Menu a la Plymouth

Built in 1621, La Plymouth has been an American tradition for fine dining. Surrounded by rough hewn beams, cobblestone flooring, the atmosphere is pilgrimesque. The food is inspired by early American and Wampanoag Indian's recipes. You can begin by sampling our variety of nuts and dried fruits, great for getting your digestive track moving! Our entrees are old-fashioned and vary from the sea (Cod, Eel, Clams, Lobster) to the air (Wild Turkey, Goose, Duck, Crane, Swan, Partridge, Eagles) and to the land (Venison, Seal). Baked goods are made from wheat flour and indian corn. You won't find any modern creations like Pumpkin Pie, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes. Just good old fashioned Thanksgiving cooking!

Click here to learn more about the real First Thanksgiving!

Name Calling

(I wish I would have seen this cartoon earlier. It is hilarious!)

Change. Hope. Words promised by our now President Elect Obama. From all the interviews and press conferences I have seen, he has remained positive, upbeat and gracious. Especially in regards to his rivals. Yet, from his supporters and pundits I have not seen the same generosity. Where is the unifying language? Where is the 'healing' that needed to take place? I guess this post is just a warning to those on both sides, I am absolutely fed up with the negative name calling and divisive banter. How many of you have had a conversation with someone you disagree with, listen intently, even considering possible common grounds. And then they use words like "idiot" or "mental patient" in referring to President Bush, and you completely close off and continue in defensive mode. I know I do! You don't need to tear someone down to prove your point. You don't need to assign playground labels to invalidate them. Stick to issues and facts and personal experiences, and we'll be a whole lot more productive!

Grim Reaper

With a dark concealing hood and a deadly scythe, the Grim Reaper lethally selects it's victims. Which one survives, which one falls into an eternal sleep? The Grim Reaper has the ultimate and eternal choice. In some English literature, characters have been known to outwit or bribe the deadly decider out of their fate. Until now, the Grim Reaper has remained anonymous, it's identity legendary. Until now...

Many sectors of our economy are on their death beds, gasping for air, pleading to be saved. The arch angel of death, hovering over with morbid satisfaction of the ultimate power he has been given. Which company survives, which one slips into the blackness of bankruptcy or complete collapse? Our Congress, and Secretary of Treasury have taken on the roll of the economic Grim Reapers. Will the 'Big 3' auto-companies die from their self-inflicted hemorrhaging? Will Citi-Group kick the bucket as Behr Sterns did, or receive 'life-sustaining' aid as AIG or other major companies had? Instead of leaving this decision to the free-market, the Reapers swooped in and is picking and chosing who must stay and who must go. "They are too big to fail" they chide, as they pull more money out of our shrinking pockets to fill these corporations. Who else will be too big to fail? These morbidly obeise companies should die of natural causes, instead of prolonging their agony and bleeding us dry.

(We needed a little eye-candy during this Obituary!)

Did you know that our new "Joe Black" has proposed to lend $7.4 trillion funds to rescue the suffering financial system? I thought $700 billion was the absolute and ultimate ceiling to government financial aid, I should have known better. $7.4 trillion is not a made up number, like zillion or kabillion. Where is this money going to come from? Us, the tax payers. And who is it exactly going to? According to Bloomberg.com, "as regulators commit far more money while refusing to disclose loan recipients or reveal the collateral they are taking in return, some Congress members are calling for the Fed to be reined in." Only some Congress members think the 'Fed [needs] to be reined in'? Where are the others? I would argue all of the American people know the Fed must be reined in! Congressman Scott Garrett states, "The time has come that we consider what sort of limitations we should be placing on the Fed so that authority returns to elected officials as opposed to appointed ones." Sorry Scott, I don't know if I trust either the elected or appointed officials. What now? Get your finances in order. Save your money, especially while taxes are relatively low. Store food and other necessaties before historic inflation kicks in. Enjoy low gas prices while they last. Pay off debt. Balance your checkbook, the way you wished the government would balance theirs.

Really?! Already!?!?

Thursday, November 20th Ludlum Elementary School in Long Island, New York renamed the school to Barack Obama Elementary School. The school board passed this student organized proposition in a 5-0 vote, Thursday night, which once announced, the audience stood and cheered. An observer noted, "It was very well received...very poignant." I hate to break it to the young kids, steal their Christmas, Barack Obama is not our President, yet. He does not have a Presidential track record, yet. He does not have a legacy, yet. Granted, he has worked very hard and will have a place in history, regardless of how effective his Presidency is. Before he has even sat behind the grand desk in the Oval Office, a school is being named after him. He is being compared to Lincoln, FDR and Kennedy. His legacy is being created before he takes office!

Are these so far off?

Have you been diagnosed?

Bushitis: is the painful inflammation or irritation with the current administration. Bushitis can be acute, yet once exposed can spread rapidly.

Symptoms include: painful headaches, uncontrolled verbal spasms and vomiting, fatigue, dillusionary thinking, sore joints, erectile dysfunction, fever, stuffy attitude, and anal seepage.

Treatment: removal from infected areas, most especially MSNBC and the New York Times; no vaccines currently available.

Concerns of epidemic: It has become a worldwide disease, cases being found in Cuba, Venezuela, France, Iran, Russia, China, Canada, Mexico, etc. Although the original strand of Bushitis will be treated in the next few weeks, those affected will still suffer from the symptoms for years to come.

Other consequences: Bad economy, cancer, global warming, my car's heater not working, gas prices, uninsured population, sky-rocketing college education prices, McRib only available at Christmas, California fires, future earthquakes, Britney Spears coming out with another album, birth of the anti-Christ, Philadelphia Phillies winning 2008 World Series, Armageddon...Actually blame anything wrong with your life or wrong with the world on Bushitis.

Alternative Energy

"I don't mean to kvetch about this foreign oil thing, but I am becoming a meshuggener! I'm tired of listening to the constant megillah from the Washington schmos who shove their platforms up our tuchus! Oy vey! Alternative energy, is there an alternative worth all this energy?"

Discuss amongst yourselves!

Tyranny for Tolerance

This may not be my most thoroughly researched and well-thought-out post. My mind is overwhelmed with thoughts, concerns and fears that will be settled once I voice them. So please indulge me.

Over the past 10 days since the election, there has been a feeling of hope, pride and excitement resonating throughout the country. People on both sides have felt it, and see great possibilities for our country. However, there has been another movement that has exploded on the west and now east coasts. It takes it's forms in protests, propoganda posters, and angry shouts from a crowd of hundreds. I have previously posted about the passing of Proposition 8 thinking that it will soon die down, and yet the back-lash has continued. Who are they assigning the blame? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or better known as the Mormons, of course! Although Mormons made up 2% of the voting population in California, it is their fault. Why not blame the Catholics? Why not blame the 70% of black voters, or 53% of Latino voters?

I find it horribly ironic that whords of people are lining the streets in California, Utah, and New York protesting for tolerance, while holding banners and posters which exploit things that Mormons hold sacred. Pleading for understanding and equality, they use inflammatory language such as 'bigots' and 'hate'. It is upsetting to see places of worship turned into targets for protest. How valid is their argument when they can not practice it themselves? Where is the tolerance for our beliefs? Where is the acceptance for us as a people? Using tyranny to promote tolerance is contradictory and impedes any healing our country desperately needs.

PSA for AIG

Here is Edward Liddy. This unfortunate man is the CEO of AIG, an international insurance and financial services organization.

Without your help, he will no longer be able to afford simple necessaties such as corporate retreats at 5 star hotels, or spa packages, or someone feeding him grapes while lounging by a platinum plated pool filled with Cristal while listening to a live accoustic performance by John Mayer. Your first donation of $85 billion was clearly not enough. We are not asking much. It will only cost you $4756.46 each second of every day for an entire year, to pay the total needed funding of $150 billion.

Don't hesitate, pick up the phone and call our hotline:
1-866-SCREW-ED.
Have your credit cards ready, and generously give of the money you don't have.

Barstool Economics

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve.'Since you are all such good customers, he said, I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.!And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.'I only got a dollar out of the $20, 'declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, 'but he got $10!''Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!''That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!'*'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!'The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.Professor of Economics,
University of Georgia
For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible

Another post from a bigot

Proposition 8 passed. There is now an amendment to the California State Constitution which reads, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California". I discussed my view on this before the election, here. Although it is a victory, I believe it is short lived. The ACLU and a gay rights advocacy group has already initiated more legal proceedings, petitioning the Supreme Court the following:

"Contending the initiative was invalid because it improperly altered fundamental principles of the state Constitution. Taking away the right to marry from gays and lesbians violated the constitutional commitment to equality for all because straight couples can still marry. Proposition 8 should be struck down because it prevents courts from enforcing equal protection rights."

Proponents of Prop 8 have said that it is very unlikely that they will be able to undue a constitutional amendment through the legal system. My uneducated guess is that they will work to pass an amendment to repeal the previous amendment. (Like US Constitution's 19th and 21st amendments, prohibition and it's repeal).

The protesters are targeting the Catholic and LDS church sites specifically, calling them "Bigots, bigots, bigots!" as one protester told a reporter. I have seen commentators on CNN and other news shows compare the protest in West Hollywood to the Civil Rights march from Selma to Montgomery. Can you even imagine if Prop 8 was not passed, and it's proponents took to the streets carrying signs and jumping on cars. What would be said of them? At the very least, that they are sore losers. People who belong to my faith have been harrassed, ridiculed, picketed outside their homes. Where is the tolerance for our, and the majorities, differing opinion? We have a long road ahead, and I pray that protests and name-calling will be replaced with tolerance and respect. I typically don't share a quote, scripture or doctrine from my specific religion, I just found this quote to be too perfect not to share. It was given by a leader in our Church, an apostle, Neal A. Maxwell, in 1979. He states:

"This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions. Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened. Let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel".

Read the rest of the article here.

Out of line?

I heard about this story on Glenn Beck, and wanted to look into it. Here is the video, an excerpt from a Sweedish documentary about the US Presidential Election. As you see, Diantha Harris, is an obvious Barack Obama supporter and does not keep the political discussion neutral. What angers me, is when a daughter of a military officer is singled out, and told her daddy will be in Iraq for another hundred years because of the man they were voting for. Before I get worked up, I always try to think, "would it be ok if it was a teacher I agreed with?" What if it was the other way around? What if an elementary school teacher singled out an Obama supporter, and told them that Obama was going to take all of their daddy's money and give it to other people. It is an overexaggeration and wrong. Just like this teacher's actions.

School is a place where kids should be comfortable and confident to voice their opinions and be themselves completely. I don't worry about my kids being exposed to other view points or philosophies when they go to school, because they are being taught right from wrong in the home. But when a teacher singles them out, and belittles their beliefs, it crosses the line. The Superintendent released a statement, which said that this teacher created an "uncomfortable situation" and took "inappropriate actions". She is being investigated, and "appropriate action will be taken."

What if your child was in this situation? What would you do as a parent?

First glimpse...

Between all of the "umm's" and "uhhh's", was the message President-elect Barack Obama delivered in his first press conference today. I have stated, "We will see" if he lives up to his "yes, we can!" And I think we got a small glimpse into an Obama Administration. Here was his basic, prepared message regarding the economy. He gave a list of goals he wants to accomplish during the lame-duck few months.

• Stimulus Plan for the 'middle class'. What about the 'lower class', they deserve it the most right? Or is there no lower class? Just thought it was funny that the term has not been used by either party during the election. It's all about the 'middle class'. He hopes to get this done before he comes into office, but if not, it will be his first item of business. He also spoke about job creation, with unemployement at a new low.
• Aiding small businesses and American companies. He talked specifically about the auto industry needing some help. And to do so with what we currently have, and add to it if necessary. I do not agree with any corporate bail-outs, hence the free-market system.
• Bail Out Review. Make sure what Congress has done is still functioning properly.

My take: I was pleasantly surprised. And no, I did not think he would have the sickle and hammer flags hanging in the background, spouting off socialist or communist rhetoric! He had made the comment several times during his message and question/answer "see what we can do within current legislation" or "do with what you have". And I agree! I was also impressed that when Candee Crowley (I'm so familiar with the CNN commentators now!) asked about national security, and he wouldn't give her a response. Which makes me think he understands more fully what threat our country has been under and that you do need to be more cautious with foreign policy. Also, his response to Iran's President "Immaflamminwhacko" congratulatory letter needs to be 'deliberate'. He did not bash the 'current Bush administration', talked of bi-partisanship. He also showed a personable side, when Lynne asked a question and he wanted to know what happened to her bummed shoulder. The iRobot is human! He has always seemed too polished, and today he seemed human. But my favorite part was when he was asked about THE DOG, the all important presidential pet, and he referred to himself as a mutt. I thought that was great! Why couldn't he be this personable, self-depricating, and natural during the election?
My Conclusion: After a long 'take', here is the moral of the story. I want to give him every benefit of doubt, take him at his word. As far as today's message, I didn't find any red flags. If his actions meet his words from today, he might do well for our country. If his actions start matching his 'spread the wealth' comments, and turning to extreme left, I will be concerned. But so far, so good!

Conservative v. Liberal

The ideological spectrum has crimson red and royal blue. And in the middle there lies burgundy, violet, indigo, lavender, etc. The different issues provide the different tones, tints and hues of the political prism. The concepts of conservative and liberal have become so generalized and categorical, that most people don't fit in the cookie cutter shape that we supposedly belong to. So I'd like to break down the concepts of conservative and liberal into a few categories, and hopefully it will give you an understanding of how you probably don't fit the mold, and that's ok! (Because you're good enough, you're strong enough, and gosh darn it, PEOPLE LIKE YOU!...no coincidence I am quoting a famous Al Franking character from SNL and we still don't know if he will be Minnesota's senator!)

Social Conservative: Traditional family values. Pro-life. Against gay marriage. Against Euthanasia. Pro-Second Ammendment. Against legalizing marijuana or prostitution. Most of those who are regular Church goers fit into this category. Stronger government involvement in preserving the traditional social values.

Fiscal Conservative: Small government. Low taxes. Low spending. Few entitlements. "Pull yourself up by your boot straps". Local and State governments should have more power. Trickle down theory of economy.

Social Liberal: Pro-gay rights. Pro-Choice. Pro-Euthanasia. Gun control. Legalizing marijuana and prostitution will help crime rates. Less government involvement in personal or 'behind closed doors' issues. "It's my choice, my life" mentality.

Fiscal Liberal: Universal health care. Universal social security. Government Entitlements. High regulations on big business. More government involvement in the economic arena.

Isn't it interesting the different roles the government plays in the minds of liberals and conservatives? Both need government for different purposes. Social conservatives need the government to 'keep the order' or 'maintain the values'. Whether through propositions, legislation, or judicial decisions. Yet, fiscal conservatives want the government out of their way, mind your own business. Social liberal's want the government to mind their own business, and stay out of their way concerning moral issues. Yet, fiscal liberals expect the government to step in when the money is tight and unable to make the free market economy work for them. I believe that the majority of the country is a shade of purple, socially conservative yet fiscally liberal. This is apparent when looking at California. How could they elect Barack Obama, yet establish marriage being between a man and a woman? They paid more attention to Obama's liberal fiscal plan and ignored his socially liberal stance on abortion, etc. So to naively say that 'conservatism is dead' is not only wrong, but as a conservative I could counter saying 'liberalism is dead' because Prop 8 passed in 3 'liberal' states, among other social issues. In a time of financial draught, the country leans fiscally liberal. In a time of financial feasting, the country leans fiscally conservative. It is a constant swing of the pendulum, depending on the country's climate. And to suggest that there is no turning back, the country is moving away from conservative principles is also ignorantly wrong. The current Republican party failed in providing true conservative leadership. What conservatives need is a true conservative. Someone who is the base, not appealing to the base. Someone who is willing to stand up for what they personally believe in, not what the Republican party wants to package them as. As for now, support our President. Let's give him a chance to make a difference, but also voice our dissent when he strays from the principles we believe in.

Divide and Conquer

I found this video clip this morning and was absolutely mesmerized as I watched it. This interview was given in 1985. So often on this blog we have talked about socialistic ideas that deeply concern us. Many people see the role of government as that of taking over the care of it's people and giving the people the things that they need. I know that both Sarah and I and many other lovers of history feel strongly about this because we know where it has taken other societies and countries in the past. As I have watch the movement in this country, by both parties, toward constant promises and handouts I am concerned.

I found this video on a liberal political blog. I need to quote him/her here because he/she says it so well.

"What does this tell us? It tells us that we all feel that something is wrong. Both conservatives, liberals, and moderates sense that we are in trouble. We just can’t agree on where the threat is coming from. So who have we been blaming?

Each other.

The Left is attacking the Right and the Right is attacking the Left. Families are arguing with each other and some really vicious attacks are being made." .............
Here’s the thing; if we all feel that something is wrong, then something is definitely wrong.
Why, then, are we blaming each other?
It seems to me that it smacks of the very basic, “Divide and Conquer” theory which has been used over and over again in history :creating or encouraging divisions among the subjects in order to forestall alliances that could challenge the sovereign.

Think about it. While we are at each other’s throats, our economy has crashed, our homes are being foreclosed and more and more people are slipping into poverty. Rather than unite to try to solve the problem, we blame each other and let our country spin out of control."

-A voice cries out-

I really don't think anyone feels we are out of the woods today. Those who voted for Obama are happy he won but I haven't found any yet who feel that everything will be ok now. Obama has some very very difficult things to deal with from terrorism to the economy and much more. We all hope he can do some good but "all is not at ease in Zion".

Most who gather here are Christian. Many are LDS and some of other faiths. We are all aware that in the scriptures we are told that in the last days there will be division.

So what is my point? The election is over. Obama is our president. Maybe we can focus on what the problems that we are facing seem to be and what can be done. Will we always agree? Absolutely not but the discussion will be worth it and I think we can disagree without becoming divided.

Enjoy this clip, I found it fascinating.

Yuri Bezmenov
Uploaded by onmyway02

P.S. Many have used this video as a basis that Obama is a socialist and we are in trouble yet other liberal blogs have used it to show the destructive tactics of the far right. I think it says more about us as a country waking up and uniting.

One day to celebrate...

Yes, he did. We are part of history, and it is a proud moment for the United States. It is proof of the progress our nation has made during it's short history. It is proof that the large majority of the people are color-blind. It is proof that by hard work you can achieve anything. In response to the greatness of his call, and the steep hill he will have to climb to accomplish the change he's promised, I would like to respond with the timeless creed that 48% of the population shares: We will see. Lowered taxes for 95% of the population: we will see. Affordable health care for all: we will see. Ending the war in Iraq: we will see. Affordable college education: we will see. New forms of energy: we will see. Fixing Wall Street and Main Street: we will see. He will listen to those who disagree: we will see. He will be my President too: we will see.

By all accounts, this is the worst time to step into a Presidency. He does indeed have a steep hill to climb, but most of the "Hill" is on his side. My hope is that he will not be considered the 'most liberal President', just as he has been considered the 'most liberal Senator'. My hope is that he recognizes less than half of the country is still concerned about the changes he promised to make, and he leads from the center. The country was established on compromise and finding a middle ground. I pray for him, and his family, and those who will advise him. Our country is no doubt at a cross-roads, and I pray that we will become united without a crisis and he will be a leader for all the citizens of the United States of America. We will see.

Today!

Two years of waiting. Two years of debating. Two years of t.v. ads. Two years of speeches. Two years of mud-slinging. Two years of lying. Two years of historical moments. And it all culminates today. After waiting for about 50 minutes in a line, with my one year old son in a stroller eating Cheerios, while trying to read "Young Patriots" (great read!), I entered the card board box, and officially voted. And I left, proudly wearing an "I Voted" sticker. Hopefully in the next 24 hours we will see an end to this election, and have our next President chosen. My daughter's pre-K class had a mock-election, a ballot box with two crayons and pictures of the candidates, and they received the "I Voted" sticker as well. When she got in the car she announced that she voted for John McCain, not "Rock Obama". And I asked her who won, she said "Mom, I voted for the winner. John McCain!" We'll see if this pre-K class represents the country...or just Oklahoma. I hope I voted for the winner also!

Did you vote?

Did you have anything interesting happen?

Tomorrow!

Yes Annie, tomorrow is only a day away! And can I get a Hallelujah? Before tomorrow happens, I wanted to officially endorse McCain. Call the AP, blog-writer of Moms into Politics is making a huge leap on the McCain wagon! Surprised? I doubt it! Here's why:

1. Tested: John McCain has been tested. His endurance and will were tested in the Hanoi Hilton for 5 long years. He has served our country, almost to the claiming of his life. He has the respect of our troops, and I believe, for that service he can be considered a hero.


2. Experience: Not only does he have military experience, he has been apart of both houses of Congress. He served in the House for 2 terms, and in the Senate now for 4 terms. He is the ranking member in the Armed Services Committee, and serves on other committees such as: Commerce, Science and Transportation, Consumer Affairs.


3. Accomplishments: Line Item Veto Act of 1996: giving President power to cut specific spending. McCain-Feingold: Make campaign financing transparent, and eliminate 'soft money'. HMO Reform of 2001: opposed by Pres. Bush and majority of Republicans. 9-11 Commission: With Sen. Leiberman, wrote legislation which created this investigatory commission which suggestions has helped keep us safe. Aviation and Transportation Act 2001: Co-sponsored with democratic leader. Introduced McCain Detainee Agreement: It prohibits inhumane treatment of prisoners, including prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. Major supporter of the Iraq Troop Surge of 2007 which has proved a success. (To name a few).


4. Bi-Partisanship: Although Democrats say "He's voted with Bush 90% of the time", that is one of the lowest party-line voting record I could find. He has worked with anyone who could support the same cause, including Ted Kennedy, Joe Lieberman, and even Barack Obama.


5. Understanding of the Constitution: Just as a brief example, when Clinton nominated Breyers and Ginsberg for Supreme Court Justices, Sen. McCain voted to approve them. Although they disagreed politically, he knew they were qualified and that is his role in the process: to determine their qualification. This angered many Republicans, but he knew that was right.

I do not see John McCain as the perfect candidate, or someone I would agree with 100%. But, the more I've researched about him, there is no doubt he is honest, hard working, and has the best view of our government and it's role. He has experience, both domestic and foreign. He is a strong leader, but understands the devistation that is involved with war. He is the only candidate that has lived it. For those who assume, he is ill-tempered and will 'jump the gun' regarding war, you are dead wrong. You may agree or disagree with who I'm voting for, but I know the facts, his record, and what kind of man he really is. I hope you do the same.

Yesterday

Being a History major, and a Republican (we always look to the past, right?) I've been thinking about past campaigns and Presidencies, and a trend occured to me. First, I will give you examples. (This is all off the top of my head, no specific dates or quotes. Sorry)

Franklin D. Roosevelt: When he was elected, the country was in economic turmoil. His campaign was based on economic change. And that he did. However, he was also Commander in Chief during one of the world's largest and bloodiest wars, World War II. There was a major agenda shift from economy to defense.

Dwight D. Eisenhower: A well-respected military man, obviously ran for President flashing his war credentials. He came in after WWII, and the American public wanted someone with military experience. With the Korean War as an exception, he made major economic advancements during his Presidency. One being the Highway Act (1954?) which connected the country, and strengthened our infrastructure. Shifting his credentials and experience from defense into economic.

Lyndon B. Johnson: One of his campaign ads will go down in history as one of the muddiest and dirtiest attack ad. A little girl plucking the petals off a flower, then boom, nuclear bomb! Obviously campaigning on defense platforms, being a war-time President (Vietnam War), he won with a landslide. However, he was unable to end the war in Vietnam, but furthered the New Deal in creating the Great Society. He ran with a defense and war-time strategy, but his Presidency turned into an economic one.

Ronald Reagan: What kind of Republican would I be, if I didn't mention Ronald Reagan? He campaigned on limited government, and the concept of Reaganomics. However, he had to deal with the Challenger disaster, Iran Contra affair, and most famously the Cold War. His campaign focus was the domestic affairs, but a lot of his Presidency was focused on the international stage.

And lastly, George W. Bush: His 2000 campaign focused mainly on education and minorities. He didn't have a lot of international experience, and campaigned on domestic policies. However, with the events of 9-11, he became known as a war President.

Pattern: When the country is focused on domestic issues during a campaign: economy, health care, immigration, social issues, etc., the country is then faced with international struggles (WWII, Vietnam, Cold War). When we elect a President based on the fear of war, we face financial and internal downturns. This 2008 Presidential Campaign has turned solely to the crisis in the economy. I believe most voters are electing someone who they believe will strengthen our economy. Which makes me wonder if history will repeat itself, yet again. Will there be some generated international incident as Joe Biden warned? It seems to fit the pattern. Will we learn from history? What do you think?

Are you listening?

The election is nearing and I am dumbfounded as to what could happen. If you are listening to the media Obama is our next president. This is what confuses me. I have been reading voraciously all I can about this man. I have read all he has to say and have considered his allegiances and friends and tried to be open minded and not judge based on wild claims and far right accusations.

I have noticed something about the discourse amongst voters and it is this. McCain followers seem to be cautious about his ability to fix all the problems but they have shared a genuine outline as to why they feel he is the best choice. Specifics are given as to what they feel he will do how he will lead and his basic philosopies. They are also honest about what they feel he can't or won't do. Obama followers seem to like him and feel like he is inspiring and gives good speeches and will bring about CHANGE. I have yet to read a blog or article that truly outlines what he will do that doesn't just go on and on about George Bush and the mess he has made. It is only "He will bring about Change Change change". What is this change and really will it be good for the country. In one comment made on an earlier post the commenter said that she hopes that when Obama gets in he will govern from the center. That is a confirmation to me that even that person knows that he is very very far left and just hopes that he will reign himself in. What if he doesn't reign himself in? What if he seats far left judges that make gay marriage legal nationwide, reinstates the fairness doctrine and changes the second amendment to be restrictive to the extreme....all Democrat philosophies. I just can't fathom voting on that pretense.....this is our country. I reiterate. I wish I could go back in time and have Hillary be the democrat nominee, I would take her right now happily. She and her husband have been oddly low key in their support for him.....I think that even they are not 100% on board.

I am extremely concerned, as an avid constitutionalist, about his philosophy. Today when I read his quote regarding bankrupting the coal industry and then read how he is is firmly in favor of NO on proposition 8 I am again at a loss as to why this man is being followed so religiously. He says he is against gay marriage but this stance does not support what he says. I find this on so many of the issues. What will this change he promises be? What is in his background or record that supports this change he offers. There just seems to be no substance to these change claims other than he is so charismatic, well spoken, cool calm and collected.
Give me the substance, show me what he has ever done that backs up his claims. Show me that he is a man who will fight tooth and nail to protect the constitution, freedom of speech, the right to bear arms and marriage. I just can't find it, not in his track record, his voting record, his friends philosophies or what he says (constantly).

Even a democrat senator and Obama supporter said this week that Obama has no political courage. Well, lets hope he finds that at somepoint down the line.