A spark of freedom

Got into a very heated... "conversation" (I won't call it a full blown argument, because I never cared that we were in the conversation, but the other party may have felt it was a full throw down) with someone tonight. I had never met this person before. And for the record, he started it.
He made it very, very clear that he has strong political feelings about all refugees being evil. And how we shouldn't allow them into our country when (and I quote) "my buddy has to wait 4 months to get glasses at the VA hospital."
He was quite adamant that "all those liberals who say let them in, let them in" are fine with the government paying for it, but would "never let them into their homes."
(I silently laughed on the inside that I was being called a liberal. That was a first, for sure.)
I told him that I would be more than happy to allow refugees into my home. I told him how much I have donated and given to refugee aid programs.
His response was colorful. He provided a few interesting ways that he is superior to others because of the good deeds he has done. And then basically challenged me to prove that I both "walk the walk and talk the talk."
It comes down to this- in the heat of the "conversation" I've never been more grateful for the opportunities that have come my way to serve others. I am grateful that I can proudly stand up and say that I don't just vent and complain or protest. But that I have gone out there and served and worked to solve problems.
The other person wasn't happy. He certainly didn't expect my response. He didn't back down. But it sure felt good to know that I have nothing to be ashamed of. I've done my part. And always will.

Alma 60:27-28

 27 And I will come unto you, and if there be any among you that has a desire for freedom, yea, if there be even a spark of freedom remaining, behold I will stir up insurrections among you, even until those who have desires to usurp power and authority shall become extinct.

 28 Yea, behold I do not fear your power nor your authority, but it is my God whom I fear; and it is according to his commandments that I do take my sword to defend the cause of my country, and it is because of your iniquity that we have suffered so much loss.

Prevent Unnecessary Tragedies and Support Mental Health Reform

The tragedy at the Navy Yard is yet another wake-up call to both citizens and lawmakers that the United States needs legislative reform.

The Navy Yard, Sandy Hook, Aurora, Fort Hood, Tucson, Virginia Tech, Columbine, and several other unnecessary mass murders all had one strong, undeniable detail in common- mental health disorders.

Placing the blame on firearms regulations will not stop mentally ill persons from attacking and hurting others. The root of the problem is the mentally ill, not the tool the person chose for their attack. The real problem lies with sick persons who were not treated for mental illnesses adequately.

The time has come to raise awareness of mental health disorders in the public square and provide more resources to help ill persons. All individuals need to learn and identify the mentally ill among them, and help the sick and afflicted get help. Schools need to be given more resources to identify and serve mentally ill students.

The stigma of mental awareness needs to be lifted so that the ill will not be afraid to admit their sickness and reach out for help.

I urge you to support the mental health funding levels in the Senate FY2014 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill (S.1284) and to cosponsor and enact the Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 689).

There has been a cut in state funding for mental health services and supports of nearly $5 billion over the last three years.  The Senate funding bill includes a roughly $107 million increase for much-needed, critical mental health services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and would fund the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at FY2012 levels. 

S.1284 makes important strides in investing in "upstream services" such as suicide prevention, consumer programs, Project AWARE, etc. to begin to address the treatment chasm (80 percent of children and 66 percent of adults that need treatment do not receive it).

In the wake of the the Navy Yard shooting, the Sandy Hook tragedy, Aurora, and all of the other national crises, bi-partisan legislation was introduced by Sens. Tom Harkin and Lamar Alexander to assist states and local communities in addressing mental health needs ("upstream" services). 

The Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 689) was passed by an overwhelming vote of 95-2 in April as an amendment to a legislative vehicle that has since been pulled from the Senate calendar.
 
I urge you to support the funding levels in the Senate FY2014 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill (S.1284) in any future spending package or Continuing Resolution and to urge the Senate to have the House consider the Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 689). These important bills will help address the mental health and addiction needs in our state and communities.

You can show your support for this bill by contacting your Senator (click here to find your senator and her/his email address), and sending her/him the text in bold above.

Share this message on your blog, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. Help spread the word, and encourage everyone to not just "like" the post, but SEND THE MESSAGE TO THE SENATE TO SUPPORT SENATE FY2014 LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION AND APPROPRIATIONS BILL (S.1284) AND THE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2013 (S.689)!

You can learn more about this legislation on the Mental Health America website. 

Mongolia, Money, and More Money

I recently read a fascinating [to me] article in Bloomberg Markets magazine regarding mining in Mongolia. To sum it up in simplest terms, a very large multi-national corporation has a very large copper mining project going on there. (And some other smaller companies too.) The company, Rio Tinto, stands to make a great deal of money over many years off this project. It is one of the largest known copper deposits, if I recall correctly.
In an interesting case of corporate responsibility and working with the government and the people of the country, Rio Tinto not only paying the country for permission to be there, plus paying taxes, and employing many local nationals, they are going a few steps beyond that. For instance, Rio Tinto paid taxes in advance.
Did you know Mongolia is a democracy? It's true. It is. And that's what makes the next part more interesting.

Pro-Marriage, Anti-Marriage

First, let me make this one point clear- I support the traditional family movement. I have read the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' statement on marriage, and choose to endorse it. I want to make that clear, because everything else I am about to say, may lead you to think otherwise.

A little bit about me. I am in my late thirties, a product of the 1980’s and the Mtv generation. I grew up in the suburbs, in a family with a mother and a father who have been married over forty years now. I am the oldest of four children.
Most importantly, I know that my “traditional” upbringing makes me unique. I can think of few friends who grew up in similar environments, with a stay-at-home mom, a dad in the picture, and siblings. Most of my friends, by far the majority, did not have this same arrangement.
To the best of my knowledge, most of my friends were raised by a divorced mother. They knew their fathers, but his presence in their lives varied from person to person. Some had dads that lived in his own house in the same neighborhood, others had dads in far off places.
Single mothers who had never married, and yet “kept the child,” were still unusual, and mostly unheard of. It is my generation that would grow up to change that.
Each time I read another pro-family, pro- “traditional” marriage article, I want to argue with it, in spite of the fact that I try to be on their side. I often want to punch holes through weak, biased, straw man arguments.
If anything, I feel far more sympathy for the gay marriage supporters. But, I have made the decision to follow the prophet, keep the commandments, and in this case, that means I must accept the Church’s position on this issue. It may very well be the ultimate trial of my faith for years to come. I expect that it might be. But nonetheless, I choose it anyway.
Traditional marriage supporters often seem delusional to the opposing side. The arguments that a “child needs both a father and a mother” fall on very experienced, very deaf ears. I wonder if the traditionalists understand that? My generation- the generation with the political money, voting power, and the ones who have brought about much reform in the last 15-20 years, we don’t understand that way of thinking. We (the general we) were not raised in two parent homes, and we turned out just fine. The argument that in order to be smart, healthy, well-fed, loved, and cared for requires a father and a mother is inane to a generation that was not raised that way. Life experiences will always trump statistics.
If traditionalists want to convert or sway the other side, they have to understand that not only does the other side disagree with them, they have life experiences that prove the arguments invalid. All the “research” studies done by biased organizations (who knows how long ago), will never convince a college graduate raised by a single parent that they need both parents.

I Will Keep the Faith

In my column yesterday ("Elections, Facebook, and the Throne of Thoughtless Stupor") I quoted Elder Neal A. Maxwell.  (For my non-Mormon friends, he was a much beloved leader in our Church who was known for not only his incredible knowledge and understanding of the scriptures, but his beautiful way with words. Check out this YouTube clip of him talking about Jesus Christ and the Universe. It's wonderful.)

“The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well.”

I have often turned to this quote when I question  what is the point of my life- under- or unemployed, single, no children, no spouse to share my life with, no one person to cherish and love me. And the world around me seems to make it impossible for me to succeed- bad economy, painfully low income, remote location, bad job market, etc. But this quote gives me hope (much more than any presidential candidate ever has). 

I said yesterday in my column, and I will try to say it again in my heart again today, that if the Lord can place a star over a stable, and that the placement of my life in this humanly orbit is no mistake, then I have no choice but to believe that something and someone as important as the President of the United States is not just the will of the people (because I must believe that all those people are here at this time and place as purposefully as my existence is), but the will of the Lord as well. 

And so even though I am heartbroken and sad, and felt that much of my personal opportunities and happiness were tied up in the results of this election, I will accept the results and move on. (And I will not cave in to the tendencies of so many to become a “doomsday prepper.”) I will wake up each day and remind myself that this is what the Lord wants and has allowed, and continue on with the belief that He will never leave me without opportunities and choice. 

It is my job to be happy and keep the faith no matter my circumstance. And if there is anything I have worked hard on these last 3 years it is finding joy in spite of difficulties. I will soldier on in God’s Army and choose to find joy, no matter what, and keep up my faith that the Lord will provide.

And one last quote-

“It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It all works out in the end. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers.” - President Gordon B. Hinckley

Don't miss my new novel, "You Heard It Here First!" on Amazon, Nook, and Kindle!

Put Good Conservative Values into Mainstream Fiction

For the past several months I have been writing a new book. One book turned into two books and then into three. And there is a possibility there may even be a fourth book before this series is over.
I wrote the bulk of the first book in about 6 weeks. If you've never tried to write a novel before, trust me when I say that is insanely fast. But I was inspired and obsessed with my story. All I wanted to do was write it.
At the time books 1 and 2 were the same book. I hadn't planned on making them 2 separate books. But through the all important editing process (adding nearly 100 more pages to just the first half alone) I realized it needed to be 2 books. I've been fortunate enough to work with several good friends in order to edit, revise, and edit again to make this book happen.
I have felt strongly for several years that I wanted to write a book with a strong female heroine who does not have to compromise her values or what she believes in in order to succeed. I feel all too often mainstream entertainment is the story of a woman who gives up on what she believes in in order to be happy or fit in elsewhere. I have wanted to find or write a story that was about a woman who made the tough decision to stand by what she was taught, and didn't use her sexuality to win. It is incredibly disheartening just how hard that can be to find. And what few stories out there that do attempt this, tend to be very preachy, and niche-market only.
I am excited for this character that I have developed and the events she goes through. She faces very real world decisions, and addresses them realistically. Of course, it is entertainment and fiction, so they are not real world scenarios, but they are real world responses. The main character, Haley, is one that women will identify with, and will find strength in. They will recognize and identify her feelings and responses, and look up to her for how she approaches them. At least, that is what I hope women will do!
I've opted to self-publish this book for multiple reasons. First, I don't believe there is a mainstream publisher out there who will take a book that is this conservative without making key changes. Because I want to keep the morals intact, I don't want to deal with a commercial press. Second, smaller publishers that would accept this type of book  would sell it in a niche market (even though it is not a religious fiction book). I don't want to get put into a niche, so I'm avoiding it altogether for now. I have other reasons that I can explain to you if you really want to hear them.
The self-publishing world isn't as cheap and easy as writing and uploading. There are other details that take time and money. For instance, hiring a graphic designer to create a book cover! All writers, no matter how good they are, need a good editor. The feedback and editing process only improves books. And editors have to be hired and paid as well. Last, but not least, in order to protect and copyright your work, you have to pay for an ISBN. And that alone is $100. Plus there is shipping, galleys, etc., that all take time and money as well.
Which brings me to my kickstarter campaign. I'm trying to do a little fundraising to get this book (and the following 2-3 books) off the ground. I'm so close to getting it all done, but it is money that holds me back.  Being able to pay for quality editors alone is the most important detail. It will take it from "a nice story that girl wrote," to a book that will make people sit up and take notice. Funding will help make the difference between being sold to my friends and family, and the quality and production needed to reach a mass audience.
If you would like to contribute to making the Haley books happen, please check out my kickstarter campaign. Contributions can be as low as $1! For $5 you get your name on the acknowledgements page. For $25 you get a personalized (and creative) YouTube thank you video. For $50 you get a signed copy of the book when it is available.
I know there are many of you who would love to see a book about a strong, morals driven, smart, single woman and what it takes for her to succeed. I hope you will make a donation!

Oh hi there

If you are looking for me, tonight (and most nights) I am blogging at Swing State Voter about the election returns.
And tomorrow I'll be cleaning house, writing a book, writing my daily articles, running a website, cleaning up after a barfing dog, and hosting New Beginnings (at my house).
Thursday I'll be writing a book, writing my daily articles, running a website, cleaning up after a barfing dog, and at a Mitt Romney grassroots meeting.
Friday I'll be writing a book, writing my daily articles, running a website, cleaning up after a barfing dog, and I have a girl date with one of my favorite girlies.
Saturday- no plans yet. I might be back by then. Or I may be asleep. Or volunteering for Romney. We'll see.
And somewhere in there I have signed up for three yoga classes a week. I've got 7ish weeks till my sister's wedding. My back is in terrible condition right now (I always have a bad back) and it needs serious physical therapy. So yoga it is for PT and getting in shape before I have to wear a (wretched) hot pink dress in front of everyone I know and have my picture taken and memorialized forever (while wearing a very unflattering hot pink dress). (Pretty sure the bride hates her bridesmaids. It's the only explanation.)

Around the blog and back again

Purpose of this picture? None. I just think it is cute and I miss my nephews. The boy and the dog in this picture are almost 7 years old now.

I'm a little obsessed with politics and the stock market this week. Come join me over at Swing State Voter for a look at why I think Newt Gingrich is a tool, everything you need to know to look smart the water cooler talking about the Iowa Caucus, and my extended family's personal interests in Mitt Romney (including a picture of him kissing my grandmother).
I'm also busy writing about money over at that Foolish place. Never far from my roots and talking about what I know, I write about the financial interests of the GOP candidates, and why 2011 was the best and worst of times.
And just for fun, here's a video for you. I've had this song stuck in my head for days now. I've always loved it, but only saw the video for the first time ever today. It is so bad it is funny.

Me Versus the Homeless Lady with 15 Kids

Thursday was the 2 year anniversary of the day I got laid off. Definitely an anniversary I never expected to be marking. Significantly, Thursday was also the first day I got a paycheck in a very, very long time. It is amazing how bringing home money that I earned, even if it is just minimum wage for a holiday job, can feel so good. Being able to support yourself really is important.



Today (Friday) I shared this news clip of a homeless woman with 15 children on Facebook. She was making the news for her antics in demanding that "someone" has to do something to give her money and housing for her children. No father(s) in the picture. She swears the state agencies that intervened (by paying her rent and giving her welfare assistance) messed everything up for her. In all of her (ridiculous) demands, she never once asks for a job, she only asks for handouts. She wants welfare and help, but doesn't want to have to live by the rules the state requires of her. (So she landed in jail.)
This story really hit me hard. First, it just makes me mad that here I am trying so hard to find a job and support myself. I don't qualify for any sort of state or federal assistance, in spite of the fact that for 20 years I've paid taxes. And now that I do have a job, in spite of being underemployed and out of work for so long, I am paying taxes again that go to help this woman. The system is unfair to both me and her.
I am ridiculously happy for someone who only earned $90 this week. I'm exhilarated really! Thrilled! I earned money! I don't have to ask for handouts! I feel sorry for this woman that she doesn't understand the pride and happiness that comes from being able to provide for yourself (and her 15 kids). Having lived with that sub-standard feeling of guilt that comes from being dependent on handouts her whole life (no matter how grateful you are for them, there is this feeling of being a loser and a failure that you have to accept them), her entire sense of self-worth is completely warped. I really do feel sorry for her. (And simultaneously, I'm mad at her that she is abusing the system.)
I've become completely fascinated by the upcoming presidential elections. I'm closely watching to see which candidate has a jobs reform package I feel good about. I'm also looking intently at their Social Security reforms. Each of the candidates has a jobs recovery plan. But to be honest, as I look at them, I don't see how any of those plans will help me. I know that isn't the right way to look at it. Once these new jobs are created (in energy production), new money will be made, more money will be spent, and the cycle eventually leads to all companies having more money and more hiring happening. I just hate knowing that my job is at the end of that growth cycle. (How did I end up in a career considered as "window dressing" to most companies?)
It frightens me really. I don't know when a "real" job will come along. But until then, I get to send a few dollars a week into the system that supports this ridiculous woman.
And don't even get me started on Occupy Wall Streets demands for more handouts.

Leftovers and more

The best part of Thanksgiving- my turkey, cranberry sauce, havarti cheese, and homemade rolls leftovers sandwich!

Did y'all have a good Thanksgiving Weekend? Mine was busy (because I have a JOB now), but good. I spent a lot of time working on my other websites. I posted over 30 deals and sales to Cutting Back and Going Green. Have you checked them out yet? Personally, I have to say the Harry Potter movies complete set for $40 is an incredible deal (in comparison, most major retailers are selling it for $99.99), and a 3D Blu-ray player with Wifi for $99 can't be beat. If you check out my site you'll also find I've installed a widget where you can compare prices for any product with what it is going for on Amazon. I really recommend checking it before you buy anything online!
I also posted a few new things to my politically minded blog, Swing State Voter. I'm hoping to help people understand the significance of the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primaries. Personally, I find the primary nomination system fascinating, mostly because it is so undemocratic and unfair in the long run. If anyone wants to get into that discussion (argument) with me, I'm game!
Having a job again has really improved my spirits. Even if the job is just part-time holiday work, it feels really good to know that for the next four weeks I won't have to ask for help, and I can support myself, even if only just barely. It really feels good to be able to take care of myself again. Just having a reason to get out of the bed and get dressed every day really makes a huge difference in my spirits.
I've never taken the time to bother decorating for Christmas. First and foremost, I'm just not one who cares much about holiday decorations. (I find most to be tacky.) Second, I've never seen the point in decorating just for me. But I'm not only considering decorating this year, I may even buy a real tree and put it up. But then again, that means spending money on myself during a tight budget month. So maybe not. We'll see. But I'm liking the idea of decorations and a tree this year, even if I will be spending it alone. 

Swing State Voter - my new blog!

World War II Memorial in Washington, DC

I've been getting more and more involved in the upcoming 2012 presidential nomination race. I've been looking for different outlets to discuss different trends and ideas, and finally decided to start my own blog on the subject. I like to think I have a unique take on the situation given my background growing up in DC and getting involved personally in politics and government at a young age. But then, we probably all think we have a unique view on politics, don't we?

If you are interested in talking politics, specifically the upcoming presidential election year, from different points of view, please come join me over at Swing State Voter! 

A mighty wind of change

It is nearly 1am and I suffering from some serious jet lag. I've been awake since about 5am, I think. My body and my head are at war over the sleeping arrangements. And in the meantime, my brain is on overload contemplating everything and anything at a completely inappropriate hour for such thoughts. 
Mostly I'm contemplating a hair cut, or maybe a color change, which may seem superficial and vain at best. But really, once you understand me better, you realize its the inside looking for a symbolic outside change. Maybe it is time to go back to my original dark blond hair color? Or maybe I'll actually wear make up this year? Lose some weight? Maybe try jewelry? I don't know. I just want to look different on the outside to match how different I am on the inside. After all, everything on the inside of me has changed in the past month. 
I've gone through these motions before. I want my appearance to reflect the changes in my heart. It has happened with every major job change, service experience, move, etc. Its a reasonable wish, right? 
To be honest, I am also obsessing over the whole Occupy Wall Street movement. Are they demanding a forced redistribution of wealth? (ahem, communism?) Demanding more taxes? Less taxes? More taxes for only some of the people? Volunteering to donate to the national deficit? Offering to employ an unemployed person for a day? Or just complaining because it seems like the cool thing to do? Let me point out my own truths- I've been unemployed now for over 18 months. I no longer qualify for unemployment benefits. I lost 3 jobs in a row due to no fault of my own because the companies couldn't afford to pay me. In one case my employer (Tricia McGarry) fraudulently didn't pay the employees, kept what money she may or may not have had, and has continued to start (and lose) new businesses. She still owes me several thousand dollars, and yet there is little to no recourse for me to recoup my lost wages from her. Believe me, if anyone deserves to complain about how the economy and businesses have screwed them over, it is me. And yet, I still can't get on board with all of this complaining.
But back to the "big businesses" and taxes. I get that people think it is unfair that an elite few hold the largest wealth. But this being a capitalist republic and all, there is a lot they can do about that. They could start their own businesses for starters. Or vote for someone else. Or run for office themselves. Or just use different products and boycott the "evil empires." 
Its not like these college students and graduates were forced to take out student loans, starting out their lives in debt. No one tell these kids that real poverty means they don't even consider buying iPhones and iPads. Real poverty and no hope means you don't even have the option of living with parents. Real poverty is when your parents sell you into sex trafficking so your family can afford to eat. So yeah, I'm not all that sympathetic right now to spoiled Americans crying because they aren't getting what they think they deserve. 
But I feel the changes coming- inside and outside. A mighty wind of change is definitely upon us...

My Brand of Politics

Warning: Very Long Post Ahead

As mentioned in my previous post, I spent Friday at the Faith and Freedom Coalition Conference in Washington, DC. I went at the invitation of my father, who was going mostly to support Mitt Romney. I was going because it promised an interesting lineup of GOP hopefuls, and I wanted to hear what they have to say for myself.

While my father is a well-known Romney supporter, as is the majority of my extended family, I am not completely convinced he is the candidate that best represents me.

If you want to understand my politics, read on. If you don't care at all about me and my politics, you'll want to skip this post. Because this post is nothing but me and my beliefs.

I was at one point in time very conservative. I worked on Capitol Hill for an extremely conservative congressman. I worked full-time on a Presidential campaign for one of the most morally conservative candidates ever seen. I did at one time work for the NRA and for Beretta. So it is safe to say that in the past, I have been known as an extreme conservative.

However, I have also worked for a homeless shelter for teens with HIV. I listen to NPR, and avoid Fox News. (Why would I want to listen to conservatives talk about conservatives? I prefer to listen to what democrats have to say about republicans, and what republicans have to say about democrats. Republicans talking about Republicans is boring.) I am in the process of joining the Peace Corps. My politics are absolutely not in line with either Republicans or Democrats when it comes to international policy. (Never have been either.)

I am mostly morally conservative. I am somewhat fiscally conservative. I am definitely not big business or big government. I am absolutely a fan of a flat tax. I am an even bigger fan of a strong military. I think affirmative action and most civil rights legislation is a joke.

The one thing about me that is hardest for most people to understand is my feelings on minimal legislation. I do not believe in regulating or legislating every little thing. Particularly when it comes to civil rights. I do not believe in “creating” a right by writing legislation for it. If there is such a thing, I'm not just a die hard Constitutionalist, I'm also a die hard fan of the Declaration of Independence. Particularly the following language-

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

For me right there is enough reason to not need laws to create rights or equality. In the document our country was founded on we were all made equal with certain rights, and among those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. There are many more rights, but they do not have to be spelled out. The only right you do not have is the right to hurt the lives and liberties of others around you.

My politics are not straightforward or easily understood. I frequently find myself learning and growing in my own beliefs. But from what I have learned in the past about the Tea Party, I find that they like the idea of passing legislation to define things the way they want them to be. (Gay marriage, abortion, and most other civil liberty issues.) I'm not saying I am or am not in favor of gay marriage or abortion. I'm just saying I don't want to see laws governing it. I believe such matters should be settled in the courts. I am a much bigger fan of court rulings than I am of politically charged moral legislation.

I also do not believe at all that what is right for me will also always be right for you. In this respect I am a huge fan of strong municipal governments, and a considerably smaller federal government. If you don't like your municipality, you can elect someone else, or move to where you do like the laws. If people really did pick and choose where to live because they liked their local governments, we would have a very different political world. Also, I honestly believe people would be happier overall.

So there you have it. My politics in a very confusing nutshell.

I have turned off the comments on this post intentionally. 

Faith and Freedom Coalition Part 1

On Friday I attended the Faith and Freedom Coalition in Washington, DC. I did not realize when I agreed to attend that I would be going to a major Tea Party event. I had agreed to attend when I saw the line up and saw that nearly every major Republican potential Presidential candidate would be speaking. Additionally, some other major heavy hitters would be speaking throughout the day, and I knew there would be a lot to learn.
I do not affiliate myself with the Tea Party. And as a Mormon, I also do not affiliate myself as an evangelical. In fact, I often wonder what it is that Mormons did that makes evangelicals hate us so very much.
Below are my pictures from the event, along with my feelings, and what is hopefully an unbiased report of the proceedings.
I did not arrive until close to noon, and therefore missed some of the big speakers like Michele Bachmann in the morning. I arrived just in time to catch Rep John Boehner speak. He gave the typical party line, and political, "We must defeat Obama" rhetoric.

John Boehner

At this point the ballroom was jam packed, and it was standing room only in the back. I apologize in advance for the awfulness of my pictures. Dark ballroom and lots of cameras flashing = lousy photos on my part.

The best picture I could get from the very back row.

Not long after Boehner was Former Gov. John Huntsman of Utah. He was particularly of interest to me. He's golden in Utah. People adored him as governor. I did not adore him because I had a serious problem with this Attorney General. And as mentioned in a previous post, I put a lot of stock into who a politician surrounds himself with. However, I have also met members of his family and know them to be very good people. In other words, I went into this very open-minded for Huntsman to sway me one way or the other.
Huntsman chose to play it safe with this crowd. Notably he played it safe from the very minute he was introduced. Ralph Reid (not a lover of Mormons he) introduced him as the such and such under Reagan, and was appointed by Bush to do XYZ, and was the GOP darling blah blah blah, "and was most recently the Ambassador to China." In other words, they failed to mention that just a few weeks ago Huntsman was an Obama appointee. It didn't go unnoticed. Continuing with the play if safe card, he did not make any major political statements. He told a sweet story about his two adopted daughters, and his experiences working in Asia, and said he was just there to introduce himself and his family to the crowd.
The crowd gave him the appropriate reception and applause when he entered. It is notable to mention that this primarily Evangelical crowd gave him a very warm applause as he left. There were even a few standing ovations. I went outside to see if he was doing autographs and pictures, but the crowd was surprisingly too big, and I couldn't get close.

Somewhere in there is Huntsman

A while after that I chose to attend a break out session originally entitled "Anti-Religious Bigotry." When I arrived at the classroom I discovered the class title was changed to "Anti-Christian Bigotry." The panel was headed by Dr Richard Land, who I have heard speak before and believe to be a smart man. Overall, this was one of the key hours of the day that convinced me I am not Tea Party material.
Too much hate. I lost count of how many times I heard the words "Judeo-Christian Values." I personally believe this expression is selfish, small-minded, and discredits people of other faiths. But that was exactly their point- to discredit people of other faiths. This is an injustice to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and so many more. Let's not confuse religions with governments and regimes.
Basically what I learned in this one hour was that Christians feel discriminated against even though they are in the majority. To them I say, you should try being a Mormon Christian, and have to listen to the Christians mock every sacred thing you believe.
Sorry, Evangelicals, I just can't support you if you preach that way.
In my notes I wrote-
Dr Land- carefully talked about "vile caricatures" of Evangelicals, Catholics as compared to how kindly the media treats gays and Muslims.
He also said that if an alien were to learn about our culture by watching our news and entertainment media, it would believe that more than half of our country is gay, and that all Christians are stupid.
Tim Goeglin (Lutheran) - "American Revolution was fueled in the American pulpits of the Thirteen Colonies" (except he called them the "East Coast Amtrak States," why would he not say the original 13 colonies?). "Religious Christians are exotic cockatoos." "We need to find more ways in culture at all levels (high, low, and middle brow) to reflect our Judeo-Christian history."

Faith and Freedom Coalition Part 2 - Donald Trump Speaks

And now we'll fast forward several hours into the evening session. The website had originally slated Glenn Beck to speak. I was very curious to see Ralph Reid kick off a meeting that would have three Mormons speaking in it. (If you have never heard Reid speak, he is not shy about his Evangelical ways, and gets creative with language to specifically exclude Mormons from being considered Christians. Also, if you don't know this already, Reid is the head of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, and an informal top gun for the Tea Party.) However, the lineup changed, and Beck was not there.
(Sidenote: http://ffcoalition.com/our-team/  Look on this page and you'll understand why I am flipflopping on how to spell Reed v Reid.)

The big kickoff name for the evening was none other than Donald Trump. It is still a bit surreal to think I sat just ten feet away from Trump last night.

Donald Trump at Faith and Freedom Coalition

What is more surreal to me was the discovery that I'm not opposed to his politics. Much to my total surprise, I actually agreed with a lot of what he said. The man knows business, international business, and money. And he really knows conservative politics.

The crowd went crazy for him. He had a rock star's reception, no question about it. 

My dad pretending to not care.

We were in the center, right in front of the podium, in the third row. During Trump's speech, there were nonstop people running up and taking his picture. (Hence the picture above.) Also, I feel sorry for all those people who probably learned what I did- it is very hard to get a good picture of him. He never closes his mouth!

Here's what I learned about Trump-
He's pro-life and Catholic. He hates ObamaCare. He is still proud of himself for making Obama produce "that excuse for a birth certificate." He occasionally refers to himself in the third person. And a few quotes, "OPEC is laughing at our leaders." "Our leaders are stupid, you know, right? I'm not a politician, I can say stupid." The thing he said that really bothered me was regarding the war in Iraq. "To the victor go the spoils." He believes that the U.S. (and Allies) have the right to take over the Iraqi oil fields, and take the oil from them. He also wants to give a million dollars to every Iraqi family hurt by the war, and to every American soldier wounded or killed in the war, from the profits of those oil fields. This is one of those huge ideas that non-politicians come up with who truly don't understand international laws. This made me a little mad to hear, because people will like it, and it is not something that could ever actually happen.
But over all, I would say he's a smart guy and he knows his stuff. I'm starting to understand his appeal. And I'd be really surprised if we don't see him pull a Ross Perot towards the end.

If I thought it was hard getting a good picture of Donald Trump, it was even harder to get one of Dick Morris.

Dick Morris is not a presidential contender. He is for the most part a paid pundit. Although, to be fair, he has been an advisor to many people over the years. he really came down hard on the economy. He said, "17% of our economy (the medical sector) is paralyzed" by over regulations and fear. He mocked the bank bailout. And really made it clear he does not like Obama.

I should mention here that every single person who spoke lambasted Obama for calling the recent jobs report a "bump in the road." And everyone railed on the economy at length. The only person to actually make corrective suggestions was Trump.

Grover Norquist was up next. He started off his speech with an inappropriate joke I felt. "When midgets play mini golf, do they know?" What was the point of telling that joke?? He really went to town slamming environmental efforts and legislation by the Left. He then told a little story about rat heads. To paraphrase, when you buy a bottle of Coke and you drink it half way down and then discover a rat head in the bottle, you are disgusted, and you stop drinking it. You likely never drink Coke again, because the brand is tainted because of this one rat head. Billions of bottles produced regularly, but one rat head ruins it. "Republicans who vote for tax increases are rat heads in Coke bottles."

In my notes, I wrote this next.
I'm hearing too much "Judeo-Christian values" and "social conservatives" for my taste. I hear nothing about the beauty of the melting pot that is the United States. Where is the olive branch? Where are peace efforts? Where is partnership and education? It sounds like the Tea Party is all about be "Judeo Christian" or we will fight you. I do not feel this is the party of inclusiveness or belonging. This is a party of fighters.

Next up, Pastor Dr. Jim Garlow. He spoke about how he wants to see civil liberties being taught in churches. He wants pastors to stand up and bear the truths on issues. He made several references to the Black Robed Regiment. (If you don't know that story, it is an interesting piece of history, and I suggest you read it. I learned about it first last year at the Glenn Beck Restoring Honor Rally. He also openly called for a modern day Black Robed Regiment.) Personally, I don't agree with this at all. A person's religion can greatly influence their political moral issues. But I do not believe churches should be teaching politics.

Ready for Part 3, where I talk about Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney, and Ron Paul? Keep reading!

Faith and Freedom Coalition Part 3- Pawlenty, Romney, and Paul

I knew very little about Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota going into this event. I knew he was well-liked and respected. This was another chance for me to listen and be educated. I really was open minded with each of the candidates, looking to see which one would have the "IT" factor, the leadership qualities, and the rhetoric I could support.

Tim Pawlenty

While I did find Pawlenty to be a good man, he was lacking the it factor. He was good like my favorite college professor was good, but he was not a commanding presence, or charismatic like Trump or Romney were. The it factor was the only thing that got Obama elected. I'm pretty sure everyone was blinded by his charisma, and didn't hear a word he was saying. (Otherwise, what were they thinking?) 

From the notes-

"Obama's fluffy rhetoric doesn't fill the tank or feed the children." 

He got a huge applause when he said he was running for POTUS. 

He wants to phase out ethanol subsidies (he said with a quick apology to those from Iowa). I wanted to stand on my chair and cheer when he said that!! I hate how much of our country is run on corn, not because it is best for us, but because Iowa is the first caucus state, and it gets the most kickbacks. Kudos to Pawlenty for standing up to Iowa!

"Wall Street needs to get its snout out of the trough." 

Very proud pro-marriage stance.

"We need a POTUS who will stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel." 

Believes in a balanced budget. 

"We followed Greece into democracy, but we won't follow them into bankruptcy." 

Talked in 2 lines about the jobs report, but did not offer job creation solutions. 

All in all, I liked him. I wasn't wowed by him. But I liked him. He's not a bad choice. 

Jay Sekulow was next. Another talking head type. He was focused on legal issues and the Middle East. He used one of my least favorite phrases, "Only in America." There is nothing I hate more than people who use that phrase implying that only in the US will you find hard working, free, entrepreneurs, who are self-made men. Every time I hear that expression I think, "You don't get out much, do you?" There's a lot of Australians, Japanese, Brits, Czechs, Italians, and many many other nationalities who should be offended by that expression. 

And then it was Mitt time. And oh boy was it ever. 

Mitt Romney

He was greeted very warmly by the crowd. Not the rock star reception of Trump, but definitely with more excitement than anyone else before him. He immediately launched into some of his standby stump stories about his family legacy before turning on Obama. "Obama has failed the American people!" In reference to the jobs report, "You can't solve a crisis if you don't see the crisis. And Obama doesn't see a crisis!" He quote Reagan a few times. (Actually all of the speakers quoted Reagan multiple times. Reagan hasn't been quoted this much since we was in office himself.) Romney also said he wants to return many federal programs to the states and private sectors. (Can I get an AMEN!?) "I believe in the principle of limited government." He also spoke on balancing the budget and free enterprise.

He did not touch on health care or any moral issues. And religion was not brought up once.

Hey! Down in front!!

Another interesting note, like Trump, the crowd of picture takers never dwindles while he spoke. No other speakers had that happen. 

He did receive a few standing ovations throughout his speech. But it is what happened as he left the stage that surprised me the most! All of the previous speakers had received a standing ovation, and quickly left the room. But as Mitt tried to leave the stage the audience rushed him! Tons of people came rushing to the front of the ballroom to take his picture and shake his hand! No one, not even Trump (granted he did have some huge NY muscle bodyguards nearby) got a stage rush like that! 

It must be said though, that no one was faster than my dad in getting to the stage. Did I mention that there are certain members of my family that are on a first name friendly basis with Mitt? (Note: I am not one of them. I've met him quite briefly, but never really met him.) My dad broke through the crowd to be one of this first up to him, and even got a hug, and a quick conversation while the mob took over!

And some more of the Romney mob (to get these pictures I actually jumped up on the stage. There was no hope for a good picture on my little point and shoot camera. Hundreds of cameras were flashing in the dark room. And there was constantly jostling and pushing in the crowd.) Keep in mind this was all happening at the front of the room, while a speaker (I think it was Ralph Reed) was trying to calm the room and introduce the next speaker. 

So what poor, unlucky speaker had to follow that rock star? None other than Ron Paul himself. Again, as stated previously, I really wanted to hear him speak. I was open minded to him, and wanted to give him the chance to convert me. 

Ron Paul

Don't be fooled by the girl taking the picture, Ron Paul did not have a hundred people taking his picture. She just got in my way as I took the shot. More than half the audience left when Mitt did.

As I said with Pawlenty, I was looking for the it factor. The thing that says, "THIS PERSON HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO SIT IN THE MOST POWERFUL OFFICE IN THE WORLD." Ron Paul is not that person. He is not a commanding presence. He has no charisma. He even looks sickly on stage. And I just realized he said so few things of interest, that I didn't take one note on what he did say. I just remember him talking about delivering babies. For the life of me I do not see what it is about this man that spurred so many grassroots efforts on his behalf. 

He is smart, and he is moderately well-spoken. But he does not belong in the Oval Office, he belongs in a professor's office, or writing books or columns. But he does not scream Commander in Chief material. 

I just don't get the appeal. 

There were a few more speakers to follow him, but no candidates. My family (with about 2/3rds of the remaining room) quickly got up and left at this point. 

The baby sis, Mom (with uncharacteristically straightened hair), and me (I had been up since 5am, and it was about 11 pm).

Mom, Dad, Steph

Is it just me or does my skirt look like a hotel carpet?



The End.

If you managed to read this far, I am absolutely shocked. Thanks. 

Taking Time to Hear it for Myself

Tomorrow I will be packing up the car and kissing my dog goodbye and driving back up to DC for the weekend. I'll be joining my globe trotting parents and going to the Faith and Freedom Coalition Conference. This will be a major platform for most of the GOP presidential hopefuls. Among the speakers will be Gov Huntsman, Mitt Romney, Michelle Bachman, Haley Barbour, Virginia's very own Gov Allen, Glenn Beck, Donald Trump, Ralph Reed, and many other notable GOP and Tea Party names.
The truth about me is I am less and less a Republican every day. I continue to become more independent, and more libertarian. This does not make me more moderate. In fact, I'm more extreme to both the left and the right. There are a few things I know I am not. One is a conspiracy theorist, and/or a supporter of Ron Paul. I am not an extreme tea partier either. I listen to NPR more than Fox News. But I am attending this conservative GOP event.
I'm the Peace Corps volunteer who once worked for the NRA. My politics are not straight forward or easily definable.
I'm going because I want to hear things first hand. I'd rather hear Huntsman talk about his Obama ties himself, and not hear what the media tells me about those ties. Trump may not be running, but he's going to be a major influencer in the next election. And I want to hear his opinions right out of his own mouth. And I really want to hear Romney talk about health care. I am a big believer in turning off the news, and going to the events. I like to see and hear it all first person. It is why I attended the Glenn Beck rally last summer (even though I was admittedly not a big Beck fan). It is why I have sat through a Michele Bachman speech. And I'll tell you this- the woman can speak. I didn't agree with one thing she said, and yet she sucked me right in. It wasn't till I walked away that I realized how much I disagreed with her. But during her speech, I gave her a standing ovation- she can move you.
I believe in getting out there and listening to the candidates first-hand. I also strongly believe in looking at their staff. I always look to see who it is they choose to surround themselves with. Who do they trust their money and image with? I've ruled out many candidates because their staff disgusted me (ahem, Obama, McCain, and  several years ago Sen. Phil Gramm).
I will go into Ron Paul with an open mind. I want to see what on earth it is about the man that makes people follow him. My understandings and experiences thus far tell me he would do good at a think tank, but absolutely not in the most powerful seat in the world. But I'm going, and I will listen.
And I will report back. I'll let you know what I see and hear.
But first, I must pack. And answer this very important question- black shoes or hot pink heels?

Taxes, debt, and other words I hate

Do you ever look at the fighting in politics, "in Washington," (as a DC native, there is no phrase I hate more than "in Washington"), etc and think of better solutions to the problem?
For instance, taxes and the national debt situation.
Have you ever noticed how at the end of doing your federal taxes there is a spot you can select to send $3 to the presidential election fund? (which really, I think is entirely worthless and stupid, but that's a point for another day). Why don't we add a box to select to send $3 (or however much you want to voluntarily donate) to the national debt?
We could even make it fancier. Set up a national trust for donations to the national debt, and make the donations tax exempt? How many people would donate a few dollars, or maybe even more, to help solve the debt crisis?
If we really want to return the government to the people, why not let the people actually help solve the problems? A balanced budget, plus donated funds? Magic, I say!
Or is that just too libertarian of me to think letting people truly govern themselves is a good thing?

The day I identified with Barbra Streisand

Last night I watched the movie "The Way We Were" for the first time. There's a few things you should know here before I continue. In my family there is no one single actress more reviled than Barbra Streisand. While one or two of us may admit to liking a few of her songs, no one in our family will ever admit to liking her acting. And if you are the paternal member of our family you will openly discuss how unattractive she is every time her name is mentioned or her music is played.
So really, is it of any surprise that I had not yet seen this particular movie?
The movie itself was incredibly... annoying? I guess I just couldn't get past my politics enough to ever feel sympathetic to a communist party supporter*. Not to mention my personal issues with the lack of good strong female role models in them. This was just another movie where a strong headed woman had to change herself to get a man. And then when she went back to being herself, she lost him! I hate movies (and all other forms of media and stories) that do that!
Also, I will not apologize for spoilers for a movie that is older than I am.
Today I got up and about my business and before long found myself neck deep in a political debate with someone (or multiple someone's as the case may be). And suddenly it hit me. I'm K-k-k-katie. I am just like the Katie from the movie (minus the love for Stalin). I identified with her a little too well. Hot-headed, opinionated, and unable to separate me from my beliefs- I freaking identified with Barbra Streisand. Just shoot me now!
And whatever you do, don't tell my dad! He might disown me for such language!



*Also Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand were both well into their 40s and trying to act and act like college students. MAJOR FAIL. Completely unbelievable. However, on top of all that absurdity, I just found it completely implausible that a man as attractive as Redford (even at his matured age) would ever be with a woman that looked like her. Especially with the shorter/younger hair. It was horrid! And don't get me started on the soundtrack to the movie. Painful. Just painful.

Political Attack Ads of Roanoke, VA

It's that time of the year again where we all start hitting the mute button a little bit more often. Political attack ads are in full swing. I am a registered voter in the little city of Roanoke, VA. I am one of the most likely individuals to get out and vote.
But here we are 1 week away from election day and I have a major confession. I have no idea who I am voting for. The local candidates, who I presume to be Tom Perriello and something or other Hurt, and I think maybe Bob Goodlatte? are slinging so much mud at each other, that I have no idea who stands for what, or which party they represent.
Here's what I do know- Perriello must have deeper pockets than the other guys. (Which doesn't make me like him. It makes me who funds him.) I see his commercials at least five times more often than the other guys'. In fact, I don't know what office Goodlatte is running for. I haven't heard or seen one ad for him yet, but my uncle has a sign in his yard for him. And I think I have a bumper sticker for him somewhere.
I'm sick and tired of Pariello's ads. In spite of the fact that they are everywhere, I have yet to figure out what he stands for, except "I stand for the little man." Maybe he likes midgets? I'm really not sure. And I have only heard attack ads on Hurt, so I really don't know what he's all about.
I'm tired of the ads! I don't read the newspaper, and I don't watch the local news. However, I am very well-informed on state and local issues. So Candidates, whoever you might be, take those 30 second spots and actually educate us about what YOU stand for and believe in. Tell me which party you represent. Tell me where you REALLY came from. And please, for the love, stop using slogans like, "John Doe is for Virginians." I KNOW you are for and from Virginia! DUH! Now tell me what you plan to actually DO for Virginia!
And to the candidate who is running the ad with the old lady sitting in the dark who says, "Poppycock!" (and you know who you are), please, I implore you, stop running that ad. I'm forced to mute or change the channel every time she comes on!
And you know what, if one of the candidate's staffers just happens to be reading this, feel free to leave me a comment and let's set up a chance for you to be my guest blogger. Seriously. But there's just one condition- you can't once mention the other candidate's name.
Thanks.

PS- in my research to get the links to the candidate's names I learned that Hurt's first name is Robert, and he's running against Perriello. I also learned that Goodlatte is running for a different district. Which begs the question- who is he running against?

PPS- What I think is funny and sad is that after posting this I will likely still get more information from RoxAnne and Karena telling me who to vote for than the actual candidates themselves.

PPPS- Also, now I have to figure out if I live in the fifth district or the sixth district!