Rational Nation USA

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Egypt, a moderate Muslim state with pro west leanings by comparison to, say, Iran, the Palestinians, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and most other Muslim nations. Yet the west, following the leadership of none other than Barrack H. Obama, and the peanut farmer Jimmy Carter, is prepared to throw Mubarak under the bus in the name of regime change. Okay, I get it. Just be prepared for the Muslim Brotherhood and extremist Islam taking hold in our prior ally. Touche... Cross posted to the Left Coast Rebel Discussions @ Memeorandum More @ Memeorandum

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Some fine jazz by Dave Brubeck. "Take Five" and get in the groove! To the upcoming week with all its promise and tribulations. Relax, enjoy, and.... take five....

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism George Washington, often called the Father of our country, and Thomas Jefferson, author of  The Declaration of Independence, were  fiercely patriotic men that shared the vision of an independent and free democratic republic. They were respectively the first and third Presidents of the United States of America. While sharing the same vision for America they had differing and conflicting views on how to achieve the same vision. Washington became a staunch advocate for a strong central government, having suffered through eight years of the Revolutionary War as Commander in Chief   observing, and living the ineptitude of a weak decentralized Continental Congress. Jefferson on the other hand was an unshakable advocate for a limited federal government with more powers being reserved to the states. From the earliest beginnings of the great American Experiment our founders held different and opposing vie

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism MSNBC's Chris Matthews, after deriding Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann as two "bubble headed idiots" has recently shown himself to be, well, to say the very least an uniformed and perhaps delusion progressive. It seems Mr. Matthews believes the Panama Canal is in Egypt. Note the one minute twenty second mark in the following video. Mr. Matthews, in his very own words, proclaims the Panama Canal is in Egypt. I guess bubble headed-ness is something  Chris know a lot about. The Statement More at theblogprof . Cross posted to the  Left Coast Rebel Via: Memeorandum

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism via: e-mail An archaeological team, digging in Washington DC, has uncovered 10, 000 year old bones and fossil remains of what is believed to be the first Politician. Too Funny! h/t:  eron63

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Chris Mathews, another paragon of leftist progressive thought occasioned to hammer away at Rep. Michelle Blackman's statements with respect to slavery in early America. Lets take a look at what Mathew's issues are. Chris Matthews was nearly apoplectic in his questioning of Tea Party Express co-founder Sal Russo on the topic of Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and her controversial re-imagining of history where the founding fathers found a way to end slavery in their lifetime. Repeatedly calling Bachmann a “balloon head,” Matthews demanded to know why Russo and the Tea Party wanted Bachmann to give a response to the State of the Union address or, more generally, why they ever wanted her to open her mouth in the first place? Given that Russo was eager to steer the topic away from what Bachmann does or does not know about slavery, the “interview” ended up being just Matthews berating Russo with que

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism The double barrel response to the Presidents SOTU address. First the official Republican response given by Rep. Paul Ryan followed by Tea Party favorite Rep. Michelle Bachmann. Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy Due to a technical nature of sorts you will notice Rep. Bachmann is continually looking to her right, your left. No small matter as it was picked up and commented on by Obama adviser David Axelrod . While mildly distracting it does not take away from her message. There are some who believe the airing of both Paul Ryan's and Michelle Bachmann's comments tend to muddle the rebuttal message and even makes Republicans appear  conflicted . My thoughts are both responses highlight valid concerns with the President's agenda and vision as to how best right our ship. While the rebuttals are not long on specifics neither was the SOTU addres

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism "As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible: avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear." --George Washington, Farewell Address We are soon to hear the second SOTU address by President Barrack Obama. It will likely be longer on prose than on substance. While the President's teleprompter and oratorical skills are considered amongst the best, it remains a legitimate question as to wh

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism As the upcoming SOTU address approaches, and Republicans and Democrats are reaching across the aisle and pairing up to sit next to each other,  pundits are having a ball with it all. Even calling it " Date Night ." The SOTU is a serious evening for the American people, or at least it ought to be. What we are witnessing however, at least from some politicians and political pundits , is what amounts to a negative {or frivolous} slant on efforts of a number of legislators that have decided to present the appearance at least of bipartisanship. So just what the h*ll is wrong with that? True bipartisanship can be a good thing for the nation. The American people actually expect their representatives and senators to represent them, hammer out the best solutions, and in the end get things done to strengthen the nation. If " Date Night " were to actually accomplish the above it would be welc

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism The following quote, short as it may be, is instructive in its truth. "To get the inestimable good that freedom of the press assures one must know how to submit to the inevitable evil it gives rise to." --Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, 1835 A free nation, in order to remain free, must forever preserve and protect a press unencumbered by government regulation or oversight. This, by necessity, must include the internet. On the other hand to remain a free people requires members of a free society remain ever informed and vigilant. The dangers in a free press rest in the fact there are those who do not report the news {truth} but rather their interpretation {twisting} of the news {facts} in order to further their own agenda. The evil of which Alexis de Tocqueville spoke lies in in the foregoing statement. Opinions developed by one after analyzing a set of facts is the responsibili

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Glenn Beck is under rhetorical "fire" {how's that for PC?} from the left. This is of course common fare as he -- being a staunch conservative advocate of our founding principals and the Constitution as written -- is anathema to the most liberal element of our society. Note I did not say all liberals. There are liberal that while disagreeing with his views do not see him as the "devil in disguise" as some liberals do. Beck is certainly opinionated. Who isn't? In fact some of the most opinionated personalities can be found on the left. As stated in recent posts at Rational Nation USA , expressing one's opinion respectfully should be welcomed and encouraged. I do not always agree with Beck. In fact I seldom watch his show as I am usually occupied with other more important activities at that hour. However, I have had the opportunity to catch a few of his shows recently I

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism As I again go out on a limb....Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) is the most recent "prominent" GOP legislator who has opted out of attending CPAC because of the inclusion of GOProud, a gay conservative group. In addition to his apparent concern over gays in the GOP he also has a problem with what he views as an increased libertarian tilt within CPAC. While opting out of this year's gathering his spokesperson stated that he hopes to attend a unified event next year. One cannot help but presume he really means to attend -- only if GOProud and libertarians somehow just disappear. This from Politico: South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint will skip this year's Conservative Political Action Conference, making him the most prominent conservative figure yet to express objections to what critics see as a pro-gay, libertarian tilt to the 38-year-old event. "With leading conservatives organizations no

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Okay... I go out on a limb once again. I am all for civility in discourse. I can even understand the thought process behind breaking tradition and doing the mixed seating during the State of the Union Address. Disagreement does not have to turn into incivility. Even while holding different political views we should all be able to agree we are Americans, and in that we are United. Political discourse has never been all that polite in American politics. The examples in US history are numerous if one chooses to look. The freedom to express differing political philosophies has insured, for over 234 years robust passionately heated debates. In America this is as it has always been. It is as it must be, if we desire a free and open society for our posterity. I see where Rep. Paul Brown (R-GA) is opposed to the mixed seating idea put forth by Sen. Mark Udall (D-C0) calling it a trap. Really? How so? Here is h

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism The rhetoric from the progressives over efforts to repeal Obamacare are, as expected, heating up. It matters not to the true believers that the so called healthcare reform is opposed by a majority of Americans. While few disagree with the notion that healthcare costs as well as the afford-ability of insurance,should be improved, most realize the road mapped out by ObamaCare is seriously flawed and perhaps more than anything benefits the large pharmaceuticals. While the ultimate outcome of a House repeal of ObamaCare may yield nothing more than a symbolic win {as it is likely not to be brought to the floor of the Senate} it keeps the issue alive as a 2012 campaign issue. This in and of itself is reason for the House to push hard for repeal. It is always entertaining to listen, and consider the remarks/arguments from the progressives on healthcare. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee provides the opportunity for jus

By: Bastiatarian Although some people may find this statement a bit far-fetched, there is life outside blogging, and life right now dictates that I take a bit of a hiatus from my own blogging (which has been rather sparse recently anyway). While I realize that there are some who would like it to be a permanent absence (particularly those who--try as they might--can never produce a valid rebuttal to clear statements of the principles of liberty), I do plan on coming back when other priorities are taken care of. Kind words and encouragement from a number of people have convinced me to take a shorter break than I had originally planned. I'll be lurking on occasion in the meantime, and may even throw out a comment or two when I get a chance.

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism "With hearts fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, before God and the world, declare, that, exerting the utmost energy of those powers, which our beneficent Creator hath graciously bestowed upon us, the arms we have compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die freemen rather than to live as slaves." --John Dickinson; Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of the Cause and Necessity of Taking up Arms, 1775 Hmm... Is it possible that in the minds of some, or the many, we may be approaching the issue of which was spoken in the above words? Just saying.

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism There is nothing like a great blues tune to lift the spirits. This one won't disappoint! Have a great upcoming week all!

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Governor Christie is a man with integrity. An individual who, unlike Sara Palin, is committed to serving his full term as Governor. He appears, at least at  present, to be a man that understands his primary goal is to serve the state of New Jersey and the people who elected him Governor. This is a man we can respect. Not only for the principals of governance he holds as proper, but for his integrity as well. Governor Chris Christie is a bright and shining star if you will for the future of national politics. He may very well be the best the future holds in store for America. Below his comments on a Presidential run in 2012 and his thoughts as to the future. As reported by The Hill . New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) brushed off a Zogby poll from earlier this month that showed him leading a pack of hypothetical GOP 2012 contenders, adamantly stressing that's not in his plans. "The pre

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA  Birthplace of Independent Conservatism As an independent conservative I want discourse between the left and the right as much as the next guy or gal. By this I mean true and comprehensive discourse. You know, the kind of meaningful discussions that actually leads to something getting done. The kind of "something" that actually results in a stronger and more unified United America. I dream on. The stark reality is America is facing the choice between a vibrant and sound country based on the founding principals of this nation or one that shall lead us even further down the philosophical journey towards evermore dependence on federal government dictates. The choice which direction we take, at least at this point in history rests with us, the electorate. As I see it we the people have a great opportunity, as well as a great responsibility, to determine the future course of our nation. Not only for our generation, but in setting the

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Consider the following quotes food for thought. The reasoning underlying them all is sound. It is true that judgement can be subjective. This is especially so when judgement fails to be based on reason.. "If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one, subject to particular exceptions." –James Madison, letter to Edmund Pendleton, 1792 "It would reduce the whole instrument to a single phrase, that of instituting a Congress with power to do whatever would be for the good of the United States; and as they would be the sole judges of the good or evil, it would be also a power to do whatever evil they please. Certainly no such universal power was meant to be given them. It [the Constitution] was intended to lace them up straightly withi

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism It is good to see there are still some liberals left with a modicum of intellectual honesty. Alan Dershowitz is obviously among them. No doubt he will take a lot of heat from the majority of the left , as well as from some of his Jewish brethren  for his defense of Sarah Palin's use of the term blood libel. Mr. Dershowitz's remarks: The term “blood libel” has taken on a broad metaphorical meaning in public discourse. Although its historical origins were in theologically based false accusations against the Jews and the Jewish People,its current usage is far broader. I myself have used it to describe false accusations against the State of Israel by the Goldstone Report. There is nothing improper and certainly nothing anti-Semitic in Sarah Palin using the term to characterize what she reasonably believes are false accusations that her words or images may have caused a mentally disturbed individua

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism It is lamentable, at least to me that anyone could print garbage such as the following from the leftist blog The Daily KOS . It is becoming increasingly clear the lunatic that was responsible for Saturday's horrific events was possessed of an incoherent and irrational hodgepodge of political fantasies. Yet the left continues its attacks on anyone it perceived to be on  the "right" using selective quotes and incoherent logic to attack them. by Jed Lewison Mon Jan 10, 2011 at 12:40:04 PM PST Now that Sarah Palin has decided to communicate through Glenn Beck's radio show, we get to hear pearls of wisdom like this: "But please look into protection for your family. An attempt on you could bring the republic down." -- Glenn Beck, giving advice to Sarah Palin in the aftermath of the Arizona shootings. If Palin needs security, she should get it, but it's pretty remark

By: Bastiatarian Well, since the incident happened only about 5 miles away from my home, and the shooter went to the same high school as my kids, I guess I should post something on it. First of all, anybody that has learned about Jared Loughner's history, watched his videos, and read his other rantings, and still thinks that his acts were the result of adherence to either conservative or liberal ideology, is simply a moron. Jared Loughner is nothing more nor less than a lunatic who was led by his psychological disorder to commit an evil act. If one bothers to learn a little bit about him, it is easy to see that he hasn't been quite right for some years. There is no coherency in his ideology, which is nothing more than a mish-mash of things pulled from left, right, and everywhere else. He's a fan of totalitarian collectivists (Marx and Hitler), but he complains about governmental tyranny. He accuses residents of Arizona's 8th Congressional District of

By: Pamela D. Hart The power of the press has never been more prominent than it is now with cell phones and texting, Twitter, Facebook, and yes, even blogging. We can get our news instantaneously, 24/7. Devastating news, like the shooting yesterday in Tucson, Arizona of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and at least a dozen others, leaving a 9 year old child dead, has spread through the waves in short order. Along with the devastating news, we have political pundits and their predictions without facts. The gunman, Jared Lee Laughner, was a right-wing loon who listened to talk-radio; he was a Palin follower who saw her map with the bull’s eyes and decided to take violent action; and of course, any time there is a shooting spree, we must repeal the second amendment, or at least have stricter gun control laws, because guns kill! I suppose it’s only natural for people to assume this is political in nature considering a politician has been shot and now lies in ICU. I also assume it’s normal

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism I, as well as the nation, continue to be horrified by the psychotic, deranged, and violent act of the gunman who critically shot Congresswomen Gifford and in the process of his psychotic rampage took the lives of six innocent souls and inflicted injury on many more. Our condolences go out to the families of those affected by this senseless act of violence. We wish Congresswomen Gifford a complete and speedy recovery, as we do all those recovering from the wounds inflicted on them yesterday. While it is not the time to point fingers and place blame for these horrific events that is precisely, and almost immediately, what has began to happen. Many, particularly on the left, have found it an opportunity to place blame on Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, The Tea Party, and whomever else they find distasteful. The mantra they base their claims on is of course the rhetoric of the aforementioned. In short these peo