simultaneously we must review our financial commitments internationally then re-allocate them domestically or cut spending on failing worldwide charities and programs.

This process must continue at home. US domestic base structure has become a victim of Pork Barrel Spending. Unnecessary bases should be closed or reassigns. Poor performing projects and projects that are no longer necessary need to be cut and funds re-allocated to active war efforts. We have to stop funding the war on short term requests as we recognize the full scope of the fight we have on our hands.

In short, win the wars on terrorism and in Iraq. Fight the war on terrorism throughout the world where it has strongholds and sanctuaries. Then reduce wasteful bureaucracy and spending in the military, state department, and other international organizations.

That is my take on our role for the next President. What do you believe?

Do YOU live in soup line America? I dont.

2007-11-16T01:05:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching the democratic debate tonight in Nevada. The thing I found so striking is the way that the candidates view our country. They view it full of problems, poverty, discrimination and despair. There was a point when they talked about all the things Americans worry about every night. As if Americans sit home scared in their beds praying for the federal government to solve their problems.

This is not the America I have lived in for 31 years. I am a small business owner who is clearly middle class. My employees make salaries very close to mine as I sacrifice to get my company to the next level. As a proud Pittsburgh resident, I have lived in the rust belt my entire life. My parents were middle class and I am middle class. Do you know what I see....

...I see opportunity. I see low unemployment. I see Americans indulging in leisure activities and serving their churches and communities. We live in the wealthiest nation in the world with the largest middle class and the fattest lower class in the history of the world.

But I also see people failing. In my own family some people are not living the American dream. However, there is nothing Hillary Clinton can do to help these people. They must help them selves and their families, communities and churches must help them. My friends and family that are not succeeding have themselves to blame. Some are lazy. Others made bad choices. Still others passed on amazing education opportunities or wasted them by being wasted.

How can you listen to that debate and believe anything said by any candidate tonight? All the Democratic party does is promise everything and blame everything else on George Bush. You would think President Bush was the boogie-man. For a bunch of people who talk about being positive, I have never heard more negativity and pessimism.

So I want to know from everyone who reads this. Do you live in soup line America? Is this still a great country or is it one crisis after another?

Please comment

A Republican Position on Gay Marriage

2007-11-15T17:08:00.000-05:00

Firstly, it is a valid and reasonable position for an individual to consider homosexuality immoral behavior. As a Christian I believe it to be a choice of action, rather than a people group. This does not make me a homo-phobe or bigot. I do not hate gay people and I certainly do not fear them. I simply believe their actions to be detrimental to themselves and society as a whole. Homosexuality is one of the clearest things defined in the bible as immoral.

A society has every right to encourage certain types of relationships and discourage others. America was founded on the traditional family and should continue to honor and cherish the benefits of having both a father and mother. Men and women have different strengths and weaknesses. Children benefit when they are raised by a family that has both those strengths and weaknesses. To support the ideal family or natural family, there should be no gay marriage and no civil union recognition. There is no right to marry whatever you wish, the marriage laws are exclusively written for the the union of one man to one woman.

The marriage laws intention is to strengthen the organization that makes America great, the traditional family. Extending it to homosexual couples has no societal benefit, so it should not be done. This includes creating a "civil union" law that gives marriage benefits under a different name. Instead the Republican party should work on laws to further support the traditional family.

I propose;

Eliminate welfare benefits that aid single mothers over married families
Provide a "homemaker tax credit" for married couples with one income and one spouse at home with the children or child
Support a constitutional amendment defining marriage as one man to one woman so that it is protected nationwide for the future of America

We must not be afraid to take moral stands on issues even if they are not politically correct. As a party we must revolt against political correctness and speak truthfully about our views for a better America.

This post is one element of the Grassroots Conservative Republican Platform 2008. To contribute to this effort, please comment on this post and help shape this platform. Send the link to your friends and lets take our party back to the conservative principals that lead President Reagan and that were the key to President Bush's victory in the election of 2000.

How can the GOP win in 2008? Cut the Pork

2007-11-11T23:02:00.000-05:00

This part of the platform is very simple. Stop pork barrel spending dead. John McCain and some other Republican candidates are perfectly positioned to embarrass incumbent Democrats and Republicans by exposing the wasteful pork projects being approved by Congress. As a party, we must end the system that rewards Senators and House members for bringing home the bacon with local pork barrel spending. If we can convince the American people we will end some of this ridiculousness, we will win lots of votes from the center.

There is still a center in America. It is occupied by citizens who don't care about the everyday squabbling of the two parties in Washington. They tune in every four years to select the candidate that they believe to be less full of $4it. By exposing all the pork in every bill from now through November 2008, the Republican candidate and party can show the American people what a joke the Democratic congress is. Particularly with all their promises of transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Make no mistake, some Republican hypocricy on spending will need to be exposed too. This makes it even more effective for the platform and our eventual candidate. Plus if you are fighting for pork barrel spending in congress, then you are no conservative. The federal government has been used and abused by local politicians and unless it stops our spending priorities will continue to be a mess at the federal level.

So to be an effective leader on pork barrel spending and earmarks, the Republican candidate has to first promise to publicize all the pork in every bill congress passes. Next the candidate should promise never to use pork when negotiating a bill. Bills need to be negotiated on their merits or not passed. The candidate should also promise to review all pork spending top to bottom in the federal government and the money saved should be invested on another priority of the candidate. Every dollar saved from pork will go to X. Whether X be education, health care, tax cuts or whatever. Show the American people that the wasteful projects can be re-allocated and the dollars better used.

This is a case any true conservative should be able to make. Some of these projects are such a far reach for the federal government they will be laughable. Any voter can understand how simple ending this practice should be.

This post is one element of the Grassroots Conservative Republican Platform 2008. To contribute to this effort, please comment on this post and help shape this platform. Send the link to your friends and lets take our party back to the conservative principals that lead President Reagan and that were the key to President Bush's victory in the election of 2000.

Winning the War on Terror

2007-11-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

The most important part of the Republican Platform in 2008 must be winning the war on terror. Clearly we are in a time of history when a very small number of people can do an increasing amount of damage. As a society we have to find a way to protect ourselves from one crazy nut or a culture of murder and intimidation. The radical Islamists seek to rule the Middle East and destroy Western society for our lack of morals. Yet in their moral judgment killing innocent people and stoning rape victims earns them the favor of their god.

To win the war on terror the Republican party must first define the struggle clearly for the American people. President Bush has tried and started this process, but the next President must accomplish the goal of explaining how big of a threat the entire civilized world faces. We must stand up and say that some cultures and ways of life are better than others. There is good and evil. They are embodied in the difference between western civilization and the theocracy of globalist jihad. We are on the right side and we must win.

Once we define the fight, we must defeat our enemy. First on the many battlefields in Iraq, Afghanistan, against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Al Qaeda in Western Pakistan, the mullahs of Iran, and even Hamas in Gaza. If you preach the destruction of Israel and a global Islamic nation, then you are no friend of ours and you cannot be a part of the global economy or community.

So the Republican Candidate should promise these actions (in no particular order)

- Deliver one final crushing blow to the insurgents and terrorists in Iraq. Once achieved, reduce our troops significantly leaving behind a significant strike force for combat missions plus enough support troops to make our Iraq base a major deterrent for Iran. This base (or bases) will give the Iraqi government the additional strength needed to establish their new government.

- Work with NATO allies and other middle east allies to implement a "surge" in Afghanistan. Finish off the Taliban and the poppy fields so that this government can stand up fully across their entire nation.

- Focus on the Pakistan crisis now unfolding. Safe havens have to be denied and right now that is Waziristan. Whatever government that emerges in Pakistan must deal with their tribal areas quickly, or understand that we will. Action in this part of the world would mean drones, special ops, air power, and casualties. But we are at war and we must fight it where the enemy rests it's head.

- Fight for the rights of women in the middle east. The women are the key. No man or woman desires a life of a subject or 2nd class citizen. This is one of the way our culture is superior to the Islamic culture in the year 2007. If the women are empowered and make a stand, the moderate men will stand with their sisters, mothers and wives.

- Aggressively pursue energy independence as quickly as possible. Start with the immediate by slowly using the strategic oil preserve. We are at war and our enemy is using oil against us. This is why we have the reserve. Move next to the fastest new drilling that can be online in US territories which may mean off coast, Alaska, but also more exploration within the 48 states. Continue with encouraging a national gasoline blend and more refineries to streamline the cost of unleaded gasoline. Next move to the long term solutions of new nuclear power plants, wind and solar power, advanced car technology, etc. Begin forcing energy costs down for the American people and maintaining a policy of low energy prices for the US consumer and economy.

These five things would go a long way towards winning the war on terror. We are in for a long fight, but we can win. We must win. And to win we must have a strategy and sell that strategy to the American people.

This post is one element of the Grassroots Conservative Republican Platform 2008. To contribute to this effort, please comment on this post and help shape this platform. Send the link to your friends and lets take our party back to the conservative principals that lead President Reagan and that were the key to President Bush's victory in the election of 2000.

Republican Platform for Immigration Reform

2007-10-18T20:17:00.000-04:00

The immigration debate should be structured on these Principles, then we can have an open and honest debate in the next few years.

1) Immigration reform begins with border security. Without operational control of the border, no law can be enforced. As a party we must win back the trust of the American people by proving we can secure the border.

2) An illegal alien is an illegal alien or illegal immigrant. A naturalized American citizen is a person who should be praised for achieving the beginning of the American dream. And a legal immigrant is a help to our economy and part of the future of our country. We must use the right terms and not allow the debate to be framed as "undocumented workers", "migrant workers", or any other P.C. term.

3) Employers are 100% responsible for who they choose to hire. We have wage laws, benefit laws, and laws against hiring non-citizens without visas. These must be enforced and if costs rise a bit, then they rise. Hotels, landscapers, construction companies and mega-farms should not benefit by under-paying and overworking illegal aliens

4) We owe nothing to anyone who broke our laws. Illegal immigrants have benefited from US jobs, health care, infrastructure, opportunity and more. How we deal with the millions of people here illegally will have to be decided. We cannot deport everyone that we have allowed to break our laws. But debating this solution before the borders are secure is irresponsible and causes more immigration.

5) A legal temporary worker program benefits the US and Mexico. It could really help the Mexican economy and family structure. Once the border is secure, a robust temporary worker program that is strictly enforced is the common ground we need.

If we can stick to these goals, we can begin to have a realistic discussion about our illegal immigration problem.

This post is one element of the Grassroots Conservative Republican Platform 2008. To contribute to this effort, please comment on this post and help shape this platform. Send the link to your friends and lets take our party back to the conservative principals that lead President Reagan and that were the key to President Bush's victory in the election of 2000.

Representative Pete Stark making an ass of himself.

2007-10-18T20:13:00.001-04:00

Wow. "The truth is that Bush just likes to blow things up: in Iraq, in the United States, and in Congress." - Congressman Pete Stark (D - CA). No congressman, that is Al Qaeda. They blow things up in Iraq everyday including civilians. They killed over 3,000 people on 9/11 in the United States. And they tried to blow up Congress with an airplane. Here we are, in the middle of a war in Iraq and with terrorists, and a member of the "loyal opposition" calls The President a killer. How can a debate about defeating an enemy that blows up innocent people around the world degrade into cheap shots during a health care debate? The Democratic party is irresponsible on every front. They jeopardize a relationship with an ally in Turkey over a meaningless resolution, then yank it from the floor when criticized. The damage may have already be done as Turkey uses this as a pretense to stir up trouble in Iraq. Just what the Democrats wanted, if there isn't bad news coming from Iraq, they cannot win in 08. So they have to insure we leave with our tail between our legs. Just how they like to see the US Military.Simply irresponsible, childish, and disappointing.

read more | digg story

Of Mice or Men: The Great Iraq Debate Sept 2007

2007-09-13T22:18:00.000-04:00

Listening to the President and the candidates today makes me think of this comparison.

The Democrats are like mice. They scurry from poll to poll and focus group to fund raiser just to get a bite. Then they come out with their opinion and shockingly they want to pin their hopes on the United Nations, talking to enemies, and diplomacy. News flash: You can't trust the word of dictators or despots.

The Republicans are like men. They are strong. They take unpopular positions. Try to convince people they are right. They understand that sacrifice and casualties are part of changing the world. Some talk about the failings of the Rumsfeld policies, others about trusting a general in war-time, still others about the hope of Democracy. Breaking news: War is hard and there are some mistakes.

The Democrats are like mice. They flee from a fight. Honor, sacrifice, courage are words they use, but don't feel have any correlation with victory. A soldier or competitor's honor and sacrifice and courage are rewarded by success. By winning! No more ties. A stable and Democratic Iraq would be a major blow to terrorists and jihadists around the world.

The Republicans are like men. They know the military can handle this fight. We can win. We must win. Battle and competition end with a winner and a loser. In this case everyone loses in a tie. Iraq is just one battle in the war with radical Islam. By winning it, Republicans know that Bin Laden is weaker and we gain intelligence and experience with each province cleared.

If you are on the fence in this debate, join us. The Republican Party is the party that can win the war against Jihad and this IS the issue of our time. Just listen to the President of Iran if you do not believe we are at the beginning of an important time in history.

The Iraq War: A Long Term Strategy

2007-07-15T20:49:00.000-04:00

The "Pull Out Now" crowd is completely dishonest and politically motivated. Period. Any intelligent politician or citizen has to realize that in the long term having our troops in the Middle East is 100% necessary for United States national security. Looking five or ten years into the future who can believe that the threat of Jihad will be less than it is now?

It won't be. Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and parts of Pakistan teach hatred in their schools. Hate festers and grows with age. The Iraq campaign is our beach-head into the snakes nest that is the Middle East. Nobody likes war, soldiers dying or innocents being slaughtered. But pulling out our troops now to put them back in within the next ten years would be stupid, no other way to put it.

Hezbollah, Hamas, and Al Qaida will claim victory if we pull out. They will have earned it. Their manipulation of the media and Liberals has been impressive. The weakness we have shown in resolve has given these groups and the Iraqi insurgency incentive to maintain a drum beat of explosions and death. By themselves none of these attacks has ANY strategic value. But since American citizens and Democratic politicians have no concept of war, these attacks give the impression that we are fighting a never ending battle in Iraq.

It takes time to change the world. The Iraq War could change it. Historically, ten years is a blip in the grand scheme of civilizations. Bringing democracy to the Middle East is the only thing that can raise the standard of living, end oppression, and by result stop the tide of Jihadism. But short of that goal we need 150,000 troops in that region to destroy our enemies when they next are able to attack our home land.

"Pull out Now!" is equivalent to saying "I surrender" or more accurately "The United States of America surrenders to a band of rejects, killers, and thugs." You people make me sick.

GOP Platform for Abortion

2007-07-10T23:13:00.000-04:00

There is no right to abortion in the Constitution of the United States. There is also no absolute right of privacy that establishes a "law free zone" in a doctors office. This is why Euthanasia is still illegal and many other acts that a doctor could perform in a supposed free privacy zone. Therefore Row vs Wade should be overturned as bad law and the states free to regulate abortion as they see fit. Again, let the people decide where to live and which state most closely resembles their beliefs.

The state or government should have no role in encouraging abortion as a "choice". Choice is like deciding between Coke and Pepsi not whether or not a person gets a chance to live. After the first trimester, you have to be pretty cynical to not consider that aborted fetus a future person. We are all concerned about how we will leave the world for the "next" generation. But it doesn't bother anyone to kill off that generation. I guess because less people means that the pristine earth is saved from a "climate crisis". Abortion being turned into the "right to choose" is another examples of conservatives allowing the debate to be defined in incorrect terms.

So the first goal of a Republican President should be to end public funding of abortion clinics. Next he should appoint constructionist judges. Then he should change the discourse on abortion so that the life of the "fetus" "embryo" or baby is at least considered in the discussion.

...At least any candidate that this Party endorses has to state simply "Abortion is morally wrong". Facts should always help a candidate.

This post is one element of the Grassroots Conservative Republican Platform 2008. To contribute to this effort, please comment on this post and help shape this platform. Send the link to your friends and lets take our party back to the conservative principals that lead President Reagan and that were the key to President Bush's victory in the election of 2000.

Note - It is my personal hope that Roe V Wade waste away as a relic of a time in America where we lost our morals and focused on self indulgence. To the point that the blessing of a baby became just another decision about our life's fun and experiences.

2008 GOP Platform for Education

2007-07-04T22:50:00.000-04:00

Our nations schools are failing from coast to coast for a variety of reasons. The primary reason is parental responsibility. But as legislating good parenting is impossible, this is one problem that I am not going to address in my proposed platform for education.

First, we have to focus the education on developmental learning, not agendas. For example our schools are indoctrinating young people with stories of eminent global destruction and not teaching them the Bill of Rights. I once heard a great thought on Global Warming..

"the arrogance to say that the temperature and global climate as of today is Earth's ideal setting is astonishing".

Twenty years ago it was global cooling. How about before teaching global warming we teach our kids the difference between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin. Then how to measure temperature properly and the number of variables it would take to achieve an accurate global forecast. If we taught them that, they could test our theories. And we wouldn't want that. Somehow we have to get the schools focus back on teaching our kids to succeed.

The federal department of education should be eliminated and 85% of the funds distributed to the 50 states based on population size. Then the other 15% should produce 1 study per year ranking the fifty state education systems. Let the people decide where to live and how their kids are educated. The states will compete, try new ideas like vouchers, and less tax dollars will be wasted on bureaucratic nonsense. The states, cities, and schools that are rated the highest will be flooded with new workers looking for the best opportunity for their children. Plus these locations will thrive because educated people make better citizens. With 50 test laboratories all focused on achieving the best quality education, the country will adapt and use the best methods to teach our kids.

The second problem with education in today's America is the teacher's union and job mentality. There are many amazing teachers who deserve our admiration and thanks. However our schools are filled with other types of teachers who see teaching as a job that includes summers off, no performance evaluations, guaranteed pay raises, and amazing benefits. This type of teacher uses the same lesson each year, endless videos and media, and spends very little of his/her free time planning lessons or helping struggling students. I went to high school 15 years ago and at that time I had 3 good teachers for every 7 bad. From stories I hear, I imagine that has got worse and not better. Pay scales in schools have to be changed from tenure based to performance and difficulty based. A teacher working with 45 students in the most dangerous and under-funded programs need to make more than the suburban teacher with 25 students and unlimited supplies.

Finally, the Government can only guarantee educational opportunity. It cannot legislate that every citizen accomplish being educated. Ultimately that responsibility lies on the individual, the family, the church, his neighbors and our society at large.

This post is one element of the Grassroots Conservative Republican Platform 2008. To contribute to this effort, please comment on this post and help shape this platform. Send the link to your friends and lets take our party back to the conservative principals that lead President Reagan and that were the key to President Bush's victory in the election of 2000.

Border Security Now

2007-06-29T13:10:00.000-04:00

Not ten years from now, not as part of immigration reform, now. National security begins and ends with operational control of all four borders. (East, West, North, & South). The southern fence must be built and companies that hire illegals must be prosecuted. Once the borders are as secure as they can be, then the government can adjust policies to deal with the millions of illegals that are here already.

If you allow any Amnesty or "Path" to illegal immigrants before the border is secure, this would lead to a flood of people trying to get in immediately to take advantage of the bill. Simply talking about these programs has probably already increased the flow.

The idea that every supporter of tough border security and enforcing immigration laws is a bigot is quite insulting. As a party we cannot allow the media or the left to resort to name calling and insults. We are not dictated to by talk radio and we don't hate Hispanics. We simply want to protect our jobs, our culture, and our families. Not to mention we simply don't believe the government will secure the border, so we take a "show me" attitude.

So build the fence that was part of last year's legislation. Continue the crack down on all businesses that hire illegals especially the hospitality and construction industries and work on improving the efficiency of the current immigration department.

Remember, wages are set by the law of supply and demand. If you add supply to the workforce, you decrease the demand for workers. So employers are able to buy labor at a cheaper price. If anything such as the Kennedy-McCain bill were to pass nationwide wages would decrease overnight. Who is willing to support legislation that would reduce wages?

Securing the borders has tons of benefits including national security, drug enforcement, international tax revenues, safety of illegals trying to cross the border, etc. So just do it. It really isn't that complicated for the most technologically advanced nation the world has ever seen.

(Part of this platform is that "undocumented workers" do not exist, there is no such thing. They are illegal immigrants)

This post is one element of the Grassroots Conservative Republican Platform 2008. To contribute to this effort, please comment on this post and help shape this platform. Send the link to your friends and lets take our party back to the conservative principals that lead President Reagan and that were the key to President Bush's victory in the election of 2000.

Victory in IRAQ

2007-05-22T22:47:00.000-04:00

Victory in Iraq needs to be a major part of any Republican platform in 2008. The United States of America's armed forces does not lose wars...politicians do. This war is being lost for two reasons. First, the Democratic party has undermined the President and our troops since the boots hit the ground with a constant drum beat of negativity giving our enemy hope that through attrition they can win. Second, our President and his party has not been strong enough to win the war in the face of this opposition. Rather than making the case for a larger war effort, tougher tactics or pointing out the lack of patriotism in the opposing party President Bush has instead "stayed the course", kept his "new tone" and has not fought the war tough enough since the first evening of "shock and awe".

So the new Presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2008 must achieve victory. With or without the Iraq government we must defeat our enemies in Iraq. Both the al Qaeda in Iraq and the Sunni insurgents must be brought to their knees and militarily crushed so that the rest of the Iraqi people have any chance to create a democratic nation. If military elements of these two groups still exist when our troops leave, then all their sacrifices will have been in vain. That is unacceptable.

The leftover Jihad-ists and insurgents will bide their time and attack any new government months or years after we leave. This would usher in a Taliban like regime that will fund terror, train suicide bombers and grow the militant Islamic nation. Together with Iran and Syria this nation could cause serious national security problems for the United States and the world. Pulling out of Iraq without victory is a waste of lives and money. Worse, it is the equivalent of kicking the can down the road for someone else to pick up.

Finally, victory in Iraq is possible. It is not only possible, it should be easy for the great nation that is the United States of America. There is no finer armed forces in the world an no nation has ever had the financial and political resources that we do in the 21st century. The challenge is to beat back the drum-beat of Peace-niks and globalists and the blame America first crowd. Then to inspire the American people to believe that we can achieve anything and most importantly achieve Victory in Iraq and ultimately against our global enemy in the War on Terror.

This post is one element of the Grassroots Conservative Republican Platform 2008. To contribute to this effort, please comment on this post and help shape this platform. Send the link to your friends and lets take our party back to the conservative principals that lead President Reagan and that were the key to President Bush's victory in the election of 2000.

Grassroots Conservative Republican Platform 2008: Version 1.0

2007-05-21T23:21:00.000-04:00

Since I am the 1st contributor to this effort, this initial list is mine and mine only. Over the next four-five months I will update this site based on the news, debates, and most importantly the feedback I receive here at this blog. I am going to keep the list at ten items, however what ten items remain in the platform and their priority will most likely change. So without further delay..

Suggested GOP Platform for the 2008 Presidential Election

Victory in IRAQ - By any means necessary, the United States must win an unequivocal victory in the Middle East. This war moves to its next stage through a victory in the IRAQ campaign. Anything short of this will embolden Jihad-ists and increase the length of the overall war on terror. To achieve victory we must be willing to consider; eight more years, martial law in IRAQ, 100,000 additional troops or any other advantage that we can give to our troops. This war has taken too long because we fight wars today with padded gloves instead of brass knuckles.

Border Security Now - Not ten years from now, not as part of immigration reform, now. National security begins and ends with operational control of all four borders. (East, West, North, & South). The southern fence must be built and companies that hire illegals must be prosecuted. (Part of this platform is that "undocumented workers" do not exist, there is no such thing. They are illegal immigrates)

Winning the War On Terror - The culture of Islam has been on the March since its founding. The borders of the global Islamic nation are either expanding or contracting through murder and violence. This murderous sect of the Muslim religion is expanding and must be stopped. This means staying on the offensive in Iraq, Iran, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Earmarks / Pork Barrel Spending - The GOP candidate needs to be clear on this issue. The era of congressional spending to get re-elected or hand out favors is over. If a bill contains any pork, it should be vetoed and the pork exposed to the papers. Also the most offensive pork in the previous four years should be re-examined and cut wherever and whenever possible. Finally the new President must pledge to never use pork spending to gain the votes needed on any bill. Bills are to be debated, not auctioned on eBay.

Education Change - Our nations schools are failing from coast to coast. They are indoctrinating young people with stories of eminent global destruction and not teaching them the Bill of Rights. The federal department of education should be eliminated and 85% of the funds distributed to the 50 states based on population size. Then the other 15% should produce 1 study per year ranking the fifty state education systems. Let the people decide where to live and how their kids are educated. The states will compete, try new ideas like vouchers, and less tax dollars will be wasted on bureaucratic nonsense.

Abortion - There is no right to abortion in the Constitution of the United States. There is also no absolute right of privacy that establishes a "law free zone" in a doctors office. This is why Euthanasia is still illegal and many other acts that a doctor could perform. Therefore Row vs Wade should be overturned as bad law and the states free to regulate abortion as they see fit. Again, let the people decide where to live and which state most closely resembles their beliefs.

Immigration Reform - Once we achieve operational border security, then and only then does it make sense to fix the immigration system. The reform should be based on faster paperwork and response to legitimate applications and simultaneously eliminating lengthy appeals and 2nd chances. Hard working immigrates are the foundation of our country, we should give many people chances to achieve the American Dream. Not the same people over and over again or unlimited people from any one nation.

Gay Marriage - Firstly, it is a valid and reasonable position for an individual to consider homosexuality immoral and a choice rather than a people group. This does not make them a homo-phobe or bigot. As a result, a society has every right to encourage certain types of relationships and discourage others. America was founded on the traditional family and should continue to honor and cherish the benefits of having both a father and mother. So there should be no gay marriage and no civil union recognition. There is no right to marry whatever you wish, the marriage laws are exclusively written for the the union of one man to one woman.

Political Speech - For years some religious groups and churches are permitted to support candidates, have them speak at services and to offer blatant endorsements. Meanwhile conservative churches and organizations have their tax exempt status threatened to keep them from informing their members of where they stand as an organization. At the same time Campaign Finance Reform has enabled more soft money and a decrease in accountability as to whom is funding what. McCain-Feingold should be repealed in its entirety and new Campaign Finance Reform should be debated based on the goal of 100% accountability and open and free speech.

Tax Rates - Lower taxes fuel the economy. Less taxes means more public sector spending which increases GDP and more importantly wealth. Wealth creates jobs and new businesses which feed back into the local, state, and federal tax systems. So the Bush tax cuts should be made permanent. Small business tax should be reduced to encourage job creation and competition. Finally, the estate tax should be abolished forever. No family should pay tax twice on their earnings nor have to be concerned with tax payments and loopholes when passing their life's work onto their children or other family.

Please give me your feedback on what should be in this platform and what should be removed. If you convince me or if enough valid opinions override my own, then I will update the platform and improve it. All comments will be used to form the consensus of this effort, but if you want your comment posted please read the rules.

GOP Platform 2008 Rules

2007-05-21T23:04:00.000-04:00

The most important rule...please comment. If you are trying to discuss the platform of the Republican party in 2008, I want your opinion. All responsible comments will be published. I will also publish some irresponsible comments to illustrate the absurdity that defines the left in America.

No vulgarity - this is an adult discussion, not an irresponsible childish game. If you want your post to be given serious consideration or be included then only post what you could see on TV or Radio

No support of any candidate - For now, this is about issues not candidates. Feel free to talk about candidates positions, but please don't try to link to their site or do blatant advertising because you are working on their campaign

Stay focused - Keep comments based around the post you are commenting on. We simply cant handle every issue here. Lets debate the most important items and what you think should be in the list.

No Liberals or Democrats - This is an effort to shape the policies of the ultimate Republican candidate in 2008. So comments are only going to be used that move us closer to that goal. Feel free to submit comments though, I am sure they will be good for a nice laugh.

...more to come (comment here to suggest rules)