Saturday, May 30, 2009

Sean Hannity at #RPVC09



Sean Hannity entered to his signature tune...Independence Day by Martina McBride..."Let Freedom Ring..."

Bring on the Red meat! He's been talking for two minutes, and has already mentioned the teleprompter and Nancy Pelosi. I don't care what Liberals say, Conservatives are much funnier. Mostly because we are Clever, not mean.

"After five months of Barack Obama, Princess Pelosi and Prince Harry...it's Time for Change Virginia" I almost spit my coffee out on that one, the crowd clearly appreciated it too...


This capacity crowd is eating up the laundry list of things that Obama has done, that if George W Bush had done...well you know...Scareforce One, the "Austrian language", the ipod filled with speeches...you get the idea...

Sean is honoring my favorite president, Ronald Reagan pulling from his "Rendevous with Destiny" speech given in 1980. It always amazes me how Reagan's words are timeless, but it's because they are rooted in Conservative Principles which do Not Change with Time.

I think I just heard Hannity take partial credit for Hilary's defeat. I know I just heard him say that Terry "Carpetbagger" Mc was watching every minute of this convention....

Which reminds me, What are Terry Mc's qualifications to be Governor again? I mean I know the Clintons owe him a favor, but really? He did such a bang up job at the DNC, when he was chair they ran John Kerry remember...Nice work. But as I've said it seems he thinks he and part time Gov. Tim Kaine can just switch postions...

I hope and pray that Virginia doesn't allow our Commonwealth to be sold to the Democrats....Time to take a Stand Virginia....

Hannity brings it home...and 10,000 of my closest friends agree...We can be that shining city on a Hill....

And He's out...the crowd is jumping...signs everywhere....dancing and singing..."Let Freedom Ring...Let the whole world see...this is the day of Reckoning.."

Let Not Your Hearts be Troubled....

Bob McDonnell at #RPVC09



Jeanine McDonnell is doing the final Introductions for her Dad, talk about a Daddy's girl, went to Notre Dame on an ROTC scholarship, and was called to serve in Iraq, during her Dad's campaign for Attorney General....She is awesome. Note to Meghan McCain: "This is how it's done." When can we get Jeanine out on the campaign trail?


As Bob McDonnell took the stage, it was as though Elvis himself had 'entered the building'...thousands on their feet, cheering and chanting "Go, Bob Go!", as CCR blared through the speakers....you can literally feel the excitement....

McDonnell: "I will uphold the highest ideals of the party of Lincoln and Reagan", ah it's music to my ears....

For all those that want to live the American dream, this campaign is for you, this campaign is about you...

Bob McDonnell just hit the heart of this campaign, Energy and Jobs. Get this, he actually has a "Plan", not just some empty promises...including making Virginia the first off shore oil producing state on the East Coast. He wants to create an environment where companies want to relocate to Virginia...Novel idea I know...but after two terms of Mark Warner and his lacky Tim Kaine, Virginians need to be reminded that it can actually happen....

What?! McDonnell is talking about specific plans to improve transportation issues here in the Commonwealth...he even named route numbers and again said he sees the need for a partnership between Public and Private efforts to get it done, forgive me for my shock, but we've been hearing that we need Raise taxes and continue to pay the Car Tax to pay for 'better roads" for 8 years, still have crappy roads and I still have to pay $1.50 in Tolls just to drive into the city....Sounds like Bob knows that Virginians want more from their Governor, than they've been getting....

"Values Matter, Character Counts"~Bob McDonnell

Off the issues into the Principles...McDonnell says he draws from his faith in god, and knows that we can achieve anything if we work together and don't care who gets the Credit.

"We need a leader who will put the people first.." "I will be that Leader"
You know what, Bob? I believe you.

I will tell you, Bob has got this crowd perched waiting to vote for him. He is the Real Deal.

Go! Bob! Go!!

Waiting for the Main event at #RPVC09



Just heard one of the finest renditions of the Star Spangled Banner, I've ever heard. Those boys from UVA can really sing! Warms the heart...everytime.

The stage lighting is amazing, all of my favorite colors: Red, White and Blue.

Bill Bolling, steps out to introduce Bob McDonnell and gets a rock star welcome befitting the stage he is standing on....to say the crowd is fired up would be a huge understatement. Nothing's really even happened yet, and they've exploded in Cheers by my count five times already....

Bolling brings up the point that now is the time for all Republicans to work together...time to put Egos aside and do what is best for Virginia and the Country...

Bolling "We need to give people a reason to Believe in Our Party"....AMEN!!

An old friend of Bob McDonnell's, from Williamsburg, is doing the actual introduction apparently, learning a lot more about the next Governor of VA....makes me like him even more...

Another friend of McDonnell took the stage to let us know that Bob graduated from Notre Dame, where he attended on an ROTC scholarship, he served in the Military for over 20 years....

Now one of his Deputies in the office of AG, has taken the stage to Remind everyone what a great Attorney General Bob McDonnell has been....

Just heard from the father of HT2 Clodfelter, who was killed during the bombing of the USS Cole. He held on tight to his tears as he told of what Bob McDonnell did to honor his Son, as he finished the crowd gave him a heart felt standing ovation, and I must tell you I'm holding back the tears of my own, as the crowd erupted in chants of USA! USA! USA!

More From the RPV Convention #RPVC09



Morning! From the RPV Convention floor, had a few tech issues late yesterday and early this morning so I didn't get to do any updates....

Last night was awesome. As I said yesterday this is my first ever Convention so I didn't really know what to expect, but after the 'Opening ceremonies', there were events held throughout the night, including a gala featuring keynote speaker Mitt Romney.

Later, I traversed the many Hospitality suites with a little group of new friends comprised of Bloggers and first time delegates, and met lots of interesting and surprisingly fun people.

I wish that others could see the GOP that I see, one that is made up of many individuals, not a group that can be defined by any one stereotype. We are clearly a party in transistion, and that is evident from the wide variety of delegates as well as the focus on New Media at the Convention.

Now the folks are filtering in from around the state, there is certainly that cliched 'Buzz' in the air as everyone awaits the Guest speaker Sean Hannity and the voting to follow this afternoon.

There is a definite sense of community here, that I'm happy I was able to witness, as the thousands move into the coliseum, people are still finding time to stop and chat with friends old and new. The Positive energy in the room is palpable.

Bob McDonnell will be giving the opening remarks before Mr. Hannity speaks and to this crowd, it would be a toss up as to which they are Waiting to hear from more....McDonnell is a bit of a Rock star here in Virginia and I for one can't wait until he is our Governor, I have no doubt he'll consider it a full Time job, unlike his predecessor, Tim Kaine.

It's about to begin.....

Friday, May 29, 2009

Blogging at the Republican Party of VA Convention



I have to tell you, I'm a little excited. I've never been to one of these before, but it definitely feels good to be a part of this...the Republican Party of VA Convention.

As I've been saying since the beginning of the year, 2009 is the Year to "Get Involved", we can't afford to wait any longer, and that is what I'm trying to do. I'm also heartened by the fact that over 10,000 other Virginians have choosen to do the same thing. You see last year, just over 3,000 delegates attended the convention, this year the number is 3.5 Times that. I guess my fellow Virginians have decided it's time to get involved too...

What's cool about the room I am currently sitting in, is that it's filled with Men, Women, and even a few kids that are from all ethnic and I'm guessing financial backgrounds. It certainly doesn't look like a 'stereo-typical' Republican gathering. This pleases me greatly.

Just a few minutes ago, the Convention was opened with the presenting of the flag, the singing of the National Anthem followed by the pledge of alligance. I know I'm a big ol' sap, but I still get choked up everytime I hear it. As part of the opening ceremonies, the following Creed was read:

Republican Party of Virginia Creed


We Believe:


That the free enterprise system is the most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice,

That all individuals are entitled to equal rights, justice, and opportunities and should assume their responsibilities as citizens in a free society,

That fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraints must be exercised at all levels of government,

That the Federal Government must preserve individual liberty by observing Constitutional limitations,

That peace is best preserved through a strong national defense,

That faith in God, as recognized by our Founding Fathers is essential to the moral fiber of the Nation.


Amen!

Okay, so no one actually said "Amen", but I certainly felt it in my heart. It also pained me a bit, as I wish those that were Representing us in Washington and in Richmond, read that Creed daily and vowed to uphold in Not just in Word, but in Deeds as well...

The RPV has gone out of their way to invite and encourage Bloggers like me to participate in this weekend's events. They've got a great little section set up for us called "Bloggers' Row" and they've got their own Twitter Hash tag #RPVC09 if you'd like to follow tweets from the Convention.

I'll keep you posted....

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

ObamaCare: Insanity at the Highest Levels of Government


It's an oldie but a goodie. The Nine scariest words in the English Language: "I'm from the Government and I'm Hear to Help". Our dear leader, President Barack Obama just can't seem to stop saying it. Apparently he's never heard the "scariest words in the English language part".

So far he's expanded the Role of Government in the Auto Industry, the Banking industry, the Mortgage industry and Now he's got his sites set on Health Care. The President's socialist, yeah I said it, Socialist agenda will include as Promised: ObamaCare with a price tag of $1.5 Trillion in New spending.

How does Obama plan to pay for all of this? You, silly. Now don't expect him to come right out and Say "You", instead he will discuss those that "Have" needing to help out those who "Have NOT". Let me explain something to you, if you have a Job, you are a "Have" in this scenario. Oh so you don't think you are a "Have" because you're currently struggling to make ends meet yourself, Too Bad. Tell it to Obama. He's got Big plans for YOUR money.


See his Obamacare will be funded through higher taxes on Soda, Booze and oh yeah Health Care. Remember those attack ads Obama ran just prior to the election mischaracterizing John McCain's plan to "Tax your Health Benefits" calling it the "the largest Middle class Tax Hike ever", it seems Obama has decided it wasn't such a bad idea after all, he just prefers a more direct approach. Instead offering the "Tax Credits" suggested by McCain, Obama is going to Tax you directly. Yep, More money coming out of your Paycheck, Can't you just feel the Change?

If you are currently employed and have health insurance, Obama wants to Tax your benefits to help cover those 'less fortunate'. Never mind all that you have to do to earn your Health benefits, you know like going to work and spending time away from your family, these people are Americans therefore, they Deserve Health Care and you are going to Pay for it. Whether you like it or not. Got it?


Rich Lowry explain it this way, in an op-ed in the New York Post:

The casual listener could be forgiven for thinking that Obama's passion is for reducing spending, not raising it, and for working with the private health-care industry cooperatively rather than over regulating it or supplanting it.

The groups' letter lends a superficial plausibility to the argument of backers of Obama-style reform that covering more people is consistent with painlessly cutting costs. The argument goes that, currently, the costs of providing health care to the uninsured are shifted onto everyone else.

Yes, but it's a tiny effect. A study in the journal Health Affairs found that this phenomenon accounted for at most a 1.7 percent increase in insurance premiums. Nor does more preventive care or health information technology -- a couple of Obama's favorite talking points when touting cost reduction -- produce miraculous, or any, savings, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Massachusetts enacted a health-care reform in 2006 that included an individual mandate to buy insurance, exactly on the theory that it would save money by ending cost shifting. Instead, costs have exploded. Public spending on health care has jumped 42 percent since 2006. At risk of becoming the Iceland of health-care reform, the state is scrambling to avoid getting bankrupted by its cost-saving program.

Nationally, the most significant cost-shifting is arguably the product of Medicare, which pays doctors and hospitals preset fees per procedure, and so encourages overuse of resources and prevents the emergence of meaningful prices in health care. The program overpays for some services, underpays for others and spreads gross inefficiency throughout the system. It is also a fiscal basket case, sporting an $86 trillion unfunded liability.

This is why it's so perverse for Obama to suggest the creation of a "Medicare for all" program as salve to our health-care system. This is sold as a "public option" that people can choose only if they want it. As a practical matter, government will stack the deck in favor of its option to the detriment of private insurance. Businesses will be happy to dump their employees into the public system.


Ironically, Obama's state of Birth, Hawaii, has already tried "Universal Health Care" and it lasted all of Seven Months before they pulled the plug... Why was it such an Epic Fail?

Gov. Linda Lingle's administration cited budget shortfalls and other available health care options for eliminating funding for the program. A state official said families were dropping private coverage so their children would be eligible for the subsidized plan.

"People who were already able to afford health care began to stop paying for it so they could get it for free," said Dr. Kenny Fink, the administrator for Med-QUEST at the Department of Human Services. "I don't believe that was the intent of the program."


After just Seven months the State realized something that should have been evident to any rational thinking person from the Start: People don't want to pay for their Health care, while watching their Neighbors get it for "Free". It deincentivizes people who would normally work and pay their own way. Which is why the programs have failed every time they have been tried.



Even supporters of ObamaCare are forced to admit that it's going to Cost a significant amount up front, but insist that it will Work despite all the evidence to the contrary....

“Reforming the system will likely require an upfront investment, but I’m confident it will pay dividends in the future for our health, our economic competitiveness, and our federal budget,” Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said in a statement. “The bottom line is that we can’t afford not to act. Without health care reform, health care spending will reach $4.4 trillion by 2018. These policies lay out a wide variety of options for making that investment.”


Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22675.html#ixzz0Fxr74boZ&B

"We can't afford Not to Act"...Hmm, where have I heard that before? Oh I remember just before they passed all those Spending Bills they didn't take the time to Read and we all know how that is turning out....

In an article for NationalReview.com, Sen. Jim DeMint outlines the Problem with Government entering and taking over a Market:

The most comprehensive and reliable study of the public option, conducted by the Lewin Group, concluded that once the government enters the market, businesses will simply stop covering their employees. Whatever penalty fees they have to pay will be far less than the costs of insuring their employees.

The Lewin study estimated that of the 130 million Americans likely to enroll in the public option, 118 million will do so after losing their employer-sponsored plans. Add those 130 million to the 100 million now covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other government programs, and we will have three-quarters of the American people dependent on the government for their medical care
.

This isn't complicated stuff folks. As the organization, Conservatives for Patients Rights, points out "Any serious discussion of health care reform that does not include choice, competition, accountability and responsibility — the four "pillars" of patients' rights — will result in our government truly becoming a "nanny-state," making decisions based on what is best for society and government rather than individuals deciding what is best for each of us."

ObamaCare ignores all of those Four 'Pillars' instead, backing the Nanny state alternative. There's another saying that comes to mind "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results", well We know that Government sponsored health care hasn't worked Ever, yet Congress plans to pass it anyway, Talk about Insanity! In fact Speaker of the House, not to be confused with "Liar of the House" a title she also holds, Nancy Pelosi,is hoping to shove this down our throats by the end of July. It seems to me that We The People can't Afford Not To Act, We need to Tell Congress, "Vote NO On ObamaCare" before we are all forced to Endure this "Help" from the Government.

In the immortal words of Susan Powder, America, "Stop the Insanity!" Contact Your Congressional Representatives Now!