The Political Motivation behind CREW’s Complaint against Christine O’Donnell

Do not let the AP or Wilmington News Journal’s reports that the investigation into Christine O’Donnell use of campaign funds is about her misuse of those funds. The timing of the complaint by the Citizens for Responsibility of Ethics in Washington (CREW) was politically motivated and occurred days after her historic Republican primary upset of Congressman Michael Castle. Her September 14th victory rocked the Delaware political system, in which the political elite fired back.

On September 20th, CREW filed a complaint that Christine O’Donnell allegedly misused campaign funds for personal use. It does not take being a rocket scientist to know that timing of complaint was directly attributed to the fact that Christine O’Donnell’s victory upset the status quo, where a select few controlled the entire political system here in Delaware. Aside from Congressman Mike Castle who was the party endorsed candidate, ties to Vice President Joe Biden can also be tracked.

Melanie Sloan, CREW’s Executive Director a long-time Democratic operative and former Nominations Counsel for Joe Biden's Senate Judiciary Committee. With ties that close to Vice President Joe Biden, she is doing the heavy lifting to ensure Democrats win in Delaware forever. She is also keeping the road clear for Joe Biden’s son, Beau should he ever decide to run for federal office. Earlier this year, Beau shocked the Delaware electorate when he decided against running for U.S. Senate, the seat previously held by his father. In November 2010, Sloan announced she was leaving CREW for a job at a law firm.

Who else is behind CREW? Let’s find out…

• Norm Eisen, a co-founder of CREW, went to law school with President Barack Obama and was the deputy counsel for Obama’s transition team.
• CREW President, Treasurer and co-incorporator Louis M. Mayberg is a prominent Democratic donor.
• Director John Luongo served as the 2001 technical advisor to the Democratic National Committee, and served on the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood from 2001-2007.
• Former Director Naomi Seligman launched the communications program for leftist Media Matters of America.
• Initial Incorporator of CREW Mark Penn served in a key role in Bill Clinton’s 1996 Presidential Campaign, and served as the chief strategist and pollster for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 Presidential campaign.

The Money Trail behind CREW

In order to see what motivates CREW, you need to see how CREW obtains its funding. In a simple Internet search, CREW is funded by the Stephen M Silberstein Foundation and the Democracy Alliance.

The Silberstein Foundation, in addition to CREW, has donated to:

• The PBL Fund - Peter B. Lewis, a Democracy Alliance donor is the sole trustee of this foundation. Silberstein donated $396,354 in 2008.

• The Gill Foundation – Foundation President Tim Gill is a backer of the Democracy Alliance. The Gill Foundation received $150,000 in 2008 for general operating support.

• Mayberg Family Charitable Foundation – CREW President Louis Mayberg is the only trustee of this foundation. This foundation received $25,000 in 2008.

• Open Society Foundation – Institute President George Soros is a backer of the Democracy Alliance.


The Democracy Alliance is another principle financial backer of CREW. This group is backed by George Soros, and was founded by former Clinton Treasury official Rob Stein, Erica Payne and various donors in 2005. Those donors are the wealthy, liberal elite. According to a 2006 article by James Dellinger;

"(In April 2005) Soros gathered together an even larger group. Seventy millionaires and billionaires met in Phoenix, Arizona, to firm up the details for their fledging political financing clearinghouse. The attendees heard presentations on why all the pro-Democratic Party 527 groups on which they lavished millions of dollars failed to deliver the election to Kerry. But now they had a new strategy to make a difference.”.

But membership to the Democracy Alliance comes with a price:

“To join the Democracy Alliance, there is one requirement: You must be rich. Members, who are called “partners,” pay an initial $25,000 fee and $30,000 in yearly dues. They also must pledge to give at least $200,000 annually to groups that Democracy Alliance endorses.”

Dellinger also notes that several organizations have been approved for funding by the Democracy Alliance. They include, but are not limited to: CREW; Media Matters for America (linked to CREW, see Naomi Seligman); Emily’s List, and ACORN. Yes, the ACORN that was exposed during and after the 2008 Presidential campaign.

Some key liberal figures are also behind the Democracy Alliance:

• Chair: Taco Bell heir Rob McKay also is President of the McKay Family Foundation and a director for Mother Jones. McKay also blogs for the Huffington Post
• Vice Chair: Former Secretary of the SEIU Anna Burger. In February 2009, Burger was appointed to as a member of the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board.
• George Soros
• Norman Lear, Hollywood TV producer and creator of “All in the Family”, “The Jeffersons” and “Sanford and Son”
• Rob Reiner, Hollywood actor and director. He was an actor in Norman Lear’s “All in the Family”
• The SEIU is an institutional member of the Democracy Alliance

Why the Money Trail Matters

As you can see, CREW is financed by some very committed hard leftists who have an agenda to fund progressive candidates and agendas. Stopping Christine O’Donnell via the CREW complaint (and now reported federal investigation), Democracy Alliance and the Silberstein Foundation was essential to advancing the progressive agenda in Delaware. By protecting the legacy of Joe Biden, paving the way for his son Beau; CREW would cement a permanent status quo of failed liberal, progressive agenda of stagnant economic growth, and culture of dependence.

The candidacy of Christine O’Donnell, which started in 2006, was a direct assault on the status quo and this drove the elites into a panic. That is why when she won the 2010 GOP nomination in September 2010, CREW had to throw all it had at her. They were determined to make it stick and to intentionally and publicly discredit who she was and what she stood for.

But more importantly, not only were they discrediting Christine O’Donnell; but they their complaint against the O’Donnell campaign was also against the conservative movement in Delaware. It was the conservative movement in Delaware (and also throughout the U.S.) that helped Christine secure the primary victory in September. Their rationale was that if you stop Christine, the conservative movement will also die in Delaware.

We now go back full circle to Joe Biden, Mike Castle, Beau Biden and other liberal elites in Delaware who want Christine stopped. Stopping her would mean an end to their tight control over the entire political system in Delaware, including the purse strings. We cannot exclude some key members of Delaware Republican Party, include party chair Tom Ross, whose ego was severely bruised when Christine beat party backed candidate Mike Castle. Castle despite being a Republican is no conservative, and barely had a 50% conservative rating from the American Conservative Union. A snapshot of his liberal career is found here.

Delaware Republican Party Chair, also filed a formal FEC complaint against Republican candidate Christine O'Donnell.  How is that for eating your own young?

So Delaware, now you know why this was done. This complaint is solely because of bruised egos because Christine beat Mike Castle and an intentional assault on Christine and the conservative movement in Delaware to cement permanent Democratic rule.

But it could not have been done with the on-going libelous assault by the Wilmington News Journal. And let’s not forget that the News Journal is a Gannett Corp. publication. Gannett lauded former SEIU Secretary Anna Burger as “the most influential woman in the U.S. labor movement". So when CREW filed the complaint, and since CREW is funded by the Democracy Alliance (of which Anna Burger is Vice Chair), the News Journal complies (and continues to comply) with the endless campaign of Christine bashing. And it all started with that March 20th article of which the News Journal launched the first of many assaults against Christine O’Donnell.

Liberals – you fool no one. You have been exposed.

SOURCES:

http://www.undueinfluence.com/citizens-for-responsibility-and-ethics.htm

http://www.undueinfluence.com/alliance_for_democracy.htm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/06/AR2005080600848.html

http://www.muckety.com/Democracy-Alliance/5024725.muckety

http://www.citizenlink.com/2010/09/the-republican-take-down-brought-to-you-by-colorado-democracy-alliance/

R. Lee Ermey urges Americans to fight Socialism

R. Lee Ermey, and retired U.S. Marine drill instructor and actor in the GEICO commercial has a few words for Americans on the state of the U.S. economy and where we are headed.  In doing a promotion for Toys for Tots he said that this year was problematic due to the sluggish economy.

"We are having a big problem this year (with toy donations).  The economy really sucks.  And I hate to point figures at anybody, but the present administration probably had a lot to do with it.  And the way I see it, they are not going to quit doing it until they bring this country to its knees.   So I think we should all rise up an we should stop this administration from what they are doing   because they are destroying this country.  They are driving this country into bankruptcy so they can impose Socialism on us, and that is exactly what they are doing.  I am sick and tired of it, and know you are too..."

How the Obama Stole Christmas!

Rush Liimbaugh on Why Fake Conservatives Lost in 2010

Census: Population Shifts May Mean Opportunity for GOP, Conservatives

The 2010 Census results are in.  And for the Democratic Party, they may be losing their grasp on New Castle County.

The results show more are moving below the canal, which is more friendly to conservative values, than that above the canal.  The results also mean that an additional two Senators (one each for Kent and Sussex) and four legislators (two each for Kent and Sussex) may be in the works.  They will be at the expense of New Castle County.  The upcoming redistricting (done every ten years) should take this into consideration.

What we can expect is few legislators representing New Castle County, and more representing Kent and Sussex.  The elections of 2012 can have dramatic impacts on the future of the State of Delaware.

Don´t Tread On Me

Lyrics:

Liberty or death, what we so proudly hail

Once you provoke her, rattling of her tail
Never begins it, never, but once engaged
Never surrenders, showing the fangs of rage

Don't tread on me

So be it

Threaten no more
To secure peace is to prepare for war
So be it
Settle the score
Touch me again for the words that you will hear evermore

Don't tread on me

Love it or live it, she with the deadly bite
Quick is the blue tongue, forked as the lighting strike
Shining with brightness, always on surveillance
The eyes, they never close, emblem of vigilance

Don't tread on me

So be it
Threaten no more
To secure peace is to prepare for war
So be it
Settle the score
Touch me again for the words that you will hear evermore

Don't tread on me

So be it
Threaten no more
To secure peace is to prepare for war

Liberty or death, what we so proudly hail
Once you provoke her, rattling
of her tail

So be it
Threaten no more
To secure peace is to prepare for war

So be it
Settle the score
Touch me again for the words that you will hear evermore

Don't tread on me

Steele Will Seek Second Term After All

Despite erroneous reports earlier today, Michael Steele will seek a second term as RNC Chair.

Change! Obama Has Added to National Deficit Every Month Since Inauguration

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus: Obamacare Ruled Unconstitutional

Today, a federal judge in Virginia rules the cornerstone of the Obamacare health care reform bill, unconsitutional.  U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson severed the individual mandate of the law, which forces Americans to purchase health insurance.  Admitted in his ruling, Hudson admits the full judgment over Obamacare rests with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ken Cuccinelli, Virginia Attorney General championed the ruling as "a great day for the Constitution."  He also looks forward to the opportunity to have the legality of the Obamacare bill heard before the U.S. Supreme Court.

RNC Chair Michael Steele Apparently Not Running for Re-election

According to Fox News, RNC Chair Michael Steele is not running for re-election.  The battle for the soul of the Republican Party officially begins.

Please take our poll for your choice for RNC Chair.

House Passes the Nightmare Act

The Dream Act passed in the U.S. House yesteray 216-198, with 38 Democrats voting No and 8 Republicans voting yes.  The guilty eight are:

Joe Cao (defeated in general election)
Mike Castle (defeated in primary)
Lincoln Diaz-Balart (retiring)
Mario Diaz-Balart
Charles Djou (defeated in general election)
Vern Ehlers (retiring)
Bob Inglis (defeated in primary)
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

HotAir has more on this vote.

Reagan Recovery versus Obama Recovery

A picture is worth a thousand words...

John Bolton: Obama's Refusal to Address Wikileaks Threats a Danger to U.S. National Security

Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton said President Obama's failure to address the security threats against the U.S. are a great danger.  Of note:

• U.S. Secretary of State recognized the Wikileaks intelligence dump as an attack on someone, but was more occupied with protecting the international community.
• Press Secretary Robert Gibbs dismissed the Wikileaks intelligence dump as an attack done by one person.  He also added the White House was "not scared of one guy with one keyboard and a laptop".

That was it.  Not other response from his administration on the Wikileaks intelligence dump.

Obama's failure to address this lapse of security over intelligence data, and the intentional release should concern every American.  This administration is failing its Constitutional duties to 'provide a common defense' and ensure that its actions and national security data is not compromised. 

President Obama in his inaction to address this, along with his weak foreign diplomatic scorecard has further eroded America's image globally.  Why have a State Department when no nation can trust you to protect sensitive information?  Why have a State Department when the leak of the information insulted foreign dignitaries and some of our allies?

And with his failure to stand firm against this release, is this a sign of what is to come should we need to stand firm against another Pearl Harbor or another 9/11?

Education Spending Does Not Equal Results

Once again, the U.S. was globally embarrassed in an international assessment of education results.  The renowned Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (http://www.oecd.org/) released it's latest results today.  The U.S. did not fare to well.

• The U.S. ranked 14th in reading
• The U.S. ranked 25th in mathematics
• The U.S. ranked 17th in science

Clearly, despite the expenditures, U.S. students are not meeting international educational standards.  It is well known, that the U.S. does not have a spending problem in terms of providing education for its students.  But why isn't all of the money being thrown at it, working?  The Heritage Foundation studied this, and money does not equal results.

In its 2010 annual report card on education, the American Legislative Exchange Council (http://www.alec.org/) also validated that education spending does not always guarantee results.

The case is also true on a state level for the State of Delaware.  Despite spending over $13,000 per student, the standard has mediocre results:

Like Delaware, the United States has not addressed the root cause of the education problem - which is reforming the education system to meet the skill needs of the business community.  On a global scale, the U.S. is not creating an educated workforce that can compete with students in higher proficiency in mathematics, science, and even reading comprehension.  The education gap is of great concern because America is losing its competitive edge, at the expense of education unions and special interests.

If the U.S. wants to remain competitive, meaningful education reform devoid of education unions and special interests must take place at the federal and each state level.  The U.S. and each state can longer afford to allow teacher's unions to dictate the curriculum and educational testing standards. 

But true education reform cannot be conducted with being a priority at home.  Unless the student has a nurturing and supporting environment, the student has no incentive to study and succeed.  Parental involvement in ensuring their child is getting the appropriate education they require is essential to developing a future employee in this global workforce.

The short-term and long-term education vitality of the U.S, and each state also is contingent on producing continual high quality workforce that can meet the ever changing needs of this global economy.  As technology and innovation become the cornerstone of the economy, competence in mathematics, science and technology must be attained.  The U.S. must re-focus its energies on technological and scientific innovation that can springboard to manufacturing on U.S. soil.  But without American innovation in all facets of science and technology, done with a competent workforce, this cannot be attained.

December 7th: A Beginning of an Experiment, and a Date Which Will Live in Infamy

When most people think of December 7th, they think of only of the two major events to happen on this date.  But for America there are two historic events that have forever changed our nation.

December 7, 1787 is a date every American must know just like July 4th and Christmas.  This date was the day America was born as a nation, when visionaries from the state of Delaware ratified the U.S. Constitution.  The brave step by these founding fathers and patriots of the American Revolution gave birth to a nation that has championed opportunity and liberty for all citizens.  No other nation in the world has been as blessed as this one, and it all started by a little state on the Eastern seaboard to kick start what we have enjoyed for 233 years.

December 7, 1941 marks the first terrorist attack on U.S. soil by a sovereign nation.  Japan's horrific attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was the catalyst that forced the U.S. into a contentious and brutal battle in World War II.  American personal casualties on that tragic day were 2,042 casualties and 1,282 wounded.



President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared December 7, 1941 as a "date which will live in infamy" after the Japan's unannounced provocation of an attack, despite on-going diplomatic negotiations.



As history has shown, this horrific attack catapulted the U.S. in World War II against Japan, Germany and Italy.  Germany and Italy were unrelated to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, but to stop communism

Bar Stool Economics and How Taxes Work

Yep, It Must Be Global Warming

For over a week, seven patrons of a Yorkshire, England pub have been stranded inside due to 16 foot snow drifts.  High winds, and continual snow showers have also put their cars under nine feet of snow.

Nothing is worse than being stuck inside an English pub with great pub food and beer to keep you nourished.  It could be worse, right?

Meteroligists are now blaming global warming for the unusual major snow problems in Britian.  Funny, but if you ask me its called -- winter!

DELDOT's Route 113 Bypass Land Deals Require Investigation

The Delaware Department of Transportation's decision to pay two land developers $60,000 per month not to build should be cause of concern for the Delaware taxpayer.  It does not take a rocket scientist to know that the U.S. and Delaware are still reeling from a protracted recession, of which includes the housing market.  DELDOT's decision to reward two land developers in this market are akin to bailouts doled out by the U.S. Department of Treasury to large firms suchs as General Motors, Chrysler and all of the national money-center banks.

The premise of rewarding the two land developers was brought to Delawareans' attention today.  But a News Journal article alone will not address the premise of the why the two developers are being rewarded.  And that is why Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden and State Auditor Tom Wagner must investigate.

• Why were the two developers the only ones rewarded, of the 416 affected by the new bypass plans? 
• Is the planned bypass through Dagsboro the best alternative to problems on Route 113?
• What authority does DELDOT have to reward $60,000/month to two developers for something not to be built? (This is different that compensating homeowners affected by a road project on fair market value due to loss of property).

The State Auditor must also investigate DELDOT Secretary Carolyn Wicks' premise that the deals were responsible to the Delaware taxpayer.  Her own comment ""We are responsible with taxpayers' money," is simply not true.  Rewarding two developers to the tune of $60,000 each per month is not good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. 

Further investigation needs to be done to investigate Rte 113 alternatives as they fail to address the East-West congestion.  The congestion on Rte 113 is North-South, but the East-West congestion is due to traffic coming from Rte 113 where there are shopping opportunities east to the shore points.  The Bypass alternatives will not alleviate that traffic congestion as Rtes 24, 26, etc may be landlocked and may not be condusive to expansion.

Sunday Comics

h/t NY Post

And let this be a lesson to any other politician who thinks they are above the law.

ICYMI: Unemployment Rose Again

As Americans either work or venture out to conduct holiday shopping, the business world woke up this morning to find out that the economy is far from recovered.  Unemployment surprisingly rose to 9.8% (u3), or 17% for real (u6) unemployment. 

The real unemployment is more troubling as this represents the total unemployment number in America.  While reported u3 represents those on unemployment benefits, u6 (or total unemployment) represents everyone who wants a full-time job, but cannot get one.  And 17% total unemployment, is nearly one out every six Americans. 

And to make matters worse according to a New York Time article, the longer one is out of work; the less of a chance they will find work.  So the bad news just got worse for many. 

The only positive news of today's developments, is this may give incentive to Congressional Democrats to back extending the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for the foreseeable future.  Let's hope they see the light.

Delaware Should Join Movement for 'Don't Tread on Me' License Plates

It is only fitting that the First State to join the union, join the movement to allow drivers to put 'Don't Tread on Me' license plates on their vehicles.  Three states - Virginia, Nevada and now Texas - have announced or passed legislation to allow motorists to express their patriotic enthusiasm for the Gadsden Flag plates.  But, will Delaware?

The State of Delaware on its standard blue and gold (actually the color of buff) license plate, proudly advertises 'The First State'.   Back on December 7, 1787, the Small Wonder started the experiment our Founding Fathers envisioned and what we have enjoyed to know as the United States of America.  What Delaware started, Delaware must continue. 

While some may balk at the notion of the Gadsden Flag being on display on cars throughout the State due to its symbolic use by Tea Parties across the nation. But, the Gadsden Flag is very much a part of America's storied history.  The Gadsden Flag was used by the first U.S. Marines in 1775, who along side the U.S. Navy to incercept incoming British ships carrying war supplies to the British troops in the colonies.  Named after its designer, General Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina, the flag was a symbol of America's fight against the British.  Often in writing before and during the Revolutionary War, America was depicted as snake because the snake (America) joined to fight a British dragon.

Now America, and its citizens are fighting for America's survival.  Millions of concerned Americans have held rallies and marched in our nation's capitol to demand limited government and fiscal restraint and accountability.  Nothing is more fitting for Delaware motorists than the opportunity to display the Gadsden Flag as moniker for America's independence, and why we fought for that independence.  For now, we are fighting for indepdendence from Statists who want to enslave Americans with endless social programs and exorbitant tax burdens.

Christine O'Donnell Gets Book Deal

According to Politico and Delaware Online, Delaware U.S. Senate candidate and conservative pundit Christine O'Donnell got a book deal.  The book will be released in August 2011. 

Sussex County Urges Congress to Reconsider Fuel Tax Bill

Sussex County (Delaware) adopted a resolution urging Congress to rethink its plans to institute a tax bill.  Please see the press release below from Chip Guy, Chief of Public Information for Sussex County.

Sussex County urges Congress to reconsider fuel tax bill

Georgetown, Del., Nov. 30, 2010: Sussex County Council is urging Congressional leaders to back off a proposal that would increase the federal fuel tax, an idea that, if enacted, would mean more dollars out of the pockets of Sussex Countians and millions of Americans.

County Council, at its Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, meeting, adopted a resolution calling on Delaware’s Congressional Delegation to withdraw any support for the proposal to raise by 25 cents a gallon – or any other increased amount – the federal portion of the fuel tax to pay for infrastructure improvements, such as bridges and roads.

County leaders, at the behest of Council President Vance Phillips, said the timing of the proposal is poor, given record unemployment and the flagging national economy.

“People are hurting. They’ve lost jobs, they’re struggling to make ends meet. Businesses are hurting, too,” Council President Phillips said. “To ask the people to pick up one cent more of government spending is wrong, and for many Americans, it could break the bank.”

Council’s resolution is non-binding, but County leaders said they are hopeful their decision will send a message to Washington that actions there filter down to the local level and reach into the pockets of hard-working, everyday people.

County Administrator David Baker will forward a copy of the resolution to Sens. Thomas Carper and Chris Coons, as well as Congressman-elect John Carney.

###

RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL’S CONCERN THAT A PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE FEDERAL FUEL TAX WOULD BE HARMFUL TO THE CITIZENS OF SUSSEX COUNTY, DELAWARE, AND THE COUNTY’S OVERALL ECONOMIC HEALTH

WHEREAS, there is a proposal to increase by 25 cents the federal fuel tax, at a time when gasoline prices are nearing $3 a gallon; and

WHEREAS, a fuel tax increase of 25 cents a gallon would cost the average Sussex County household more than $700 annually; and

WHEREAS, a high number of Sussex County residents are already unemployed or unable to find full-time work, while the national unemployment rate is at the highest sustained rate since the Great Depression; and

WHEREAS, a gasoline tax is particularly burdensome to lower- and lower-middle income citizens in non-urban areas, where there are few public transportation options available; and

WHEREAS, the County’s agriculture industry is adversely affected by higher fuel prices in all aspects, from production to transportation of goods; and

WHEREAS, the County’s tourism industry relies heavily on regional visitors whose discretionary spending could be curtailed by a significant rise in fuel prices; and

WHEREAS, increases in fuel taxes are passed on to consumers, affecting the price of most goods and services, thereby affecting the overall health and stability of our economy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Sussex County Council hereby urges the Delaware Congressional Delegation to withdraw its support for any fuel tax increase; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Administrator shall send an official copy of this resolution, upon its adoption, to each member of the Delaware Congressional Delegation for their consideration.

Wikileaks Fiasco Validates GAO Warning on Feds' Inability to Secure Information Networks

This week's bombshell of another Wiki-leaks information release embarrassed the Obama Administration on multiple fronts.  The major fiasco is the red-faced diplomatic embarrassment over leaks of sensitive information about foreign leaders and nations.  The second has yet to be mentioned, but should be on every one's mind.  It has to deal with securing our federal information networks.

Securing our federal information networks need to be treated with the same scrutiny and vigor as protecting every American man, woman and child.  The U.S. cannot afford to lose any more reputation around the world over this elementary requirement to secure our nation's classified and sensitive data.  Folks, this is Information Security 101.  And the Government Accountability Office (GAO) already cited the agencies for failure to secure their networks. Technology e-magazine eweek.com reported today of similar reports by the federal Office of Management and Budget of similar warnings to agencies to secure networks and removable media.

The June 2010 report cited a six-fold increased in perceived threats against federal information networks. The failure to secure the federal information network against hackers from Wikileaks exposes the Obama Administration from failing to protect America's most precious commodity - intelligence information.  And that could be Obama's downfall.

It does not take a rocket scientist to know that the United States is a target from terrorist groups and rogue nations around the world.  The State Department and Department of Homeland Security need to take this issue and fix this pronto.  Failure to do so further compromise national intelligence and prevent America from protecting itself.

The Department of Homeland Security must focus on:

• Enterprise security to secure all networks and databases using National Institute of Standards and Technology , or NIST standards.
• Moving the National Institute of Standards and Technology from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Homeland Security where it can work alongside federal intelligence agencies and federal protection agencies to protect and secure the federal information networks from domestic and foreign threats.
• Operate the NIST and DHS' Cyber-threat organizations as a single  Information Security agency for the entire federal government.

These initial steps should move the U.S. towards having a more secure federal information network that will not be penetrable from domestic and foreign threats.

The Commercial the U.S. Government Doesn't Want You To See

Why in the world does the U.S. government not want the American public to see this commercial aired on TV?

Could it be that it would validate what the Tea Party and conservative Republicans have been saying all along?

Economics 101: Why Politicians are Wrong

Thanks to the Center for Freedom and Prosperity for releasing a new video on why economists, the government and the media incorrectly focus on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of our nation's economic health.  If more focus was on Gross Domestic Income (GDI), Americans would be better off.

Economic Primer

First, let's give a little primer on what makes up gross domestic product and gross domestic income.

Gross Domestic Product, or GDP is amount of goods and services produced in a year, in a country.  In economic terms, GDP can be calculated by:

GDP = private consumption + gross investment + government spending + (exports − imports)

Gross Domestic Income, or GDI is comprised of national income plus "capital consumption".  In algebraic terms, net national income (NNI) (for educational purposes for this dialogue) is calculated by:

NNI = C + I + G + (NX) + net foreign factor income - indirect taxes - depreciation

where:

* C = Consumption (final purchase of goods and services by individuals constitutes consumption
* I = Investments (everything that remains of total expenditure after consumption, government spending, and net exports are subtracted (i.e. I = GDP - C - G - NX))
* G = Government spending
* NX = net exports (exports minus imports)

Government spending or government expenditure is classified by economists into three main types.[1] Government acquisition of goods and services for current use to directly satisfy individual or collective needs of the members of the community is classed as government final consumption expenditure. Government acquisition of goods and services intended to create future benefits, such as infrastructure investment or research spending, is classed as government investment (gross fixed capital formation), which usually is the largest part of the government gross capital formation. Acquisition of goods and services is made through own production by the government (using the government's labour force, fixed assets and purchased goods and services for intermediate consumption) or through purchases of goods and services from market producers. Government expenditures that are not acquisition of goods and services, and instead just represent transfers of money, such as social security payments, are called transfer payments. Government spending can be financed by seigniorage, taxes, or government borrowing. (Source: Wikipedia)
The Video

With Economics 101 behind us, let's watch the video, and the we'll discuss more on why this is important.



More on Why Keynesian Policies Fail

As the video mentions, politicians and economists incorrectly focus on consumer spending rather than focusing on pro-growth policies to spurn economic growth.  What politicians fail to understand is that Keynesian policies that throw government money to grow the economy is short-term, while pro-growth that increase income is long-term.

What this means is that short-term band-aids such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (or Stimulus Bill) only aid (if that) the economy in the short-term, rather than encourage or foster long-term real economic growth.  The premise by the Stimulus Bill was to create shovel ready jobs, but in reality when those pet projects are done, they economy will contract again.

Followers of Keynesian economics fail to understand that real economic growth is done in the private sector.  In order for their to be meaningful long-term economic growth, politicians need to focus on pro-growth policies such as: lower tax rates, deregulation, good monetary policy, liberal trade policy and  reduced burden of government spending (see 3:13 of video).

Until politicians abandon Keynesian economics (in favor of Hayek's more business friendly) policies) the American economy will continue to be sluggish.

The History of Thanksgiving

First, Blue Hen Conservative wishes everyone a Blessed and Happy Thankgiving!  May you take today to express gratitude and thanks for all that you have, and what God has given you.

The Thanksgiving tradition has deep historic roots in America.  From the early Spanish settlers in Texas in 1541 to the Pilgrims in Massachusetts, Thanksgiving is every bit American as the American flag.  

• 1541 - Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, led a thanksgiving Communion celebration at the Palo Duro Canyon, West Texas.

• 1565 - Pedro Menendez de Aviles and 800 settlers gathered for a meal with the Timucuan Indians in the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, Florida.

• 1621 - Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

• 1630 - Settlers observed the first Thanksgiving of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in New England on July 8, 1630.

• 1777 - George Washington and his army on the way to Valley Forge, stopped in blistering weather in open fields to observe the first Thanksgiving of the new United States of America.

• 1789 - President Washington declared November 26, 1789, as a national day of "thanksgiving and prayer."

• 1800s - The annual presidential thanksgiving proclamations ceased for 45 years in the early 1800s.

• 1863 - President Abraham Lincoln resumed the tradition of Thanksgiving proclamations in 1863. Since this date, Thanksgiving has been observed annually in the United States.

• 1941 - President Roosevelt established the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.
 

The Thanksgiving holiday has deep rooted Biblical roots as well.  Notably, in these verses:
 
Psalm 107:1 (NIV)


"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Psalm 95:1-6 (KJV)


"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker."

Psalm 145:7 (NIV)


They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"







NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.



GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.


(signed) G. Washington

Is Mike Castle's Stock Ownership of TSA Scanner Firm a Conflict of Interest?

While airline passengers cringe as they enter the new TSA body scanners, Mike Castle is getting rich off of it.  But he is not alone according to a Washington Examiner report.

Mike Castle and six other U.S. Representatives and two U.S. Senators each own multiple shares of stock in L-3 Communications.  L-3 is the manufacturer of the new high-density body scanner recently implemented at airports nationwide. 


Congress Members Invested in L-3 Communications

•Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) $500,001 to $1,000,000

•Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE) $16,002 to $65,000

•Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) $16,002 to $65,000

•Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) $15,001 to $50,000

•Rep. Ron Klein (D-FL) $1,001 to $15,000

•Rep. Robert Scott (D-VA) $1,001 to $15,000

•Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) $2,173

•Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-TX) $2,086

Isn't it a conflict of interest for member of Congress (either chamber) to own stock in a firm that receives federal appropriations?  We report, you decide.

Obama's 3 AM Wake Up Call: North Korea Attacks South Korea

While America was sleeping, North Korea attacked the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong.  Early morning reports indicate two South Korean marines were killed.

As the America and the world digests new aggression by North Korea, what will President Obama do?  Clearly this is the 3 AM call we were warned about.  It is common knowledge that North Korea has developed long-range weapons and continues to explore new weapons technology. President Obama must now be bold and forceful to take on the North Korean regime to remain relevant. 

But with two overseas diplomatic failures this month alone, can Obama convince other allies on a course of action to restrain North Korea's actions?  Clearly, we cannot leave one of our Asian allies, South Korean defenseless and sitting duck waiting for another attack by North Korea.

The clock is ticking, and only time will tell if Obama will make the right choice.  

Is America's Food Supply at Risk?

In what may have been seen as a benign move to protect America's food supply from tainted food, S.510 is far from benign. The bill is nothing less than control over food supply. And it should scare everyone, as this will have far reaching effects including considerably higher food prices. Here's why.

First, the bill puts the control over the nation's food supply at the hand of the nations' largest government bureaucracies - the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and the Department of Defense (DOD). Too put in context, as quoted by an excellent article at American Thinker, S.510:

It is a dangerously broad regulatory bill giving extensive discretionary power to the FDA over the entire food supply chain without proper checks and balances to avoid abuse of power;

It would impose one-size-fits-all-regulations on thousands of small and mid-sized farmers, small-scale local farms and food producers, and would drastically burden, to extinction, basic natural and organic food suppliers, thus endangering the lives of Americans who depend on local wholesome foods;

And if you think you can have a home garden, or buy your favorite produce at the local farmstead, think again:

If accepted [S 510] would preclude the public's right to grow, own, trade, transport, share, feed and eat each and every food that nature makes. It will become the most offensive authority against the cultivation, trade and consumption of food and agricultural products of one's choice. It will be unconstitutional and contrary to natural law or, if you like, the will of God.

Now that the bad news has been spilled, it get's even worse. The Senate passed S.510 on bipartisan support 74-26 with seven out of 12 being Republican co-sponsors.  Delaware's two Senators - Carper (D-DE) and newly installed Coons (D-DE) supported the bill, which could be a death knell to Delaware's agriculture industry.

It's Time to Review TSA's Airline Security Procedures

The newly enhanced screening process put in place by TSA has gone too far. It is time for an independent commission to study the legality and effectiveness of these enhanced imaging and pat-down techniques.

If America is truly interested in accurate, safe transportation security, it best look to its best ally, Israel. Israel's El-Al is the safest airline in the world, and that is remarkable given it is in the middle of the war-torn Middle East.

Delaware GOP establishment still doesn't understand TEA Party movement

The "TEA Party" movement, more accurately described as the "Patriot Movement" has been alive and well in Delaware since March of 2009. For 20 months, everyday Delawareans have been raising their voices and letting them be heard. Thousands of Delawareans from all political persuasions have sought a new knowledge of America's roots. They have studied the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Federalist Papers along with newer sources like the "5000 Year Leap". They've gathered in churches, fire halls and even pavilions across the state. They've sought knowledge from some of the brightest minds in America like Dr. Moffit from the Heritage foundation. More and more come to each meeting and tell their friends. The numbers just seem to multiply each month! Still they are considered an uneducated and ignorant minority.

Thousands have rallied on street corners, on the Mall in Dover and at the Riverfront in Wilmington for "TEA Parties". They've called for a more fair media, a limited government restrained by the Constitution and an end to the out of control spending in Dover and Washington. Their signs have read "STOP SPENDING!" and "READ THE BILL". They have made it clear that they are Republicans, Independents AND Democrats and that there is no sexuality, gender or color boundary left uncrossed. Still they are labeled racists, bigots and social outcasts.

I have no doubt that radio personalities like Al Mascitti and the bloggers over at Delaware Liberal may be ignorant of what the Patriot Movement stands for. It's equally likely that they know EXACTLY what it stands for, understand the power of that message and therefore feel they must distort it. I cannot read inside their minds but either they are missing the obvious or they are deceitful. The same goes for the Delaware Democrat Party who may be the only group political or otherwise who actually DOES seem to understand the movement. They fear it and as well they should. The Patriot movement threatens to educate the electorate and an educated electorate more often than not leads to greater freedom and less government. That is why the Democrat Party and their operatives (like Maschitti and Delaware Liberal) work so hard to demonize the "TEA Party". They try to marginalize and push those of us who stand for the TEA Party principles to the fringe. They call us extremists, they call us racists and they call us "teabaggers". It's what liberals do, they attack the messenger and not the message because to be honest, their own message doesn't stand up well in the face of opposition.

The problem is that there is one group that clearly doesn't understand the message of the Patriot Movement. The Delaware GOP establishment. Despite the fact that the Patriot Movement came out in the tens of thousands to help Christine O'Donnell defeat longtime Congressman Mike Castle in the GOP primary in September. Congressman Castle was defeated for three reasons:
1.) He had moved away from his base and had begun courting the Democrats more and more. Perhaps this was in response to the registration numbers, perhaps it was just his nature. Either way he had lost his base. His votes for nearly every spending bill no longer showed him as even a Fiscal Conservative. Most Conservative groups labeled him THE most liberal Republican in the House of Representatives.
2.) He felt like he was entitled to the seat. Castle honestly felt like he didn't have to answer to the people he was sent to represent. This was clear in his answers at the few townhalls he held. It was also evident that Castle had CONTEMPT for many of the Patriot Movement members. He refused to debate or even appear at the same locations as his primary opponent and showed himself to be an elitist who was above those whose votes he desired.
3.) His votes for Cap and Trade and Financial Regulatory Reform soldified his fate. Castle claimed to have read the Cap and Trade bill yet he was stumped about some of the portions of the bill that were read to him by town hall attendees. The Financial Regulatory Reform bill harmed the credit card industry, caused layoffs and generally did little to protect consumers and yet Castle voted for it. He lobbied in FAVOR of Government controlled healthcare before voting AGAINST the bill and then sponsored a bill called the DISCLOSE Act that allowed all current special interests to operate as usual but which would have stifled the very grassroots organizations that threatened his election.

But Castle wasn't the only person that lost. Others around him lost and have faced severe backlash from the Patriot movement and from many Republican voters. Not everyone who lost election did so because they were ideologically like Mike, some lost because they aligned themselves with Mike thinking he was the right political choice. That was a calculation that caused otherwise acceptable candidates to the Patriot Movement to be rejected. For instance, Greenville businesswoman Michele Rollins. In a News Journal article today, Michele Rollins showed that the GOP establishment just doesn't understand the Patriot Movement:

"We need to sit back and say, 'Do we want to be a party of social issues?' If that's the case, then let it be that. But I can't be in that," said businesswoman Michele Rollins, who lost the GOP U.S. House primary to Glen Urquhart.

Urquhart had ripped Rollins for supporting a woman's right to abortion. "No matter how often I said no decent person could be for abortion ... it didn't seem to matter," Rollins said.

Unfortunately, Michele has missed the mark here and her statements are indicitive of the majority of the leadership of the GOP. It was never about social issues. It happened to be that both Christine O'Donnell and Glen Urquhart were not only Fiscal Conservatives but also Social Conservatives however, that was never something that the Patriot movement made an issue. Perhaps below the canal those issues played major roles but New Castle County groups have been focused on three key issues:
1.) Fiscal Responsibility (including cutting spending, lowering taxes and managing the deficit)
2.) Limited Constitutional Government (Government within the bounds of the Constitution which limits Federal power)
3.) Free Markets (Free and open private markets in which people are allowed to innovate, participate and create without government intervention)

Those three issues were issues that Mike Castle and the Delaware GOP as a whole had drifted from. Michele unfortunately aligned herself with Castle which cast her as more of the same. The Republican electorate soundly rejected Castle and that carried on to those they saw as like him. Rightly or wrongly, that's a fact and so is the fact that conservatives in Delaware have felt more and more left out. It's unfortunate for Michele because many of us in the movement saw her as an opportunity where the Patriot Movement and the establishment could have come together. It was not until she campaigned with Castle and positioned herself in percieved opposition to the majority of the electorate that she began to lose favor. In fact, despite her move toward Castle, many Patriots voted for her and not for Castle hence the reason her primary was so close. I for one would not have been disappointed with Michele Rollins and even thought she had the better opportunity to beat John Carney. It is a shame that she and others within the GOP have still not figured out the pulse of the Patriot Movement.

The fact is that the Patriot movement is hard to qualify precisely because it is so grassroots but there are some central themes. A limited federal government who leaves the social issues to the States and who constrains itself within the boundaries of the Constitution leads the way. We also expect the government to get a handle on spending, on the budget deficit and on the out of control taxation. Then we expect the government to ensure that our business markets are free and open to the public and that government stays out of the market as much as possible. The problem is that the Delaware Republican electorate did not see the party embracing these ideals and neither did the Patriot movement. As such, a change was called for. It is never easy for political parties to change but this was so glaring and so obvious that anyone should have seen it. The fact that the Delaware GOP establishment still can't, shows that they may still have learning to do. The Patriot Movement is willing to teach them if need be. The following quote from former 6th District Rep Tom Kovach shows that some establishment Republicans haven't heard the message yet:

"Let's focus on the fiscal conservancy of the party," said former state Rep. Tom Kovach, who lost re-election in a northern New Castle County district

Thanks Tom, we've BEEN focusing on that. The problem is that the establishment wants to pick the candidates themselves for us. Now, in a desperate move to explain rejection by the left AND the right, the establishment is claiming that this was fiscal conservatives vs. social conservatives. It was not. Mike Castle was NOT a fiscal conservative and hadn't been in almost 10 years. Mike Castle was not even a MODERATE Republican, he was a Progressive left learning Republican who had more in common with liberal Democrats than he did with conservative Republicans. The people had their say and they chose candidates that should have moved the leadership to understand it needed to moderate BACK to the right in it's choices of candidates. Instead it has confused some moderates and sent Mike Castle into a rage that has led him to conclude that he has to start a war over control of the Republican Party. Castle is now choosing candidates that stand in near direct opposition to what the electorate voted for in September. Time will tell but the hope is that the Delaware GOP will figure it out sooner, rather than later. The only way to win is to work together.

New Poll Shows Mike Protack is Republican Favorite for County Council President

Founders Values is a well known Delaware educational group that focuses on the founding principles of our nation. They strive to educate the electorate and children on those founding principles and on the Constitution and related documents. They have been active for about 18 months and they have organized many events including a number of TEA Parties across the state. Their members have been an active force in the recent political landscape in Delaware and have even impacted legislation in the state and nationally.

In June of 2010, Founders Values administered a survey of likely Republican voters in the U.S. Senate primary between longtime Congressman Mike Castle and Conservative activist Christine O'Donnell. The poll found O'Donnell leading Castle by nearly a 3-1 margin. It was the first (and almost only) poll that found O'Donnell in the lead among likely voters until her upset victory on Sept. 14th. While laughed at initially by local media personalities, the poll proved to foreshadow the results of the Republican Primary.

The group obtained the names of the two front runners for the Republican nomination in the Special Election for New Castle County President. Delta airlines pilot Mike Protack, who ran for Governor in 2008 and former State Representative Tom Kovach are the names who have been mentioned as the leaders for the spot. Protack ran unsuccessfully in a Republican Primary in 2006 against eventual nominee Jan Ting who faced Tom Carper(Christine O'Donnell was also a write in candidate in that Primary Election). He then ran in the GOP Primary for Gov. in 2008 but left the race to run as the Independent candidate. Protack ran in 2010 for the 3rd County Council seat but faced a primary opponent in Janet Kilpatrick who was seen as Mike Castle's personal nominee to oppose Protack who was backed by the TEA Parties. Kovach ran in the 2008 special for the 6th district Representative seat in Brandywine Hundred. He narrowly defeated the Democrat (by just over 100 votes) in the race but lost this year to Debra Heffernan.

The telephone poll conducted on 11/12 & 11/13 and was a survey of more than 300 likely Republican voters in the New Castle County Council President special election. 60% of the respondents chose Protack where just 40% chose Kovach as their desired nominee. See the Founders Values Press Release for more information.

Founders Values Executive Director Jon Sherman said "We believe that these poll numbers represent the mood of the Republican electorate and we hope that the leaders of both parties will understand that this is an important process that should be left to the people to decide."

Mike Protack has been tied to the Patriot movement in recent years. He was an early supporter and helped to organize the Wilmington TEA Party events in 2009 and 2010 and earned the endorsement of the conservative group Common Sense Communities Society in the Republican Primary. He has a very good name recognition and being a card carrying union member helps him with with a voting bloc that does not often fair well for Republicans. He has been plagued by the notion that he is a perennial candidate for one office or another but even that stigma appears not to hurt him among members of his party when compared to Mr. Kovach.

Tom Kovach is a contrast to Protack as he is the hand picked candidate by Mike Castle. Castle is the long term Congressman who was ousted by Christine O'Donnell and the TEA Party groups in Delaware. Castle and Kovach all but endorsed Chris Coons and publicly were quite critical of O'Donnell and her "TEA Party supporters" despite the fact that those supporters contained a majority of the Republican Party voters. Kovach is rumored to be a supporter of the policies of Chris Coons including the Stoltz development of the Barley Mill Plaza location that citizens group CRG has been a staunch opponent to. This could pose problems for Kovach when it comes to raising money and garnering votes from the Greenville and Elsemere areas affected by the development. Many Republicans believe that Congressman Castle has waged his own personal war against the majority of party voters who ousted him in September and considers those who supported O'Donnell his enemies. He has built a coalition of current and former legislators and party officials and some see Mr. Kovach, a staunch supporter of Castle, as yet another example of Castle's personal war with the electorate.

Only time will tell who the Republicans support. What's a near certainty is that the Democrats will choose AFL-CIO Vice President Tim Sheldon. He will be backed by Paul Clark and Clark's wife Pam Scott who is an attorney with Stoltz in the Barley Mill case. Though Sheldon, the Democrat would be the party's first choice, it's not inconceivable that they could work out a deal with Castle to bring in the more moderate Kovach as Council President. If Protack or a more conservative candidate were to get the nod, it's likely that they would face off in a heated blitz with Sheldon. The date of the election has not yet been set but the Democrats are due to announce their choice this coming Friday.

So Displaying the American Flag is Offensive?

Another day, another story of an American citizen told to remove the American flag from their own personal property. When is this hatred of America going to end?

Recently, a story of a 13 year-old California teen was told by his school that he must remove a flag from his own bicycle. It is apparent freedom of expression (including expression of love of your country) no longer exists.

 

Did TSA Go Too Far?

Last month, in an attempt to beef up airport security, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began a roll-out of high-tech body scanners.  Despite the best of intentions, the scanners are receiving backlash from airport patrons due to their invasive images that are very graphic.

Fox News and other media outlets broke the story today on the major backlash by airport patrons and the new techniques to screen airport patrons. And thanks to them the awareness of these questionable techniques can now be evaluated by the public. Clearly, the images above are very graphic and revealing in nature.

More troubling are the procedure to conduct "enhanced pat downs" of those that opt-out of the body scans. 

The question is why aren't other high tech imaging systems such as those used in correctional facilities to detect illegal weapons and contraband?

Meanwhile in Germany, protestors in German demonstrated in the nude (not really) in opposition to their airport scanners.  Is this what it will take to have TSA re-evaluate the revealing and intrusive passenger screening policy in the U.S.?

How to Win Friends and Influence People (Delaware GOP Edition)

No this is not a book report on the famous management book How to Win Friends and Influence People.  But a lot of what is in that book can be applied to rebuilding the Delaware Republican party.  At a time when it may appear the Republican party or conservative movement is fractured due to the recent primary, it really is not.

For the Republican Party to win in 2012, we must unite and remain focused on one goal - winning in 2012!  Winning elections for Republican candidates cannot be done with the conservative gloating and chest thumping because of the primary victory over moderate Mike Castle.  Nor can the leaders of the Republican party dismiss the conservative victory of the same.  The conservatives movement made significant strides in that primary win, but the path forward is a complicated one.

As written in the Picking Up the Pieces post, their is only one size fits all message that can applied to all three counties.  For Republicans to win in New Castle County, Republicans must run on fiscal conservatism.  This is much different than Sussex, which can run on both fiscal and social conservatism.  As the two factions of the conservative movement go head-to-head, one must realize that a victory on fiscal conservatism alone, is a victory for the conservative movement.  The movement wins, and taxpayers regardless of political party affiliation benefit with a greater chance of living the American dream.

This notion of advancing limited government, fiscal restraint, and lower taxation resonates and is emboldened by the various Tea Party groups throughout Delaware.  This group must also be given a seat at the table of how the Delaware Republican Party operates and chooses candidates moving forward.  The Republican Party of Delaware cannot survive without the Tea Party, and nor should the Tea Party operate without encouraging candidates to run under the Republican banner.  For limited government and fiscal restraint is the cornerstone of both the Republican party and also of the Tea Party.

As the two worlds collide, calm heads must prevail.  Past differences must be forgotten, and concrete discussions on building on what has been accomplished must commence.  Both sides are coming to the table with valid points that both deserve thought and consideration.  The months ahead as we move forward to put in new leadership and build the leadership will require listening on both sides of each other.  It will tough, as either side will try to make their case.  The Tea Party won the primary, and the leadership failed to back those victors.  The Tea Party cannot steamroll its way in to the leadership without a clear plan, for the old guard will push back hard.


A united Tea Party and Delaware GOP can move forward and turn Delaware red once again.  But the Tea Party must become part of the party. It must put up delegates.  It can challenge leadership slots, but based on principle and in a democratic forum by all registered Republicans.  And in turn the leadership of the Republican Party must respect the fiscal conservative message of the Tea Party for if it is loses this, it will die its own death.  Painfully and with loss dignity.

No matter who is at the table, or in charge - planning for victory in 2012 is vital.  Remember this passage from a dear friend of mine: If you fail to plan, plan to fail.

Overcoming Delaware's Liberal Media Bias

Let's face it, the media in Delaware is overwhelming liberal and biased against the conservative message.  From the ultra-liberal News Journal to the surrounding Philadelphia CBS, NBC, and ABC network affiliates, the conservative message is being ignored.  So what do we do about it?  Let's analyze this by county.

New Castle County

New Castle county is the northernmost county, and Delaware's most populated county.  With this comes awesome opportunity to spread the conservative message.  But with Wilmington, the state's business capitol just 35 miles from Philadelphia, the message is drowned out by the liberal Philadelphia media market. Whether is the three major network affiliates, or the Philadelphia Inquirer, the message is continually liberal to the dismay and frustration of Delaware conservatives.

Adding insult to injury, the News Journal, based in New Castle is a bastion of ultra-liberal propaganda.  During the 2010 election cycle, no conservative candidates got fair press by the News Journal.  And sadly, there is no other newspaper alternative in New Castle County.  The News Journal is the state's largest newspaper with a circulation of 91,000 and scores more online at www.delawareonline.com.

New Castle county is home to two talk radio stations - WDEL and WILM.  WILM 1450-AM does simulcast conservative pundits such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and Michael Savage.  WDEL 1150-AM is home to more home-grown local talk radio pundits such as Rick Jensen and Alan Loudell.  While WILM simulcasts national conservative radio talk shows, WDEL's local flair and reach is traditionally liberal to disadvantage of New Castle county conservative listeners.

Kent County

Kent County is the next southern county in Delaware, and is home to the state's political capitol, Dover.  With the exception of Dover, Kent County is traditionally rural with sprawling farmland.

Dover's only newspapers The Delaware State News and Dover Post, each with relatively small circulation are conservative friendly.  The Dover Post has a circulation of 26,000, while the Delaware State News has a small circulation of 15,000. 

Kent County only has one TV affiliate WBOC a FOX affiliate out of Salisbury, MD.  There are no talk radio stations in Kent County.

Sussex County

Sussex County is the southernmost county in Delaware, and home to beach resorts.  It's largest city is Georgetown.  Like Kent County, the county is mostly rural and home to a large retiree population thank to the relaxing nearby beach resorts.  Unlike New Castle county, Sussex is far more conservative.

There two newspapers in Sussex County.  The Sussex Post is the largest with a population of 20,000 and dwarfs the Sussex Countian with a readership of 3,000.

Sussex County has one talk radio station, WGMD 92.7 FM that is pretty conservative with iconic hosts such as Bill Colley and Dan Gaffney.

Television news in Sussex comes from the WBOC, the Fox affiliate in Salisbury and major network affiliates in Baltimore, MD.

Overcoming the Liberal Media Bias in Delaware

Unless there is a rich investor in Delaware (or outside Delaware) creating a new conservative traditional media outlet (TV, radio, or newspaper) is probably out of the question. So how can we overcome this media outlet with limited financial resources?

Internet radio.  Setting up Internet radio that can be simulcast or podcasted throughout the state is the most cost-effective method of getting the conservative message out to Delawareans.  Leveraging social media networks such as blogs (including this one), Twitter and Facebook can amplify those podcasts to make them viral.

Public Access Television.  Hosting a conservative forum or TV talk show can be an excellent way to overcome the liberal media bias.  Other than any costs to produce the show (video production), airtime costs on public access television are very affordable.  Videos of these forums or shows can also be uploaded on YouTube or Vimeo and made viral via social networking sites.

Other Conservative Newspapers.  There are several local and national conservative newspapers that you should read, and encourage others to read.  Cancel that News Journal subscription and read these:

• The Bulletin - a Philadelphia-based family-owned newspaper that spreads the conservative message.
• Investors Business Daily
• Wall Street Journal
• Financial Times

Social Networking.  Leverage your thoughts on the conservative message or topics du jour on blogs, Twitter and Facebook.  Share your thoughts and news that interest you with your friends and family that you are connected with.

Honor Thy Veterans

Picking Up the Pieces

With the losses statewide last week, Republicans throughout Delaware should re-focus on 2012.  While the election losses of 2010 may sting for a while, crying over spilled milk will not do any good.  In analyzing the carcass of what is left of the Delaware Republican party, there is plenty of work to be done.  And besides, we only have 717 days until November 6, 2012.

If Republicans and the conservative movement are going to win in 2012, we must unite and address the serious road blocks that have plagued us for the last twenty years.  These road blocks are not new, but have failed to be addressed by the Republican Party leadership since the Delaware GOP lost dominance due to the local power loss left by the Du Pont Co.  Ever since the Du Pont Co. focused on its global businesses, the Delaware GOP has been seething from loss after loss.

So how do we fix this?  We must fix three things:  leadership, minority outreach and technology.

Clearly, the leadership of the Republican party is more interested in protecting its own power, than winning elections.  We must re-organize the Republican party as one not of a few, but one that identifies with like minded citizens who wanted a limited-government, and want to keep more of what they earn. 

In May 2011, Republicans will convene for its annual convention.  This convention will focus on who will be the new face of the Republican party and who will take us to victory in 2012.  Clearly, we cannot continue to move forward with the same leadership team.  The new leadership team must unite the conservative movement, and those that consider themselves 'moderates'.

With that unity, the challenge of uniting the very conservative Sussex county and the more liberal New Castle county is a tall order but can be done.  A one-size fits all model for all three counties will not work.  What works in Sussex, will not work in New Castle.  However, competent leadership teams in each county can unite behind a fiscal conservative message, and with that we can win in 2012 statewide.  In pockets where social conservatism can gain ground, go for it.

The second item on the list, is to bring like minded Delawareans of all races and religions into the Republican party.  Three initial and separate initiatives should focus on reaching out to the African-American, Hispanic/Latino and Asian Indian citizens.  The Republican party must be willing to go into these neighborhoods and barrios to communicate and reach out them. 

Many African-Americans and Hispanic/Latinos are deeply rooted in faith, and share the same values the Republican party does.  They share family values, but more importantly, it is the fiscal conservative message that will unite them behind the Republican brand.

The Delaware Republican party has ignored the city of Wilmington to its detriment, and with the 2012 mayoral race we can reclaim it.  Rumor has it, Republican Councilman Michael Brown will be seeing the mayoral nomination. If the Republican party can elect Mike Brown as Wilmington's next mayor, we can make serious inroads into the African-American community in Wilmington.

Republicans statewide must also be willing to reach out to the Hispanic/Latino community.  With this, we must be willing to speak the language and understand their culture.  Many Hispanic/Latinos have deeply rooted faith and family values, and the conservative message is a natural fit.  If we embrace them, and do not ignore them, they will come back to the Republican camp.

The last demographic that must be embraced is the Asian-Indian community.  Many in this community are small business owners and professionals who are natural fit to the fiscal conservative message.  This is a must for the Republican party, if we are to remain competitive in the state electoral politics.  This demographic, as well as the Hispanic/Latino demographic are the fastest growing.

The last item on the repair list for the Delaware Republican Party is to address its reluctance to embrace technology.  While the party does have a web site, it is not engaging nor welcoming. The web site must be interactive and relevant with the aim to sell the reader on the party platform, how to get involved and how to contribute.  The Party must also leverage its Twitter account and engage Facebook to build a community of its members.

Currently, the Delaware Republican party is using the same technology model that plagued John McCain in the 2008 Presidential race.  John McCain with a IT staff four was dwarfed by now President Obama who had an IT staff of 96.  The Obama camp also had its own social networking site, and leverage mobile technology.

In politics, you cannot run an Eisenhower campaign in an Obama world.  This is so true, especially in how politics and technology fit hand in glove.  Technology is the vehicle to deliver the party platform to the voter, and if done right, engages them into the process.  Technology must be a major focus , if Delaware Republicans want to win in 2012.  Ignore it, at your peril.

Dear Ken Grant, we're tired of you too...

Tens of thousands of Republicans came out to the polls on September 14th in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds to cast a vote for Christine O'Donnell. It was the end of a BRUTAL U.S. Senate primary campaign that pitted career politician (40+ years in elected office) and the most liberal Republican in the House of Representatives against a virtual newcomer in conservative activist Christine O'Donnell. Mike Castle ran a total smear campaign against Christine O'Donnell. He did not debate her and would not comment on the issues of the day. He did not feel that he needed to explain any of the votes he had made, including his vote in favor of the controversial Cap and Trade legislation. In short, Congressman Castle had moved too far ideologically from his base, he's become inaccessible and carried a sense of entitlement and he refused to answer to the people. His only plan for the campaign was to find ways to destroy who Christine O'Donnell was. He and his allies within the Delaware GOP ran the aggressive smear campaign without regard to the facts in evidence. They claimed her house had been foreclosed upon when she had indeed sold it before it was foreclosed upon. They claimed she had owed back taxes when in fact, the IRS had on more than one occasion stated that the "lien" on record was an unfortunate "computer error". They also claimed that she had misused campaign funds in a previous Senate campaign despite the fact that the FEC had investigated these concerns in 2008 and found them lacking any evidence. Mike Castle even had his people create blogs dedicated to the total destruction of Christine's character. He even influenced talk radio hosts in the state to lash out at Ms. O'Donnell. Christine was clearly frustrated by the lack of attention paid to the issues and she lashed out at the media and at Castle supporters who played such dirty tactics. In the end, September 15th was the beginning of a difficult General Election campaign. The reason is because of those tens of thousands of Delaware voters who came out to vote for Christine and in some cases against Mike Castle.

Castle lost the election despite his all out smear campaign against Christine O'Donnell. I was a key contributor to the message that dethroned Congressman Castle. This blog was picked up on many national blogs and some of my posts were used as fuel for national conservative talk show hosts and bloggers. I don't mean to brag but I won't hide MY bonafides the way some like Mr. Grant do theirs. I was a consistent caller to WILM and WDEL and I spent as much time, if not more, writing, researching and talking about Castle, O'Donnell and the race between the two. Well after the primary I went silent. The reason I went silent is because the O'Donnell campaign brought me on to do messaging and opposition work in the General Election. I did not feel it was proper to actively write during the campaign I was working on.

The General Election campaign did not go as well as we had hoped. Christine made some mistakes that the media pounced on and Coons made some too although you probably haven't heard too much about those. This time there were debates and Coons should have swept the floor with her using conventional wisdom...he was after all a 2-time...2-time...national debate champion in college. He'd attended Yale Divinity and he's been County Council President and County Council Executive. The problem was that she held his feet to the fire in a nationally televised debate on CNN...and then again on a local radio debate on WDEL. In fact, she consistently, in debate after debate, out witted Coons and held her own or flat out beat him in the debates. Finally, after a debate on WHYY in which she once again showed that her stance on issues was one that Coons could not refute, he decided to pull out of all future debate and declared that the people of Delaware knew all they needed to know. From the beginning of the campaign, Coons and the DSCC had run a SLEW of negative ads about Christine. They called her a witch, labeled her a wacko and used the same false information that the GOP leadership had provided during the primary campaign to paint her as a criminal. Christine's campaign had benefited GREATLY from her victory over Castle. She'd brought in millions of dollars for the campaign through major conservative media outlets and grassroots connections. The people of Delaware complained that the money was from outside Delaware but they don't tell you that more than 60% of Mike Castle's money came from out of state or that a similar number of Chris Coons' contributions likewise came from out of state. The Democrat fundraising tool called ActBlue raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Coons. Plus, he had something Christine didn't have, a party supporting him locally and nationally.

You see, Christine had upset the balance of power for the elites in the party. The leadership here in Delaware was turned on its head. One member had said that Christine could not beat Castle without $2 million and made fun of Christine's stand on conservative principles. They also made it clear that neither Christine nor Glen Urquhart were welcome to run for Republican seats because they had "never done anything for the party". Another leader told the world stage that Christine could "Never be elected dogcatcher." These are not acceptable statements by so-called party leaders. Nationally, even after the election, Karl Rove, Charles Krauthammer and other Republican national level leaders continued to pander about the lies and rumors that the Castle campaign had failed to prove to the primary electorate. While Coons had the DSCC spending millions on ads to run their attacks against Christine...the NRSC was no where to be found. In fact, once Castle lost the RNC all but shut down the "Victory Offices" that the GOP traditionally pays for so that the party can support GOTV efforts and voter identification efforts on behalf of the winning candidates.

Delaware has a weird election schedule as the primary election is only 6 weeks before the general election. This leaves very little time for turn around. The state GOP did not hand over the keys to the Victory office to Christine's campaign for 2+ weeks. This left a little over 3 weeks for the O'Donnell people to staff the office and utilize the phones. Let's also remember that the people who did the calling for O'Donnell generally also called for other candidates across the state. They reached across the ideological aisle to party candidates. In fact, Christine held a GOP unity event at her campaign HQ and personally presented checks to every candidate who attended. Those who did not attend were mailed checks. Some returned the checks in protest. She wanted to help the down ballot candidates and she wanted the party to succeed. Once the Victory office came online (thanks largely to the hard work of people like Charlie Copeland who has always been a bridge builder) the party did begin to chip in where it felt it HAD to.

Today, Delaware's National Committeewoman Priscilla Rakestraw went live on the "Rick Jensen Show" along with Mr. Ken Grant (a squishy Castle supporter) who wrote a quite vicious op-ed today in the News Journal (Delaware's version of the NYT). Priscilla went on to "address the notion that the state party did not help Christine". She cited a few things.
1.) The State GOP provided her with 40% of the Brandywine GOP office for her campaign efforts which was "taken over" by the O'Donnell campaign. Reality check: The O'Donnell campaign sent 1 staff member to the Brandywine GOP (The Victory office that it took us 2+ weeks to get) and the handful of volunteers each day who went into the victory office made calls for Christine, Glen, Colin Bonini and Tom Wagner (even some local candidates) which last I checked was a shared effort.
2.) The state GOP spent $250,000 on mailings for Christine's campaign. Reality check: The campaign designed the mailings and provided them to the printer...in fact, the campaign provided volunteers to transport the materials to and from the post office and to bring back the overruns. The party might have paid for the postage...but I can't confirm that.
3.) That the RNC "Fire Pelosi" bus tour had to make a second stop in Dover to meet Christine on the campaign trail. Reality Check: The media darling of the east coast, a woman who brought more energy and excitement to the state GOP than it's had in years, a woman who infused the party and Delaware politics with more money and energy than possibly ever before, requested that the party which had so far let her fight on the front lines against the ENTIRE Democrat Party and state controlled media drive 50 miles south (on their way to MD) to meet her in Dover.

Priscilla Rakestraw, I'm calling you out, which calls did you make? What block did you walk? Why didn't you show up to the meet and greets that I know you were invited to at two quite influential homes? If you worked so hard for the candidates, how come the ONLY event I saw you at was the one where Chairman Steele was but Christine wasn't? Tom Ross came to the GOP Unity event, where were YOU?

Finally, to Mr. Ken Grant, who felt so inclined to pile on to Ms. O'Donnell, what is the success that YOU have brought to the Delaware GOP? I hope, as former Communications Director that you had nothing to do with the rather weak website, the missing (or hidden) Twitter account and the lack of any coherent message that the Delaware GOP has (or doesn't as it may be). Christine brought, if nothing else, character and excitement to an otherwise dismal failure known as the Delaware GOP since 2000. Was she the perfect candidate? No. But she was good enough to beat Mike Castle in the primary, which means that the PEOPLE of the party thought she was the better choice. Before you ostracize the 30,000+ voters who chose her over Mike in the primary, or the 120,000+ voters who voted for her in the general election, before you tell those of us who supported her and who rejected an elitist, leftist who thought he was entitled to the Senate seat and above answering to the people who elected him, I suggest you look at the direction the Delaware GOP was going in when we came on the scene. Ask yourself why we felt that we needed to get involved in the first place. You rip Christine for any number of violations of "The Delaware Way" and you chastise her for the same lies and distortions that have been proven over, and over, and over again to be false. The fact is that you sir, have consistently touted every leftist initiative that Delaware's ruling class has put out there. Despite the fact that Jack Markell and Alan Levin have yet to create a job to replace the 2 auto plants and the Valero plant shutdown...or the many layoffs at Bank of America, CITI and Discover. You haven't spoken out about the lack of manufacturing jobs, the failures of the state government to root out corruption or the fact that Wilmington is going to hell in a hand basket yet you pretend to have a clue. Every now and again you promote some business or another, admirable to some extent but your answer to fixing Wilmington for instance is to put a movie theater at the Riverfront. How does that help impact the 18% unemployment in Wilmington? How does it address the rampant drug and gang violence in the city? How does it help the buildings that are literally crumbling? Or do you just not care as long as your arts and entertainment scene is in "the good part of town"?

The fact is that it is YOU sir and those like you who have run the party into the ground and WE (meaning the Patriot movement that helped sweep Christine to victory in September) intend to rebuild, revitalize and restart the party. Now, the way I see it there are three things that people like you can do:
1.) Get the hell out of the way and let us take the lead for a while so we can rebuild.
2.) Get in there and work WITH us to build this party in a way that we all are able to support it and that will make it THE place to be for Delaware voters.
3.) Obstruct us and eventually completely discredit yourselves publicly.
4.) Leave the party.

I sincerely hope you choose option 1 or 2. I would like to see you all choose the second option. I want to work WITH the people who have been involved not against them. Are there changes that must be made, YES. Some people are going to be be asked to leave their current roles and some will probably need to be forced out. Some will leave (and are already) their roles voluntarily. Some people who can be great assets are going to choose to leave and that is unfortunate. No one will get everything they want but everyone will get something. The party will be better off in the end and the bottom line is that "The Delaware Way", which is nothing more than a way for the powerful to maintain power, has been shattered. The PEOPLE have spoken and they want a say. As they say in the Army, Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way.