Graham, on big issues, is a center-left opportunist
by Dr. Ecarma (bio: Reggie Ecarma has a Ph.D. in political communication, teaches for North Greenville and Furman universities in mass communication and politics. He is also Republican precinct chairman of Travelers Rest, member of the Greenville County GOP Executive Committee, faculty advisor to the NGU College Republicans, and serves as fire commissioner at Tigerville, S.C. fire district. He can be reached at reecarma1@yahoo.com)
Fresh from a 67 percent GOP primary victory and the first state candidate to win more than 1 million votes in a general election, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham sounded confident, if not cocky, at the Greenville County Republican Convention this past April. He said that he wants to grow a center-right party, which reflects the country, to win elections. And if any Republicans in the room did not support his efforts, they could leave.
He echoed this sentiment at the Furman University town meeting last week. Question: If Graham is growing a big-tent center-right party, why is he telling a vocal and engaged group to leave. Doesn’t center-right include centrists and rightists; a big-tent includes activists from center to right. At both places, Furman and the GOP Greenville convention, Graham sounded downright condescending.
With all his heroics, Achilles has a weakness. Graham’s heel is his hometown region, the Upstate. As the biggest part of the Upstate, Greenville County voted against Graham in the primary. The 200 vote margin by little known Buddy Witherspoon should be a warning to Graham, perhaps humbling.
Apparently, after making rounds in the national media circuit and enjoying conclaves with the likes of Hillary Clinton, John McCain, and the late Ted Kennedy, his homies have become prudish party poopers. Just like a BMOC (big man on campus) football jock coming home to his small-minded family, Graham is getting too big for his britches.
Instead of being grateful to have the privilege of serving his home folks, Graham is becoming arrogant like Lonesome Rhoades of the 1950s movie A Face in the Crowd. An arrogant centrist, he is quickly outgrowing his humble conservative roots.
An explanation: In the Greenville News article “Graham vows to challenge ‘radical’ views” and editorial “Sen. Graham holds his own,” both articles miss the critical “constitutional” point: Graham says that he is conservative, fair enough, but on big constitutional issues, he is center left. Consider these landmark issues:
1. Constitutional option on judicial nominees of 2006: the leftists and the centrists, including Graham opposed it; constitutional conservatives like U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.C., supported it (see http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/5/31/32726.shtml
2. Illegal immigration of 2008: the center-right and center-left and far left supported the Kennedy-McCain –Graham bill, constitutional conservatives like U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint opposed it;
3. Climate change 2009: Graham is working with far left U.S. senator, John Kerry; constitutional conservatives oppose any new regulation on carbon emission whether by legislation or the Environmental Protection Agency;
4. Sotomayor U.S. Supreme Court vote of 2009: centrists and leftist voted for the nomination, conservatives like U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, opposed the high court nomination.
To be fair, Graham is a reliable pro-life vote, according to Citizens for Life. He is strong on military issues, and he also voted against Obama’s stimulus bill. It is also true that, as reported by the Greenville News, Graham has an 82 percent rating according to the American Conservative Union and votes 90.7 percent with his party (The Washington Post’s congressional vote database).
But the preceding record on big issues and the on-going record of Graham, including climate change and health care are troublesome. For example, the heated debate on health care clearly pits constitutionalists/conservatives vs. centrists/leftists. Where is Graham on this—in the center-left. Consider this quote from Greenville News on September 21:
“Graham, in signing on to the bipartisan Healthy Americans Act, has agreed to requiring people to buy health-care insurance, an unpopular idea among Republicans.
“I have found common ground with Democrats,” Graham said of the bill backed by seven Republicans and seven Democrats.
Such common ground or center-left decision of historical constitutional issues has moved Graham from right toward the center-left over the years. With the illegal immigration vote and the constitutional option on judicial nominees he took the center-left ground, along with his senior partner and senate mentor, U.S. Sen. John McCain , R-AZ. But in the Sonya Sotomayor vote for U.S. Supreme Court justice, even centrist and maverick McCain voted to oppose Sotomayor, while Graham voted for President Obama’s judicial “empathy” nominee and got kudos from the media and cultural elites.
As Clemson University political science professor, David Woodard, a one-time Graham confidant, said, he (Graham) “make[s] a point of his foray across the aisle to work with Democrats.”
Colluding with liberals is a prominent project for Graham. Furman University political science professor Danielle Vinson said Graham “needs to get past those headline-grabbing moves.”
Graham is not only moving from right to center -left, depending on the big issue, he is garnering more face time on the broadcast networks. If one watches national politics and the news on a regular basis, it is hard to miss Graham. Recently, on the Greenville News article of Sep. 21, Obama remarked about extremist talk: “The easiest way to get 15 minutes of fame is to be rude to somebody.”
Conversely, for a Republican, the easiest way to get 15 minutes or even 15 hours of fame is to work and act in concert with other maverick Republicans or liberal Democrats. Ask U.S. Sen. Olympia Snow during the Democrat health care and Obama stimulus bills debates during the last few months. It is awfully difficult to deny oneself of the red carpet treatment by the media and cultural elite of Washington, DC and NYC.
Graham’s timing also needs to be scrutinized. When it was popular to challenge the senate Republican majority in 2006 regarding the constitutional option on judicial nominees, Graham, as part of the “Gang of 14” (7 Republicans and 7 Democrats) went against President Bush and conservative Republicans. The Gang opposed Bush’s full slate of strict constructionist (constitutional and conservative) federal judicial nominees.
Social conservatives around the country were rallying in churches across the nation to encourage U.S. Sen. Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-TN to go for 51 senate votes instead of the customary 60 cloture votes to let the full slate of judicial conservatives ostensibly reverse Roe v. Wade.
So Graham short-circuited the social conservative effort to attempt to stop judicial promotion of abortion-on-demand.
In the health care issue, where is Graham in voicing his criticism on the constitutional option that is, most likely, to be employed by the Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV?
The political and media elites in DC are cheerleading health care through, so let’s see if Graham, their new “conservative” darling from the belt buckle of the Bible belt crows against their sacred health care for the uninsured, including (probably) illegal immigrants. Graham has had many months to voice his previous concern about using the constitutional option of 51 senators to pass a non-emergency and non-budget issue. Rather, he appears anxious to pass a health care bill by working hard with Democrats, again.
Ironically, Graham said in the same Greenville News article he also feels a responsibility “not to let the president have it both ways here.” Perhaps, the libertarians and constitutional conservatives feel the responsibility not to allow Graham to have it both ways either—calling himself a conservative and then chooses opportunities to grab the headlines and the TV lights by forging liberal leaning bills.
Graham seems more of pragmatic political opportunist than a principled, constitutional conservative.
Many Republican party loyalists will not openly oppose him, as Sam Harms, the former Greenville County Republican chair, who promptly lost his position. Party loyalists prefer acceptability and collegiality as a norm; however, if a credentialed and monied Jim DeMint like person arose to challenge Graham, he would humble Graham, if not defeat him in 2014.
Graham should take stock that Thomas Ravanel, former state treasurer, who lost his job and credentials in 2007 due to cocaine charges, could have effectively challenged him in 2008. Instead Graham got a free pass, relatively speaking. Is there going to be credible challenger in 2014 such as a David Beasley or a Jim DeMint clone or . . .
If he continues his centrist ways, Graham would lose big in the Upstate (his home region) and would have to fight hard and win big in the moderate Low Country, perhaps with the help of his new Democrat friends.
Why does Graham want to “grow” the party? Is it for altruistic reasons? Perhaps, but it may also be for power. Is he looking at the majority party leadership? Probably not. Is he looking at a presidential run in 2016? If he is, then he should look at his mentor McCain. McCain tried the maverick route for 10 years. He was loved by the liberal media elite in DC and NY, but when he ran for president as a Republican, his fawning media coverage dissipated.
By 2014, Graham will be feigning right to re-establish his conservative credentials, but by then, his Achilles heel may be overly exposed by video records in YouTube and other Internet sources. The SC Achilles needs to represent the felt needs of his state--the Upstate.
What do you think?
Showing posts with label Lindsey Graham and John McCain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lindsey Graham and John McCain. Show all posts
Oct 8, 2008
Analysis of my analyses
Analysis of my recent analyses: Prediction of my prediction
After a reader recently pointed out that I was wrong about my prediction of a Hillary Clinton coronation back in December 13, 2006, I was to look back a little regarding my recent analyses.
Before reading or listening to the pundits, I concluded that John McCain won the first and second debates, while Sarah Palin effectively won her vice presidential debate against U.S. Sen. Joe Biden.
Before each debate, McCain had been slipping or losing in the polls, and after each event he gained a little. Palin's performance gave McCain a fighting chance to take a lead by bringing the ticket closer, by a few points, to the Obama/Biden ticket, as I predicted. Last night after viewing the debate, I immediately predicted that McCain would gain a point or two, and according to a recent Reuters/C-Span/Zogby daily tracking telephone poll from Oct. 5-7, 2008, McCain recovered about a point.
By deciding to think for oneself and to be right more than wrong, is encouraging; it is also a good test regarding one's political instincts. Try it sometime. Watch an event, and before talking to or listening to someone or the media, decide for yourself who won or lost, and why. You'd be encouraged, too!
My prediction back in December 13, 2006 (the same day that I was wrong about Obama not becoming the Democrat nominee), I predicted that if the Democrats win the White House and control the Congress, "With some tactical changes, all in all, little will change in Iraq during the next 12-18 months militarily . . . . With responsibility comes political moderation and electoral consideration."
Wait and see if I'm right that if Obama wins and the Democrats hold on to Congress, I'll bet you my old tennis balls, that my prediction will reflect reality. Let's see.
After a reader recently pointed out that I was wrong about my prediction of a Hillary Clinton coronation back in December 13, 2006, I was to look back a little regarding my recent analyses.
Before reading or listening to the pundits, I concluded that John McCain won the first and second debates, while Sarah Palin effectively won her vice presidential debate against U.S. Sen. Joe Biden.
Before each debate, McCain had been slipping or losing in the polls, and after each event he gained a little. Palin's performance gave McCain a fighting chance to take a lead by bringing the ticket closer, by a few points, to the Obama/Biden ticket, as I predicted. Last night after viewing the debate, I immediately predicted that McCain would gain a point or two, and according to a recent Reuters/C-Span/Zogby daily tracking telephone poll from Oct. 5-7, 2008, McCain recovered about a point.
By deciding to think for oneself and to be right more than wrong, is encouraging; it is also a good test regarding one's political instincts. Try it sometime. Watch an event, and before talking to or listening to someone or the media, decide for yourself who won or lost, and why. You'd be encouraged, too!
My prediction back in December 13, 2006 (the same day that I was wrong about Obama not becoming the Democrat nominee), I predicted that if the Democrats win the White House and control the Congress, "With some tactical changes, all in all, little will change in Iraq during the next 12-18 months militarily . . . . With responsibility comes political moderation and electoral consideration."
Wait and see if I'm right that if Obama wins and the Democrats hold on to Congress, I'll bet you my old tennis balls, that my prediction will reflect reality. Let's see.
Oct 7, 2008
VP Debate: Palin the overcomer
2008 Vice Presidential Debate: Palin Ties Biden in substance , Palin wins in style, Palin overcomes
Again, before listening to the pundits, my view at 10:30pm EST, October 2, 2008:
As almost 100 hundred viewers looked on, both of the candidates were seen as stronger defenders of the top ticket while holding their own. U.S. Sen. Joe Biden was distinctly disciplined while Gov. Sarah Palin sufficiently competent and looked straight into the camera as well as her opponent
Palin v. Biden
Palin said of the Obama/Biden Iraq plan, “Your plan is a white flag of surrender” and used Biden’s previous words against Obama’s Iraq plan before switching his position supporting the plan when he became the vice presidential nominee. Biden posed with a big smile, then attacked U.S. Sen. McCain without answering the accusation.
Palin attack’s Biden
Palin continued to used Biden’s previous words and record against his ticket’s position without stumbling once. Palin quoted former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, General Petraeus and Al-Quaida in relation to the central role of Iraq in the War on Terror.
Biden/Palin: no major blunders
Biden, though not as folksy, was equally firm and confident in his answers and views. He answered like a senior senator, no major blunders and faithfully protected and advanced Obama’s plans and rhetoric. Midway through the debate, Biden switched gears by attacking McCain by tying him to George Bush, mentioning that the McCain plan looks no different than Bush’s (saying Bush’s name five times in a row).
Biden did make minor mistakes by stumbling on the word characterization and calling Bosnians “Bosniacs.” Besides these minor items. Biden was forceful and articulate.
A mistake was also made by Palin. She referred to Gen. McClellan as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan; David McKiernan is the top general. This misstep was inconsequential as Palin went on the offensive.
Palin on the offensive
Palin on the attack: Biden “voted for the [Iraq] war, then voted against it, like other Washington politicians “who voted for it before voting against it.” On the other hand, Palin propelled McCain as one who has fought and knows how to secure victory.
Prevention and cooperation not preemption is the changed that is needed in American foreign policy said Biden. Wry smiles and a wink was Palin’s response claiming to bringing Wasilla main street in the streets of Washington. “There you go again Joe, doggonit, it ain’t so,” saying that Biden going back to attacking George Bush.
Biden as an independent VP
Biden would play his VP role as an independent counselor and experienced advisor as Obama wants. For supporting McCain as president, Palin’s experience as an executive as a former mayor and governor, while being connected to the heartland of American as a mom, wife and middle class consumer would carry the people’s needs to Washington. She agrees with McCain that in terms of worldview, American is an exceptional country and a beacon on a hill as Ronald Reagan has often said.
Last word for Palin
Palin concluded, despite media attacks against her, “We’re going to fight for America. I thank God that I know the pains and joys of the American families. There is really only one person who have fought for you, John McCain.”
Biden’s blessing
Biden concluded with “guaranteed health” for the troops and that “dignity, respect and love for country equal success.” It’s time for American to get up again. May God bless all of you and may God protect our troops.
Palin overcomes
Palin was “forceful and confident” according to centrist Roll Call editor, Morton Kondrache. Although Biden did very well, the pounding against Palin in the media called for a low threshold of victory for her. So I agree with an undecided female from the Midwest Anheuser Busch plant interviewed by pollster Frank Luntz immediately after the Fox News broadcast of the debate, “It was hers to win or lose, and she won.” Palin overcame.
Again, before listening to the pundits, my view at 10:30pm EST, October 2, 2008:
As almost 100 hundred viewers looked on, both of the candidates were seen as stronger defenders of the top ticket while holding their own. U.S. Sen. Joe Biden was distinctly disciplined while Gov. Sarah Palin sufficiently competent and looked straight into the camera as well as her opponent
Palin v. Biden
Palin said of the Obama/Biden Iraq plan, “Your plan is a white flag of surrender” and used Biden’s previous words against Obama’s Iraq plan before switching his position supporting the plan when he became the vice presidential nominee. Biden posed with a big smile, then attacked U.S. Sen. McCain without answering the accusation.
Palin attack’s Biden
Palin continued to used Biden’s previous words and record against his ticket’s position without stumbling once. Palin quoted former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, General Petraeus and Al-Quaida in relation to the central role of Iraq in the War on Terror.
Biden/Palin: no major blunders
Biden, though not as folksy, was equally firm and confident in his answers and views. He answered like a senior senator, no major blunders and faithfully protected and advanced Obama’s plans and rhetoric. Midway through the debate, Biden switched gears by attacking McCain by tying him to George Bush, mentioning that the McCain plan looks no different than Bush’s (saying Bush’s name five times in a row).
Biden did make minor mistakes by stumbling on the word characterization and calling Bosnians “Bosniacs.” Besides these minor items. Biden was forceful and articulate.
A mistake was also made by Palin. She referred to Gen. McClellan as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan; David McKiernan is the top general. This misstep was inconsequential as Palin went on the offensive.
Palin on the offensive
Palin on the attack: Biden “voted for the [Iraq] war, then voted against it, like other Washington politicians “who voted for it before voting against it.” On the other hand, Palin propelled McCain as one who has fought and knows how to secure victory.
Prevention and cooperation not preemption is the changed that is needed in American foreign policy said Biden. Wry smiles and a wink was Palin’s response claiming to bringing Wasilla main street in the streets of Washington. “There you go again Joe, doggonit, it ain’t so,” saying that Biden going back to attacking George Bush.
Biden as an independent VP
Biden would play his VP role as an independent counselor and experienced advisor as Obama wants. For supporting McCain as president, Palin’s experience as an executive as a former mayor and governor, while being connected to the heartland of American as a mom, wife and middle class consumer would carry the people’s needs to Washington. She agrees with McCain that in terms of worldview, American is an exceptional country and a beacon on a hill as Ronald Reagan has often said.
Last word for Palin
Palin concluded, despite media attacks against her, “We’re going to fight for America. I thank God that I know the pains and joys of the American families. There is really only one person who have fought for you, John McCain.”
Biden’s blessing
Biden concluded with “guaranteed health” for the troops and that “dignity, respect and love for country equal success.” It’s time for American to get up again. May God bless all of you and may God protect our troops.
Palin overcomes
Palin was “forceful and confident” according to centrist Roll Call editor, Morton Kondrache. Although Biden did very well, the pounding against Palin in the media called for a low threshold of victory for her. So I agree with an undecided female from the Midwest Anheuser Busch plant interviewed by pollster Frank Luntz immediately after the Fox News broadcast of the debate, “It was hers to win or lose, and she won.” Palin overcame.
Sep 26, 2008
McCain v. Obama: Round 1 goes to McCain
Presidential Debates 2008 Round 1
Width and depth
After viewing the debate and before listening to pundits, I saw U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) provide significant depth and width to issues of foreign policy and national security. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) also provide width but lacked depth.
Style vs. substanceSen. Obama presented his marquee style while Sen. McCain displayed seriousness, though both were relevant and sober about the issues. McCain showed substance, reflecting his 26 years of congressional experience and knowledge of foreign policy and national security.
Score: McCain 67 vs. Obama 33
Based on a 100 scale, I saw Obama garner 33 points with his style and limited grasp of the national/international issues. McCain significantly overcame Obama's effort with personal experiences, personal details and a wealth of understanding of leaders and foreign policy and national security issues.
Obama lost an opportunity but still has a chance--later
Obama has another opportunity later when the issues focus on domestic as well as economic issues. Obama was very competitive with McCain early in this first debate when the discussion concentrated on domestic and economic issues, but his lack of a substantive platform and bold details prevented him from taking an early lead. As the debate left the domestic context, McCain left Obama feeling the waves as McCain left with his Navy ship sailing around the Seven Seas with a strong grasp of the issues.
What are your thoughts, not the pundits thoughts, yours?
A Drudgereport.com poll of over 168,000 voters: 68% McCain, 31% Obama, 2% neither won (Sep. 27, 2008 at 1:ooam). Again, what do you think after seeing the debate with your own eyes?
Width and depth
After viewing the debate and before listening to pundits, I saw U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) provide significant depth and width to issues of foreign policy and national security. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) also provide width but lacked depth.
Style vs. substanceSen. Obama presented his marquee style while Sen. McCain displayed seriousness, though both were relevant and sober about the issues. McCain showed substance, reflecting his 26 years of congressional experience and knowledge of foreign policy and national security.
Score: McCain 67 vs. Obama 33
Based on a 100 scale, I saw Obama garner 33 points with his style and limited grasp of the national/international issues. McCain significantly overcame Obama's effort with personal experiences, personal details and a wealth of understanding of leaders and foreign policy and national security issues.
Obama lost an opportunity but still has a chance--later
Obama has another opportunity later when the issues focus on domestic as well as economic issues. Obama was very competitive with McCain early in this first debate when the discussion concentrated on domestic and economic issues, but his lack of a substantive platform and bold details prevented him from taking an early lead. As the debate left the domestic context, McCain left Obama feeling the waves as McCain left with his Navy ship sailing around the Seven Seas with a strong grasp of the issues.
What are your thoughts, not the pundits thoughts, yours?
A Drudgereport.com poll of over 168,000 voters: 68% McCain, 31% Obama, 2% neither won (Sep. 27, 2008 at 1:ooam). Again, what do you think after seeing the debate with your own eyes?
Sep 6, 2008
Faith of Her Mother: Profile of the Faith of Sarah Palin
Faith of Her Mother: Profile of the Faith of Sarah Palin
According to some news reports, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin recently blamed supporters of the Democratic presidential ticket for spreading "misinformation and flat-out lies" about her and her family (www.newsmax.com). What is the truth about Palin?
Just the facts: Sarah's source
Who is Sarah Palin, and what is the source of her strength, what developed her view of family, and what informs her politics and worldview?
The church
A few weeks before the national spotlight focused on her, an 11 year member of Wasilla Bible Church, Jeff Disney said, "We sat in front of Sarah and Todd Palin at church two weeks ago. That day we dedicated their new baby, just the way you would have liked it. They are solid, sold out for the Lord," and strong believers of the Bible. The Disneys have known the Palins for three years.
Sarah, plain and tall
Before attending Wasilla Bible Church, Sarah Palin was born a Roman Catholic, then grew up as a member of an Assemblies of God church, a conservative and pentecostal Christian denomination. As reported by the Associated Press, currently, according to the McCain-Palin campaign, she frequents different churches and does not consider herself a pentecostal (a Christian body that believes in the apostolic gifts of the Holy Spirit as active today).
While in high school, she led the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. Known as a tough player, "Sarah Barracuda," led her girls' basketball in prayer and in play to a state championship.
Church and more churches
According to the National Catholic Reporter, Palin often attends an independent Christian church called Church on the Rock in Wasilla, Alaska (go to www.churchontherockak.org for church statement of faith). An AP religion writer also noted that Palin infrequently attends Juneau Christian Center. Finally, a Time magazine article concluded that the Palin's church of worship is Wasilla Bible Church (www.wasillabible.org for church statement of faith), as confirmed by the testimony of the church member who witnessed the baby dedication.
Faith and practice
Facts concur that Palin is a faithful churchgoer, but does her faith translate to actions in life and in politics?
Early testing revealed that Palin's fifth child would be born with Down syndrome. While 90% of mothers of Down syndrome babies choose abortion, Palin's longterm pro-life position and faith pointed to one decision--birth and "blessing." The Anchorage Daily News reported, "she was sad at first but they now feel blessed that God chose them."
Culture of life
Palin's press statement this past spring explained their sentiments:
"Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with the gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives.
The statemented concluded:
"We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed."
A quiet but firm faith from her mother
Boston Globe religion writer Michael Paulson summed up Palin's faith and practice:
"Her Christian faith, they say, came from her mother, who took her children to area Bible churches as they were growing up . . . . her faith has been steady since high school . . . and grew stronger as she sought out believers in her college years. Palin doesn't brandish her religion on the campaign."
"Wearing her faith quietly fits more with Palin's personality," said longtime Alaska resident Chas St. George.
Three years ago, at the Interact Ministry (www.interactministries.org) conference, "nobody introduced her," said Disney. She and Todd were just sitting quietly at his table when he (Disney) realized that this is the mayor of Wasilla. They were there to give money to a ministry that cared for the spiritual and physical needs of northern communities around Alaska, Canada and Russia.
It was here that Disney and his wife became acquainted with the Palins. "We were ask to host a table and we got to know them a bit there." When ask if she's really who she portrays herself, Disney said, "When you listen to her, you can tell!"
The children are active in church events. Todd and Sarah "are both great parents. I can hardly picture Todd without him having one of his kids hanging on him or in his arms - he is a very involved and loving father." Todd is also a four-time champion of the Iron Dog, roughly a 2000 mile snow-machine race over land, rivers and some open ocean from Wasilla to Nome, Alaska. He is a "man's man" but also "Mr. Mom and kids love him." He is both strong and soft but always, according to Sarah's Republican Convention acceptance speech, "my man."
Integrity
Wasilla Bible Church associate pastor Ashley Brown believes in her integrity: "What she says is what she thinks. Her actions back it up and her words match her beliefs."
Disney agrees that as a professing Christian, Sarah Palin is full of "integrity." She does "the right thing when no one is looking," including taking pay cuts instead of the offered raises, said Wasilla church member and longtime Wasilla and Alaskan voter. As one of her first acts as governor, she listed the govenor's jet on Ebay. Palin "believes in Jesus Christ and is a born-again believer."
Senior Pastor Larry Kroon has taught the Palins, Disneys and many other families using an "inductive style" of teaching, meticulously teaching the Bible one of at a time. The church recently finished going through the Gospel of Mark, using Scripture to prove Scripture while scrutinizing various interpretations for biblical accuracy. Her quiet faith and integrity have come through resulting into political reformation.
She "has cleaned house in the state," Disney said. Her belief in Christ as savior, Lord and creator orients her politics, including the belief for equal time to creationism in public schools, serving the people and public integrity.
Politics, promises and marathons
Sarah Palin's authenticity has turned presidential politics up-side-down. The McCain-Palin ticket promises real reform to the well known politics of personal destruction and corruption. This is just the beginning, so will this marathon running mayor and governor go the political distance?
If this GOP ticket can root out DC corruption half as successfully as Palin did in Juneau against her own party, then the Straight Talk Express would really have something to say. Campaign finance reform and other anti-corruption reforms would truly pale in (or Palin) comparison!
According to some news reports, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin recently blamed supporters of the Democratic presidential ticket for spreading "misinformation and flat-out lies" about her and her family (www.newsmax.com). What is the truth about Palin?
Just the facts: Sarah's source
Who is Sarah Palin, and what is the source of her strength, what developed her view of family, and what informs her politics and worldview?
The church
A few weeks before the national spotlight focused on her, an 11 year member of Wasilla Bible Church, Jeff Disney said, "We sat in front of Sarah and Todd Palin at church two weeks ago. That day we dedicated their new baby, just the way you would have liked it. They are solid, sold out for the Lord," and strong believers of the Bible. The Disneys have known the Palins for three years.
Sarah, plain and tall
Before attending Wasilla Bible Church, Sarah Palin was born a Roman Catholic, then grew up as a member of an Assemblies of God church, a conservative and pentecostal Christian denomination. As reported by the Associated Press, currently, according to the McCain-Palin campaign, she frequents different churches and does not consider herself a pentecostal (a Christian body that believes in the apostolic gifts of the Holy Spirit as active today).
While in high school, she led the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. Known as a tough player, "Sarah Barracuda," led her girls' basketball in prayer and in play to a state championship.
Church and more churches
According to the National Catholic Reporter, Palin often attends an independent Christian church called Church on the Rock in Wasilla, Alaska (go to www.churchontherockak.org for church statement of faith). An AP religion writer also noted that Palin infrequently attends Juneau Christian Center. Finally, a Time magazine article concluded that the Palin's church of worship is Wasilla Bible Church (www.wasillabible.org for church statement of faith), as confirmed by the testimony of the church member who witnessed the baby dedication.
Faith and practice
Facts concur that Palin is a faithful churchgoer, but does her faith translate to actions in life and in politics?
Early testing revealed that Palin's fifth child would be born with Down syndrome. While 90% of mothers of Down syndrome babies choose abortion, Palin's longterm pro-life position and faith pointed to one decision--birth and "blessing." The Anchorage Daily News reported, "she was sad at first but they now feel blessed that God chose them."
Culture of life
Palin's press statement this past spring explained their sentiments:
"Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with the gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives.
The statemented concluded:
"We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed."
A quiet but firm faith from her mother
Boston Globe religion writer Michael Paulson summed up Palin's faith and practice:
"Her Christian faith, they say, came from her mother, who took her children to area Bible churches as they were growing up . . . . her faith has been steady since high school . . . and grew stronger as she sought out believers in her college years. Palin doesn't brandish her religion on the campaign."
"Wearing her faith quietly fits more with Palin's personality," said longtime Alaska resident Chas St. George.
Three years ago, at the Interact Ministry (www.interactministries.org) conference, "nobody introduced her," said Disney. She and Todd were just sitting quietly at his table when he (Disney) realized that this is the mayor of Wasilla. They were there to give money to a ministry that cared for the spiritual and physical needs of northern communities around Alaska, Canada and Russia.
It was here that Disney and his wife became acquainted with the Palins. "We were ask to host a table and we got to know them a bit there." When ask if she's really who she portrays herself, Disney said, "When you listen to her, you can tell!"
The children are active in church events. Todd and Sarah "are both great parents. I can hardly picture Todd without him having one of his kids hanging on him or in his arms - he is a very involved and loving father." Todd is also a four-time champion of the Iron Dog, roughly a 2000 mile snow-machine race over land, rivers and some open ocean from Wasilla to Nome, Alaska. He is a "man's man" but also "Mr. Mom and kids love him." He is both strong and soft but always, according to Sarah's Republican Convention acceptance speech, "my man."
Integrity
Wasilla Bible Church associate pastor Ashley Brown believes in her integrity: "What she says is what she thinks. Her actions back it up and her words match her beliefs."
Disney agrees that as a professing Christian, Sarah Palin is full of "integrity." She does "the right thing when no one is looking," including taking pay cuts instead of the offered raises, said Wasilla church member and longtime Wasilla and Alaskan voter. As one of her first acts as governor, she listed the govenor's jet on Ebay. Palin "believes in Jesus Christ and is a born-again believer."
Senior Pastor Larry Kroon has taught the Palins, Disneys and many other families using an "inductive style" of teaching, meticulously teaching the Bible one of at a time. The church recently finished going through the Gospel of Mark, using Scripture to prove Scripture while scrutinizing various interpretations for biblical accuracy. Her quiet faith and integrity have come through resulting into political reformation.
She "has cleaned house in the state," Disney said. Her belief in Christ as savior, Lord and creator orients her politics, including the belief for equal time to creationism in public schools, serving the people and public integrity.
Politics, promises and marathons
Sarah Palin's authenticity has turned presidential politics up-side-down. The McCain-Palin ticket promises real reform to the well known politics of personal destruction and corruption. This is just the beginning, so will this marathon running mayor and governor go the political distance?
If this GOP ticket can root out DC corruption half as successfully as Palin did in Juneau against her own party, then the Straight Talk Express would really have something to say. Campaign finance reform and other anti-corruption reforms would truly pale in (or Palin) comparison!
Aug 29, 2008
A conservative, female GOP VP nominee?
If the operative (leading) reason for U.S. Sen. John McCain's vice presidential pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was due to gender and such egalitarian reasons, then his pick is problematic. Remember, Martin Luther King, Jr., said, we "should not be judged by the color of our skin, but the content of our character."
Whether its skin or gender, either characteristics are outside of our control. What we can control, that is, the "content of our character," should be the operative factor for selection. Content of our character reflects our integrity, discipline, hard work, faithfulness leading to achievements, successful relationships and contentment. Apparently, Gov. Palin has the necessary content of character.
The question remains, did Sen. McCain pick her finally because she was the most qualified under the circumstances or because she was a woman? If she was picked for being a woman (to obtain Hillary Clinton female voters and the historic suffrage moment), then political appeasement to left-liberal egalitarian in gender affairs won out.
McCain and his close confidants only knows. Certainly, many now know that the Palin pick does change the poltical dynamics. Obama and his particular ethnicity is not the only historic moment in this race; Palin does not pale in comparison.
Whether its skin or gender, either characteristics are outside of our control. What we can control, that is, the "content of our character," should be the operative factor for selection. Content of our character reflects our integrity, discipline, hard work, faithfulness leading to achievements, successful relationships and contentment. Apparently, Gov. Palin has the necessary content of character.
The question remains, did Sen. McCain pick her finally because she was the most qualified under the circumstances or because she was a woman? If she was picked for being a woman (to obtain Hillary Clinton female voters and the historic suffrage moment), then political appeasement to left-liberal egalitarian in gender affairs won out.
McCain and his close confidants only knows. Certainly, many now know that the Palin pick does change the poltical dynamics. Obama and his particular ethnicity is not the only historic moment in this race; Palin does not pale in comparison.
May 19, 2008
McCain stiff arms Dr. Dobson
From newsmax.com (May 18, 2008 by Phil Brennan titled McCain Rebuffs Dobons: Will Evangelicals bolt?), U.S. Sen. John McCain's campaign has, for the time being, rejected invitations to meet with Dr. James Dobson, a politically influential evangelical broadcaster and psychologist.
According to veteran columnist, Robert Novak of the Chicago Sun-Times, McCain's move leads to U.S. Sen. Barack Obama becoming the next U.S. president.
Key conservatives have reached out to McCain but the GOP presumptive nominee has debranched such olive branches.
Surprised and dissatisfied, many of Dobson's supporters "are looking beyond 2008 to seek a new leader of the conservative movement for the 2012 election," reported Novak.
Will other conservatives branch out away from McCain or will they fall in? The band wagon effect is powerful and so is the Straight Talk Express but shouldn't McCain at least sweeten the pot. A bit of sugar makes the medicine go down.
A humble McCain would also allow his Straight Talk Express to go down the highway farther in November.
According to veteran columnist, Robert Novak of the Chicago Sun-Times, McCain's move leads to U.S. Sen. Barack Obama becoming the next U.S. president.
Key conservatives have reached out to McCain but the GOP presumptive nominee has debranched such olive branches.
Surprised and dissatisfied, many of Dobson's supporters "are looking beyond 2008 to seek a new leader of the conservative movement for the 2012 election," reported Novak.
Will other conservatives branch out away from McCain or will they fall in? The band wagon effect is powerful and so is the Straight Talk Express but shouldn't McCain at least sweeten the pot. A bit of sugar makes the medicine go down.
A humble McCain would also allow his Straight Talk Express to go down the highway farther in November.
Jul 17, 2007
Presidential Run for the Roses: The GOP (Part 2)
McCain's horse losing steam: What happened to media's darling? (For background, see previous blog entitled The GOP (Part 1)
As U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, tries to fend off the dark horses in the GOP presidential run for the roses, his campaign is imploding. Among many others, his chief fundraiser and communications director have resigned, hoping to go to greener pastures. literally. McCain's campaign is out of green cash. His Straight Talk Express is running out of gas (and gas money). What happened to this tough talking media savvy Vietnam veteran?
McCain's recent birthday bash was quite telling. The invited guests were members of the elite media. These were his darling constituents, broadcasting his every move--in a positive way. He was the Bush basher, the Republican maverick, the conservative who attacked conservatives and conservatism. He has had the backing of Indepedents nationally, particularly in New Hampshire, the first primary state. He had the cash and the best political operatives that money can buy.
McCain had the backing of the Republican establishment in South Carolina, the home of the first Southern primary. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC, advanced his issues, including immigration. McCain's run for the roses always had an Archilles heel, or a loose horse shoe. That shoe is now falling off.
The Republican and conservatives leaders that he had distanced, sometimes attacked, are the ones who directly vote or influence major groups to vote, not the members of the elite media. Polls are now showing that his strategy has backfired.
Republicans and conservatives, the voting constituency, are not giving money and not acceding to his candidancy during state and national poll surveys. His initiatives, including the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform, his attack on President Bush's intelligence strategy, including the torture issue, his playing both sides of the abortion debate, along with pushing for the guest worker/immigration bill has caught up with him. Even his support for the War on Iraq has angered his media constitutency.
Perhaps, most of all, his media constitutency has embraced their natural allies--left leaning, egalitarian candidates U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-IL and Hilary Clinton, D-NY. McCain is back in New Hampshire to pick up the pieces, starting with the many Independent voters in the state.
In my home state of South Carolina, where McCain has nurtured the Republican party for over eight years, his efforts are not bearing fruit. The fruit is becoming stale, perhaps due to the conservative leaning of this state. His moderate, independent, and insurgency campaign is growing sour in this must-win state.
What about the other candidates, including former mayor Rudolph "Rudy" Giuliani, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and likely candidacy of former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-TN? Will it be McCain at the Republican finish line or one of these other candidates? Catch me next time as I talk about these candidates and the other dark horse candidates in the Presidential Run for the Roses.
What do you think?
(For background, please see previous blog entitled Presidential Run for the Rose: GOP (Part 1)
As U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, tries to fend off the dark horses in the GOP presidential run for the roses, his campaign is imploding. Among many others, his chief fundraiser and communications director have resigned, hoping to go to greener pastures. literally. McCain's campaign is out of green cash. His Straight Talk Express is running out of gas (and gas money). What happened to this tough talking media savvy Vietnam veteran?
McCain's recent birthday bash was quite telling. The invited guests were members of the elite media. These were his darling constituents, broadcasting his every move--in a positive way. He was the Bush basher, the Republican maverick, the conservative who attacked conservatives and conservatism. He has had the backing of Indepedents nationally, particularly in New Hampshire, the first primary state. He had the cash and the best political operatives that money can buy.
McCain had the backing of the Republican establishment in South Carolina, the home of the first Southern primary. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC, advanced his issues, including immigration. McCain's run for the roses always had an Archilles heel, or a loose horse shoe. That shoe is now falling off.
The Republican and conservatives leaders that he had distanced, sometimes attacked, are the ones who directly vote or influence major groups to vote, not the members of the elite media. Polls are now showing that his strategy has backfired.
Republicans and conservatives, the voting constituency, are not giving money and not acceding to his candidancy during state and national poll surveys. His initiatives, including the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform, his attack on President Bush's intelligence strategy, including the torture issue, his playing both sides of the abortion debate, along with pushing for the guest worker/immigration bill has caught up with him. Even his support for the War on Iraq has angered his media constitutency.
Perhaps, most of all, his media constitutency has embraced their natural allies--left leaning, egalitarian candidates U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-IL and Hilary Clinton, D-NY. McCain is back in New Hampshire to pick up the pieces, starting with the many Independent voters in the state.
In my home state of South Carolina, where McCain has nurtured the Republican party for over eight years, his efforts are not bearing fruit. The fruit is becoming stale, perhaps due to the conservative leaning of this state. His moderate, independent, and insurgency campaign is growing sour in this must-win state.
What about the other candidates, including former mayor Rudolph "Rudy" Giuliani, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and likely candidacy of former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-TN? Will it be McCain at the Republican finish line or one of these other candidates? Catch me next time as I talk about these candidates and the other dark horse candidates in the Presidential Run for the Roses.
What do you think?
(For background, please see previous blog entitled Presidential Run for the Rose: GOP (Part 1)
Jun 28, 2007
Amnesty Away
Under the law
Obedience to American law was my family's step toward citizenship. I became a citizen at 16 years old, seven years after my arrival to this land of liberty. It does matter what you do first in regard to one's new country. If breaking the law is the first deed; it won't be the last time.
My Filipino parents respect American law and abided by it then and now. Respect for law is a principle that I am teaching my students and children. So it is good that illegal immigrants were not rewarded with a helping hand towards the path to a very valued asset, United States citizenship.
U.S. citizenship is a prize
American citizenship should be treasured by Americans, especially by American leaders; much of the world are striving, even dying, to get this status. Leaders, including Pres. Bush, U.S. senators John Kerry, D-Mass, Ted Kennedy, D-Mass, John McCain, R-AZ, Lindsey Graham, R-SC should never be permitted to give away the right to citizenship like food stamps for mere votes (for future Hispanic votes, the leading minority voting bloc). Even with good intentions, which I believe some on the pro-illegal immigration side have, the move to make illegals legal will only invite civil disobedience, cultural division and constitutional devolution.
Political fallout
In this transcending issue, the winners:
law, reason and principle over appeasement, emotion and compromise;
conservatives over liberals;
Southerners and social conservatives over northerners and establishment politicians;
U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, R-Al over U.S. senators Ted Kennedy & John Kerry, D-Mass;
U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, R-SC over U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC;
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-TX over U.S. Senator John Kyl- R-AZ;
Grassroots conservatism over pragmatic and patrician Republicanism (Pres. Bush, Sen. McCain)
The law and order presidency on this issue gave in to compromise and emotion, while the Graham/McCain duo lost to DeMint and Sessions (as a South Carolinian, perhaps, DeMint will become the movement senator in our state). Senator Kyl, the leading conservative in the senate who formely led the fight on this issue may now take a back seat to Sen. Cornyn, R-TX.
This issue has proved that grassroot and cultural conservatism along with Talk Radio can still stand against liberal, Beltway politicians, the elite media, and the President--that shows political and cultural depth and strength.
Illegal immigration is an issue that is legal, cultural, moral and constitutional, and should be resolved by upholding current law first followed by, if necessary, an amendment process. The issue of abortion was decided by men in black (the U.S. Supreme Court) and still remains a deeply divisive issue. Illegal immigration should, if necessary, be finally resolved through the amendment process in order to allow U.S. constitutional law, human reason and national unity to again be our standard.
These are my initial thoughts. What are yours?
For an in-depth discussion of this topic, please go back to my website at http://www.drecarma.com/ and read my published writings on the right side of the home page. Please click my illegal immigration article.
Obedience to American law was my family's step toward citizenship. I became a citizen at 16 years old, seven years after my arrival to this land of liberty. It does matter what you do first in regard to one's new country. If breaking the law is the first deed; it won't be the last time.
My Filipino parents respect American law and abided by it then and now. Respect for law is a principle that I am teaching my students and children. So it is good that illegal immigrants were not rewarded with a helping hand towards the path to a very valued asset, United States citizenship.
U.S. citizenship is a prize
American citizenship should be treasured by Americans, especially by American leaders; much of the world are striving, even dying, to get this status. Leaders, including Pres. Bush, U.S. senators John Kerry, D-Mass, Ted Kennedy, D-Mass, John McCain, R-AZ, Lindsey Graham, R-SC should never be permitted to give away the right to citizenship like food stamps for mere votes (for future Hispanic votes, the leading minority voting bloc). Even with good intentions, which I believe some on the pro-illegal immigration side have, the move to make illegals legal will only invite civil disobedience, cultural division and constitutional devolution.
Political fallout
In this transcending issue, the winners:
law, reason and principle over appeasement, emotion and compromise;
conservatives over liberals;
Southerners and social conservatives over northerners and establishment politicians;
U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, R-Al over U.S. senators Ted Kennedy & John Kerry, D-Mass;
U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, R-SC over U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC;
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-TX over U.S. Senator John Kyl- R-AZ;
Grassroots conservatism over pragmatic and patrician Republicanism (Pres. Bush, Sen. McCain)
The law and order presidency on this issue gave in to compromise and emotion, while the Graham/McCain duo lost to DeMint and Sessions (as a South Carolinian, perhaps, DeMint will become the movement senator in our state). Senator Kyl, the leading conservative in the senate who formely led the fight on this issue may now take a back seat to Sen. Cornyn, R-TX.
This issue has proved that grassroot and cultural conservatism along with Talk Radio can still stand against liberal, Beltway politicians, the elite media, and the President--that shows political and cultural depth and strength.
Illegal immigration is an issue that is legal, cultural, moral and constitutional, and should be resolved by upholding current law first followed by, if necessary, an amendment process. The issue of abortion was decided by men in black (the U.S. Supreme Court) and still remains a deeply divisive issue. Illegal immigration should, if necessary, be finally resolved through the amendment process in order to allow U.S. constitutional law, human reason and national unity to again be our standard.
These are my initial thoughts. What are yours?
For an in-depth discussion of this topic, please go back to my website at http://www.drecarma.com/ and read my published writings on the right side of the home page. Please click my illegal immigration article.
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