The Good Fight

Fellow Conservatives, Republicans the path before us is not an easy one. We cannot simply focus on electoral victories. Instead we have to commit ourselves to fighting for conservative principles truly conservative principles in schools, coffee shops, literature, radio, and film. Electoral significance will come when we make ourselves culturally relevant again. Take a stand, dispel the image that all conservatives are crazy with well reasoned and researched arguments. This is the path that lays ahead of us is not an easy one and it cannot be be rushed over. Take this time in the political wilderness to bulk up on why we are conservatives, and more importantly what that means for the American public. In the words of one of the most culturally relevant television shows it is "Game On" for the Republican Party.

The Fallout of CPAC

So CPAC 2009 has come and gone. For conservatives across the nation CPAC was a chance for rebirth, rebranding, and refocusing the conservative movement. Unfortunately in addition to some entertaining speeches, workshops, and events CPAC has generated a plethora of sound bites that the media is capitalizing upon to show "just how crazy conservatives and republicans are." Keith Oberman went so far as to refer to CPAC as the "gift that keeps on giving." What are we thinking? This was a disaster and just what President Obama had been hoping for. As a movement we have fallen yet again into a trap laid by the liberal media and powers that be in Washington. Those who tuned into the speeches on CSPAN and the nightly news saw not a well thought out and reasoned opposition to the radical leftist policies of President Obama but a bunch of crazy old white men hooting and hollering about how they hope the current path of the United States fails. We had our asses handed to us this November on all fronts, and I had hoped that we learned our lesson. To my dismay it appears that the party is still running around like a chicken with its head cut off, leaderless, confused, and without a vision for the future of this nation. Rachel Maddow made a great point on her show this evening: all of the people who spoke at CPAC were unelected (and in many cases defeated politicians) who were rejected by voters in their respective districts. Why are we allowing people who have proved unable to carry the votes necessary to govern set the path of this party? Leaders in Congress such as Eric Cantor and other young energetic legislators need to step forward with a cohesive and well thought out strategy to oppose Barack Obama. If we simply choose to be obstructionist without presenting alternatives then the Republican Party will be relegated to the pages of history instead of leading this incredible nation.

In addition to forming a real strategy to confront the major problems facing the United States we need to cultivate the young talent in this party. Obama was provided political cover until he was ready to emerge as a force in national politics. Bobby Jindal was sent in front of the media firing squad after Obama's speech. In addition to being poorly written, Jindal's response was delivered in an infantile manner and made our party look silly once again. However I guess I should not be terribly surprised because the party has shown few signs of life ever since the election.

It is my sincere hope that this party can regain its footing, stop the infighting, and come up with solutions rather than merely opposing initiatives. So here is my message Michael Steele, Eric Cantor, Boehner, McConnell, Romney, Jindal, Palin, Guliani, Paul, and everyone else I forgot GET IT TOGETHER.

CPAC

Ladies and Gentlemen the event every conservative minded individual in the nation has arrived. CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference is in town from today through Saturday and represents the first chance for the Conservative movement to rebrand itself in light of the sweeping majorities garnered by Democrats in both Houses of Congress, and of course the White House. It is my distinct hope that these three days of speaking events, workshops, and networking will provide the Republican Party with renewed vigor and focus.

Republicans nationwide need to stop petty infighting and return to the principles that our movement if grounded in. Inividual freedom, fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and the importance of free market economics. This committment to party over politics as usual, and to the conservative cause over self interest is required by people at all levels of the party and cannot be successful if even a few put self in front of party and country

Round One in the VA Governor's Race goes to Dem's, McAuliffe

Although the votes are still being recounted due to the close nature of the race it appears the Democrat Sharon Bulova has defeated Republican challenger Pat Herrity in the race for Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.  Bulova won by just over two percent of the vote despite Fairfax being a heavily Democrat area.  The larger story however is the fact that each of the candidates was aided by the Gubernatorial campaigns of their respective parties.  Terry McAuliffe aided Bulova by mobilizing thousands of volunteers to make phone calls.  While Bob McDonnell sent paid campaign workers into Northern Virginia.  The results of Tuesday's election shed light on the fact that McDonnell's campaigns will have to retune its strategy in order to ensure a win in November.  Secondly this election shows that Republicans can win in an area that has trended heavily Democrat in recent years.

Really Ashley Judd?

Just a few short days ago actress Ashely Judd partnered with The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund for a multi-million dollar smear campaign against Alaska Governor and former Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin. The ad, titled "Sarah Palin's Ongoing Slaughter of Wolves" and the subsequent website eyeonpalin.org are ostensilby designed to protest the Alaskan law that allows hunters to kill wolves and bears from aircraft. However any observer with even the smallest degree of common sense can see that these measures are nothing short of an attack on the character of Governor Palin.

Ashley Judd a resident of Los Angeles, California clearly is more informed on the delciate balance of wildlife found in Alaska than lifelong resident and Governor Palin. In reality what Judd and her lackies over at DWAF fail to understand is that in recent years the wolf and bear populations of Alaska have surged causing concern that the Caribou population would be wiped out by the influx of predators in the area. The Governor's policy of allowing hunters to shoot wolves and bears from airborne vehicles is crucial for maintaining the balance in the environment. So a quick message to those Obama supporters in Hollywood who are looking for a means to attack members of the GOP, don't hide behind a supposedly noble cause. Just come out and say that you do not like what a politician stands for.

Secondly, I have a real problem with Wildlife activits singling out hunting via aircraft as especially cruel or as the commerical states "barbaric." Lets be honest here unless that animal is armed as well it is not exactly a fair fight. The tangible difference between this method and the traditional stalk and wait techniques is increased results. It has never been suggested that we are attempting to give the animal (whatever it be) an even chance at killing or injuring a hunter. At best we only want to give the creature a 50% of escaping the encounter. All hunter contains within it a certain degree of barabarism (not a joke at the expense of Robert Bryd I swear) and technology has long been used by hunters to gain the upper hand on animals and kill them more efficiently. Arrows, bullets, scopes, camoflauge, cameras, and improved rifle technology have made it much easier to kill animals and it seems ridiculous to remove the aircraft as a means of needed population control in Alaska.

The Catholic Aspect of the VA Governor's Race and Politics in General

Just fifty years ago a Senator from Massachusetts was treated with extreme suspicion when he pursued the Democratic Party Nomination for President of the United States. John F. Kennedy was called quite a few names for his religious background and the even the Democratic Party was unsure of whether or not to nominate a "Papist" for the nations highest office. Ultimately Kennedy was elected President, shattering the glass ceiling and suspicion to which Roman Catholics were treated.

Today the Vice President of the United States of America is a Roman Catholic, furthermore Catholics make up a larger percentage of elected officials than any other religious denomination. Next year the two major political contests will be the Gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia. In Virgina both Democratic candidates, Terry McAuliffe and Jim Moran, and the Republican nominee Attorney General Bob McDonnell are all practicing Roman Catholics. Further both of the Democrats attended The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC (the school I currently attend). It is incredible to think how far our nation has come racially, ethnically, and religiously. However our work is not done and in the future I believe increased religious diversity will play a prominent role in the political process.

Mitt Romney's campaign for the presidency put the issue of religion in the forefront once more. As a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints Romney was initially put on the defensive on the issue of religion. Romney then delivered a speech titled "Faith in America" on December 6th, 2007 at the Presidential Library of George H.W. Bush. His remarks are listed below:


"Thank you, Mr. President, for your kind introduction.

"It is an honor to be here today. This is an inspiring place because of you and the First Lady and because of the film exhibited across the way in the Presidential library. For those who have not seen it, it shows the President as a young pilot, shot down during the Second World War, being rescued from his life-raft by the crew of an American submarine. It is a moving reminder that when America has faced challenge and peril, Americans rise to the occasion, willing to risk their very lives to defend freedom and preserve our nation. We are in your debt. Thank you, Mr. President.

"Mr. President, your generation rose to the occasion, first to defeat Fascism and then to vanquish the Soviet Union. You left us, your children, a free and strong America. It is why we call yours the greatest generation. It is now my generation's turn. How we respond to today's challenges will define our generation. And it will determine what kind of America we will leave our children, and theirs.

"America faces a new generation of challenges. Radical violent Islam seeks to destroy us. An emerging China endeavors to surpass our economic leadership. And we are troubled at home by government overspending, overuse of foreign oil, and the breakdown of the family.

"Over the last year, we have embarked on a national debate on how best to preserve American leadership. Today, I wish to address a topic which I believe is fundamental to America's greatness: our religious liberty. I will also offer perspectives on how my own faith would inform my Presidency, if I were elected.

"There are some who may feel that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us. If so, they are at odds with the nation's founders, for they, when our nation faced its greatest peril, sought the blessings of the Creator. And further, they discovered the essential connection between the survival of a free land and the protection of religious freedom. In John Adams' words: 'We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion... Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people.'

"Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God. Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone.

"Given our grand tradition of religious tolerance and liberty, some wonder whether there are any questions regarding an aspiring candidate's religion that are appropriate. I believe there are. And I will answer them today.

"Almost 50 years ago another candidate from Massachusetts explained that he was an American running for President, not a Catholic running for President. Like him, I am an American running for President. I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith.

"Let me assure you that no authorities of my church, or of any other church for that matter, will ever exert influence on presidential decisions. Their authority is theirs, within the province of church affairs, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin.

"As Governor, I tried to do the right as best I knew it, serving the law and answering to the Constitution. I did not confuse the particular teachings of my church with the obligations of the office and of the Constitution – and of course, I would not do so as President. I will put no doctrine of any church above the plain duties of the office and the sovereign authority of the law.

"As a young man, Lincoln described what he called America's 'political religion' – the commitment to defend the rule of law and the Constitution. When I place my hand on the Bible and take the oath of office, that oath becomes my highest promise to God. If I am fortunate to become your President, I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest. A President must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States.

"There are some for whom these commitments are not enough. They would prefer it if I would simply distance myself from my religion, say that it is more a tradition than my personal conviction, or disavow one or another of its precepts. That I will not do. I believe in my Mormon faith and I endeavor to live by it. My faith is the faith of my fathers – I will be true to them and to my beliefs.

"Some believe that such a confession of my faith will sink my candidacy. If they are right, so be it. But I think they underestimate the American people. Americans do not respect believers of convenience. Americans tire of those who would jettison their beliefs, even to gain the world.

"There is one fundamental question about which I often am asked. What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance. Religious tolerance would be a shallow principle indeed if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree.

"There are some who would have a presidential candidate describe and explain his church's distinctive doctrines. To do so would enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the Constitution. No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith. For if he becomes President he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths.

"I believe that every faith I have encountered draws its adherents closer to God. And in every faith I have come to know, there are features I wish were in my own: I love the profound ceremony of the Catholic Mass, the approachability of God in the prayers of the Evangelicals, the tenderness of spirit among the Pentecostals, the confident independence of the Lutherans, the ancient traditions of the Jews, unchanged through the ages, and the commitment to frequent prayer of the Muslims. As I travel across the country and see our towns and cities, I am always moved by the many houses of worship with their steeples, all pointing to heaven, reminding us of the source of life's blessings.

"It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions. And where the affairs of our nation are concerned, it's usually a sound rule to focus on the latter – on the great moral principles that urge us all on a common course. Whether it was the cause of abolition, or civil rights, or the right to life itself, no movement of conscience can succeed in America that cannot speak to the convictions of religious people.

"We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion. But in recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning. They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life. It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America – the religion of secularism. They are wrong.

"The founders proscribed the establishment of a state religion, but they did not countenance the elimination of religion from the public square. We are a nation 'Under God' and in God, we do indeed trust.

"We should acknowledge the Creator as did the Founders – in ceremony and word. He should remain on our currency, in our pledge, in the teaching of our history, and during the holiday season, nativity scenes and menorahs should be welcome in our public places. Our greatness would not long endure without judges who respect the foundation of faith upon which our constitution rests. I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from 'the God who gave us liberty.'

"Nor would I separate us from our religious heritage. Perhaps the most important question to ask a person of faith who seeks a political office, is this: does he share these American values: the equality of human kind, the obligation to serve one another, and a steadfast commitment to liberty?

"They are not unique to any one denomination. They belong to the great moral inheritance we hold in common. They are the firm ground on which Americans of different faiths meet and stand as a nation, united.

"We believe that every single human being is a child of God – we are all part of the human family. The conviction of the inherent and inalienable worth of every life is still the most revolutionary political proposition ever advanced. John Adams put it that we are 'thrown into the world all equal and alike.'

"The consequence of our common humanity is our responsibility to one another, to our fellow Americans foremost, but also to every child of God. It is an obligation which is fulfilled by Americans every day, here and across the globe, without regard to creed or race or nationality.

"Americans acknowledge that liberty is a gift of God, not an indulgence of government. No people in the history of the world have sacrificed as much for liberty. The lives of hundreds of thousands of America's sons and daughters were laid down during the last century to preserve freedom, for us and for freedom loving people throughout the world. America took nothing from that Century's terrible wars – no land from Germany or Japan or Korea; no treasure; no oath of fealty. America's resolve in the defense of liberty has been tested time and again. It has not been found wanting, nor must it ever be. America must never falter in holding high the banner of freedom.

"These American values, this great moral heritage, is shared and lived in my religion as it is in yours. I was taught in my home to honor God and love my neighbor. I saw my father march with Martin Luther King. I saw my parents provide compassionate care to others, in personal ways to people nearby, and in just as consequential ways in leading national volunteer movements. I am moved by the Lord's words: 'For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me...'

"My faith is grounded on these truths. You can witness them in Ann and my marriage and in our family. We are a long way from perfect and we have surely stumbled along the way, but our aspirations, our values, are the self-same as those from the other faiths that stand upon this common foundation. And these convictions will indeed inform my presidency.

"Today's generations of Americans have always known religious liberty. Perhaps we forget the long and arduous path our nation's forbearers took to achieve it. They came here from England to seek freedom of religion. But upon finding it for themselves, they at first denied it to others. Because of their diverse beliefs, Ann Hutchinson was exiled from Massachusetts Bay, a banished Roger Williams founded Rhode Island, and two centuries later, Brigham Young set out for the West. Americans were unable to accommodate their commitment to their own faith with an appreciation for the convictions of others to different faiths. In this, they were very much like those of the European nations they had left.

"It was in Philadelphia that our founding fathers defined a revolutionary vision of liberty, grounded on self evident truths about the equality of all, and the inalienable rights with which each is endowed by his Creator.

"We cherish these sacred rights, and secure them in our Constitutional order. Foremost do we protect religious liberty, not as a matter of policy but as a matter of right. There will be no established church, and we are guaranteed the free exercise of our religion.

"I'm not sure that we fully appreciate the profound implications of our tradition of religious liberty. I have visited many of the magnificent cathedrals in Europe. They are so inspired ... so grand ... so empty. Raised up over generations, long ago, so many of the cathedrals now stand as the postcard backdrop to societies just too busy or too 'enlightened' to venture inside and kneel in prayer. The establishment of state religions in Europe did no favor to Europe's churches. And though you will find many people of strong faith there, the churches themselves seem to be withering away.

"Infinitely worse is the other extreme, the creed of conversion by conquest: violent Jihad, murder as martyrdom... killing Christians, Jews, and Muslims with equal indifference. These radical Islamists do their preaching not by reason or example, but in the coercion of minds and the shedding of blood. We face no greater danger today than theocratic tyranny, and the boundless suffering these states and groups could inflict if given the chance.

"The diversity of our cultural expression, and the vibrancy of our religious dialogue, has kept America in the forefront of civilized nations even as others regard religious freedom as something to be destroyed.

"In such a world, we can be deeply thankful that we live in a land where reason and religion are friends and allies in the cause of liberty, joined against the evils and dangers of the day. And you can be certain of this: Any believer in religious freedom, any person who has knelt in prayer to the Almighty, has a friend and ally in me. And so it is for hundreds of millions of our countrymen: we do not insist on a single strain of religion – rather, we welcome our nation's symphony of faith.

"Recall the early days of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, during the fall of 1774. With Boston occupied by British troops, there were rumors of imminent hostilities and fears of an impending war. In this time of peril, someone suggested that they pray. But there were objections. 'They were too divided in religious sentiments', what with Episcopalians and Quakers, Anabaptists and Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Catholics.

"Then Sam Adams rose, and said he would hear a prayer from anyone of piety and good character, as long as they were a patriot.

"And so together they prayed, and together they fought, and together, by the grace of God ... they founded this great nation.

"In that spirit, let us give thanks to the divine 'author of liberty.' And together, let us pray that this land may always be blessed, 'with freedom's holy light.'

"God bless the United States of America."

Bob McDonnell for Governor



I would like to take this opportunity to formally announce my endorsement of current Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell for Governor in 2009


CRNC- Why finding a way to effectively use the College Republican National Committee Must Be a Priority for Steele, RNC

As a politically active college student I understand better than most why college students have been written off in the past as a force for changing the political landscape. The arguments against us were many: we don't vote, we have no interest in the political process, and some went so far as to say that we simply do not care about the future of this nation. Well the election of Barack Obama has shown the young people, specifically college-aged individuals are a crucial component to any winning volunteer ground strategy.

Comparing Senator John McCain's use of young people to that of now President Obama it is no contest as to who was the more powerful motivating force or the more effective manager. Where McCain delegated responsiblity to paid campaign staff, the Obama team gave responsibility to volunteers with no garuntee people would com through for them. This trust between political campaign and the American people truly made each and every volunteer feel as though they were a part of this historic campaign, making good on the campaign slogan "Yes We Can!"

So what lesson can the Republican National Committee take away from 2008? First they can acknowledge the importance of attracting youth to the Republican Party. Without the young people who will go door to door, make thousands of phone calls, and energize the campaign at every event. From October 31st through election day I had the opportunity to participate in a campaign trip to the 11th Congressional District of PA. This typically staunchly Democratic area was named one of the top ten most competitive Congressional races by Politico.com and cited as a race to watch by the Drudge Report. For five days myself, and a group of DC metro area College Republicans (comprised largely of students from The Catholic University of America and the University of Maryland) knocked on doors, made phone calls, went to rallies, talked to constituents, worked the polls, and even protested a speech given by former President Bill Clinton in support of the incumbent we were trying to oust. I don't thing think Northern PA has ever been so electric before, despite the fact the Scranton is known as The Electric City. Our group was on the front page of newspapers holding rallies on busy street corners, we were photographed at the Clinton-Kanjorski Rally protesting (both inside and out), and there are even videos of us on the internet at the concession speech given by our candidate for Congress, Mayor Lou Barletta of Hazelton.

The point is that we made a difference, even if the outcome does not reflect it. We fought hard for something we believed was right and the area took note. College Republican and Young Republican groups exists all across the the country and they too can have an impact like the one we enacted in PA 11. The newly elected leaders of the RNC need to make a concerted effort to coordinate and motivate these groups to see reall change in the electoral face of this nation. I sincerely beleive that "College Republicans Lead the Way" and with better administration over the the College Republican National Committee we can lead this nation back towards the conservative principles upon which it was founded.

A Time for Choosing

Today the Republican Party has taken the first step towards ensuring its continued existence and success in the future.  Michael Steele was elected the first African-American Chairman of the Republican National Committee this afternoon by a 6th ballot of 91-77.  I feel that this was a great move for our party and will give us the opportunity to be competitive.  We cannot simply rest on the fact that we have matched the Democratic Party's diversity.  We must recommit ourselves not only to diversity but to rejuvenating the party by recruiting younger candidates.

I was further encouraged by the fact that Chairman Steele singled out some of the most contested and Democratic regions of the United States as focal points for Republican expansion.  Specifically Steele directed the following comments to the northeast: "get ready to turn it on baby, we are gonna win in the Northeast"

NoStimulus.com

So things have really quieted down in good old Washington, DC since the inauguration craziness. No longer do crowds of millions fill the national mall, fleets of street vendors peddle cheap Obama merchandise to eager tourists, and the sense of post-inauguration euphoria is fading quickly. Reality is setting in for Republicans and all measure of conservatives as we confront the cold truth. This administration is not even close to in line with the ideology we represent. Although we knew this during the campaign season, it was somehow not real until January 20th when Senator Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States.

However with the recent passing of HR 1 by the House of Representatives the gravity of the situation is apparent. I was very encouraged by the stand taken by every Republican and even 11 Democrats who chose to vote in opposition to the 860 million dollar Obama stimulus package. This sign of solidarity as well as strength on the part of the Republican Party is encouraging especially after the pundits predicted a cataclysmic end to the Republican Party after the results came in from the 2008 election. If you would like to support the Congressional Republicans and oppose the stimulus package I reccomend that you visit nostimulus.com and sign the petition developed by Americans for Prosperity.

As a young conservative in Washington,DC and originally from Massachusetts I understand how it feels to be out numbered by people who do not look at things the same way that you do. Being a minority and standing up for what you believe in requires a certain level of tact, in order to not be percieved as the fly in the ointment. The last thing the GOP needs right now is to be villifed as the group merely opposing Obama for the sake of opposing Obama. I am truly interested to see how the Congressional Republicans take on this new role. Especially promising is Eric Cantor, who seems to have taken to this role with renewed vigor. Perhaps I will have to put him on the list of office I would be interested in interning with. Either way true, consistent conservatism with be the key to keeping the conservative movement alive until 2012.