With the race for the Tennessee Republican Gubernatorial nomination heating up and all three campaigns going on the offensive, I thought it was a great time to lighten the mood of the debate a bit.  Here are a few videos sent my way by a reader that he and his friends/colleagues put together.  Enjoy.

Mayor Haslam… I really hope you have a sense of humor…

Hat Tip …Fred Nurk

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Bill on his Experience and Temperament

A Familiar Conservative?

Bill On the Issues

Why He Should be our Next Governor

Bill on Tough Times…

Three words I do not want to have to say when I wake on the morning of August 6th… “Haslam for Governor.”

While I have unequivocally and unapologetically stated my intentions to vote for Congressman Zach Wamp in the Tennessee Gubernatorial Republican Primary, I fully understand the reality that I may very well have to turn around and cast a vote for Mayor Haslam in November should the tides not turn between now and August 5th.  I am certainly hoping, and am rather optimistic, that such a potential conflict of interest will not arise, but I am aware that I may very well be forced to vote for a man that has succeeded only in convincing me that he IS in fact the store-bought caricature of a GOP hopeful that my gut told me he was through his efforts to seek the Republican nomination.

If this is your first time here, you should probably know that I am NOT one of those conservatives that preaches “conservative first and Republican second.” I believe they are / can be / and should be synonymous with one another. That said, I do tend to break rank with “rah rah Right-Wing” conservatism from time-to-time, and I have on occasion found myself diametrically opposed to Republican talking points. The nature of my take on conservatism simply requires such opposing positions in the interest of consistency with my personal political preferences and my interpretation of true conservatism.  If you need further clarification on the matter, fish around the site a bit and the picture should become a little clearer.

With that in mind, I will be voting for A Republican in November.   Having explored the depths of the substance behind Dem-candidate Mike McWherter, I have hit rock bottom and been left wanting.   While I can admit that it would require unforeseen circumstances presenting themselves to allow myself to vote for a candidate sent forth by the party that roams the Left, absolutely ruling out such a scenario would be careless and counter to my general take on all things political – especially at the state level.  In a state like Tennessee where the Bill of Rights tends to be navigated with situational expedience, such a hard-lined posture would be fool-hearty as I am yet to find the limits of where misguided “conservatism” can take some “Republicans” in this fine state.   That said, I see no such circumstance that would force me to take this unenviable position in a race between Haslam (or any of the candidates for that matter) and McWherter should it most regrettably arise.  So again, I will be voting for A Republican in November.

So what to do… for the Republican who cringes at the thought of voting for Mayor Bill Haslam? VOTE EARLY!!! VOTE EARLY!!! VOTE EARLY!!! Let us not cross that bridge until we get there.   I am still extremely optimistic that Zach Wamp can claim this nomination and early voting is the next major step to assuring that HE is our nominee and not Mayor Haslam.  Time is running out and Haslam’s war chest is not, but the true conservative candidate can still emerge victorious in this race.  Early voting will be pivotal and may determine the outcome of the Republican primary.  So to those hoping for another choice in November… you must act now to make sure Haslam and McWherter are not the only options before you when voting for our next governor.  Early voting begins July 16th.

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Regarding Mayor Haslam’s bid for the Republican nomination… I have received a great number of emails from Haslam supporters since I posted this piece on my choice for the Republican nomination. It appears that some believe that I was “unfair” to candidate Haslam. They believe I was biased, bought out, paid off  (I really enjoyed those two), narrow-minded, and ignorant as to Haslam’s positions on the issues. They said I was simply targeting the front-runner because that was the “easy” thing to do.   I guess they have never been on the other end of their email assault parade.  They called me a RINO and many other names not to be repeated in this forum.  I did find it particularly interesting that these claims were all made via email rather than as comments on this site, but I guess such is the nature of those with arguments founded on unstable footing to go anonymous with their remarks without the consequence of being rebutted publicly by others.

I like to think that I have pretty thick skin, and while I tend to be pretty stuck in my ways, I can admit when I am wrong, so I got a good laugh at most of the emails and decided to take another look at Mayor Haslam to see if my position required some tweaking.

Since the tone of my Haslam feedback was anything but “civil” I thought a great place to start would be taking a look at Haslam’s position Civility in this campaign.  He says we should Focus on the Issues… so lets do just that…

Health Care

In this bit, Haslam taps a nurse of 35 years?  Okay I can buy that.  She is in a great position to speak to the issue.  So what does she know about Bill’s position on the issues?  ”He coached my two sons in Little League baseball….” Awesome!!

Fiscal Management

“He’s been my mayor for six years – you get to know someone that way.”  Really?

We won the last election with 85% of the vote – “I wish he could still be my mayor but I guess I should share him with the rest of Tennessee.”  No, its okay… You can keep him.

Second Amendment

This guy “knows” Bill Haslam and he says we can “count on him” to protect the 2nd Amendment.

Bill is Genuine… He’s a veteran – can’t you see the hat and the rest of the garb?  This guy says its so, it must be so…

No Issue – Just Character Reference on this one – I suppose?

“Haslam’s the Real Deal”

Says the “Ranch Manager” – “My daddy always said you can tell when somebody’s had good raising.”

-  ”Bill Haslam’s the Real Deal.”  Is this a Ford commercial?

More Character?

“Haslam works hard…”  when he’s working the crowd for votes that is…

“I Just Like Him” – nough said!!

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Now before we move to phase two of the email character assassination on me, I will make two points – one is an admission and the other a request.  The latter being more accurately a suggestion to Haslam supporters.  If you’d like to legitimately “debate” the issues rather than just name call and assault me via my Inbox, how bout dropping a comment or two explaining why I should vote for your candidate so that everyone can share in your enlightenment.  The other point is this.  I know I have simply compiled television spots here in this post and have characterized that as “exploring Haslam further.”  I understand that such an undertaking is hardly “due diligence” in the truest sense, so save the pot shots regarding that for another day.  I have done my homework on candidate Haslam and find nothing – and I mean nothing – that demonstrates more accurately what this candidate is all about than HIS campaign advertisements.  This is what he wants us to believe he is, so this is what I have posted here.  After all, if he wanted this race to be about substance, wouldn’t his ads reflect that fact?

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Hot off the Presses…. The newest ad from the Haslam camp…

“Someone in Charge who’s been in charge before.”

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Did someone want to ask Bill if he wanted to retract his turning to FEMA post-flood statements, because “leadership in tough times” doesn’t immediately conjure up images of a governor running to the Federal government in my book?

Photo via… www.knoxvilleskatepark.com/News.html

(March 26, 2010 - Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America)

Public official versus private citizen?  You be the judge.

The former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin has reportedly brought home more than $12 million since stepping down as her state’s chief executive in July.  The substantial purse comes from a variety of sources including but not limited to her book deal with Harper Collins, a multi-year deal with FoxNews, and speaking/appearance fees.

For those who want to cry foul here… perhaps its still too early to condemn such efforts.  If the Governor is finished with public service and truly moved on to the next phase in her career, shouldn’t she be allowed to earn a buck?  ABC News points out that…

President Reagan once got $2 million from a Japanese manufacturing company for two 20-minute speeches. Bill Clinton collected some $40 million in speaking fees during the six years following his presidency. And George W. Bush told reporters he expected to make a “ridiculous” amount of money on the speaker’s circuit when he left office.

Isn’t this just capitalism at work folks?  Simple supply and demand.  There is only one conservative starlet of the magnitude of Sarah Palin and she is certainly in high demand.

The short of it is this.  I will never begrudge ANYONE for making a living.  Truthfully speaking, I think the fact that our nation’s politicians can go on to make a living after public service is one of the only guarantees that they will in fact some day hang up the cleats and not permanently set up shop in Washington or elsewhere ala John McCain – he was already loaded having married VERY well.  If Sarah Palin wants to spend her twilight years stumping and writing books more power to her.  I hope her next quarter proves to be even more lucrative.  

That said… and you knew there was a “but” coming… if she truly fancies herself a potential candidate for public office in the not so distant future, she’s going to have to start going pro bono at some point – and she can’t do so selectively.  Either you’re a public servant or you’re not.  No one is confusing the roles/ intentions of Hannity, Beck, or Limbaugh now are they?  And no one is faulting them for getting rich on the conservative movement are they?  They are entertainers and they are in it to make a living.  Changing the rules and impacting the political scene is just a fortunate byproduct.  Sooner than later, Sarah Palin is going to have to choose the role she wants to play in the conservative movement or she will forever have to abandon the idea of heading back into public service.  You can’t be both.  If you could, I think we would have been casting votes for a Limbaugh/Hannity ticket ages ago.

Here are a few posts / articles / pieces of commentary certainly worth a few minutes of your time.  Bookmark a few of these sites folks… There’s some good reading to be found among them.  Much better than the intermittent nonsense you find around here…  Enjoy.

Something wicked this way comes: The VAT tax – ANOTHER BLACK CONSERVATIVE

Something dark and evil is brewing over the horizon in Washington. It comes from the bowels of European socialist model soon to be transplanted in the heart of America by our socialism loving Congress. It’s the VAT tax!

BULLSH!T: “Al-Madadi may have said he was going to light his shoes on fire to cover up that he was smoking.” – FOUNDING BLOGGERS

“What a Relief: Cows Not Guilty For Global Warming” – LEFT COAST REBEL

To eat, or not to eat – red meat. One thing that I have noticed in the recent history of global warming fear mongering is urban California residents that abstain from eating red meat (read: cows) because doing so contributes to global warming. I kid you not, our society, or at least the left coast version of it, has come down to this.

Putting Insurers Out of Business – THE LONELY CONSERVATIVE

Friday Funnies – 04-09-10 – POLITICAL REALITIES

It’s time once again for another weekly edition of Friday Funnies. For your enjoyment, here are the editorial and political cartoons I found particularly amusing this week, with one exception.

Paul Volcker has lost his f’ing mind – That’s Right

Race Card Just As Ugly When Played By Republicans – Strident Conservative

Stupak to Retire, Betting Pool on His ‘Next Job’ Now Open – BIG GOVERNMENT

Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak, targeted for defeat by Tea Party activists for his crucial role in securing House approval of the health care overhaul, said Friday he would retire from Congress this year.

A “threat” against Christie from New Jersey teachers union? – HOT AIR

Gird your loins: Justice Stevens announces summer retirement plans – MICHELLE MALKIN

It’s Retirement Friday! On the heels of Democrat Rep. Bart Stupak’s retirement plans, SCOTUS Justice John Paul Stevens confirms swirling rumors of his upcoming retirement this summer. News breaking on thewires and Twitter. AP:

Obama bans phrases from English language. – CONSERVATIVE HIDEOUT 2.0

Even though the election isn’t until November, I do believe it is time to call the winner of the 2010 Tennessee Governor’s Race – okay, well at least the winning party.  Republicans have it folks.  A Republican candidate will replace the term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen.

Not that anyone didn’t see this coming, but the race is now a (four-man) three-man show composed of GOP hopefuls.  In fairness, there is still a Dem in the hunt – Mike McWherter – but he remains in the race as merely a formality at this point.  If he believes he has a chance, he may be the only one… The leading Democratic contender, Kim McMillan dropped out of the race yesterday leaving the contest for Tennessee’s next governor to be decided in the Republican primary.  She has reportedly decided to run for Mayor of Clarksville, Tennessee instead.

The Republican candidates are an interesting lot.  Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey, Congressman Zach Wamp, and Mayor of Knoxville Bill Haslam round out the ranks of the Republican candidates and each would bring a very unique skill set to the office they now seek.

Lt. Governor Ramsey is a good ole boy Tennessean through and through.  He is as “authentic” as any Volunteer state candidate could hope to be.  He shoots from the hip and he relates to many in that Sarah Palin-esque – “he’s one of us” kind of way that is so endearing to so many.  That said, he has made quite a career as a politician rising to Lt. Governor – an office he currently holds – and will hold even if he loses the election.  He was also the first Republican Speaker of the Tennessee House in 140 years… Not a point worth overlooking.

Representative Wamp is quite a different political beast.  He represents the Washington “polished” politician having served 14 years in the US House of Representatives and boasts of a strong conservative track record that resonates with his coveted constituency. He finds himself currently in the midst of a little religious housing scandal in DC which may prove to be a positive talking point to many of his deeply religious base rather than the detriment his opponents had hoped it would be.

Mayor Bill Haslem is the deep pocket candidate in the group.  His ads have blanketed the television, print media, and the web.  He is everywhere.  He made his fortune as President of Pilot Travel Centers and he has been generous with those earnings in his bid for the governor’s house. He is an extremely popular mayor and was re-elected with 87% of the vote in 2007.

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I am a registered Republican in the State of Tennessee and have voted in elections there via absentee ballot for much of my adult life being away from my home state, so this race is certainly one I will be watching closely.  That said, this is Republican Redefined, so I will not waste your time discussing the token Dem left in this race.  I will not however state my voting intentions at the current hour – for two reasons.  The first being… I simply have yet to decide who I will vote for… and the second reason I will not name my choice – aside from not having one – is that I will wait until after the Nashville Junior Chamber of Commerce’s Focus on the Future Debate scheduled for May 10th at David Lipscomb University to make my decision.

I was lucky enough to attend a debate last month when the race was a seven person contest, and I learned a great deal about the candidates, but simply need another dose before I can cement my choice.  Haslam was unable to attend the previous debate so I look forward to seeing him in person as well.

I must offer my apologies and my condolences to the McWherter camp.  While I have written your bid off as a lost cause, I do applaud you for sticking it out.  Contested elections are the cornerstone of any legitimate representative government and your candidacy protects that institution.  Accordingly, I hope you stay in the race and see it through.  On a positive note… McWherter’s father – Former TN Governor Ned McWherter dropped a cool $1 million in his son’s coffers on the news of McMillan’s departure.  Maybe they know something I don’t know…

Regarding the Republican contest that will now unfold, McMillan’s departure changes the dynamic entirely.  Haslam’s deep war chest just got leveled a bit for the other two men in the race.  They no longer face the need to hold in reserve precious funds for the general election and can spend mightily in the primary without a legitimate Dem to contend with at a later date.

So who is the frontrunner here?

According to a March 22 Rasmussen Reports Poll via Politico

With primary elections scheduled for August 5, it should be an interesting couple of months for political campaigning in the Volunteer State. For anyone interested in seeing these men in action…

You can RSVP to the debate and claim a seat here…

Or submit a question to the candidates here…

Or Follow the latest developments on Facebook here…

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I have admittedly been a little off the radar as of late, but I have been consistently following many of my favorite sites even in my brief sabbatical from the daily blog world and thought I would post a few pieces of Right Wing propaganda for your enjoyment.  Have a look.

A Justice McNamara Dispatch: We Can Toll the Bell Forever – That’s Right

No “guaranteed issue” and the law of unintended consequences. – That’s Right

Preview of Obamacare – Makes My Brain Itch

Is a Third Party Vote a Wasted Vote? – Makes My Brain Itch

A Tale of Two Podiums – Christie vs Obama – The WY Blog

The IRS has sufficient authority to enforce the individual mandate in Obamacare - The Wy Blog

The Catholic Church and it’s scandals – Political Realities

Cartoons for the politically inclined – Political Realities

Too Bad Netanyahu Isn’t Muslim – The Strident Conservative

What Do College And Colds Have In Common? – The Strident Conservative

The Only Way Out of this Mess – The Lonely Conservative

Run for your lives! Democrats “target” Republicans – Another Black Conservative

Prussian State Socialism Comes to America – Conservative Hideout 2.0

My favorite April Fool’s Joke - The Whited Sepulchre

I’m not saying…. I’m just saying… Doesn’t this seem wrong to anybody else? I understand that Governor Palin’s problems with Senator McCain were largely with his staff from the McCain Palin 2008 ticket, and I fully appreciate that she thinks of the aging moderate as both a war hero and a statesman, but didn’t this seem like a stretch to anyone else? Before you start dropping the loyalty bombs on me and how you appreciate them, I would simply ask you to dig deep within yourself and answer this one simple question… If this were not Gov Palin… if this was anyone else… would we give her a pass for playing the loyalty card? Would we not use that loyalty and affection for a man who has clearly lost his way against her?

As to the speech, she asked the crowd if they would “send this Maverick back to the United States Senate” just before she heralded “contested primaries” to further conservative ideas. Aren’t the two statements in direct contradiction to one another? John McCain is anything but a conservative. He finds his way back to the Right every six years or so, and then drifts to the middle for the duration. He is undoubtedly reaching the end of his career – even if re-elected. What will bring him back to the Right if this is truly the end of the road without a re-election bid to tether his to sanity much less conservative principles?

I can admit that JD Hayworth is far from a perfect candidate for the US Senate. I can even admit that John McCain is the epitome of a statesmen in the regard that he has given his life to public service.   He is without question an American hero for his military service.  That said, it is simply time to move in another direction.   The days of letting aged veterans of the Senate linger around based on their stature alone must become a part of our Party’s past if we have any hope of moving forward toward even a modest majority in the years to come.  Men like John McCain symbolize the stagnant characterization of our Party and must be put out to political pasture before they can do any more harm.

For those of you who will be all over this defending Palin for this appearance, I must simply respectfully disagree. As a practical matter, I have no problem with her stumping for the white haired maverick. I will however, remember this speech as she makes her rounds as we move toward November – and I have no doubt that millions of Americans will as well – and every other “conservative” that she blesses with her conservative scepter will now be judged – and regrettably diminished in stature and credibility accordingly. If John McCain is her measure of a “conservative,” I want a new RULER.

California: A Fiscal Lesson the Democrats Refuse to Learn – Lonely Conservative

(I know, quite a few Republicans have been almost as bad as the Democrats. But they’re not in power right now, and if we elect the right candidates there’s hope for the GOP.)  All one has to do is look to California for proof that liberal policies are a disaster. But the liberals still think they can solve the problem by raising taxes. Amazing. (ViaNewsalert, via Instapundit) And this sort of thing certainly doesn’t help matters. Unfortunately, my state, New York, is following in California’s foot steps.

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Media Fraud – Just A Cup Of Coffee My Ass – Founding Bloggers

This latest example of mainstream media fraud comes from St. Louis, and features coverage of the so called “Coffee Party”.  The following clip is only 2 minutes long, so watch all of it, and then look at the images below to understand why this video is nothing short of media prostitution for their progressive cause.

Scratcher was all over this last week…

Coffee, Tea, or…? Makes My Brain Itch

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The Classic Liberal links us in his Right-Wing Links and posts this excerpt from Glenn Reynolds article in the Washington Times.

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What is the job of our elected officials? – POLITICAL REALITIES

Comment by Mr. Pink Eyes in Larry’s post “Obama – Time to make a decision”: “I also would like to know who he thinks he is. He is supposed to act on the will of the people, not enact laws against the will of the people just because he feels it is right. He needs to remember that he works for us, we pay his salary.”

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Check this one out folks.  Lots of great minds collaborating in one place…

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MOTOR CITY TIMES - Obama Is Demonizing Insurance Companies To Achieve His Dream Of Socialized Medicine

This is nothing more than propaganda. The health insurance industry is heavily regulated and if they are a non-profit like Blue Cross they have even more hurdles to cover.

If Obama’s real goal was to provide more access to uninsured people he could, and really shoul, focus on insurance reform.

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An appropriate fate (UPDATED) – Washington Rebel

A US-born spokesman for al-Qaida has been arrested, Pakistani authorities said today , hailing an intelligence coup that struck a blow at the organisation’s public relations apparatus.

Reports of the arrest of Adam Gadahn in Karachi came on the same day the California-born American appeared in a web video in which he called on American Muslims to launch attacks in the US.

Gadahn, the first American to be charged with treason since the second world war era, is one of the FBI’s top 10 most wanted terrorists and has had a $1m reward offered for information leading to his capture.

Extradition?

Sarah Palin is Worse Than Hitler – Russ at That’s Right

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Keystone Kops Swoop in to Seize Unlicensed Beer - The Wy Blog

Benjamin Franklin is spinning in his grave. The man who once said that “beer is proof that God loves us” never envisioned the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The Keystone Kops have a list of Officially Licensed Beer and woe unto you if yours isn’t on the list.

For the second round of the conservative blogger debate series, yours truly and Don from Conservative Hideout 2.0 and Present Discontent are discussing the conservative starlet Sarah Palin.  Russ at That’s Right and the Classic Liberal are moderating, so expect the unexpected in terms of the questions they may come up with.  Here’s question number one…

Here’s a piece of Don’s answer….

Check out his full remarks here…. and here

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I feel I must state at the onset that I wholeheartedly object to the first question offered in this “debate” with every ounce of my being.  I cannot – even for a second – consider the alternate reality that would have to present itself and suck me in for Sarah Palin to actually have an impact on our nation’s economic future, so I am admittedly struggling to formulate a response to Don’s post and want to beat Russ with an Old Hickory switch for even offering up this miserable question.

For those of you unfortunate enough to find yourself enamored with the Alaskan maverick, I must tell you from the “get-go” that I see your conservative rockstar as nothing more than an uber-popular political talking head.  I think her reach extends to her audience and her audience alone…. and her impact is minimal at best and will remain as such until she slowly fades into the background of the political theater never to be seen or heard from ever again.  I do not discount her popularity or even her following.  I simply see her career evolution taking her in the direction of a Glenn Beck (or dare I say Oprah Winfrey) rather than that of a Ronald Reagan or even a GW.  The very idea of Palin (at any point in the future) having an impact on the nation’s economy in my mind is tantamount to thinking cheerleaders have an impact on the outcomes of football games.  She can no more impact our nation’s economy than can Beck, Hannity, Coulter, or my seven year old nephew for that matter; but in the spirit of this “debate” I will forge ahead nonetheless and play along.

So I guess the premise has to go something like this… At some point in the future, Sarah Palin becomes something or someone capable of impacting the economic future of this great country… (See.. I’m really struggling with this.  I mean is someone going to make her head of the Fed for Christ’s sake – because I know we’re not talking President??  Are we?)

I guess what we’re really trying to get at here is the meat of Sarah Palin’s economic pronouncements / policies…both recently and while she served as mayor of Wasilla and Governor of Alaska.  I think I can muster up the strength to discuss the points offered by Don, but I fail to see where much “debate” will come from this either – so prepare yourself for a bit of a ramble from me on this one.  As I have stated many, many, many times on this site… I DO NOT DISAGREE WITH SARAH PALIN on the vast majority of issues.  In fact, my disdain for Gov Palin comes from the very fact that she’s the queen of offering up exactly what I want to hear.  She’s read the token conservative playbook cover to cover, and I firmly believe she places head to pillow every evening memorizing talking points with the hope of dropping a noteworthy post via Facebook before her morning moose hunt.

I do admit that its not fair to criticize Sarah Palin for giving me exactly what I want, but ask any of my former girlfriends and they will certainly tell you that giving me what I want (in G.I. Joe terms) is only half the battle – and who ever said I had to be fair in the first place?  I simply need more… I need to know that you know why I want what I want – and that’s where Sarah Palin loses me.  She knows I want lower taxes, smaller government, etc, etc…  so she force feeds it to me day after day.  If she is the great communicator and conduit for relating to “everyday” Americans as everyone tells me that she is, shouldn’t she be the one to begin explaining to the American People how we as conservatives have come to those positions – or more importantly how we’re going to put talk into action?  If she is the common man’s woMAN of choice, why hasn’t she realized that the vast majority of her followers couldn’t connect the Tenth Amendment with States’ Rights if they were sitting with a copy of the Bill of Rights in their Right hand and the Declaration in their left because people like Sarah Palin have gone so long without referencing the two openly and honestly that they’ve all but become an afterthought.  Perhaps even more troubling is the fact that its approaching the point of impossibility to assume that anyone can sift through the token conservative Republican model rhetoric and ramblings to understand that ideas like “universal health care,” job creation, and bank bailouts are counter to the intentions of our Founders on the most fundamental of levels – and that even engaging in the dialog about these topics without having a constitutional discussion discredits, disgraces, and attempts to destroy the very documents our Forefathers created.  They aren’t simply Democratic creations Republicans must oppose, they are threats to our very system of government.

Why can’t a political figure so in touch with the needs, wants, and interests of her right-wing supporters (she did have that bowl of names in Wasilla – which when viewed through the who gives a shit looking glass sounds a great deal like President Obama’s Ten Letters he reads every night) understand that the red meat doesn’t carry the day 365 in Washington.  Being conservative is about a great deal more than being able to recite the Mount Vernon Statement or whatever list of campaign issues Republicans are rallying around for the day, week, month.  If she is the great hope of “common folks” everywhere and not just another Great White Hype, why isn’t she at the forefront of framing these debates in a more reflective light – one that pays homage – not lip-service to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?  One that begins to remind Americans that Republicans and conservatives support those laundry list issues because of our adherence to Founding principles?

I think the answer is two-fold.  One.  I think she knows the current climate and I think she knows what sells.  Car salesmen in the 50’s weren’t running ads boasting fuel economy and Victoria’s Secret isn’t buying spots to talk about where their bras are manufactured (trust me on that one folks – ladies check out that label next time your slipping one on or gentleman next time your fumbling through taking one off – it ain’t Detroit).  Its just easier to put out there what people want according to the passions of the day, and to drive the point home by showing them exactly what they want to see and telling them what they want to hear.  Sarah Palin is a marketing genius in this regard.  She knows riled up right-wingers want to hear right-wing rhetoric and they want their daily does of red meat – and who can blame them after a year of this madness and eight years of “Compassionate Conservatism?”

Two.  I think Palin knows that if she goes that route she runs the risk of being torn apart by academics – both on the Left and on the Right.  Now this is not where I go David Brooks on you folks… I simply think many – like Palin – have allowed themselves to believe that historical and constitutional analysis of issues is just too complicated to explain on a case by case basis – and the reality is that it is anything but.  Christians use the Ten Commandments as a point of reference on a daily basis – and that “little” piece of literary brilliance tells them what they can’t do rather than what they can do as it is presented under the format laid out in the Bill of Rights.  Why isn’t that one easier to reference?

It should be, but for some reason, it is a foreign document to many like Sarah Palin.  They reference it when convenient for their talking points, but they rarely rely upon it.  Doing so would expose too many of the hypocrisies in their overall message.   That First Amendment is pretty tricky and has been broadly interpreted, but the pesky little Separation of Church and State business is a bit tough to sell for many on the Right when examined under strict interpretation.  Explaining the constitutional foundation for specific debates, issues, and controversies becomes somewhat complicated when doing so establishes a paper trail that can come back to haunt them on the “big issues” like abortion or gay marriage … and we all know Gov Palin only loosely adheres to that Free Speech nonsense – just ask Rahm / Rush…

So you ask… how does any of this relate to Palin’s impact on our economic future??? Right now, I see Palin as a one trick pony.  If she can trade in the talking points and bone up on the rarely-used practice of strict interpretation and start to flesh out a few of her talking points, I think she could have a tremendous impact on the economic future of this great nation because she could use her broad range of support to remind the American people that our Founding Fathers gave us the answers to the problems we now face – more than 200 years ago.  They created a model that guaranteed individual liberty and has allowed capitalism to flourish for more than two centuries.  If Palin can lead us back to those roots… even I will follow.

The only people in this great nation that can directly impact our nation’s economic future (positively) are the American people themselves.  They need to be reminded that our federal government was never intended to do even a fraction of what it does by personally granted mandate in the current hour – not blinded to that reality by bumper stickers and campaign slogans.  As I stated earlier, in theory I wholeheartedly support most of the initiatives and actions mentioned by Don in his post.  That said, my initial objections to this question were exacerbated by reading Don’s endorsement of her record and by extension her potential impact on the national economy because while I love “lower taxes,” selling off private jets, and dropping per diem expenses… that just not telling me much.  In fact, thats not holding much water with me at all because our current President promised a middle class tax cut, dropped his fleet of private helicopters, and his wife even put their kids on a diet – and I’m thinking that’s not working out for me too well.   Talking points are great folks, but I’m not buying stock in Palin Corp, and I’m not wagering the economic future of the great nation on the hope that she means what she says and an anecdote from a local citizen telling me she could make this nation more of a “community.”

The body of evidence is simply too small folks, and that is why without further explanation from Governor Palin, I cannot allow myself to drink the Kool-Aid and believe she has any role to play greater than what is already behind us.  Personally, I believe she is the fine conservative she says she is.  I make that statement purely on faith and accordingly it has little merit, but I do believe she means what she says.  I simplyfail to see how she is in any way, shape, form, or fashion capable of putting to work and bring to fruition any of what she allegedly believes in.  I think far too many have christened her the chosen one without even asking the question – does she want it even if she’s capable of doing it?  I think Palin is content playing political pundit; and as long as that is where she remains, I will support her, listen to her, pay money to hear her speak… but the second she becomes something else or something more… I’m going to need some answers.

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Make sure to check out Makes My Brain Itch, Classic Liberal, That’s Right, Fishersville Mike, and Mind Numbed Robot for commentary and the inevitable criticism of my position on Gov Palin…

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Don’s Response is up… Check it out here.

Round Two of the Conservative Blogger Debate focusing on the Global War on Terror.  Topic dejure is “PREEMPTION” folks… So this should be a good one.

The First Remarks from The Classic Liberal….

Here’s Russ at That’s Right’s Response….

The Classic Liberal offered this Rebuttal…

Check out Makes My Brain Itch, The Wy Blog, Washington Rebel, Motor City Times,  Theo Spark, and Present Discontent for more commentary on Round Two of the debate.

Cartoon Image –  Gus Lionisky via YourDemocracy.net