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Veterans Day Tribute

Thank You Dad!

Veterans day is so much more than a day off of school or work. It is a day to remember and honor all those that have served in the armed forces.
We remember that the men and women of the United States Military have freely chosen to protect us and give us this gift. It is a gift that can never be reciprocated in full, and only asks for remembrance in return.

We remember the sacrifices made and the cost that has been paid. From the beginning of time Americans have answered their country's call to duty and have done it with the dignity and honor that we celebrate today.
To truly honor our veterans, we need to make the most of the opportunities, that the sacrifices of our fighting men and women have provided for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. A special thank you to Robert, Mustang, DD2 and all our other readers that have been in the armed forces!

"WHAT IS A VETERAN? A Veteran whether active duty, reserve or retired is someone who, at one time in their lives wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount up to and including his/her life."
Steven C. Schreiner-Veteran, S.E. Asia 68-69 and 70-71




"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

How Should Conservatives Approach The Obama Presidency?

Part I – Individual Perspectives On The Upcoming Presidency. Part II Will Discuss Party Approaches

Across the country the comments regarding personal approaches to the upcoming term of President Obama have ranged from apathy to refusal to acknowledge the outcome of the election. Obama’s message of intangible change has resonated throughout the world, and this represents a good opportunity to define how conservatives, both individually and collectively, should treat the new President.

First and foremost, we are Americans. We espouse the values and morality of democratic rule and the virtues of our representative republic. We cannot, therefore, abdicate those positions simply because our party did not win the election. The fact is that you win some and you lose some, and the hardest losses to take are the ones that result not from being defeated, but from defeating oneself as happened in this election. The emotional reaction might be one of simple disgust, but the emotional has little place in defining our role and responsibility during the next four years. We must take a step back and frame our mindset so that everything we do politically is a step in accomplishing our goal of a Reagan-esque policy emerging as a Phoenix! It can’t happen by itself, and it will take discipline and determination.

I submit in this post five things that we must do as individuals to confront the Obama presidency and prepare for not only the 2010 elections, but the Presidential race in 2012.

1. We must identify who we are and what we believe. We often berate liberals for lockstep voting for the democrat party. Are we as conservatives any different? I thought John McCain, as admirable as he is as an individual, was a very poor candidate to put before America as the next President and he was not my choice in the primary election. However, there was little else to choose from in the general election so of course he received my vote. Once he was the GOP candidate, he was in possession of my full support, if not agreement with his campaign/philosophy.

We must identify ourselves. To what segment of the GOP do you belong? Are you a Reagan conservative, believing in small government and individual responsibility? Are you a “right wing wacko” who only votes on the issue of abortion? Perhaps you are a social liberal but a conservative in things economic. I do not seek to pass judgment on anyone’s affiliation, only to qualify who we are and where we stand. Regardless of where you fall on the line, you must know before you engage where your own prejudice lies in relation to your political ideology.

2. We must refrain from being democrats. Over the past eight years, President Bush has stood before the nation and been castigated from all quarters. I do have my issues with his financial policies and I doubt his true conservative convictions, but no President in this nation should be so vilified that he cannot function and focus on the issues and concerns of the nation. No President deserves the blatant disrespect and hatred exhibited by almost half of our population.

We must act in a mature and responsible manner. We should respect the Office of the President regardless of who holds the office. As I tell my son all the time, just because someone did something “first” is no rationale for you to do it second. What matters to character is the actions you take, whether anyone is watching or not.

We must act responsibly and maturely. The madness of politics must stop at some point. We must assert statesmanship as the way of doing business. Again, as I tell my son, “There is no need to make _______ look like a jackass. Just let him be and he will take care of that himself.”

3. We must honestly evaluate programs and policies that are recommended and proposed. There are many areas in politics that should be free from partisanship. There are areas of budgeting allocation that can be agreed upon. There are programs which can easily be supported by both parties. The things with which we disagree should be fought. The things which damage our nation or our conservative principles should set loose the proverbial dogs of war! We should speak out against them, blog against them, contact talk radio in opposition to them, and stay informed of changes.

The political parties float “trial balloons” which are public release of information or intentional leaks that are used to gauge the reaction of the public. If the reaction is favorable, then it is then released as a policy matter. If it is readily and vigorously opposed, then they have the deniability that is was a policy recommendation and simply bad information on the part of the news media. We must be current on what is actually happening and not fall prey to those short soundbites that are often lacking contextual materials. We must react swiftly, and with loud voices.

Stay informed! Do more than just read right leaning blogs. Watch real news shows, read papers, visit left leaning blogs. In addition, not many people know of the Federal Register. It is a daily publication of proposed rule changes, executive orders, etc. It is also published on the web at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/

Most items are open for a period of public comment before it is implemented. Things that deal with national defense issues are not included.

4. We must get involved. It is not enough to sit back and simply blog. We must find new conservative voters. We need voter drives, people to place signs, people to write letters to your representatives in Congress and the party, and a thousand otheractivities to lend our support to conservative candidates.

5. We must confront our party and demand what we want. We must hold them to the fire until we get what we want. Our party is absolutely out of touch with the real base, but it is US who stands in line for two hours to pull a lever. If they expect us to support them when they act like democrats, we must tell them that we will not do it! This party is ours. We must assert ownership, or lose it.

Keep your eyes on the prize! Our nation will withstand anything that is put before us, and one man with one term cannot destroy that which God has blessed and for which millions have died. We did not succumb to the Great Depression, the New Deal, the Fair Deal, two world wars, Vietnam, the Great Society (yet), the Carter administration, and eight years of President Clinton. I predicted two years ago that Hillary would not win an election in this country, and I was wrong. She never even got the chance. We will endure, and with us all working together, we will overcome!

Welcome To A New Team Member

At Conservative Convictions, we are doing more than just talking about the issues of the day. We are working hard to build a place for conservatives to rally...to unite...to grow in numbers and force change in our party. We want to build a coalition of conservative voices who can speak to the GOP. Voices that will speak loudly to the establishment that is far out of touch with the true base of the GOP.

Sam Huntington, who blogs at Praesidium Respublicae is someone who deeply believes in conservative principles and can well articulate what it means to be a conservative. That blog also has several contributors, and there is good content to be found. You will find the posts thought provoking, motivating, and intellectual. As we build a place with a positive and actionable message, these pieces will solidify our conservative convictions so that we may believe what we espouse, and speak with confidence as we progress.

As always, please comment often and take some ownership of this site. We want everyone to contribute and be a part of this new and exciting movement!

Happy Birthday Marines!

Semper Fidelis !

I must take a short timeout from things politic for this post. November 10, 2008 marks the 233rd birthday of the most successful, most feared, and most respected fighting force in history, the United States Marine Corps.

If you are not a Marine then there is no way to explain what it means to earn the title of Marine and wear the emblem like the picture above. In 1775, with war on the horizon, the Marines were created at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since that time, Marines have "...fought in every clime and place..." and have never failed in answering the call of our nation. The Marines with which I have served are the finest men I have had the privilege of knowing. The Marines I have deployed with are tenacious in battle, loyal against their own interests, and proud of what they have accomplished. As President Reagan said, "Most people spend and entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. Marines don't have that problem."

I won't bore you with the battle history of the Corps, but suffice it to say that one man cannot carry the Battle Colors of the Corps. Marines exist for the reason cited in the mission statement of the Marine Corps Rifle Platoon - "Locate, close with, and destroy the enemy with fire and maneuver, or to repel the enemies assault with fire and close combat." Beyond that, Marines have become synonymous with discipline, loyalty, devotion, tenacity, and innovation.

On November 10th, Marines around the world whether in garrison at Camp Lejeune or in fire bases in Afghanistan, in the reserves or on ship, will stop and honor the traditions of the Corps and eat birthday cake. To this day I have a personal birthday cake when I don't attend a birthday ball.

Each year on this day the Commandant of the Marine Corps issues a birthday message to all Marines, and I have posted it below. It runs 7:20 seconds, and I encourage you to view the entire clip. If not, go to the 4:33 mark and watch the remainder.

MUSTANG has a fantastic tribute at Stacking Swivel

Addition......a very nice tribute found here.

What is Conservatism?

Before we get too involved in discussions about what has happened to conservatism and how we can change it, I feel we need to define it. Defining conservatism is very difficult because it is not just a simple belief. It is a set of principles and ideals that make up our vision for the future or America. The most accurate definition I found at Answers.com......

1. A political philosophy or attitude emphasizing respect for traditional institutions, distrust of government activism, and opposition to sudden change in the established order.
2. The inclination, especially in politics, to maintain the existing or traditional order.

For way too long, conservatism has been associated with resistance to change, and an opposition to progress, when in reality, it is nothing like that. When I think about conservatism in the United States, three words come to mind, freedom, tradition, and personal responsibility. Ronald Reagan epitomized what it meant to be a conservative. The GOP has to return to the conservative principles and ideals that haven't been seen since.

"The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated." Ronald Reagan

We want smaller government. Our goal is to give the power back to the states, community and the individual, where it belongs. By looking at our past, we see that we have been the most successful when we have made the individual accountable and given them the power to decide their own fate. We love freedom and liberty and are thankful for those that fought to protect it. The least we can do is preserve it for our generation and those to come. There are a great deal of responsibilities that come with freedom. When we delegate them to the government we are basically saying that politicians are more capable and honest than we are and there is nothing further from the truth.

"The preamble to the Constitution states: "We, the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare..."

In that statement it does not say that we should give the government the right to decide how that it is accomplished. Government does not produce the wealth nor should it decide how it is spent. One of the biggest issues I had with Obama's policies is the Distributing the wealth. If the government takes from the wealthy they will be less inclined to produce it. If you then distribute it to the poor freely, they become less inclined to work for it. That is not beneficial to anyone. Personal responsibility becomes null and void. I am not willing to sacrifice the right of the individual and in doing so increasing the power of the government. We need to get back to the basics laid out in the Constitution, promoting free will, and personal responsibility. We feel a sense of duty to those before us and a deep respect for the history of this country. We feel that our rights are given from God and not the government.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States when men were free." Ronald Reagan

We realize tradition is what makes this country so special and unique. It is what sets us apart from other countries. To destroy that, is to change who we are and what has made us so great. Ronald Reagan once said "if we forget what we did, we won't know who we are"

Conservatism will never succeed on a national level if it isn't fought for on a personal level. It is different for each individual and there are many different varieties, (ex Social, Fiscal, Libertarian, Compassionate.) but they all need to be fought for by us as individuals.

On a personal level, I feel that a family is responsible for raising children, not the schools. I believe that there is a fundamental right to life, not just when it is convenient. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I believe that if I make the money I should decide where it is spent. I believe that our flag is a symbol of our liberty and should be cherished and respected. I am against illegal immigration, if you come to the land of freedom do it legally. I believe that I have every right to own a gun, period! I believe that everyone is created equal and there is no need for Affirmative Action. Being American is a blessing and I resent those that come here and want to turn it into another country. Regardless of what you think about my personal beliefs, conservatism is the common ground we all share and what brings us together as fellow Americans, and partners in our fight to bring back the principles and ideals, that are slowly being chipped away.

I invite you all to share what conservatism means to you. Together we will fight, to preserve the history, integrity and traditions of America and bring back the nation she once was.

"The root of conservatism lies in the second greatest commandment: "...'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matt. 22:39 NIV) and in the Golden Rule, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31 NIV)"

ACU statement of principles listed here.

Another great site is the Conservative Movement.

A Little U.S. History To Start Us Off

Please see below this post for the Welcome and Introduction Posts
This great experiment called American democracy did not come about easily. Those who settled the colonies and the framers of the Constitution did so with a sense of purpose, yet decisions and compromises were essential. One of the greatest debates in which the delegates to the Constitutional Convention engaged was in deciding the structure of our legislature. In particular, the assignment of delegates to the legislative body was placing the delegates at odds.

Early in the debate there was only one chamber of a legislative body beingdiscussed by the delegates. There were two plans on the table – The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. The Virginia plan favored the larger states in that each would have their representatives delegated relative to the population of the state. The New Jersey Plan favored the smaller states as it provided for an equal number of representatives from each state. It was Roger Sherman from Connecticut who proposed what became the Connecticut Compromise, or the Great Compromise, that was passed and implemented the bicameral legislature and the apportionment of senators and representatives.

We spend a great deal of time concentrating on who our president will be. Once in office, we spend our time looking at his policies and his statements. In an international view that is most appropriate, as the President dispatches Ambassadors and is the Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces. However, the situation is different in domestic politics because of the division of powers between the branches of government. It is our Congress who is responsible for taxation and for spending. It is the Congress where the great debates (or what passes for them these days) occurs. It is in the Congress where policy is established.
In the 1980s, President Reagan slashed the marginal rates of taxes and ended the confiscatory tax policy of the Congress that the democrats had held for decades. The national debt skyrocketed, just as it is doing under President Bush and will continue to do under President Obama. Reagan was promised a decrease in spending to accompany those tax cuts, but Congress never delivered. Congress spends our money, not the President.

It is the Congress that sets the agenda for legislation. The Congress is where the oversight of our government takes place.

So why this particular history lesson at this particular time? The best analogy I can give is a military campaign. In war there are both strategic objectives (the big picture such as defeating Germany in World War II) and tactical action (the operations part such as Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, etc). The strategic objective is accomplished by multiple tactical operations. So if our strategic goal is to demand a return to conservative principles in our party, and a conservative movement within the nation, then we have to define our tactical operations to accomplish that goal. Our first tactical battle that looms is the mid-term elections in 2010. This is the first impact we can have on bringing back conservative leadership in Washington.

These races are every bit as important as the Presidential race. We need to search for good, solid candidates that are conservative and represent real change for our nation. We need new faces, and new energy. We need people who will remain steadfast, and aggressive in taking back our party.

We need people who understand the Reagan Revolution and aren’t afraid to say it.

An Introduction To Jennifer......

I really should have written mine first, because I am not sure how I am supposed to follow up Robert's introduction. Most of you know that I have another blog called Palace For A Princess and while that mixes politics along with my personal life, I felt like I needed to find a place where I could truly make a difference in the community and most importantly in the country that I love with all my heart. When Robert approached me with this endeavor I didn't think twice.

One reason is that I respect him so very much. I know he did his own introduction, but I want to add a few points from my perspective. He was a Marine and in his heart, he always will be. His service for this country is one that I admire and am truly thankful for. Robert and all those that have served in the military are the reason that we have the freedom to write on our blogs and pursue our goals without fear or persecution. That is a gift I can never repay and will always be grateful for. He is extremely intelligent and I look forward to what he will bring to the table. When I first started blogging, he was my first contact and he nurtured me through the whole process. I wouldn't be where I am now, if it weren't for him. He is a true gentleman, and in today's society, that is a rarity indeed. He is a family man, and just like he said about me, his priorities are always in the right places. I am honored that he asked me to work with him on this, and I pray that my contribution will do him and this blog justice.

The second reason I jumped on board is because it breaks my heart every time I see our ideals trampled on by those that do not understand nor respect it. One of the reasons that the GOP lost this election is because they do not realize the importance of Conservatism, but with our help and determination, they soon will.

I am a country girl living in Jersey. Those two are certainly a contradiction but somehow I have managed to survive without compromising on the values that have been instilled in me, and that I now instill in my children. My parents have always been supportive and it is through their Faith and example that I have come to find Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I am strong in my faith, and it shapes who I am, and what I believe. I have struggled with anxiety for about thirteen years now and it is only through my Faith and the unconditional support by my parents and my husband, that I have been able to fight through it. It has taught me that life is not easy and sometimes you have to fight with strength that you didn't even know you possessed. It is with that same strength and purpose that I will fight to keep Conservatism alive and thriving. America was once a proud nation full of tradition and Conservative principles and ideals, and with your help, we can restore her to her former glory! We cannot do it alone, and we welcome your ideas, comments, and yes, even your criticism.

An Introduction To Robert

Welcome to our new place! This new partnership has fallen into place pretty quickly and we are both excited and enthused to press on and build on our own blogging experiences. I hope you will come back often and participate as much as you can so that we can have some lively discussions and do a little part in making America strong.

More than likely if you are reading this soon after it was posted, you know Jenn and me. You can fast forward if you like as this will be old news to you.

If you are new then I thought a brief introduction would be nice. I am a relatively normal guy who leads a relatively normal life in Helena, Alabama. I believe that the family environment is the greatest area of socialization and development for a child, and my home environment was led by a Marine father and my mother, who personified the values of a southern lady. My childhood was normal - I played baseball and my dad coached, I was a scout and my dad was a scout leader, I played sports and broke windows, cut grass and forgot to take the trash to the curb.

The first time I was eligible to vote was in 1984 and Ronald Reagan was my choice. Other than my dad, I don't really have heroes, but President Reagan was and will always be on the top of my respect list. His vision for America and the world was established at the right time in history. Politically, I was a conservative long before I applied a label to myself. I am a registered republican because the GOP most closely resembles my personal philosophy and ideology. At least it did in the 1980s. The GOP of today is weak and wishy-washy and undefined. The party leadership has been clueless since 1994 as how to govern and achieve results. This needs to change.

I am a christian, redeemed by the love of God and the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am on the Road to Canterbury, having embarked on an Episcopal journey a short time ago after becoming disenchanted with the Baptist Church. As with all people, I fall short of perfection and forget to check my moral compass at times and freely admit it. My faith is my own, and I am not hesitant to share it but you will find that it does not occupy much of my written works. I simply proclaim my faith here so you will know about me and how my opinions and thoughts are formed.

I am proud of my partner in this endeavor! I have followed Jenn's blog since its inception and have always enjoyed her writing and especially her passion on issues. She has an ability that I lack, and that is communicating her points of view with emotion. The emotion in my writing usually manifests itself though sarcasm and ranting....lol. I think we will fit together nicely here, as we largely have the same beliefs expressed differently at times. She has a beautiful family to which she is committed, and her priorities always seem to be set. At times she keeps my focus where it belongs by her writing and her daily challenges, although I have never told her that fact. I truly appreciate the things she has to say.

My work experience often is relevant to my posts. I am a Marine and served in the Persian Gulf War and present for all three campaigns (Desert Shield/Storm/Calm). My formal education is an B.S. in Criminal Justice, and an M.S. in Justice and Public Safety. I was in law enforcement for most of a decade, and left in early 2002 to join the Department of Homeland Security. It was the one time in my life that I had achieved that which we all desire - a career that allowed me to actually look forward to every morning, and that work wasn't work at all, but a mission. The downside was that I was away from home almost six months of every year. My kids were getting older and I needed to be a baseball coach and a scout leader, not to mention my honey-do list that was five pages long every time I returned from a trip or assignment. I left DHS two years ago for an opportunity in the corporate world that isn't nearly as fun, but presented itself at the right time for my family.

So much for a brief intro, huh? More will be revealed through our posts and discussions, and I hope that you will bookmark, subscribe, link and generally take ownership of this site with Jenn and me. The door is always open, so feel free to drop in for a visit or stay the night. Where I am from we still sit on the porch and talk with neighbors for hours on end, and there is always a cold glass of tea for you!

Yahoo IM = rtclark0311

Welcome To The New Headquarters Of Conservatism!

Thank you for dropping in and please return often. This new effort is a team effort, and I will do my best not to hinder Jenn from greatness.

Bookmark us, link us, tell your friends about us, subscribe to us.....With the liberals in control of our government, we can guarantee an active headquarters for the next four years.