Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Is the Pendulum Swinging Back?

With the elections for this year coming to a close, we can be thankful that Republicans had two key victories--Virginia and New Jersey. These key swing states are coming back toward the conservative side of things in light of promises that have not been kept by the current administration. It may not even be that the promises were broken, more so that the promises made last year are not happening in the timetable that Independent voters would like.

Congratulations, McDonnell and Christie!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Implications of the Lost Olympic Bid and the Reason for the Silence

What can we learn from this past week's news concerning the highly promoted trip to Germany in hopes to win the Olympic bid for the 2016 Olympics to be in Chicago? PLENTY--and most of what we learn is from our national leader and the position of our country.

1.) Obama does not hold the national appeal as we may believe! Globally, his bargaining power does not reach as high as other people who tried to promote him in the past seem to think as others didn't feel drawn to his swagger as we may have believed. Perhaps they only thought that he was there to apologize and didn't realize he was actually there to have the Olympics in the U.S.

2.) Obama felt that it was more important to discuss the Olympics and where such events should be rather than deal with our other issues (the ones he was hired to cover). Maybe he just really wanted to go to Germany with his wife. I mean, after all, they've already vacationed in Hawaii, NYC, and other getaways that would offer him relaxation from his tough position in the White House.

3.) Obama assumes that he will be in office during the 2016 Olympics, and this will be his last farewell.

I know that I have been harsh on our leader in this post, and I still intend to keep my promise to respect him (and question) as our leader. He has caused some uproars and given many reason to raise eyebrows, but I will still not slaughter him, and I will make sure that I keep my wicked comments to myself... which is the reason for my silence.

I have taken an extensive sabbatical from HMD simply because I didn't have anything positive to say. I know that I had many opportunities to discuss key political events this summer such as Van Johnson, death of Ted Kennedy, and even the resignation of Sarah Palin. I still may backtrack and pop in a post about the monumental events that transpired (I will be speaking on the Palin resignation shortly), but during the past few months I couldn't focus on political issues because I had to be taking action rather than ranting.

I have now made a vow that I will be proactive in the whole process. I have seen what some people who are on the conservative side have done to our side, and the smearing that they have done to people has given me reason to not want to stand with them. Therefore, I will be different during this whole process, and stick to my motto to HOPE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Obama's First 100 Days

There have been many events that have culminated to this day, but the progress that has been made has brought rise to concern for Republicans. At this moment, Obama is speaking to the nation about his performance, speaking also about the current conditions that America face. While I am grateful for the mediums that we have in which to communicate, I want to know that I am getting the truth. I do not want to hear what he is saying in an attempt to hide the bills being passed, actions being wrought, and apologies made that go against the foundations in which the Republican party were built.

I know what I think about Obama's first 100 days, I don't need him deciding for me.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Another One Bites the Dust



Pennsylvania senator (aka battleground state senator), Arlen Specter, has officially registered democrat facing the "right wing conservatism" that the Republican party has become. Should we as Republicans be upset, defeated, or defensive about this decision?

I have to vote that the decision is his choice. This news is not shocking due to his years of liberal leaning, but I will not infringe on anyone else's right to choose how a person believes... especially when his voting record has proven him to be democratic in the first place.

I am, however, a bit disappointed with President Obama's response to Specter's decision, basically welcoming him to the Democratic side. Specter's decision was finalized when Obama promised to support him in 2012. While Barack Obama is a democrat, he is also the president. ONE nation. ONE people. While I recognize that he has his own right to take a particular stance on issues, he is acting in the favor of the entire nation. President Obama has verbalized his desire to bring together party lines, but his actions are not matching up with his message.

True, the Republicans are down one more member of the team, but it shouldn't make our fight weaken, or our message get quieter.

Maybe we just have to determine what that message is.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Should businesses be involved in politics?

Businesses have many reasons in which they ought to be involved and concerned with the political process. Without the American business, the country could not survive on its investments and loans from other countries. Each member of the American business is a part of the American community and has a vote in the affairs of the culture. Participating in the political affairs of the population is beneficial to both the business and the society, and an American right for the individuals in the business. Businesses ought to get involved in the political process because the decisions made by political endeavors affect the business.

Politics is a demand on a business that has high stakes in the changes in the economy. Politicians promise new rules and regulations for a better future with many of the campaign pledges challenging how a company does business (Lawrence, Weber, & Post, 2008). This was seen in the past elections as politicians promised to take charge of Wall Street and other institutions that have reaped benefits in a slumping economy. People became disgruntled with the businesses, the companies were awarded forms of bailout packages and tax breaks, and the government felt obligated to assist the businesses in hopes to keep the economy afloat. The failure of key businesses will cause the economy to falter even further, and people will look to the government for assistance (Phelps, Parsons, Ballas, Dowling, 2006). Businesses must be involved in political situations to voice their opinion about current issues that will affect the business in the future.

Although some businesses are not involved in political acts, politicians and government are actively involved in business affairs. Keeping track of trends and following successful businesses is a common practice for politicians, as it gives politicians an advantage in reaching out to the community and evaluating the economy (Fenwick & Elcock, 2004). Politicians aim to make the product a success for both groups, enhancing the functions of the community and outlying businesses while gaining support for specific political efforts.

Participating in political functions is feasible through the work of lobbyists and other professionals who act on behalf of the business, ensuring that the company has met all of their needs and made adequate contacts for the business (Lawrence, Weber, & Post, 2008). Open communication about this process is mandatory and strict rules apply to those participating in lobbyist positions. Although rules and regulations are made to prevent fraud, lobbyists are fundamental to the business’ operations. Lobbyists are also involved in the political aspect of the business, usually understanding and relaying information that stands for the company in the government (Phelps, Parsons, Ballas, Dowling, 2006). The lobbyist is the voice of the business in politics, and critical to the business’ success in politics.

While businesses must be involved in political processes, politicians must be involved in businesses because of the business’s culmination of private citizens within the corporation. Each individual that is involved in the company has a vote that will add or detract from the politician’s success. Showing interest in, not only the company but also the community allows the politician to gain support from those in the company (Fenwick & Elock, 2004). This could be seen in a governor joining in at a celebration at a local supermarket, or a mayoral nominee holding a rally in a parking lot of a strip mall. Showing support of the community is a method that many politicians use to gain support from local voters.

A business has too much at stake to stay out of the way of politics. Stakeholders, stockholders, and forms of management all benefit from allowing the company to get involved in politics. Companies that become involved in political endeavors are exercising their American freedoms. Supporting political enterprises will make a stronger company, and allow those involved with the company to know that their rights are being fought for and protected.


References available upon request.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Late Night Laughs

It seems as if the president is showing his face a lot on TV and every other form of media. If he's not hanging out with Jay Leno, he's sharing his favorite music with the queen. With all of the publicity, it is easy to think that he's wasting his time pretending to be a movie star.

He has a plan.

Without telling anyone of his ploy, Barack Obama has srategically placed himself in the media's attention, reached out to other country's, and had gigantic portions of publicity spent on his endeavers. This can't hinder his popularity because we are seeing the "pop-star" side of Barack Obama. We are distracted from the bills being signed, motions being carried, and significant decisions being made because we see our leader show his charisma and personality.

Is this wrong?

Yes...and no. The shielding from the truth is a major distraction and not the way to handle the decisions of our country's direction. However, the coverage and relations that Obama has made by getting out there and showing people his personality is not a bad tactic. Viewers like him because he seems like them. People voted for him because they saw part of their likes and dislikes in him. Obama showed the world that he was likable and that he wanted to make a difference.

We rebuplicans need to take a hint, and do the same.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Cat Fighting


Meghan McCain, daughter of John McCain, has been in the news most recently for being the "plus sized model of the Republican Party."

She appeared on The View to refute some of her critics, making lots of news on the Republican circuit. Meghan was a voice for the younger generation of Republicans, and has done an impressive job at spreading positive publicity for Republicans.

Laura Ingraham doesn't think so.

As a matter of fact,this war began because of some opinions shared by Meghan McCain pertaining to Ann Coulter being a hindrance to the GOP (more on this later). Here are some of her thoughts:

"More so than my ideological differences with Ann Coulter, I don’t like her demeanor. I have never been a person who was attracted to hate or negativity. I don’t believe in scare tactics and would never condone or encourage anyone calling President Obama a Muslim. But controversy sells and Coulter is nothing if not controversial. Everything about her is extreme: her voice, her interview tactics, and especially the public statements she makes about liberals. Maybe her popularity stems from the fact that watching her is sometimes like watching a train wreck."
(Meghan McCain for www.thedailybeast.com)

She is said to have not been conservative enough, therefore not agreeing with Ann Coulter. Is that really the issue? NO! Pundits are capitalizing on the disagreement and possible dramas that are invoked on viewers of conservative media. The true issue comes down to the voice that fellow Republicans are listening to. Republicans listening to Coulter will come away with a different view of the political arena than those listening to the musings of McCain. You must know how much I am biting my tongue for the moment from giving MY rant about Ann Coulter!

Laura Ingraham did a "noble" thing to stand up for Ann Coulter (though it probably was not needed, as Coulter has proven in the past that she can handle her own affairs). This did wonders in ratings for both Ingraham and McCain, giving Republicans another opportunity to delve into the media. If Ingraham has an issue with McCain's message-feel free to dispute and refute it. BUT, when you have an issue with someone's weight, or in your refutal you feel that you have to slander someone on the basis of their physical appearance, you are hitting below the belt and losing credibility quickly.

Meghan McCain holds power at the moment to reach into the minds of liberal listeners and fellow Republicans to start the change in the party. Can she do it alone? I don't think so, but I do know that it has got to start with people doing SOMETHING, to make any change at all. Meghan McCain is doing just that.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Did Jindal do THAT Badly?


Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal responded to the cryptic details of the plans to take care of our National deficit the night Obama went on all major networks to release his statement to America. As soon as Jindal finished, pundits on all liberal media circuits were ready to criticize the method of delivery in which Jindal delivered his message. New York Times called Jindal's rhetoric "a form of nihilism" and others commented that it was a "disaster for the party."

Was it that poor?

As one who studied communication extensively for 4 years, I have seen that Jindal is not the only one guilty of faux pas in his speech. Did Jindal need to speed up-YES. However, he could not go too fast and inflection is important as well.

But that is not the big deal.

People did not want to listen to his words because they were focused on his delivery. Delivery is everything. People will listen and respond in a more favorable manner when the delivery is polished and refined. Even when listeners do not agree, they will be more inclined to listen and accept what is being said. That is something we can learn from our current president.

In all, Jindal could have done better with his presentation, but Kudos to a leader willing to nationally take a stand for his beliefs and expose errors in a plan that could be detrimental to our country.

Word to Republicans (as well as anyone who wants to get their message across): A major key to leadership is communication, and without the ability to communicate effectively, we will not be able to further our purpose and our plan.

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Promise to Make a Difference

The Oscars, killer chimps, and the size of Jessica Simpson have topped the headlines for the past week, but Hollywood hoopla cannot cover the infectious news of the "financial crisis." One of these headlines is noteworthy:

"Obama vows to halve massive budget deficit by 2013"

Not even considering the fact that he has to be re-elected to make it to 2013, major issues develop with this declaration. How can he halve a budget that is spending so much money? Saving is not a part of the plan, the creation of new jobs is not part of the plan-even the spending on domestic inventory is not part of the plan.

To claim you are going to accomplish something, and not back it up with actions that support the claim, makes you a hypocrite. I am in no way of claiming that President Obama is a hypocrite--that is neither my position or my motive. I am, however, insisting that Americans compare a politician's words with their actions and see where their allegiances truly lie.


Tuesday, February 3, 2009

A Letter to the Editor of the NY Times

What's the difference? Tim Geithner is approved on January 26th to be the US Commerce Secretary while Tom Daschle is eliminated in the running of Secretary of Health and Human Services. These have two different results, but they are both essentially involved in the same crime: not paying taxes.

This raises a few questions:

Why is Daschle hurting Obama's agenda while Geithner is vital to our success?

What part of Geithner's job is so important that he is not accountable for HIS actions?

Why is it that no one else in the media is mentioning Tim Geithner in this situation?

Is this what we are to expect during this term?

I want America to be great. I want an ethical nation that has morals and standards that is a cut-above everyone else. I want our president to be successful, because that means that the American people are successful. I am thankful that he is willing to take a stand to admit when he is wrong, but what about the decisions that he doesn't discuss. What about Tim Geithner?

Is it the president's sole responsibility to step in here in the Tim Geithner situation? No. We need to look to Tim Geithner. It's the same type of situation as the elderly man in Michigan who froze to death in his house because the government regulated his electricity and his heat shut off. Some tried to blame the neighbors. Some are blaming the Veterans Association. Some are blaming the government. No one is taking responsibility.

Tim Geithner, on behalf of those who want to see a better America, do the RIGHT thing and take a step down.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Welcome, Michael Steele!


As of January 30, 2009, the Republicans have a new Chairman for the RNC. Michael Steele is a hopeful Republican leader attempting to bring change to the GOP. By no means does this man have the popularity of the current president, but we as Republicans can now look at Michael Steele in an attempt to rebuild our party. Since not everyone knows Michael Steele as well as other prominent figures, here is a glimpse at the RNC Chairman, Michael Steele:

1. Michael was born on October 19, 1958 at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George's County, Maryland.

2. He was adopted into a democratic family, but turned toward the Republican party in the days of Ronald Reagan (with special thanks to his mother).

3. Has a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University.

4. Considered becoming a priest.

5. Became the Lieutenant Governor in January 2003, becoming the first black elected statewide official in Maryland (Burton, 2008).

6. Lost the 2006 Senate election to Ben Cardin (D).

7. Has a consistent voting record against embryonic stem cell research (On the Issues, 2009).


This new official may seem like he is attempting to ride the coattails of President Obama, but looking at his history he has been established and in the political scene for several years. Feel free to look up more about Michael Steele as we hope to see more of him in the future!

www.ontheissues.org/senate/Michael_Steele.htm.

Burton, Danielle. 10 Things You Didn't Know About Michael Steele. U.S. News & World Report, http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/04/07/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-michael-steele.html, April 7, 2008.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Why I am glad that I am a Republican

During this time of "Change We Can Believe In," it is tempting to start looking for that hope we think we lost and we are tempted to change our ideals to get in on the action of the hype radical change. We have questioned where we stand and have been interrogated for our beliefs.

Despite the temptations to jump to the other side, I will not waver. I am proud to be a Republican and will stand strong with the rest of the conservatives around me who are willing to take the high road to making America a strong and moral country.

I have compiled a list of why I am glad to be a Republican. They are not in any specific order, and I am sure there are more, but here is my initial attempt:

-I know our troops are fighting a fight for a cause.

-I believe that a baby is a human at conception. I cannot murder an innocent child.

-Marriage is between one man and one woman.

-As an American I have rights and should do everything I can to protect those rights.

These are my initial principles for why I am so glad to still be a Republican.

We cannot waver or be tempted to sway to the other side. It is important that we don't get involved in the current hype and that all of our problems will change overnight and with one man.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A New Day Has Come

As the swearing in of a new President comes, the way the Republicans think is going to have to change. Many decisions have to be made over the next few months and scrutiny for those resolutions may bring many questions to the political arena: How will his first 100 days be? Were the inauguration activities a little too hyped-up? Will he fulfill all of his promises? Will Obama still be loved one, two, three, or four years from now?

There are so many questions that arise from all of this on the Republican perspective. While we want to join in on the celebration of this historic event, and want to rejoice in the steps that this country has taken, it is hard to rally behind a man whose ideals differ so much from your own. And while we want to have faith that this man will be able to many good things for this country, there is a hollow feeling that we are getting pumped with fancy words that invoke hope.

Seeing George W. Bush leave by way of Air Force One, knowing that history may be the only chance he has at not being one of the most hated Presidents in our time (when we thought that it was Carter), brought the feeling that words will not be able to sustain our country forever. If it could, the most prolific authors and poets of our time would be on Capitol Hill fighting for our rights and bringing the change we need. Words will not be able to bring the change we need-the action from those words and plans for action will be what takes this "Era of Hope" to reality.

Even though the Democrats are the ones in the spotlight, Republicans are not to sit back and be idle during this phase of our country. Republicans must rise up and make their voices heard during this time-not in despair and whining for all that they have lost, but being there to pick up pieces that will start to fall.

What will you do, fellow Republican? Are you going to give the Democrats the spotlight? How can you make a difference this week, this month, this year to follow the American dream to be one nation and one body that stands.