Republicans Must Unite....And Now

Rep Mulvaney asking for compromise on Battle Flag Issue

Congressman Mulvaney is asking the SC Legislature to take the time and effort to fashion a compromise that removes the Battle flag in a way that all South Carolinians can rally around with pride and respect. Please read his statement as posted on his facebook page on June 23, 2015 

SC Congressman Mick Mulvaney

I would like to start by saying that I am disappointed that the conversation in South Carolina -- largely driven by those outside our state -- has been focused on a flag, rather than the victims of a heinous crime and their courageous and forgiving families. While I always welcome debate on a divisive issue, I prefer that debate not come on the heels of a tragedy before the victims have even been laid to rest.

In part because of those concerns, I will admit that I have not been as quick to call for the removal of the Confederate Flag from the State House grounds as some others. I remember that the flag is where it is as the result of something that is becoming all too rare in politics: compromise. Indeed, moving the flag from the dome to the grounds in 2000 — and the concomitant establishment of the African-American monument — could be considered as a high point in South Carolina politics: a time when people got together and worked through their differences in a way that all could accept with pride.

South Carolina Heritage Act of 2000

SC African-American monument

And my initial reaction to calls to summarily remove the flag was that such an action would be tantamount to admitting what is not true for many South Carolinians: that the flag is a symbol of hate. Yes, it was for Dylann Roof. In fact, for him it was something even more evil than just hate. But we typically do not allow such people to define what our symbols mean.

But in speaking with many people over the course of the last few days, it has become clear that the flag does, in fact, mean different things to different people in our state. And I blame myself for not listening closely enough to people who see the flag differently than I do. It is a poor reflection on me that it took the violent death of my former desk mate in the SC Senate, and eight others of the best the Charleston community had to offer, to open my eyes to that. And because of those very different — and very valid — impressions of what the flag represented, I admit that the flag has become a distraction: something that prevents us from talking about all that is good about South Carolina. It strikes me as particularly disappointing, for example, that we have spent more time talking about the flag for the last few days than we have talking about the extraordinary display of faith, love, and forgiveness shown by the families of the victims of the shooting in Charleston. If the flag has become an excuse for people to ignore things like that, then perhaps time has come for a change.

I hope that the Legislature can do the same thing now that they did 15 years ago: take the time and effort to fashion a compromise that removes the flag in a way that all South Carolinians can rally around with pride and respect — and with the sense of community that has been on display for the world to see in Charleston in the aftermath of last Wednesday evening. By doing that we will once again have the opportunity to show everyone what is special about our state. Maybe with the flag removed, people will listen.

Finally, I will say this: there is no Confederate flag flying at the state capitol in Missouri, yet Ferguson had race riots; there is no Confederate flag flying at the state capitol in Maryland, yet Baltimore had race riots. There is a Confederate flag flying on the grounds of the state capitol in South Carolina, yet Charleston set an example for the world to marvel at in its response to this atrocity. And of that, I am extraordinarily proud. Perhaps those who are now trying to focus attention on the flag are spending their time on the wrong things.

Mick Mulvaney, US Congressman 5th District South Carolina 

June 23, 2015

I left the funeral for my friend, Clem Pinckney, about an hour or so ago. The service was really powerful and worthy of the man. I thought several speakers were more political than I would expect at a funeral, but I understand there is a strong connection within the AME church for political activism. President Obama gave a good speech, but the best line came from one of the pastors who spoke. In talking about Dylann Roof, the young man charged with the murders, he said, "that man came to Charleston, to Mother Emanuel Church, to Clementa Pinckney's bible study...to try to start a race war. But he came to exactly the wrong place." In fact, "wrong church, wrong people, wrong day."

The people of Charleston continue to put on a display of faith and forgiveness that is an example for the world.   Rep.Mick Mulvaney, June 26, 2015

https://www.facebook.com/MulvaneySC5

Republican or Democrat? Is there a difference?

Some say there is no difference between the two major political parties. 

Some on the far right even call Republican elected officials "RINO", meaning they are Republican In Name Only. They say things like everyone needs to go home or we must defeat the GOP before we begin to fight the Democrats. They name call everyone who does not meet their purity standard.

Tell me what in the world determines if  a person is a "REAL" Republican? If winning the Republican primary to become the party's nominee does not make you Republican, what does?  

There are also folks who believe so strongly in their own thoughts and beliefs that they consider themselves above having a political party affiliation.  These people declare themselves independents.
They are not speaking of the independent political party, folks, but  rather declaring to be an independent agent voting for the "MAN" or should I say, candidate? As though they have some secret intelligent way to determine how a person will perform when elected to a body. 

Do they think a single person elected to any governmental body can make a decision alone in the work of that body? Do they actually think this person will work independently of their party affiliation?

In both these cases, it is apparent that perceived intentions are much more important than actual behavior. 

Should the party affiliation of a candidate tell you anything about the person? Yes, it should. When choosing a political party, each candidate is choosing a platform to stand on. 

Let's take a look at one issue, abortion. Yes, I realize abortion is legal and has been since January 22, 1973. We have been taking the lives of  innocent human babies for over 40 years. Our two major parties have very different opinions on this issue.

Potential candidates are aligning themselves with this plank in one of the two platforms.

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The Republican Party Supports a human life amendment; oppose abortion funding

Faithful to the "self-evident" truths enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, we assert the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed.

We support a human life amendment to the Constitution and endorse legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment's protections apply to unborn children.

We oppose using public revenues to promote or perform abortion or fund organizations which perform or advocate it and will not fund or subsidize health care which includes abortion coverage.

We support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life.

We oppose the non-consensual withholding or withdrawal of care or treatment, including food and water, from people with disabilities, including newborns, as well as the elderly and infirm, just as we oppose active and passive euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform

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The Democrat party Strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade

The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman's right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay. 

We oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right. 

Abortion is an intensely personal decision between a woman, her family, her doctor, and her clergy; there is no place for politicians or government to get in the way. 

We also recognize that health care and education help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions. 

We strongly and unequivocally support a woman's decision to have a child by providing affordable health care and ensuring the availability of and access to programs that help women during pregnancy and after the birth of a child, including caring adoption programs.

Source: 2012 Democratic Party Platform

It's not about you! - Comparing 2015 commencement speeches of Michelle Obama and Denzel Washington

It's not about You!

America, you are at a crossroads in this country. Do we go down the "Oh poor me" road or do we choose the road less traveled, the one with responsibilities and gratitude?

Michelle Obama gave the commencement speech Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Tuskegee University in Alabama. She focused on being the first African-American first lady of the United States and how she believes she was held to a different standard than others because of her race.

She spoke of the July 21, 2008 cover of The New Yorker Magazine, saying,

"Then there was the first time I was on a magazine cover. It was a cartoon drawing of me with a huge afro and a machine gun. Now, yeah, it was satire, but if I'm really being honest, it knocked me back a bit. It made me wonder, Just how are people seeing me?" 

She ended her speech with this call to action.

 "We can take on those deep-rooted problems, and together, together we can overcome anything!"

July 21, 2008 cover of The New Yorker Magazine

More info here on the first lady's speech,
www.cnn.com/2015/05/09/politics/michelle-obama-commencement-tuskegee-university/

---

Then there was Denzel Washington's commencement speech at Dillard University in New Orleans on the same day - May 9, 2015. When he took the podium, he imparted four goals for graduating seniors:

"Congratulations to all of you...
First: Put God first.
Second: Fail big ... a dream without goals is just a dream,
Third: You will never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.
Four: Say thank-you in advance for what is already yours."

He concluded with,

"Don't inspire to make a living, inspire to make a difference."

For more info and great photos check these links:
http://www.nola.com/society/index.ssf/2015/05/denzel_washington_gives_dillar.html

More photos:
http://theadvocate.com/news/neworleans/neworleansnews/12327046-123/photos-denzel-washington-gives-commencement

Local politics is the foundation of our American political system

William R. Hawkins of the American Thinker (Nov.7, 2014 ~ GOP Overcomes Libertarian Plot) writes,  " The GOP is expected to offer national leadership, and the party will be judged on the success of its policies.  Whether it's economic recovery, national security or traditional values, the party must be active, not passive."


And he is so right we expect leadership!

We must first acknowledge that local politics is the foundation of our American political system, as U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, said “all politics is local.”

The vast majority of today’s elected officials began their political careers from a lower office, perhaps a very small, local office, and worked their way up.  Today’s senators and governors were yesterday’s party precinct chairs, HOA presidents, PTA presidents, zoning committee members, school board trustees, and city council members, all very important to a successful vibrate community.

The key to future success of our party and communities will be identifying and organizing thousands of individuals who are willing to help improve our communities through direct political action, by getting involved.

We as Republicans must seek out and support local republican candidates, they are the future of our party and the only hope for implementing our principles in all levels of government, now and in the future.

If you want to conquer your fear of the path our country is taking, do not sit home watching FOX News and cheering Carson, Cruz or Rand.  Go out and get busy.  Get very busy, and start on the local level. Get involved in your local Republican party.

Here is a link to all the state Republican Party Organizations:
http://www.dyedinthewoolrepublican.com/2013/11/state-republican-party-gop-web-links.html

Please reach out to them for the contact information of your local Republican party Chairman.

Ask your local Republican party chairman to get you in touch with the Republican officers of your precinct.  These are like-minded members of your very own community.

Start today...the 2016 election is on its way.


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer Was Hanged 70 Years Ago - April 8, 1945

He was hanged 70 years ago, and Martin Luther King made him a hero during the civil rights movement. Pastor Bonhoeffer's message is still relevant today as we battle the Islamic State.

There were moral monsters who wanted to look the other way during the Nazi and civil rights era.
During the nightmare years of the 1930's, many people remained silent about what was happening in Germany. They said it was sad, but it was not our problem. That attitude has not disappeared. They are a minority, but the GOP has an isolationist wing. In 2012, Ron Paul won half the youth vote in all the early GOP primaries.


April 29, 2015
By Greg Hilton

Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 39, was hanged 70 years ago this month in a Nazi concentration camp. The last words recorded before his execution were "This is the end – for me the beginning of life."

He was arrested in April 1943 and executed shortly before Hitler's suicide. He believed "We are guilty of what we do wrong, as well as what we don't do right!"

Bonhoeffer's life as a theologian of great intellect—and his martyrdom in opposition to Nazism—exerted great influence. He was frequently quoted by Martin Luther King, Jr. and others in the Civil Rights movement, and the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa.

In 1996, Pat Buchanan defeated Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-KS) in the New Hampshire primary and went on to win Alaska, Missouri and Louisiana. He finished only slightly behind Dole in the Iowa caucus.

Former Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) believes the Holocaust was an internal German problem, and we should not have done anything about it. He also says we should do nothing if Israel is attacked and continues to oppose the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

At that time, segregation was legal in the south, and businesses were allowed to withhold services from blacks. Dr. Paul says it is a question of states rights, and the federal government should not have intervened to stop segregation or slavery.

Pat Buchanan's book "Churchill, Hitler, and the Unnecessary War" (2008) blames the war on Britain and Poland for not negotiating with the Nazis. The author believes coexistence with Nazism was preferable to war. He writes "Though derided as isolationists, the America First patriots kept the United States out of the war."

Today the House Liberty Caucus continues to advocate isolationism and they believe there can be coexistence with the Islamic State. They know about the persecution of Christians, the beheadings, Sharia Law, the 11 million refugees and displaced persons, as well as the over 250,000 who have died.

Hitler believed in a master race and the Islamic State wants a master religion. They will not negotiate and there will be no compromise. We should not have ignored the Nazis for so long, and we need a serious strategy to defeat the Islamic State.

Pastor Bonhoeffer's message was important in WW II, and it is just as vital today.

"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."

― Dietrich Bonhoeffer

No politician or political party can save America

There's no politician or political party that can save America. Christian, times have changed, but Jesus does not.

Please, do not place your confidence in any politician or any political party. You were bought with a price and you belong to God.

We Christians must take a stand, and I'm not talking about standing for Catholic, Baptists or Mormon. And I'm certainly not talking about standing for Republican, Conservative or the Tea Party.

The only hope we have is for men and women of God to stand up for right. We must take a stand against secular humanism.

Christ offers the answer. Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Christ is the Word. We need to study His Word and get involved in our world.  Becoming the ambassadors for Christ that all those who have received His atonement should be. You know you should vote, it is your civic duty, but you should also get involved in the political system. Christians are to be in the world but not "of" the world. We should be the salt in the political system, preaching a sermon with our life.


If the stars fall down from heaven...do right!___Bob Jones Sr.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ___Margaret Mead ( Best example: The Twelve Disciples)

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."___2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)


Christian, I urge you to get involved today, we must be doers of the word.

I Knew Reagan Would Win In 1980, And Why I Am Concerned Now

Gregg Hilton

How I Knew Reagan Would Win In 1980, And Why I Am Concerned Now

I watched the 1980 presidential debate with a dozen friends, and I will not name them because many were moderate low information voters. I was surprised they were still undecided, but they were not alone.

Close to 15 percent were undecided that October. Three weeks before the election, Time magazine, CBS, and The New York Times all said the race was dead even. Carter’s economic problems were well known, and according to Army Chief of Staff Edward Meyer, we also had a “hollow military”.

He said many Army units existed only on paper and were not prepared, manned, or equipped to defend the nation.

The Soviets were pursuing a massive buildup that would include an estimated 13,500 tanks, 6,300 aircraft, 900 ballistic missiles and 1200 intercontinental missiles.

Reagan faced a hostile media and U.S. News says he was frequently described as a “Dangerous cowboy. B-movie actor. Intellectual lightweight. Heartless right-winger.” Reagan made progress in erasing that image during the debate with third party candidate John Anderson  while Carter refused to participate.

Still, Gallup's final pre-debate poll showed Carter up by 3 percent. Of course, I thought Reagan won the debate, and he clearly articulated a vision of where he wanted to take the nation. I didn’t think there was any knockout punch, but the reaction of my undecided friends was surprising. Practically all of them said Reagan had won.

I don’t remember their exact words but the theme was 1) Reagan was more presidential, 2) The media image of him was wrong, and 3) He had a plan. 

After the debate, Gallup gave Reagan a 3 percent lead and it kept growing. By the weekend, AP and Harris/ABC had Reagan ahead by 5 percent. 

Reagan won 51 to 41 and it was a huge landslide. He carried the electoral college 489 to 49, and Carter won only six states. The GOP gained 13 Senate seats, and 33 House seats.

Several polls gave Reagan a lead at the end of the campaign, but no survey detected the GOP landslide before it actually happened. Reagan’s approval rating increased steadily from the GOP convention, and the surprise was that the undecided voters broke heavily for him. 

It is a wonderful memory, but why am I concerned now? In 1980, Reagan won white voters 56 percent to 36 percent, with third party candidate John Anderson taking 8 percent. 

n 2012, Romney won white voters by the same 20-point margin, 59 percent to 39 percent. But a big difference is that in 1980, whites were 88 percent of the electorate, whereas, in 2012, they were just 73 percent.

Romney said his big mistake was not doing more to reach minority voters, and we have to do better with them in 2016.

Republican agenda is not evil, and I am not going to rely on the late Jerry Garcia for political advice

by Gregg Hilton

"Constantly choosing the lesser
 of two evils is still choosing evil." - Jerry Garcia

"Constantly choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil." - Jerry Garcia

This quote has been shared by almost 9,000 people and I believe it is directed at Mitt Romney and many other conservative Republicans.

In 2012, Matt Kibbe, the President of FreedomWorks, said Romney was the lesser of two evils, and his organization refused to support the GOP nominee in the general election.

In 2014, FreedomWorks hosted a rally in Louisville that was addressed by Glenn Beck. The theme was that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was "too liberal for too long."

Based on 30 years of service, McConnell has a lifetime rating of 90% from the American Conservative Union. He supported all of the war on terror policies FreedomWorks opposes, and as of today, they are still attacking McConnell because Obama has vetoed legislation.

It makes no sense. FreedomWorks claims numerous conservatives are evil because they voted for the Ryan and Price Plans to cut $5.5 trillion in spending and balance the budget in nine years.
They want it accomplished in five years. They are not going to settle for a budget that is the lesser of two evils. Only four senators advocate the budget timeline they want.

I wish it was possible to balance the budget earlier, but Obama has a veto for the next two years, and the GOP lacks a Senate super-majority to override a veto. The Republican reform agenda is not evil, and I am not going to rely on the late Jerry Garcia for political advice.

Gregg Hilton is a contributing writer to Dyed in the Wool Republican.

FreeDumb Works, Follow the money

Many people opposed Mitt Romney during the Presidential primaries of 2012, but none went as far as Freedomworks who actively waged a campaign against Romney's candidacy and tried to have him excluded from speaking at events.

In the general election, Romney had the backing of the American Conservative Union, Tea Party Express, and Tea Party Nation.  FreedomWorks however not only refused to back Romney, but they were very proud and loud  that they did not support him for president.

FreedomWorks President Matt Kibbe was annoyed that his then Chairman, Dick Armey, was supporting former Governor Tommy Thompson as the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in Wisconsin. The Republicans were hoping to replace retiring Democrat Herb Kohlin in the general election and gain that Senate seat.  Thompson won the Republican nomination, but he was defeated by ultra-liberal Sen.Tammy Baldwin. She was the first woman elected to represent Wisconsin in the Senate and the first openly gay U.S. Senator in history. As of 2012, Baldwin's voting record makes her one of the most liberal members of Congress.

Matt Kibbe thought Tommy Thompson was too liberal to back, so thank you Free dumb works, Wisconsin now has a REAL liberal for US Senator.

Many people believe Freedom Works is a conservative group, but they are clearly a libertarian organization.  However, they always use the word conservative to distract folks from their true Libertarian goals.

In our daily lives, we judge people by their deeds, when someone's words doesn't match up with their deeds we usually deem them untrustworthy.  We may appreciate good intentions, but we expect results.  Without a good result, principled words become just empty meaningless words. Ask yourself what possible good could come from withholding support of the Republican nominee for President.
I say follow the money folks. Matt Kibbe is keeping it in the family, as his wife, Terry, is a paid fundraiser for Freedom Works.


We at Dyed in the Wool  really like the name "FreeDumb Works" and  hope it sticks.