Conservatives must act

My first constructive step was turning off the tv because it was all so miserably depressing and one endless Big Brother campaign venue to elect liberal Democrat politicians.

Now I spend most of my time reading then printing various articles of information and personally handing over the info to those around me who have never been challenged to think outside tv's dumb box. I have found that it's not enough to just talk to them, I have to show the data.

The other thing I'm doing is sending money directly to the various conservative campaigns around the country so they'll know there are conservatives fighting on their behalf, it's important to let these candidates know we are in this to win.

The media wants Americans to hate the Democrat Party's opposition (Republicans-Conservatives)so that they'll be so depressed they won't show up to vote, do not them them bully you into giving up!

Amen. This writer understands the importance of involvement in the political process. Conservatives have the right ideas. It is unfortunate that many of us do not behave as pristine as we preach. But, that can be said for all sides. So, I ask myself, "OK. I'm not pristine, nor very erudite, but I love my faith, family and friends, and my blessed country. What am I going to do about it?" Our friend, Mr. Lewis, has just outlined some options for me.

Thanks for the great links. This is just the information I've been interested in finding and you've put it all together in one convenient location.

Kent Greenough is a candidate everyone needs to get behind. Kent is running in the TN 4th GOP Congressional District Primary and he needs our help. Kent has been endorsed by Vets For Freedom. The state GOP handed picked their candidate because he had money. But Kent is the true conservative in the race and "gets it". We ALL need the Kent's in the world in Washington. Here's Kent's website. Kent needs our support.

www.kentgreenough.com

The nation must rebuke these leftist. These are beyond crucial times and I am convinced that the Democrats want to destroy this nation as we know it. In fact, I will call them as I see it. These democrats are traitors to everything this nation was and is. They seek not equality or freedom, they seek power and control. They seek not victory over our enemies but control over us and appeasement and surrender to our enemies.
These traitors need to lose. Personally I feel this election is about the survival of our nation. Should we hand the reigns of power to these dangerous fools then we, as a nation, are finished. I predict immediate moves to shut down opposing speech, clamps on internet sites, the unfairness doctrine (does it just not sound Stalinsist?), laws to entrench themselves in power, dismantling of our armed forces.
Expect defeat like it has never been experienced. The left does not intent to lose power again. They don't care about the rule of law or whats right. They only care about power and control and anything to further that cause will be done.
"Only break the law to seize power, in all other cases obey it".

I can not yet, pull the lever for McCain in November.
This has been my strategy for a while.
I have also been contributing to this website
& Lucianne's as a way of doing SOMETHING.

Another fantastic piece by James Lewis that is required reading for everyone.

Is It Time For The Center Of Congress To Become Independents or Something Else And Take Control Of Our Government?
June 17, 2008 by zachjonesishome

The far left has taken control of the Democratic Party and the far right is in the process of being abandoned by the Republican Party. However, the part of the Republican Party that is trying to take control of the Party has no chance without the Far Right. That means that the middle, the center where sound fiscal and social policy arises, is effectively being left out of this election if Party identity controls the voters' lever pulling.

I have heard it said that the Blue Dog or Reagan Democrats, who mostly supported Sen. Clinton's bid, are considering John McCain. He is probably closer to their core beliefs that Sen. Clinton actually. Apparently, there are some of the Evangelical movement who are attracted to Sen. Obama's orchestrated faith (I'm fairly sure they don't really know enough details though) and an idea of social responsibility (I am my brother's keeper).

However, his policies are totally dictated by the far left's agenda and would likely lead to a decline in the economic strength that America has. Businesses, large and small, would endure increased taxes of all kinds (carbon tax included) and would lose whatever small advantage in the global marketplace they had. Unfortunately, we are in a global market and there is no way to reverse this, short of going back the horse and buggy. We import from overseas materials that are used in almost all of our products; so there's really no going back. If we become isolationists, the entire world would slide into recession or worse.

I'm not sure, but I think Sen. McCain has a desire for the Congress to be fiscally responsible, have a strong defense, leave most issues to state management and decision making (controversial issues, etc.), and lower taxes on business so that they can compete and keep creating jobs that are sustainable. Unfortunately, he has bought into the cap and trade carbon credits stuff (when people fully investigate these ideas, I hope this will be rejected) which would increase the already unbearable gas prices and would totally increase the size of our ineffectual government. He also seems to be into the misconception that the oil companies control the gas prices. (Exxon has indicated that it want to get out gasoline because it is not profitable.) Speculator's actions may account for 10-15% of the current price of oil, but what is truly driving them is the emergence of India and China, et al, into the marketplace. The traditional laws of supply and demand are reliably at work. We need to drill now, everywhere. We need to conserve and invest in alternatives. We need build nuclear. Until the world faces the global plague that wipes out 2/3ths of the earth's population, we - the every growing and resource demanding Earth, will need to use all of them because we all are in an energy crisis.

I, like many being in the center, am primarily a fiscal conservative who recognizes as stated in The Constitution that the primarily duty of the federal government is to provide for the common defense. I am a supporter of the Constitutional tenant that power flows from the people and as such the State's Power is paramount to effective and receptive government.

Therefore, it is time for the reasonable and those who can almost always heard the views from their constituents and both extremes respectfully, consider them and then proceed to make a reasoned decision that is in the best, long term sustainable interest of the United States, to take control of this government by voter mandate. I would suggest that the middle of Congress come together and form a new party. They could form a party that reflects the middle (center left, center, center right) of America. I envision a party that would be a blend of Independents, The Veteran's Party, and The Moderate Party; and would be guided by the most important tenant given to us by The American Beer Drinkers Party (McCain might be able to work out a discount).

The American

Beer Drinker's

Party

" America's premium political party, committed to the ideology founded on the simple logic, developed when men ( & women) sit down, talk, and have a beer."

Let us call a spade a apade, shall we?

In 1994 the GOP seized control of Congress with a pledge of smaller government and integrity. Since then the size of the Federal government has doubled, as Republicans have fallen all over themselves cozying up to K Street lobbyists and attempting to buy votes through outrageous earmarks and bloated new big-government programs. Not to mention the rampant corruption which has infected the party, nor the unconscionable pandering to an extreme religious faction that actually represents only a very small slice of the voting public.

What was clearly an opportunity to govern for 50 years and restore government to its constitutional limits has been wasted in 20% of that time, and the GOP is getting exactly what they deserve.

Which is why 5 years ago I left the GOP for the LP, and why this year I will vote for the only conservative in the race, Bob Barr.

Thanks for the opinion piece. It is about time somone said what you said! I can't believe how conseratives are just giving up. They are whining like a bunch of babies, complaining, not giving money and may not even vote. They are going to regret deeply they didn't take action. My view is don't give up until November 3 ;then we'll have to live whith whatever shakes out (until next election).

The interesting thing about the conservative collapse after so much evidence of its power is that none of the politicians can look back and learn. Defined policies and principles have led to sweeping victories. Don't you want to participate in e-racing our energy problem? Shouldn't we be sure that income, especially redistributed income, require an IRS 1099? You can send your money to politicians or you can support actual projects for change.

"I left the GOP for the LP"

The problem I see with the Liberatrian policy is the same problem I see with Socialist policy; both look really great on paper however the real-world madness they produce is too much for me to join up.

Libertarians are really great about liberty until something affects them personally then they get all Marxist-like in their attempt to control.

Besides, the voice of Libertarianism is Ron Paul...way, way too whiny.

Every Republican incumbent is an unindicted co-conspirator, just as is every Democrat incumbent. Quit re-electing thieves. The flock will never be safe if we keep voting in the same shearers.

"Conservatives" ought to give up on following failures. Think for yourselves! Come up with a new name for yourselves that portrays what you're fighting for, like Fiercely Independent Bitterly Clinging Capitalist Anti-Communist League, or something. Anything but Republican or Democrat.

Don't need another political party. Need a political movement unifying Entrepreneurial Frontiersmen, American Exceptionalists, the politically incorrect, the unicultural, the carbon emitting, the nationalistically unprogressive, and everybody who wants to be left the hell alone.

Both major parties would compete for the votes of a block like that.

I have been an activist for Republicans and here is my list for this election:
1. Research Obama's past including voting record and pass on information to friends, neighbors, acquaintances, organizations.
2. Meeting with other activists to plan strategy.
3. Seek out Independent voters and inform them
4. Communicate the importance of judges and national security to those who don't like McCain.
5. Contributions to specific candidates and future 527s.
6. PRAY!

Thank you for writing this article. I will send it to "my troops" because they need motivation.
Last, good idea to turn off the TV news---it drains our energy and depresses us.

Sixty million conservatives? That's less than one-fifth of the US population.
Let's go crazy. Make it one hundred million. Conservatives are still outnumbered at least two to one, and it's only going to get worse with the illegal immigration crowd. Republicans think illegals will devote themselves to the GOP if only we give them citizenship. They're wrong.
I vividly remember the Democrat maneuver that got Lautenberg on the ballot. A judge sanctioned breaking election laws which were clearly written. Garden State voters still put him in.
Then there's Trent Lott. He apparently wanted to go out a winner rather than quit when times were tough, and so he lied to the people of Mississippi and then quit the Senate barely two years into his term. I once respected him. No more.
I'll gladly vote for conservatives. They don't have to be Republicans. The GOP was once a vehicle for conservative politics but it isn't any longer. It has been bought and paid for by the same groups that destroyed the Democratic Party, which was once the home of much that is conservative. And for the GOP in NJ: please don't nominate another Junior again. From the Kennedys to the Bushes to the Landrieus and beyond, political families in both parties are destroying the country.

Maybe it's time for more rightwing American patriots to enter the debate in rebuttal to the radical left positions on their liberal websites. From my experience this can be very frustrating. Expect personal name calling. Using "hard" facts debating liberal propaganda and opinionated conjecture may help those undecided voters. High road is the best road. Liberals can and must be exposed for the change they're seeking. Thank you James Lewis for these linked resources.

Actually the MSM is not news anymore, it's PROPAGANDA. I interviewed a couple of elderly WWII German veterans and they said they were happy when they got drafted and sent to the Russian Front because then they could escape the constant barrage of propaganda. Maybe we should send the MSM to the Russian Front!

Willi

Since AT seems to be emerging as a very useful watering hole on the net, it would be useful for AT to publish a list of State and National endorsements of conservative candidates.

Grrrrrr . . . . Gordon Smith is my stinkin' senator. Last year, I vowed that I would never support him again the day he stabbed our troops in the back and called for surrender in Iraq. I think I was as angry that day as I've ever been in my life.

Now he is specifically running on that position (calling it courage, ha!) and has received the endorsement of some prominent leftists in Oregon. It makes me absolutely sick.

But, I am going to take one for the team, here. I have to. And that also makes me absolutely sick. Sometimes, it gets downright discouraging living in Oregon.

Here's the link for the Free and Strong America PAC started by Romney to elect conservatives. Since Romney is very effetive at whatever he sets out to do, I believe like this is another good way to help elect real conservatives.

http://www.freestrongamerica.com

Good piece and lot's of good comments. Personally, I've been trying to goad conservatives that I know to get off their butts for some time now and get them to exert their influence more actively.

Syn, you're totally right about the TV. When I was a kid, I found out about short-wave radio and I was hooked. I could hear all these different opinions and views of things and it became clear to me at an early age that knowing the truth meant listening to a variety of opinions, not just a party line. Broadcast and cable news is just a party line. The lack of a diversity of opinion is bad for democracy. The entertainment side of TV is just as bad - sitcoms, tawdry titillation and reruns that all numb your mind and distract you from the fear and anger that events all around you should evoke. At a time when the pressures of multiple major problems surround us, we need to be able to think more clearly, but instead, we're increasingly mind-numbed by TV, Prozac-like drugs and the rhetoric of skeevy politicians.

Elvira, good to see that you have a "to do" list. More Americans need to make that sort of commitment.

Cannoneer, you're right that we're the ones who keep electing the politicians who are the problem. We need to favour and support honest, hard-working politicians and we need to punish those who wander off track, at the least at the ballot box, and at most in the courts. Every thief, bad actor, liar and cheat who is in office today was duly elected by the people. We have to look to ourselves in order to fix the problem.

One lesson that many Americans have forgotten from their basic elementary school education is that democracy is a form of government that relies on citizen involvement. The essence of the American democracy is found in the town meeting or the Grange. Citizens getting together to debate and decide about the issues that affect them. State and Federal legislatures are merely a larger, more sophisticated form of the same principle. Democracy was seen by our forefathers not just as a right, but a responsibility. Like all responsibilities, democracy takes work and commitment. Any election with less than 80% of qualified voters taking part is a failure of the democratic process. Elections with ~35% turnout are harbingers of the collapse of democracy.

At the heart of it lies the fact that democracy is a cruel mistress - she demands our attention and effort in order to keep her happy with our relationship. If we turn our backs on her, don't pay her enough attention, and don't put enough energy into our relationship, she'll start cheating on us. If we still keep ignoring her, eventually one day we'll wake to find a "Dear John" on the mantle, our Playstation or XBox missing and find that she's split with next month's rent, our best friend and maybe our favourite CD.

Wake up Americans - the future is yours to lose or gain! If you want this to be a center-conservation nation once again, you better get moving. The way I see it, you've got 5 months to mobilise and make your voices heard. Let the modern liberals take over all three branches of the government and you've lost the battle. It's no longer your playing field, your rules, your referee or even your ball. You will have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.

"Gordon Smith is my stinkin' senator. Last year, I vowed that I would never support him again the day he stabbed our troops in the back and called for surrender in Iraq. I think I was as angry that day as I've ever been in my life."

Please don't vote for him, Pamela, he's no different than Obama. Please! He won't add up to the GOP's senator tally. You will gain nothing if you elect him. Please!

I have been voting for Republicans for over thirty years. I have even lived to see them become the majority party in every branch of government at the same time, granting them the power and authority to do whatever was necessary to return this country to its foundational principles of limited constitutional government, free markets, and individual liberty. Yet, here I sit, thirty years later, still waiting for them to deliver the goods on the political bargain that was made. At this point, this line of argument cajoling me to continue to elect Republicans is no longer compelling. I have finally realized at this point that voting for Republicans will not bring the results I have waited for these past thirty years. There must be some other way...

As a Conservative, I must disagree with the premise of this article; namely that "Conservatism is embedded deep within the American spirit."

After all, about half of the American voting population are most decidedly NOT Conservatives, and the liberal spirit is deeply imbedded within them. Furthermore, I sense the number of independents who carry the full range of strong conservative opinions to be shrinking. After all - the election will be decided by the independents and so therefore there's a chance they could vote Obama no? If not we wouldn't be worried about Obama winning.

In my view *THE* central problem for Conservatism in the US is the total lack of a clear, strong argument and description of the Conservative proposition. We live in sound bites, and the conservative sound bites are "freedom", "smaller government", "lower taxes". Unless the public truly understands the underpinnings of these ideas they will not latch on to them. The philosophical underpinnings of these ideas are not self-evident to a lot of people. For these notions (e.g. smaller government) are NOT the ideological underpinings of Conservatism, they are the actions one takes for Conservative reasons. That reasoning/philosophy is almost totally lacking in general US discourse. There are a few people who touch upon the philosophy - Fred Thompson for one. But who reads him?

The Choir.

Without that national "education", you will not win voters who are not steeped in the theory - you will only win what you already have: the choir to whom you are preaching.

This conservative has made up his mind and my whole household has , we will vote straight republican , what else can we do there are no alternatives out there, no to democrats, they have destroyed us while getting the majority in 2006 this should be flag that goes up for every American loving person that we need to balance out the power more toward the right if we are to maintain this country as we know it.

To James Lewis
Sir i do not know how to set up a blog but would gladly send you the money to do one for me. we must organize and defeat liberal/socialist/marxist and it must be done this year before they shut down talk radio and restrict sites like yours on the internet. many thanks for the great work at american thinker

Komrade Lewis...we are closely monitoring your counter-revolutionary activities. Please report immediately to your local Karl Marx People's Free Clinic, as a self-diagnosed thought criminal, to receive your complimentary IV drip of anti-psychotic medication, and luxurious first class passage to our comfortable, relaxing re-education camp in exotic Kolyma. You can attend cathartic, self-purifying confessional support groups with other happy inmates. (Your issued red pajamas are acceptable attire)(...and a free souvenir! Yours to keep!) Meditate on your doctrinal indescretions in monk-like solitude, to the soothing strains of stirring, patriotic Red Army choral hymns (piped 24/7 into every cell) accompanied by the gorgeous strains of the Koba Welkovich's 100 Balalaika Orchestra. (CD's are available in the gift shop.) You will be issued a shovel for your upper body strength building sessions, and a daily ration of hearty, nutritious beet broth, and fibrous, filling sawdust bread. Plenty of bracing, fresh Siberian air and Artic sunshine will be yours at St. Vladimir's Retreat Center. You can peruse the inspiring epitaphs in our quiet, peaceful cemetery of 1,000,000 Sacred Martyrs of the Blessed Revolution, as you stretch your legs between invigorating work assignments. Once our medical staff has determined you have achieved ideologically correct purity, you will attend the ceremonial full baptismal immersion in a tub of cheap vodka and be allowed to walk home. (Your voluntary cooperation is required.) Prosit!

Thank sir for this post. I will make good use of it.

Semper Fi, and god bless us all, even those who young and dunb.

Electing conservatives is easy. Problem is they stop being so when in office. Power is an equal opportunity seductress.

Conservatives need to wake up. Even our own Jeb Hensarling's Republican Study Committee are abandoning conservative values for money obsessed libertarianism. We need a better balance of fiscal conservatism and social conservatism. Rep. Pence brings that balance. Then maybe we will see grassroots getting excited and involved when we go back to our principles!

don't forget to vote for dino rossi for washington's governor!!!

As soon as the GOP starts being conservative, then conservatives will support them. In the meantime, many conservatives ARE acting--by support either the Constitution Party or the Libertarian Party.

The GOP is not conservative. Amen to Bryan... I would vote Libertarian if it would make a difference.

No one in Washington is fiscally conservative. Spend and spend with no accountability.