Utah Voter Information

This website has a sample copy of what your local voters ballot will look like on November 4th, 2008. Fill in your information and it will bring up info on where to vote and a button to view your sample ballot. (You must already be registered to do this. If you aren't registered or aren't sure if you are, go here.)

Not only can you make sure you know what's on the ballot, you can click on links on the ballot to learn more about each issue. How nice to go in and know how you're going to vote on everything (not just the presidential candidates).

Here are more helpful links:

Utah Voter Information Pamphlet
2008 Election Dates (including early voting information)

New Ecomonomic plan

I can't take credit for this myself a family member emailed it to me, but it is funny to read & think about anyway.

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.
Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in
a We Deserve It Dividend.
To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000
bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.
Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman
and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..
So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.
My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a
We Deserve It Dividend.
Of course, it would NOT be tax free.
So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.
Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.
But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.
A husband and wife has $595,000.00.
What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college - it'll be there
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs
Invest in the market - capital drives growth
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else
Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks
who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company
that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.
If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of
trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is
being proposed by one of our candidates for President.
If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S
Citizen 18+!
As for AIG - liquidate it. Sell off its parts.
Let American General go back to being American General.
Sell off the real estate.
Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.
Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.
Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work."
But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!
How do you spell Economic Boom?
I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion
We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington
DC.
And remember, The plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5
Billion is returned
instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.
Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.
Feel free to pass this along to your pals as it's either good for a
laugh or a tear or a very sobering thought on how to best use $85 Billion!!


All joking aside though the economic crisis out country currently finds itself in really makes me nervous. When I get back after this weekend I may ponder a post on the economy.

Edited to add: This plan doesn't actually work. If you do the math it only equals out to $425 a person. -Bethany

Barack Obama Test

A friend of mine emailed me this test, thought ya'll would enjoy it. I disagreed w/Barack Obama on 46 out of 51 questions. Also, I am not ignoring the responses to the health care post I just haven't got the energy to respond right now, I guess that's what I get for dropping soda out of my diet.

Views on Gun Control - From Someone Who Doesn't Own a Gun

Guns have never been a hot issue for me, so it was interesting to read Jay’s views and to figure out for myself what I believe. I have studied it (though I still don’t understand every aspect of each candidate’s views) and if gun control was the only issue I was voting on, I would definitely be voting for McCain (I found more of the candidate's views here). I do not agree with most of Obama's policies (the ones I do agree with, McCain has the same views, so it basically cancels them out). It worries me that he thinks gun bans work. I appreciated the article link in ck rock’s comment about Biden not allowing Obama to mess with his guns. It’s good to know there’s one person on the democratic ticket who realizes a ban would be ridiculous. Too bad the person running for president isn’t smart enough to figure that one out.

Here are some more things that worry me about Obama’s gun control policies

• Does he really think it would work for cities to determine local gun laws? Jay’s comment about that sums up why that’s pretty stupid.
• The fact that he endorsed an Illinois handgun ban.
• I’m interested to learn how Obama thinks we can feasibly “keep guns out of inner cities.” This sounds like his normal “feel good” talk to me. The criminals would be the only ones with guns if something like this was ever put into place.
• He voted no on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. I completely agree with Jay’s opinion, “Frivolous lawsuits in general are part of the downfall of our society.” It’s so true. I’m sick and tired of all the frivolous lawsuits out there. Obama’s saying gun manufacturers can be sued for someone using one of their guns to kill someone else and that’s just stupid. Does that mean knife manufacturers can be sued if someone is killed with their knife? It makes no sense.

I also went through McCain’s views on gun control. I don’t understand everything, but on the ones I do understand and care about I agree with him. Not only is he practical, he’s not going to try to take away anyone’s constitutional right to keep and bear arms. That's the kind of person I want as my president.

Healthcare.... aaaahhhhh

Now you need to understand one thing very clearly I do not have health insurance, I have not had health insurance for over a year now. Yes it sucks. My children are covered, but my wife & I are not. I will not go into detail here just understand that my company does not offer it & my wife & I do not qualify for a private policy. There is one option available to us, but it is far too expensive right now. I only tell you this so you understand this topic hits home to me very hard (especially after my wife broke her ankle this summer & had to have surgery). I understand just as well as anyone does the pains of not having health insurance. Having said that I do not think Universal Health Coverage is the answer. I honestly don't have a solution for health care. I don't know what can be done to improve upon the current health care system. I agree that something needs to be done. I am open to suggestions.

My limited experience with Universal Health Care is this. I served an LDS mission in Brasil for 2 years, I saw sick people there that didn't get the best care some that got no care at all, I have a very personal story about an awesome woman that we knew that had an awful experience w/the healthcare system I will not share it here as it too personal to post on a public blog such as this, if you would like to hear/read it drop me an email & I will consider sharing it with you, I also have this story: I had a Brasilian Companion have a panic attack one time, he thought he was having a heart attack & insisted we take him to the Dr. We took him to a place that was like an instacare. They started giving him shots of who knows what that didn't do anything for him. We finally had a member of the local church (who worked for the military) take us to a (Brasilian)military hospital where the service/care was awesome. Turned out he was fine & just having a panic attack, but it opened my eyes a bit on the subject at hand. Yes it was all free, but not everyone there had access to the military hospital.

Having said that here are some pros & cons to Universal Health Care:

Should the Government Provide Free Universal Health Care for All Americans?

Yes

No

The number of uninsured citizens has grown to over 40 million. Health care has become increasingly unaffordable for businesses and individuals. We can eliminate wasteful inefficiencies such as duplicate paper work, claim approval, insurance submission, etc. We can develop a centralized national database which makes diagnosis and treatment easier for doctors. Medical professionals can concentrate on healing the patient rather than on insurance procedures, malpractice liability, etc. Free medical services would encourage patients to practice preventive medicine and inquire about problems early when treatment will be light; currently, patients often avoid physicals and other preventive measures because of the costs.

There isn't a single government agency or division that runs efficiently; do we really want an organization that developed the U.S. Tax Code handling something as complex as health care? "Free" health care isn't really free since we must pay for it with taxes; expenses for health care would have to be paid for with higher taxes or spending cuts in other areas such as defense, education, etc. Profit motives, competition, and individual ingenuity have always led to greater cost control and effectiveness. Government-controlled health care would lead to a decrease in patient flexibility. Patients aren't likely to curb their drug costs and doctor visits if health care is free; thus, total costs will be several times what they are now. Just because Americans are uninsured doesn't mean they can't receive health care; nonprofits and government-run hospitals provide services to those who don't have insurance, and it is illegal to refuse emergency medical service because of a lack of insurance. Government-mandated procedures will likely reduce doctor flexibility and lead to poor patient care. Healthy people who take care of themselves will have to pay for the burden of those who smoke, are obese, etc. A long, painful transition will have to take place involving lost insurance industry jobs, business closures, and new patient record creation. Loss of private practice options and possible reduced pay may dissuade many would-be doctors from pursuing the profession. Malpractice lawsuit costs, which are already sky-high, could further explode since universal care may expose the government to legal liability, and the possibility to sue someone with deep pockets usually invites more lawsuits. Government is more likely to pass additional restrictions or increase taxes on smoking, fast food, etc., leading to a further loss of personal freedoms. Like social security, any government benefit eventually is taken as a "right" by the public, meaning that it's politically near impossible to remove or curtail it later on when costs get out of control.

This info taken from balanced politics If you check out the link they go into more depth on each topic.

Now Glenn Beck does a segment each day on his show called "Arguments Against Idiots" I find it hilarious & wanted to share his view on the topic with you as well.
What the liberal whiners say:

'Just as the Liberal Lion, Ted Kennedy so eloquently said this week, health care is a FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT for all Americans, not just an expensive privilege for the few'

'But health care can be a matter of life and death...just like the story Hillary told during the campaign about the uninsured pregnant woman who was sick and went to the hospital but was turned away because she didn't have $100, and both she and her baby died...over a measly 100 bucks in the greatest, richest nation on earth!'

'Well I just believe that something has to be done by this government to cover everyone...it's inexcusable in America not to have insurance!'

'It's just sad and pathetic, that in this country, we have such a terrible health care crisis...even Cuba is ranked ahead of us!'

Your winning, logical, reasoned arguments

1. First of all, I'd like you to point out where that "right" is spelled out in the Constitution? But while you're looking that up, lets just address your "expensive privilege for the few", statement. The fact is, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 84% of Americans HAVE health insurance. Now my math may be fuzzy, but that seems like-not "the few", but "the many". In fact, the OVERWHELMING majority. In many cases, it may be expensive, but so are a LOT of things in this country that aren't "rights"...like auto insurance or homeowners insurance...which are things we are forced by law to have, but the government doesn't provide.

2. Well unfortunately, that woman and her baby did die, that's true. However, she was NEVER turned away, she did receive treatment (she just couldn't be saved), and she DID have health care insurance. In fact, it is against FEDERAL LAW to deny health care to someone who needs it. It is illegal in this country. In addition, there are in nearly every city in America, hospitals who treat patients every day who have no way of paying. There are also thousands of clinics and programs to help those who can't pay catastrophic medical bills.

3. It's inexcusable that some people don't own their own homes. Is a permanent place to live ALSO a fundamental right? Some people don't own a car. If they cannot afford one, should one be provided for them by the government? Where does it end? Flat screen TV's? The right to keep and bear a washer/dryer set? If you do not have a lawnmower, one will be provided for you by an illegal alien? How much can or SHOULD the government do?

4. Is that why when Cuba's leader Fidel Castro, was on his death bed he was flown halfway around the world to get medical care? I'm just sayin.

Here is the link to that

I guess you better get used to my long posts, it seems they are here to stay. I don't think we have any international readers, but I would love to hear from you on this topic. Especially those with Universal Health Care.

Nation and Local

Hi, I'm Shaina. I'm not an expert on anything political, but I listen to a lot of news and talk to a lot of people who think they are experts. Does that count for anything?

The big discussion right now is of course, the Presidential Election in November between McCain and Obama. But that's not the only thing that will be on our ballot. In Utah, there are people running for office on the state, county, and city levels as well as votes being cast on subjects like amendments to the Utah Constitution. This brings me to 2 questions:

1. When it comes to National vs Local politics, which has a greater impact on my personal, daily life?
2. You can't help but be bombarded with information (true or not, biased or fair) regarding the national election, but you have to be proactive and do some searching to find out what's going on locally. Should that be changed and if so how?

I would love to hear what others think.

Gun Registration

I wanted to address this in a separate post; Bethany posed this excellent question:
Bethany said...

I don't really understand gun licensing and registering. It seems like those would be good things. Maybe I’ve watched too much Law and Order, but it seems like they often solve crimes on some episodes by finding out who had the gun in the first place and then tracking where it went from there until they find the killer. I realize it’s a tv show, but is it really that far-fetched? Also, would this mean the gun owner would have to prove they know how to handle a gun before purchasing it?

Basically, I’d love more information on gun licensing and registering. I’ve been searching on the internet, but there is so much information I’m not sure where to start.

Thanks!

OK, there are many people that disagree w/gun registration for multiple reasons. One of the biggest reasons I feel gun registration won't work is the fact that criminals are not going to register their guns, more than likely they can't even legally own a gun so why would they bother registering an illegally owned firearm. If they stole the gun & use it in a crime the original owner may get blamed for the crime & even if/when he/she (original gun owner) is cleared of the crime the police have wasted valuable time & are more than likely back to square one. Criminals don't obey gun laws or lots of other laws.

Next reason I am against gun registration is basic paranoia; if the government knows where all the guns are it is much easier for them to come & take them away. Now having said that I don't know that the citizens of this great nation would allow our guns to be taken away by anyone, including our own government without a fight.

This website posed some interesting points on both sides of the debate I disagree with some of their information such as Gun registration will let the government know who has illegal weapons Again if they have the guns illegally I don't think they are going to bother to comply w/some government mandated registration.

In short (sorry this post was not supposed to be this long) yes in a perfect world gun registration would work exactly how the proponents of it say it would, but in a perfect world we wouldn't need guns. Hope this helps & doesn't just make people more confused. Feel free to post any questions or comments I would love to read them & try to respond.

Who am I?

Found this from another blog thought it interesting.

Who am I?

I am under 45 years old,
I love the outdoors,
I hunt,
I am a Republican reformer,
I have taken on the Republican Party establishment,
I have many children,
I have a spot on the national ticket as vice president with less than two years in the governor’s office.

Did you guess?




I am Teddy Roosevelt in 1900

Of course I had to snopes it & here is what I came up with. Still interesting I think. I am working on a post about health care I have to do some more research as I am pretty weak on this subject.

Gun Control

Now, I want to start this post by saying I try really hard not to be a one issue sort of person I try to look at all the issues or a lot of them at least. One thing that I have seen in this election is that Barack Obama & the Democrats in general have left gun control alone. They know it is a hot button for a lot of people & their stance is not always favorable in a lot of Americans' eyes. This was in response to an email my sister sent me here was her question:

Jay,......I know that you are against gun control, but what exactly does that mean? Do you think anyone should have access to any guns at any time? To me that's what no gun control would be. So, I'm just curious what it means to you.

And my response with a little bit of editing:

I am not against gun control I don't think everyone should have guns. I think some of our current laws are ok, there are some that I don't agree with, but they don't impose too much. I am perfectly fine with felons not being aloud to own firearms especially those w/violent pasts. I am ok with it being harder to get fully automatic firearms "machine guns" but not necessarily suppressors(silencers). I am ok with not being aloud to carry onto airplanes & in other secured areas. I don't like that I can't carry into whatever state in the union I want to. California honors my drivers license why not my concealed permit. I believe a lot more people die in car wrecks than by guns. But I couldn't find anything to support that fact so it is opinion for now. This is long sorry.

I will address each point here from: http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm#Gun_Contr

* Ok for states & cities to determine local gun laws. (Apr 2008)
I think states should be allowed to determine some gun laws, my biggest problem w/cities being able to determine gun laws is I have to learn every cities individual gun laws. For example: Kaysville may ban me from carrying concealed in my car whereas Layton doesn't so before I go into Kaysville I have to stop my car unload my gun & put it in my trunk. Plus I have to memorize every city's gun laws in the state of Utah (that I may pass through).
* FactCheck: Yes, Obama endorsed Illinois handgun ban. (Apr 2008)
Gun bans don't work; Australia England & Canada have proven that for us. Criminals continue to get guns even though they have banned them.
* Respect 2nd Amendment, but local gun bans ok. (Feb 2008)
same as above
* Provide some common-sense enforcement on gun licensing. (Jan 2008)
I don't like gun licensing for the fact that I don't think the government needs to know where every gun in the country is. I don't see how that would help. A criminal is not going to register his firearms. This is the problem w/all guns laws criminals do not obey them.
* 2000: cosponsored bill to limit purchases to 1 gun per month. (Oct 2007)
This is just one of those feel good laws that doesn't do any good.
* Concealed carry OK for retired police officers. (Aug 2007)
I don't have enough info on this to really comment on this I don't know if it means only retired police or what. I am all for retired policeman being able to protect themselves though as long as he isn't talking about them as the only people allowed to carry.
* Stop unscrupulous gun dealers dumping guns in cities. (Jul 2007)
Again don't know much about this I don't mind gun dealers being checked on, but right now the batfe (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms) is abusing it's power & needs to be reigned in there are quite a few examples of them raiding dealers & manufacturers w/out cause.
* Keep guns out of inner cities--but also problem of morality. (Oct 2006)
The problem with the inner cities is not firearms, guns do not make people kill each other. I carry a gun 5-6 days a week I have yet to even think about drawing my gun on someone, let alone firing it at someone. The problems with inner cites are far deeper than just guns. Children aren't being educated, parents aren't doing their jobs, just a general breakdown of morals (maybe that is what but also problem of morality means)
* Bush erred in failing to renew assault weapons ban. (Oct 2004)
This "assault weapons ban" is absurd the things they ban was stuff like pistol grips on long guns & magazines that hold more than 10 bullets. Guns are like drugs it doesn't matter if you make them illegal people still get them. (I am not saying I am for legalizing drugs just an example)
* Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions. (Jul 1998)
I am really against this because I love my semi-automatic handguns. For a non-personal reason I have seen guys shoot revolvers & non-semi-auto guns just as fast if not faster than semi-autos check youtube.
* Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
Frivolous lawsuits in general (in my opinion) are part of the downfall of our society. Again guns don't kill people, none of my guns have ever turned on me & put a hole in me.


John McCain is certainly stronger than Barack Obama, but is still weak in some spots.
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm#Gun_Control

* I know how to use guns; but I don't own one. (Nov 2007)
That's ok not everyone needs to own a gun (on a side note Switzerland issues every able bodied man a rifle & trains them how to use it, ever heard of Switzerland being attacked Hitler certainly left them alone)
* Prosecute criminals, not citizens for gun ownership. (Sep 2007)
Agreed
* Don't hold gun manufacturers liable for crimes. (Sep 2007)
Agreed & explained why above.
* Opposes restrictions on assault weapons and ammunition types. (Sep 2007)
Agreed & explained why above.
* Calls for GOP "tolerance" of closing gun show loopholes. (May 2002)
For me this is another feel good law I can go on ksl.com & there are over 1000 guns for sale by private citizens whether I meet them at the gun show or at their house what is the difference.
* Ban cheap guns; require safety locks; for gun show checks. (Aug 1999)
Another feel good law safety locks are easy to bypass, why shouldn't people that can't afford an expensive gun be able to protect themselves? Gun show checks not sure what these are, I have bought a gun at a gun show from a vendor there (mistake I will never make again gun was a piece of crap) I had to go through the same background check as I do when I buy one at a gun shop.
* Supports ban on certain assault weapons. (Aug 1999)
Interested to know which "assault weapons" I most likely disagree no matter what they are though.
* Voted against Brady Bill & assault weapon ban. (Aug 1999)
Agreed a lot
* Guns are a problem, but so are violent web sites & videos. (Aug 1999)
Disagree guns aren't the problem we've been over this websites & videos/video games is a whole other topic for a whole other email.
* Punish criminals who abuse 2nd Amendment rights. (May 1999)
Agreed
* Youth Violence Prevention Act restricts guns for kids. (May 1999)
Don't know the extent of it, I think our children should be educated about guns so that if they happen upon one they know what to do with it instead of pointing it at friends & pulling the trigger. I have a story about my kids finding a bb gun (not at my house) but it is kinda long. The end of the story is this my children came running to me & said we found a gun they didn't touch it they didn't play with it they have been educated they know that they don't touch guns without an adult present. They have fired multiple firearms & know the power in them.
* Repeal existing gun restrictions; penalize criminal use. (Jul 1998)
Don't know a lot about it so no comment but it sounds great.
* Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
Agreed
* Voted YES on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
Not the same thing?
* Voted NO on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
Looks like he flip flopped on this one, been over it though.
* Voted YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
We need to enforce the ones we have because they aren't working as is.
* Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
Looks like he flip flopped on this one been over it though. again
* Voted YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
Looks like he flip flopped on this one been over it though and again.
* Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC. (Mar 2007)
I am against the all out ban of guns in any city & was glad to hear that the supreme court overturned said ban Washington DC is one of the most dangerous cities in our country coincidence that you couldn't (still questionable to be honest) own a handgun there.
* Allow firearms in National Parks. (Feb 2008)
There are bears in National parks why can't I carry a gun there?

http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm#Gun_Control

Our founding fathers put the 2nd amendment in the constitution for a reason, it keeps our government in check, it helps secure our country. Most important it allows us to protect our families from those that would harm them. There are evil people in this world, my children's biological parents are some of them. I don't expect everyone to own guns, if you don't it doesn't mean you love your children any less. It's just how I feel. I try really hard not to shove my gun opinions down other people's throats, I just don't want them taking them away. Hope this explains stuff & makes sense I was battling 2 little girls trying to get them to bed while writing it.

About Me (feel free to skip this... it's quite long)

I guess it's time for me to introduce myself now. My name is Bethany. I started this blog because I am loving politics. Well, it's more of a love/hate relationship. I love to follow it and semi-debate it, but it also drives me nuts. This is a brand new thing for me too. Unless you count student counsel in high school (which you really shouldn't), I've never been involved in politics before. I have voted. I'm not sure I knew what I was voting for though. Which is sad. That will no longer be the case for me. Hopefully we can help others know a little more about what they're voting for.

Where to start.... I am married to a wonderful, supportive man who is worried I am going to get too emotional about all of this political stuff. I am doing my best to assure him that though I may get passionate and often frustrated about it (how can I not get frustrated when there are so many dumb people in this world?), I will be okay :). We have a beautiful daughter who is almost 1 and full of personality. (Ready for cheesy?) I really want to do whatever small amount I can to better this world for her. There was crap out there when I was growing up and it's a lot worse now. I don't even like to imagine what high school will be like for her. I haven't figured out what I can do about it, but I think being aware is a good step.

Unlike Jay and the Brown's I do not hunt, nor do I have a desire to (guns are too loud for me). But I do think it is their right to hunt and to own a gun. I am very much a conservative. I do not agree with everything McCain stands for, but I will be voting for him because I would much rather have him for my president than Obama. At one time I considered voting for Ron Paul (his values are more in-line with mine), but I feel that would be essentially giving my vote to Obama and I will not do that. I'm very happy with McCain's choosing of Sara Palin for V.P. I'm excited to see all she has to offer the campaign.

I also really enjoy entertainment. Which is why I decided to make this blog about fighting for conservatism on all levels, not just political. I have been sooooooooooo frustrated with Hollywood lately. It's been bad for a long time and we've all known it would get worse, but for some reason I've still been shocked lately. It's sad to me. Television shows I used to watch (I'm a total sucker for reality tv... don't think less of me) have become completely unwatchable. And I'm not talking about obviously liberal shows. I'm referring to the fun competetive shows that started out (nearly) innocent. Then one day you're watching a season premiere and realize they're promoting (and glorifying) teenage sex, homosexuality, sex changes, and much more in a single episode. Not cool. Not cool at all.

Anyway, that's basically me. I'm not very good at getting my thoughts out, so I may do a lot of article referencing (I figure if someone has already said it way better than I ever could, why even try?). I'm glad to see people are already reading this blog and actively participating. Thanks to those keeping us in check. Please continue to do so. We'll all try to keep speculation out of our posts. Like I mentioned above, I am fairly new to politics. There are still terms I don't know about and topics I haven't studied up on. If I get something wrong, please call me out on it. Also, if there is any topic, website, article, or thought you would especially like us to explore on this blog let us know through a comment or by email (thefightforconservatism @ gmail.com). Thanks!

Introduction

Well, I thought I would introduce myself to start out. I first wanted to thank Bethany for starting this blog. My name is Jay I am a 29 year old father of 4 "middle class" (not Joe Biden's middle class though. lol) I sell nuts & bolts for a living, I enjoy anything I can do with my family. I like football, soccer, hunting & shooting. I am a "bitter typical white man clinging to God & my guns." I do not currently affiliate myself w/any political party, but am extremely anti-Obama & am leaning more & more toward voting for McCain. I am highly disappointed in the direction the Republican party has taken, they have strayed from their values in search of leftist votes. I am all for uniting the country, but when it means leaving one's core values the line needs to be drawn somewhere. I am a big Glenn Beck fan you will see/read me quote him sometimes. I am concerned for the country especially with the upcoming election we need to look at ourselves as we are voting to quote Glenn Beck right off the bat this election is about right & wrong not right or left.

The Dark Knight

I realize this doesn't have to do with the 2008 Presidential Election, but it does have to do with conservatism. Plus I love it. And I think everyone should read it. So I'm posting it.

The first link is an article in the opinion section of the Wall Street Journal and the second is Rush Limbaugh's comments about the article.

What Bush and Batman Have in Common
Conservatism and the Dark Knight (If you don't want to read all of it, skip to the last 9-10 paragraphs.)



Thanks to my brother-in-law, Spencer, for posting about these articles in the first place.

Rush Babies

This is my new favorite political blog. They're much better at keeping up with what's going on than I can ever hope to be.

Rules for posting

1. Posters must have conservative beliefs.
   
2. No posting untruths (Obama is not Muslim and posts about that sort of thing and other lies will not be allowed). Snopes.com and factcheck.org are perfect places to find out what you can believe or not.
   
3. Be courteous (I'm hoping to get comments from Obama supporters so all views can be thought about, but this means needing to be respectful of everyone even if they don't agree with you).

If anyone feels a change should be made to the rules, let me know.