Address to TMTP - Small Group Program

The question we hear frequently these days is “What’s next for the Tea Party Movement?” A strange question for a phenomenon that did not even exist a scant year ago, but a question that we need to address in election year 2010. Let me preface my answer to this question with two quotes by Jefferson.

"(When) corruption... has prevailed in those offices (of) government and (has) so familiarized itself as that men otherwise honest could look on it without horror... (then we must) be alive to the suppression of their odious practice and ...bring punishment and brand with eternal disgrace every man guilty of it, whatever his station." Thomas Jefferson to W.C.C. Claiborne, 1804.

I suggest that most of us would believe that we have indeed come to a point in our history when Jefferson’s words are a clear statement of what we as patriots and citizens of this great nation must be prepared to do. We have seen a corruption of our constitution, blatant disregard for the will of the American people and undisciplined spending by our elected officials that will bankrupt our country, burden our children and grandchildren, lead to the weakening of America’s prestige on the global stage and ultimately contribute to the erosion of our liberties.

The second quote that pertains to my remarks is simple, straightforward and clearly indicative of the past attitude of the American electorate:

"Lethargy (is) the forerunner of death to the public liberty." Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 1787.

I am quite certain that all of you have taken this to heart or you would not have become educated, active and committed to the salvation of our republic, and you would not be here tonight.

The American people, especially those of us who espouse the conservative principles of personal responsibility, individual liberty, limited government and free markets are a patient people, busy contributing to society and to the economy, raising our families, paying our taxes and steering clear of the political arena, but through the recent actions of a president, his administration and a complicit congress, we now find ourselves pushed beyond the breaking point and our wrath, directed at our elected officials, for their arrogant rape of our economy, culture, tradition and our very way of life should be all consuming and unquenchable.

For anyone who thought that their vote didn’t matter, that their voice would not be heard, we need only look at the elections in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts, and at the fiasco that the Health Care Reform legislation, which was to have been passed months ago, has become. It was not moderate democrats, it was not republicans and it was not independents who stemmed the tide of this liberal agenda. It was the voice of the people, as raised through the grassroots movement of the Tea Parties that has proven to be the only safeguard against this administration’s bankrupt agenda.

So back to the question, “What’s next?” A short while ago Rich Luzzi raised the idea of “Small Group Tea Parties.” Over the course of the last few weeks I have been asked to put this program together and to run with it. If you consider the original Tea Party movement a Grassroots activity, then picture these small groups as a reseeding or fertilizing of the initial program.

We’re at a point where this year’s elections may well be the most significant in our nation’s history. We can, with some effort and perseverance, directly influence the primaries, to assure conservative minded candidates, and the general election, when the entire House and one third of the Senate will be up for election.

Now, let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of this initiative. How will this work? We’re looking for some of you who are here tonight to step up, move a little bit out of your comfort zone, and take a more prominent role in educating your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and acquaintances to what is happening in the country, and what we can do as citizens.

We want to keep this real simple – just a few friends gathering to discuss important issues facing the nation. We ask that you consider hosting a small group in your home – maybe 4-5 people who are like minded and who you know, and are comfortable talking to – people who understand the problems, others who are undecided or uneducated, and still others who think “My voice doesn’t count” - we’re not interested in trying to convert die hard liberal ideologues.

I, and other members of TMTP, will assist you, we’ll come to the meetings, make some opening remarks, prepare some educational literature for you to use and suggest some topics which may be of interest to the group such as undisciplined spending, destruction of our free market economy, redistribution of wealth, increasing government intervention into our lives, weakening of national security and the erosion of our liberties. After that, we would hope for nothing more than some low key conversation, discussing issues, sharing opinions, maybe suggesting some action such as contacting our elected officials, researching candidates for the primaries and motivating others to become active in the upcoming elections – basically picking up more conservative votes, one person at a time.

We would hope that you would continue to meet on a schedule that suits you and your group; each time inviting more members as the sphere of influence expands – eventually breaking your group into multiple groups with multiple hosts, in effect reseeding the bald spots in the grassroots lawn that is the Tea Parties.

We would also hope that your group would consider coming to TMTP meetings – there is a great synergy in being surrounded by a hundred or so other regular guys and gals who feel the same as you do about the condition of the country, and also attending TMTP rallies with thousands of other patriots.

Now, let’s get real here – if you’re here, you’re interested and concerned for your country. Don’t leave this to the next guy – take a chance – consider it your civic duty. If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable about this, and that’s perfectly natural, let me ask you this: If you knew someone was going to do something that would make the life of your child or grandchild more difficult – if you knew they were trying to rob your child or grandchild of the American dream that your parents and grandparents protected and nurtured for you, is there anything that you would not do to stop that from happening? Well guess what? They are out there right now – your elected officials – those people to whom we have entrusted the stewardship of our constitution, our republic, our liberties, our very way of life, and they are squandering the inheritance of your children and grandchildren.

I have a signup sheet right here, and after this meeting I will remain here to answer your questions. I will arrange to meet with all of you who step up, and I will try to make this as simple and as non-threatening as possible, but remember, this is your country and you are the last hope of saving everything that you hold dear. If you do nothing you can’t complain. If you try, if you do everything that you can, then no matter what the outcome, you will be able to look future generations in the eye and say “Damn it, I tried! I did everything I could possibly do.”

The stakes here are extremely high. We have all been blessed to be here, in this great country, with all of our God-given rights and liberties guaranteed by a sacred document penned by our Founding Fathers – brilliant men – brave men – patriots and activists who put everything on the line for an idea that would become America. Generations before us have stepped forward to safeguard these rights, both for us here at home, and for strangers across the globe. Now it’s our time to act – to give just a little bit of our time and step a little bit out of our comfort zone. The choice here is simple. If not you, then who? So, please, pick up the gauntlet and stand up and be counted. We have been given our republic – now let’s prove that we can keep it. Thank you for your time.

Nico

Representative government, my ass........

On Wednesday evening we all witnessed an historic event heretofore unseen by man or God. The Great Barack Obama stood in his all royal splendor in the House Chamber, before Congress, the Justices of the Supreme Court, assorted cabinet members, Czars, myriad minions, bureaucrats, political hacks and millions of Americans watching via TV, and proclaimed himself King and Savior, Ruler by Divine Providence.

As he enumerated his multiple accomplishments, his enlightened governance, his messianic salvation of a world previously blighted by the combined evils of conservatism and capitalism, all of history waned in his shadow. Pharaoh, Caesar, the Sun King, Jefferson, Lincoln, Churchill, and Christ rising from the tomb all paled in the glow of glory in which the Great Obama cloaked himself as he delivered the State of the Union Address.

As the politically bankrupt liberal establishment, the co-opted main stream media, and the throngs of unproductive leeches of society, their hands extended for entitlements paid for by the sweat of our brows, drooled in orgasmic rapture at the lies and fables being spun by the charismatic charlatan masquerading as the leader of the free world, let us examine the wake of destruction that has been left as a result of his mission to transform America into a socialist state by translating his remarks into reality:

“My fellow Americans, let me preface what I am about to say by reminding you that before I even entered the door of the White House the previous administration had left this country on the verge of collapse, straddled with two wars, an economic meltdown and diminished standing on the global stage, so don’t even think about blaming me for the condition the country is in.”

“For too long America has burdened under the oppression of an outdated Constitution, foisted its arrogance and hegemony on an impoverished world, and witnessed a disparity of wealth perpetrated by our capitalistic free market economy. Let me assure you, those days are over.”

“Under my guidance, my administration has enacted a series of actions to change the course of America, so let me assure you, the worst has passed, and we will now move ahead with our agenda which is designed to gut our economy, transfer wealth, bankrupt both this generation and those of our children and grandchildren, and dismantle private industry.”

“On the domestic economic front, we have declared all-out war on free market capitalism. We have, in the span of one year, managed to replace private enterprise with government bureaucracies in the banking, automotive and investment segments of our economy. On the automotive front we have managed to suspend contract law and strong arm investors so that your government now has control of GM and Chrysler, and has rewarded the automotive unions for their support of our administration with sweetheart deals and a controlling interest in the future of these companies. Our bureaucrats, with no background in the automotive industry, no successful business acumen, and not a trace of entrepreneurial savvy will now determine the direction of the American auto industry. We will impose our environmental standards, without benefit of proof or economic sustainability, on the types of cars that will compete on the global stage.”

“With regard to the banking and finance industries, we will now appoint czars, with no constitutional authority, to decide to whom loans should or should not be granted, and to determine appropriate salaries, bonuses and other compensation packages with an eye toward equality of results with no regard for abilities, success or effort. Of course this will undermine the ability of these organizations to hire and hold the most successful candidates in their respective positions, but it will provide those who cannot successfully compete a feeling of self worth and accomplishment. This exercise in salary and bonus manipulation and control will, of course, in due time trickle down to all industries and all positions until the federal government has full authority to regulate pay scales, incentives and quotas with regard to all employment and careers. The goal of socialist equality cannot be achieved without this vital facet of government control.”

“As you are aware, the single most important issue facing us today is the creation of jobs. To that end I will be implementing initiatives focused on achieving that goal. We will be taking the payback of $30 billion of TARP funds from the banks, including interest, which was to be returned to the treasury, and investing it in community banks, which will allow us to further control the banking industry, and dictate distribution of loans toward the creation of green jobs. Along with the Cap & Trade legislation which I hope soon becomes law, we can guarantee the erosion of what manufacturing and industry still exists in America and reward the environmental lobby for its support. Of course this will all be contingent upon Clean Energy & Climate legislation, which will further hamstring America’s ability to compete economically in the global market.”

“On the scientific development front I have decided to change to focus of NASA. Enough with this space exploration. Sure, we may have made some advancement in medicine and science but there are greater issues to be faced. We will cease implementation of all future space initiatives and devote NASA’s immense potential toward green initiatives. This will allow us to save the planet, appease environmentalists, increase my prestige in the global community and allow America to feel good about itself once more. Sure, the time will come when China has superiority in space and the ability to castrate our defenses by immobilizing our aging defense and communications satellites, but we will have tiny solar powered cars, less carbon emissions and a unique bond with Mother Earth.”

“In addition, as we move toward an initiative of investing in skills and education, we will offer incentives to college graduates who pursue careers in government over those who choose the private market, thus bloating government bureaucracies, while at the same time depleting economic recovery which is solely dependent on private industry.”

“I want you to remember one thing as we move forward; I am doing all this for you. It is the banks, the insurance industry, the fat cats of Wall Street, and other wealthy Americans who are your enemies. Rest assured, I will work diligently to see that their days of success are numbered and that we move toward a more egalitarian society where every man is equal, every man shares the fruits of everyone’s labor and we all suffer equally.”

“Now let me talk about restoring America’s trust in Washington. I have demanded accountability throughout my administration (with the exception of my cabinet appointees, czars and advisors, of course), and have promised transparency in everything we do (we try, but it’s not always possible to achieve). I am disappointed, however in the recent Supreme Court ruling which will allow corporations to spend unlimited funds to endorse specific candidates, and even allow foreign entities to affect our elections (hey, even if that’s not entirely correct, you get my point). This is unconscionable since this will dilute the impact of unions to control elections and the Court should be ashamed of its actions. And, you, Justice Alito, what’s your problem? Don’t you roll your eyes at me. Do you know who I am?”

“I know many of you are concerned about our security and the alleged threat that exists from the Muslim community. Rest assured, they know me, they know I am one of them, and the situation is under control. We will not waste precious time tonight discussing the unrelated incidents at Fort Hood, the Christmas underwear bomber, or the supposed increase of terrorist activity. We are showing the world that we are a fair and compassionate nation, unlike the previous administration. I have demonstrated that we will treat everyone fairly, even those suspected as having ill intentions toward America. My Attorney General has assured me that all suspects will be mirandized, afforded attorneys, and brought to America to stand trial by a jury of their peers. All interrogations will be reviewed by the justice department, and all attempts at enhanced interrogation will be dealt with in the harshest terms possible. As far as our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, the rules of engagement will stipulate that we treat our enemies fairly and that no action will be taken which might result in death or injury to civilians, even if the enemy tactics include hiding behind civilians. My advice to our troops – don’t be so anxious to shoot - be careful, we don’t need the bad PR when you injure or kill civilians.”

“Finally, let me address Health Care Reform. I know we have suffered some setbacks, and honestly, I just don’t get it. I have explained this to the American people countless times and you still do not realize that I know what is best for you and for this country. Let’s get on board, people – I have a legacy to worry about. And what about congress? You Democrats, you have the largest majority in years and you’ve frittered away the chance of a lifetime. And you Republicans, get out of my way.”

“Let me make something perfectly clear to you all. I don’t quit! That means I don’t care about you Tea Party extremists and I don’t care about the so-called voice of the people – what do you know about governing? I will get this Health Care Reform passed one way or another. Understand that we know what you really want, what you really need. We will tell you who gets treated and how. We will tell you what you will pay and when. We will drive private health care out of business, we will let doctors know what they will practice, what they will earn, and who they will cure and who they will let die. We will take from the rich, and when that runs out we will take from the rest of you, but we will impose our will on the American people.”

“So let me close by saying that the State of the Union is a subjective thing. If you believe that we are in dire straits, then you only have Bush and Cheney to blame. If, on the other hand you are enlightened enough to understand that I am your savior, your Lord Protector, then you can see that the State of the Union is changing and the future holds nothing but promise. Once again, I will not quit. Representative government, my ass – I am Barack Obama!”

And thus ends a unique evening in American political folly. A man uniquely gifted with rhetorical skills, yet just as uniquely bereft of all vestiges of statesmanship, integrity or leadership abilities. A man so completely besotten with himself and his fantasies of greatness that he perceives all who question him as enemies to be eliminated. A man so completely out of touch with reality that he now spins his lies blatantly and unashamed to an audience who more and more realize, “the King has no clothes.”

This is the devastation that elections, determined by an uneducated, self-interested, historically challenged electorate, can unleash on a great nation. Let your voices continue to cry out against this abomination, let God preserve America through the balance of this administration’s term, and let us never forget this lesson as we move forward.

Be vigilant, be educated, and be completely involved in the State of Our Union.

Let us answer Mr. Franklin’s query: “… yes, sir, this is our republic, and damn it, we intend to keep it.”

Nico

Snowshoes for Satan

For those of you who have just awakened from a coma and are now trying to catch up on current events, lets start with a couple of earth shaking developments that have occurred over the last week.

On January 12th a seismic shift in the earth’s plates caused the island nation of Haiti to suffer a devastating earthquake, plunging the impoverished nation into a state of chaos and despair. As usual, the American people led the rest of the world in response to this disaster by implementing immediate rescue and assistance, both in the form of supplies and manpower, with the American military providing the yeoman’s work in this humanitarian relief effort.

Last night, in the so-called “People’s Republic of Massachusetts,” a seismic shift in the political landscape sent the Obama administration and the Democrat party into a state of chaos and confusion as relatively unknown state senator Scott Brown (R) defeated Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley (D). The defeat of a democrat, in what is considered the “bluest” of states, for the senate seat long held by the “Lion of the Senate,” Ted Kennedy, defied conventional wisdom and raised the specter of a bloodbath for democrats in the upcoming November elections.

Coakley, not more than a month ago was leisurely coasting to victory with a twenty point lead over her truck-driving, regular guy, conservative opponent. What went wrong? How could a 25+ point shift in popularity occur so quickly in a state that Obama won with an overwhelming majority?

The answer lies in the arrogance and overreaching liberal agenda being foisted on the American people by the Obama administration, with the complicity of a democratically controlled congress intent on passing damaging legislation despite the demonstrative opposition of their constituents. The American people, as demonstrated by the independent minded voters of the Bay State, have revolted against the blatant lack of representation, the condescending attitude of their elected officials, and the constant erosion of their liberties by a government that has grown far too big, self centered, and controlling.

The Patriots of the Revolutionary War would be proud of their fellow statesmen who last night stood up and decided the time to fight had come. Last night they went to the ballot box and voted “No” to late night, closed door secretive votes, “No” to blatant bribery in Louisiana and Nebraska, “No” to special interest sweetheart deals exempting unions and other Obama patsies from the perils of bad legislation, all at the expense of the American taxpayers, and “No” to the undisciplined spending that will bankrupt our country and leave future generations shouldering the burden of debt.

Lest Republicans think that this election means they will have a cake walk come this November, they would be wise to study the campaign of Massachusetts’ new senator. Brown enumerated a few simple issues which resonated with the voters in Massachusetts, and clearly echo the mood of the vast majority of Americans who want government out of their way economically and socially, concentrating instead on providing real security and defense of our nation.

Senator-elect Brown reiterated his positions in his acceptance speech:

No more undisciplined spending, bailouts, and redistribution of wealth.
No massive government takeover of health care.
The constitution does not provide rights for terrorists or enemy combatants.
Taxpayer money should be spent on weapons to kill our enemies, not on lawyers to defend them.
Return to free market enterprise and individual responsibility
Strong military for defense.

These are the principles Americans want, and any candidate, democrat or republican, who cannot get on board, best not enter the fray. As Scott Brown so eloquently stated when asked about Ted Kennedy’s Seat, “With all due respect, it’s not the Kennedys’ seat, it’s not the democrats’ seat, it’s the people’s seat…”

So, now, after the November elections in Virginia and New Jersey, after the upset in Massachusetts, after Obama’s efforts to prop up democratic candidates have failed time and again, after so-called moderate, Blue Dog Democrats can see that they are about to commit political suicide, will the Obama administration and the democrat congress slow down and reevaluate their far left agenda, or will they redouble their efforts and force through their damaging legislation while they continue to hold power. If recent history is any indication of their upcoming actions, we can expect more arrogance, more determination and more disregard for the will of the people.

We’re living in strange times, and maybe, just maybe, the American people have awakened in time to rescue their country and preserve their liberty. How ironic it would be if the new senator, now sitting in Ted Kennedy’s Seat, gets to cast the deciding vote derailing the Obama Health Care Bill.

Conventional wisdom told us that a republican wouldn’t hold Kennedy’s seat until hell freezes over. Well, better send Snowshoes to Satan because that time has come.

Nico

Resolutions Worth Keeping

As I sit to write, the nascent particles of sand drop through the hourglass of the year 2010. Behind us we leave the year 2009, complete with its trials, tribulations, exasperations and disappointments. The Obama presidency has wreaked havoc across the nation, and it would seem altogether fitting to see the issuance of an amber alert, for the America we knew and loved has surely been kidnapped, and the time for its rescue, if indeed a rescue is possible, is now at hand. The sacred trust which was handed over to the new administration has been violated and raped, and our formative principles, memorialized by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution, have been trampled under the jackboots of a president and congress, intent on transforming a free market, capitalist prosperity machine into a fantasy socialist utopia, dumbed down to the least common denominator.

Lest I ruin your day with such talk, take heart, for as you read this WE ARE NOW IN AN ELECTION YEAR.

On Tuesday, November 2, in the year of Our Lord 2010, the patriots of America are poised to take back our country. The entire House and one third of the Senate will be up for election along with numerous state and local positions. We cannot wait until November to act. All of our time, our treasure and our efforts must begin now. Let’s take a moment right now to jot down some resolutions that are far more important than losing weight, exercising, or the countless other things we start off doing every new year and soon lose interest in. We are talking about our country, our way of life and our very liberty, for we have all seen the erosion of freedom under the constant onslaught of liberal legislation, presidential decrees and unconstitutional czarist interference. Here we go:

Be it resolved that we will stay completely informed as to what is happening in Washington, in our states and in our communities.

Be it resolved that we will immediately put the phone numbers of our senators, our congressmen, and other elected officials on speed dial on our home and cell phones, and that we will use them soon and often to voice our opinions. We have let the Left control the agenda for far too long.

Be it resolved that we will immediately take a box of envelopes, address them to our senators, our congressmen and other elected officials and have them ready to be mailed throughout the year whenever we need to let them know how we feel.

Be it resolved that we will engage our friends, family, co-workers and others in conversation and debate over the relative merits and pitfalls of various issues that are being debated by congress. Remember we can only do this effectively if we remain informed.

Be it resolved that each one us will persuade one other person to see the values of conservative ideas and recognize the moral bankruptcy of the liberal agenda.

Be it resolved that we will research all the candidates, not on their talking points, stump speeches or spin, but rather on their actions and record.

Be it resolved that we will search out, find and support candidates for all positions who have proven a commitment to the conservative principles of free markets, personal responsibility, limited government, fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, secure borders and military strength.

Be it resolved that we will support each other’s actions towards a common goal without bickering, infighting, jealousy or animosity, which can only serve to fracture the bond we share as patriots.

Be it resolved that we will make the rescue of our great nation our first and foremost obligation for this year and that we will never allow ourselves to be lulled into ambivalence again, for the stakes are far too high.

Be it further resolved that………. (you all get the point – keep jotting down ideas, share them which each other, act on them and don’t ever falter in your commitment and resolve.)

The holiday season is over. It is again time to preserve for our children and grandchildren the wonderful reality that is America, which our parents, grandparents, and generations of Americans have passed on to us.

I wish you all every happiness and blessing that our Creator can bestow upon you. Happy New Year! This is an Election Year – this is Our Election Year!

Nico

They Just Don't get It

December 22, 1984, scant days before Christmas, in a city ravaged by crime, an event was about to take place that would steal the headlines and sensationalize the plight of a citizenry who could no longer look to their government to protect them.

Four young hoodlums, all with criminal records and fourteen bench warrants among them, were about to accost an innocent victim on New York City’s Seventh Avenue Number 2 subway train. The victim had previously suffered an assault and attempted robbery and had lost all hope of police protection in the pre-Giuliani outlaw haven that was New York City. What the toughs hadn’t bargained for was an armed victim intent on taking matters into his own hands. They weren’t ready when Bernie Goetz pulled out a Smith and Wesson and shot all four, wounding three and crippling the fourth.

The “Subway Vigilante” became the talk of the town. To many he became an instant hero, turning the tables on his would-be attackers. To Manhattan DA Robert Morgenthau, he became a criminal, and while the Grand Jury refused to indict Goetz on charges of attempted murder and assault, he was convicted of gun possession and in a later civil suit was bankrupted by a multi-million dollar suit against him by one of his attackers.

Almost 25 years later to the day, an Islamist Extremist, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, attempted to murder almost 300 innocent civilians over US territory on the Christian Holy day of Christmas. We find out that Abdulmutallab boarded the flight from Amsterdam, the Netherlands (a country which has for all practical purposes surrendered its sovereignty to an influx of Muslim immigrants) to Detroit, without luggage, using a one way ticket, purchased with cash. We later learn that his own father had alerted US State Department officials that his son had become radicalized and posed a threat, and while this put him on a potential terrorist sympathizer list, it did not place him on a “no-fly” list.

Having boarded the plane with powdered explosives stuffed into his underwear, Abdulmutallab, under instructions from his handlers in Yemen, later believed to be former Gitmo detainees who were released for “rehabilitation,” waited until the flight was over US territory before attempting to detonate the explosives. Only through blind luck or incompetence, the explosives failed to detonate, and the actions of a few brave passengers who subdued the would-be terrorist, saved the lives of all those aboard the plane.

The reactions of President Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano only serve to reinforce the notion that our government is failing miserably in its prime directive to provide for the safety and security of its citizens. Napolitano’s initial remarks were pure spin as she stated that everything worked “like clockwork” – after the passengers saved the day. The bomb did not explode and the terrorist was apprehended. “The traveling public is very, very safe.”

So you’re telling me Madame Secretary, that the system that harasses old women, forces us to remove our shoes, endure long lines, turn over our nail clippers, hair gel and babies' milk is designed to allow a reported terror threat, buying a one-way ticket with cash, arriving sans luggage but with explosives up his ass, to just prance on a plane and attempt to detonate a bomb because why???? You knew the detonator wouldn't work? You knew the passengers would do what you failed to do? How exactly is this working like clockwork?

Needless to say, the outcry over her ridiculous remarks resulted in a retraction and an admission that the system failed miserably. Still Napolitano will not consider profiling - we cannot offend the sensibilities of those who have vowed to murder us. This is the same Napolitano who earlier this year had absolutely no qualms about profiling Pro-Life supporters, anti-tax groups, Second Amendment advocates, military veterans and those who would speak against Obama-dictated agendas as being terrorist watch candidates.

President Obama, likewise, displayed no leadership characteristics in his initial response. Taking time out from his Hawaii golf vacation on Monday, he assured the public that they were safe, the “suspect is in custody and being charged.” As in the past, to the president’s delicate senses, this is a criminal act, not a jihadist war of terror being perpetrated on the American public. Now, as is his MO, two days later, realizing that his initial response was so much warm spit, he has taken a more aggressive approach, demanding answers, looking for scapegoats, and seeking to assign blame.

But wait, Mr. Obama, why have all the components in your system broken down? Homeland Security reacted poorly, the State Department downplayed direct warnings, and you seek to prosecute a criminal. Suppose, just for a minute, that things went differently? Suppose profiling was being used? Suppose Abdulmutalab was detained? Suppose he was singled out by security? Is it that hard to imagine, given your past failure to recognize this as a war, and your Attorney General’s preoccupation with the rights of terrorists over the safety of American citizens, that someone would have been called on the carpet, reprimanded, or arrested by your minions for such a serious breach of political correctness? I think not. You set the tone. You establish the parameters. You define the rules of engagement. As they say, sir, “A fish rots from the head down.” Unfortunately, the people are paying the price for your lack of effective leadership and your dyslexic understanding of history.

The sad part is, this near tragedy comes on the heels of the Fort Hood terrorist attack (yes, that’s what it was.) Tragically, the viper fangs of diversity and political correctness did not result in a near tragedy at Fort Hood, but in the absolutely unnecessary and totally preventable deaths of 13 brave men and women going about their lives in the one environment in which they should have felt completely secure.

Again, the evidence that Major Nidal Hasan was a radical jihadist, intent on killing Americans, was there for anyone to see. The FBI was aware of his past, the military brass noted and ignored it, and in the end lives were lost. I suggest that those in the chain of command who let Hasan advance, and who turned a blind eye to the clear and present danger that he represented to those under their command, were not just negligent in their duties, but were in fact criminally complicit in the murders. As I noted above, you set the tone, you establish the parameters, and you shoulder the blame.

As Ralph Peters states in his column today, the refusal of Obama, his cadre of lackeys, and the politically correct Left, to admit that we are in a global war against Islamist terrorists, will doom us to continue to suffer loss and devastation from an enemy with the clear goal of killing the infidels and destroying Western civilization. As Peters writes, “With our lies, self-deception and self-flagellation, we’re terror’s little helpers.”

Our government has a duty to proactively protect its citizens. Proactively – not reactively. Long lines at airports and screenings - watching the infirm and elderly being frisked and delayed to avoid the appearance of profiling - removing our shoes - surrendering pocket knives and liquids – being told when we can and can’t use the bathroom – being forced to sit with our hands on our laps – all reactive nonsense. What next, removing our underwear and submitting to routine cavity searches? Much of this could be avoided with a common sense approach devoid of the crippling effect of political correctness.

The American people are a patient people, slow to anger and forgiving. There comes a time, though, when the breaking point is breached, and when it is, the wrath of the people will be overwhelming and unquenchable. Given the abuse the citizens of this country are receiving from their own representatives in every aspect of their lives, their tolerance for a lack of security is that much thinner.

There will come a time, and it may be very soon, when the people react viscerally out of instinct. Like the animal backed into a corner, like the mother bear sensing danger to her cub, like Bernie Goetz fearing for his life, the people will react. If someone looks like a terrorist on a plane and acts oddly, someone will react. Call it vigilantism, or call it a basic instinct for survival, people will react. Will there be mistakes, innocents accused, threatened and dealt with? Surely. Then the dreaded specter of profiling will have seemed like a reasonable alternative – but it will be too late. And the same government that failed to protect its population will be faced with the prospect of arresting and prosecuting those whom it has failed.

They just don’t get it, do they?

Nico

OK, Let's All Exhale...

Yes, as hoped for, the great states of New Jersey and Virginia have become today's Lexington and Concord. The electorate has spoken and the message is clear, "We want our country back and damned be anyone who stands in our way." A tidal wave of conservative backlash in Virginia and the resolve and determination of the voters in New Jersey have demonstrated that the grassroots movement begun many months ago is for real, and it's here for the duration of this fight.

As this Election Day draws to a close a few things seem self evident. The president's coattails, previously so sought after and debonair, now appear to be worn and tattered. Multiple presidential visits to bolster a floundering incumbent Governor Jon Corzine, have proved to be nothing more than a millstone around his neck, drowning him in the voters’ discontent with the state of affairs in New Jersey and disdain for the policies emanating out of DC.

Virginians, fully cognizant of, and equally opposed to, the Obama administration's agenda, have proudly repainted their state red.

To those congressmen and senators who have been prodded, threatened and cajoled into supporting the administration's legislative assault on our way of life, it may now appear that their own political futures are in jeopardy. They may not be so willing to throw themselves on the sword for a president's agenda that is at odds with their constituents, only to face the voters’ wrath in 2010.

As Congress prepares to bring the Health Care Reform legislation to a vote, the crisp arrogance in the air may now be tempered with the first wisps of doubt. Blue Dogs, moderates and spineless Republicans may think twice before voting for this abomination. Radical liberals, orgasmic over the dream of passing this socialist legislation, just might have to hold off the vote knowing they don't have the numbers to ram it home.

OK, let's all exhale and get ready for the next fight. The first blows to this legislative fiasco were the protests, Tea Parties and Town Hall meetings that stopped a vote before Congress recessed. The votes cast today were an unforeseen uppercut to the jaw, and if we can follow through with the protests scheduled for later this week, we just might put the brute down for the count.

We all know this is a long war and we have just won a decisive battle. It would be wise to keep our opponent on the ropes, or better yet, down on the mat. That can only be accomplished if we keep the pressure on, stay on the offensive, and start picking off the enemy one by one. We were all asleep at the wheel for way too long, but now that we're awake, let's give 'em hell and take back what is rightfully ours.

Nico

Address to Morristown Tea Party - October 31, 2009

Parts of the following post are taken from previous essays.

Morristown Tea Party – October 31, 2009

It wasn’t so very long ago that I would have laughed at the notion that I would wind up here at this podium, on this Historic Green, speaking to so many fellow patriots on this final weekend before election day.

I am not a politician looking to sway your opinion or garner your support. I am not a celebrity, a talk show host nor a political pundit. I have never spoken at a political rally in my life. I am, just like most of you, that regular guy who gets up every morning to go to work, who pays his taxes, who enjoys sports, a glass of wine and a good cigar, and who derives most of life’s pleasures in the company of family and friends.

I’m nobody special, and yet, being a citizen of this great nation, I am blessed beyond the wildest dreams of so many others - and like all of you here, I also understand that with those blessings comes an obligation to be informed as to what is happening in our country, and to remain vigilant against any foe, both foreign and domestic, who would infringe upon our sacred liberties.

Last year, as election day approached, I was very apprehensive about how the American electorate would react to the empty promises of Hope & Change. Once the results were in, I feared for the direction the new administration would take the country, but in my most terrible nightmares I could not envision the breadth and depth of change and the speed at which my beloved America would be transformed. Think about it….

One day we stand as a free market, entrepreneurial prosperity machine. Businesses rise, prosper, and expand. Occasionally poor decisions cause failures, businesses collapse, and some new idea, some new phoenix, rises from the ashes with a better plan, a more efficient model, and the internal fortitude to take a gamble, to risk it all, for the endless opportunities that are there for the taking.

One day we elect statesmen who take moral stands, who make us proud, who are honored to serve their nation, yet humbled by their awesome responsibilities. We stare down oppression on the global stage, defeat our enemies while sacrificing our sacred treasure, and then rebuild the ravages left behind out of our boundless prosperity.

One day we are a nation of self reliant individuals, making our own way, content that the sweat of our brow brings sustenance to our families, and allows us to provide some relief for the unfortunate through that charitable virtue that is part of America.

But One day we awaken and realize that the America we knew and loved has been turned asunder, raped and pillaged, not by an external enemy, but from within, by those we have entrusted with the stewardship of our republic.

The beefy paw of government now intrudes throughout our society, promising precise, surgical corrections of our economy, our social structure, our core being as Americans, while in reality wielding a mighty club, and striking out with abandon.

No longer are market forces allowed to make corrections, nor risk takers to find reward or failure. In lieu of statesmen, we find headlines reeking with news of corruption, scandal and infidelity. Sham legislation awards benefactors, hacks, and special interest groups, in a shameless redistribution of wealth, taken from the producers and doers via an endless mill of taxation.

Now we find our elected leaders apologizing for America’s deeds and actions, coddling our enemies, and inviting those who would do us harm to probe what they perceive as the soft underbelly of a once mighty beast. Only the presence of the brave men and women of our armed forces keep us safe, but even that great deterrent is subject to the misguided leadership of its commander.

The strong, silent individual, emblematic of America, has been pushed aside by groups demanding entitlements, professing grievances, and fighting for a place to be suckled under an all-encompassing, ever-expanding federal bureaucracy.

Jefferson wrote “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its power in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” I suggest that we are now faced with the reality of those words, and must use the means available to us through our laws and through our vote to correct the damage that is being done to our country.

Now let me ask you a question,
Have you ever wondered, What is the Color of Liberty?

The June 12th election in Iran was supposed to be a well orchestrated show of the peaceful re-election of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, put on for the benefit of a skeptical global audience. All was in order, the outcome predetermined by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, when something went terribly awry.

Supporters of opposition candidate, Mir Hossein Mousavi, in a bold move against an oppressive government regime, staged a massive, deliberate protest, claiming that the election was rigged. Donning green tee-shirts, green arm bands and green paint, the protesters took to the streets, cognizant of the fact that they were now targets of the police and the dreaded Basij. A green wave of protesters, families, throngs of young Iranians and women in black chadors risked their lives to throw off the yoke of tyrannical government and reach for the gold ring of liberty.

The protests were crushed by the government enforcers, but months later demonstrations continue, and having now tasted a bit of free speech and self-determination, a young, restless population, tired of Sharia Law, may be sowing the seeds of revolution once again in Iran.

Flashback – January 2005, Iraq. Despite the media criticism of that unpopular war, despite the nay-saying of Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, and The New York Times, despite the infighting, border disputes, and tribal feuds of its peoples, the desire for liberty brought out the Iraqi people in droves to vote on their collective future.

Sporting blue fingers, Iraqi voters demonstrated on the global stage their hope for a better future - a future rid of a tyrannical dictator, rid of mass executions, rid of rape and torture rooms. Men and women, aware of the threats of violence, vengeance and death, bravely waited on voting lines and triumphantly raised their blue hands in defiance of those who would condemn them to a hijacked, perverted interpretation of Islamic law.

But what of America? What of the nation that spent its sacred treasure to bring the blue fingers of liberty to Iraq, to inspire the green hands of protest in Iran? What color did liberty take in today’s America?

November 4, 2008, almost a year ago to the day – Over 129,000,000 million Americans would cast their vote for president. One party would put forth an eloquent, young, charismatic candidate, savvy of the day’s communication technology, aware of a youthful, energized voting block, and promising handouts, equality of results rather than opportunity, and an all caring, omnipresent government that would tend to every need, reward the underachiever and punish the wealthy. The opposition presented an aging, honorable war hero - a good man who was not quite up to the fight, who marginalized his conservative base in an effort to appeal to his opposition - A man who abandoned his supporters, who had rallied behind him, ready and willing to fight, waiting only for the battle cry that never came.

The results are history. The majority of the electorate cast their votes for handouts and entitlements. They painted their hands white as they surrendered a piece of liberty here and a freedom there, in exchange for a government to which they would become beholden. Some painted their hands yellow, afraid to speak out against a charlatan candidate for fear of incurring the wrath of the politically correct media, while still others did nothing, failing in their civic duty.

These are not the colors of liberty in America. It was the red blood of Americans that wrenched liberty from the British Empire, and it was that same crimson blood of Americans that would later rescue liberty from the clutches of tyranny and totalitarianism across the globe. The colonists voted with red hands in Boston Harbor in 1773 and again at Lexington and Concord in 1775. The Founding Fathers knew they were voting with red hands when they put those hands to paper in 1776, culminating with John Hancock’s declarative flourish. The red hands of Americans were raised in Bellau Wood, Iwo Jima, Normandy, Korea, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Throughout history America has voted for liberty, both at home and abroad, with the blood of its sons and daughters.

So what now? In a country of law and order we vote not with arms, but with the power of the word. We do not shed blood, but neither do we meekly stand by and surrender our Republic and our liberty without a fight. Our weapons are our pens, our phones and the awesome power of the internet. The enemy is anyone who would seek to diminish our freedom, confiscate our treasure and intrude on our lives via a burdensome, meddling government that has forsaken the values, traditions, and the constitution, of our country. We have a civic duty to vote – to vote with the red hand of America.

If we do nothing, we cannot complain when our taxes are raised to pay for undisciplined spending and bailouts. We cannot complain when private enterprise is replaced with more government bureaucracies. We cannot complain when our inheritance to our children is confiscatory taxes, a crippling national debt, diminished global influence and vulnerability to the forces of terrorism. We cannot complain when we are forced to wait months for routine medical treatment or when we must watch our parents, grandparents and other beloved family and friends denied treatment because they have reached an age when their “useful viability to society” has been deemed to have run its course - instead seeing them forced to undergo “counseling” by a cost-conscious government employee, who will advise them to consider their “end of life options.”

Now you must be wondering, why I am I up here preaching to the choir? Haven’t we all risen to the occasion? Aren’t we the ones who have been energized into action?

Here we are in the waning days of October, basking in the glow of our efforts to counteract the aggressive assault on our country, on our way of life, and on our Constitution, by an arrogant, condescending president, supported by a radical congress, intent on foisting its socialist agenda on America. Aren’t we proud? Haven’t we finally awakened from our malaise to speak our mind, to shine the light of truth on the bastardization of the founding principles of our nation by those to whom we have entrusted their care?

We have risen up at Tea Parties across the fruited plains, culminating with a massive demonstration of our resolve on September 12 on the very lawn of the Capitol, taking over Washington in the greatest display of conservative emotion ever witnessed in D.C.

We have come out in droves to Town Hall meetings, forcing our elected officials to hear our discontent and shouting down the normal barrage of talking points and outright lies that have been spoon fed to the electorate for decades. We have stopped the initial attempt of the administration to ram through health care legislation before Labor Day that this country neither wants, needs, nor can afford. We have fought the good fight so why shouldn’t we be proud?

Well, wake up America, We Ain’t Done Nothin’ yet! The real moment of truth is yet to come. The long awaited harbinger of things to come is right around the corner. That so called Bellwether event is just three days away.

Up to now, our representatives have been listening, have been watching, and have been measuring our resolve, because in the world of politics the only thing that matters is the vote, and up to now, no one has been thrown out of office, no one has suffered the wrath of the electorate. Congress has moved boldly along, picking up the health care issue and moving steadily forwards. Pelosi is intent on a “public option” and the Left is in her corner. Obama, whose approval rating is starting to once again improve, has continued to show a deaf ear to the voice of the people in almost every regard, from bankrupting domestic policies to malfeasance in foreign affairs. The likes of Charlie Rangel laugh in the face of blatant allegations of abuse and the Czars run rings around constitutional authority.

In three days the good people of New Jersey and Virginia will decide whether or not this raping of America continues unabated, or whether some moderate voices, concerned about their own political future, begin to reign in this mad dash towards Socialism. In three days the Gubernatorial elections in the Garden State and the Old Dominion State will ascertain whether or not the electorate is willing to carry through with its threat, or whether we’re all talk and no action. Rest assured, Congressmen, Senators, Governors, and elected officials right down the line will be paying rapt attention to the outcome of these two elections.

Your vote is a precious gift, and when you enter the voting booth, it should be just you and your conscience. I will not be so bold as to suggest who you should or should not cast your vote for. It is up to you to research the candidates – both their positions and their character – and come to the conclusion of who best will represent your ideas and values. You’ll know the right choice – you’ll feel it in your gut.

It should be obvious that I personally believe the current trends of the new administration have perpetrated more malicious damage to our country in such a brief period of time that the only way to reverse this trend will be the election of candidates who will support the virtues of personal responsibility, individual liberty, limited government and free markets.

A sweep of both elections by candidates who espouse these principles would send a strong message that the silent majority has awakened and has brought its discontent to the ballot box. A sweep by those who march in lockstep with the administration would only embolden the liberal congress, and would in fact emasculate the conservative opposition as nothing but a passing fad, all bark and no bite. A split would be claimed as a victory by both sides and accomplish little.

So what can you do now to bring all our recent efforts to fruition? Here in New Jersey you must get out and vote, and you must energize as many other patriots who want to preserve our way of life, our culture, our tradition, our very liberty, to vote also.

When you leave here today you must send this message to your email list, to your Facebook or Twitter list, to everyone you know and ask them in turn to forward it to their lists with the intent of alerting as many of the voting public in New Jersey and Virginia that the time to act is now. The great states of New Jersey and Virginia can be today’s Lexington and Concord.

The battle to retake America was begun months ago with the first grassroots uprising of those ordinary Americans who love this country. These upcoming elections are the first decisive battles in a long war to which we are all committed. Your efforts as you go forth today will go a long way in completing the first goal we all set out to accomplish many months ago.

My fellow patriots! The first finish line is in sight. March on with passion and resolve, and keep your eye on the prize, for it is no less than our sacred liberty and the America we all love so deeply.

Thank you. God Bless You – and God Bless America.
**************************************