A Difficult Question

As I write this I am sure I will create a firestorm of disbelief amongst my conservative brethren. Perhaps it is the reason I have chosen to comment on this article from World Net Daily out today.

Our nation is predominately a Christian Nation and was founded on many Judeo Christian ethics and principals. To their credit our founding fathers understood that religious beliefs are personal, deeply held, and that each individual has the right to believe and worship as they so choose.This is why we have the First Amendment Establishment Clause in our Constitution.

Thomas Jefferson, as well as many other enlightened thinkers of that time, understood the need to prevent religion from interfering or controlling the political agenda of a nation. They knew the dangers of a State Church such as existed in England during their lifetime in the Church of England. Our founders simply understood that each INDIVIDUAL had the right to worship, or not, as they chose.

My personal beliefs run concurrent with those of our Founding Fathers and drafters of The Constitution of the United States. Our political entities and religious institutions should operate separately and without influence on the other. Spiritual guidance is properly found in the church, and the affairs of state are properly left to the government.

The issue driving todays post is described by these excerpt from the WND article.

"A political candidate in this week's primary election for the office of comptroller in Illinois has filed a lawsuit against the state charging it officially expressed "hate" and "hostility" toward Christianity and other religions that include a belief in God by allowing atheists to post a sign in a state building at Christmas"


The sign as posted by Freedom from Religious Foundation:

"At the time of the winter solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is just a myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

Perhaps there are those, because of  their deeply held  religious beliefs, find this hateful and thus unacceptable. However, atheism is merely the lack of belief in a higher authority or being. It is not hateful or evil to deny the existence of a Supreme Being. Perhaps it is misguided, and maybe one day those who are atheist will confront  the possibility they were wrong. However, they pose no threat to those who believe in a creator and Supreme Being.

With respect to the immediate issue. Christians find the existence of a post such as above by Freedom from Religion Foundation distasteful and threatening to their beliefs. On the other hand, and by the same token, atheists find religious beliefs distasteful when they witness that which they do not believe.

So... my point is this, the founding fathers recognized the need to allow for each and every INDIVIDUAL to believe as they so chose, without the interference of government or the pressure of any particular beliefs those governing might hold.

Hence the First Amendment Establishment Clause of The Constitution of the United States of America. The founding fathers being Deists, did not give us freedom from religion, rather they in there infinite wisdom gave us the right as INDIVIDUALS to believe, or not, as our conscience guides us. It is for this reason they held that church and state should be separate and neither should have influence on the other.

So... in government buildings it is reasonable that neither religion nor atheism be a preference or denied a presence. If one is allowed so should the other. Perhaps it is best if neither is allowed. In all private establishments and places both are acceptable.

Via: World Net Daily

Lets Take A Look Back

Yesterday I did my usual Saturday Edition Post over at Conservative Firestorm. I called it "Lets Take A Look Back" because it reminds us of our roots as a nation when fiscal responsibility and limited government were realities. A time before we became the interventionist nation we have become in modern times.

Here are some excerpts from the post for those Rational Nation USA readers who may have not seen it.

Jefferson, a giant of the Enlightenment and Age of Reason, the author of The Declaration of Independence, and the leading visionary of the Founding Fathers. His influence is still alive and well today in our Nation.

Jefferson was a scientist, a writer, an inventor, and a lawyer. He was a leading voice in the cause of American independence from Great Britain.

He was the war time Governor of Virginia, and succeeded Ben Franklin as minister to France in 1785. Jefferson was responsible for establishing, through his proposed Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom the separation of church and state in Virginia. This Statue became the basis for the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Age of Reason, the author of The Declaration of Independence, and the leading visionary of the Founding Fathers. His influence is still alive and well today in our Nation.

Jefferson was a scientist, a writer, an inventor, and a lawyer. He was a leading voice in the cause of American independence from Great Britain.

He was the war time Governor of Virginia, and succeeded Ben Franklin as minister to France in 1785. Jefferson was responsible for establishing, through his proposed Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom the separation of church and state in Virginia. This Statue became the basis for the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.


For the rest of the article visit Conservative Firestorm. Please visit Conservative Firestorm this coming Saturday as Rational Nation USA will again be posting conservative views for your consideration.

GOP Reaction to Obama's Performance

Think Progress, the spoon fed media outlet for the liberal/progressive talking points of the Obummer administration.

That would make them the twin sister (if your a liberal), or the twin brother (if your not) of Fox News I guess. Wouldn't it?

Well, maybe not identical, more like opposite sides of the same body politic. Wouldn't this be the government/media complex half (or side) of the the same coin?



My take is after all the hoopla and spin is done not much if anything will change. The President seems intent on getting what he wants. And as such bipartisanship is out the window. Politics as usual.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: Think Progress

Osama Bin Laden, His New Focus

Osama Bin Laden on a new front attacking the forces of progress. Climate change is apparently his new found focus in his attempt to bring down the U.S. and other industrialized western economies.

It remains without a doubt the goal of this evil and horrific example of a man is turn civilization back to 700 AD or before.

The shared failure of President Clinton and Bush to bring this sick individual down is one that befuddles, and is deeply disturbing.

Clips From Obama's State of the Union Address

There are probably many who, because of circumstances, were unable to watch the State of the Union Address Wednesday night. So the White House Blog has up on its site some brief video clips by subject. Rational Nation USA reposts them here for those of irs readership who may have missed the event.









As always the POTUS was eloquent in his delivery, and I suspect the clips were selected more for emotional impact than substance. If the entire sixty plus minute speech was in the vein of the clips above I am not sorry I was unable to see the speech.

But in the evolutionary process of Hope and Change a lot can happen in the next year. We will just have to be vigilant and keep our eyes and ears open to all the dangers inherent in rapid increases in government growth (which is what is heard in these clips) in the coming months and years.

The prior Administration was by no means fiscally conservative, had its share of misguided priorities, increased the size of government, and presided over the beginnings of the economic breakdown. This President while perhaps trying to regain economic stability is increasing government growth at a more rapid pace. Government growth is usually accompanied by a corresponding loss of liberty. For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.

Conservatives of all stripes, Libertarians, Independents, and all who have the vision of a fiscally responsible and sane government should press on questioning that which does not sound right, yet be willing to support those things that make sense.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: The White House Blog

Blog Redesign at Rational Nation USA

Hey there, folks! It's me- Wes Messamore from The Humble Libertarian. As you may or may not know, I do a lot of creative work for hire, including optimizing, branding, and redesigning people's blogs.

If you're a regular reader here, you can see that there are a ton of great changes we've made to the site so that it looks better, loads faster, and is easier to navigate among other things!

We've got plenty of fine-tuning left to do before the site is optimized for your browsing pleasure, so bear with us, but in the meantime: enjoy the new features, let us know what you think of the makeover in the new poll on the sidebar, and feel free to use the comments section of this post to leave your feedback (positive comments and constructive suggestions are both welcome!).

PS: If you don't follow Rational Nation USA and/or subscribe to its RSS feed, you totally should! I do both. You can too by using the subscribe and follow features in the sidebar to the left.

NPR Poll: Republicans vs Democrats As It Stands Today

NPR Poll: Republicans vs. Democrats

"If the 2010 elections for United States Congress were being held to.day, for whom would you vote?"

As the chart illustrates, if the 2010 mid term elections were held today, it is likely a more conservative congress would replace the current one led by the far lefties Pelosi and Reid. While Republicans have there share of "shame" to carry, freeing congress from the grip of the Pelosi - Reid - Obama troika would be liberating.

Please see the full polling highlights at NPR.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: NPR Poll
Via: NPR Poll Highlights

Which News Network Is The Most Trusted Today?

As it turns out Fox News, in spite of what the liberal establishment and pinheads might like you to believe , is the network most trusted by the American people. 

Recent polling data published by A Public Policy Polling nationwide survey found that forty nine percent of Americans trust Fox News. A full then points more than it's closet competitor CNN.


Most certainly the liberal minded amongst the populous will try to spin the results in  way to discredit the data, or simply pass it off that the forty nine percent are really just irrelevant  and or stupid. But when stacked up against MSNBC, NBC, ABC, or any of the other of the government/media complex, FOX News is one of the few sources where one can find accurate and balanced news.


A quick summary of the results...


Thirty seven percent don't trust Fox News, the lowest level of distrust recorded.


Seventy four percent  of Republicans trust Fox while just thirty percent of Democrats do.


CNN is trusted by thirty nine percent and distrusted by forty one percent.


The three major networks fared as follows.


NBC is trusted by thirty five percent and forty four percent distrust the network. The results include MSNBC, its sister cable network.


CBS and ABC  are both trusted by thirty two percent, and both networks are distrusted by forty six percent.


The good news  illustrated  by these polling numbers is that America remains by and large a centrist to center right society. Not very comforting to the liberals no doubt. But true nonetheless. 


Read the polling data here.


Via: Memeorandum

Krauthammer on the Obama Spending Freeze

Liberals are bemoaning President Obama's plan to announce a federal spending freeze during his State Of The Union address tonight. For the most part the liberal spendthrifts apparently feel there should be few, if any limits to the degree our government can tax and spend.

What Obama and the rest of the federal government power structure isn't telling the American people is the degree to which spending increased during the Presidents first year in in office. The spending increases were significant and here to lay it out is Charles Krauthammer on the O'Reilly show.





Truly wondrous stuff coming from the "Administration of Transparency."

Via: Fox News

Socialism On The March

A accurate illustration representing the goal of all socialist minded groups and governments.


There are "officially accepted" definitions of socialism that define the concept in both economic and political terms. They are probably all accurate to a degree.


In the long past days of my youth, during that idealistic period when many youth experience the belief that government can better peoples lives, the thought of utopia fleetingly passed through my mind.


Until reason took hold. The day when it became clear that an individuals life, and its success or lack thereof must rightly depend on them. When the realization the accomplishments and value one receives in life should be the direct result of each individual and their efforts, of lack thereof.


Socialism at its core holds that each man is responsible for the welfare and well being of his fellow man. Put another way, as the picture above aptly  illustrates, it is the belief the the most productive in society must relinquish their earned property through the force of a  government gun held to their head. 


Today the march to socialism is alive and well as Brazil opened the five day long event  known as the World Social Forum. As could be expected youth flocked to the occasion.


The march towards socialism continues in the U.S.A. as well. Socialism has its proponent world wide and has as its mission the subjugation of the individual to the will of the collective. 


The socialist argument is the greater good is achieved by the elevation of all to a higher standard of living. However, when one looks reality through other than rose colored glasses, it becomes apparent when the incentive (profit) to innovate and  excel is taken away it is less likely innovation and excellence will occur in great abundance.


History has shown this to be true. One only need look at the U.S.A., and its predominately  capitalist system (at leas for the first 115 years or there abouts of its existence) to find ample proof of  the merits of capitalism.


The socialists gathered in Porto Alegre Brazil no doubt would be  happy to depend on the accomplishments of the most productive in society to support their lives. One wonders if they ever think about what would happen if the most productive stopped producing.


The old Soviet Union, Cuba, and other sorry socialist/collectivist societies stand as monuments to the merits of capitalism over socialism/collectivism. It is the hope of every individualist liberty minded person that the socialist onslaught is stopped before it succeeds in taking a deep hold in the U.S.A.


It seems to this individual that we have already traveled a good distance down that road of altruistic  socialism. Or as the left prefers to identify it, progressivism. 


And now, so as to provide balanced reporting as i step down off my soapbox, read the full news story at Associated Press.


Via: Drudge Report
Via: AP Associated Press 

Time Magazine and Swampland's Joe Klein Says We Are Dumb

While perusing Memeorandum for breaking news I stopped at "To Dumb to Thrive", a piece by the liberal Joe Klein over at Times Swampland talking about the so called Obama stimulus. Aside from generally insulting the intelligence of the American people, calling them Dodos, it is basically your usual leftist drivel from an out of touch statist mouthpiece supporting big government.


A couple quick excerpt from this leftist masterpiece follows.



1. The Obama Administration has done a terrible job explaining the stimulus package to the American people...especially since there have been very few documented cases of waste so far.

2. This is yet further evidence that Americans are flagrantly ill-informed...and, for those watching Fox News, misinformed.

It is very difficult to have a democracy without citizens. It is impossible to be a citizen if you don't make an effort to understand the most basic activities of your government. It is very difficult to thrive in an increasingly competitive world if you're a nation of dodos.

Two outstanding conservative blogs, Left Coast Rebel, and Another Black Conservative covered this story in detail, both with razor sharp conservative analysis and commentary. Check these guys out. They have it together and are spot on with their insights.

Back to Joe Klein and his Obama fascination/illusion. Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the Obama agenda and its inherent failings. Most will no longer buy into the drivel his handlers have so painstakingly crafted and  depended on the American people buying.

The reckoning is soon to arrive,  2010 and 2012.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: Time, Swampland
Via: Left Coast Rebel
Via: Another Black Conservative

Removing More Obstacles to Terror Organization Hamas

I am beginning to realize that the Obama Presidency will quite likely result in an ever increasing threat of terror by Islamic Jihadists organizations. Not the least of which is Hamas. An political and governing organization that has not only denied Israel's right to exit but has as its goal the destruction of the Jewish state.

I am starting to believe as Israel goes so won't the United States go eventually. Thanks in part to the apparent belief by our accommodating Leader that the existence of evil in Islamic Jihad is but some kind of misguided myth.

Terror activity has increased since the ascension of Barrack Hussein Obama to the Presidency of The United States of America. Both at home and abroad. The U.S. Treasury Department has just released information that it has removed all but one member of Hamas from the international terrorist watch list. This action will result in dollars flowing to the Hamas organization.

Following is the text.


US Treasury removes all but one Hamas member from terror list
By creeping

Remember in April 2009, Barack Obama requested a new law that would allow U.S. funds directly to a Hamas-Fatah “government.” The latest via US Terror Blacklist Whitewashes Hamas, Enables Funding (INN.com):

The United States Treasury has taken all but one member of Hamas off the international list of terrorists, thus enabling funds from the European Union to enter Hamas-controlled Gaza.

It is an open secret that large sums of money from the EU flow into Gaza in the guise of humanitarian aid and salaries for officials, but are actually funneled into the coffers of Hamas, which controls Gaza with an iron grip. This method of transferring funds into terrorists’ hands could have been blocked by an international lawsuit, but according to journalist Avi Tarango, the United States Treasury has made this impossible by removing all but one Hamas man – Deputy Chairman of the Political Bureau, Musa Abu Marzouk – from the list of international terrorists.

The updated terrorist list, published last week, takes up 443 pages. However, according to Tarango, who went over the list, none of the tens of thousands of people who form Hamas is mentioned – other than Abu Marzuk, who resides in Damascus. The terrorist list is meant for distribution in the world banking system, where the transfer of funds to anyone on the list is prohibited.

“Musa Abu-Marzouk’s presence on the list means that whoever tries to transfer money to him personally will be rejected by the world banking system and be accused of funding terrorism, but the transfer of funds to any other Hamas man will not arouse suspicion,” he explained.

By not investigating groups like Viva Palestina and Al Maghrib who openly raise money for Hamas-controlled Gaza, the U.S. has left loopholes large enough to drive aid caravans through.

Read more at Atlas Shrugged.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: Creeping Sharia
Via: Atlas Shrugged

Quotes of the Week at Rational Nation USA

Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.
Thomas Jefferson

A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.
Thomas Paine

Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.
George Washington

For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged, by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions, even on important subjects, which I once thought right but found to be otherwise.
Benjamin Franklin

Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.
James Madison

I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office.
Andrew Jackson

Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have.
Ronald Reagan

Thoughts of freedom and liberty for this week. There are many concepts, based on right thinking, that never grow old or tired.

Bonus quote of the week.

It only stands to reason that where there's sacrifice, there's someone collecting the sacrificial offerings. Where there's service, there is someone being served. The man who speaks to you of sacrifice is speaking of slaves and masters, and intends to be the master.
Ayn Rand

Senator McCain on a Variety of Issues

Senator John McCain (R) Arizona on a host of issues. Other than the "crotch bomber" I am not sure where he stands an the issues. A RHINO for sure! He will take the position that he believes will perpetuate his continual re-election, principals be damned. Pay particularly close attention to the segment on the recent Supreme Court decision. One would have thought he would rail against it. He didn't because he knows the decision was correct. Both a matter of law and and philosophy.


Here is his segment on CBS Face the Nation.



Via: Memeorandum
Via: CBS News

The Public Now Opposed to ObamaStimulus

Obama, the stern one, is certainly at odds a year after his progressive onslaught on American values and principals.

His ObamaCare has stalled as more Americans have come to understand  the flaws in his reasoning and the catastrophic costs and resulting deficits it will bring to America.

His decision to close Guantanamo Bay, for the purpose of appeasing the Muslim world, and bringing terrorist to the grounds of the 911 atrocity against the American people to stand trail has caused a backlash unforeseen by his Attorney General Eric Holder and himself.

His rapid desire to increase the size of the federal government at the ultimate expense of the American wage earner/taxpayer and future generations is finally being understood by the majority of Americans. They are beginning to push back and resist the statist onslaught against their liberties.

The loss of his party to Senate Elect Scott Brown (R) MA. to retain the seat held by the deceased Ted (the swimmer) Kennedy has the party reeling, and wondering what went wrong. They seem oblivious to the fact that even in a liberal state such as Massachusetts the voters are saying; enough is enough.

The much ballyhooed cash for clunkers turned out to be a farce costing the American taxpayers over twenty thousand dollars per each vehicle. Just another example of government ineptitude. And Obama, along with the rest of the government establishment expect us to believe they will get heath care right. Sure... Right!, play it again Sam.

As for the terrorist threat... all one can say, even given President Bush's many failings as a conservative, is most felt a whole lot safer a year ago than we do today. Perhaps after the horrific results of Nidal Hassan's deranged mind in action, and the failed attempt by the "crotch bomber" (they were both Muslim) Obama and his apologetic administration might wake up. I am not holding my breath. 

There is certainly more. However in moving past the past here is the most recent. According to CNN, a very liberal network,  fifty six percent of the people surveyed oppose the Obama stimulus package. Following is a short excerpt from the CNN survey.

Washington (CNN) 


 A majority of Americans oppose the economic stimulus program, according to a new national poll.
Fifty-six percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Sunday say they oppose the stimulus package, with 42 percent supporting it.


And so, we have an administration that has signaled it's defiance of the peoples' will with respect to health care/insurance reform. No doubt the administration will yak about the need to get the economy back on track and create jobs while doing everything in it's power to do the exact opposite of creating solid private sector jobs and increasing employment.


The State of the Union Address is coming up Wednesday. Be sure to tune n and listen to the President who gave himself a B= rating for his first year. I fear the second year if his tone deafness and progressive ideology prevails.

Look for an unapologetic, equivocating, and combative progressive President as he strives to impose HIS will on the people he has been elected to serve.

Read the rest of the survey at CNN Political Ticker.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: CNN Political Ticker

Historic Decision Reversing Campaign Laws

The Supreme Court, in a five to four decision, on  this Thursday overturned a six decade old law designed to limit the influence of large corporations and unions on elections.


The new ruling will allow for unlimited spending by both large business and unions in support of, or opposition to candidates for Congress and the presidency.


The six decade old law essentially prohibited labor unions and companies from using monies from their general treasuries for the purpose of producing and running campaign ads. The reversal however leaves intact the prohibition on direct contributions from businesses and unions.


The decision of the court also overturned the McCain/Feingold campaign finance bill which prohibited corporate and union funded issue ads in the final days of a campaign.


The case brought before the High Court by Citizens United, was framed essentially as a first amendment issue. That is the right of organizations to exercise their right to free speech expressing   their position on political  issues and candidates. 


Since it is difficult the grasp the concept of corporations, or unions, as  individuals it is equally as difficult to immediately understand how freedom of speech would apply to organizations. Whether they be corporations or unions. This is why initially I felt the decision was a mistake. However, after rethinking the issue, at a non emotional level,  I now believe the Court's decision was proper.   


As corporations and unions are organizations being made up of individuals that form a consensus opinion or judgment, it is proper that these opinions are allowed  to be heard. As a matter of principle the Government should not limit the right of organizations to express their opinions and judgement on political issues. Nor should the Government allow these organization to directly contribute money to political campaigns. 


The real concerns should be directed at  1) limiting government interference and excessive or unneeded regulation on the business sector , 2) eliminating government subsidies and favorable treatment to corporations who come begging for favors, and 3) revise the tax code on corporations so as to allow for investment in growth opportunities and training.


The following is an excerpt from the CATO Institute. 


 "Under the new ruling, will businesses (and labor unions) dominate talk about candidates and elections? Well, for two decades before McCain-Feingold, both could spend freely on advertising about candidates for federal office. Such spending made up a relatively small part of election-related speech and no one group dominated said the political arena.


Still, yesterday's ruling might lead to more election spending by both corporations and unions. It is important to remember, however, that none of this money will go directly to candidates for office. It will go instead to broadcasting or otherwise communicating speech about candidates and issues. Such increases in spending should be welcome because studies have shown that more spending—more political communication—leads to better-informed voters.


Finally, we need to keep the central question in mind here: Who should decide how much Americans can speak during elections? As Justice Kennedy said in announcing the opinion:


"If the First Amendment has any force, it prohibits jailing citizens for engaging in political speech." The Supreme Court has decided the First Amendment does have force. Now the American people have the right to decide how much to spend on their own political speech. We all will benefit from this affirmation of our Constitution."

Read the complete article at CATO.

The concern that continues to trouble me is the number of foreign owned corporations doing business in the United States. This change in law may benefit their self interest at the expense of America's interests. From a purely philosophical , and perhaps legal view, applying these newly reinstated  freedom to foreign owned corporations may be defensible. The greater question is, should a foreign corporation doing business in the U.S. have the stage to influence our politics. and possibly government policy in their favor?

In the end the decision was the right one for liberty and the right to free speech. Free speech for Americans, and American (100% owned) corporations.

Via: New York Times
Via: CATO INSTITUTE
Via: The Humble Libertarian

America Says It's Time To Drop ObamaCare

Well folks, it appears the nation is steadily and surely moving away from ObamaCare. A Rasmussen Reports survey taken on January 22nd found that 61% believe it is time to drop health care reform.

A brief except.

Sixty-one percent (61%) of U.S. voters say Congress should drop health care reform and focus on more immediate ways to improve the economy and create jobs.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 30% of voters nationwide disagree and think Congress should press ahead with health care.

I wonder if the tone deaf Obama, Pelosi, Reid, et all are listening?

Via: Rasmussen Reports

Will This Go Away?

Massachusetts Senator Elect, on his victory night, managed to at the very least embarrass his daughters. Something I surely would not have said even in jest about my own daughter.

His remarks.



In Brown's attempt at humor he went dicey and overboard. As a result he set himself up for the following from Glenn Beck.



Brown's comment was ill advised, could potentially have politically damaging fallout, and should not have been made. It is perfectly valid that he be brought to task for his remarks that were no doubt said in jest. He perhaps should give up humor.

The question is which of these remarks was the most egregious? I leave it to you, my reader to decide.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: Mediaite

New Poll Shows Most Do Not Favor A Palin Presidential Run

A new CBS poll finds that most would not support Sarah Palin in a run for the presidency. An overwhelming majority said they would not like to see her run for president.


Seventy one percent said they do not want her to run for president while only a mere twenty sic percent said they did.


Split out by party affiliation the results are; fifty six percent of Republicans do not favor a run by Palin while only thirty percent do.


A whopping eighty eight percent of Democrats say they do not want her to run. Sixty five percent of  do not want her to run while twenty five percent say they do.


These numbers certainly are not  favorable for a person who seems, at least to this observer has been positioning herself for a possible future run.

On another front, that of favorable versus unfavorable , she fares no better. 


Twenty six percent of those polled view Palin favorably while forty one percent view her in an unfavorable light. 


Republicans as a group have a higher favorable view of her at forty three percent, and  Independents have a thirty percent favorable opinion while thirty five hold a negative opinion.


Conservatives are the only group that view Palin in a net positive light. Just under fifty percent view positively while twenty five percent see her unfavorably and twenty five percent remain undecided.


Even though conservatives tend to see Palin in a favorable light fifty eight percent say she should not run in 2012.


Sarah Palin, as entertaining and warm as she can sometimes be, has a lot of ground to cover should she decide to run in 2012. It is possible, in fact quite likely, that a large majority of the American electorate view her as lacking the gravitas to hold the highest office in the land.


However, if the last two presidential elections are any indicator, perhaps gravitas is not the issue.


Complete Poll Here.


Via: CBS News

The Plan Should Scott Brown (R) Win The Mass. Special Election

The ObamaCare machine has not only insured there has been zero transparency of late with respect to "The Plan", it has also been busy the past week plotting just how it might effectively shove "The Plan" through congress and quickly get the bill to the "One" for his signature should Scott Brown win the special election in Massachusetts.

This might be acceptable if the majority of the country approved of the current plan. However this is not the case. Therefore should Brown win, and indications are that he will, "The Plan" should go no further until he has taken his place at the table.

This election may very likely be close and we may not know the results until tomorrow. It is also likely that if the margin of win is razor thin there will be challenges that delay the seating process, no matter which way the results go.

Prudence and proper governance would requires that patience be exerted and the newly elected Senator be seated before the health care process continues.

Which brings me back to my original point, it seems this will not be the case.







And so there you have it. You will get "The Plan" that the "One" wants for everyone. Let no detail stand in the way. Question not the lack of ethics involved for what is most important is that the "One" saves his agenda and thereby his legacy.

Should the "One's" party proceed along the lines they seem to be planning for, the ramifications to his presidency and party may very well be that which they failed to consider.

A Message From Ayn Rand

As an independent and true conservative I hold with the values of Rand and her philosophy of Objectivism. A philosophy based on individualism, reason, ethical and moral values, and the understanding that capitalism is the only truly moral economic system ever devised by man.

These words by Rand were directed primarily at conservatives because they at the time, and are still doing so today, had abdicated the values on which they once stood. Conservatives would do well to listen to these words and reflect on the truth contained in them. For if conservatives are to once again be a formidable force for good, and what is right for America they must began to recognize where they went wrong.

Stimulus Package Working, So Says The President

I know, this is old news having came out four days ago, but I think it worth repeating. The administration spins the yarn that the multi-billion dollar stimulus bill is working. The President claims that jobs are being created or saved even when job loss continues.

While the beginning of the current economic downturn and job losses did not start under President Obama, it has been over a year now he has been in the saddle, and he and congress now bear responsibility. The very least the administration could do is level with the American people.

Here is a short excerpts from the Heritage Foundation article:

A year ago, White House economists predicted that the stimulus bill would create (not merely save) 3.3 million net jobs by 2010. Since then, 3.5 million more net jobs have been lost, pushing the unemployment rate above 10 percent.

More specifically, in January 2009, non-farm payroll employment totaled 134.3 million jobs. The White House estimated that without stimulus, the number of jobs would fall to 133.9 million, while the stimulated economy would total 137.6 million jobs by fall 2010.[2] The stimulus was enacted, yet the number of jobs has since fallen all the way to 130.8 million. This represents:

* A net loss of 3.5 million jobs overall;
* A net loss of 6.8 million jobs relative to the White House's projection with the stimulus; and
* A net loss of 3.1 million jobs relative to the White House's projection even without the stimulus.

Granted, the White House has until fall 2010 to meet its jobs target, but the odds of the economy closing a 6.8 million jobs deficit in the next nine months range between slim and none.[3]

It sure looks like spin to this observer. I suppose though we should have come to expect such from American politicians, government officials, and the POTUS.


Check out this video, "Change We Can Believe In."


Read the entire article here.


Via: The Heritage Foundation

Quotes of the Week at Rational Nation USA

A new week has begun, and Rational Nation USA in the quest to find new meaningful quotes came across the following.

Every two years the American politics industry fills the airwaves with the most virulent, scurrilous, wall-to-wall character assassination of nearly every political practitioner in the country - and then declares itself puzzled that America has lost trust in its politicians. ~Charles Krauthammer

The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal - that you can gather votes like box tops - is... the ultimate indignity to the democratic process. ~Adlai Stevenson, speech, Democratic National Convention, 18 August 1956

All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field. ~Albert Einstein

Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato

Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where they is no river. ~Nikita Khrushchev

Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy. ~Ernest Benn

Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others their principles for the sake of their party. ~Winston Churchill


Bonus quote of the week:


Mankind will never see an end of trouble until... lovers of wisdom come to hold political power, or the holders of power... become lovers of wisdom. ~Plato, The Republic

Well, that wraps up Quotes of the Week. Hope you enjoy them and find them perhaps useful in some small way.

More Of The Same Group-think From The President

Wow, what an inarticulate presentation of nothingness. The fact is Coakley equals more of the same partisan Democratic liberal socialist/statist BS.

Scott Brown is an individual that recognizes the Senate seat he is running for is truly the peoples seat. And he will pursue a course that benefits the individual.

I urge all registered voters in Massachusetts to vote for Scott Brown. After all it is the peoples seat and if he fails to live up to the peoples expectations he can and should be voted out when his term is up.

But first we need to give him the opportunity to go to work for us in Washington. What we know for certain is Coakley will mean more of the same back room Boston style lockstep liberal left wing Democratic politics that is not representative of the frugal New England middle class.

Whatever your leanings are Rational Nation USA urges the electorate of Massachusetts to go to the polls and exercise the right and responsibility to cast a vote for the individual you feel best represents your interests.

Hopefully that will be a vote for Scott Brown.


Via: Memeorandum
Via: Politico

A Visit To The Liberal Blogosphere and Other Random Musings

A few days ago I was visiting the liberal blogosphere. I often do this to check into what the real liberals (not CNN, MSNBC, and the rest of liberal media) in America are thinking. Of course, I derive a direct benefit from these visits. It recharges my batteries and gives me that reminder why independent and true conservatives must keep on pressing on.


As I usually do I stopped in at A Radical Perspective, a blog true to it's name.  I found his post "Doublethink" interesting so I left the following comment:


Which are we, socialist or fascist.


Briefly -

Socialism, a system whereby the means of production and distribution of goods is owned by the state.

Fascism, allowing for private ownership of business but highly regulated by the state (government).

These are a brief economic definition of both systems.

I would say we have a small amount of socialism but in fact a much larger degree of fascism.

Both are evil, and both should be resisted.

Only true honest capitalism, free from government intrusions, no subsidies for business, and a government free of special interest influence that breeds corruption, can give us a truly ethical and moral economic system.



TRUTH 101, a liberal blog of the first order whom I much more often than not disagree with,  saw my comment and decided to post a reply.  Before his reply I want to say that while TRUTH is a liberal blogger he maintains reason and at times will acknowledge or concede a point to a conservative. I guess that is to say he seems to be a blogger maintaining an open mind. Now his response:


Your faith in our fellow man is laudable RN. I prefer a regulating authority to keep an eye on things over Reagan's "voluntary compliance" nonsense.


True to the liberal philosophy, yes? As I thought about his comment I could n't put my finger on what struck me as odd. So I put on my "cap of musings" and let my thoughts go free. 


My belief, not faith, is that MOST people are honest and have integrity.


TRUTH prefers a government regulatory authority overseeing things.


There are those in society that are NOT men of honesty, integrity, and goodwill.


Since our government is chosen by the people (from a slate of individuals who choose to run)  it would seem likely that given my premise that most people are honest  and with integrity, we should arrive at a just and honest government.


Hmm, is it just me, or is it possible those with honesty and integrity choose to work and produce something while the majority of those in government just may be the ones who lack honesty and integrity?


All politicians and government officials are not corrupt and dishonest. It just seems corrupt and dishonest people find their way into politics and government.  So I will continue to stand by my position as stated.


More Random Musings:


It is okay to have a change of position. But only after reasoned reevaluation in ones own mind.


The problem with some is that they fail to recognize their own self interest is best preserved by the self.


The problem with socialism is that society is made up of individuals. Individuals prosper best when left to do their business.


Take from the individual that which is rightly his and soon there will be no individuals to left take from.

Democrat Ed Schultz Of MSNBC News Would Cheat To Keep Scott Brown From Winning

Indicative of just one liberal media individual, Ed Schultz of MSNBC news, or is the whole of liberal media infected with such a lack of ethical standards?




h/t Weasel Zippers

Via: Memeorandum
Via: Weasel Zippers
Via: Breitbart

SEIU Members for Brown

My  faith in reason has been restored. These pictures of SEIU members holding signs supporting Scott Brown (R) in his race to capture the Massachusetts senate could indicate a change in the lock step mentality prevalent in Massachusetts of voting for a candidate just because they have a D following their name.

h/t Red Mass Group

With a two point lead plus lead, depending on the poll, and support like this Scott Brown may sail to victory in Mass. This race in a VERY BLUE state is possibly indicative of a sea change to come across the country in 2010 and 2012. Lets hope so!


Via: Memeorandum
Via: Red Mass Group 

Saturday Posts

I was recently invited by the Administrator of Conservative Firestorm to be a guest contributor. Conservative Firestorm is a collaborative effort of conservative thinkers who offer a wide range of commentary, and they are all good.


After due consideration I accepted the offer, and I am excited with being able to get my independent conservative message out on a site with other conservative thinkers. I encourage all of my readership to drop in at Conservative Firestorm and see for yourselves all it offers.


As a result of this commitment to Conservative Firestorm I will not be posting to Rational Nation on Saturdays. I will continue to post as always on the remaining days of the week.


I thank all of my readership and encourage you to check out the great posts going up over at Conservative Firestorm by many fine authors.


Thank you and I'll be back tomorrow.

Government Tax On Health Insurance Plans

With a wink and a smile President Obama continues his push to shove a health care reform bill down the throats of the American people that is largely not supportive of it.


An excerpt from a New York Time article on the subject sums it up;


“Let me tell you something,” Mr. Obama said, pointing to elements of the legislation he said would increase access to health care. “If Republicans want to campaign against what we’ve done by standing up for the status quo and for insurance companies over American families and businesses, that is a fight I want to have.”


And a response from Representative John Cline (R);


“This latest back-room maneuver is another example of how administration officials and their enablers in Congress will cut deals with their special-interest allies to impose a government takeover of health care,” Mr. Kline said.


It does appear the arguments will continue, although in the end the President will likely get his ill conceived and costly bill. Of course the taxpaying American public will get hit once again. Not only by the insurance and drug companies but by the government as well. 


For the entire article go here

Via: Memeorandum
Via: New York Times

What is Capitalism Part 5

The final post of "What is Capitalism". Rand brings her arguments for a vibrant capitalism to a powerful conclusion. Simply put, individualism, productive achievement, and a ethical and moral capitalism is far superior to socialism and collectivism

Individualism, Limited Government, and Liberty

There are those, mostly on the left of the political spectrum, who will take issue with these words spoken by a true patriot. Ronald W. Reagan understood the importance of individualism and the benefits of a limited government.

One can not argue with the statement government grew under Reagan. However, it grew at a much slower rate than we have witnessed in recent years. His understanding of the value of individualism and the benefits of limited government is why the growth was slowed.

It will take a great effort by the people of this country to set it again on a path that is respectful of the values of our founding fathers and the Constitution of the United States of America.

Are we up to the challenge?

Pat Robertson and His New Science

Pat Robertson on why Haiti suffered the recent and devastating earthquake.



This left me absolutely dumbfounded. A supposedly educated man returning to the beliefs of the dark ages for explanations of natural occurrences.

This is something one would expect to see in a fictional Medieval movie. This would be funny if it weren't so disturbing.

To think this kind of thinking and blind faith is being sold ( better put trying to be sold) is indeed disturbing. Although, this is something one might expect from the charlatans of organized religion.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: NYDaily News

What is Capitalism? Part 4

More on capitalism by one of the supremely rational minds of the 20th century. An understanding of capitalism, and its power to create wealth and lift the standard of living of an entire society, seems to have been lost on an a majority of the last three or four generations of American businessmen and government leaders.

Many business leaders, and most elected government officials, have lost the true sense of what capitalism in its pure and true form can, and will accomplish for a society. The individual, when allowed to use their own mind and harness their productive capacity can accomplish great things.

If all business leaders, and elected government officials understand the values and benefits of capitalism the country and the the people would be better off by far. Perhaps if they did we could rid ourselves of the corrupting influence of special interests and the strangling effects of greed. Ayn Rand was opposed to both, and she admired the creativeness and productive capacity of all who worked at their honest trade, whatever it may have been.

Rand understood the value of individualism and liberty, and that they must be in ample quantity for capitalism to thrive in any society. She also knew that individualism's antithesis, collectivism, was a destroyer of the self and any desire to achieve. History supplies many examples of this.

And now the fourth installment of "This is Capitalism."

Obama Concedes He Has Failed To Bring Nation Together.

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says he has not succeeded in bringing the country together, acknowledging an atmosphere of divisiveness that has washed away the lofty national feeling surrounding his inauguration a year ago.

"That's what's been lost this year ... that whole sense of changing how Washington works," Obama said in an interview with People magazine.

The president said his second-year agenda will be refocused on uniting the country around common values, "whether we're Democrats or Republicans."

"We all want work that's satisfying, pays the bills and gives children a better future and security," Obama said in the interview, which the magazine conducted with the president and his wife, Michelle Obama, at the White House last Friday.

The president's comments came as Republican leaders rallied against the core items of his agenda, from his economic stimulus plan to health care. The mood of the country has remained in a sustained slump, too, as double-digit unemployment followed a campaign built upon "hope" and "change."

Obama said people have "every right to feel deflated, because the economy was far worse than any of us expected." But he insisted that his government's economic steps in 2009 are paying off and that people should have confidence in this new year.


The President concedes he has not accomplished his goal of bring Americans together. While acknowledging nothing has really changed in the way business gets down in Washington, he doesn't offer anything beyond that which we have already heard.


The President acknowledges the mood of the country is "deflated", yet he seems unable or unwilling to recognize his agenda is partially, responsible for this.


Until the President understand that the nation he leads is largely more conservative than either Pelosi and Reid, as well as himself, he will be unable to unify the nation. 


For everyones sake lets hope The President gets it right going forward and perhaps then, and only then will the nation start to come together. 


It is more likely however that we the people will need to make our voices heard at the polls in 2010 and 2012, and vote the largely corrupt and tone deaf legislators out of office. Lets call it "The Time of National Dusting and Cleaning."


Read more here


Via: Memeorandum
Via: Yahoo News

Dan Brown in Virtual Dead Heat for Massachusetts Senate Seat

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a very real chance of electing a fresh new voice to the United States Senate. Dan Brown, an independent Republican, is in a virtual dead heat with Democratic candidate Martha Coakley. Dan Brown offers the voters of Massachusetts some very real common sense alternatives to both issues facing our nation.

I encouraged Republican, and especially independent voters to get out to the polls next Tuesday, January 19, 2010 and cast your vote for Dan Brown. A vote for Brown is a vote for an independent voice from Massachusetts in the Senate.

For additional information on how voters of Massachusetts can help Dan Brown's campaign visit Atlas Shrugs.