The Refounding Father Pays Tribute To Martin Luther King, Jr.

My Fellow Americans,

When it comes to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. (photo: Google), it's hard to put into words what he meant to -- not just African-Americans -- but to the entire country...the entire world even.  People as great as MLK don't come along very often -- maybe once in a generation.  On this MLK day, The Refounding Father pays tribute to a man who continues to mean so much to so many.

I want to share a quote with you today from King that I believe helps sum up the political climate in the USA these days:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

From the pending health care legislation to the special vote for the Massachusetts Senate seat, we are witnessing history unfold in this country.  We see the news at night on television and it feels as if our rights are hanging in the balance.  The Obama administration continues to push the envelope -- attempting to infringe upon our rights as Americans.

Since April 2009, we have seen how the Tea Party Movement has swept through this country.  We see people who generally wouldn't protest -- now they're out protesting a tax hike.  We see others speaking out against our "leaders" -- for the first time in their lives.

We see people standing up -- and not being silent -- about things that matter.  In many ways, what Rev. King stood up for is the same as what the Tea Party participants are standing up for -- our rights.  As Americans, our rights are fundamental.  They are necessary in achieving the "American dream."

As Rev. King knew well, our rights go hand in hand with our dignity as human beings.  Without our rights, what are we?  We become like animals.  We become nothing.  Without rights, there is no respect.

This is why we have a day set aside to honor a great man like Martin Luther King, Jr.  This is why we remember July 4th every year.

And make no mistake -- it will be precisely the same reason why people will remember the Tea Party movement for years to come.

Thank you, Rev. King, for teaching us to speak without fear.

Are These Our Rights As Americans? You Decide (Part I)

My Fellow Americans,

I want to share with you another article that I first published on BlogCritics.org:

I want to do a little experiment with you. I feel America has lost its way. I feel we have strayed from the value system that helped define this country at its inception. We have neglected the teachings of the Founding Fathers so much, in my opinion, that this country would be virtually unrecognizable to them.

To that end, would you recognize the country as it is today back in November or December of 2008? Because I know I sure would not. This is not the America I know and love. And if the Tea Party movement that has swept through the country since April 2009 is any indication, many of you out there would agree with me.

President Barack Obama and his administration can keep their “change.” America does not need change. We need to return to our roots. We need to return to the principles that made this country a beacon of light for so many people. Our ancestors came here for a reason — to escape persecution and be free.

What is sad is many of us have forgotten why America is so great. Our perception of reality has become so twisted that we do not even know what our basic rights are. The same rights that are “endowed by our Creator,” not granted to us by a government bureaucrat.

We need to remember who we are, America. That is why over the next several weeks I want to talk to you about your rights. I want to remind you of the rights recognized by The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments of the Constitution. Each week, I will post about one right and state my case for that right. Then, I will get out of your way. I want you to tell us why or why not you believe that right is essential.

I believe this exercise will be enlightening. It will allow for an exchange of rational ideas and rational debate. It should also tell us how far off course we are from the early days of this country and what the Founders intended – and how we can get back there once again. My hope is we can get to a general consensus one way or the other.

Right #1: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

I combined the “Establishment Clause” and the “Free Exercise Clause” because they are so closely related.

I have to agree with this one. I believe it is essential for the government not to endorse or promote one religion over another. I also agree that people should have the right to practice any religion of their choice. In my opinion, both are vital aspects of a free nation.

However, I have often struggled with the Establishment Clause. It is not that I am retracting my earlier statement, it is just I am a bit biased because I am Christian. I don’t like the fact that the Ten Commandments have been removed from court houses or that prayers are prohibited in public schools.

What I have come to realize is that the Ten Commandments are not necessarily just a set of rules from one religion’s God, but a fundamental value system for life. When you read the Commandments, are there not at least seven of them you should live by? Leave out the ones about God and the Sabbath. What about “thou shall not kill” or “thou shall not steal?” Can’t we agree that maybe the criminals in the court house about to be sentenced for first-degree murder or grand theft auto could have used those rules?

As for prayer, I think anybody that wants to join in a morning prayer should be able to do so. Don’t take it out because of political correctness. Just allow each student to pray to their religion’s God. There should be time set aside for it.

At the end of the day, people should be allowed to have their own spiritual [experiences] — without any government interference. The government should not be involved in something that personal. The only reason to do so would be to control you.

Now, I want to know what you think. I have stated my case. I am in favor of this right and believe it is essential.

Do you think this right is important? Would you consider it an essential right? Why or why not?

These are your rights at the end of the day, America. It is up to us to make sure we remember that and do not let them be taken away.

White House Urging Americans To Donate To Haiti Relief Effort -- Via E-mail: Do You Trust It?

My Fellow Americans,

I want to share with you something today that a reader brought to my attention.  Apparently, the Obama White House feels it's necessary to send American citizens emails to encourage them to donate to the Haiti Relief effort. 

That's fine.  I fully support helping those in need.  It's having and using email addresses of citizens I do not like. 

To me, there's something wrong with the White House sending emails out like the one I received from a reader.  While the gentleman who sent this to me pointed out he felt it was rather "self-serving" of the President, I also believe it builds on what we saw with the "Cash for Clunkers" program last summer (more on that later).

Let me show you the text of the email the reader received:

From: President Barack Obama [mailto:info@barackobama.com]

Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2010 3:04 PM

Subject: Help for Haiti

[Reader's Name Omitted] --

On Tuesday, a catastrophic earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the death toll -- already in the thousands -- is climbing fast.

This is the worst earthquake to hit the area in more than 200 years. Entire communities have been ripped apart and as many as 3 million people have been directly affected, including tens of thousands of American citizens who are in Haiti.

Our neighbors in Haiti are racing to confront the enormous devastation -- and the OFA community can help.

Click here for more information about essential relief efforts and ways you can help today.

Footage is pouring in of homes collapsing, Haitians carrying injured family members, and hospitals being overrun in what was already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

I have directed my administration to respond with a swift, coordinated, and aggressive effort to save lives. Personnel from the United States and our partners in the international community are on the ground in damaged areas right now, working side by side with the Haitian people. They're providing much-needed food, water, and sanitation supplies, saving lives and helping local communities start to rebuild.

Despite the fact that we are experiencing tough times here at home, I encourage those who can to reach out and help. It's in times like these that we must show the kind of compassion and humanity that has defined the best of our national character for generations.

Click here to find out what you can do:

http://my.barackobama.com/Haiti

As this story continues to unfold, I hope you will continue to keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the many Haitian-Americans who have done so much to enrich our country and who are worried about friends and loved ones in this time of need.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

--END TRANSCRIPT--

The links in the email take you directly to the WhiteHouse.gov website.  Also, let me point out what appeared at the very bottom of the e-mail in a text box: "Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee."

That's very interesting.  This is the group Obama's campaign arm became after he was elected.  Obama for America became Organizing for America (get it, he was a community organizer).  I just think it's great that now we're community organizing -- on a global scale, don't you?

Getting back to what I was saying about "Cash for Clunkers" and how it relates to this email campaign by the website, I want to point out something that came out over the summer.  If you recall, Glenn Beck revealed on his show what a warning box on the "Cash for Clunkers" program's website read: "This application provides to the DoT CARS system. When logged on to the CARS system, your computer is considered a federal computer system and it is property of the United States government. Any and all uses of this system and all files on this system may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and disclosed to authorized CARS, DoT and law enforcement personnel, as well as authorized officials of other agencies, both domestic and foreign" (source: BusinessandMedia.org).  I don't know about you, but to me, that's pretty scary stuff. 

As you can imagine, I would think someone who got that email from the White House asking for donations would be a tad bit skeptical.  What's to stop the government from tracking you...from tracking what you donate?  What's to stop the government from using some of the money to pay for health care?  What's to stop them from tapping into your personal information?

On top of that, you have Rush Limbaugh getting slammed for his comments about the Haiti relief effort.  Like always, his comments were completely taken out of context by the Democrats and liberal media.  If you read the comments posted on this site, one rational person came to the conclusion that Limbaugh meant he didn't trust donating to the WhiteHouse.gov site.  He wasn't saying we shouldn't donate. 

And another thing, the money that is being donated by the U.S. government -- is a majority of it not TAXPAYER money?  I would think so.  Where else would they be getting the money?  So, technically, yeah, Americans have already donated in a sense -- even before the earthquake occurred.  Get off Rush's back!

I bring this up because I think people need to be told the truth.  Sometimes watching and listening to certain news outlets -- we often don't get the whole picture.  I do believe the American people are generous.  I believe there are those in our government that care.  I believe that even the President himself cares. 

But, as White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel once said, "Never let a serious crisis go to waste."

And don't think for a second that the Obama administration, even in the most minute way, would not use the crisis in Haiti to their advantage.

Do The American People Have the "Full Support" of Anybody?

My Fellow Americans,

I was listening to Rush Limbaugh's radio program during my lunch break today.  He mentioned a few things about the earthquake in Haiti, including remarks made by President Barack Obama.  In his speech, given less than 24 hours after the earthquake rocked the country, Obama promised that "[t]he people of Haiti will have the full support of the United States..." 

Now, let me be clear that I am all for helping a country in need.  While I believe that organizations like the Red Cross are better suited for these types of tragedies, it is admirable for a country like the United States to help out.

What bothered me about the speech was its timing compared to the timing of the speech Obama gave regarding the thwarted Christmas Day terror plot.  Obama waited 3 days to address a frightened America.  Yet, he's ready to offer the generosity of America less than 24 hours after a devastating earthquake in another country.

As Limbaugh reminded his listeners, this is the same America that has a 10% unemployment rate because of the Obama administration.  This is the same America that Obama is constantly apologizing to the world for.  Countries closer to Haiti, like socialist Cuba, don't plan on helping out at all.  I wonder if America would be able to continue to help other countries if it were a socialist or communist nation?

The point I'm trying to convey today, and I believe Rush was too, is that Obama sure is quick to offer our help after bashing us for the last year.  He is quick to enlist the help of citizens and businesses too -- both groups on which he plans a tax hike to fund his health care plan.

The question I have after all of this is: do the American people even have the "full support" of our President, let alone the federal government?

The answer, unfortunately, is a resounding "NO!"

America, Have You Had Enough of the Fed?

My Fellow Americans,

I don't know about you, but I'm fed up with the Fed.  Yesterday, it was reported on various news outlets that the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States made a $46.1 billion profit in 2009.  If you recall, that's more than Exxon Mobil's profit from 2008.

I just don't understand how, during one of the worst recessions in this country's history, how this entity gets away with making billions of dollars off of YOU!  They didn't exactly need a bailout, did they?

Will the government use the money the Fed turns over to aid their programs (i.e. health care) or reduce the nation's debt -- instead of taking more out of our pockets through taxes and bank fees? 

President Obama is set to make a major announcement Thursday, Jan. 14 regarding fees on transactions carried out by banks.  Will those fees be passed onto us?  You bet.

Haven't we had enough, America?

It was the great Henry Ford who said: "It is well that the people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning."

Let this not be the case any longer. 

Every day, America, you are becoming more in tune with the values and beliefs that made this country the last great hope for the human race.  Every day, you are re-learning truths about yourselves -- truths about how great this nation of ours really is.  Don't stop with the Founding Fathers.  Don't stop with the Constitution.  Learn about how money works.  Learn about what the Fed does and how it manipulates the dollar. 

Learn about how recessions and depressions are created -- and don't be naive...don't think for a second they aren't created.

Henry Ford knew the passion of the American people.  He knew what they were capable of.  And if they got wind of what the Fed really was, what it did, and how it played games with their hard-earned money, Ford knew "We The People" would NOT tolerate such abuse of trust and power.

Thomas Jefferson once said: "I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. Already they have raised up a monied aristocracy that has set the government at defiance. The issuing power (of money) should be taken away from the banks and restored to the people to whom it properly belongs."

Let that power be given to the people once again.

(Photo: RonPaul.com)

Allow Yourself to Succeed in This Recession

My Fellow Americans,

I wanted to share with you today an article I wrote for Blogcritics.org:

I would like to briefly talk to you about opportunity. Many people fail to see opportunity before them – either because they claim they are too busy or because they just are not looking in the right place. Or maybe it’s because they have immersed themselves in life: from their job to their children, there really isn’t much time for anything else.

Oftentimes, people miss opportunities before them because of these reasons – or should I say, excuses.

A great opportunity lies ahead of us over the next few years. Those who have prepared have already reaped the benefits and will continue to do so. There are people out there profiting off of this recession. There are people who have used this recession as their opportunity.

I would like to share a quote with you to further explain what I mean: “Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity.” Most often attributed to a Mr. Henry Hartman, on whom I was unable to find information, this quote resonated deeply with me since I first heard it.

Instead of looking at the recession as a bad thing, look at it as an opportunity to accumulate wealth. Look at it as a stepping stone for your retirement goals. Look at it as a chance to start a business. Look at it as a chance to prepare.

As Robert Kiyosaki, entrepreneur and author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, has said: “This crisis is the biggest opportunity in the history of the world.” This statement could not be more true. It just depends on how you look at life.

I firmly believe that, in America, anything is possible. I believe people come here looking for a better life. Whether rich, middle class, or poor, there is always a chance for you. While we may not all start off in the same position in the marathon of life, there are always opportunities for us to cross the finish line together. Don’t let fear or self-doubt stand in your way.

So what can you do to start? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Get your financial education, as Kiyosaki always says. (And yes, there is ALWAYS time. It just depends on what you want to spend your time doing).

2. Read magazines and newspapers like Forbes, Money and The Wall Street Journal. Watch channels like Fox Business and CNBC. CNBC is a great place to learn about money and entrepreneurship.

3. Read as many books as you can. My suggestions to get you started are: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Kiyosaki, The Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas L. Friedman, and The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss.

4. Don’t ever stop being a student. Take classes and attend seminars on finance, economics, and investing.

5. Learn about handling your personal finances.

6. Get out of bad debt as quickly as possible – particularly credit card debt.

7. Save money and invest in things like real estate – so your money doesn’t lose value. There are many opportunities for novice investors out there as property values continue to decline. Do your due diligence. (You may even have a chance to help somebody in foreclosure by assuming their mortgage).

I have implemented, or am in the process of implementing, all of these strategies. They are all things I have read about or learned about over the past few years. I would not recommend them if I didn’t think they would work. Some things may not work for you. That’s fine. The point is to try things and learn things that will make life better for you and your family.

Here’s to your success this year and in years to come.

I’ll see you at the finish line.

Are You Willing To Have That "Uncomfortable Conversation?"

My Fellow Americans,

I wanted to speak to you today about a conversation I had last week with a college buddy of mine.  My friend, let's call him Phil, has been a U.S. Marine (logo: Google) now for over 3 years.  He has been sent to Afghanistan on at least one occasion and will deploy again in March of this year.  His unit is assigned the unenviable task of trying to detect enemy bombs.  He told me his truck has been blown up more than once.

But, that's Phil.  He has always had that "dare devil" persona since I've met him.  In college, he would bring his motorcycle helmet to class.  He even rode the same motorcycle, while in a suit, to a business dinner with a potential employer.  He's always been one of the more outgoing people in my life -- with a no holds barred style attitude.

That's why when he told me he wasn't going to take a job with a top accounting firm after college -- choosing instead to enlist with the Marines -- I wasn't completely floored.  However, I'm sure it had to be a rather unpleasant conversation for him and his folks.  I can't imagine having that talk with my parents.

That brings me to the quote I want to share with you today.  The quote comes from Timothy Ferriss (photo: Wikipedia), an angel investor and author of The Four-Hour Work Week (photo: Wikipedia).

"A person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have."

That's why I believe Phil will be a success in his life -- because of his ability to have that "uncomfortable conversation."  When I spoke with Phil, he told me about Ferriss and his book.  He explained to me how he was blown away with his entrepreneurship ideas and attitude towards life. 

One of the reasons Phil and I were friends was due to our desire to start our own business.  We would talk about starting companies and making millions.  We would talk about retiring early and being set for life.

This book rekindled that spark in Phil -- something he lost while at war.  It wasn't that he regreted his choice to serve his country.  He just felt that it may be time to move on.  He told me he didn't want to be blown up or shot at anymore.

So, he chose to deploy one last time and will likely call it quits after his term of duty ends.  And once again, he will be forced to have that "uncomfortable conversation."  This time it will be with his supervisors and fellow Marines -- in saying goodbye.  The Marines are a tight-knit group.

But, that won't be the last one he'll have.  I'm sure in his business endeavours, he'll encounter those that don't like his ideas or don't think his products will sell.  That won't stop Phil though.

I know he'll be a success because that's what the Marines do for you.  Robert Kiyosaki was a Marine.  The father of my best friend was a Marine.  Both are successes -- as I'm sure countless others are.  In having that "uncomfortable conversation" with their respective families, these people went on to do something great for their country.  And of those that are fortunate enough to have survived, many went on to become hyper-successful over the rest of their lives because of what they learned on the battlefield.

If I know anything about my friend Phil, I know he will be right there as well.  Sometimes all it takes is having that one "uncomfortable conversation" you keep putting off to make a real difference in your life and the lives of others.

What conversations have you been putting on the back burner?  How do you think having that conversation will change your life for the better?

My Encounter With A Liberal: The Refounding Father's Conclusion

My Fellow Americans,

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my conversations with various liberals over the past few days.  I know I have.  It's really been enlightening.  It's allowed me to get a firm grasp on various different points of view within the liberal context.

However, it has also left me rather worried.  If those in Washington share even one-quarter of the views with the people I have had discussions with over the past few days, that doesn't bode well for our country.  The liberal point of view is very misguided.

My hope is, as the Tea Party movement continues to grow, more liberal Americans begin to wake up.  All we can do now is keep standing up -- keep going strong.  Call your representatives.  Voice your displeasure with the current administration.  Read.  Learn.  Inform others.  That's what we need to continue to do.

I always love searching for quotes that convey my message on a particular subject.  Today, I think I found a great one:

“If you're a liberal, anything you say is protected. If you're a conservative, anything you say is hateful.”

This quote comes to us from Laura Schlessinger (photo: Wikipedia).  Schlessinger is "an American talk radio host, socially conservative commentator and author. Her call-in radio program features her short monologues on social and political topics..." (source: Wikipedia).

I thought this quote summed up my experience this week rather well.  The article I posted on Blogcritics.org about John Wanamaker was written to show you what a great man is capable of.  It was to give an example of how, when done right, capitalism is not evil -- how the rich are not evil.

Yet, when people are not able to argue their point effectively, they attack.  They criticize.  They degrade you.  That was my experience with our liberal friends.  They could not explain to me why their argument was better or how it would better the country's situation.  They just attacked me.  They attacked other conservative bloggers.

I understand that not everybody is blessed with the ability to speak or write eloquently (and no liberals, I'm not saying I can).  However, argue facts at least.  Give me the facts.  Don't just attack me or make hasty generalizations.  Make your argument and use facts you researched to back it up.

We see this every day though.  Keith Olbermann from MSNBC attacks Glenn Beck (probably because his ratings are atrocious).  The Obama administration attacks the FOX New Channel.  Notice that in these attacks -- the liberal point of view was not argued.  The opposition (in this case conservatives) was attacked and smeared.  Then again, that is what Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" says to do, right?

It's just frustrating at the end of the day.  Since starting this blog, I have done my research.  I watch and read information from many networks.  I read history books -- real history books.  I do my homework.  But, people attack me -- as they attack Glenn and FOX.  Nobody thinks the facts are important -- they just attack.

Don't be afraid, though, America.  Don't back down.  Don't stop.  If people don't agree with you after you argue your point (backed by facts and research), move on.  As I said before, I will not continue to cast my conservative pearls before liberal swine.  It's not worth it.  I will speak with those that will have a rational debate with me, not just attack me in the guise of arguing their point.

I won't do it.  And neither should you.

Chin up, America.  The year 2010 is upon us. 

And I smell a Conservative victory.

(U.S. Flag photo: Google)

My Encounter With A Liberal: Part III

My Fellow Americans,

After a brief recess, Jeannie's back.  I'm beginning to really understand what Glenn Beck means when he says liberals will "make blood shoot out your eyeballs."

Nevertheless, I will not back down.

Once again, Jeannie:

Hello Taylor Brown,

Thanks for posting your name..I just find it so funny that the most acrid responses and comments here are from people who hide themselves behind pithy little names.

I know you are not going to change my mind any more than I can change yours, but a third party might read this and see the light..

If you think I'm going to crumble under your teapots your all wrong..:)

I must say i was impressed with Ron Paul in the beginning, but when he proclaimed that we did not need the department of agriculture and education he lost me...

Anyone up for some more salmonella in their salad?

Who needs education? Just the privileged?

I'm laughing right now. Do you hear it?

Oh there is one nugget of worth coming from Ron Paul...we don't have the right to preemptively strike wherever and whenever we want!

Please continue deregulating everything...my cats toys aren't shiny enough, need more lead.

-END TRANSCRIPT-

The Refounding Father's Response:

Jeannie,

What are you talking about? Did you just see Ron Paul and stop reading? I mentioned I liked that he was fiscally conservative, that's it. Everything else you say there doesn't deserve attention...you're just ranting.

I'm glad you responded again because I wanted to ask you a few questions. Hopefully, you will actually answer them since Roger won't (or can't) give answers to his.

1. Why do you assume that I'm rich?

2. To you, are all conservatives white and rich? If so, is that not racist? After all, you assume I am racist.

3. You mentioned Canada. Is that the country you want the U.S. to become? Do you like Canada because patients from Montreal who need an angiogram have to go to Detroit or because of the high taxes?

4. If you want the country to look different...prove your case. What do you support and why? What do you envision for America? If Jeannie Danna were President of the United States, what would she do?

- The Refounding Father

-END TRANSCRIPT-

But, wait -- there's more from Jeannie:

I'll answer#4 first TRF :)

If i were President i would throw all the lobbyists out the back-door and make them all come through the front,,transparently like the Teachers Union..no secret deals and padded bank accounts.

If i were president the EV one would be humming out of our hurt car factories and everyone would have their jobs back!

If i were president we would have clean energy jobs, cap & trade would be implemented immediately, and all the jobs shipped over seas would return. (there is a way)

Above all, if i were president, we would have National Health Care!

-END TRANSCRIPT-

Doesn't she just want to make you scream?  Yeah, me too.  I don't know how she could type some of these ideas with a straight face.

The Refounding Father's Response:

Jeannie,

You failed to prove your case. You're just saying what you would do. You simply give me examples without saying how they would make things better.

I asked: "4. If you want the country to look different...prove your case. What do you support and why? What do you envision for America? If Jeannie Danna were President of the United States, what would she do?"

How would your changes make things better?

- The Refounding Father

-END TRANSCRIPT-

Why I continue to cast these conservative pearls before liberal swine I have no idea.  Stay tuned.  Check back for updates here and at Blogcritics.org.  Be sure to check out my exchange with Jeannie's liberal pal, Roger, too, on the Blogcritics site.

Doing Research For Our Liberal Friend

My Fellow Americans,

Here is a post I added to help our liberal friend understand something about "green jobs":

Jeannie,

I actually did a little research for you.

Check out this article from The Wall Street Journal [message truncated].

Here's an excerpt I found particulary intriguing (and very relevant to our conversation): "The Europeans once believed the "green jobs" myth too. Now, as blue-collar workers take to the streets, they have learned that climate-change legislation means green unemployment."

Could it be that even the Europeans are waking up?

- The Refounding Father

-END TRANSCRIPT-