No Bailout Plan for We the People

Bear Stearns, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG, IndyMac, and many more already are directly involved in the great federal government bailout of 2008. GM, Ford, Chrysler, and the Governors Association are standing in line hoping to also get in on the bailout process. Who will/should bail out we the people?

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Our Unnaturally Positive Government

United States history is a journey from the foundations of Natural Law into one of a growing government based on Positive Law removing sovereignty from the states while subjugating the people. "The American colonists fought to rid themselves of an intrusive government they couldn't control." Which side will you choose?

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To Waste a Vote

Once again tonight we were given the choice of watching two candidates' voice their opinions. The nation's media outlets were focused on the third Presidential Debate with candidates representing the Republican and Democratic Parties. Did you learn anything new that swayed you toward one man or the other?

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Obama's Corporate Tax Flaw McCain Won't Talk About

Senator Barack Obama is investing heavily in new ads decrying the McCain approach to taxation while building his plan as the answer voters can rely on to bring necessary change to the income tax system.

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Special Guest Sunday - 7pm EDT

March of Liberty Radio This Sunday Night


Special Guest, Larry Bradley

Larry is a native of Missouri. He began his adult work life by accompanying his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Missouri State University with a commission as a Regular Army Infantry Officer. During his Army career, Larry also earned an MBA in Management from the University of Tennessee. Tune in and get an inside look through the author's eyes...bring your questions, call-in, and actively interact in chat. Preview his book at;

http://www.kindredmindsent.com/InsideTheBook/index.asp

Login in to the show and enter chat for a chance to win your own copy of this great book. Forward this to friends and family so they have a chance to win. We'll see you on the radio.

If you miss the live broadcast listen to our podcast or stream the archive for our show.

I.O.U.S.A. Plays in Theaters around the US today

Don't miss out on this special screening. If you click on this Google search the second hit that comes up gives you the option to put in your zip code. Plug in your zip code and it will bring up near by theaters, with the address and show times.This is a documentary exploring the rapidly growing federal debt and its implication for the US

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Article V Convention Time

Many people know about the 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution yet very few really know about the 5th Article to the Constitution. There's a power provided to the people through their states which allow a significant check and balance opportunity.

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Introducing Hear My Thunder

Posted by Larry Bradley at 8/7/2008 9:27 AM: I recently discovered another Kindred Mind out there on the web. Gary Wood is the co-Founder of www.HearMyThunder.org as well as the host of an Internet radio show through Blog Talk Radio called the March of Liberty Show. Here's the link to the actual show site or you can access it at HMT.

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Introducing Hear My Thunder

Posted by Larry Bradley at 8/7/2008 9:27 AM: I recently discovered another Kindred Mind out there on the web. Gary Wood is the co-Founder of www.HearMyThunder.org as well as the host of an Internet radio show through Blog Talk Radio called the March of Liberty Show. Here's the link to the actual show site or you can access it at HMT.

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OpEdNews Poll: How to obtain deep reforms to our political s

If you feel strongly that American democracy has been in serious decline for some time and that we desperately need fundamental reforms, such as: replacing the Electoral College with the popular vote, providing a constitutional mechanism for citizens to recall a president, making mandatory that only Congress can declare ware and cannot sid

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Beyond the Reach of Our Vote

To be self-governing, that is to be a government by the people, is an arduous task. There are always details needing careful attention and one of those details is to dismantle the organizational structure within the legislative branch in order to free ourselves from those few controlling the many beyond the reach of our vote.

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Intervention vs. Non-intervention

When did we alter our course and begin to intervene? How long has the struggle to “make the world safe for democracy” been carried out? Has democracy proven to be the answer for the global community or even for the United States? These are but a few questions...read more and get involved in the discussion!

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Credit Card Declined

The credit card is over the limit, refinancing to consolidate debt is not an option this time as bankruptcy looms and foreclosure knocks on the door of an out of control spending maniac known as the United States Government.

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Missile Tests Strengthen Government Resolve

Iran's government tests the resolve of the U.S., Israel, and the world.

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Missile Tests Strengthen Government Resolve

Iran's government tests the resolve of the U.S., Israel, and the world.

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Something Big is Going On

The following statement is written by Congressman Paul about the pending financial disaster. He will introduce this statement as a special order and insert it into the Congressional Record next week....

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KOIA! Kiss Our Independent Arse!

Republicans and Democrats have had their way with running this country long enough. It is time they were reminded who owns the government, we the people! Your bought media, national committees, and oligarchy rule are coming to an end...

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An Eagle's Prayer

Click the image for full size and to read this Eagle's Prayer

Liberty is not a statue, liberty is a choice

It seems, along with love, the word liberty is being used more than ever and people are becoming desensitized to the true meaning of liberty.

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I Don't Deny Terrorists...

...when I speak out against the federal government's war on terror, this assumption by many is absurd yet wide-spread and understandable.

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Two Must Read Books

Dr. Ron Paul and Judge Napolitano have new books that are a must read for any liberty-minded individual.

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Ron Paul Are We Wrong?

At the very heart of the Ron Paul Revolution is a deep seated passion for the United States Constitution and the importance of upholding the Oath of Office to defend it against enemies both foreign and domestic yet with the election results we've seen we must ask ourselves a simple question, are we wrong?

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NAFTA Superhighways; Comical or Reality?

President Bush proclaims the idea to be "quite comical" while evidence mounts this will be a reality...

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Our Troops Die While We Sigh

So far this month we have lost more than 14 of our brave troops while their demise brings short comments in the news between other stories like the war of words between the candidates.

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Ron Paul's Effect Unknown Yet Viable

We are quickly wrapping up the two-party dog and pony show we call the Presidential Primaries and as we head into the general elections nobody knows the effect Ron Paul will have.

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Is Ron Paul a Good Measure for Congressional Candidates?

Many involved in the sweeping movement known as the “Ron Paul Revolution” are starting to turn their focus on Congressional races and attempting to develop a basis for measuring the candidates they will support.

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Senator Jim DeMint’s Earmark Moratorium Amendment

There are, from time to time, some of our Congressional representatives that take a stand that deserves our support and action, this earmark moratorium is one of those times.

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Obama, Clinton Debate: Nothing is Our Fault!

To near nauseous emphasis both candidates clearly laid all blame on the President and none on their actions as Senators.

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The Election Process Then and Now

This Sunday at 3pm EST please join us for a very special discussion on the U.S. election process then and now. We'll examine whether we should be changing the way we elect our legislative and executive branch...

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Democratic Landslide Looms Despite Paul, Huckabee's Efforts!

All pundit comments, MSM slant, and John McCain’s hopes aside the numbers from the primary voting so far don’t lie about the direction the 2008 election is heading. Democrats can rejoice as the GOP coronation of McCain is creating a significant landslide victory coming in November.

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Lou Dobbs' Independent Voice Fails Listeners

Several months back I came across Lou Dobbs on CNN. His show was interesting because he seemed to really talk straight about critical issues and his question, “Doesn’t anyone deserve a government that works anymore?” had my attention...

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Illegal Aliens Can Solve Troop Strength Challenge

McCain has ideas on illegal immigration and the use of the military. None of which address the root causes so here is another proposal for him to consider. Senator McCain should adopt this since it fits best with his ideas...

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Ron Paul Won't Pay Us and Walk Away

Bush, Pelosi, Reid and most the Federal Representatives are willing to pay the people so they can walk away while saying they’ve done something to help...

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Ron-Paul-Supporters-Do-We-Stay-or-Do-We-Go?

The debate is raging across the blogosphere. Ron Paul supporters, the revolutionists brought together by his message, are trying to decide if the movement should stay affiliated with the Republican Party or move allegiance to a third party or none at all. Here’s my take on the question which can be filed in the ‘for what it’s worth’ file...

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Senator-John-McCain,-A-Lamb-to-the-Slaughter

Republicans seem split on their desire to support the Arizona Senator as the party nominee. Why then is he receiving so many endorsements and the apparent silent backing of the Republican National Committee? Here’s one theory...

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Ron-Paul-Still-Running,-Why?

Super Tuesday results are just about in for the Presidential Primaries of the Republican and Democratic Parties and the percentages are dismal so people want to know why the Texas Congressman is still running in the dog and pony show.

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Ron-Paul-Picks-Up-40th-Anti-Illegal-Immigration-Endorsement

This isn't being talked about like Huckabee's Chuck Norris or Obama's Kennedy or McCain's Crist endorsement yet there is good reason these groups endorse Ron Paul.

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Ron-Paul-Second-in-Maine-State-Delegates-with-35%

Romney has 52% of the vote while Paul has secured 35% of the state delegates who will allocate Maine's 18 national delegates in May.

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Paul-Campaign-Awakening-Understanding

Many have long viewed history as a boring subject or one they believe to understand yet Ron Paul's positions are causing many to study history deeper than ever before. After studying you may well decide to vote for another candidate but understanding of the issues is improved.

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Ron-Paul-Shines-in-The-MTV,-MySpace-Forum

In a very unique, refreshing format Obama, Clinton, Huckabee, and Paul faced the voting youth of the United States Feb. 2, 2008

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Ron-Paul-Attacks-Root-Causes-of-Problems!

The party favorites and media darlings deal with feel-good surface issues while only one dares to speak to us about the real causes and solutions! If you want cradle to grave government care he is not one to listen to. If personal liberty and responsibility is something that is interesting to you its time to study all the candidates.

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Ron-Paul-Snubbed,-John-McCain-Endorsed

Early in the race for the Republican nomination it was thought for sure Ron Paul would receive this endorsement, instead it has gone to Senator John McCain.

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McCain-Romney-GOP-Fued-Bad-for-Debate

Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee seemed to be interested in truly debating the challenges we face and their platform policies for addressing them while John McCain and Mitt Romney preferred to squabble and dance around engaging in a true debate.

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The-Hill-Billy's-Change-for-Washington-is-Communism

Bill and Hillary Clinton have really stepped up the 'change' rhetoric over the past month and their changes would please Karl Marx...

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President-Bush's-No-State-of-the-Union-Address

Anyone investing the time to listen to tonight's address may well be wondering just what state our union is in, Bush wasn't about to say.

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Hey Paultard!

Your candidate isn't winning so why are you grinning?

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Ron Paul in MSNBC's GOP Debate: A Victorious Loss!

Say what you like about the debate formats, lack of equitable treatment, or any other negatives these forums have allowed to occur. Tonight the GOP debate moderated by MSNBC was a victory for Ron Paul despite the small amount of time provided for his comments.

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Beware ANY Stimulus Package

They're at it again, those damnable politicians promising to stimulate the economy and promising to offer a real shot in the arm' to those of us in need. Bush says what will take care of us is tax breaks of $300 or $600 (which equates to $25 or $50 per month for a year) and Hillary decrying his plan as not nearly enough to help the seniors or African-Americans as the party politics ramp up their message.

Are you scared yet? Do you have enough fear in your economic situation to send you scurrying toward what amounts to a dose of Viagra which is good for a few but the many will be negatively impacted by the side-effects? Stimulus packages are being spewed forth from every campaign (sorry Dr. Paul, you're excluded) that will lift us from our challenges and deliver us from the sins of a recessionary economy!

This warning is for every U.S. citizen, these stimulus packages' are not going to positively help the many. Our dollar is crashing on world markets folks. Look into the Sovereign Wealth Fund and then look further into the 7 year plan to align the U.S. and European economy through the Transatlantic Common Market. We buy into these movements if we accept stimulus plans that equate to a total of $140 billion dollars (Bush proposal) and more!

Hilary Clinton, George Bush and all other candidates and representatives supporting this type of answer' knows full well they are band-aid proposals on a major wound. We need to embrace the idea our monetary policy fails everyday consumers; you, your neighbors, and me. They cannot fix our challenges with some sound-good, feel-good stimulation. The only thing stimulation packages do is creating a further usurpation of our liberty. Every great financial crisis has led to an increase in Federal Government control. Whether it be the Great Depression or our current challenges politicians are not telling us the hard truth!

We are in for a rough economic road ahead. The only way we can overcome these difficulties in the long term is to deal with the challenges and demand real monetary reform. I know this is not the easiest answer to accept. I know most want to embrace some Federal program to save us. It is not reality! Reality is foreign countries are controlling more of our economic future and our politicians are selling us short. Study the economic issues and realize there are tough but correct answers to the problems.

Don't swallow their pill, don't settle for less than your grand children deserve, demand we begin correcting the errors of our ways. It's not going to be easy folks, but in the long run we must accept the potential of a crash today in order to save our future generations. Study each of their stimuli and you will see it is nothing more than a false sense of security and we don't need anymore of their false promises, we need truth! Unlike common political belief, we CAN handle the truth and we stand ready to deal with what it takes to insure long-term improvement.

Restore Our Congress, End Elite Rule!

Those following my blog are aware the Republican and Democratic Parties usurped authority in the U.S. Congress around the turn of the 19th and early 20th centuries. They did this by establishing positions such as the Majority and Minority Leaders, Majority and Minority Whips as well as other related positions. We now pay for these unconstitutional positions and the supporting staffs while the reins of power was shifted from the people to these 'titled' positions. This has resulted in an oligarchy rule of the few over the many.

Below are a few important links to further explain the issue as well as a link to an electronic petition you can sign to help send a message to Congress we want the Constitutional structure restored and want this usurpation of power to end!

Article: Restore Our Congress, End Usurped Power
Additional background links are in this article for you to study the issue.

Video: Restore Our Congress, End Elite Rule!

Sign the Petition: Restore Our Congress, End Usurped Power!

I am interested in reading everyone's comments on this issue. Please spread the word to anyone you know who may also want to sign the petition to send a message to the two-party rulers we control Congress. Thanks!

Is Ron Paul to Blame for his Supporters' Every Action?

The lead in a story by Fox News managing editor yesterday was "Did Ron Paul Supporters Cross the Line?" The story referred to their phone calls to the town clerk in Sutton, New Hampshire. Should Paul be blamed for their actions?

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Ron Paul Threatens Oligarchy Rule!

The Ron Paul revolution directly threatens this nations legislative oligarchy.

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Paul Supporters Crucify Me!

I have now felt the wrath of supporters and it is counter-productive to the importance of the revolution!

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Reclaim Congress: Demand an End to Oligarchy Rule!

by Gary Wood
© January 10, 2008

With an ever increasing number of Independent voters it is time to address a key challenge to our Constitution that grips the U.S. Congress. Newly elected Senators and Representatives cannot take their oath and begin to represent their constituents. Those elected by the people are subjugated in status based on a vial, derisive system we have allowed to grow within the halls of Congress. The practice of the Democratic and Republican Parties selecting majority and minority leaders, whips, and support staffs has become a tradition whose control equates to no more than an oligarchy rule over this country’s legislative branch.

An oligarchy is defined as “a form of government in which all power is vested in a few persons or in a dominant class or clique; government by the few.” At what point did you or your neighbor elect any past majority or minority leader? Why is it those appointed to these roles have a louder, more powerful voice than the Senator or Representative the voters just entrusted their voice to? This ‘clique’ has carefully leveled an extreme amount of power over anyone outside of their inner circle. When the Independent voters begin selecting representation beyond the two major parties this ‘clique’ will be there to silence the voices of voters.

From the United States Senate’s website the definition of party floor leaders (emphasis added) is, “The Majority Leader and Minority Leader are elected by their respective party conferences to serve as the chief Senate spokesmen for their parties and to manage and schedule the legislative and executive business of the Senate. By custom, the Presiding Officer gives the floor leaders priority in obtaining recognition to speak on the floor of the Senate.” The following definition for the position of whip is given. “Assistants to the floor leaders who are also elected by their party conferences. The Majority and Minority Whips (and their assistants) are responsible for mobilizing votes within their parties on major issues. In the absence of a party floor leader, the whip often serves as acting floor leader.”

None of these positions were mandated in the Constitution yet began to emerge around the turn of the 19^th and 20^th century. Today they are merely accepted traditional, customary, and extremely powerful positions. Remember, the Senate was to be overseen by the Vice President and the House by a Speaker of the House. We will hear from the Republican and Democrat Parties alike how important it is to have these ‘key’ leadership positions to help the flow of legislation. There will be cries against ending this ‘time-honored tradition’ and we will, no doubt, be warned of the dangers of ending the practice. No matter what arguments these two parties present it is imperative their grip on the U.S. Congress be brought to an end.

Note very clearly who the floor leaders speak for, their parties with priority in speaking. Nevadans may have elected Harry Reid but it is his job to speak for his party. Kentucky counted on being represented by Mitch McConnell but he is busy speaking not for Kentucky but for the Republican Party. At the same time these ‘leaders’ are given priority there are many Senators and Representatives who must struggle for a voice while facing the wrath of their perspective parties if they dare speak out against the stance embraced by that party. Where, in this scenario, is the voice of the people?

This may well be the fruition of the warnings voiced over 200 years ago regarding the dangerous, tyrannical nature of party politics. In his 1796 Farewell Address George Washington sounded a loud and clear warning;

“All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels and modified by mutual interests.

However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”

The leadership of the two major parties in the United States successfully usurped the reins of government, just as Washington warned. This subversion of the power of the people is no more clearly evident than within the structure of the U.S. Congress accepted by the people, until now. Any organized political party, including the Republican and Democrat Party, must not be allowed to control the legislative branch and must be allowed only to influence the campaigns leading up to, not beyond, the swearing in of those we the people elect.

The power is shifted back and forth between only two parties, Republicans and Democrats. In the current structure there is no way any person elected from outside the two majority party powerhouses in the United States could ever hope to land one of these power positions. It would be easier to get elected as a third party Presidential candidate rather than win a seat at the inner circle of Congressional power. Anytime there is a shift in the control of Congress the parties merely switch majority and minority hats.

We the people are currently being bombarded with the word ‘change’ during the current campaign. This word will become a part of each of the 469 Congressional races soon to be under way. By January 2009 those elected as our Senators and Representatives must be allowed to stand on equal ground so the people of Rhode Island are equally represented as the people of California and all 50 States.

Third party candidates or true Independent candidates will attempt to gain a voice yet even if elected their voice and the voice of those voting for them will be silenced and no real change effected unless we demand an end to the power structure within the halls of Congress. The oligarchy rule, the usurped power controlling the reigns of our legislative branch must be severed. We must demand a return to the Constitutional structure within both chambers and the change must be swift and immediate.

The Constitution Party Preamble: Historically Inaccurate

by Gary Wood

© January 9, 2008

A growing number of U.S. voters are tired of the two-party strangle hold of the Republican and Democratic Parties. Many are listening to the guidance of Lou Dobbs, CNN Anchor and radio show host, and registering as Independent. Although registering as an Independent may be a good idea there is a need to find candidates which will support the voters’ ideals. Still lacking is a platform for candidates who are in favor of the concepts the United States was founded upon, the Constitutional design for the Federalist Republic.

In my on-going search I grew more aware of a fairly young third-party known as The Constitution Party. The name alone spoke to my desire for a return to our roots. My research into this party began in earnest yet lasted a very short time. My first visit to their website was enough to send a warning when I read;

“The Democrats and Republicans have squandered the Founders' legacy of liberty and justice under the Constitution. Countless government officials in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government ignore their oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. Join the Constitution Party in its work to restore our government to its Constitutional limits and our law to its Biblical foundations.”

Initially I had a sense of excitement. It is true the Founder’s legacy has been squandered. It is also true countless officials ignore their oath. However, the last two words, “Biblical foundations” sent a minor shock. It is true many of the Founders considered the importance of developing a country which was set in moral convictions based on faith in a creator but to reference the Bible as the foundation is not accurate. This led me to the party’s preamble where I found;

“The Constitution Party gratefully acknowledges the blessing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the Universe and of these United States. We hereby appeal to Him for mercy, aid, comfort, guidance and the protection of His Providence as we work to restore and preserve these United States.

This great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been and are afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.”

Sadly, many of the words which followed throughout the preamble and the rest of the platform have an air of real meaning. Within the context is a desire to limit government, restore the rule of law, promote liberty, and support a more accurate form of governing the United States. However, if a foundation is wrong the entire building is at risk of falling and in the case of The Constitution Party the foundation is wrong. Up front there is the establishment of Jesus Christ as Creator. Everywhere the word Creator is used throughout the rest of the text it goes back to this definition and historically it is inaccurate.

Overall I really wanted to embrace this party. Reading through their entire platform there were so many aspects I embrace due to the focus on restoring Constitutional provisions. Many of the platform’s points are well stated and embrace much of the Founder’s legacy which many of us know has been under direct attack for decades. Yet, intermixed within the platform are theocratic considerations due to the foundational belief Jesus Christ is the Creator and the Christian Bible therefore must be intertwined with policies and concepts.

It is a historical fact many of the Founding Fathers did not embrace any of the revealed religions. Among the most influential of the founders most considered themselves to be deist. That is, they believed in a creator based on science and nature, not revelation. The Enlightened age guided our founders to study such writers as Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau. There was a significant understanding of the importance of faith in a creator yet there was every attempt to insure the Constitution would not be directly influenced by any set religion based on revelations. Although there were Christians among the 55 men assembled debate raged about revealed religion being intermixed and those believing in a deist philosophy won the debates.

Among those we consider Founding Fathers deism can be associated with George Washington, Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and Ethan Allen. This is not to say there was no belief within these men’s hearts, it means there was no foundational belief the creator was and is Jesus Christ. To the point, they were not Christian and would not consider themselves to be Christians. As a deist it is likely these and others viewed Jesus Christ as a wonderful teacher but clearly not the Creator. None of them wanted to deny other’s right to follow any religion, revealed or natural, but all of them wanted to insure the Constitution clearly separated church and State. Note there was no desire to separate God and State, merely church or organized religion and State.

It is my hope the members of this new party will see the error in their preamble and in other portions of their platform based on this fundamental, historical mistake. They have come so close to being a party to rally around if a citizen truly wants to restore the Federalist Republic to its Constitutional roots yet foundationally it is a case of being close and at the same time no where near the target. Should this be corrected within the preamble and other areas impacted by this belief within the platform I will gladly look again at joining their party. If it is not corrected I will, with a very careful eye, look uneasily toward any of their candidates. We need to restore our Republic to the Founder’s legacy not implement a theocratic slant upon that very legacy.

Ron Paul Digs Up Roots: Others Prefer You Simply Smell the Roses!

Ω What is prettier to the eye, the roses on a rose bush or the roots? Of course, the roses are prettier to the eye just as the political, feel-good rhetoric is easier to the voter’s ear. We can smell the rose’s fragrance, enjoy its beauty, and romance about the way our lover swooned the last time we shared the flower’s beauty with them. Of course, we must avoid the thorns or they will prick our skin and cause us to bleed. Also, the roses we presented lasted for a short time and, if we failed to empty the water vase soon enough, we learned the stench of dead roses is quite unpleasant. Despite that we still marvel at their beauty and pick or buy them over and over.

Although the rose is pretty to the eye without the plants roots what beauty would we find? The roots provide the life of the bush, the thorns, the limbs, and the beauty of the rose. The planter of the bush must care for the roots for if a single rose is picked it merely dies soon without the roots but if the roots die the entire bush dies with them and no longer are there any roses for us to enjoy. Those ugly on the eye, dirty roots are the key to a beautiful rose or no rose at all.

Whenever any business or organization is attempting to improve productivity or solve complex problems the goal is to identify the root cause of the problem. There are many challenges that spring up around the root cause. If we fail to identify the root cause and only address the surface challenge problems will continue to blossom although they won’t be as pleasing as a rose. New managers and supervisors often are plagued with spending their day putting out fire after fire while failing to extinguish the source of the fire. Management consultants and industrial engineers earn a good living helping organizations identify and solve root causes of problems. Once those are solved the never-ending surface challenges finally end!

One problem with identifying and dealing with the root causes is the fact they are often the most unpleasant to admit to having. Especially if the root cause is found at a high enough level within the organization, specifically if they involve a key employee or a long standing process that has become accepted as necessary. While working as an Air Force Management Engineer I remember Commanding Officers who refused to accept our study’s findings at first. The solutions usually took less time to implement, measure, and verify with positive results than did the initial acceptance the root cause was in fact a policy or process they personally implemented. "That’s the way I’ve always done it," does not mean it has always been done the best way possible.

It is this basic understanding of the importance of identifying root causes prior to attempting to solve problems combined with my knowledge of the other candidates that really made me finally realize they don’t want the voters to understand the real problems, the roots Ron Paul keeps digging up! During the recent ABC debates Ron Paul once again talked directly about root causes to problems facing us and how to begin solving those problems. Once again the other candidates provided merely lip-service, feel good, empty words. The words sounded good to the viewer’s ears while Ron Paul’s message is harder to listen to. If anyone missed reading Nolan Chart columnist John Armstrong’s article, "Ron Paul: A Man Among Boys at ABC Debate" please do. Clearly Ron Paul dug up the roots of the problem surrounding the rising cost of oil in the United States and our ensuing energy crisis.

When Dr. Paul clearly identified the weakening of the dollar and our failed monetary system as a major root cause he was right on target. Yet, the most experienced and skilled business man among the candidates, Mitt Romney, applauded each of his opponents’ answers to the energy crisis EXCEPT our weakening dollar. He knows without a sound financial base a business will fail. So why didn’t he help explain the connection of our monetary system to rising oil prices? Why don’t most of the politicians trying to gain our vote for President talk directly about root causes?

To admit the root cause is a failed policy is unpleasant and difficult for any person in our leadership to share with the voting public. If the root cause is failed policy those in charge of the policy have to then admit there were errors made. The vicious cycle of dealing with surface problems persists but in the end the bush will die if someone does not attack the real problem, if the roots aren’t cared for. In 2008 it is not a rose bush that dies; it is the very prosperity so many promise to deliver and so many of us want change to deliver.

The American roots are rotting; I know how ugly that is to look at directly. Politicians want us to believe our problems in foreign lands are the terrorist’s fault, not ours. Politicians want us to believe our high prices for oil are due to company greed or dastardly Middle Eastern rulers who control the oil production. Politicians want us to believe illegal aliens are invading our country to merely escape their country’s problems. Politicians want us to believe our public education system is failing because our educators simply are not measuring up to the standards they should.

Politicians want us to believe we can solve these problems by having our military kill the terrorists where they live. Politicians want us to believe the government can force the greedy companies or dastardly rulers to treat us fairer. Politicians want us to believe a fence and more border patrol agents can stop the invasion upon our borders. Politicians want us to believe we can force teachers to perform their jobs better by testing them and punishing them if they fail to measure up. Politicians want us to believe it is not our fault and they can take care of us and provide for us solutions to our woes.

Ron Paul wants us to understand our root causes are real and destroying our way of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. He also wants us to understand the root causes are difficult to solve yet together we can solve them. He wants us to understand by solving the real problems, at their roots, can be achieved. By taking the time to understand, by implementing real solutions, measuring the results, and verifying those results not only can we restore prosperity, we can insure our children’s children will be able to enjoy the beauty of the rose.

Here is a little secret all voters need to understand, Ron Paul is not alone in wanting to attack our problems at their roots. There are thousands of economists, business leaders, military leaders, every day citizens, and even some politicians that will join in the fight to restore this nation to the healthy roots we once flourished with. It is up to you to join those thousands; it is up to you to insure future generations enjoy the beauty of the rose. There is Hope for America if we dare only to understand the answers are in our roots.

©2008 by Gary Wood
- Permission to copy with attribution granted.

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