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Wes
wes@freesnake.cc

I have always though it appropriate that our National Anthem ended in a question, because in a free society the question always presents itself- shall we be free tomorrow? This question will always be with us, because freedom requires the action of the people.

Many sing without hearing the words thus they do not realize that ours is the only national song that ends with such a question. Those who do know that the final stanza answers the question, and assume as I traditionally have, the answer to be yes. But this day in 2009, I must admit that a lump rose in my throat as the song ended… it is difficult today to say that the banner does indeed wave over the land of the free.

Freedom can be defined simply as the lack of the physical coercion of another. This of course does not mean that the rights of your neighbor do not limit what you can do; he has the right to defend his property. But, to be free, he may not force you to pay for his food, his car, or his house. Chances are you will voluntarily choose to take him some brownies for a Christmas present, mow his grass when he goes to the hospital for treatment, or even help paint his house- but in a free society these must be voluntary choices.

It is clear that the current philosophy of our national leaders, now more than ever before, is to ensure that your neighbor has no needs- even desires, unmet; therefore you are forced to give up your property-your earnings- to meet those needs. You are forced- at gunpoint and the threat of prison- to meet the wants of your neighbors. Frankly, the fireworks did not sparkly quite so brightly for me this year as I contemplated these thoughts.

Most of the “freedom” indexes from 2008 showed the United States somewhere around sixth or so in the world freedom ranking. These, of course were prior to the Bush/Obama “stimulus.”

One such study released in June of this year shows the United States ranked 11^th, tied with the United Kingdom. But even this one cannot fully chronicle the cost of the productive effort to the people of the nation from the only slightly implemented stimulus. It certainly does not take into account the potential slavery of our corporations, thus of the productive workers of the nation, to “Cap and Trade”, or to the specter of national healthcare. And, because this particular study is of tax burden only, it does not take into account the loss of market freedom to the government control of our major banks and two of three automotive manufacturers, or of the imminent rise in inflation next year. These costs will not be fully realized for years or even decades. These costs to our freedom may never be recovered.

To recover the freedom that is rapidly being stolen from the people of our nation will require a unique since of bravery, of statesman-like strength in the face of political alienation. I hope that we can find men and women of this strength to lead our nation. There are precious few on the horizon at present. We must require this strength, this bravery, of each who requests our vote. We must demand a contract- a signed statement- stating specifically what they will do if elected; what they will stand for. We must then hold them fully accountable during their term. We must show the bravery to part with those we have supported, even with our own party, if necessary unless they stand firmly for our freedom.

It is only through a system of laissez-faire capitalism that the inalienable rights granted by God that this freedom exists. It is only through the freedom of un-coerced effort- driven by the rational, economic self-interest of the individual- that our nation achieved the hopes of all mankind. It is only through laissez-faire capitalism that we may again become the freest nation on earth.

It is difficult today to say that the banner does indeed wave over the land of the free. It remains to be seen if it waves over the home of the brave.

Proclaim liberty throughout the land…¹that all men are by nature equally free and independent² America is another name for opportunity. Our whole history appears like a last effort of divine providence on behalf of the human race.³ How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.⁴ No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.⁵

Liberty without learning is always in peril…⁶ The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.⁷ Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual… but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.⁸ We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls.⁹

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.¹⁰ We have enjoyed so much freedom for so long that we are perhaps in danger of forgetting how much blood it cost to establish the Bill of Rights.¹¹ We dare not forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution.¹² What we need are critical lovers of America – patriots who express their faith in their country by working to improve it.¹³

No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is preserved. On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant… they will sink under their own weight without the aid of foreign invaders.¹⁴ Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants.¹⁵ The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted.¹⁶

Liberty has never come from the government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of it. The history of liberty is a history of resistance.¹⁷ Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory. The federal government is our servant, not our master!¹⁸ Government is not reason; it is not eloquence. It is force. And force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.¹⁹ It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from his government.²⁰

A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned.²¹ When all government, domestic and foreign, in little as in great things, shall be drawn to Washington as the center of all power, it will … become as venal and oppressive as the government from which we separated.²²

In recent years government at all levels has shown growing disrespect for the Constitution.²³ It would be a hard government that should tax its people one-tenth part of their income.²⁴ [the government] has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.²⁵

When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.²⁶ If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace.²⁷ These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman…. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.²⁸

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.²⁹ You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness.³⁰ Why stand we here idle?… Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!³¹

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.³² If we fail, at least let our children and our children’s children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.³³ From every mountain side, let freedom ring.³⁴

1-Leviticus 25:10; 2-The Virginia Bill of Rights, June 12, 1776; 3-Ralph Waldo Emerson; 4-John Quincy Adams; 5-Douglas MacArthur; 6-John F. Kennedy; 7-John F. Kennedy; 8-Samuel Adams; 9-Robert J. McCracken; 10-Erma Bombeck; 11-Felix Frankfurter; 12-John F. Kennedy; 13-Hubert H. Humphrey; 14-Samuel Adams; 15-William Pitt; 16-James Madison;17-Woodrow Wilson; 18-Thomas Jefferson; 19-George Washington; 20-Thomas Paine; 21-Thomas Jefferson; 22-Thomas Jefferson; 23-Bob Barr; 24-Ben Franklin; 25-Declaration of Independence; 26-Thomas Jefferson; 27-Hamilton Fish; 28-Thomas Paine; 29-Franklin D. Roosevelt; 30-Ronald Reagan; 31-Patrick Henry; 32-John Quincy Adams; 33-Ronald Reagan; 34-Samuel F. Smith, “America”

The GOP is the only party that can lead, but the GOP cannot continue to offer alternative “solutions” that are only different versions of those presented from the other side; we must stand for something- we must stand for the Constitution, for the Individual, for Capitalism.

Anything less will ensure that the other side remains in control, and America continues a spiral into European Socialism.

Take a moment to read Sowell’s column, and let me know what you think…

Thomas Sowell in Shelby Star

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His actions are inexcusable, shameful and irresponsible. They are unbecoming of someone as brilliant as Mark Sanford; unbecoming of one who represents the people of South Carolina.

At the end of the discussion, a rational question remains- a question that will not be asked for some time, if ever: What is the difference in the arrogance, selfishness and stupidity of this ongoing affair and the outright theft of our children’s future; of the private and public immorality of theft or of irrational government intrusion in the lives of Americans?

I did not watch the Governor’s press conference live, though I have watched a big part of it this evening. When I did hear the news earlier in the day, I felt as though I had been punched in the stomach. Sanford was one that I looked forward to supporting for President, and I think would have been a good one. His breach of trust has ended that opportunity- reports now indicate that he made at least three tax-payer funded trips to Argentina. His political career has ended, and understandability so.

The story of Sanford on the news program I watched tonight was followed by a story on Citi- regarding bailout monies paid to employees. Salaries there will increase by 50% for many- that’s after (or by utilizing) $45 billion in government bailout money. This, while my employees and I-and taxpayers across America- have taken cuts in pay and reductions in hours, while financing these bailouts.

It is interesting that Governor Sanford did not get his wife a job, or a “special” land deal in the Eastern part of the state. Also of interest is the common thread of personal trips funded by taxpayer dollars.

The bottom line: What is the difference in an affair- lying to family and friends, doing wrong by a spouse, children, and the people of a state- and in stealing money from those who produce of wealth or in obligating people to debt that cannot be repaid? What is the difference in a selfish affair and the selfish abuse of public money for personal gain.

Republicans often talk of family values, and make no mistake, these values are critical to the sustenance of this nation. We cannot preach family values as we have affairs. But no less important are individual rights; the freedom to take risks and to earn wealth; the inherent right to keep what you earn; the ability to trust your government to follow the constitution. It seems that our standards are not consistent.

There is no excuse for the indiscretions of the Governor; I understand this better than most. However, there is also no excuse in the theft of the value of our productive ability, or that of our children and grandchildren. Let us hold all public officials to the same standard to which we will hold Governor Sanford.

If we are going to be critical of the Governor’s breach of trust-as we should- we must be equally critical of the breach of trust in other areas of governance, including those of the former Governor of North Carolina or the President of the United States.

See Moral Foundatins of Capitalism

During the day on Saturday, I had a growing suspicion of her problem, and with the input of a retired physician friend in attendance, had fairly well diagnosed the condition. I had also inquired of another friend the best hospital in which to take her.

Upon arrival at the hospital, I was shocked, and even wondered if I had reached the right place. This was the hospital of my childhood. The landscaping was nice, but average. Parking was convenient and free. The building was not new. There was no marble. Surely Wake County offered a hospital similar to the ultra-modern local version of Carolina’s Regional Medical Center…

The real shock came in the Emergency Room when we were quickly seen (on a Saturday night in a big city)- by a doctor. A doctor who took time with us and a nurse that was obviously one of the most qualified and experienced I have seen. Granted, the bureaucracy was evident, but the care was exceptional.

Upon admission, the care only improved. The surprise of the weekend came when the surgeon came to her room Sunday morning- and sat down. He spent nearly 20 minutes with us discussing the tests of the previous evening, her medical history, and what to expect during the day- the surgery schedule, potential risks, and likely recovery time. This was followed several hours later with a visit to the room to tell me the details of her surgery, and what to expect in the next few hours. Meanwhile, the nurse came by the room to offer me a bowl of ice cream.

My point being, this hospital was not recommended to me because of the marble- or the lack thereof. It was recommended for the care it gave- because of the people, and their commitment to their clients. I’ve been in enough hospitals to know that the exceptional care given at this one came at far less cost than the adequate but average care given at the marble “non-profit” hospital seemingly around every corner and on every billboard. This hospital could compete in the market place with any, even with the old building and lack of marble and landscaping. In fact, I remarked to a friend this week, that I would be tempted to drive three hours Raleigh to have surgery in that facility.

Instead of Obama-care (or even the current version of medical care), which will provide a lot of taxpayer money to buy marble floors, maybe we should consider competition and the market-place. A private, high-end hotel-like hospital suite is comfortable, but I’d rather have a nurse respond when the button is pushed; I’d rather get home and still be able to afford a night out. That is a health-care choice that I’d like.

A good related article in The New Yorker…

Atlas Shrugged should be required reading to vote; its common sense to live.

In a related article, see  http://www.charlotteobserver.com/408/story/770382.html.
As a follow up, take a look at http://business.clemson.edu/BBTCENTER/cci/index.htm, this from a grant from BB&T.

This makes me want to switch my meager account to BB&T.

With one of the largest GOP Conventions in NC history, the 2009 Convention this weekend left no question that the Grand Old Party is alive and well in North Carolina. And, judging from the number first-time delegates in attendance, we are all fed up with the GOP’s move-to-center and the lack of visible delineation between the elected GOP and the other side. The party may be broken, but it’s not in intensive care- and the way back has begun.

The Chairman’s race was as most expected it to be- close- requiring two ballots. While I had some concerns about each candidate, all four laid out a clear path of the coming Republican ascendancy, and in doing so displayed confidence in the Republican message. They showed a confidence in the basic tenants of our philosophy that the rank-and-file know to be true, but that we have not seen from many of our leaders and elected officials. I heard “free-market,” “Capitalism,” and “Individual Rights” from each of the four candidates. I also heard from each that we must choose candidates who actually represent our platform. These I have not heard in some time.

Technology is important-critical in fact, but the method of communicating a message is not as important as having the right message- and sticking to it in practice once elected. It is this contrast that the American people long for.

Also this weekend, the NC House approved a budget of over $18 Billion- including $780 million in new taxes. These new taxes not only include an increase in the sales tax, but would apply the sales tax to music and ring tone downloads, auto maintenance and repairs, and courier services. The budget passed with no Republican votes; our representatives stood strong and refused to trample on the people of North Carolina.

These two events show that Democratss will continue to do what it is that Dems do, and that NC Republicans are committed to righting the course, of doing differently that we have done in recent years. I’m glad to see the contrast painted so clearly.

My favorite quote of the weekend was from the eventual winner of the Chairman’s race, Tom Fetzer: “We cannot move to the mushy middle, and we cannot tolerate mealy-mouthed candidates who do…”

Well said; now let’s get to work.

Unfortunately, these will not occur.

This weekend we will elect a new chairman, consider as many as 22 resolutions and go home. Frankly, I am frustrated with our candidates for Chair. We must, however, select one of the candidates, and unite behind him. I will work with the new chairman on behalf of candidates that I believe represent what our GOP stands for; we all must.

With the exception of Resolution #9 and the honorariums, we should reject any opportunity to consider resolutions and go to dinner.

Certainly the resolutions honoring Robert Rector’s and presumably Henry Bryant’s are well earned.  Resolution 3 will be passed- but it should not be passed as written. George Bush laid the groundwork for the election of Barak Obama, and has done as much to destroy what I believe our party stands for with the “Patriot” Act and government bailouts . Bush did many good things, and should be commended for them-he defended our nation well.  But as Republicans, we must not go so far as to commend him for the un-Constitutional policy of No Child Left Behind; and frankly, we should not commend him for being forced to make second choice in both his approved nominees for Supreme Court; though he did get the second choices right. We certainly should not formally honor the one who has lead us down the path we find ourselves upon; don’t forget, the bailouts are his. This would be a good opportunity for the Republican Party to develop honesty. Let us allow Chrysler, GM and AGI consider this resolution. At the very least, it would be much easier for our party if we were to leave this one out all together, however I would amend this one, then vote Yes; I will vote No as presented.

Senator Dole, for whom I worked in 2008, certainly deserves our respect, but if we vote to state that she represented conservatives well, then I must not be a conservative. Had her constituent service been sufficient, had she come to NC prior to the election season, had she not flown the last minute banner of religion, she would likely be in the Senate today. I would amend then vote Yes; I vote No as presented.

I don’t know that I understand Resolution #5; suffice it to say that we all support our military and the sacrifices that they make to preserve the tattered remnants of our freedom. I vote Yes.

Given the recent court ruling, Resolution #6 may be irrelevant. We either elect Objectivist candidates in 2010 and 2012, or we live with the Court’s ruling forever. I vote Yes because I agree, but know it changes nothing.

Why is Resolution #7 (Rights of States and People) number seven on the list? Combine it with #8 (Restore State Sovereignty), and make them the second to be considered, and vote YES.  Unanimously.

Resolution #9 is the only resolution that may have any real bearing on the future of our party. It is very likely that we will never consider it simply  because unfortunately it is 9^th on the list. This is an issue which we must resolve.

There is nothing more partisan than a political primary. The sole purpose of a primary is for a party to choose who will represent our party in the General Election. Why in the world do we allow those not affiliated with us to choose our leadership? Would we allow those who are not Republicans to choose our chairman? Why then would we allow them to choose our nominee?

Folks, this is simple common sense. How will the party return to the core values of limited government and laissez-faire capitalism when we allow those who neither understand nor believe in it choose our leadership? Kudos to the Resolutions committee for presenting all suggestions made of them. Next time, please prioritize. We should resoundingly demand that the Executive Committee close our primaries.

We will never consider resolutions further down the list if we even get this far. We will either loose quorum or move adjournment. The following resolutions include Litter, DOM, Abortion, Withdrawal from NAFTA, 2^nd Amendment, Preservation of the Constitution, Transparency and Accountability from the General Assembly, Repeal of Real ID, Fiscal Responsibility, Unborn Victims of Violence, Appreciate Virginia Fox, Change the name of the Lottery, Improve GOP Communication. I’ll leave before these get to the floor; while some of the issues raised are relevant, they will not define us- save the abortion issue of which I think the party has been clear.  And yes, Virginia, we do appreciate you.  I’d advise, go back to your room and take a nap after #9.

At least after a nap, we will feel better for the dinner.

See all 22 resolutions at http://ncgop.org/convention/committees.htm.

It is the responsibility of our Supreme Court to uphold the rule of law regardless of personal belief. They are chosen to be the keepers of our Constitution and to check the power of the Legislative and the Executive. If they have an agenda to protect any minority it is the minority of the individual. They are seated to keep our government in line with its Constitutional authority. Their decisions should come from our Constitution and, our Constitution alone. The Supreme Court is the chain Jefferson spoke of, “In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” Thomas Jefferson. That’s how I see it. Plain and simple.

If I had to choose a word to describe the predicament we find ourselves in today it would be “Apathy”. It is apathy that has brought us to the brink of whatever collectivist term you choose to use. Our citizenry has decided not take part in our republic or study issues unless they see or feel direct pressure from a particular issue, and as soon as something more exciting comes along they loose interest.

I know it’s hard to keep up with all that is going on, but we must. It is apathy that has brought us a majority of weak minded politicians or politicians who serve for self interest. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against people of these characters as long as their actions don’t effect my life, liberty or property. But here in lies the rub, we have a nation of weak minded, self serving officials who seem to go out of their “Collective” way to make my life more difficult than it should be ordinarily.

Above all, we need to change our national way of thinking. We need to search out and find those individuals who would protect our liberties and our Constitutions, both state and federal, and short of dragging them kicking and screaming, encourage them to seek office. Those nay do wells who are in office now, we can drag out however we see fit. Kicking and screaming is just an option. If we hope to restore this grand Republic, we must enlighten; remind, educate, convert or whatever it takes (maybe just short of waterboarding) to convince our friends and family, our coworkers and our party that we are right.

With the elections coming up in 2010 and 2012 we have a chance to start turning this nation and our state, even our counties around. We should make our agenda clear to all that hear us. “We will not suffer under a government that does not abide it’s very own rule of law. We will place our individual support to those who serve begrudgingly yet honestly and know that the answers are to be found in our Constitution.”

Those people are there. We have met them on the campaign trail and in our meetups. We all know of one who has inspired many to take up the mantle of Statesman. We have all found someone in this movement whom we feel can serve with distinction. And they know if elected, we are here to remind them of their duty.

If we don’t want judges to set policy we need to remove the hands that hold the seats at the bench.
–
Jeff Austin
esse quam videri