How fitting.

Ronald Reagan - "Perhaps there is a simple answer - not an easy answer - bit simple: if you and I have the courage to tell our elected officials that we want our national policy based on what we know in our hearts is morally right."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204409004577158903842171724.html

In the article above, Wall Street Journal writer William McGurn observes that, perhaps, Obama's greatest accomplishment is inadvertently turning Americans toward the Constitution again.  Recently, I have heard similar comments from fellow conservatives, and - while this may be true - there is an even greater issue at stake.  Why has it taken so long for Americans to look toward the Constitution for answers?  No, actually, the better question is: why did we turn away to begin with?  In short, I believe it is because we got too comfortable and/or have been too consumed with obtaining what we perceived as comfort.  Since the 1950's, Americans have been chasing this thing called "the American Dream."  And, while most of us have a soft spot in our hearts for the June Cleaver's kitchen and Elvis' Blue Suede Shoes, we conveniently overlook the significant and detrimental changes that took place in that decade and those following.  In an attempt to recover from the war and prevent their children from ever having to suffer as they did, the WWII generation unintentionally began to emphasize personal comfort over community needs.  Eventually, this shift resulted in the Me Generation of the 1980s, and - ultimately - in the entirely self-obsessed generation in which I grew up.  The Constitution is nothing if it does not emphasize personal responsibility.  The American Dream is not about material or monetary success, but about each citizen having the opportunity to obtain this success.  Liberty is the only right for which were created. All else is extra.

MLK Day

Like many of you, I am at home enjoying this much-needed day off.  However, I fear that, for most Americans, that is all that MLK Day represents - a day off.  And, while I am among the first to make plans and enjoy myself, I think it is also important to remember why we celebrate this holiday.  It is about more than Dr. King, more than racial dispute.  It is about the fact that, with his help, Americans were able to stay true to the essence of freedom which we claim.  Yes, it may have taken longer than it should have, but there is nothing we can can do about that now.  It is our job to continuing building on the freedom we have established.  In this vein, I have always wondered why Presidents Day is not considered holiday-worthy?  Not because I think MLK is not, but because our Founding Fathers created the nation that has made all men equal.  Because of them, Dr. King was able to lead a civil rights movement.  Even though we do not get Presidents Day off, I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to think (and, perhaps, learn) about the founding of our nation, and the exceptional gift of freedom we have been given.

What does a political junky do when she can't sleep?

Read nerdy econ articles, of course! Well, I guess that I am really the need. The article is actually simple and informative, especially for those of us who have to battle through Von Mises. Check it out: https://twitter.com/heritage/status/156114257363218433

The Great Object

"'In every political society, parties are unavoidable," [James] Madison wrote.  "The great object should be to combat the evil...by making one party check on the other....If this is not the language of reason, it is that of republicanism.'  The political conflict was not a collision of co-equals, but a war between the forces of light and the forces of darkness in which the Republicans represented the soul of the American Revolution and the Federalists its betrayal." 

This excerpt from my current read, Joseph Ellis' American Creation, reminded me of the facts that many conservatives - myself included - often forget.  Politics is an inevitable and constant war in which we must maintain the upper hand at all times.  This requires continued action, action from which we cannot shy away.  If we really believe our team can and - most importantly - must win the game, we cannot fear playing with all we have.  We cannot feel guilty about strategy, if it is honest.  And, most importantly, we must understand what success means.  In a conflicted world that produces conflicted political systems, there will never be a time when all is well.  However, doing our best to maintain control of this system and use it to the best of our ability is the goal.  And, if we are doing this, if we are maintaining the upper hand for the good of the People, then we are winning. 

Three strikes, and you're out?

While this common American phrase is applicable to many day-to-day situations, it cannot be applied to President Obama's recent abuse of power. And,while the legislature threatens legal action,the American people must threaten political action. The first step is obvious - don't give this criminal president another term. Second, create a public outcry reflecting and supporting our congressmen. Remember, these are OUR rights he is violating. This entirely unConstitutional. Just one more reason to know and defend the Constitution. For those of you who are unfamiliar, do a Google search right now. For the applicable passage, see Articles I & II. And,if you get that far, you might as well read it all!

I have said this before...

and - unfortunately - I am saying it again.  The conservative voters in this country are hopelessly entangled in webs spun from personal preference and second-rate ideals.  Rick Santorum's near win in Iowa is yet more proof that conservative voters and their candidates remain blinded by personal preference and lack the necessary forethought to put a Republican in the White House.  Yes, it is that simple.  We must put a Republican in the White House.  This is a harsh wake-up call to conservative ideologues slumbering contentedly in second-place.  I say contented because, if they were really discontented, if they really had any vision for this country beyond their own noses, if they really grasped the urgency of securing the Oval Office, they would get out of bed and realize that - in reality - there is really only one candidate capable of gaining the majority vote next November.  This candidate is Mitt Romney, and, while his Iowan victory is a good sign, it is not good enough.  The only good that came out of yesterday's elections is that Ron Paul took a resounding third place.  (For brevity's sake I will reserve all comment, except to say that his presence is evidence of the ideological malady I have been referencing.)  While I have been in the Gingrich camp for quite some time, and will always remain a staunch supporter, I realize that Mr. Romney has the best chance to win the 2012 presidential election.  He appeals to many independents, "moderates," and the women Newt Gingrich could never win.  This, added to the conservative Republican base could win the presidency.  Now, it is time for conservatives to rally together and turn that "could" into a "did." 

Wait, what was that?  Gingrich for Secretary of State?