SCPatriot

Damp, drizzly darkness did not deter those crowded into the auditorium entrance to be enlightened at the first Lt. Governor debate. Sprinkled throughout were various generations in jeans, khakis, suits and some stunning ladies like Madam Chairman.

These patriots representing various generations brought excitement to all who wanted to be informed on the challenges and SC candidates. A decision would be made by each one. If you have been lulled into thinking that the Lt. Gov. roll is not all that important then you missed the debate as well as the “Argentine sneak” of the last year.

Moderated by the popular Bob McLain of WORD Radio, the questions were fair and the answers riveting. Everyone had a good time, too.

“We the people” were wide-eyed and listening to choose the best candidate in this the first SC opportunity to engage the political process in 2010.

The June Primary Election will soon be here and there are a host of independents and other parties that need to learn about our superior candidates.

I was proud to support and consult the event hosts Wofford College Republicans and Spartanburg Young Republicans.

I am very proud of all that they accomplished for the electorate and the synergy and energy they brought to launch 2010 for the GOP.

It is a privilege to serve with patriots like this.

Great victory for all and a huge thank you to everyone who supported them as well as participated to make it happen.

What insight did you gain from Ken Ard and Bill Connor as they proclaimed their vision for South Carolina and how as the #2 man they would work with the Governor and State House?

Keep learning and keep sharing the winning GOP story.

It’s a party.

Come to the Party!

The work of creating the Constitution was finalized on September 17, 1787. Some delegates left before the signing ceremony fully depleted physically and emotionally, and knowing the arduous work of ratification by the states lay ahead, or a few in simple protest. Finally, the work was done and the day was one of relief for all who remained in Philadelphia. Of the 55 persons who attended the Convention, 39 actually signed, while for some, a battle for a Bill of Rights came almost simultaneously with the final draft.

Certainly motives can not be questioned regarding Edmund Randolph’s concerns about a too “energetic government.” The mutual worries of Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry about the lack of a Bill of Rights compelled them to refuse to sign. Their dissent was out in the open and their patriotism is not to be questioned.

Probably no one was completely satisfied. Benjamin Franklin summed up the views of many when he stated, “There are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them.” Franklin would accept and sign the Constitution, however, “because I expect no better and because I am not sure that it is not the best.”

John Hancock signed his name largely and clearly. That patriot’s bold signature had the weight of his character behind this founding document. He had served for more than 2 years as President of the Continental Congress, and was now the first to sign it.

Even today, we have a right to know how a candidate “signs” - or applies the U.S. Constitution and the SC GOP Platform should they be elected. It’s a matter of character! The front page headline overstates the issue of signing our statement.
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20091127/ARTICLES/911271027/1083/ARTICLES?Title=Candidates-who-address-Republicans-must-sign-on-to-party-platform

This is not about a pass or fail test! The only “political test” that “counts” is the ballot box. It is at the Primary and then the General election that the electorate makes their choice with a vote.

The Patriot’s task is to ensure that the electorate and the elected are adequately informed to make a wise choice, and make decisions that will be representative of ”we the people.”

We have a right to know candidates’ DNA, and what is the likelihood that the GOP “family” DNA is a “match.” My identity comes not from a political party or platform. My identity comes from God and what He has given me as an American citizen. I chose to identify with the Republican Party because its platform most nearly matches my core.

A candidate signing our statement not only reveals with whom they identify, but it says something about their core and their view of America. It’s not about sound bytes; it’s about discerning how to take a bite out of eloquence or ignorance. It’s not about violating First Amendment rights; it’s about validating a candidate’s core and right to identify with the Republican “brand.” It’s not about muzzling diversity of opinion which most of us have; it’s about authenticating where we begin to communicate about a candidate’s convictions and persuasions.

It’s not about exclusion from the GOP; it’s about transparent character! My earlier post, “Got sacred honor?” elaborates on this theme. We don’t look for “modern” DNA on a comb, but in “debateable” words. In the end it’s about a “family” relationship together based on mutual trust and accountability. It’s fine to click on the grey bar below “Leave a comment” and write your thoughts. Thank you.

I stand in awe of our military and their sacrifice! Their families are heros too. The Ft. Hood murderer was the attack of a terrorist like 9/11 — this time he had been masquerading in a patriot’s uniform. Masquerading distorts the perspective not only of the deceived but of the perpetrator.

There are sad similarities to the murderous mindset of Waffen-SS commando Otto Skorzeny  during the 1944 Battle of the Bulge. German soldiers wore captured U.S. Army uniforms, armed with U.S. weapons caused havoc when the commandos launched their mission behind Allied lines. The devastation in the soldiers’ soul was far worse. The attack didn’t go well and on 17 December Skorzeny was ordered to assemble south of Malmedy, France. The spearhead tank group spotted an American convoy and opened fire, and with only small arms to defend themselves, the Americans were forced to surrender.

These prisoners were taken to a field, where others captured by the SS earlier in the day joined them. Approximately 120 unarmed men were gathered in the field and murdered as autopsies later revealed that at least 40 victims had suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head and half of those with small caliber pistols.

New POW massacres were again reported on December 18, 19 and 20, and German troops also massacred over 100 Belgian civilians. Terrorists’ Twisted thinking  led to the murder of men, women and children.

The “Malmedy massacre trial” could not be precise in the number of prisoners of war and civilians massacred. Some reported as many as 749 POWs killed. A U.S. Senate subcommittee accounted for 362 POWs and 111 civilians. That is a lot of terror and murder however it is calculated!

A Tribunal tried more than 70 persons and the Court pronounced 43 death sentences, 22 life sentences, and 8 others were sentenced to shorter prison terms. Fair enough! Disputed later in the U.S. by congressmen from heavily German-American areas the case was appealed to the Supreme Court, which was unable to make a decision. And justice for all?

Twisted thinking continued after the “fog of war” even in the minds of some American people and our Court. None of the death sentences was carried out! Most of the death sentences were commuted. The life sentences were commuted within the next few years. All the convicted war criminals were released during the 1950s the last one to leave prison  in December 1956 - just 12 years after the terrorist’s attacks.

Does this give you any insight to the flawed justice offered to foreign terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, or on the other hand, to what lies ahead for American terrorist Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan? Major Hasan faces 13 counts of premeditated murder and could face the death penalty for his alleged shooting of 12 unarmed soldiers and a civilian at a Ft. Hood processing center. Do you think?

Does the administration, the government, the military, and the American people not yet understand terrorism, war or even law and order?

People celebrated because the alleged terrorists, Major Hasan, was not killed and interrogation would uncovered the answer to “Why did he do it?” Really? Why is it that Major Nidal Malik Hasan’s motive is crystal clear to me? He contends that he is a Muslim - first. I contend that I am a Christian first before I’m a South Carolinian. What’s the difference? Simple.

Every patriot realizes that any ideology or religious view that subscribes to murder or terrorism needs to be extinguished! There is nothing civil or criminal about it. It’s plain and simple - it’s terrorism masquerading as crime or religion!

The county tax bill screams at us to pay attention to the election. Check these totals: $3.80 county wide fire; $7.60 Federal Stormwater Mandate; $9.88 Community Center; $15.20 County Bond Debt Service; $28.88 Fire District Bond; $41.80 Technical College; $44.08 Parks; $57.00 Sewer; $136.80 Fire District; $390.64 General County Operating Budget. Are you having fun yet? That’s some tidy numbers.

But get this the next tax is $1,647.68 Education School! Now do you suppose that only 8.5% of the registered voters deciding on the School Board members that are going to oversee the expenditure of this sum for the education of children is a representative and responsible vote this year? Of course not. Do you care about your taxes and what comes out of your pocket? Do you care about your children and those in the community? Then vote.

Your vote for School Board candidates has a lot to do with your pocketbook and family! And perhaps you didn’t realize this. The number of persons that vote in the June 2010 Primary Election will determine the number of Delegates your precinct qualifies to elect in the next County Convention where decisions are made about your county Party.

Sure we should all vote to increase our number of Delegates to the County. But there is an added bonus. You get to pick in the June primary election the candidate you want for the General Election in November. Why should someone else make the decision for you? It’s absurd to stay home and complain about taxes, candidates that lack authenticity, and the trial lawyers and big money party bosses deciding who’s going to run. Then whine about the outcome of the general election. People like you and me count.

YOU can make the right difference, right now, by being involved in your precinct and being informed about the issues and candidates. It has been said in an illegal way, ”Vote early and vote often”. But your participation often in each election as well as early in the primary is both legal and necessary for responsible government for “we the people.” Go ahead, be the patriot and let’s have a significant majority making decisions for our lives, our children, county and country! You count!

What does a Marine do to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor? He sure doesn’t quit, and that’s a fact. Gen. James E. Livingston’s commendation reads like the plot of an action movie.

http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/HD/PDF_Files/MOH%20Citations/Livingston,%20J.E.pdf

What a great occasion for South Carolinians to celebrate love for country, personal character and courage at the Upstate Freedom Festival. Surrounded by elected officials, military and their families as well as SC patriots, the West View-B Republican Precinct Party was able to honor an American hero. A charitable donation of $3,800 was presented to the General for the Medal of Honor Society. This will assist in their good work of meeting the needs of medal recipients, their spouses and families. Truly this is a charitable donation of which every American can be proud to have a part!

The reception immediately following gave  local and state-wide GOP candidates an opportunity to not only examine and celebrate authentic character but also to meet and greet attendees and share goals to makes our great country better with their public service. The first Upstate Freedom Festival was a memorable one that helped focus the GOP and stimulate the Party to impact the Low Country, Midlands, Upstate South Carolina and, indeed, the nation.

The Upstate Freedom Festival was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be a treasured memory for every participant. Now it is our opportunity as patriots to reclaim our SC heritage and nation. We were able to demonstrate to all how they can “plug in” to make it happen. Remember, 1 patriot plus 1 precinct, plus 1 Party makes the right difference!

Shrill letters of resignation and impeachment cries threaten a wounded warrior, Gov. Mark Sanford. A complicit media turns on a faltering head of State while the loyal opposition and foes merge in an ancient struggle - the survival of the fittest.

Mark betrayed his wife and family. Those sins doubtless clouded his judgment on choke points upon which his enemies attack. Hasn’t Mark failed SC, too? Yes, and he probably failed as all persons including politicians do - for we are all human. It can only be said that in incidents those with selective memory remind us of, that perhaps Mark was unwise at times. We didn’t elect a perfect governor.

We elected a stalwart statesman that firmly grasped the helm against the waves of intrusive Federal meddling with the rights of South Carolinians. We elected a stouthearted statesman that maneuvered through a resistant State House for the sake of fiscal responsibility and traditional values of the people of this grand State. At the end of the day we can say that Gov. Sanford’s wisdom guided us through rocky shoals against the tide of reckless spending. Mark got it right most of the time. He didn’t always win, but history will show he has been good for South Carolina.

Mark’s personal indiscretions are serious but not worthy of termination from a position to which the people elected him.

Do you know why Gov. Sanford will not be impeached? Simple. Impeachment demands evidence! The State House has to release details and in the end those will prove too much. “Discovery” will show the “sins” of politicians who do not want to deal with the ugly facts of their own indiscretions.

Two thousand years ago there was a similar “set up” with demands for maximum legal consequences. The account states how Jesus Christ “fingered” through the “legal brief” and handled both the sin and the hypocritical outrage, “They were…testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone….’ When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court.” John 8:6-7, 9.

Shamefaced politicians know that Mark is going to look like a “Boy Scout” up against their own behavior. The impeachment crisis becomes more acute because the real scheme is not impeachment but to try to force Mark’s resignation. That quiet “cover up” would result in NO investigation into ethical or even legal violations that would scuttle re-election campaigns of others. Gov. Sanford must not resign and stand to press the State House to work on the people’s business with him or try to convict and impeach him - which for the hypocrites would be political suicide. The SCPatriot believes that all the uproar will motivate “we the people” to demand accountability from all, as well we should, and those with less than pure motives will run like scattering roaches when exposed to the light of truth.

It’s about time to change our minds about God, our sins and plead for Divine intervention to heal our land. We must continue to pray for God to heal the Sanfords’ hurts, their hearts and home. Wouldn’t you join me in asking the Almighty to heal South Carolina and America, too?

Beyond the presidential backdrop I recognized the room from when I attended Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA. Today Barack Obama wonderfully challenged the Wakefield “Warriors” and other students across America via TV. Students are to aspire to solid traditional values as well as civic and personal responsibility. “Go Warriors!”

This would have been a good speech for me to hear when I was a student. I hope the students’ souls will be enriched. But where is this going?

The uproar over the Department of Education’s proposed supplemental lesson plan probably put a sanitizing spin on the president’s remarks, but certainly “changed” the dumbing down ”lesson plan” the Federal Department of Education provided teachers. Does this mean that local teacher’s don’t know how to teach unless the Federal “Principal” tells them what to teach? Today the Barack Obama did what he continues to do best, being a radical community organizer while trying to sound like something else - today a mainstream conservative. He gets an “A” for those conservative remarks.

However, the politicization of America’s school children in the first lesson plan crossed the line having students to write letters about how they can help the president achieve his goals. This shows original intent! It’s not about the children and what they need, it’s about Chicago-style community organizing and enlisting new recruits. Into fertile soil a dirty little seed must fall - ACORN.

In those hallowed halls at Wakefield my life was changed forever. From my humble beginnings, I made history walking through the same door that the president entered into Wakefield. I went out to change my world. How could I do that? By applying what outstanding, dedicated educators like Mr. Lynn taught.

My second exceptional teacher, Mr. Lynn, stands heads and shoulders above the others! Mr. Lynn made learning fun and began to unravel the tangled web of free markets, business, the stock market, and law. He gave HOPE with no surprises and enhanced my powers to reason. I will be forever grateful. I’m still using what he taught me! Mr. Lynn didn’t plant an ACORN, he grew an OAK!

Don’t you love it when the physician puts on the rubber gloves with an authoritative “snap” and then lubricates doctor’s fingers to intrusively test your vitals? It’s something we loathe, but we put up with it because we have a doctor-patient relationship of trust. The physician practices medicine to help you and you trust the physician to talk to you and treat you for healthier living.

That relationship of trust is jeopardized in some of the health insurance reform bills churning in Washington. After getting an ear full from their constituents Congress debates again. If they dared to listen, they will have to be persons of character to resists the “bribes” and pressure from the administration and choose to represent the American people who sense this is the wrong legislation at the wrong time. Certainly, there can be found some good parts in almost any bill.

One thing is for sure. No one wants to suit up in that open back hospital gown and have Dr. Barry and his “medical” team practice on them. Far from the professional relationship you have with your doctor, the Chicago-style “doctor” and his associates want not only the say with your body but your personal tax information published for people in every state of the Union to see. Not every person, but a lot of people.

The Health Insurance Reform legislation specifies in 431A that the IRS must publish your tax return to the agencies in Washington, DC that would oversee your health care as well as provide a copy of your returns to 50 states for monitoring! Somehow that sounds more intrusive and a violation of privacy than the exam by one’s doctor. Frankly, there is nothing in the U.S. Constitution, tax law or public health law that gives Barry along with his Czars, officers and bureaucrats by whatever title the right to probe you personally or financially and make the results known to your state or anyone elses.

Do you think it’s time for you to stand alone, if necessary, and refuse to “assume the position?” Now, when the pressure intensifies, be the patriot and stand for your choices in health care and health insurance.