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Brigitte Gabriel Gives a Compelling History of Radical Islam and the Threat We Face in America

It's Thanksgiving. There is much to be thankful for, including our freedom to tell the truth about what we are facing. I was sent this very powerful Heritage Foundation presentation by Brigitte Gabriel, the author of Because They Hate. You may have seen this. If not read on!

It is lengthy, but filled with information every American should hear. Once you start listening you will pay close attention to what is being said.  Put your head in the sand and you may live to regret it. This is very scary and I believe what is stated is very insightful and has implications for what all freedom-loving Americans must face. Watch a short segment on YouTube: 

If you want to see more, check out the whole presentation and the question and answer session here:
 

http://multimedia.heritage.org/content/wm/Lehrman-092706a.wvx
 
Let me know what you think!
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Your American Dream Isn't An Entitlement--It Must Be Earned

Both parties will say they support the American Dream, but Republicans want to ensure equal opportunity. Democrats want to promote more equal results!

The Democrats want  equal results for all whether they have earned it or not! They feel all Americans are entitled to healthcare, a living wage, affordable mortgages, and jobs that won’t go away because of foreign competition. To ensure equal outcomes, Democrats promise to enforce “unequal” tax obligations on “high-income” citizens.

Democrats promote more government solutions—They suggest freezing mortgage rates for those facing foreclosure, They want employers and “rich” taxpayers to pay for universal health insurance. They'd make pharmaceuticals provide drugs at a cost Americans want to pay and keep raising the minimum wage until citizens are paid what they "think" they’re worth. And, of course, they'd hire more government employees to administer their programs, make more regulations and ensure compliance!

Democrats never worry about employers or high-income Americans. After all, they can always afford a little sacrifice for the civic good!

In this age of anti-rich politics, Ayn Rand’s book, "Atlas Shrugged," is worth reading again. The story describes a time of recession where the government turns increasingly socialist. Independent business owners become the target of confiscation and interference. In an effort to save the country, capitalists strike—factories, farms and stores shut down. Out of the riots and economic collapse and then a better, freer society emerges.

Rand’s novel showed how badly a nation needs its innovators, its risk-takers and capitalists. Punishing the strong and successful doesn’t help the weak; poor people don’t hire anyone!

The Republican Party has always affirmed that the strength of America comes from its citizens, not its government. The American Dream isn’t an entitlement or a right; it’s to be earned anew in each generation. Instead of promising equal results, America has always been about ensuring an "equal opportunity to pursue happiness!”

Optimism doesn’t come from political promises; true optimism is earned the way it has always been earned—by each citizen overcoming obstacles on their way to success.

As Democrats campaign on confiscating more from wealthy Americans to give relief to “working Americans,” consider Abraham Lincoln’s caution, “I don’t believe in a law to prevent a man from getting rich; it would do more harm than good. So while we do not propose any war on capital, we do wish to allow the humblest man an equal chance to get rich with everybody else.”

Lincoln understood what most liberals don’t appreciate. In a creative, capitalistic society, there is movement between the classes.

In America, research supports that the same person can provide both capital and labor at different stages of his life. There will always be poor, but 95% who started poor don’t remain poor. Many aspiring workers work hard to save, then to invest and ultimately to become entrepreneurs or owners of capital that works for them to increase their own wealth.

Capital needs labor willing to work, spend and save; labor needs applied capital willing to take a risk on new dreams. Both need a government that’ll ensure that Americans remain free to makes dreams happen and to reap the rewards from their hard work.

President Ronald Reagan had a secret to attracting Democrat and independent votes. He appealed to our best hopes, not our worst fears, to our confidence, rather than our doubts.

This past labor leader’s rock-solid confidence in Americans came through when he would say: “I’m not taking your time this evening to ask you to trust me. Instead, I ask you to trust yourself. That is what America is all about… It’s the power of millions of people like you who will determine what will make America great again.”

As always, making the American Dream work is work. Life is difficult. Companies open, and companies close. Some careers thrive; others are no longer necessary. There are and will always be obstacles, but, with focused efforts, people can and still do succeed.

This isn’t a populist message that fits well in 15 second political ads, but it’s a message that is critical to the future of America.

In November, join me in voting Republican, the party that believes in you and your potential to earn YOUR American Dream.

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Republicans Believe in a Winning Balange: Diplomacy and a Strong Military

Most Republicans are strong supporters of effective diplomacy and a strong military. As Teddy Roosevelt loved to say, “Talk softly and carry a big stick.”

National security is a central issue in this year’s election. With the progress now evident in Iraq and more and more assaults being handled by the Iraqi troops, this is not the time to leave prematurely. This is a war we can’t afford to lose.

Whether it was originally or not, the Iraq war remains one of the front lines on the battle of terrorism. If you don’t believe Republicans, then try Al Qaeda! They are calling more terrorists to join the battle in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Over 5,000 Al Qaeda troops have died. It’s a war Al Qaeda can’t lose. It’s a war we and our allies won’t lose if we have the will to win.

What if Democrats Roosevelt and Truman had responded to the loss of American lives at Normandy or Guam by withdrawing before the victory was complete? The quickest way to short-term peace is withdrawal and surrender.

The cost of victory and lasting peace has always been high, but the cost of premature withdrawal is far greater.

Republicans believe in a basic principle: In a world with more rogue countries and terrorist groups capable of attacking our homeland or vital global interests, America, in order to defend its freedom and way of life, must invest adequate resource to remain strong, progressive, and technologically sophisticated.

As former Secretary of Defense, Cap Weinberger, said years ago, "You don’t just go out to the store and buy high-tech weapons on the day you need them."

We need to sustain a strong investment in keeping our military one step ahead of our enemies. The new realities in a free world open to terrorism, require an equally strong investment in homeland security.

Republicans value diplomacy but are clearly aware of its limitations. Evil exists, and will continue to exist. Just look at history, the renewed tensions with Russia and the current atrocities that plague so many countries even today.

George Washington said in his first address to Congress, “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”

In fact, when at our first Constitutional Convention, they proposed limiting the U.S. standing army to 5,000 men. George Washington responded by requesting a clause that would limit the size of the invading army to 3,000 troops. Laughter followed and the proposal was dropped.

Work for peace and always aggressively work diplomatic channels, but part of sustaining peace will always require an investment in military strength.
 
Many Americans want to know when we will leave Iraq. We will leave when the job is done and elected leaders in Iraq want us to leave.

If Democrats are so intent on getting soldiers back home, why don’t they start with bringing soldiers back from Japan, South Korea or Germany? 

They won't, because we remain for a reason. They still want us there. We are the only super power left and with that comes responsibilities.

General Norman Schwarzkopf at a program shared the comments of an appreciative Saudi officer as they were returning from the first Gulf War. Pulling the general aside, he said privately: “Thank goodness America is the only super-power left, because you are the only super power who would leave!”

We don’t go to war or pick allies for oil. If so, why do we support so many countries like Israel who have no oil?

People say America is hated, but we are often hated most by those who are enemies of freedom. What country is rated as the most important and trusted ally? You guessed it, the United States.

Keep America Strong. Help us win the war against terrorism so our children won’t have to face terrorism on our own soil. If you share this commitment, join me in voting Republican.

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The Difference Between Conservative Caring and Liberal Caring

They say Republicans are mean-spirited! But the fact is that Americans, Democrats AND Republicans, have always been compassionate. They've been willing to help their neighbors in times of need.

But unfortunately, defining caring and compassion is not always easy in today’s political environment.

Starting during President Johnson’s term, our country tried spending our way to becoming a very compassionate country. Over three decades, our government invested 5.4 trillion dollars in welfare payments in our “War on Poverty.” The investment would have been worth it, if it had worked, but it didn’t eliminate poverty. 

In fact, the results of this type of government-run compassion have been devastating, creating a debilitating dependence on the very programs that were designed to help.

Ronald Reagan said it well: “Welfare’s purpose should be to eliminate, as far as possible, the need for its own existence.”

Compassion should be measured by how many people no longer need government programs instead of by how many are served by them. We need a safety net, not a hammock. As our first Republican President Abraham Lincoln said, “The worst thing you can do for those you love is the thing they could and should do for themselves.”

We've gone from protecting the unfortunate to supporting the irresponsible. In fact, some politicians seem to want to keep citizens dependent on government. They hate poverty so much that they reward it!

Unfortunately, whatever you reward you get more of! So if my response to your entry-level job is to raise your minimum wage beyond its market value, you’re more likely to stay in that dead-end job. Why go to college or learn a new skill if you can get enough money settling for a job with minimum skills?

Republican support for capitalism is a form of tough love. It fosters competition because it cares enough to challenge you to better yourself. A free-market economy rewards achievement and not anything less.

That’s why Democrats say that Republicans are mean-spirited. Their claims remind me of our years as parents when our son would complain about how mean we were when we would in any way set limits or discipline him.

As parents we didn't expect his approval, but we knew that in time he'd respect us for preparing him for life. We cared enough to teach him early that in a competitive world you don’t get everything you want just because you want it. We showed him our love, but we also let him know that he would experience the consequences for his own choices. If he didn't save his money, he wouldn't have money to spend. If he got in trouble in school, he’d be held accountable not excused.

In America, all citizens are guaranteed “the pursuit of happiness,” not happiness dumped in their laps. But after listening to Democrats, you’d think every American is entitled to happiness, healthcare, welfare, high wages, and a secure retirement whether they’ve earned it or not.

And, of course, who is supposed to pay for all these entitlements, those greedy, "rich" Americans who already pay most of the taxes!

Will Rogers said it years ago, “I remember back when a liberal was someone who was generous with his own money.”

For far too long, a very expensive, intrusive government has been taking money from some Americans to do the “caring” for all of us.

Instead of reaching into our own pockets to support charities, we elect politicians who will pay for our charity by reaching into our neighbor’s pocket. That unfortunately allows too many citizens to say, `I don’t have to love my neighbor; that’s the government’s job!”

Gerald Ford summed it up well, "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." 

Join me in voting Republican. Care enough about all hard-working Americans to let them keep more of what they've earned and encourage people to give to charities that make a difference where it counts instead of expecting government to do that for us.

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Tips for Civil Political Discourse

Abraham Lincoln once said, “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” Unfortunately, whether you listen to talk radio or read the op-ed columns, the shrill nature of the comments made about the other party make serious political dialogue all but nonexistent. There are two Americas and few seem willing to talk across the divide.

In his book, The Case for Democracy, Soviet dissident, Natan Sharansky talks about the “Town Square Test:” “If a person cannot walk into the middle of the town square and express his or her views without fear of arrest, imprisonment, or physical harm, then that person is living in a fear society, not a free society. We cannot rest until every person living in a ‘fear society’ has finally won their freedom.”

America passes that test, but where are we exercising that freedom to talk across our divide? Free and open political discussions provide the fire that tests the metal of our convictions and the depth of our understanding. They aren’t to be avoided but harnessed in a way that risks influence without demonizing adversaries. In a free society, finding clarity is often as important as convincing others. Here are ten tips on how to disagree without being quite so disagreeable: 

1. Manners are the lubricating oil of good political discussions. Never underestimate the power of a ready smile, simple courtesy and civility. Your courtesy may not be remembered or returned, but discourtesy will never be forgotten.

2. Show empathy and tolerance for differences by seeking first to understand. Tolerance and empathy do not require approval or agreement—they do require a cordial and positive attempt to understand another’s feelings, beliefs and positions. If you’re doing all the talking, you are probably boring somebody. To lead others to your side on any issue it helps to see the road they must travel through their eyes not your own. Master some timely questions and then listen: What are your most important issues? Why is that so important to you? What would you do differently? What evidence do you have of that?

3. Do your homework to build depth behind your convictions. Be humble and fair with your “facts.” Statistics are only temporary snapshots in a stream of history and far too many quotes are taken out of context. There is value in doing your homework; it is quite another thing to tell people everything you know about a subject.

4. When caught off guard, take time to think before engaging in speech, sending e-mails or leaving phone messages. Don’t just say the right thing at the right moment; leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment! When you communicate with strong emotion, you may rally the faithful, but those who disagree with you won’t read past the first attack. Take time to edit those tirades into clear statements designed to influence instead of inflame.

5. Avoid name-calling, “you” statements and “should” talk! Instead of putting down others or their positions, share your opinions in the form of “I” statements—“I find…; I feel…; I think…” Find that assertive middle-ground where you can express opinions without demeaning those with whom you disagree.

6. Be focused more on what you are for rather than what you are against. Anger over the past does not a vision make! Participating in the blame game only traps your eyes to the rearview mirror looking at things that can’t be changed while new obstacles and challenges are rapidly approaching out the front window! Let everyone save face and learn from mistakes by focusing conversations on working to invent a better future.

7. Be able to admit your own mistakes and the mistakes of your own party. “My party right or wrong!” seldom impresses independent-thinking voters. If you can’t confront your own when wrong, you won’t be respected. Even when you cannot honestly concede a mistake, at least admit that you can appreciate that many see it differently. 

8. Use humor to diffuse the tension conflict creates and to keep issues in perspective. The safest target for your humor is always yourself. When Lincoln was accused of being “two-faced,” he replied, “Obviously I am not ‘two-faced,’ or I wouldn’t use this one.” The safest target for your humor will always be yourself; Americans love self-depreciative humor.

9. Be ready to take distance from a difficult conversation and give others time to think. The most powerful impact from a thoughtful conversation is often experienced after the parties have left each other’s presence. Forcing closure may only harden views that might have changed if the information shared had been given time to percolate.

10. End fruitless conversations positively. Many will never change political positions no matter how long you talk. Learn to say, “I guess no amount of dialogue is going to change either of us. That’s what makes this country so great—We’re free to disagree!”

Ronald Reagan once said: “I have always believed that a lot of the troubles in the world would disappear if we were talking to each other instead of about each other.” Senator Ted Kennedy adds his own reminder: “The Constitution does not just protect those whose views we share; it also protects those with whose views we disagree.” Each generation must claim and defend those freedoms anew. Be an informed voter by keeping political dialogue vibrant and alive for a new generation of American voters.

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America's Choice: Trust or Panic

Pope John XXIII once confessed what I’m sure all of our leaders in Washington are feeling, “Sometimes I awake at night and begin to think about a serious problem and decide that I must tell the Pope about it. Then I wake up completely and remember that I am the Pope!” We expect our leaders to have all the answers and label them as failures if they don’t. Fortunately, America is not built on belief in wise kings, but in belief in one another—“We the people” of this great country.

At the 1992 Republican Convention, President Ronald Reagan revealed the secret to his success, “I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears, to your confidence, rather than your doubts.” When facing tough times, this leader’s rock-solid confidence in Americans came through when he’d speak from the White House: “I’m not taking your time this evening to ask you to trust me. Instead, I ask you to trust yourself. That is what America is all about… It’s the power of millions of people like you who will determine what will make America great again.”

Today, as an American, you face important choices. Keeping one eye on the stock markets and another on our leaders in Washington, you worry about our future. Your choices will be driven by one of two basic reactions--panic or trust. By panicking and liquidating your savings or investments, you help push even more institutions to the brink. That, in turn, puts more businesses and jobs at risk.

There are no safe havens for your money if America’s financial system fails. The money isn’t in any vault; money is in motion making capital and payments available to exchange for the products and services we all need. We’ve been told by our leaders and the media that we’re on a precipice of economic calamity. In response, our leaders have begun investing billions of public dollars in addressing the problem, but there’s been no quick rally or recovery. Is a great depression the only answer?

Take time today to view on YouTube “The Bailey Building and Loan Bank Run” scene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJJN9qwhkkE) from Frank Capra’s classic film, “It's A Wonderful Life.” George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, faces citizens who have lost faith in the financial system. In panic, they descend on the bank, demanding cash.

In response to their panic, George explains how loans work: “No, but you... you... you're thinking of this place all wrong. As if I had the money back in a safe. The money's not here. Your money's in Joe's house…(to one of the men)...right next to yours. And in the Kennedy house, and Mrs. Macklin's house, and a hundred others. Why, you're lending them the money to build, and then, they're going to pay it back to you as best they can. Now what are you going to do? Foreclose on them?”

Still giving in to their panic, many considered settling by taking pennies on the dollar for their deposits from a competing bank, Mary, George’s new bride, holding up their honeymoon money, shouts, “How much do you need?” The depositors turned around and, together, chose to keep their deposits in the Bailey Building and Loan taking only what they needed until stability could return. The institution and the people who invested in it survived by choosing to trust and by living out their shared commitment to the common good of the community.

Washington politicians can’t turn this alone. If Americans don’t believe in the future we can create together, it’ll keep falling. Washington can print the money, but we’re the ones who give it value by our actions and economic decisions.

No matter what the politicians and pundits warn, there’s much to value! Money is still being used to buy goods and services. Selective loans are being made by many smaller banks. People with the right skills are still being hired by companies taking advantage of market opportunities. 

Don’t panic; act with confidence instead of fear. Invest your worry in constructive action. Keep working. If out of work, instead of resting in outdated skills, refocus and retool to compete for available jobs or start your own small company. Keep spending on what is necessary. Invest in companies that you still believe will succeed. Save more of what you earn and help your neighbors where you can.

FDR words again ring true, “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” We’re a resilient people whose optimism has been earned from over 230 years of overcoming obstacles and challenges. As Dennis Prager often suggests, take a coin from your pocket or purse and look at the three core values that define America: “Liberty,” “In God We Trust” and “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many one). Today, we must affirm our free-enterprise system and the controls that hold people accountable when they abuse it. We must once again reaffirm our trust in God. Then, we must put that trust into action by resting in God’s providence by doing what we can to be part of the answer. God willing, together, we’ll be bouncing back from this like we have from past challenges. This is our time to live our trust, not panic.

 Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PaulsonOnPolitics blog (http://paulsononpolitics.blogtownhall.com/). Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.

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Top Ten Reasons to Elect McCain/Palin and Reject Obama/Biden

The Top Ten Reasons to Elect John McCain: As you consider your choice for president, here are ten reasons to elect Senator John McCain.

1. He is a man you can trust; his ‘Straight Talk Express” is more than a slogan. When you’ve been tortured as a POW for refusing to comply, you know you have a leader who will not succumb to pressure. He will do what he feels is right. As he’s said many times, “I’d rather lose an election than lose a war!” He has the integrity and proven character needed to take the tough stands presidents must take.

2. His energy independence plan is an “all of the above” plan—Drill and Diversify Now!  He’d free states to allow off-shore exploration and drilling, encourage more clean-coal, speed processing and approval for more nuclear energy plants and refineries, and incentivize without subsidizing alternative energy innovation.

3. The U.S. has the second-highest corporate tax rate of all industrialized societies. McCain’s plan to reduce corporate taxes will keep more companies here and will encourage growth and more American jobs during these difficult economic times. McCain will keep the Bush tax cuts but wants more. In addition to promising a simplified tax code, McCain pledges to work to cut taxes on all and raise them on none.

4. McCain admits, “Government has grown by 60 percent in the last eight years. That is simply inexcusable.” He promises to reclaim “our good name as the party of spending restraint.” He’s promised a “top-to-bottom” review of federal spending and promised to veto any bill that earmarks money to pet projects of members of Congress. In addition to eliminating government waste, he wants government to shrink, not grow.

5. In a dangerous world where we finally have the extremists on the run in Iraq and the Iraqi leaders beginning to make progress, John McCain’s vision for peace through victory makes room for a strong, necessary commitment and the flexibility to adjust strategy as needed! McCain remains the president Americans would want called at 3 AM to deal with an international crisis!

6. McCain is a proven maverick “outsider” working from the inside of Washington; he has put America first in taking on his own party leadership. He may have voted with Bush as much as 95% in 2007, but Americans know he has what it takes to make waves and stand alone. McCain is a proven reformer committed to taking on corruption wherever it appears. In 2005, he called for more scrutiny and controls at Freddie and Fannie. McCain has no love for big business executives who profit while citizens and investors take the fall. McCain does more than talk about being a “uniter;” he has repeatedly reached across the isle to produce results.

7. McCain believes more in Americans than in our government. He’s committed to preserving the “American Dream” based on personal freedom and individual responsibility no matter what a person’s race, gender or age. Instead of glamorizing victimhood, he supports enabling, celebrating and learning from true achievement! He believes in you; he calls on Americans to trust his proven leadership in these difficult times!

8. To McCain, Americans don’t need renegotiated trade agreements or protection from competition; they just need freedom to compete in a free-trade, global economy! Americans can out-invent and out-perform anyone in a fair global competition. Obama’s plan to renegotiate NAFTA and increase tariffs will only increase our economic difficulties; McCain supports our longstanding commitment to free enterprise!

9. If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait until it is provided by the government. McCain’s plan for healthcare takes the responsibility and choices away from the government and employers and gives it to every American adding portable policies, tax credits and saving account options. 

10. He’s promised to pick Supreme Court Justices in line with Roberts and Alito. That same wisdom is shown in his bold selection of his kindred spirit, Governor Sarah Palin as VP. Palin brings her dynamic presence, her passion for reform, and her energy and executive experience onto his administrative team! This could be the most important election in decades. Take a stand for America and vote McCain/Palin!

The Top Ten Reasons to Reject Barack Obama: Here are ten reasons to reject Senator Barack Obama as your next president.

1. In these difficult times, Obama’s lack of a record and relevant experience that prepares him for making presidential decisions is frightening—the President of the United States should not be an entry-level position! Experience matters! It’s not a sufficient qualification, but is certainly a necessary one. Obama is not ready!

2. No experience fully prepares a candidate for the challenges a President will face. As a result, voters must consider a candidate’s judgment. Obama’s brief and uneventful political record makes his judgment in choice of friends and advisors even more important. His close associations with the controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the political rainmaker Tony Rezko, and Weather Underground leader William Ayers invite concern.

3. At a time when a troop surge has reduced violence, damaged al Qaeda and allowed the Iraqi government to make progress on key milestones, Obama promises to “bring the war to an end in 2009!” He promises to save $9 billion a month by pulling out of Iraq, to cut investments in unproven missile defense systems and slow our development of future combat systems. Finally, he will set a goal of a world without nuclear weapons, promising to develop no new nuclear weapons. Such judgments project weakness as Commander in Chief; weakness is provocative!

4. He says that he is a “uniter,” but where’s the evidence? He voted with the Democrats 97 percent of the time. He’s a proven tax-and-spend Democrat with the most liberal voting record in the Senate. He’s only a “uniter” if you’ll unite with his partisan position.

5. Obama calls for “Change You Can Believe In,” but where’s the evidence of him championing positive change? There’s no record of reform in Cook County, in the Illinois legislature or in the US Senate. In the Senate, he’s authored no important legislation and hasn’t even convened a hearing on the one subcommittee he chairs. To this point, he’s devoted his many gifts to chronicling and selling his own life’s story and running his presidential campaign. Obama fits the Indian saying, "High wind, big thunder, no rain."

6. Obama doesn’t sell hope; he sells doom and gloom. He’s built his need for change on losing in Iraq and reframing our economic downturn as a recession or worse. When Obama asks if you are better off under Bush, he ought to look at the numbers from Investor’s Business Daily: “Americans are better off than when Bill Clinton was president.” Reporting data from the IRS showed that the average U.S. income had increased five straight years through 2006. Obama talks hope but sells pessimism.

7. His unrealistic and restrictive plan for energy independence is limited to investing in new, unproven sources of energy that are not ready to carry the load for our energy independence. His partial plan does not provide the reliable source of power that our economy and citizens require now.

8. For all his talk on self-reliance, Obama treats citizens as victims incapable of rising to the challenges they face. Obama’s “hope” rests in what government can do for you, not on what you can do for yourself or our country. At a time we are struggling to pay for the entitlements we already have, Obama calls for substantial government subsidies for healthcare, college, foreclosure relief, pension plans and alternative energies. Milton Friedman said, “There are no free lunches.” We can’t afford an Obama Presidency’s “free” programs!

9. Obama wants to raise corporate taxes, inheritance taxes, income taxes on the top 5% of wage earners, and social security payments. Most candidates avoid promising to raise taxes. Americans are wise enough to know that appealing to class warfare never works. Taking from the “rich” to give to “middle class” just results in those taxed charging more! You want Obama’s “Hope”—I hope you enjoy your change in taxes!

10. He chose Washington insider Joe Biden for his foreign policy experience. This man of experience voted against the first Gulf War, against the surge and wanted to break Iraq into three entities. Even Biden isn’t sure he was the best choice that Obama could have made! We agree; vote McCain/Palin!

Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PaulsonOnPolitics.com blog. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.

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Democrat Blame Machine Should Look in the Mirror

Ross Perot’s plain-speaking candor fits the times: “The deficit is like the guy that finds a rattlesnake in his pants. He knows he's got to shoot it, but he doesn't want to hit anything important.” No one’s shooting yet, but they sure know how to throw more of our money around!  Money’s the talk of the town in Washington, and all that money seems to be saying is “Good-bye!”

The “final” bailout plan is yet to be dissected, but Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Fred Bernanke deserve kudos for trying to do something to get ahead of the problem! Unfortunately, ratcheting up the fear of a pending economic calamity to get action required politicians to produce some “cure” or risk creating an even greater economic panic! Whether their rescue plan will stabilize the market and provide needed loan capital, history will be the judge, but America will find a way to bounce back. But much can be learned from what helped create this crisis that should have a bearing on your presidential vote.

Democrats and liberal pundits are blaming the free market, the Fed’s easy money policy, deregulation, greed, and, of course, President Bush. Certainly, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke’s monetary policy that has aggressively lowered interest rates helped drive down the value of the dollar and make loans overly attractive at unheard of rates. Certainly, unscrupulous financial institutions are also to blame for creating unsound and complex investment vehicles that fueled speculation and generated excessive profits without ever questioning the investments or the loans they created.

The administration is also not blameless, but an Opinion Journal column by Charles Calomiris and Peter Wallison documents the role of Congress in creating the current credit crisis. Accounting scandals at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac surfaced as early as 2003 when Federal Reserve and Congressional Budget Office economists found that, despite their subsidized borrowing rates, Fannie and Freddie had not significantly reduced mortgage interest rates. Instead of making mortgages cheaper for borrowers, they were making excessive profits and thus creating greater risks for the taxpayers, the economy, and mortgage payment-strapped homeowners.

In response to their lapses, Fannie and Freddie used a commitment to increase financing for "affordable housing" to curry Democratic support. Rep. Barney Frank openly admitted at a committee hearing on GSE reform in 2003: "Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have played a very useful role in helping to make housing more affordable . . . a mission that this Congress has given them in return for some of the arrangements which are of some benefit to them…."

Beginning in 2004, their portfolios of subprime and Alt-A loans and securities began to grow. Fannie and Freddie became their largest buyers between 2004 and 2007, with total GSE exposure eventually exceeding $1 trillion. In doing so, they stimulated the growth of the subpar mortgage market and magnified the costs of its eventual collapse.

When irregularities continued to surface, McCain and others warned of the coming mortgage crisis. In 2005, McCain spoke in favor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005 from the floor of the Senate: "For years I have been concerned about the regulatory structure that governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac…." McCain pointed to a $10.6 billion accounting scandal at Fannie Mae where their quarterly reports of profit growth were "illusions deliberately and systematically created" by the company's senior management. McCain called for reform.

A recent Glenn Beck article chronicles the repeated calls for reform by President Bush and his administration since 2001. They not only warned of the systemic consequences of a Fannie and Freddie failure but suggested thoughtful plans to reduce the risk. His warnings went unheeded and his attempts to reform were blocked by Democratic legislative maneuvering.

What was our champion of change and hope doing about the problem? Nothing! Records from the Federal Election Commission reveal a possible reason for Obama’s silence. In his three complete years in the Senate, he’s the second largest recipient of Freddie-and--Fannie-connected campaign contributions. It took Sen. Christopher Dodd, chairman of the Senate banking committee, eleven years to receive $165,400 in contributions from GSE PACs and individuals. Obama received $126,349 in just three years. 

WorldNetDaily’s Jerome R. Corsi reported on Obama advisors with strong Fannie Mae connections. James Johnson, earning millions as Fannie Mae CEO from 1991 to 1998, was appointed to head Obama's vice presidential selection committee until alleged questionable real estate loans from Countrywide Financial forced him to step down. Obama housing advisor, Franklin Raines, earned $90 million as Fannie Mae CEO from 1999 to 2004. 

Free market capitalism didn’t create this crisis. The Democrats’ "progressive" social policies helped stifle free market checks and limit appropriate regulatory oversight. The same politicians who today decry the lack of intervention to stop past abuses were the ones who blocked the legislative efforts that might have stopped them. While McCain is leading, Obama’s watching. Barack’s a great talker, but he’s remained inactive when he should have been part of the solution.

Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PaulsonOnPolitics.com blog. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com. First appeared in Ventura County Star on Monday September 29, 2008 and on townhall.com on the same day. 

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McCain Is No Bush #3--He's a Maverick "Outsider" Inside Washington

The McCain voting record is being used by Obama to paint him as Bush #3. According to factcheck.org, the Congressional Quarterly's Voting Studies suggest that in 2007, it is true that McCain voted in line with the president 95 percent of the time, but that is the high point of McCain's percentage rate of support for President Bush. In that same year, McCain voted the party line 90 percent of the time. However, in 2005, McCain's support of President Bush's position droppend to a low of 77 percent. His support for the Republican Party position dropped as low as 67 percent in 2001.
What is Obama's Bush quota? Obama's voted with the president's position 40 percent of the time in 2007, according to the way Congressional Quarterly rates the votes. In 2006, Obama voted alongside the president 49 percent of the time, I guess Barack is half a Bush #3!
 
McCain, often to my dismay, is not afraid to buck his own party when he feels it is best for the country. I don't always agree, but I and other Americans know that McCain is no Bush clone!
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President George W. Bush--What will be his legacy?

Every month, I write My President. On some occasions they even write back. In fact, after a positive letter in support of Bill Clinton's signing welfare reform, he sent a letter asking for donations. I wasn't that supportive! I've written a number of critical letters to George W. Bush over the last eight years, but this month I wrote a letter highlighting ten things I appreciate from his years in office. What would you add?

1. We've had a recent reminder of those days, but rest assured that Your steady leadership during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America will never be forgotten. You inspired and led America at a time we needed a sensitive yet strong leader. You truly brought the country together at a time we needed to be together.

2. Your tax relief plan helped us bounce back from the slight recession we were in at the end of the Clinton years and rebound from 9/11 to fuel a strong and robust economy that generated record GDP growth, federal tax revenue and new jobs.

3. You’ve taken action against terrorism in the Middle East that has changed the status quo in this breeding ground for radical Islamic terrorism. Prior to your leadership, they expected words but not action. Ben Laden had the “strong horse” and was taunting a weak Western leadership to build influence. Now, he lives in a cave and al Qaeda is on the run.

4. Although clearly divisive, your journey to and through the Iraq War has required resolve and course corrections that now leaves us close to victory in bringing freedom to Iraq and bringing more of our soldiers home. Your willingness to replace Rumsfeld and risk the surge has produced results that will help us in this election and for years to come.
 
5. Your strong Supreme Court appointments of John Alito and John Roberts have ushered in a new era of judicial restraint at the top of the judicial food chain. That has made a difference in key court decisions. You’ve provided the model for future Republican appointments should McCain prevail in November.

6. Hurricane Gustav gave you a chance to show how Republican Governors and the federal government can work together to deal with potential disasters. You were wrongly given the Katrina failures when a Democrat Governor and mayor refused to listen to your calls to action. This doesn’t erase the past, but it shows a clear path to the future that will be a legacy.

7. Your strong stands here and around the world have allowed other countries to learn the importance of more conservative leadership. Democrats say that you’ve ruined our reputation around the world. If that is true, why have conservative candidates been winning in France and Germany? Why in the PEW Research studies is America still listed by far as the most important ally to have? The world that does not respect America is the world that ought not to—many are countries that harbor our enemies and are against democratic free enterprise and freedom.

8. You’ve had the resolve to stay the course. From Washington to Lincoln, from Roosevelt to Reagan, all our great leaders had the resolve to see tough decisions through. You may not have sold your policies as effectively as I would have liked, but you had the strength to never falter when the media and your enemies tried to get you to give up. Years from now, you will get your due respect from history. 

9. You brought us Laura Bush, a class First lady and a champion for positive change.

10. You’ve done what you can to reinforce “freedom of religion” instead of furthering the call for “freedom from religion.” By your own witness and your support of faith-based programs you’ve helped return some sanity to America. “In God We Trust” is one of the cornerstones of America’s strength. You have helped keep it that way. The war is not won, but you took the war on in a meaningful way.
 
In the years ahead, history will be the judge of your legacy, but there is no reason not to add our input! Now, add yours!

Terry L. Paulson, PhD

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Remembering 9/11 Has Implications for Our War and Our Election

Seven years ago, the terrorists flew their planes into our lives. Thousands died, and those who survived were left with stark, emotional memories. Like many Americans, my plane was grounded. I was stuck in Niagra Falls, NY waiting and watching with the rest of America for life to return to some semblance of sanity. After listening to one of President Bush’s stirring messages from ground zero, I wrote the following op-ed letter. It’s worth reading now as a reminder of what we went through. It let’s us know why we must not forget, why we must have the resolve to win the war against terrorism and why we must elect McCain/Palin on November 4th! Do you remember or have you forgotten? Maybe this entry from 2001 will help!

 

Yes, Mr. President, "The entire world has seen the state of our union, and it is strong!" Thank you for encouraging patient restraint and iron resolve in making sure that justice will be done no matter how long it takes. As Americans, we are ready to support you and our military, but we as citizens must continue to do our part. On September 11, 2001, there were real victims from a tragic and evil attack, and the world has provided tears, prayers and unprecedented support. But unlike tragic movies or plays, this tragedy is but one chapter in a never-ending story of the greatest democracy in the world. We have just been introduced to our newest enemy--international terrorism--and, like patriots of old, we are now called to write the rest of the story.

 

For we who live are not the victims, we are the survivors. We are not victims resigned to helplessness and despair, we are patriotic survivors who endure, marshal resolve to meet challenges, persist and succeed. Abraham Lincoln spoke to those gathered in Gettysburg on November 19, 1863 to commemorate another difficult American chapter in our history. His comforting and challenging words could just as easily been delivered to us today:

 

"The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what (happened) here. It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to...the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."

 

It is our turn to write America's next chapter together. America is a nation of dynamic and vital people who embrace life...so we must all seize this and every day! For we are patriots! Fly the flag, sing your hymns and patriotic songs, give blood, donate funds, invest in American corporations, support our leaders and the military, be watchful and prepared to fight as needed, hug, mourn, pray, laugh, rally our resolve with all responsible Americans of all races and religions, buy things, enjoy ball games, work, create, travel, give thanks and live life fully. Freedom is not a birthright of America or any democracy. It must be earned and reearned in every age. Now, as patriots of this age, it is our time to earn it again.

 

Terry Paulson

 

Where were you when the terrorists attacked? What’s worth remembering from your 9/11 experience?

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America Has Bought Sarah Palin's Story--The Democrat Attacks Will Only Make Her More Popular

Like a good lawyer's opening comments, Sarah Palin's smash opening tour de force at the Republican National Convention in Minnesota has put the Democrats on Defense. America already loves this lady--they embraced her story and began dancing in the asles! Since then, every Democrat attack on this woman has only reinforced their positive regard for Governor Palin. A hero wronged has a powerful attraction.

After all, once a jury buys an opening story, they look at the evidence with an eye to prove that story. Sarah is a strong conservative with a solid track record of reform. While Obama was writing his memoirs and preparing to run by voting present, Sarah Palin was already making a difference for her PTA and school, for the city of Wasilla and the state of Alaska. This woman has the same solid ground character and strength as her presidential candidate John McCain. They are both mavericks willing to put America first. That is a winning story!

They don't just talk change! McCain and Palin have made change work! I've heard so many people worry about all the attacks the Democrats are leveling against Sarah. Most are proving to be totally false. The attacks are taking the Democrats off message and making them embrace the negative campaigning they claimed never to use.

Let's start this new blog with a prediction. McCain/Palin will win comfortably in November. The surprise is that the demoralized Democrats will see their own demise early, and Republicans in the House and Senate will do better than predicted. If they are wise, they will catch the Palin draft and ride it to victory!  
 
What do you predict?
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