Guest Editorial by my friend Andrew J. Franke

The Lesser of Two Evils Or a Revolution 

It appears that voters who believe in liberty, a return to constitutional government, sound financial policy, wise foreign policy will be forced to choose the lesser of two evils come November. I don’t think that any of the remaining candidates are truly “evil”. It is a figure of speech. That’s for the politically correct folks.

The man I support is not going to win the party nomination. Ron Paul was the only candidate that made any real sense. He didn’t say what the people wanted to hear to get votes. He stated the truth and it scared the political and media establishment. Their reaction was to deny him fair coverage. Against this he still has more delegates than two former front runners (Thompson, Giuliani).

What do I do now? I am going to assure you I am not going to give up the fight to put my country back into the hands of the people. I am not going to give up the fight to elect honest intelligent lawmakers. I am not going to surrender the revolution that the Ron Paul campaign has started.

What I am going to do is try and ensure he has a place to be heard on the national stage. We need to ensure he is back in congress after the November election. We need to grow the grass roots support. We need this spark to ignite a blaze across this country that the media outlets cannot stop, that the politicians cannot silence and spread the word. The revolution came as far as it did because they cannot stop the internet, a free and fair place where candidates can be heard.

We need Dr. Paul to begin thinking about 2012. We need to raise money and awareness for the next 4 years while he fights in congress for us. We need to find like minded candidates and elect them to office. The fight to take back the country now shifts to Congress and the Senate. We can make a difference there. Support for candidates at a local level depends less on the national press and more upon us. If in the 2010 Congressional and Senate we can win seats for Jeffersonian Republicans, we can impact the national scene in a way that will scare the Democrats and Republicans senseless. This is not a movement for partisanship. It is a movement for all Americans to embrace the rebirth of a strong country. A country that is in their hands, as the founders intended, not run by the largest bureaucracy in the world.  

Suffice it to say if you have not read Dr. Paul’s platform do so NOW! This is only the beginning not the end. Dr. Paul has provided the spark it is up to us to help him turn it into the raging blaze it can become. American liberty will not be stopped by the tyranny of the urgent. Tyranny is exactly what we are fighting. Just like the founders of our country. The political establishment and media moguls are squelching our rights to honest fair elections and candidates. Watch any debate Dr. Paul was in and tell me the moderators were not suppressing him, or mocking him. People saw through this anyway and voted. Just not enough people heard the message. That has to change. We need to change it.

I want to be the generation that is remembered as the second fathers of our country. The generation that took the country back from the tyrants. If you think this is an extreme view, please take a moment and read what exactly the founders were fighting against. Unfair taxation(and what they were paying is no where close to what we pay), free and fair government, public well being, free speech. All of the things that are relevant today. Read what Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence.

" Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

The governement does not have my consent. They have become destructive.So no we must alter our government by exercising our right to vote them out and elect a new Government that holds true to the principles of the Declaration of Indepence and the United State Constitution. 

The revolution is not over. It has only just begun. Fan the flames, add fuel to the fire, warm yourself near it when you get weary, and watch this blaze restore our nation as it sweeps across the country and brings us out of the darkness.

Be an American and be Proud. We are about to change the world again nearly 225 years after the founders did.  

Be Right in the Middle and not Left OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

I am amazed at the commotion generated by the Presidential elections compared to the complete lack of interest in state and local elections. I think most of it is ignorance of how government in this country works. IF people understood this more they would be far more involved in state and local politics the way the founders intended.

Your average homeowner and tax payer pays most of his taxes to his state and local government yet rarely votes in those elections. Most laws affecting the everyday quality of life of it’s citizens are made by state legislatures. If we paid more attention to our local and state officials and held them accountable, a task much easier to accomplish than holding our President or even senator accountable, those elected officials could hold the President accountable. Without the backing of state Governments and legislators a President cannot be effective. This in turn monitors how much big companies influence government. IF your local state legislator is taking money he shouldn’t it is much easier to oust him than any holder of national office. It is a trickle up effect.

This trickle up effect also increases government efficiency. I have a friend who lives in a small town. In recent years a slate of candidates was elected on a “no golf course” platform. They campaigned on the promise they would not purchase property or see to spend town funds on a Golf Course. 2 years later they unanimously approved the largest land purchase ever made by the town at a price that without a 2000% increase in taxes after the first year they could not make the payments on the loan they took out. Now on top of this the surplus they had gathered earmarked for a community center was used for a down payment on the land. 2 weeks after acquiring the property they announced plans to sell the land to a developer at a fair profit. The developer wanted to make a Golf Course that would be managed by a new Town Parks and Recreation department consisting of 14 employees. Now in a town of 3400 the total number of employees in the town not including police officers was 6.

The developer only wanted the land around the course for homes. He would DONATE the land for the golf course to the town. They would have to develop the golf course.

All of this occurred 2 months before the town election. The candidates thinking it would be too late for them to meet serious opposition at the polls. This was a blunder on their part and united a town in it’s hatred of liars, kickback’s and cheats. The truth of which would come out in full after the election. The only elected official seemingly untouched by criticism was the mayor He alone had stood against the purchase and deals from the beginning and written letters to citizens begging them to exercise their right to vote and elect more honorable trustworthy councilmen.

Election day. The 6 incumbents were confident of victory as the local paper had backed them all. They stood outside the single polling place ready to glad hand voters. They got a chilly reception and eventually were asked to retreat inside by the police chief as he could not guarantee their safety. The line for voting was the longest people had seen. It wasn’t that more people voted that day. They just all got there early to ensure their vote was cast. Voter turnout among registered voters for the town was up slightly at 93 %.

The 6 incumbents got 14 votes out of 3200 or so cast. A new amateur town council was elected. Within 2 months of taking office they had sold the land purchased not to a developer but to a dairy farm operation. At a good profit and have built the community center. 4 of the 6 previous members of the council were indicted on various charges.

If people took this kind of action in all local elections the kind of political hijinks that are commonplace today would all but disappear. Not only does this small town council answer to it’s citizens they ensure the state agency answer to the town council. The trickle up effect in government is the only way this country can function. The founders never dreamed of the size of national elections today an would be astounded if anything got done.

Vote in the national election but PLEASE hold you local Government officials’ feet to the fire. They have the power and political capital to make that trickle up.

This is a guest editorial by Andrew J. Franke a long time friend and Marine corps Veteran. Andrew is a true non-partisan patriot he has served and bled for his country. He recently wrote me a letter that is the next installment on my blog. Please read this carefully as he is a man whose intelligence an opinion has long influenced me and my political career.

"The political landscape of this country has remained unchanged for far too long. The government is controlled by large contributors to political campaigns and lobbyists with enormous budgets. The average American does not vote. This needs to change and not eventually but now. Republicans no longer represent the true constitutional values they used to claim as the core of their beliefs.

So what do we do. We support a new party with honorable men. The Jefferson Republican party is the party I have chosen. They support the core values that will restore our economy and freedoms. We can no longer pretend that America is the land of the free. Just watch your local nightly newscasts, violence, poverty, debt, and a dollar that is failing and yet we are sending men materials and money overseas. Our trade deficit is massive because American industry is no longer the envy of the industrial world.

All of these things need to be addressed by serious people. People not with re-election on their minds but with RESTORING America. IF we support them as a people re-election will not be an issue. We need to send a clear message to Democrats and Republicans that are part of the status quo that we no longer need or desire them in power. We need to nominate candidates that are for the core values we truly support and not pay lip service to. Men that will do what they say and pass laws that are free from pork belly politics. You yourself wrote about paying the American farmer not to grow grain when people are starving. How stupid is this? Couldn't those same moneys be paid for the grain to feed the hungry and free up money from other "Failing" government food programs.

Bottom line Tom. You and I need to stop thumping our breasts and do something. Take a page out of what Ron Paul has done and reach out to people. Having tons of money is not necessary in the information age. The internet will provide us with a place we can economically spread our message and best of all people that agree will pass it on through their own, blogs, Websites and RSS feed. We can do something. So lets not just talk this time. Lets join the Jefferson Republican party and work hard to make it a force to be reckoned with. I want a commitment from you. I have supported you in your endeavors all of my life. Now I am calling in the favor, not for me but for the future of my country and my children."

Mr. Franke has indeed supported me for many years and I am going to join him. Will you join us? Please let me know.

You can visit the link Below as well.

Jefferson Republican Party

Politcal correctness is not my forte. It is not the Holiday season. It isn't the new year celebration. It's Christmas. Politicians can dress it up and tear it down however they wish it will ALWAYS be Christmas. I recognize not everyone celebrates Christmas but our founders did. The idea that mentioning Christ in association with Christmas would be banned us unconstitutional would seemn ludicrous to them. Who was the day named for? Washington would be aghast that we celebrate his birth but not the birth of his Saviour Jesus Christ. So MERRY CHRISTMAS.

In the greatest county in the world people still get left out at Christmas. We have thousands of homeless. Millions of unemployed and starving. Thousands in prison. Not to mention the simply lonely. Christmas is a time of year for giving. So lets ask some Grinches for some specific presents.

Congress:

Immigration laws that lighten the load on our economy and public services.

Ban on fossil fuel emission is 8 years to eliminate our need for foreign oil.

Tarrifs on imported goods to return American industry to greatness.

Tax reduction and elimination of the IRS( Ron Paul is right on this. My thanks to my Friend Andrew Franke for enlightening me)

The President:

Enforce our drug, immigration, and border laws.

Get out of NAFTA.Stop paying farmers not to grow grain. Buy their grain and feed the hungry.

Get out of Iraq immediately. Let the Saudi's replace us in Iraq. 85% of all Al-qaida fighters in Iraq are Saudi's. The Saudi Royals will not be so "Kind" in their treatment of revolution and terror.

American Industry

Get rid of Fossil fuels in the next 5 years. It can be done. The Gm all Electric car is not only affordable but safer and better power sources are available today. The car is built. Manufacture it! !Alternate energy is not only already available but cheaper than the oil companies.

Stop paying bonuses to C.E.O.'s and hire more industry jobs. Every 2 million dollar bonus is 200 jobs.

Build safe nuclear power plants. This alone will supply 97% of the energy needed to replace Fossil Fuels. Why hasn't this been done already. The oil lobby spends more money than any lobby. Contrary to popular belief the N.R.A. is not even close.

So where does this leave us. If anyone did what I suggested we would be stronger economically than ever. Ask an economist if you don't believe me.

America needs to rebuild it's industrial strength again. We cannot be dependent on foreign imports. We must stand strong on our own as we did for close to 150 years. We must establish a stable currency.(Backed By real Gold and Silver) America's economic policy effects everything else we do. Our industrial might makes us a great country.

Our industrial and economic might is grounded with the workers. It is supported by the manufacturers, suppliers, and skilled trades. It is  made great by a strong consumer.

If we take care of the Workers and manufacturers they become the strong consumer. Lets not leave the Consumer out in the cold this Christmas.

I am not anti-regime change in Iraq. I think Saddam Hussein needed to go. I do not agree necessarily with how it was done but that’s in the past. I support our soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen serving in Iraq. I just don't think they need to be there anymore. The parallels to our involvement in Southeast Asia cannot be overlooked. Leaving Iraq without stability would be disastrous to the Middle East. That we cannot afford. So what do we do? We can't just leave. Or can we?

The United States needs to bring considerable pressure to bear it's Arab allies in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. All of these countries have a vested interest in making sure Iraq has a stable government and economy. They also speak the language and have large militaries. They have a common culture with the Iraqi people. They also all have one thing in common. A constitutional or absolute Monarchy.

Why do we insist that Iraq MUST go to a democratic form of government like ours. Our strongest allies in the region are not governed that way. It is NOT a form of Government that the culture is used to. They have moved forward slowly in all of the countries mentioned towards representative government. The Iraqi people are simply not prepared for an American style Islamic republic. The extremist would eventually overthrow such a government violently.

H.R.H. Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad is currently living in Jordan and has the support of many Iraqi's. The Royal families of all of our allies are related to one another and would support Prince Zeid as the next King of Iraq. A constitutional Monarchy much like Jordan has with a strong military to protect law and order. If the Royal families of the Middle east support Prince Zeid financially, culturally, economically and with a strong initial military presence. Iraq has a chance to be a stable nation. As long as the United States is holding the reins ANY Iraqi government is bound to fail as it will be the target of extremists and Jihad’s aimed at embarrassing the U.S.. Put a Jordanian Infantry brigade in to keep the peace with a Saudi tank Corps and I think you will see the fighting drop drastically and very quickly. Neither of those nations is tolerant of the murder of their soldiers or citizens.

We MUST bring diplomatic pressure to bear on these nations and give them incentive to do what is needed. It will not be a popular idea in the U.S.. As most people will be screaming about the rights of Iraqi's being trampled on. I assure you that the average Iraqi citizen will be much better of if US troops leave and are replaced by Arab ones until the Iraqi system of justice can stand on it's own.

Iraq has never known a true democracy neither have any of the Arab cultures in the Middle East. They are however slowly all becoming more and more democratic. Drastic overnight changes in forms of government are always bloody and violent and rarely successful. We need to pay attention to history and let the Royalty of Arabia take care of it's own as it always has. A strong Royal presence in the Middle East has always been the most peaceful. Lets go with what works not what is popular.

I want the RIGHT ro be in the Center with being Left out.

I am so tired of being labelled a right wing conservative extremist. I do have some conservative views. I believe in the 2nd ammendment. I belive state and local governments should do most of the governing. I beleive strongly in the first ammendment and the death penalty.

I am NOT a racist, bigot, religious zealot, rich, priveledged, homophobic etc.....

Lets just give one example of some common ground I share with many "Enlightened Liberals" I do not believe that abortion should be illegal. I think abortion is flat WRONG. I do not believe however the solution to the issue is making it a crime. I think the solution lies in education of our children. I believe that many childless couples would gladly help an expectant mother be able to cope with her pregnancy so they could adopt without paying thousands and thousands of dollars. I think there should be incentives for women who do put their children up for adoption. Yess I hear all the naysaying. Women will get pregnant on purpose to get money...... Your point is what? Have you ever talked to a woman 8 months pregnant with swollen ankles and a bad back. Pregnancy is difficult. I do not think anyone will see it as an easy way to make money.

Thats ONE issue. Most conservatives would now call me immoral. But the liberals that agree with me that making abortion illegal is not practical still brand me a right wing nut job.

The problem with this is that most Americans are closer to the center of the issues. Yes we all are passionate about some things. What disgusts me with the political situation in this country is that being in the center is considered indecisive while really it is being open minded. Oh I can go on and on and I intend to. I am not going to stop my campaign for my point of view until we have some real progress. People may not listen but I am going to be shouting it from the rooftops.

I have the RIGHT to be in the Center. Join me. We need to create a political climate where people that share common views do NOT have to be only Democrat or Republican. You can be against the war in Iraq and still like Republicans. You can be for the war in Iraq and still support Democratic issues.

You like me have the

RIGHT TO BE IN THE CENTER AND NOT BE LEFT OUT