Rational Nation USA

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Rep.  Allen West (R- FL) Maybe according to some this patriotic congressmen was over the top. To others he is spot on. So, who has the right take on his recent remarks? You, the independent, libertarian, classical liberal, and conservative readers be the final judge. Huff Post Politics - Speaking to a Lincoln Day Dinner in West Palm Beach for the Palm Beach County GOP, Rep. Allen West (R-Fla) fired off a humdinger of a line that within minutes drew recriminations from Democrats on Twitter. "We need to let President Obama, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, (audience boos) and my dear friend the chairman of the Democrat National Committee, we need to let them know that Florida ain't on the table," West said. "Take your message of equality of achievement, take your message of economic dependency, take your message of enslaving the entrepreneurial will and spirit of the American people somewhere else. You c

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Let us not forget... "History will also give occasion to expatiate on the advantage of civil orders and constitutions, how men and their properties are protected by joining in societies and establishing government; their industry encouraged and rewarded, arts invented, and life made more comfortable: The advantages of liberty, mischiefs of licentiousness, benefits arising from good laws and a due execution of justice. Thus may the first principles of sound politics be fixed in the minds of youth." Benjamin Franklin, Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania, 1749 "The diversity in the faculties of men from which the rights of property originate, is not less an insuperable obstacle to a uniformity of interests. The protection of these faculties is the first object of government." James Madison, Federalist No. 10, 1787 "[I]t is the reason alone, of the public, that ough

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Well well, Ron Paul has just been endorsed by Linda Bean, heiress to famed outfitter L.L.Bean. The Maine resident, and long time admirer of Mr Paul made the announcement at her lobster restaurant in Freeport. Ms. Bean, in making her endorsement cited the reasons Paul supporters across the country respect, admire, and thus support the only true fiscal conservative and constitutionally astute republican candidate in the current field. Herman Cain's recent endorsement of Newtie the big "R" statist aside. Freeport, Maine (CNN) - Linda Bean, an heiress to famed Maine outfitter L.L. Bean, came out in support of Ron Paul on Saturday as the candidate made a campaign swing through the state. Bean, who is a part owner of her family's company and sits on its board, said she is a longtime supporter of the Texas congressman. She backed his 2008 presidential bid, but hasn't made a public endorsement in the

a) Anything good that happens during Obama's tenure, credit is given him. b) Anything bad that happens during Obama's tenure, blame George Bush. c) Follow the money. d) Except when it involves a Democrat, then you don't follow the money. e) George W. Bush must not be viewed in any favorable light whatsoever. f) Mr. Bush's motives must always be viewed perniciously. g) Rinse and repeat.

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty - vs- Tyranny Having spent all of my adult life in the business sector in positions from staff advisory, to executive management I can attest to the validity the following article. The article is about how the RNC should handle Ron Paul on that fateful day when he can no longer continue on the campaign trail. Viewed from a proper business perspective the articles premise is spot on. While it is without a doubt Ron Paul is the most intelligent and qualified candidate in the 2012 GOP field, it is also becoming clear the forces arrayed against his brand of common sense and liberty are too great to overcome. The GOP statist power base is just too powerful. Combined with a media that basically ignores Ron Paul the hurdle to overcome is just too high. How to handle a likely Paul exit is the meat of the article. Reuters - ... Paul is not really the GOP’s problem. It’s his followers, perhaps as much as 15 percent of the general ele

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny This was just received in my mailbox from a concerned American. One who is concerned over the direction (or lack thereof) of our great and once admired nation. It is obviously a partisan take on the current state of America (I would argue it goes back more than just a few years). However I'm positive it is shared by all reasonable and concerned citizens from both sides of the aisle. It there is truth to the following the entire free world is laughing at what once was the freest nation on the face of the earth. Remember you heard it and saw it here at Rational Nation USA . This cartoon originated in Scotland .... It looks like most of the world is laughing at our nation's leadership! How sad that the world is laughing at the US while we sit by and watch and wonder what will happen next! This one nails it perfectly. "President Obama’s approval ratings are so low now, Kenyans are accusing him of being

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Sarah and Newt... The Odd Couple or a Perfect Team? It has been a tough week. Of course they are all challenging, to one degree or another. However, for me this one has been grueling, having with it the requirement to change shifts early in the week and then back to my "normal" shift later in the week. So, you may ask, what's the header of this post have to do with work? Well, absolutely nothing. Actually I am so GD tired I had planned on going to bed after I ate the fine dinner my wife had made before sending off to work. Told you it's been a tough week. Anyway, I made the mistake of turning on my computer while I was waiting for my dinner to warm up. While browsing the highlights and the low lights of the news I just happened to come across the article in POLITICO about Sarah Palin being Newtie's secret weapon. It was just enough to wake me up. Of course everyone who has visited this site

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny The Address starts at approximately the 6 minute mark. Text of the President's SOTU address. A charismatic President, full of the heady stuff statists are made of offered something for everyone. Patriotic words weaved to strengthen America's belief in, and support for increased dependency on government. At least it's a plan, right? Heavy stuff with undoubtedly far reaching impact. Part of which may carry unintended consequences. But at least it's a plan. Right? One thing is certain, at least in my view. Republican's who are seeking to replace Obama, and he deserves to be replaced, better find a alternative that makes sense, it had better be well articulated by a nominee that can inspire trust, it had better be based on factual realities, and it certainly needs to resonate with more than just the good ole boy network of country club executives and their bought politicians. In a brief response

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny NJ Governor Chris Christie Governor Christie has it right. There is little doubt but what Newt Gingrich is an embarrassment to his party. Given his past ethical violations and that he was essentially run out of his speaker ship by his own party it is reasonable to question his judgement. Past errors in judgement of the magnitude of Mr. Gingrich's should give every concerned citizen pause. Why, you may ask, given he has said he has changed. The reason is because past errors in judgement often predict future mistaken judgement. Or put another way, a leopard cannot change it's spots as my former, and very wise boss used to say. Now for what Governor Christie had to say. From The Hill . Romney surrogate and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called Newt Gingrich an embarrassment to the Republican Party on Sunday, one day after the former House Speaker rode a late surge to victory in the South Carolina primary. &q

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty - vs- Tyranny Gallup - PRINCETON, NJ -- President Barack Obama averaged 44% job approval for his third full year in office, which ended Jan. 19. His third-year average is down slightly from his second-year average of 47% and much lower than his first-year average of 57%. Obama's third-year average is based on approximately 175,000 interviews with U.S. adults conducted between Jan. 20, 2011 -- the second anniversary of his inauguration -- and Jan. 19, 2012. Obama's job approval rating during his third year in office had its ups and downs, peaking at 53% in May and falling as low as 38% in August and October. { Read More } President Obama is indeed vulnerable. Very vulnerable as a matter of fact. This presents the very possible, although not necessarily probable defeat of the the President this November. Whether the republican nominee for president is successful or not will depend on two things. First, the shape the econo

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Simply awe inspiring. Imagine, the candidate perhaps least likely to safe guard individual liberties and the cornerstones of constitutional law succeeded in duping South Carolina republican primary voters into handing him victory. Congratulations Mr. Gingrich, as a matter of courtesy are in order. Beyond such courtesies Rational Nation USA , as well as the majority of Americans see though your superficial veneer to the real anti constitutional conservative you really are. Moving on to Florida (and beyond) perhaps primary voters will be more educated on the Gingrich propensity for half truth and outright false representations . Gingrich's personal marital situation aside the man is certainly one that deserves very close scrutiny. While representing a political ideology different than President Obama's he does not represent the America that our founding fathers envisioned. The socialist statist label that c

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs Tyranny Newt the Fascist Mitt the Corporatist Ron Paul the Constitutionalist Ricky the Devout First things first. Taking a week away from blogging has been wonderful, just what the doctor prescribed. Given the absolute childish and hopelessly counter productive pursuits of both major political parties is enough to cause the reasonable and objective minded to simply shut down. Politics is a tough and often self serving business. Spin has always been the nature of the game, but somehow it has become the accepted norm. I'm quite sure the architects of our republic never envisioned the current realities that have corrupted and demeaned their noble vision. It is indeed unfortunate the opposing political ideologies (parties) now stand in the way of finding a common ground that could raise this nation to heights never before dreamed of. Rather than using the energies of differing opini

So, dude, is it never possible to have a stimulus package that is TOO massive? I mean, seriously, that does seem to be what you're asserting. Of course, I also have to give you some credit for constructing such a fool-proof argument. I.E., if the stimulus package succeeds, you tell everybody, "See, I told you so", and if it doesn't work, you say, "Oops, it just wasn't big enough." Kind of brilliant (albeit, in a sleazeballish kind of way), if you're asking me.

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny From BuzzFeed Jon Huntsman's withdrawal offers an opportunity for Democrats to make a play for the sliver of moderate Republicans to whom he appealed -- and also to make a broader point that the Republican Party is being pulled to the right, not to the left, by its most powerful forces. "He was simply unwillingly to make the Faustian bargains with the Right that Romney has so willingly made," said David Axelrod, who is shaping Obama's re-election campaign. That notion of a Republican Party -- and of a superficially moderate Romney -- hostage to Tea Party conservatives will be a central theme of the re-election campaign, and it's certainly a feature of Huntsman's failure to launch, if not the only one. "He was a really poor candidate," shrugged another top Democrat. "He didn't get traction because he projected zero and managed to look really smug as he did so." No

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Martin Luther King Jr.  (1929 - 1968) Martin Luther King Jr., indeed a great man who believed not only in the right of all humans, every man and women, regardless of race or ethnicity to be treated with respect, dignity, and afforded the opportunity to reach the heights to which they aspired. In honoring the memory of this great man and visionary Rational Nation USA brings to it's readership two his finest and defining speeches. Further, in today's troubled and war torn realities it would serve us well to remember, and reflect deeply on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words with respect to war and its inherent evil. Perhaps it is just this aging patriot, but I see many similarities between the foolish arguments used by the establishment of the 1960's (the Vietnam War era) and those used today by what should be a generation who has learned from history and the mistakes of prior generations.

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Speaker of the House, John Boehner Yes Mr. Speaker, you certainly have your share of troubles. WASHINGTON — For Speaker John A. Boehner and House Republicans, returning to the Capitol this week could have the awkward feeling of a couple waking up after a night of fighting. Mr. Boehner began 2011 with the heady wave of victory and ended the year in disarray when the Senate forced him and his members to accept a short-term extension of the payroll tax cut . Now, he begins the second session of the 112th Congress on defense, his leadership under scrutiny and his party facing an election-year attack from the White House. His challenge is not only to rein in his restive conference but also to preserve his party’s majority even as he fends off President Obama , who is making Congress his central opponent in his re-election bid. And rank-and-file Republicans are itching for accomplishments, like reducing regulations

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Jon Huntsman Rational Nation USA has posted on just about every republican presidential hopeful in the field. All unflattering for the most part. Ron Paul being the single exception. Until today. While this site remains supportive of, and advocates for Ron Paul's candidacy Jon Huntsmen offers a second choice for those, who like me, can barely stomach Newtie, Mittens, Ricky, or Mr Fine Hair. Jon Huntsman has a wealth of experience as a ambassador, trade representative, and governor of the conservative state of Utah. He has by more credentials as a conservative than Mittens or Newtie. This is clearly illustrated in an article in The State, South Carolina's Homepage Sunday edition. AFTER MONTHS of flirting with candidates who considered inexperience an asset, obstinance and vitriol a virtue and extremism — even flakiness — a job requirement, Republican voters seem to be settling down. Increasingly, they a

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Israel certainly has reason for its concern over Iran's nuclear intentions. After all Iranian President Ahmadinejad has called for the destruction of the Israeli state. Of course the leftist media and leftist blogistan finds little reason for concern. Even the administration of our leftist leaning president Barack Obama has kept the possibility of a military strikes against Iran on the table. This is of course in the hope that talking tough will encourage Iran to scrap its nuclear weapons intentions which it so blithely denies having. The Obama administration is warning Israel not to initiate a strike against Iran. Something Rational Nation USA has long felt is in the world's best interest. If in fact Iran poses a strategic threat to U.S. and world security interests it would be in everyone's best interest for the U.S. {as well as the rest of the free world) to give the green light to Israel to strike

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Ricky Santorum, the hope of the Evangelicals. A man who believes the Judea Christian bible should be the foundation of our nation's ethics and therefore our moral compass. It matters not to this man of mystical beliefs that our founding fathers went to great length to insure the separation of church and state. While it is proper to recognize the right of everyone to worship {or not} as they chose, it is absolutely inappropriate for elected government officials {especially the president} to give even a moments consideration to faith when determining how to govern. Social conservatives are coalescing around Ricky Santorum in the hopes of forcing their ultra right wing Christian religious beliefs on the nation. Which in reality is no different than the ultra Islamist belief that they must force Islam on the entire western world. Individuals like Ricky Santorum present the greatest danger to religious freedom and

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny One simply must acknowledge President Obama's political savvy. If anything it has gotten better the past few months. Unless the opposing party gets it's proverbial sh*t together (or a very strong third party candidate emerges) it is quite likely Obama wins 2012 easily. With Obama putting forward a proposal to consolidate four six government agencies into one with the purpose to streamline, eliminate duplicity, and save money, he is putting himself in a position usually occupied by conservatives. From the Wall Street Journal. WASHINGTON —President Barack Obama proposed consolidating six trade and commerce agencies, drawing cautious praise from congressional Republicans and business groups, though business expressed concern that some of their favored advocates in Washington would lose clout. As part of his proposal, which requires congressional approval, Mr. Obama would merge the Commerce Department

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny As the controversy over four U.S. Marines urinating on the dead corpses of Taliban fighters gets underway, and the politicians, media, and left blogistan begin what will perhaps likely turn into a crucifixion of the marines, Rep. Allan West has come forward and stood up for these soldiers. Weekly Standard - “I have sat back and assessed the incident with the video of our Marines urinating on Taliban corpses. I do not recall any self-righteous indignation when our Delta snipers Shugart and Gordon had their bodies dragged through Mogadishu. Neither do I recall media outrage and condemnation of our Blackwater security contractors being killed, their bodies burned, and hung from a bridge in Fallujah. “All these over-emotional pundits and armchair quarterbacks need to chill. Does anyone remember the two Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division who were beheaded and gutted in Iraq? “The Marines were wrong. Give them a

a) Anything good that happens during Obama's tenure, credit is given him. b) Anything bad that happens during Obama's tenure, blame George Bush. c) Rinse and repeat.............P.S. This was at least somewhat tongue-in-cheek. There certainly ARE a fair assemblage of principled progressives who HAVE criticized Obama; his idiotic surge in Afghanistan, the huge # of civilian deaths in Northern Pakistan resulting from the drone attacks, his questionable association to Franklin Raines, etc.. But, overall, I'm saying, the Debbie Wasserman Schultzes of the planet - I'm surprised that that insane clown posse hasn't tried to blame Mr. Bush for the Tate Labianca murders.

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Libe rty -vs- Tyra nny Ron Paul is the only candidate who will consistently remain true to fiscal conservative principals, libertarian social values, and the constitution. He has been doing so for over a quarter of a century. America's troops overwhelmingly support Ron Paul. And... He can beat Obama Excerpt from The Economist ... ... For conventionally right-wing party stalwarts like Mr Erickson, Ron Paul doesn't count as real Republican, because of his principled anti-war stance. Of course, that makes him a more authentic representative of smaller government, war being the health of the state and all, but that's beside the point. The conservative tribe professes faith in smaller government, and it is membership in the tribe that determines the authenticity of one's devotion to the tribe's catechism. Ron Paul isn't really a member of the tribe, so he cannot "authentically represent smaller government"

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Libe rty -vs- Tyra nny Conservatives, usually the ones who least understand the ethical and moral principles of capitalism, proudly claim Ayn Rand as their heroine. Precisely because Ayn Rand was perhaps the world's strongest advocate for a true capitalistic society. Lets see what Rand had to say about the conservative movement... Today’s “conservatives” are futile, impotent and, culturally, dead. They have nothing to offer and can achieve nothing. They can only help to destroy intellectual standards, to disintegrate thought, to discredit capitalism, and to accelerate this country’s uncontested collapse into despair and dictatorship. “Conservatism: An Obituary,” Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal, 199 It was the so-called “conservatives” . . . who ran to the government for regulations and controls [over the broadcasting industry], and who cheered the notion of “public property” and service to the “public interest.” “The Property Statu

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Libe rty -vs- Tyra nny Steve Benen I have rarely seen such a pandering load of excrement as Benen's analysis of Romney's statement regarding when one should decide to serve in public office. Benen's commentary is the epitome of unethical and divisive class warfare. Following is Benen's irrational analysis of Romney s remarks. Washington Monthly - About 10 hours after last night’s debate, the six Republican presidential candidates met again this morning for another debate, this time sponsored by NBC and Facebook. This one was far livelier than its predecessor — maybe the GOP field is made up for morning people? — and one line in particular jumped out early on: Mitt Romney made the case that electoral politics is for wealthy people. “I happened to see my dad run for governor when he was 54 years old,” Romney said. “He had good advice to me. He said never get involved in politics if you have to win election to pay a m

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Libe rty -vs- Tyra nny Given President Obama's recent speech on his "vision" for slimming down and streamlining our military, yet keeping it responsive and battle ready, one must ask from where the Presidents "vision" came. For those who remember Donald Rumsfeld it seems the President, and his advisers have bought into essentially what Rumsfeld was taking about during his tenure as Secretary of Defense under GWB. Here's the report: THE HILL - An unexpected name started popping up after President Barack Obama laid out his new defense strategy: Donald Rumsfeld. Obama and Pentagon leaders used words like “leaner” and “agile” Thursday in describing the kind of military they intend to build. Senior Pentagon officials said the leaner, more agile force Obama’s new strategy envisions is necessary so the force can both fight a major conflict while also quickly responding to a number of other situations and conflic