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"Before anything else, folks in Washington ought to be asking first and foremost, 'Should government be doing this? And if so, then at what level of government?' But they don't."
The Emperor has spoken, laying out why conservatives should not stay home this November. He also says to write-in Fred Thompson for President.
Reading through comments and posts all over the Blogosphere, it struck me that there seems to be a slightly inconsistent manner in which this whole “stay at home” thing is being interpreted. Sure, there are quite a few of us, yours truly very much included, who won’t vote for Juanita McVain, but why not do something with that protest above and beyond just staying at home altogether?
…
Not only would it be silly to protest the lack of conservatism by refusing to vote for conservatives (if you’re lucky enough to have one to vote for, of course), voting for everything BUT the backstabbing RINO turd that we may end up with as our nominee sends more of a message than staying away altogether.
As to what to do with the Presidential part of the ballot, I’ve been pondering various alternatives. Leave it blank or write in and, in the latter case, who to write in? Given the choices we’re likely to have, anything from Genghis Khan to Mickey Mouse would seem more reasonable than what’s on the menu, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll just write in Fred. If enough people do so, that too will send a message, as in “listen, I take my voting rights seriously and I showed up to vote, but there was nothing there to vote for so I just wrote in somebody that I WOULD have voted for.” Again: if enough people do so, it’ll be bloody hard for the RINOs and the MSM to spin it, as they’re sure to try to do.:
Others are speaking up when it comes to writing in Fred here:
Conservatives are in agreement; there was no other truly conservative candidate for the nomination of the Presidency in 2008 than Fred Dalton Thompson. The Republican Party is leaving us with its big government candidates who don’t believe in restrained spending or federalism. Our nation is at a crucial crossroads with threats at home and abroad. If we are going to protect our nation’s identity and our sovereignty, then we must force the Republican Party to return to the conservative prinicples that will lead us forward. It is with that in mind that we urge all conservatives to VOTE FOR FRED DALTON THOMPSON during your state’s primpary. And if he isn’t on the ballot, WRITE-IN FRED THOMPSON. It is imperative that we sent a message to our party and our nation, that it is time to return to ideals of our founders and our constitution. Its time we send a message to our party and the media that this should once again become a serious process among professionals who are serious about the task at hand and not just looking for power and prestige. Its time we return to citizen servants who seek to further the cause of democracy and not just their self interests.
Remember this a battle that we are in to take back the Republican Party. That means standing up and saying “Enough” of the moving to the left and away from conservatism and the principles the party was founded on.
Great new site for true conservatives – The Reagan Coalition. Here is who they are -
The Reagan Coalition is a network of grassroots conservative activists formed to promote and defend the conservative principles articulated by Ronald Reagan.
Members of DraftFredThompson, FredHeads USA, and volunteers for other Conservative candidates have come together to prove that the pundits are wrong. The traditional Reagan Coalition is far from dead. Going forward, the Reagan Coalition will be working to influence state and local elections across the country to establish a solid foundation and a track record to show for it. This Coalition will involve grassroots ground troops working under a nationwide web network to share our challenges, lessons learned and successes.
That’s the sum of it. If you can’t bring yourself to vote for the offerings in your primary, or if the eventual nominee is somebody you can’t stomach, don’t sit out, and don’t vote for the Democrat. Write in Fred Thompson’s name.
Why?
By doing so, you send a message that can’t be mistaken or spun. It is a message that says:
“I am a Republican who wanted to vote for a conservative GOP candidate, but wasn’t able to do so. I can’t vote for a Democrat, but I can’t vote for any of the Republicans, either. So I’m writing in the name of the candidate I wish I could have voted for, because he is the kind of candidate I could support.”
They have to learn that if they want conservative votes, they have to nominate candidates conservatives would want to vote for.
This strategy is the only one that offers any hope of changing the leftward move of the GOP in the future. Sitting out won’t do it – they can spin the reasons why you sat out. Voting Democrat won’t do it, they can spin it that the GOP candidates weren’t liberal enough. Even voting “None of the Above” won’t do it, because that doesn’t specify what you want instead of none of the above.
Sound advice I think. At some point conservatives need to STAND STRONG and say “ENOUGH!”
That’s right, the economic stimulus package passed overwhelmingly by the House of Representatives would give rebates to illegal aliens. Here’s the details from borderfirereport.net -
Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Littleton) today criticized the tax package passed by the Democrat-controlled Congress as a giveaway to illegal aliens. The package, among other shortcomings, would direct the Internal Revenue Service to issue checks of up to $600 to individuals and $1,200 to married couples, as well as rebates for any children. The legislation does not, however, contain any provision barring illegal aliens from taking advantage of these benefits.
“This package will stimulate one thing for certain: more illegal immigration,” said Tancredo. “It’s just the latest unfortunate example of American workers footing the bill for illegal aliens.”
The bill would allow so-called “Resident Aliens” to receive rebate checks. The Treasury department classifies someone as a “Resident Alien” based on how much time that person has spent in the United States. No proof of legal presence, however, is required. The IRS’ explanation of the term can be found at:
“Worse, a large portion of this money will just be sent back to the home countries of illegal aliens,” concluded Tancredo. “So it might stimulate someone’s economy – just not ours.”
The bill was considered under a procedure in the House of Representatives that did not allow for any opportunity to amend the bill to restrict payments to illegal aliens.
As pointed out by Fox News this was a bipartisan agreement -
The $146 billion stimulus package intended to jolt the economy by giving taxpayers rebates up to $1,200 includes cash returns for illegal immigrants who pay taxes.
Under the plan passed by the House, illegal immigrants who qualify as “resident aliens” and earned a minimum of $3,000 would be eligible for rebates of between $300-$600, FOX News has learned.
Only those illegals who have been assigned an Individual Tax Identification Number that allows them to file income taxes would be eligible.
The provision has irked illegal immigration opponents, who say the assigning of TINs and collection of taxes from illegals sanctions their presence in the country.
The stimulus plan met with overwhelming bipartisan support Tuesday, passing the House 385-35 with little debate after House leaders and White House negotiators came to agreement last week.
Apparently the RINO’s haven’t their lesson when it came to rewarding of those who enter the United States illegally. Unlike the House the Senate is going to debate this bill. Call your Senators and tell them you want this provision removed.
Despite the constant reports that the Thompson campaign was having money issues it is apparent that there were no issues. Which means this – family is first and foremost to Thompson (as it should be). Still waiting word on how Fred’s mom is doing – the family is in the thoughts and prayers of many including mine. Here’s the article from the Jackson Sun.
Clippard disputed reports that said Thompson ended his White House hopes for financial reasons.
“It was absolutely not financial problems,” he said Tuesday from his Middle Tennessee home Tuesday. “As late as last night, we had our troops gathered in Washington, (D.C.), ready to continue fundraising, and we had enough cash in the bank to fund the campaign all the way through January.”
Clippard said Thompson’s campaign had raised $23 million to $25 million since June 4.
“We had enough to pay payroll, to put gas in the bus to take Fred to Florida and to pay for hotel rooms,” he said. “We had enough cash to take us through Super Tuesday.” The Tennessee primary will be on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5.
“The last couple days since his third-place finish in South Carolina, his mother has been very sick and in the Vanderbilt hospital,” Clippard said, “and he has been with her the last three days. He did not call a major press conference to announce his (withdrawal). He is not thinking about anything in the world right now but his mother.”
Excellent video of things that COULD and SHOULD be used by the other Republican candidates in commercials highlighting the weaknesses of John McCain. The question is why aren’t these weaknesses being highlighted?
Liberals agree with McCain on numerous issues … that is BAD for America and Conservatism. This Republican in sheep’s clothing is a prime example of how far away from conservative principles the Republican Party has strayed.
Twenty-two years ago today was the space shuttle Challenger explosion? I remember being at school and hearing about. It hit close to home because a teacher at my elementary school had been in the running for the spot taken by Christa McAuliffe. At the age of 11 you don’t understand how something like that can happen. You are completely shocked and you watch over and over when defining moments like this occur. Here’s the video from CNN that day -
And here’s the address made that day by President Reagan -
Certainly an identifying event in our history and one that will never be forgotten in my lifetime. Much like 9/11 will never be forgotten.
Fred Thompson has a great deal of support when it comes to the 2008 POTUS. It’s also no secret that he wasn’t big on the game that has to be played in modern day politics. After finishing third in South Carolina there was silence. Then came the three sentence press release, followed by nothing but silence. Has Fred walked away or is it part of a strategy that goes against today’s conventional wisdom? One thing is for sure with Fred’s campaign “suspended” the reason for his entering in the first place has become more obvious. This from John Perry at Newsmax -
Fred Thompson is having greater influence on the Republican presidential race now that he’s out of it than he had when he was in it.In just the few days after he withdrew his candidacy, the tall Tennessean stands out more clearly than ever above the ranks of GOP contenders. By its very silence, the absence of Thompson’s steady baritone is heard above the cacophony he left behind.Nothing else in this campaign is making so obvious the lack of an authentic, consistent, common-sense conservative among the surviving candidates.It calls to mind the tale of the couple tending a lighthouse. In addition to a beacon pivoting, their lighthouse had a klaxon that blared on regular intervals.They grew accustomed to the noise, the way folks living alongside a railroad track eventually ignore the roar of passing trains. One night, the mighty foghorn failed to sound off at the appointed time.
In that instant, the lighthouse keeper and his wife awoke with a start, sat upright in bed, looked at one another and asked: “What wasn’t that?”
It is the same effect Thompson will have, by increased measure, in this floundering Republican pre-nomination campaign. As the GOP rivals “surge” then fade in opinion polls, it will become embarrassingly obvious that what conservative voters still want is not altogether there.
Not a blessed one of them – Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney – is a 360-degree conservative. Each has at least one essential piece of his pie missing.
By not being among them any longer, Thompson has brought the spotlight to bear on those missing pieces.
The effect on the candidates is already having a noticeable, salutary effect. With Thompson off the platform, those remaining candidates have started fudging their credentials to shade over into the space of one or more conservative issues once occupied by the man who had no serious empty spaces.
It begs the question – if the momentum was starting (among Republicans in South Carolina the percentages were almost dead heat among the top three) why step aside?
Could it have been part of the plan from the beginning? Fellow FredHead Krell thinks it may have been. Here’s what he thinks may have been the Thompson strategy -
After allowing the other candidates to present their credentials and expose their own flaws, Thompson would enter the race.
First, to introduce himself to the American public at large and to establish himself as a true, consistent conservative in the Federalist tradition.
Second, Thompson stated his principles, to the American people, on which he would build his administration. And these principles would be the pillars of his executive decisions.
Third, Thompson stated what he would seek to accomplish during his administration by publishing his white papers.
Fourth, Thompson served notice that he was “not going to play by the phoney rules”.
This would connote a non-traditional style campaign – by today’s standards.
Fifth, withdraw from the race so voters would be able to see the difference between a
true Conservative in the race as opposed to seeing the void without a true Conservative
in the race.
Perhaps the best revelation of this possible strategy, other than the “Stand Strong” comment in his Jan 19 speech to supporters is revealed by senior advisor Rich Galen -
Here’s a tale out of school which describes the kind of man Thompson is: One day in the week leading up to the South Carolina primary the campaign office in McLean, Virginia asked if he would record a video thanking supporters for helping to have raised over a million dollars from the day after the Iowa caucuses to that point.This video was obviously going to be a veiled pitch to send in more money – a point not lost on Thompson even though the script I wrote never mentioned it.He told me he wasn’t going to record it. Knowing we were facing an uphill climb to stay in the race, and knowing the video would tempt viewers to donate to help the campaign to go onto Florida and February 5th, he said, “I am not going to ask for money under false pretenses.”
So the possible 5 step strategy has been completed. What happens next? That depends on the grassroots army that backed Fred Thompson. Some have left, some whine and some are planning to continue the fight. What will Fred do? No one knows right now. This much is known – Fred said last year when the “draft movement” began that if the people asked he would serve. Even though the active campaign has ended if the voters show they aren’t happy with the remaining candidates and either vote for Fred (which I will be doing) or vote in a way that results in a brokered convention it is known Fred is the clear 2nd choice of many. And if at a brokered convention he may well agree to serve if asked. How will we know if we don’t stick to our principles and take a risk in the process?
Let the revolution begin and show that the Presidency can be won without playing the horse & pony show game.
Anyone who has heard me speak knows my firm commitment to what I call “First Principles.” These grow out of the documents of our Nation’s founding and the wisdom of the ages. They are core beliefs that guide my approach to the issues that are crucial to our Nation’s future. I believe in –
Individual Liberty . As Jefferson spelled out in the Declaration of Independence, our basic rights come from God, not from government, and that among these inalienable rights is the right to liberty. We must allow individuals to lead their lives with minimal government interference.
Personal Responsibility . The corollary to liberty is responsibility. No society can succeed and thrive for any duration unless free people act in a responsible way. All of us must take responsibility for our actions and strive to improve our own lives and to contribute to building a better society.
Free Markets . Free people are best equipped to order their own affairs, and the common interest benefits from and is improved by the aggregate success of all. We must reform our tax system, encourage investment, support entrepreneurial spirit, open markets abroad to American goods, and minimize burdensome government regulations to continue to expand the economy and bring increased wealth to all Americans.
Limited Government . Government must be strong enough to protect us, competent enough to provide basic government services, but limited by the delineated powers in the Constitution.
Federalism . Our Constitution innovatively guarantees our liberties by spreading power among the three branches of the federal government, and between the federal government and the states. In considering any action by the government, we must always ask two questions: is the government better equipped than the private sector to perform the task and, if so, what level of government (federal or state) ought to do it. Washington is not the seat of all wisdom.
Protecting our Country . The first responsibility of the federal government is to protect the nation and the American people. There is no more important task. We must have a strong and effective military, capable intelligence services, and a vigorous law enforcement and homeland security capacity.
Traditional American Values . A healthy society is predicated on belief in God; respect for all life; strong families centered on the institution of marriage—the union of a man and a woman; and self-respect and tolerance of others. While we are all free to live our lives in the pursuit of our own happiness, the government has a responsibility to respect the right of parents to raise their children and to promote the values that produce the strongest society.
The Rule of Law . We protect our liberty, secure our rights, and promote a just and stable society through the rule of law. We owe to ourselves and our fellow citizens our own adherence to the rules, but tough law enforcement and punishment for those who do not. A free and independent judiciary that interprets the law by adhering strictly to legal text and respects its limited role in our system of government is essential to our security and freedom, and we need judges who understand that role if we are to preserve our republic and freedom.
Conserving Our Nation’s Resources . Each of us is put on Earth for a limited period of time. We must always strive to ensure that the resources we use to lead our lives are here for future generations to enjoy and use as well.
These are strong principles rooted in conservatism & federalism. They are also principles that the GOP has slowly moved further away from. This is why there is a “battle for the heart and soul of the Republican party” as conservatives begin to take back their party.
“Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people.”
Normally that would be it, but then you had this interview where Senior campaign advisor Bob Davis. Note the 1:30 or so mark where he mentions “suspend his campaign”
A veteran of Louisiana state campaigns offers this ironic suggestion about last night’s Louisiana GOP primary — Fred Thompson won, or would have done well, had he not dropped out hours earlier.
Louisiana’s social conservatives created the winning “Pro-life, Pro-family” slate in early January largely because we didn’t know if Fred was still going to be a candidate at the time of our caucuses (turns out that he wasn’t, by a few hours). Because we had almost all the state’s social conservative leaders for Fred, we were also able to stave off Huckabee by use of this “pro-life, pro-family” slate. I was really pleased with the win last night, as it’s not easy to beat McCain, Romney, and Paul without a candidate, but that’s what we did.
About 90 percent of the pro-family slate was actually Thompson supporters. If Fred were to jump back into the race, he would almost certainly pick up all 47 of Louisiana’s delegates (the whole point of LA’s complicated system was to have an early vote while still not losing half our delegates like all the other early states have). That would put him AHEAD of McCain in the delegate count and only narrowly trailing Romney.
Sen. Norris then noted, “I’m a delegate for Fred Thompson, and I’m still on the ballot.”
Asked if he were encouraging people to still vote for Mr. Thompson, Sen. Norris grinned and said, “you bet. I’m a delegate.”
Then came a confession from Lt. Gov. Ramsey: “And I am (a delegate) too. So I will too. I’m a statewide delegate. I’m sure I still will. Even though he’s out, I will, at this time.”
Not the only leaders in Tennessee still supporting Fred either -
Some Tennessee Republicans – examples include state Sens. Tim Burchett of Knoxville and Jim Tracy of Shelbyville – said Wednesday they have already voted for Thompson in early voting, which began before Thompson’s withdrawal Tuesday.
The former U.S. senator’s son, Tony Thompson, and Bob Davis, a former state GOP chairman who worked in the presidential campaign, both said they plan to vote for Thompson despite his withdrawal.
“If you see Fred Thompson’s name on the ballot, it’s kind of hard not to vote for him,” said Davis.
Davis declined to predict how many votes Thompson would not win in Tennessee, but said it could be a “signficant” number. Smith also predicted Thompson will get “some delegates” but did not estimate how many.
Fred still has many people planning to vote for him be it by punching his name on the ballot or by writing it in. There’s even a Fred08reborn site.
So what does it all mean. It depends how you look at – there has been nothing from Fred including NO endorsement and no release of delegates at this point. Maybe he’s waiting to see what happens, knowing he is the only Clear Conservative choice.
As for me, I’m still with Fred and plan to vote for him in the Wisconsin primary. I figure it’s my vote and I’m going to stick to principles and tell the establishment – “Enough with the RINO candidates.” Besides this could in fact be just the beginning of something special in the GOP race. And it could help bring about a brokered convention where Fred Thompson could become the nominee.
