When Losing Can Be Winning

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I have done several posts about our support of Mitt Romney for President of the Unites States of America. I, along with nearly half of the nation, am still reeling from what happened on November 6th.  The post that I could have written that night was decidedly a lot different  than the one I will write today.  I am a person who needs time to process the events of a day like that. I feel a need to put some closure on it.

This campaign was very intense, divisive and emotional for most of America it seems.  It divided households, friendships, neighborhoods and special interest groups into their chosen camps from the beginning.  In many ways I feel the really big loser of this election was the media.  It is culpable for the lies that were perpetuated, the merciless scrutiny of both candidates' every move and word and the angst that was generated for good people on both sides of the issues.  The stereotyping that was glamorized and capitalized upon was downright sinful.

The continuation of the slandering and defaming of Mitt Romney, post-election, is pitiful and a true testament to the fact that cynicism and sarcasm and down right meanness are alive and well in America.  Perhaps again we can point to the nebulous "they" of the media that have fostered the cheap shots and putdowns in prime time sitcoms for decades as a form of entertainment.  These nasty quips are now so common place in our society that the hearts of once decent people have grown cold.  We as a nation are desensitized to hateful behavior to our own detriment.  We need only to look around us to see what a hostile environment we are now trying to abide...just to survive.  The anger for so many is right on the surface and acted out every day of the week.  It is common and sadly ordinary now to have to always be on your guard protecting your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

I am saddest about all of that. We as a people are in trouble.  We have lost our civility and are so caught up in our own selfish wants and needs. We have lost our abilities to see what is best for the whole country...not just ourselves.  We have lost our senses in thinking that the mess our country is in now in terms of the economy, unemployment and astronomical debt, the foreign policies, etc. can be righted without every American making a sacrifice. The melting pot of America has grown cold and has become a pot of coagulated clumps of gooey special interests.  The "me first" attitude is killing what has always made America strong and different.

We have heard of late that the climate of this country is changing.  I could not agree more.  The question is, is this change a good thing?  Are we shooting ourselves in the foot with all our disrespect and bickering and warring with everyone that does not see things exactly as we do? Are we actually taking away our own liberties in this process.  We may not agree with you but we do defend your right to your own opinions and will never be rude and in your face about it either.  It is not our job to change your mind nor yours ours.  That would infringe on everybody's liberties wouldn't it?  These are indeed points to ponder, at any rate.

I would not be honest if I didn't say I am very sad that Mitt Romney did not prevail in this election.  Quite simply, I think he would have done a better job of pulling this country up by its boot straps.  I know he is a man of integrity and a man of God.   I also know it is unpopular to believe in God these days in some quarters, but we still do and always will.  We have lived too long and seen too many evidences of His existence and love for all of us to ever abandon our faith.  Or to deny that this country was founded on principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Those principles include love for our fellow man and our agency or right to choose for ourselves the path we will take.  It includes faith in the realization that God hears and answers our prayers in His own time and way, as He knows far better than we what lies ahead and how history will play out.  I know that many millions of people prayed for Mitt to win this election.  However, that was not to be.  We give our will over to His, it is that simple.  What else do we truly have to give Him who gives us all we have and hold dear? 

 In spite of Mitt's losing the election the things he did accomplish were very winning and perhaps that was the bigger part of what was needed from him in our country at this time.

He was willing to work tirelessly and without salary for the duration of his term as President had he been elected.   Not for his own aggrandizement but for the benefit of the people of this country. He was not seeking power for power's sake but to lead and serve and that was apparent.

He showed the world the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a strong and wonderful Christ centered church founded on righteous principles and truth.  The work is going forward at an increased pace because of his good example.

He espoused creating a wonderful country and world by beginning with himself and working outward.  He was not willing to compromise his views and values on things to be popular, good leaders don't do that.  He knows that the fundamental elements of success are living God's laws and creating a strong and loving family first.  Not government programs to put a bandaid on social issues where families have failed in their attempts to take care of first things first. 

He supports the value of hard work and is the epitome of compassionate charity where it is truly needed.  He does not support entitlement for those that are capable of working to get their rewards but are more content to be handed what they want carte blanche. He knows that enabling is not good for the spirit of an individual nor for the country.

This is just a very partial list of his philosophies and attributes, but enough to make me know that he is a winner!   It is enough for me to see that losing can be winning in those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.  It has always been so and ever shall be.  God bless you, Mitt and Ann and your delightful family for being willing to give your all.  I cannot help but think that the Lord has something greater in store for you where your leadership can be received and appreciated in a far less hostile environment.  Thank you for your graciousness and humility and your goodness.  It is enough and then some.  You are truly a winner in the things that matter most.

What a beautiful and exemplary family!

Thank you for always taking the high road!

Voting and Smiling~What is an American?

From Jen~ to her iPhone ~to Facebook ~to me ~to you
~as if by Magic...in July 2009

Mom: "Wow! Chloe, you are so fancy!

Chloe: "I'm not fancy. I'm an American....."

Mom: Hmmm..."What is an American?"

Chloe: "It's when you have a dress and a necklace
 and curly hair wig and a build-a-bear
 and you are smiling."

From the mouths of babes..."

         If you are smiling~Go Vote!

The Hunt For Red November Is On...

Google Images

Seeing Red, Baby!

Nervous Laughter~This is F U N N Y!

53 Top Reasons To Vote For Mitt!

Top 53 Reasons to
Vote For Mitt Romney 

Kyle Becker
October 31, 2012
 

"Republican candidate and former governor Mitt Romney is a leader of tremendous character, whose ability to turn around enterprises, talent for overcoming partisanship, and commitment to his country make him worthy of becoming the next president of the United States. The following are characteristics displayed by Mitt Romney, based on his record.

#1. Mitt Romney graduated from Harvard University with a degree from the prestigious J.D.-M.B.A. program, which is the graduate education of the last two presidents combined.

#2. Mitt Romney governed a state whose schools ranked first nationally in education.

#3. In 1984, Romney founded and led one of the world’s most successful venture capital and investment firms: Bain Capital.

#4. Bain Capital helped turn around numerous struggling businesses that went on to become prosperous and successful, such as: Burger King, Sealy, Sports Authority, Staples, Brookstone, Burlington Coat Factory, Clear Channel, Domino’s Pizza, Houghton Mifflin, Dunkin’ Donuts, The Weather Channel, Guitar Center, and the Hospital Corporation of America.

#5. In 2002, Romney left the private sector to oversee the Olympics preparations at Salt Lake City. He erased a $379 million operating deficit, organized 23,000 volunteers, and oversaw security in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

#6.  As Governor of Massachusetts, Romney turned a $ 3 billion deficit into a $700 Million budget surplus in less than 2 years.

7.   Governor Romney was granted emergency gubernatorial powers and slashed unsustainable spending levels by hundreds of millions of dollars.

#8. As governor, he helped reduce Massachusetts’ unemployment rate from 6% to 4.7%

#9. Romney was elected Chairman of the Republican Governors Association for the the 2006 election cycle, going on to raise a then-record $27 million for candidates in state house contests across the nation.

#10.  In 2006, Governor Romney proposed and signed into law market-based healthcare reform approved by 99% of the Massachusetts legislature, which was 85% Democrat and could override any veto.

#11. Romney objected to the employer mandate, mandated benefits, minimum coverage guidelines, and medicaid expansion in the final healthcare bill. His vetoes were overridden. He also preferred a tax break for those who could prove coverage, rather than a penalty for the individual mandate.

#12. As Romney predicted, the healthcare law added 1.2% to Massachusetts’ budget, despite the additional costly provisions that he objected to as governor. Another analysis put the cost as low as .3% a year or $100 million.

#13. So-called Romneycare remains popular with 67-84% of Massachusetts residents, who are happy with the plan and would not go back to the old system if given the chance.

#14. Romney cut taxes 19 times, and they were only raised in Massachusetts when his governor’s veto was overridden. The governor used fees to help close the state’s $3 billion budget shortfall.

#15. Mitt Romney has pledged to repeal Obamacare as quickly as possible, granting waivers from the program to the states in the meantime (just as President Obama gave waivers to special interests and the Democrat Party exempted politicians from the program).

#16. A devout Mormon, a branch of Christianity, Romney spent two years as a missionary in Paris, France, forgoing entertainment, dating, and contact with family and friends to serve God.

#17. Mitt Romney has never smoked cigarettes, used drugs, or drank alcohol, which shows remarkable dedication.

#18. Mitt Romney has given nearly 13.5% of his income to charity over the last twenty years, $4 million in 2011 alone. Much of his donations was given to his church.

#19. The former governor’s taxes never fell below 13.66%, and amount to 38.5% of his income over twenty years.

#20. Mitt Romney accepted no pay as an intern in his father’s Governor’s office, no pay as bishop and stake president for his church, no pay as president of the Olympics, and only a ceremonial salary of $1 as Governor of Massachusetts — 28 years of virtually unpaid service.

#21. Mitt Romney refused to take his father’s trust fund money, he financed his way through college, and he donated his father’s inheritance to charity.

#22. Ann and Mitt Romney lived in a modest basement apartment for years.

#23. While at Bain Capital, Romney shut down the company so that workers could help find a partner’s missing daughter. Mitt Romney helped organize the search, which sent out hundreds of thousands of fliers. The teenage girl was found in New York, after police traced a call in New Jersey to a teenage boy who was interested in the reward.

#24. In July 2003, Mitt Romney used his Jet Ski to rescue a New Jersey family and their Scottish terrier McKenzie out of Lake Winnipesaukee while their boat sank.

#25. After a California wildfire, Mitt Romney took time out away from his campaign to help a family dig out a tree stump. The act went unpublicized, because Romney does not like to advertise his community service and random acts of kindness.

#26. In 1979, Mitt Romney helped a dying fourteen-year old boy named David write his will and delivered the eulogy at his funeral.

#27. At a campaign stop in South Carolina, Mitt emptied his wallet for a woman having trouble paying her light bill named Ruth Williams. The woman was in difficult circumstances due to her desperately ill son.

#28. Although Mitt Romney had the opportunity to attend Stanford, he took a risk and bypassed it to attend Brigham Young University, where his future wife was enrolled. As recounted, Mitt Romney was worried about Ann Davie being wooed by other suitors after he received a “Dear John” letter.

#29. As governor, Romney hired more women to his economic team than any other in the country.

#30. Although Mitt Romney is personally against abortion, he has respected a woman’s ‘right to choose’ and vowed not to make abortion legislation a part of his presidential agenda.

#31. While Romney is a proponent of “traditional marriage,” and is not in favor of civil unions, he has not stood in the way of legal extensions of rights to “domestic partnerships.” As the governor put it, “If the question is: “Do you support gay marriage or civil unions?” I’d say neither; if they said you have to have one or the other, that Massachusetts is going to have one or the other, then I’d rather have civil unions than gay marriage.” Romney has been endorsed by the Log Cabin Republicans.

#32. While Romney was governor, he vetoed a bill for embryonic stem cell research.

#33. Romney also said he would cut federal funding for PBS, given the U.S. is borrowing money from China to finance the government. Such a bold statement about cutting a popular federal program shows courage and seriousness about the issue. (Sesame Street and other programs would not likely go out of business, regardless.)

#34. Mitt Romney also told the NAACP that he pledged to repeal Obamacare, drawing boos. This again demonstrates his willingness to tell people what they do not want to hear.

#35. The governor said he would cut funding for the pro-abortion group Planned Parenthood.

#36. Romney stated in unequivocal terms that the Federal Reserve should be audited. As he responded to a questioner at a campaign stop, “The Federal Reserve should be accountable. We should see what they’re doing.”

#37. The Republican candidate has pledged to work to repeal the burdensome 2300-page Dodd-Frank regulations.

#38. Although Mitt Romney has admitted that man is responsible for “some warming” in the climate, he opposes cap-and-trade and fought the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative as governor of Massachusetts.

#39. The GOP candidate has proposed more domestic energy development, approval of the Keystone pipeline, and a return to market-oriented “green energy” innovation.

#40. Romney signed into law at least one pro-second amendment or pro-sportsmen bill while governor every year, and blocked or improved anti-gun legislation coming out of the Democrat-dominated legislature. NRA board of directors member Grover Norquist in 2007 called Romney’s position on guns “flawless.”

#41. Regarding foreign policy matters, Mitt Romney has pledged to be a staunch defender of Israel.

#42. He has called Iran’s attainment of nuclear weapons “unacceptable” and would do everything in his power to prevent it.

#43. Mitt Romney called Russia the U.S.’ “number one geopolitical foe.” President Obama has made numerous concessions to Russia in what he called a “reset” of relations and even whispered to Dmitry Medvedev that he would have more “flexibility” after his “last election” in a hot microphone exchange.

#44. In regards to China, Romney has stated he intends to go after China for currency manipulation, and he would strengthen our naval assets in the Pacific.

#45. Although Romney was attacked by mainstream media for going after Obama on his mishandling of the terrorist attack at Benghazi, further analysis confirms that the administration did not send help to the murdered diplomats and security forces after three requests.

#46. Mitt Romney strongly opposes illegal immigration. He is not for forcibly removing but wants to seek ways to encourage legal immigration and discourage illegal immigration.

#47. He selected as his running mate Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, who was re-elected six times in a Democrat-heavy district, and never failed to receive 63% of the vote.

#48. Paul Ryan’s proposed budget plan would “shrink the size of government to about 20 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, 19 percent of GDP in 2040 and 16 percent of GDP in 2050.”
 The plan is relatively non-aggressive, as conservative critics contend, but may be politically viable.

#49. As one policy foundation summarized: “The Ryan budget would reform income taxes for individuals and corporations by lowering rates and allowing fewer exemptions, deductions and other special provisions.”

#50. As the analysis continued, “relative to the CBO baseline, these proposals would cut taxes by $4.4 trillion over 10 years and would more than offset all of the budget’s $4.1 trillion in proposed spending cuts.” Other ‘non-static’ budget analyses have confirmed this $4 trillion in spending reductions.

#51. According to the CBO’s long-term projections, federal debt would decline to 62 percent of GDP in 2022 and to 10 percent of GDP in 2050 under the Ryan plan.

#52. As a potential president, Mitt Romney would likely be charged with nominating two Supreme Court justices, who would have lifetime appointments, and dozens of federal judges. The Justices he cites as his favorites are: Scalia, Thomas, and Alito.

#53. While governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney worked with an 85% Democrat legislature to balance the budget four times. If his election bid is successful enough on November 6th, he would likely have the opportunity to work with a Republican-controlled House of Representatives and possibly a GOP majority Senate to effect the change of direction America so desperately needs."

********************************

This article was really needed because it helps to remind of us of our reasons for making this good and informed choice.  With all the hoopla and distractions in the news we as Americans forget to look at the big picture.  Sandy and 9/11/12 and the Debates have been on everyone's minds as the nation has been caught up in the moment and putting out fires.

Our focus has been literally jammed with a lot of very big news and important stuff from the press.  In the frenzy of all of it we need to take a step back and look at the big picture.  That should reground us and help us refocus on our wise decision making.  So thank you to Kyle Becker from the Independent Review Journal.  Thank you for reminding us why Mitt Romney is our man for a brighter future.

Recovery is needed and the truth is everyone will have to make sacrifices to see things turn around.  We need to step back from our personal interest groups and look at what is best for everybody in America.  We are all "entitled" to that and to attain it we are all going to have to work together.  No more free rides...everyone needs to pitch in.  We need the Leadership of an honest, forthright and good man to guide us with a proven track record.  We have him on the ticket.  It is Mitt Romney on November 6, 2012.  No more helpless watching as the present administration continues on the downward spiral with their hopeless trying.  Just say "NO!" to Obama in the voting booth.  Get out there and make a big difference!

He Will Preserve The Righteous With His Power

This is an excerpt from a talk given 34 years ago by Ezra Taft Benson, A General Authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He later became the President of the Church.  It could have been given today for its appropriate applications.  It resonates with our day and time perfectly.

It can be found in its entirety here.  http://tinyurl.com/8o952uv

This photo was taken of Governor Romney just

 moments before speaking to a large group
 on the campaign trail this week.

Mitt was not aware that this picture was being taken by a staff member and perhaps the scared moment should have been kept private.  However, it says a lot about the humility and the goodness of this man.  He no doubt prays often to bring this country back to the principles upon which it was founded. He wants us to once again be one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.  I am very weary of people that want you and me to believe that seeking after good and righteous leadership is somehow politically incorrect. 

Here's that excerpt from the President Benson.

 "...As righteousness will increase, so will evil. We see evidences of this all about us. It sometimes causes members of the Church to despair. We may be assured, however, that the Lord will take care of this in His own time and in His own way. Hear His decree:

“I, the Lord, am angry with the wicked. …

“I have sworn in my wrath, and decreed wars upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man;

“And the saints also shall hardly escape; nevertheless, I, the Lord, am with them, and will come down in heaven from the presence of my Father and consume the wicked with unquenchable fire.” (DC 63:32–34; italics added.)

“We may not be too far from the day prophesied by Heber C. Kimball, grandfather of President Spencer W. Kimball and member of the First Presidency. He said:

“The Saints will be put to tests that will try the integrity of the best of them. The pressure will become so great that the more righteous among them will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes.” (“Prophecy of Heber C. Kimball,” Deseret News, Church Section, May 23, 1931, p. 3.)

But remember the Lord has said in modern revelation, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (DC 38:30.) Are we prepared? God help us to be so for the tests of the days ahead.

With these prophetic warnings and assurances before us and evidences of evil increasing, Church members are asking: “Why is not the Church doing more to expose the evils of our society?” “Is there a great conspiracy?” “What can I do to fight false philosophies which have crept into our school systems and society in general?” “With the precarious political and economic conditions, should I prepare my sons and daughters for college and future careers?” “Is the Church (Of Jesus Christ) the only answer to the problems about us, or are there other things we should be doing?”

It is easy to despair when we see about us the moorings of society slipping. We must remember, however, that the Lord sent His Saints into the world “to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men.” (DC 103:9.) This is a time when “Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.” (DC 82:14) 

 The contrast between the Church and the world will be increasingly marked in the future, which contrast, we hope, will cause the Church to be more attractive to those in the world who desire to live according to God’s plan for us, His children.

The Church will always stand for that which is honest, virtuous, true and praiseworthy. Such a pronounced stand for righteousness constitutes a repudiation against every evil and all false philosophies. The First Presidency and the Twelve are not oblivious to false philosophies and evils and will continue to warn the world and the Saints as the Lord directs.

Yes, there is a conspiracy of evil. The source of it all is Satan and his hosts. He has a great power over men to “lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken” to the voice of the Lord. (Moses 4:4.) His evil influence may be manifest through governments; through false educational, political, economic, religious, and social philosophies; through secret societies and organizations; and through myriads of other forms. His power and influence are so great that, if possible, he would deceive the very elect. As the second coming of the Lord approaches, Satan’s work will intensify through numerous insidious deceptions.

Parents also need to take a stand for all that is honest, virtuous, and praiseworthy. It is the responsibility of heads of families to support wholesome influences for their children in government, schools, in the home, in the neighborhoods, in stores, in local theaters. Parents have responsibility to see that freedom is preserved for their children, and that the present generation does not burden future generations with debt and wasteful extravagance. The gospel, the kingdom of God, can prosper only in an atmosphere of freedom. 

Every adult has responsibility in selecting government leadership, for as the Lord has said, “I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; … Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently.” (DC 98:8–10.)

There is an urgent need for the development of a more firm and virtuous influence in the public affairs of each community, each state or province, and nations as a whole. A force for positive good is needed in every facet of public life.  Too many heads of families are not involving themselves in the affairs of their communities on the ground that they have not received specific instructions from Church leaders. 

The Lord, however, has declared:

“It is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant. …

“Men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

“For the power is in them. … And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.” (DC 58:26–28.)

Joseph Smith, the prophet of this dispensation, declared: “It is our duty to concentrate all our influence to make popular that which is sound and good and unpopular that which is unsound.” (History of the Church, 5:286.)

We must ask ourselves: Are we doing all we can to actively participate in the preservation of our freedom in building an influence for positive good and resisting the flood of evil which threatens to inundate the whole human family?

A major responsibility of family heads is to help prepare youth for the future. Gospel principles may be instilled through effective family home evenings where youth will be fortified so that they have no need to fear for their future. Such teaching must be done in faith, testimony, and optimism.

The Church’s mission is to declare the gospel of the kingdom to all the world, to redeem our kindred dead, and to perfect the Saints of the Church—a positive approach. Never in the history of the Church has there been such an expenditure of time, planning, and resources to accomplish this mission. In the final analysis, this effort (To Come Unto Christ) is the only solution to the problems of the world.

When Jesus stood before Pilate, the Roman governor asked him whether or not He was a king. It was a political question. The Savior replied: “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36.) 

His answer is apropos today: The work of His kingdom is preeminently spiritual. The economic, political, and social problems facing this nation, as well as other nations, will be solved only with the help of God.  The days ahead will be sobering and will test the faith of the Saints. But we may obtain strength from the Lord’s assurances found in modern revelation. I quote:

“He will preserve the righteous by his power. … Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; … they shall be saved, even if it so be … by fire.” (1 Ne. 22:17.)

“I will fight your battles.” (DC 105:14.) “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; 

… This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” (3 Ne. 22:17.)

“Great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve.” (Moses 7:61; italics added.)

The kingdom of God will not fail; it shall not be destroyed; it will not be left to other people; it will stand forever until “the kingdoms of this world [will] become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ.” (Rev. 11:15.)

Hear the prophecy of the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (HC, 4:540.)

Christian denominations the world over have prayed for centuries for the kingdom of God to come. We earnestly and publicly declare: that day is now here!

To Latter-day Saints the world over, we say: Let not your hearts be troubled. Keep the commandments of God. Follow the counsel of his living prophet, taking care not to exceed the counsel with your own private views. Teach your children to walk uprightly before the Lord. Pray in your homes morning and evening. Pray for civil magistrates and leaders even when you do not agree with them. Pray for the leaders of the Church. Pray, as you have been counseled, that the doors of nations of the world will be opened to the preaching of the gospel. Obey the laws of your country; rebel not against civil authority. Do your duty as citizens. “Do not yield to the bad, but always oppose it with good.” (Virgil.)

To all who have allegiance to the kingdom of God, we say: “Seek ye … first the kingdom of God.” (Matt. 6:33.) “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations; And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.” (DC 115:5–6.)

Yes, “Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.

“Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come.” (DC 65:5–6.)..."

**********************

I am pretty tired of all the lying, the cover-ups, the secrecy, the corruption and hidden self-serving agendas.  I want our country to be better.  I am voting for a righteous vision of where we should be headed. I am excited about the chance to help get a good man in office for some positive changes.

This is THAT man.

Mitt Romney will be stepping up...

November 6, 2012

A E Smith Dinner Speeches By Presidential Hopefuls

Nothing like a little laughter to cut the tension.
We'll see if it sticks for Monday Night!

If you are up for a little light-hearted hilarity between 

Mitt Romney and Barack Obama click below.   Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/-BAlybzyH3Y

Points to Ponder in Our Day and Time!

 Each morning I see newspaper clippings on my desk from Jim.  He likes to put funny cartoons that he knows will resonate with me as they have with him.  Of late he has been clipping more than usual and MORE than usual; like lots of political things, local news along with the funnies!  This morning this article appeared in our local paper and I thought it was so good I wanted to share it in its entirety.  This article was written by Thomas Sowell, a senior fellow at Hoover Institute, at Stanford University.   I will quote it with my own emphasis in red.  The article is entitled Offering Random Thoughts on the Passing Scene, published in the San Jose Mercury and Contra Costa Times on October 19, 2012.

"Here are some random thoughts on the passing scene: 

 Not since the days of slavery have there been so many people who feel entitled to what other people have produced as there are in the modern welfare state, whether in Western Europe or on this side of the Atlantic.

Economist Edward Lazear has cut through all of Barack Obama's claims about "creating jobs" with one plain and inescapable fact -- "there hasn't been one day during the entire Obama presidency when as many Americans were working as on the day President George W. Bush left office." Whatever number of jobs were created during the Obama administration, more have been lost.

How are children supposed to learn to act like adults, when so much of what they see on television shows adults acting like children?

The know-it-all smirks and condescending laughs of Vice President Joe Biden, when Congressman Paul Ryan was speaking during their debate, were a little much from an administration presiding over economic woes at home and disasters overseas -- and being caught in lies about both.

Like Barack Obama, Joe Biden has all the clever tricks of a politician and none of the wisdom of a statesman.

If you truly believe in the brotherhood of man, then you must believe that blacks are just as capable of being racists as whites are.

One of the most foolish, and most dangerous, things one can do is to take love for granted, instead of nurturing it and safeguarding it as the prize jewel of one's life.

Whenever you hear people talking about ''a living Constitution," almost invariably they are people who are in the process of slowly killing it by ''interpreting" its restrictions on government out of existence.

Do either Barack Obama or his followers have any idea how many countries during the 20th century set out to ''spread the wealth" -- and ended up spreading poverty instead? At some point, you have to turn from rhetoric, theories and ideologies to facts. 

I am so old that I can remember when liberals were liberal -- instead of being intolerant of anything and anybody that is not politically correct. 

Whatever happened to Julie Banderas of the Fox News Channel? She had brains, looks, wit and personality. Has she met with foul play? Or has some zillionaire married her and taken her off to his own private island?

The question to be asked of people in the media, and that they should ask themselves, should be: "Is your first loyalty to your audience or to your ideology?" The same question should be asked of educators, especially those who see themselves as "agents of social change," even though that is not the job description under which they have been hired and paid.

People who complain about "negative" campaign ads miss the point. It is perfectly legitimate to criticize your opponent. The question is whether the ads are about serious things that matter to the future of this country, and whether they are telling the truth or lying.

If you believe Barack Obama and others who oppose what they call "tax cuts for the rich," you might want to consider what the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said: "You are entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts." If you want to see some documented facts about tax rates and tax revenues, there is a box titled "Tax Cuts" on my website (www.tsowell.com). Click on it. 

In baseball, switch hitters are said to have an advantage. But the highest lifetime batting average by a switch hitter (.319 by Frankie Frisch) is more than 30 points lower than the highest batting average for either left-handed hitters or right-handed hitters. The highest batting average in a season by a switch hitter (.365 by Mickey Mantle) is more than 50 points lower.

I have never known a word to become absolute dogma, without a speck of evidence, the way "diversity" has."

Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University

They pretty much were random thoughts but all of them pretty thought provoking!

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Yesterday I pretty much hit my wall with all the lies, the nonsense and the rhetoric.  The only thing that saved the day was the respectful way Ann Romney was treated on The View.  She prepared so well on all the controversial issues which were brought up for sure.  But she was witty and eloquent and comfortable in her own skin and that was beautiful to see.  Surprisingly she was not confronted in the usual way and there was no arguing with her...none!  Thankfully it was not your typical View fare!  She looked and acted every bit The First Lady of the United States of America....and they knew it.



In the end it comes down to the records, the principles, and the character of your candidate.  And I am feeling a little like the Ellie below...let's just get it done and and get it over with soon.  One more debate and then on to the polls for some housecleaning.

 This is a bit like riding a terrifying ride at the midway.  It is fast and exciting and anxiety-producing, frightening, exhilarating and exhausting.  And maybe it's a little like watching a horror movie.  You throw your hands over your eyes because you don't want to watch. But you cannot help peeking out between your fingers just a little...as you hold your breath... hoping for what is right to happen by a landslide! 

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I get a lot of gray hair during the years we elect a new President.  Love/Hate it!

Sports, Politics, Honesty, Loyality and the Like

 

OK, I have to admit neither Jim nor I are into sports that much.  For me this is a complete backlash from my childhood.  I think every conversation I ever had with my Dad or brothers (in those days) had some game playing on the radio or TV in the background.  The fact that they were looking at the screen 80% of the time didn't enhance the communication levels much either.  They were fanatics.  It didn't matter what kind of ball it was, it was the focal point of everyday.  Baseball, football, basketball, golf, bowling, whatever.  Ugh.

The only sport I enjoyed watching as a student was basketball.  I enjoyed playing that and can still beat a lot of people in that sport with my free throws.  I might add it has knocked the socks of some unsuspecting people like our grandson, Ross, much to his chagrin and Grampa's delight.  I also played a lot of volleyball in school.  And as young marrieds we went to several Giants games in San Francisco and that was fun.  But as I kid, during the World Series or the Rose Bowl, I could have run away from home and gotten to Nevada before I was missed.  My Mom and I were utterly defenseless when it came to a ball.  So that definitely put a damper on my sports enthusiasm.

For Jim, I think his lack of interest stems from all the other things that fill up his time.  More often than not, we are on our way to the Super Bowl Party hosted by one of my brothers and have absolutely no clue who is even playing.  Yeah, it's pretty bad.  Thank heavens for mobile devices and Google on the fly, to help us appear a little more enthused.   There is one exception to our disinterest in sports.  We do love the Olympics.  But once every four years hardly denotes a sports enthusiast.  When Jim was young he wrestled and did track but didn't play a lot of other sports.  He was the exemplary Dad though and muscled through coaching little league and attended all the kids games through out their growing up years.  Me too.  But at the end of the day...we are just not that connected to any kind of a ball.

In fact, many times during my adult life I have been curious about the sporting arena.  I have seen  grown men cry when their teams lose, demonstrating extreme loyalty.  I have seen people I worked with bet lots of money and mostly lose it on pro games.  I have seen fights break out over games in places where fighting is not appropriate in the least, like cultural halls in meeting houses.  I have seen reasonable parents make complete idiots of themselves at ball fields where their child in a player.  I guess we all have.  I guess that all falls into the realm of the natural man and /or woman.  In that respect I get it.

There is one aspect of some fans that I do not really understand though.  When their favorite team is a winner their loyalty is intact.  However when they lose...hmm, not so much.  Some sports fans can be so fickle.  Not everyone can be a winner, right?  Just sayin'.

You are probably thinking at this point what has this to do with politics?  Well, just last week I was saying to my friend that when I get involved in politics it gives me a big insight into sports and how fanatical fans feel.  If I let myself, I can get totally swept away in the Presidential Election years.  I wrote a post about this that is found here.  I said how tired I was about the media slant and how it is just so annoying.

Well, some interesting things have happened to restore some of my non-existent faith in the media since the first Presidential Debate on October 3rd.  I have actually noticed that some diehards have had to admit their man failed miserably in that debate.  Some hemmed and hawed and said it was a draw, but for the most part I saw honesty in their reactions.  Now that was refreshing.  I don't think I have ever written something with 'media' and 'refreshing' in the same sentence before.

Of course there are the people that are loyal to their man no matter what, like a sports fan and that is to be expected.   And there are others who are fickle and just want to be on the winning team.
And there are some that are open and even change their minds, even doing an about face.  I like to think that they have learned or discovered something new.   I fear the media does such a number on so many of us that it is good to see people look at another point of view that is based on their own viewing of a debate.  We need more live viewings of political things like we have Monday Night Football where there is no time or space for editing or the media bias to creep in.

This reaction is brought about by our past experience with slanted reporting and unethical journalism.  But I have liked the more honest responses to the debates in the press.  Although the skeptic in me is hesitant, I am trying to be optimistic about a hopeful change in a medium that has been going south for a long, long time.  It is nice to just have the story reported without so much subjectivity.  After all isn't that their job?  Of course when they are discussing it in their our parlors they are as entitled to their opinions as  the rest of us.  However, when reporting the news as professionals I like them to stick to the facts.  That would be totally refreshing.  That is loyalty to ethical journalism.  Perhaps it is a little too Polyanna-ish but I sure would love to see it.

The correlation between sports and politics are good but they also differ in many ways. Sports are entertainment and have little long term effects on our daily lives.  Although politics can be entertaining, the long term effects are pretty real.

I thought this one was pretty funny 

and entertaining from the VP Debate

The way the sports announcer does a call by call during a sporting event, is how I would like to see things in the political arena relayed in the media.  Our only opportunity to see the real candidates is live.  That leaves the debates for most of us who cannot follow politicians around in person making personal observations.  Seeing them live guarantees they are not being edited to fit someone else's political hopes, special interests or agenda.  In the best of all worlds, we should to be able to rely on the truth as we receive it on media reported events.  Short of that, it seems to require an endless amount of research into every nook and cranny of the public records in hopes of finding something to base intelligent decisions upon.  The rhetoric and campaign propaganda spots on TV just don't cut it.  It all comes down to loyalty and ethics and honesty and trust and being responsible.  Sadly, we find our world spiraling downward and away from these things.

But just this week I felt a little glimmer of hope when I saw people telling it like it really was during that first debate.  But then again, it was just like a sporting event in that is was a live broadcast.  It is hard to call a touchdown when it clearly wasn't. 

Mitt Romney Is My Choice

 

How is it that Presidential Election years come around so quickly?   How fortunate we are as Americans to be able to cast a vote for the candidate of our choice.  This is an exciting and wonderful liberty that we enjoy.  But somehow I always find that Election years stir a little something irritating within me. Politics just really annoy me on so many levels.  Politics and the media are a bad combination.  Ethical journalism seems to be absent in our society.  I am sick of the slant.

 I really abhor politicians that lack morality and good judgement.   I am appalled when reading about the lascivious behavior of people in the public eye with political power.  I am sick to death of their reckless spending and unmonitored expense accounts and irresponsibility and incredible waste.  I am tired of the rhetoric, the falsehoods and the out and out lies. And all the empty promises~spare me.

Adding insult to injury, all this happens at our expense, affecting our wallets and our piece of mind and everything in between. The wave of entitlement in this country is down right frightening.  The problems go much deeper than the squabbling between Republicans and Democrats.  These serious societal issues must be dealt with before it is too late.  The challenges of unemployment, the housing situation and tanking economy, welfare, the outsourcing, the trade agreements, the foreign policy, the education system, health care, rising crime rates and terrorism are beyond troubling. I could go on ad infinitum, we all could.  Are there any among us that don't want things to get better?  I don't think so. The solutions are very complex but one thing I know for sure.  It starts with the self-governance of the individual and the cohesiveness of good, value-based, nuclear families.

I have been voting in Presidential elections since I was 21.  Most of the elections have been trying to chose between the best of two bad choices.  This time is different.  To me the choice could not be more clear.  I am proud to stand up and say I am voting for Mitt Romney.  Barack Obama has not kept any of his promises to my knowledge.  Things are not better but rather they are worse.  The hope he spoke of has been dashed.  This has nothing to do with being a liberal or a conservation thinker.  I think we are all in favor of good change.  The proof is in the pudding.  His way is not working and he needs to be replaced.

I am not so naive as to think that one man is totally responsible for the current situation and climate in this country,  not Bush and not Obama.  Nor do I think one man can make a 180 degree difference in all of our problem areas in four years.  Quite frankly, I admire any person who decides to run for President of the United States because whomever they are, they will be hated by millions by the time they are done.  But I want to see some integrity in the promises made during the campaign and I do not want to see the complete opposite of what was espoused just 4 years later.

The candidates have the disadvantage of living under a microscope.  Every word, every move, every gaffe, every video, every everything is at our fingertips now.  It is disheartening to go back and listen to the words Obama spoke four years ago, realizing nothing has improved and he is saying the same things almost verbatim again.  Really?

Bottom line is I want someone in the white House that we can trust.  For me that is Mitt Romney.  His record of economic success and public economic recovery is self-evident.  I believe him to be a patriotic man with the country's best interests at heart.  His records both financial and personal are impeccable and have been made public.  I don't know either candidate personally, but I do know a lot about Mitt Romney and what he believes. He is a builder and I like that about him.

I know you may be thinking, "She is probably voting for Mitt because he is a Latter-day Saint and so is she."  Well, I simply wouldn't do that.  There are none perfect among us and there is no stereotypic Mormon either.  But the fact that is he is LDS and that the doctrine of Jesus Christ is a part of him is something that helps me make an informed choice.  I know enough about him because of the mission he served, his family life and his church callings to know he is a man who lives his religion with honor.  I also know that the opponents and media have dug as deeply as they possibly could to find the flaw and they came up with nothing.  So for me the choice is clear.  I do not vote for him because he is a Mormon but it is definitely a factor because I know what that means. I am a Mormon and have studied the doctrine for 35 years, so in a sense I do know him. 

Now Barack Obama on the other hand, all I really know about him is what the media wants me to know.  Ironically, the media which blatantly favors him, has not really done him any favors in the long run.  By rushing to be first to publish any lead story whether true or false, they have unwittingly managed to raise doubts in my mind about the integrity of the man. The hidden records about everything, his birth, his law degree records, his alias as a child, his Christian/not Christian affiliations, his big changes in his thinking for political gain, and his alleged refusal to salute the American flag...all these things are things I do not want to think about and worry or wonder about anymore.   The character of a man is something we can do nothing about.  And when we only have the media to go on it makes it tough.   I am sure Mitt is not perfect and I am also sure there are many good qualities in Obama.  I chose to take the high road on the things I do not know for sure. 

 But the things that I cannot abide politically are the things that have gone downhill under Obama's leadership when I see families around us losing their homes and out of work and gas going for $4.50 a gallon in our area.   The cost of groceries is terrible and the basics are not available to many because of the economy and poor leadership and an ineffective legislature.  That we can actually do something about by voting on November 6th.

Our Flag

One more thought on all of this.  This campaign has been particularly divisive among families and friends.  Civility has been tossed aside in some cases.  I find that incredibly sad.  The Black/Mormon issues, the Liberal/Conservative issues, and all the rest of it have really polarized people.  I don't claim to know it all, and I won't argue my points or choices with anyone.  But it does make me sad to think that as intelligent human beings we cannot honor another's right to have a differing viewpoint and that we cannot be OK with that and often feel a need to hurt others and be cruel about it.  The ideals of a country that is free and united do not support that type of behavior.

I trust you will think for yourself and make your own informed choice.  And I'd like to think you will allow me the same.  Nothing I have said in this post is meant to change anyone else's mind.   These are just my thoughts for today as we approach the debates this month, may we all be open to continually learning and choosing wisely.  The next four years depend on responsible choices on every level of government.  Let's exercise our right to make a difference in November.