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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Look Ahead

As the holiday season begins to come to a close in the coming days, many political findings will come to the forefront. The inauguration will be quickly approaching, the transfer of a new president, and the legal case concerning the Illinois governor are investigated.

At this time, many issues are unsolved, and though these issues are vital to address, the holiday season usually takes precedent over the pressing problems of the nation in the news. That is not always a bad thing, as taking a break from the nation's news coverage is beneficial to everyone. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your days be merry and bright, and may all your political predictions be right!

It's a Wonderful Life

One of the greatest Christmas movies of all time is It's A Wonderful Life. In all of the decades that have past since the 1940s movie, no other movie can top the timeless message of George Bailey. He was at the lowest of the low-unsure of the next step and doubtful of his future. He found nothing left in his life to live for, and is so consumed with his own self-pity that he was willing to take his own life.

Even when he is back from his adventure of seeing life without him, he is very grateful for his situation-joyful for his deaf ear, not dismayed of his financial woes, and jumping from the rafters at each friend he passes. He was a man in pain of his current position in life. He couldn't see past his situation to find his meaning in life. When he saw how his life affected others in such a positive way, he wouldn't have taken it back in a heartbeat.

2008 has been a challenging year. Whether it be painful financial difficulties, the breaking election news, or the many other downfalls that this life has had to offer, there are still boundless things to be thankful for. It may be friendships, grace, or a the simplest of things that has gotten us through the year. We will never know until we reach the other side how we have impacted this earth. If we had that opportunity, maybe we would be able to see that we really had a Wonderful Life.

Make Your Own Virtual Movie Theater

What's Going on in Georgia

Here is the problem: Will it help or hurt America if the Democrats have control of the Senate?

How will a filibuster-proof Senate give the people more of a voice in Washington?

Has Chambliss been an efficient representative of Georgia and does Georgia deserve a change in representation?

Who will this affect the most?

We all have a point of view of who needs to be in the Senate from Georgia, but we must consider the ramifications.