O Come Clean, Come Clean Emanuel

There was a story today in the Chicago Tribune that White House Wonk Rahm "Rahmbo" Emanuel was a board member at Freddie Mac for 14 months and earned the paltry sum of $320,000.00 for doing very little. What's even more incredible is that Mr. Emanuel was a board member at the mortgage giant, when it engaged in the very shoddy accounting practices and tactics that poisoned our financial system, and led to the current recession. That's right the attack dog who is constantly ready to pounce on Republicans, let out not a whimper as Freddie Mac and its partner Fannie Mae were imploding. Yet we've heard not a peep about this from the dinosaur media who (save for the aforementioned Tribune), are outraged over the bonuses paid to AIG executives pursuant to valid contracts. You know the very same AIG bonuses that Congress knew about and voted for, before the public outcry turned them into the Politburo.

You can add Mr. Emanuel to the list of people directly responsible for this financial meltdown. Roll call please: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barney Frank, Chris Cox, Chris Dodd, Franklin Raines, and one of the leading recipients of AIG money, none other than the President himself. Notice a trend here, Democrats all except for Cox. Mr. Cox was asleep at the switch, while the Democrats who work on Wall Street were robbing us blind. Yes, it may come as a surprise, but most millionaires on Wall Street are Democrats. The vast majority of whom voted for Obama and poured money into his campaign, only to now feel the pain of unrequited love. It is abundantly clear to all fair minded Americans, that the Democrats are truly the party of the rich - not the Republicans! For you non - believers, you could look it up. While you're at it, check the roll call of millionaires in the Senate. The lion's share once again are Democrats.

Now you would think that this motley crew would be sharing a jail cell with Bernie Madoff, or at the very least just keep quiet and enjoy the fruits of their ill - gotten gains, while ordinary Americans suffer. No such luck, these very same perpetrators still aren't satisfied. Rather, they scream constantly that the recession was caused by deregulation and those evil Conservatives and Republicans. While counting their money, they call for more and more government intrusion into our lives. They are masters at diverting attention from themselves and casting aspersions on innocents.

To add insult to injury, all former Wall Street personnel who now work at the White House will be allowed to keep their bonuses. Of course, they're exempt because they work for the "Saviour." In the end, I guess that some bonuses are just more equal than others. Welcome to the world of "1984". Mr. Orwell how prescient you were.

Introducing Temerity Magazine

I just had a wonderful phone interview with Don Smith, writer for the forthcoming Temerity Magazine, brainchild of my Facebook friend Chad "Teddy Bear" Everson. If there is a silver lining to having a Marxist in the White House, it's the fact that conservatives have come out of the closet in droves on social networking sites, blogs and other places, where they've made meaningful connections, encouraged each other to take action and used their talents and skills to create new opportunities, particularly in the realm of pop culture.

Thanks to new alternatives like Big Hollywood, the recently launched Parcbench and soon-to-go-live, Temerity Magazine, avenues are opening up for conservative artists, writers, singers and others whose talents would otherwise be rejected by the liberal power-brokers that dominate the entertainment industry. As an added bonus, just knowing there are so many Americans out there who share my philosophy and love for this country is helping to keep me sane in an increasingly scary world in which our own government has become an enemy of the people.

Temerity will be up and running on April 29, according to the home page. Here's to its success and prosperity!

Javier Manjarres of Conservative Republican Alliance Interviews Speaker of the Florida House Marco Rubio

Javier is a friend, fellow Tea Party protestor, entrepreneur, founder of CRA and writer for Red County.com. On March 23, he sat down with Speaker of the Florida House Marco Rubio, who is considering a senate run to replace Mel Martinez in 2010. Rubio clarified his position on a host of issues including the sanctity of life, energy independence, national security and illegal immigration. To read and watch, click here.

Upcoming Talk Radio Appearances

Tomorrow night, I return to The Republican Temple at 9 p.m. EST;

On Sunday, March 29, Neidner's Talk Radio Show, 4 p.m. EST; and

On Saturday, April 4, The Fritch Show at 11 p.m. EST.

Smart Girl Politics Tax Relief Meet and Greet

I recently joined the ranks of Smart Girl Politics, a new website/movement connecting conservative women all over the country for friendship, activism and support. Today I volunteered to coordinate their first Tax Relief Meet and Greet for South Florida, which will take place on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Blue Martini Lounge at the Galleria in Fort Lauderdale.

This informal gathering is free of charge, as it is intended to bring like-minded people together to relax and have a little fun, while learning a bit about the SGP organization. So come out, have a few drinks and share a few laughs with some conservative girls!

P.S. Men are invited, too...SGP does not discriminate! :)

Fort Lauderdale Tea Party in the Rain

While I was in Orlando this past Saturday, the party continued at the corner of US 1 and Oakland Park Blvd. God bless these people for standing out in the rain to protest the Obamanation and stand up for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!

We'll be back again on March 28 at 1 p.m.



And here's one from March 14:

Orlando Tea Party Videos

Lisa Feroli, Bud Hedinger, Tom Gaitens, Andrea Shea King and everyone involved in the organization and planning of the Orlando Tea Party should be extremely proud of their efforts...it's been the largest one to date!

Andrew Breitbart on General Petraeus

Andrew Breitbart speaks for many of us in this Washington Times article, in which he summarizes the horrors of the first 60 days of the Obamanation, 'fesses up to his justifiable alarm and longs for a truly heroic American President:

I can't wrap my head around the fact that the commander in chief tried (for a minute anyway) to require injured warriors to pay to have private insurers take care of their treatment. I can't get out of my head that the leader of the free world gave the British prime minister 25 films on DVD that don't even work in U.K. machines.

I can't believe the president would allow the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to dictate the terms of his budget - and Barney Frank and Christopher Dodd, the symbols of government kowtowing to Wall Street - to be spokesmen for his financial bailout.

And did President Obama really produce a YouTube video to appease President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the mullahs of Iran?

Yes, he did.

These aren't beginner's mistakes. These are his core incompetencies.

The media that got him elected knows it is responsible for the gathering debacle, and so Jon Stewart, a so-called comedian and exemplar of the groupthink of the governing elite, is desperately hunting for scapegoats. Now that their secular savior is in charge, the "Dissent is Patriotic" bumper-sticker crowd is figuring out ways to stamp out criticism.

I admit, I am now officially freaking out. (emphasis mine)

The last time I felt this hopeless was when the Democratic Party and its cohorts in the media sold us on the false premise that we lost the war in Iraq. In the process, they also sought to demonize the very man that led us out of our peril.
His name is Gen. David H. Petraeus.

Breitbart goes on to express his hope for a "political surge" in which the stalwart, courageous and honorable veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom make a successful run for Congress in 2010, thus paving the way for America's greatest modern-day war hero to assume the duties of the Oval Office in 2012. From his lips to God's ears, I pray.

And just as a reminder of how low we've sunk in this country, the woman who excoriated the man responsible for the success of the surge -- Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton -- came thisclose to beating Obama in the Democrat primaries, and would've most likely defeated "her friend" John McCain in the General Election. Though humiliated by a media that valued skin color over gender in 2008, in the end, Hillary was rewarded for her despicable efforts to discredit a genuine patriot and war hero with an appointment to Secretary of State.

Great work, Baby Boomers! (I realize I am lumping in a lot of good people in that statement, including Mark and Doc Paul, but to paraphrase Hildabeast, I think y'all know what I'm talkin' about!).

An Aussie Gets It

My friend Dan just passed this along from Free Republic. It's a bit long, but definitely merits a few minutes of your time to read. Here's the most chilling part:

Months ago, I read a brief article written by CitizenWells

The economy in ruins, you believed this man was your salvation.

Why did you not read his book? There were many clues to his personality and intent.

Why did you not question his mesmerizing speeches, often aimed at the youth?

Why did you not question his organization and indoctrination of the youth? You know their minds are the most malleable.

You sought information or an article but could not find it because it was removed.

This candidate surrounded himself with those blaming the Jews, spewing anti Semitic remarks.

Anyone that questioned this man suffered personal attacks and some received death threats.

If you had bothered to check you would have known about the violent connections.

You wanted change, to finally be proud of your country.

Why did you ignore the warning signs?

Why were you mesmerized by speeches with promises without substance?

Christians, Jews, believers in God, responsible citizens, Why did you support this man? Why did you not read his book? Why did you not ask questions? Why did you allow anti Semitic speeches?

Why did you think I was referring to Barack Obama and his associates?

CitizenWells was talking about Nazi Germany!

Given that 78% of American Jews voted for Obama, I would add the following question:

Why is it that the right to murder unborn children via the unconstitutional law known as Roe versus Wade superceded any consideration for the safety of Israel and the national security of the United States of America?

Heading Back to The Republican Temple

Guess I must've done a good job the other night, because Stephen Rhodes has invited me to be a guest on his show again, this Tuesday evening, 9 p.m. EST! Also, I will be appearing on Jim and Sharon Neidner's program on March 29, 5 p.m. EST. And as soon as I have a date and time confirmed, I will post information about my upcoming interview on The Fritch Show.

Thank you to all for the opportunity; looking forward to some spirited discussion!

"The Choice: A One-Act Play"

Bill Willingham, writer for Big Hollywood, one of my favorite new blogs, hits it out of the park with this powerful and poignant piece exposing the irrationality and brutality of the legally accepted practice of partial-birth abortion. He also makes an excellent case for federalism. Featuring a nearly full-term baby and his would-be rescuer conversing "in a warm, dark place," the post is well worth the time and effort to click over and read in its entirety. Here's a snippet to pique your interest:

Possible: So I’m in danger, but of what? You said it had something to do with philosophy? I have to confess, I’m a bit confused.

Patronus: According to the culture in which you’re about to be born, assuming our efforts to insure your birth are successful, you aren’t yet a human being. You aren’t a person.

Possible: Are you kidding me? If I’m not a person, what am I?

Patronus: By definition of law, aided by a truly insidious twisting of language, you’re currently nothing more than a bit of extraneous and non-viable biological material.

Possible: Nonsense. I already have every evidence of personhood. I have thoughts and feelings. I have hopes and dreams. I’ve experienced joys and sorrows.

Patronus: None of which matters, according to the law.

Possible: I don’t believe that. Who could possibly believe that I’m not yet a real person?

Patronus: Well, that’s one of the truly frustrating aspects of this struggle, because no one does believe that — not your mother, or father, or the legal and medical people who’re determined to define away your humanity. Even the powerful social-political organizations created to bring about your destruction, without legal or social consequences, don’t actually believe you’re nothing more than a lump of waste tissue. But that’s what they need to claim. That’s the fiction they need to perpetuate in order to justify their overall agenda in general, and the all-too specific actions they may be contemplating where you’re concerned. Oddly enough, the more tenuous the agreed-upon fiction, the more desperate and vicious its proponents become in not allowing any reasonable examination of it.

Possible: That may describe those with an agenda to perpetuate. Some people just turn out bad and broken. But I can’t believe people as a whole could be so cynical. How could a wise and educated society possibly vote for such an obvious sham?

Patronus: I’ll let you know, should people as a whole ever get the chance to vote on it. This is a condition almost entirely imposed by the courts. On those rare occasions when people do insist on voting on some aspect of it, the results are routinely overturned by judicial fiat.

Possible: And the people just accept that?

Patronus: Not all of them do. Some are working hard to restore a better world, starting with a more rational and obvious definition of life and when it begins.

Even The New Republic gets it

Loved this message to the Iranian people from a lowly blogger, who makes infinite more sense in his greeting than does The Mistaken Won.

Also, Scott Johnson is spot on in this must-read post. "Infantile leftism and adolescent grandiosity" - BHO captured perfectly in 5 words.

Sunday Inspiration for Patriots

From America's greatest modern President, a leader I miss more and more with every passing day of the Obamanation!



Hey Obama-bots, this is how a real President looks, speaks, and most importantly, acts.

UPDATE: Just found another good one:

Parcbench Pop Culture Goes Live Tomorrow!

I am thrilled to be a part of this new website/movement, founded by Kellen Guida. It's pop culture without liberal agenda; in other words, entertainment, lifestyle and political discourse for those of us who love the USA!

Check it out on March 23.

Orlando Tea Party

Yesterday I drove up to Orlando with Shona and Dmitry, both of whom have a unique perspective since neither is an American by birth, but by choice. And much like adult converts to Catholicism, they possess an ever greater appreciation for the freedom allowed by this great country, having lived in places where it was in either shorter supply (as in Shona's native New Zealand, where guns are banned) or non-existent (as in Soviet-controlled Ukraine and Georgia, from which Dmitry escaped 21 years ago).

Thanks her husband's work, Shona also spent seven years in Libya, where women were treated like property, before moving to the USA (Martin County, FL) over 30 years ago. Dmitry told us horror stories about the Russian border, and the fate of would-be escapees who were captured by the KGB. And while I was raised with a love and appreciation for my country, listening to their stories gave me an even greater sense of urgency (if that's possible) to stop the Obama rush to socialism and work for a congressional repeat of 1994, in 2010. If we can do that, I believe we stand a good chance of getting this country back to its federalist roots. If not, I fear a bloody revolution....and I don't say that lightly.

People are angry, and our so-called leaders continue to turn a deaf ear to our righteous outrage. I don't know what it will take to get them to listen, but as I said, my hope is that enough of us will effectively work hard to get conservatives elected into congress in 2010. Judging from yesterday's crowd in Orlando, citizens are already mobilized. And I just pray that the country can survive the next two years of a Democrat-controlled government.

City and police estimate yesterday's crowd somewhere between 5,000-6,000. Organized by patriot Lisa Feroli, the event was hosted by local talk radio personality Bud Hedinger of 540 a.m. WFLA, while singer/songwriter Lloyd Marcus energized the crowd with his new song, American Tea Party, along with patriotic favorites like "God Bless America." Speakers included Andrea Shea King, internet talk radio host and WorldNetDaily contributor; Tom Gaitens, Florida Coordinator for FreedomWorks.org; and Kristinn Taylor, D.C. Lead for Free Republic. All were inspirational, applauding the efforts of the grass-roots and urging us to keep up the pressure on local, state and national leaders.

We came away from the gathering more determined than ever to take our country back, though admittedly, we're facing a formidable battle. But as I've noted in other posts, there is no other choice but to fight. The colonists and framers of the Constitution managed to overcome the world's then most powerful country and military, and go on to create a miracle known as the United States of America. If enough of us who believe in the principles of our Founding Fathers follow their example, we can get this nation back on track. But it will take commitment, courage and discipline -- qualities I know exist in abundance, judging from the people I've met at these various gatherings.

One other note: it was so great to bump into my Facebook friend, Tabitha Miller! Those who think FB is waste of time, I encourage you to re-think that position. It's been great not only for connecting with fellow conservative activists, but also for promoting my book.

And lastly, if you haven't already, please visit this site to locate a Tea Party in your area on April 15.

Press One for English

Mark just passed along this video via email, and it's too good not to share!

This guy is leaden and this show is in trouble

Sheesh, the guy is Jimmy Carter.

Good thing we didn't elect that dimwit who only knows how to wield executive power effectively, huh?

Greenacres "We Surround Them" Meetup Pics Cont'd

Top to Bottom Photos: Shannon and Doug (event organizers); Obama the Marxist; Karen and me (love her shirt!); Me posing outside the restaurant; and Dmitry, a man who values freedom more than most Americans.

Pictures from the We Surround Them - Greenacres Event Last Friday

Although it's difficult to tell from these photos, which were taken early on in the evening, close to 200 people came to McKenna's restaurant last Friday in Greenacres to watch Glenn Beck's We Surround Them broadcast. Aside from the cameradie and comfort that inevitably results from spending a few hours with so many like-minded patriots, the event also energized me to keep up my efforts in spite of the naysayers. Far from just a patriotic pep rally, Glenn's brainchild stirred this determined group into action, as my email alerts from the Greenacres meetup site will attest.

Shannon and Doug, the organizers of this gathering, did an outstanding job, and it's safe to say that most in attendance have probably been involved in civic activities for a good portion of their lives -- long before programs such as Glenn's became so (unfortunately) critical. One gentleman named Dmitry moved us all to tears as he passionately recounted his escape from Soviet Russia, and the very feasible possibility of America succumbing to totalitarianism under the guise of such friendly sounding things as "universal healthcare," and a "citizen corps." His words were a sobering wake-up call as to what can happen when the electorate forgets that government works for them, and not the other way around. Dmitry is the third person I've met over the last few months who has escaped from the bonds of oppression -- talk radio host Martin Dzuris, and a nice man named Jim (whom I met at the anti-CAIR protest) being the other two.

Everyone who loves freedom and this country should be pulling for the success of the Tea Parties and every other effort to get the USA back to it roots. I pray we can do it before Obama and his minions have a chance to inflict even more irreversible damage.

More Tea Party Coverage

From WorldNetDaily, seems the movement just keeps gaining traction!

An excerpt:

The tea party website asks, Are you fed up with a Congress and a president who:

• vote for a $500 billion tax bill without even reading it
• are spending trillions of borrowed dollars, leaving a debt our great-grandchildren will be paying?
  
• consistently give special interest groups billions of dollars in earmarks to help get themselves re-elected?
  
• want to take your wealth and redistribute it to others?
  
• punish those who practice responsible financial behavior and reward those who do not?
  
• admit to using the financial hurt of millions as an opportunity to push their political agenda?
  
• run up trillions of dollars of debt and then sell that debt to countries such as China?
  
• want government-controlled health care?
  
• want to take away the right to vote with a secret ballot in union elections?
  
• refuse to stop the flow of millions of illegal immigrants into our country?
  
• appoint a defender of child pornography to the No. 2 position in the Justice Department?
  
• want to force doctors and other medical workers to perform abortions against their will?
  
• want to impose a carbon tax on your electricity, gas and home-heating fuels?
  
• want to reduce your tax deductibility for charitable gifts?
  
• take money from your family budget to pay their federal budget?
  

The group encourages tea party attendees to bring a cell phone and call the president, 202-456-1414, and Congress, 202-224-3121, while attending the rallies.

I am really proud of all of my fellow Americans who are fighting for their country, and will continue to support and publicize these efforts until the Beltway critters start listening to the will of the people!

Palin v. Obama

The dinosaur media was right, there is a vast difference between the Governor of Alaska and the Campaigner - in - Chief. However,not in the manner the dinosaurs would have you believe. Throughout the campaign these liberal water boys dutifully carried Obama's water by proclaiming how cool, and sophisticated and intelligent he was. At the same time, they along with some unexpected and quite frankly schocking assistance from beltway conservatives like Peggy Noonan, declared that Sarah Palin was unspohisticated, inexperienced and naive. They loudly and erroneously proclaimed that it was frightening that Sarah Palin was only a heartbeat away from the presidency. Their fear was palpable.

What brings this issue to light now, is the President's appearance on the tonight show and the horrible joke he told about rolling a gutter ball and feeling like he was in the special Olymics. Of course, it was followed by the spin - doctored apology and the forgiveness showered upon him by the Schriver family. Yes, we are told it was truly the most heartfelt and sincere apology of all time, and the dinosaurs lapped it up. What a man of compassion!

Of course, this is utter nonsense. This Freudian slip allowed us a little peek into the President's soul, and a cold and bitter and angry soul it is. America is unfair, racist, and if his "compassionate" abortion policy is followed we won't have to bother with special needs children in our nanny state future.

Contrast this with Sarah Palin's recent address to the Special Olympics, the subject of an earlier blog by Daria. There we saw a loving mother with her beautiful son, to whom the President could not hold a candle. We saw the picture of a self - made independent woman, who achieved success through her own individual merit and hard work. In other words, the living embodiment of the American dream.

How proud I am to have voted for Sarah Palin. How sad for the country that she is not our Vice President. One can only hope that in January 2013 we get to see Trig playing hide and seek in the Oval Office.

Governor Sarah Palin on the Special Olympics

Those of you who know Doc Paul, Mark and me are aware that we are privileged to have a very special family member in the form of our brother Ralph, born in 1959 with Down syndrome. I've written extensively about him in my columns, and created a character based on him in my book, Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal.

Thanks to Ed Morrissey of Hot Air, I came across this wonderful video of Sarah articulating her support of the Special Olympics, and her own hopes and dreams for her son, Trig. Watching it only intensified the immense respect and admiration I have for her, as well as my already formidable anger at the MSM character-assassins, whose deplorable coverage during the 2008 campaign was purposely intended to destroy her, at least in a political sense.

Since Ralph is the second-oldest in our family (Mark being the big brother of all), and seven years older than me (the youngest child), I never did get to experience him as cute, chubby little baby, though his photos are some of the most adorable I've seen of any infant or toddler. In this video, Trig appears to be a happy, active and alert -- not to mention pudgy -- baby, whose presence in the lives of his family members brings indescribable joy. To think, 90% of these wonderful creations of God are aborted when discovered to have an extra chromosome! What a tragic reality.

Which brings me to our perpetual Campaigner-in Chief. I refuse to post his Leno video here for many reasons, including the fact that this narcissist seems to yearn for the "glory days" of the campaign trail, while the day-to-day responsibilities of the presidency bore him to tears. And yes, I am seething over his Special Olympics comment, which I find reprehensible, especially given the fact that this monster couldn't bring himself to vote in favor of The Born Alive Infant Protection Act. I think of Jill Stanek's video, and the nameless little baby with Down syndrome she comforted until he drew his last breath -- a life that, to people like Obama is not worthy of space here on earth. How Stalin- and Hitler-esque of this diligent little Alinsky student!

So yeah, I take offense at his comment mostly because I am aware of his disturbing track record as it pertains to the sanctity of human life. When I watch the video below of such an intelligent, accomplished, loving and resilient woman, you bet I get angry, wondering what might have been. And to all of the fools who bought into the outrageous media narrative painting a former business owner, city council member, mayor and sitting governor as somehow too "inexperienced" to be "a heartbeat away from the presidency," I hope you are prepared for the consequences of what your willful ignorance has wrought upon the USA. The rest of us are going to keep fighting for our country.

God bless the Palin family!




UPDATE: From Jim Geraghty, Governor Palin responds to Obama's comments.

Guess who's coming to a Tea Party?

Wow, this guy is actually getting on a plane to join us in Orlando tomorrow!

The AIG Bonus Distraction

The President and his cohorts in Congress have created quite a stir with respect to the payout of $165 million in bonuses by AIG. Don't be fooled my fellow taxpayers. While $165 million is certainly a lot of money, it pales in comparison to the trillions already spent by Obama and his tax cheating Cabinet, with trillions more to come.

This bogus bonus debacle is nothing more than a distraction that the Administration is using to divert attention away from itself and its miserable failures. The President is once again employing the strategy set forth in " Rules For Radicals", and is merely using the bonus story to attack capitalism. The problem here is that AIG is contractually bound to pay these bonuses and Congress, including Frank and Dodd, voted to allow AIG executives to keep these bonuses. Now they want to pass an ex post facto law to specifically target and tax these bonuses at 90%. There's only one silly problem with that, Chris and Barney, it's called the Constitution. You know, that trivial little document that the Democratic Party disdains. Can you say Bill of Attainder? Better yet can you two thieves say " I resign". Short of that,I'd even settle for a simple "I'm sorry " to the American people. But I won't hold my breath, since class is not your forte.

Hey Mr. President, let me let you in on a little secret. It's your bailout plan that caused the entire problem.If you had done the right thing and let AIG go Chapter 11, these executives would have never gotten these bonuses in the first place. AIG would then have gone under or reorganized and other insurance carriers would have filled any void left in the marketplace. It's called Capitalism, and it's the best economic system in the history of civilization. What don't you try it. You just might like it.

Emery & Swirsky on Palin

Noemie Emery strikes gold:

Now that the Obama presidency is nearing the 60-day mark, it’s time to thank those fastidious scribes on the left and the right who worked so hard to warn us against Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, and the dire things that would surely occur if she ever got close to executive power.
How right they were to insist that she was unfit for high office. Let’s just imagine what she might have done...

Joan Swirsky knocks it out of the park:

The Left’s tolerance knows no bounds. Practiced in the art of understanding and forgiving human foibles, and averse to the “judgment” they find so intolerable in those who think there are actually values such as right and wrong, good and bad, virtue and evil, liberals demonstrate every day how morally evolved they are.

Read both - very much worth the effort.

Introducing TOTUS

Finally, Barack Obama's teleprompter gets his own blog!

Thank you to Stephen Rhodes of The Republican Temple

I had a great time chatting with him last night; hard to believe we talked for two hours! To listen to the archive, click here.

We've also added Stephen to our blog roll, so please check out The Republican Temple daily!

American Tea Party Song by Lloyd Marcus

I'll be seeing a live performance of this in Orlando on Saturday -- thank you Lloyd!

Yo Joycey!

No, not Stallone-as-Rockie yelling across the Delaware at the neighboring state, me calling out Joyce Kaufman, self-appointed scourge of the Tea Party movement. Thanks to InstaGlenn, I found this:



So, Ms. Kaufman, are you now going to do the Joan-Rivers-taking-credit-for-Elizabeth-Taylor's-weight-loss thing and claim to have put the movement on the right track? Hey, it's all good - we'll grit our teeth and welcome you aboard!

West Palm Beach Tea Party!

Just received this information in my inbox. If you live in South Florida, please attend if at all possible!

The Palm Beach County Tea Party Protest will be held Wednesday April 15th at 5pm at the Main Courthouse located at 205 N. Dixie Hwy in downtown West Palm Beach.

Directions: From I-95 take Okeechobee Boulevard East to Australian go North on Australian to Banyan. Turn right or East on Banyan to Dixie Highway. Paid parking is available on the street; in nearby private lots and in the County parking garages (some areas are free after 5pm).

The theme is called "Debt Prison." We are protesting not just the outrageous spending by the Obama administration via the Stimulus Bill, the National Budget, the continued bail-outs and TARP funds, etc. but also the fact that our children and grandchildren's futures are being destroyed by the amount of burden and debt we are placing on them. The West Palm Beach protest will be the main protest for the entire county, if not all of South Florida, and many eyes will be upon us. As we all know, Palm Beach County is critical in deciding State and Federal elections and the media will be there in full force. As taxpayers, this is our chance to make it clear that we will not stand for or tolerate these injustices and Socialistic endeavors any longer.

Bring American Flags and posters.

For more information contact Everett Wilkinson at 561-355-2996 or Paul Harvey at 561-254-5278, harveypm14@aol.com.

Ashley Judd, Eye Candy

Not so much as brain food, though. Too bad she doesn't listen to her momma. Ashley has been Palin-bashing on the issue of aerial hunting of wolves. Well, thanks to a pointer from Mark Hemingway at The Corner, here's a devastating response:



So, Ashley, care to address this fella's concerns?

Thomas Paine on the Second American Revolution

Thanks to my friend Dave for sending this along!

Talk Radio Alert

I will be a guest this evening on Stephen Rhodes' Blog Talk Radio program, The Republican Temple, to discuss Water Signs, my fundraiser with Soldiers' Angels and my local political efforts, including the Tea Party Protests. Since Stephen is in California, start time is 6 p.m. Pacific/9 p.m. Eastern. For those on the East Coast, if this is too late for you, the show will be archived.

Tea Parties Keep Gaining Momentum and Credibility

Guess they are not so "masochistic" after all! From World Net Daily, check out the line-up for April 15! For those in Florida, there are many cities to choose from including Naples, Miami, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville. Follow the link to WND to find a location that works for you.

Well, well, well, seems Newt Gingrich has taken up our cause too!

H/T: Instapundit

Seems I'll have a lot to talk about this evening with John Clark!

Tea Party Interview

I just received a phone call from talk radio host John Clark of America Betrayed, part of the American Voice Radio Network. John has seen my Internet postings and organizational efforts with regard to the Florida Tea Party protests, and would like to discuss them with me on his show. I'll be on at 10 p.m. Eastern tomorrow night, March 17. Hope you can listen in!

It appears the Tea Parties are having an effect

From Michelle Malkin, it's becoming clear that our perpetual Campaigner-in-Chief is starting to feel the heat from the bitter, clingy people. Check out her excellent report. And if you haven't joined the revolution yet, click here.

UPDATE: More from Noel Sheppard of Newsbusters.

UPDATE II: Just found this Cavuto segment on You Tube from a few weeks ago:

Signs of the Times

An Open Letter to Chairman Steele and the RNC

Dear Mr. Steele,

Your organization has been inundating me with fundraising phone calls, letters and emails for quite some time now, to no avail. I applaud them for their diligence in excuting their responsibilites, but please, tell them to stop wasting their breath on those of us who value our principles and our country over party affiliation. You might be wondering why, in this perilous Age of Obama, previously dutiful RNC donors like me are repeatedly refusing to refill the coffers. Let me give you some insight into this perplexing development.

When you were named RNC Chair, I'll admit, I had a few nagging reservations, though I quickly recovered and threw my support behind you, hoping against hope (uh, yeah that dreaded word) that you would lead this wayward, Maverick Republican Party out of its current Democrat-Lite wilderness and into a post-modern (to borrow a revered phrase from the self-proclaimed "champions of the little guy") dawn of pure, unadulaterated and unapologetic conservatism. Not "compassionate conservatism" (one of the most blatant oxymorons I've ever come across), not a new spirit of "bipartisanship" and definitely not a wishy-washy promise to "reach across the aisle," i.e. cave into Democrat demands, because allegedly, "that's what the American people want." Hint: No, we don't!

Just to make it clear once again, since the dramatic spike in grass-roots vounteerism immediately following the announcement of Governor Sarah Palin as the Republican VP candidate failed to register a cause-and-effect phenomenon with the bright bulbs at the RNC -- If it hadn't been for Palin, I would not have lifted a finger for Senator McCain's campaign, though I would've grudgingly held my nose and voted for him on Election Day, keeping a firm image of the US Military in my mind as I filled in a broken arrow on a ballot pointing to his name (I suppose it beats hanging chads, though I never had a problem with them either).

So what was it about Palin that transformed me from reluctant voter to enthusiastic volunteer? Aside from her obvious warmth, small-town charm and steel magnolia persona, Sarah championed unabashed Reagan conservatism. Much like my favorite President, she took on entrenched interests within her own party, achieved success through her own initiative and hard-work, and possessed a similar spirit of optimism and genuine love for America. Above all, Palin, like Reagan, in policy and principle represented "three-legged-stool" conservatism: fiscal, social and national security -- which, come to think of it, is exactly the "platform" articulated by our Founding Fathers in a watershed document known as The Constitution of the United States of America.

Mr. Steele, as someone who once held you in high-esteem (even though you were my third choice, behind Ken Blackwell and Saul Anuzis) it is my patriotic duty to implore you to please recover quickly from your rather inauspicious debut, using the talking points outlined below.

I know, I know, who am I, just one of countless bloggers in cyberspace, praying for the Republican Party to get a clue! Quite honestly, I scratch my head in frustration wondering how we even got here in the first place, considering the fact that our 40th President left a remarkably solid record of achievement, along with a straightforward, easy-to-emulate blueprint.

And though I am certain with today's technology you could rediscover Reaganism with the click of a mouse (Does You Tube sound familiar to you?), here's some unsolicited advice from a little-known writer who's growing more fearful for her country with every passing day:

1. If you must appear on forums with ignorant hosts on hostile liberal networks like CNN (though I strongly advise against it), respond forcefully when said ignoramus lambastes your party as the "Party of Nazis." Rather than sit there in meek silence, you might try pointing out that the misconception of Nazis as far-right zealots is just that -- a misconception, and that Nazi actually stands for the National Socialist German Workers' Party. This would not only be effective and factual, but timely, given the Obama administration's hyper-speed in imposing a failed and flawed ideology, i.e. Socialism, on the Republic.

2. When the ill-informed interviewer claims there are no "people of color" in the party and accuses Republicans of being "racist," you might want to enlighten him that the GOP began as an Abolitionist Party, formed for the sole purpose of ending slavery in the United States. You could also point out that Republican President Abraham Lincoln presided over one hell of a bloody war that pitted brother-against-brother in an ultimately successful (thank God!) attempt to banish the chains and keep the Union together. More recently, you might mention that if not for Republicans crossing over to vote with Lyndon Johnson, the civil rights legislation of the 60's would not have been enacted. Lastly, you might want to turn the tables and wonder aloud why so many black Americans continue to vote Democrat, given that party's deplorable track record in cities like Detroit, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. (on that last one, you could even throw in the school voucher issue and paraphrase Dems by asking "Why does President Obama hate black students so much?").

3. Building on number two, you could also mention a few prominent modern-day Republicans like Alan Keyes, JC Watts, Ken Blackwell, and Colonel Allen West, as well as a smattering of conservative thinkers like Star Parker, Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson, Walter Williams, Thomas Sowell, Chris Gardner and Ward Connerly.

4. On a proactive note, follow the cue of Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter: articulate conservative principles with pride and clarity. Such principles are rooted in time-tested, color-blind values, such as faith in a Higher Power; the God-given right of every American citizen to pursue life, liberty and happiness; personal responsibility; accountability for one's actions; hard work and thrift.

5. Dare I go out a limb and ask you to question why it's racist to hold home-buyers to objective standards like debt-to-income ratio, two-year employment history and a decent credit score when applying for a loan? You could even tie it in with the Fannie-Freddie debacle and turn the tables on your next interviewer by asking them why a government-solution is being foisted onto the backs of taxpaying producers for a government-created problem! As an added bonus, it also creates an easy segue into a dialogue about the sheer lunacy of keeping people like Chris Dodd and Barney Frank in Congress, when they really belong in jail. Would it be racist of me to suggest that Franklin Raines be thrown in the slammer, too?

6. Finally sir, on the issue of life, please avoid liberal double-speak. If you believe abortion is murder, say so. And if you perceive it to be murder, how the hell can you essentially claim in a print interview (presumably with a straight face) that while you're against murder personally, it's just fine and dandy with you if others commit it? Mr. Steele, the Republican Party has got to stop dancing around this issue! And the best way to do that, in my humble opinion, is to invoke federalism, and explain to a largely uneducated electorate why Roe v. Wade is bad law. Acknowledge that while you stand with the Americans who believe life begins at conception, we live in a federalist society. If for some reason, Roe was overturned by the Supreme Court, the issue would simply revert back to the states, where it rightfully belongs, thus giving every American citizen the opportunity to vote on their resident state's abortion laws. It's not a perfect solution as many of us hold all human life sacred, whatever its stage; but it at least adheres to Constitutional principles and puts power back into the hands of the people, not unelected, activist judges.

In closing, if you and the Republican Party want my money, you all had better rediscover conservatism asap. I may despise Obama, Pelosi, Reid and their policies, but I'll be damned if I'll fund a party that in its current state is nothing more than a watered-down version of D.C.'s own Axis of Evil, either. And no telemarketer's script, compelling as it may be, is going to change my mind.

Tea Party On

In case anyone is wondering, the Tea Party movement is a national phenomenon that began with a private citizen in Seattle (!), who organized 2,000 people to rally against the porkulus bill. Having been to Seattle several times during my tenure with Washington Mutual (not an easy flight to and from South Florida for someone with an aversion to airplanes), I can tell you I am absolutely shocked they had such a great turnout (someday I'll write a post about my experiences in the Community Relations/Marketing Department, as they relate to the current economic situation. One of my co-workers was in charge of CRA for Florida). Then came Rick Santelli's righteous outburst on the trading floor, and a movement was born.

Yesterday, another small but determined crowd stood out at the corner of US 1 and Oakland Park Blvd. again to call attention to this disgusting administration and their assault on freedom. And once again, I was saddened by the willful ignorance displayed by many of the passers-by, who shouted things like "Redneck!" and "Racist!" These insults were pretty ironic considering the presence of people like Reverend O'Neal Dozier and Tito Munoz.

However, as with past events, the reaction was more positive than negative, and several people who just happened to be shopping at Target joined us for a brief time. All inquired as to whether this was an event put together the Republican Party or some other organization; when we told them we were private citizens (albeit spurred on by the larger Tea Party movement) who just wanted to make our voices heard and attempt to educate others, they were very impressed. I collected many email addresses from curious citizens asking to be apprised of future gatherings. Thanks to Ed Napolitano of the Southeast Broward Republican club for responding so quickly to my intial email a few weeks back. Ed got us started at this location on February 28.

And it just so happens, there will be another protest on the same corner of US 1 and Oakland Park Blvd. this coming Saturday, March 21. For more information, contact teapartyftl@gmail.com. I won't be there this time, as I am heading north with some other patriots to take part in a big protest in Orlando.

Finally, I just want to thank everyone for making my birthday memorable yesterday, particularly Tito Munoz, who was in town for the Latin American Republican event, but took the time, along with Javier Manjarres of the Conservative Republican Alliance, to join us on the corner. Aside from being one of the nicest people I've ever met, Tito is a passionate, dedicated citizen whose commitment to reclaiming America is both admirable and crucial. It is reassuring to have his support and leadership, along with so many others in this difficult battle.

By the way, if you live in Florida, please visit Javier's site and consider joining. Part of reclaiming our country involves weeding the RINOs out of the Republican Party, which can't seem to learn its lesson, two deplorable election cycles notwithstanding.

UPDATE: From Powerline, looks like the Tea Party Movement is growing. Hope we can achieve similar numbers in participating Florida cities on April 15! Will post details as soon as I have them.

Wow, I've been called many things....

But never a liberal! The other day I posted a response after listening to three days of non-stop criticism from a local talk radio host. Far from a scathing rebuke, I took the time to thank her for having me on her show and to commend her for her efforts with the Israel rallies, before defending not just myself, but all of the "people on the corner" from her condescending remarks. I am re-printing the email here (with the incorrect punctuation and lack of caps), exactly as written.

Next weekend there will be another protest at US 1 and Oakland Park Blvd. I will not be there, as a few of us are driving to Orlando to take part in another "pointless" event. I didn't stab you in the back Joyce; I merely responded to your unfounded comments. If that bothers you, maybe you are the one who needs to grow up.


feel free to attack me on your blog

but you are not as important as you think you are. none of my rantings have been about you. i do a very successful talk show, i am not "leading" anything. whatever i do that people join in is because i believe it has a purpose. i could care less what anyone else thinks about me. when you are standing on principle, personality doesn't matter. and i am berating this masochistic national tea party movement, certainly not my dear friends ed and stacy and danita. i love them and they love me, even when we don't agree, so grow up daria.and don't lecture me about joe kaufman. i have been supporting him and his efforts before you came on the scene. and when joe has a disorganized moment, i don't pretend it went well. this is the real world, not a novel. if honesty offends you, you just may be a liberal. you keep blogging, i'll keep talking and we'll see each other at WEST rallies. just don't come up to me. the one thing i hate is when i try to help someone and they turn around and stab me in the back. -- Stay on the wall !

Saturday Morning Inspiration

Last night's Glenn Beck meetup in Greenacres was fantastic! About 150 patriots showed up, not only to watch Glenn's inspiring broadcast, but to suggest practical ways of getting involved as we all work together to take America back. More on that event later; for now, just thought I'd post an incredible rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic from David Phelps, for the "loud and proud" citizens across the country who are making their voices heard. I am off to a Tea Party soon in Fort Lauderdale and will post pictures later today. God bless America!

They Don't Call me "Muzz" for Nothing!

It has been an interesting week so far, to say the least. When I posted these photos on Facebook, I never expected the negative reaction I received from a prominent local conservative, talk radio host Joyce Kaufman. Just to clarify: from all I've heard up to this point, Joyce and I are in agreement on a vast majority of issues, from Israel's right to exist in peace to our government's serious obligation to protect our borders and clamp down on ILLEGAL immigration. Back in January, I attended one of her pro-Israel rallies, when the Gaza conflict was in full-force, and stood in solidarity with Christians and Jews while hateful Palestinians screamed and gestured despicable insults at us.

Joyce was the organizer behind these commendable rallies, which still take place every Tuesday evening in Fort Lauderdale. I admire her commitment and dedication to this worthy cause. I also owe her a debt of gratitude for allowing me an entire segment on her show to discuss my book and Soldiers' Angels fundraiser, along with current events and my blogging efforts here at Palin-Drone. With this new administration giving us and endless supply of righteous outrage (not to mention heartburn), one would think JK would devote her entire three hours to informing her listeners of the government's ever-increasing usurpation of power, and spurring them into action. You'd also be inclined to believe she'd commend the efforts of an admittedly small group of dedicated conservative citizens who, despite the sea of left-wingers surrounding them in Broward County, enthusiastically take to the street corners every Saturday in Fort Lauderdale to protest the Obamanation.

You'd be flat-out wrong!

Joyce began by critiquing my Facebook photos from the Tea Party and CAIR protest last week, demanding that we "get organized" and ridiculing the work of devoted patriot and anti-CAIR activist, Joe Kaufman of Americans Against Hate, a man who only deserves praise and admiration for his sheer courage in taking on radical Islam and its local enablers like Mayor Stacy Ritter.

Many immediately jumped to my defense on Facebook (thanks everyone!), but Joyce didn't stop there. Every day this week so far, she has used her not-so-golden microphone to lambaste the Fort Lauderdale Tea Party protestors as people "running around with their heads cut off." On Monday, the eve of this past Tuesday's City Council elections, she had the audacity to state that "the people on the corner don't even know there's an election tomorrow!"

Um, excuse me Ms. Kaufman, but the people who take 3-4 hours out of their Saturday to stand outside and protest this horrid President and his far-left policies are among the most politically astute I've ever met. How dare you insult them like that! Oh, and by the way, we all voted on Tuesday.

As bad as she was on Monday and Tuesday, yesterday, our conservative host reached a new low when discussing the release of Gitmo prisoners. She tarnished a valid point about the horror of Obama's decision to shut down Guantanamo to appease his radical base by suggesting (tongue-in-check, of course) that the enemy combatants should be "dropped off at Tea Parties!" Then Ms. Kaufman went on to say that she'll never participate in a "tea party," as if we're all sitting around drinking a hot cup of Darjeeling and eating krumpets!

Hey Joyce, the Tea Party connotation? It's an historical reference to a "little" event that took place some 200+ years ago, when angry colonists had their fill of "taxation without representation" from the Mother Land, thus setting the stage for America's eventual independence.

Ms. Kaufman also wondered if we protestors had ever called our local congressional representatives, sent them emails and signed petitions. Yes on all three counts, Ms. Kaufman. Here's an example: I was one of the "loud and proud" people who defied President Bush and Senators McCain and Graham on the disgusting amnesty legislation. Along with my fellow citizens, I "melted the switchboards" twice, until we killed the bill.

Let me be clear: I acknowledge Joyce's right not to participate in our Tea Parties, and her right to avoid publicizing them on her show. What I do take issue with however, is her constant demonization of people who are simply exercising their right to assembly and peaceful protest.

Does she think we're taking time out of our weekend to endure the obscenities of passers-by because we have nothing better to do?

We're all scared for our county. And along with holding elected leaders' feet to the fire and voting in every election, we are joining with thousands across the nation to fight FOR freedom, capitalism, the US Military and Israel; and AGAINST "taxation without deliberation," and this administration's determination to punish producers and reward sloths.

I've been incredibly angry about this all week, but I really ought to thank Joyce: far from dampening my enthusiasm, she's actually energized me and refueled my determination (which was already pretty high-octane).

Saturday is my birthday, and I can't think of a better way to spend it than with my co-patriots on a Fort Lauderdale corner, on a beautiful South Florida day, fighting for my country. Hey, Doc Paul and Mark don't call me Muzz for nothing!

We'll Be Back Again on Saturday, March 14

As I mentioned in a previous post, I participated in a conference call last week with the National Tea Party people, during which they told us not to be discouraged if turnouts are small; even ten dedicated citizens taking the time to stand up for what they believe in is very powerful.

Apparently, not all conservatives are in agreement with this statement, and in fact, a few of us here in South Florida are taking heat from those on our own side, for "diluting" the effort and "burning people out." Well, let me assure them, that those of us who stand on principle are far from burned out -- in fact, we've only begun to fight!

I do not have time for egos and petty bickering when my country is at stake. So, those who wish to mock the efforts of a few dedicated warriors, feel free to take your potshots. We'll continue to stand on the corner every Saturday, in spite of your best efforts to discourage us!

UPDATE: My day is made! Tito the Builder is comin' to our Tea Party! He's in town as a guest of the Latin American Republicans, who are hosting a cocktail party at The Blue Martini Lounge at the Galleria Mall, that evening. And in another happy twist, Dr. Marion Thorpe, conservative candidate for US Senate, is joining us as well! Thank you for your support!

Fort Lauderdale Tea Party Part Two & CAIR Protest

The die-hard patriots came out and stood on the corner of US 1 and Oakland Park Blvd. once again to show their support for freedom, capitalism, the US Military, national security and Israel. This past week, the group was a little smaller, but no less enthusiastic, with plenty of new faces and even bolder, more creative signs. Many have vowed to make this a weekly happening, including yours truly, who has decided she's not going down without a fight!

I also participated in a conference call with the National Tea Party folks on Friday, and was pleasantly suprised by the number of people on the line from several different states including California, Florida (which was one of the most organized and active...yay!), Texas and Arizona. The national team is ready and eager to help, with multiple resources on their site for folks to take advantage of, from press release templates to sign slogan ideas. And while they want this movement to roll into some sort of national event in D.C., they were also pretty adamant about retaining the grass-roots foundation. Their main concern was having everyone's contact information, so as citizens from around the country email them for information about happenings in their state, the national group can refer them to local organizers. (Hey, does this mean I am now a "community organizer?")

Stay tuned for details about the orchestrated April 15 events, coming to a city near you. Here in Florida, there are protests in the planning stages for Tampa, Miami and West Palm Beach. I'll post details here as they become available.

Finally, I just wanted to mention that the tea party moved down to the Broward County Convention Center later in the day yesterday, to protest the CAIR (!) meeting taking place inside. We joined with other protestors on the corner, waving American and Israeli flags. Most people driving by honked their support, and Joe Kaufman from Americans Against Hate gave a rousing, passionate speech during which he excoriated Broward County officials like Mayor Stacy Ritter, for their outrageous support of Hamas. To quote Sean Hannity, Joe is truly "a great American." I just pray for God's protection for him, as there's definitely a target on his back.

One last point: I am more than happy to support Israel because it is the right thing to do. For me, it has nothing to do with religion, but a Middle Eastern democracy's right to live in peace. It's not a Right vs. Left thing but a Right vs. Wrong thing. So in that sense, I was in full agreement with all of the protestors there. However, when I saw a white car bearing the bumper sticker "No More BUSHIT," I was, to say the least, pretty damn angry. Turns out, the car belonged to the event's organizer, a man who presumably voted for Obama.

Can someone please explain the logic of voting for the Hamas-endorsed candidate, and then going to the trouble of putting together an anti-CAIR rally? Or of harboring obvious hatred, even after all of these years (Bush after all, wasn't even running in this past election) for a President who has demonstrated the strongest support for Israel of any of his predecessors?

More on this later, as I am certain, based on my own anecdotal evidence, that for way too many Jewish Americans (my closest friends excepted), everything really does boil down to Roe vs. Wade and the right to murder the unborn. Many of these same people view their closest allies - Evangelical Christians - as right-wing extremists in the tradition of radical Islam. Yes it's ludicrous (when was the last time an Evangelical slammed a jetliner into a building, or beheaded a Jew?), and certainly ire-inducing. And it's beyond disappointing that many of the folks I stood in solidarity with yesterday outside the convention center wouldn't in a million years join my group at US 1 and Oakland to protest the Obamanation of America.

But stand we shall, until we bring this country back to its roots. God bless America!

Another right-wing hack attacks Obama

This is so unfair!

Last month, in his big speech to Congress, President Obama argued for bold steps to fix America’s dysfunctional banks. “While the cost of action will be great,” he declared, “I can assure you that the cost of inaction will be far greater, for it could result in an economy that sputters alongfor not months or years, but perhaps a decade.”

Many analysts agree. But among people I talk to there’s a growing sense of frustration, even panic, over Mr. Obama’s failure to match his words with deeds. The reality is that when it comes to dealing with the banks, the Obama administration is dithering. Policy is stuck in a holding pattern.

To read the rest of this drivel emanating from the fever swamps of The Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, go here.

Twittering While The New Rome Burns

UPDATE: Looks as if the great Michael Ramirez is thinking of the same analogy:

Forgotten Heroes: Setting the Record Straight about Vietnam Veterans

In a refreshing departure from the usual Hollywood fare, Jack Marino’s film presents a positive portrayal of the most maligned members of our military.

It may not have the big name actors, the lavish on-location sets or the fêted Hollywood directors, but Jack Marino’s film Forgotten Heroes possesses something money can’t buy—a willingness to paint an accurate picture of Vietnam veterans. Disgusted by liberal Tinsel Town producers with an agenda, not to mention access to nearly unfathomable amounts of money, Marino set out to create an alternative to military-bashing films like Platoon that preached an anti-American message to an American audience forking over hard-earned money for two hours of theatrical entertainment. Long enamored of World War II-era films, Marino endeavored to create a Green Beret-style tribute “to the generation that answered President Kennedy’s call to defend freedom anytime and anywhere.”

The result is an engaging drama that follows the mission of an eclectic squadron of Marines as they attempt to rescue a Russian General who has defected to the United States. Representing the ethnic and racial diversity of America, this group of heroes includes a blond-haired surfer boy from Venice Beach, a young Latino from Los Angeles, a wise-cracking Italian-American from Brooklyn, and a stocky cowboy from Oklahoma. In keeping with the film’s tagline, “it was a time that turned boys into men and men into heroes,” when we first meet our core characters, they appear to behave more like frat boys than American soldiers, playing drinking games and fantasizing about girls on the beach.

However, we get the first glimpse of real brotherhood upon the arrival of new recruit Ramon, fresh out of boot camp and unaccustomed to the haunting “smell of the Nam.” Young Ramon has never been in combat, but gets his first taste of the grim reality of war when a fellow soldier named De Luca—hours away from flying home with honor—is blown up by a grenade planted by the his Vietnamese shoe-shine boy. Devastated by the loss of their friend, the squad nonetheless rises to the occasion when the dreaded word “Cambodia” turns out to be the site for the critical mission they’ve been assigned. When Ramon admits to a fear of being shot at, his self-appointed mentor, Leo Rossetti assists him in working through his apprehensions in one of the films simultaneously lighthearted and ominous scenes.

Veteran movie actor William Smith turns in a compelling performance as Russian defector General Zelenkov, a man who loves his country but not its oppressive government—a point of view rarely presented on screen by communist-lovin’ Hollywood. An honorable man, Zelenkov prevents his American rescuers from instantly killing young, militant Lieutenant Colonel Viktor Brazinski, an act of decency that puts all of their lives in jeopardy. Once awake, Brazinski calls in the Russian forces, leaving the Marines and the General no choice but to abort their helicopter rescue at the original pick-up zone and embark upon a treacherous jungle journey through enemy territory, to a secondary pick-up zone.

Along the way, the men transition into heroes, as they encounter an endless onslaught of horrific circumstances. In one scene, Ramon finds himself the sole protector of a Vietnamese woman and her daughter after Joe “Cowboy” Geer is shot to death by the communists he bravely fends off in order to give them a chance to escape. In another, Nick Govostos, American son of Greek immigrants, is called upon to make a gut-wrenching decision most of us will never have to confront in our lifetimes, when fellow soldier Darryl Huckins is brutally skinned alive.

Through it all, the men come to appreciate valor, courage, brotherhood and the price of freedom as they develop an understanding and respect for the man whose rescue comes with the highest of costs. Those who are fortunate enough to make it home in the end, have nothing but affection for their fallen heroes and the country that sent its young men into harm’s way for the cause of freedom. No wonder the power-brokers of Hollywood rejected this film!

Fortunately it is available as a DVD at http://www.forgottenheroesthemovie.com/. A true patriot, Jack Marino is donating $5.00 to The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Fund for every copy purchased. Please support this wonderful film and our forgotten heroes!

Groping for the right analogy

My wife and I were having a bit of a disagreement on the question of whether Obama is competent in pursuing a deliberate strategy of destroying the markets so as to destroy capitalism as a concept, the better to bring about his vision of a socialist state, or merely an incompetent bungler.

She takes the view that he is remarkably crafty and that none of this is a mistake. Quoting Rand: "Mistakes of this size are never made innocently."

I take the view that he is in over his head and the markets are tanking because of rank incompetence.

On reflection, I don't think that these are mutually exclusive arguments, but ones that emphasize different aspects of the same rotten performance.

So I tried this analogy out on her, and she seemed to like it:

Obama is like a guy who has been taught from his youngest days that builders of homes are evil. Their work product, i.e., houses, is evil. The morally proper thing to do, then, is to destroy their work. He is masterful at getting termites to houses.

Is he smart? Well, he really knows how to get the termites in the right spot so as to destroy houses.

Is he not so smart? Well, he thinks that destroying houses is morally proper, and follows naturally from the stupid premise that homebuilders are evil.

Maybe it works better aloud than written down, but I think that Obama's embrace of the leftist anti-capitalist vision of society is so horrifically stupid that I can't admire his tactical brilliance (if in fact that is what it is) in bringing it about. I vote double dumb: tactical ineptitude in service of a stupid goal. Put that on a TelePrompTer and The Won could deliver that in ways that make Chris Mathews' leg tingle.

We Surround Them, South Florida!

If you live in South Florida, please check out this meetup group.