Gov Palin on Glenn Beck Radio: Time 100

Video Retrieved from PalinTV

Governor Palin conducted a telephone interview with Glenn Beck, on April 30, 2010 at 1100 EDT, in which she discussed her inclusion in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, as covered by Lori Calabrese.

Beck contrasted Gov. Palin's Reagan Conservatism with a slew of leftists who also made the list. Gov. Palin said about her planned attendance at the Time 100 event: "What this is going to do is allow us the opportunity to express further how much we love America and the opportunities we have here and it will be just the antithesis of so many of the statements and representations of all those other people you just named off....to remind Americans that we live the life that most people on this globe would never even be able to dream of, and yet too many Americans find ourselves taking for granted the American life our founding fathers worked so hard to create."

The video is actually a complete audio transcript.

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Sarah Palin: Domestic Drilling: Why We Can Still Believe: Common Sense In The Face Of Tragedy

Finally, some calm and common sense:

Domestic Drilling: Why We Can Still Believe

We’ve all been shocked and saddened by the tragic events in the Gulf of Mexico. My heart breaks for coastal residents who are facing fears of the unknown impacts of the oil spill.

As an Alaskan, I can speak from the heart about the tragedy of an oil spill. For as long as I live, I will never forget the day the Exxon-Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef and millions of gallons of North Slope crude poured into the waters of our beautiful Prince William Sound. The spill was devastating to so many Alaskans who, like my own family, make their living on the water from our commercial fishing industry. "Heartbreaking" was the word my husband Todd, an Alaska Native and trained oil spill responder, used to describe the scene as we watched it unfold on land and water that we feel is sacred.

Alaskans understand the tragedy of an oil spill, and we’ve taken steps to do all we can to prevent another Exxon tragedy, but we are still pro-development. We still believe in responsible development, which includes drilling to extract energy sources, because we know that there is an inherent link between energy and security, energy and prosperity, and energy and freedom. Production of our own resources means security for America and opportunities for American workers. We need oil, and if we don’t drill for it here, we have to purchase it from countries that not only do not like America and can use energy purchases as a weapon against us, but also do not have the oversight that America has.

In the coming days, there will be hearings to discover the cause of the explosion and the subsequent leak. Actions will be taken to increase oversight to prevent future accidents. Government can and must play an appropriate role here. If a company was lax in its prevention practices, it must be held accountable. It is inexcusable for any oil company to not invest in preventative measures. They must be held accountable or the public will forever distrust the industry.

This was the position I took as an oil and gas regulator and as Governor of Alaska when my administration ramped up oversight of the oil industry and created a petroleum-systems-integrity office to monitor our oil and gas infrastructure for potential environmental risks. I took a lot of heat for the stand I took "against the oil industry" (which is how political adversaries labeled my actions). But we took tough action because there was proof of some improper maintenance of oil infrastructure which I believed was unacceptable. We instituted new oversight and held British Petroleum (BP) financially accountable for poor maintenance practices. We also filed a Friend-of-the-Court brief against Exxon’s interests for its decades-old responsibility to compensate Alaskans affected by the Valdez spill, and I took other actions "against" the industry which ultimately helped hold it accountable.

All responsible energy development must be accompanied by strict oversight, but even with the strictest oversight in the world, accidents still happen. No human endeavor is ever without risk – whether it’s sending a man to the moon or extracting the necessary resources to fuel our civilization. I repeat the slogan "drill here, drill now" not out of naiveté or disregard for the tragic consequences of oil spills – my family and my state and I know firsthand those consequences. How could I still believe in drilling America’s domestic supply of energy after having seen the devastation of the Exxon-Valdez spill? I continue to believe in it because increased domestic oil production will make us a more secure, prosperous, and peaceful nation.

Our hearts go out to all Americans along the coast affected by this recent tragedy, especially those who lost family members in the rig explosion, and our prayers go up for a successful recovery. May spill responders be safe.

- Sarah Palin

Reality dictates that we will be using oil and natural gas as our main source of energy for the foreseeable future and it is in America's best interest to explore for our own God given natural resources. It's a matter of national security, and financial security.

Instead of all of the histrionics we are seeing from the radical left, and political opportunism from the Obama regime, Sarah Palin brings calm, experienced leadership to this situation. Something our nation is sorely lacking.

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Sarah Palin: Domestic Drilling: Why We Can Still Believe

Following is the complete transcript of Gov. Palin's Facebook Note asserting how vital it is that we proceed with responsible domestic energy development even in the face of the Gulf Coast tragedy:

We’ve all been shocked and saddened by the tragic events in the Gulf of Mexico. My heart breaks for coastal residents who are facing fears of the unknown impacts of the oil spill.

As an Alaskan, I can speak from the heart about the tragedy of an oil spill. For as long as I live, I will never forget the day the Exxon-Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef and millions of gallons of North Slope crude poured into the waters of our beautiful Prince William Sound. The spill was devastating to so many Alaskans who, like my own family, make their living on the water from our commercial fishing industry. “Heartbreaking” was the word my husband Todd, an Alaska Native and trained oil spill responder, used to describe the scene as we watched it unfold on land and water that we feel is sacred.

Alaskans understand the tragedy of an oil spill, and we’ve taken steps to do all we can to prevent another Exxon tragedy, but we are still pro-development. We still believe in responsible development, which includes drilling to extract energy sources, because we know that there is an inherent link between energy and security, energy and prosperity, and energy and freedom. Production of our own resources means security for America and opportunities for American workers. We need oil, and if we don’t drill for it here, we have to purchase it from countries that not only do not like America and can use energy purchases as a weapon against us, but also do not have the oversight that America has.

In the coming days, there will be hearings to discover the cause of the explosion and the subsequent leak. Actions will be taken to increase oversight to prevent future accidents. Government can and must play an appropriate role here. If a company was lax in its prevention practices, it must be held accountable. It is inexcusable for any oil company to not invest in preventative measures. They must be held accountable or the public will forever distrust the industry.

This was the position I took as an oil and gas regulator and as Governor of Alaska when my administration ramped up oversight of the oil industry and created a petroleum-systems-integrity office to monitor our oil and gas infrastructure for potential environmental risks. I took a lot of heat for the stand I took “against the oil industry” (which is how political adversaries labeled my actions). But we took tough action because there was proof of some improper maintenance of oil infrastructure which I believed was unacceptable. We instituted new oversight and held British Petroleum (BP) financially accountable for poor maintenance practices. We also filed a Friend-of-the-Court brief against Exxon’s interests for its decades-old responsibility to compensate Alaskans affected by the Valdez spill, and I took other actions “against” the industry which ultimately helped hold it accountable.

All responsible energy development must be accompanied by strict oversight, but even with the strictest oversight in the world, accidents still happen. No human endeavor is ever without risk – whether it’s sending a man to the moon or extracting the necessary resources to fuel our civilization. I repeat the slogan “drill here, drill now” not out of naiveté or disregard for the tragic consequences of oil spills – my family and my state and I know firsthand those consequences. How could I still believe in drilling America’s domestic supply of energy after having seen the devastation of the Exxon-Valdez spill? I continue to believe in it because increased domestic oil production will make us a more secure, prosperous, and peaceful nation.

Our hearts go out to all Americans along the coast affected by this recent tragedy, especially those who lost family members in the rig explosion, and our prayers go up for a successful recovery. May spill responders be safe.

-Sarah Palin

- Posted using BlogPress from my Palin-Powered iPhone

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Sarah Palin Chosen As One Of Time Magazine’s Most Influential Leaders

The list is out and Time Magazine has once again chosen the world’s 100 Most Influential People. Sarah was chosen as one of the worlds’s Most Influential Leaders, and showcased in their coverage as an Icon. Sarah is seen with Time’s assistant managing editor Radhika Jones, who compiled and edited the project for the magazine:





As Time is want to do, they chose someone of note to write Sarah’s introduction. In this case it was none other than Texan Ted Nugent:

If Sarah Palin played a loud, grinding instrument, she would be in my band. The independent patriotic spirit, attitude and soul of our forefathers are alive and well in Sarah. In the way she lives, what she says and how she dedicates herself to make America better in these interesting times, she represents the good, while exposing the bad and ugly.

She embraces the critical duty of we the people by participating in this glorious experiment in self-government. The tsunami of support proves that Sarah, 46, represents what many Americans know to be common and sensible. Her rugged individualism, self-reliance and a herculean work ethic resonate now more than ever in a country spinning away from these basics that made the U.S.A. the last best place.

We who are driven to be assets to our families, communities and our beloved country connect with the principles that Sarah Palin embodies. We know that bureaucrats and, even more, Fedzilla, are not the solution; they are the problem. I'd be proud to share a moose-barbecue campfire with the Palin family anytime, so long as I can shoot the moose.


Nugent is an author, activist and rock-'n'-roll legend

That would be a fun BBQ to attend!

Also chosen for Time’s honor was Glenn Beck, and as luck would have it, Sarah was asked to write Glenn’s introduction:

 Who'd have thought a history buff with a quirky sense of humor and a chalkboard could make for such riveting television? Glenn's like the high school government teacher so many wish they'd had, charting and connecting ideas with chalk-dusted fingers — kicking it old school — instead of becoming just another talking-heads show host. Self-taught, he's become America's professor of common sense, sharing earnestly sought knowledge with an audience hungry for truth. Glenn, 46, tackles topics other news shows would regard as arcane. Consider his desire to teach Americans about the history of the progressive movement: he's doing to progressive what Ronald Reagan did to liberal — explaining that it's a damaged brand.

His love of the Founding Fathers inspires others to learn and respect our nation's history. Best of all, Glenn delights in driving the self-proclaimed powers-that-be crazy. (The whole country awaits the red phone ringing!) Even his critics (whom he annihilates in ratings) have to admire his amazing ability to galvanize everyday Americans to better themselves and peacefully engage their government. Though he sometimes dismisses himself as an aw-shucks guy or just a "rodeo clown," he's really an inspiring patriot who was once at the bottom but now makes a much needed difference from the very, very top.

Sarah was on Glenn Beck’s radio show today discussing their shared honor, as well as their affection for the Great State of Texas, and Sarah’s fondness for the neat little town of Giddings, where she and her family often stay when in the state.







Time also publishes a list of the 100 Least Influential People. Deliciously delicious is who makes the list, with the word loser beside his name.

Who knew American politics needed its own Kato Kaelin?

Ouch!



Video courtesy of The Right Scoop

H/T Doug Brady @C4P

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Sarah Palin: The Hacker Case Verdict

This day, April 30, 2010, justice was served as David Kernell who hacked into Gov. Palin's email account was convicted:

My family and I are thankful that the jury thoroughly and carefully weighed the evidence and issued a just verdict. Besides the obvious invasion of privacy and security concerns surrounding this issue, many of us are concerned about the integrity of our country’s political elections. America’s elections depend upon fair competition. Violating the law, or simply invading someone’s privacy for political gain, has long been repugnant to Americans’ sense of fair play. As Watergate taught us, we rightfully reject illegally breaking into candidates’ private communications for political intrigue in an attempt to derail an election.

I want to thank the public servants who worked so hard on this case, particularly the jurors who gave up precious time from their jobs and families to listen to the evidence and reach a decision.

My family and I appreciate the good people of Knoxville, Tennessee, who showed us true Southern hospitality. We can’t wait to visit again – but without having a subpoena in hand.

- Sarah Palin

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Constituting America: The Federalist Papers: Federalist 4

In Federalist 4, John Jay continues to build the case for the United States vs 13 separate sovereign nations, or groups of nations. As a student of history, I am continually struck by the fact that the more things change, the more they stay the same. That human nature never changes.

At the time of these writings, America had already become a strong presence on the world stage. Trade with other nations was growing. Jay speaks to the concerns of trade that could lead to war with other nations. In those days trade disputes were generally settled by the sword rather than by diplomacy.

Jay understood that other nations would not only be jealous of America’s newfound status, but angered by her ability to undercut them in the marketplace. Of course, unlike our current president, and those in his party, Jay doesn’t seek to apologize for America’s greatness. Instead, Jay talks about the need for the several states to be united. Jay continues to speak toward a strong national defense, and how only a United States can truly provide this for the benefit of all.

Jay even goes further and discusses the difficulty there would be if the states remained apart, or formed several groups of states. He gets into allied command structuring, who would command the forces, should those several groups of states find the need to come together for the mutual defense of their people.

This reminds us that job one of the federal government is to protect the nation at all costs. It’s not wealth re-distribution, or providing health care, or "re-making society." Or any other dangerous activity the Obama regime is engaged in.

It’s not the job of the federal government to tell you what you can eat, what you can drink, where you can live, or how you must worship. It is however, the absolute job, in fact the main job of government, to protect the nation from all enemies foreign and domestic.

Here is where Barack Obama is a complete failure, and we see no better example of this than his inadequacies, and almost disinterest, in Iran’s march towards a nuclear weapon, as well as Russia and China’s meddling in the world. Obama’s inability to lead on this, or even recognize the danger, puts not only the United States in peril, but the entire world.

Just as Jay warned over 200 years ago, the other nations of the world are quite envious of America’s greatness. They continually look for ways to undermine that. It’s human nature. That the Obama regime doesn’t understand this is incredibly troubling.

Federalist No. 4

The Same Subject Continued: Concerning Dangers from Foreign Force and Influence

For the Independent Journal.

Author: John Jay

To the People of the State of New York:

MY LAST paper assigned several reasons why the safety of the people would be best secured by union against the danger it may be exposed to by JUST causes of war given to other nations; and those reasons show that such causes would not only be more rarely given, but would also be more easily accommodated, by a national government than either by the State governments or the proposed little confederacies.

But the safety of the people of America against dangers from FOREIGN force depends not only on their forbearing to give JUST causes of war to other nations, but also on their placing and continuing themselves in such a situation as not to INVITE hostility or insult; for it need not be observed that there are PRETENDED as well as just causes of war.

It is too true, however disgraceful it may be to human nature, that nations in general will make war whenever they have a prospect of getting anything by it; nay, absolute monarchs will often make war when their nations are to get nothing by it, but for the purposes and objects merely personal, such as thirst for military glory, revenge for personal affronts, ambition, or private compacts to aggrandize or support their particular families or partisans. These and a variety of other motives, which affect only the mind of the sovereign, often lead him to engage in wars not sanctified by justice or the voice and interests of his people. But, independent of these inducements to war, which are more prevalent in absolute monarchies, but which well deserve our attention, there are others which affect nations as often as kings; and some of them will on examination be found to grow out of our relative situation and circumstances.

With France and with Britain we are rivals in the fisheries, and can supply their markets cheaper than they can themselves, notwithstanding any efforts to prevent it by bounties on their own or duties on foreign fish.

With them and with most other European nations we are rivals in navigation and the carrying trade; and we shall deceive ourselves if we suppose that any of them will rejoice to see it flourish; for, as our carrying trade cannot increase without in some degree diminishing theirs, it is more their interest, and will be more their policy, to restrain than to promote it.

In the trade to China and India, we interfere with more than one nation, inasmuch as it enables us to partake in advantages which they had in a manner monopolized, and as we thereby supply ourselves with commodities which we used to purchase from them.

The extension of our own commerce in our own vessels cannot give pleasure to any nations who possess territories on or near this continent, because the cheapness and excellence of our productions, added to the circumstance of vicinity, and the enterprise and address of our merchants and navigators, will give us a greater share in the advantages which those territories afford, than consists with the wishes or policy of their respective sovereigns.

Spain thinks it convenient to shut the Mississippi against us on the one side, and Britain excludes us from the Saint Lawrence on the other; nor will either of them permit the other waters which are between them and us to become the means of mutual intercourse and traffic.

From these and such like considerations, which might, if consistent with prudence, be more amplified and detailed, it is easy to see that jealousies and uneasinesses may gradually slide into the minds and cabinets of other nations, and that we are not to expect that they should regard our advancement in union, in power and consequence by land and by sea, with an eye of indifference and composure.

The people of America are aware that inducements to war may arise out of these circumstances, as well as from others not so obvious at present, and that whenever such inducements may find fit time and opportunity for operation, pretenses to color and justify them will not be wanting. Wisely, therefore, do they consider union and a good national government as necessary to put and keep them in SUCH A SITUATION as, instead of INVITING war, will tend to repress and discourage it. That situation consists in the best possible state of defense, and necessarily depends on the government, the arms, and the resources of the country.

As the safety of the whole is the interest of the whole, and cannot be provided for without government, either one or more or many, let us inquire whether one good government is not, relative to the object in question, more competent than any other given number whatever.

One government can collect and avail itself of the talents and experience of the ablest men, in whatever part of the Union they may be found. It can move on uniform principles of policy. It can harmonize, assimilate, and protect the several parts and members, and extend the benefit of its foresight and precautions to each. In the formation of treaties, it will regard the interest of the whole, and the particular interests of the parts as connected with that of the whole. It can apply the resources and power of the whole to the defense of any particular part, and that more easily and expeditiously than State governments or separate confederacies can possibly do, for want of concert and unity of system. It can place the militia under one plan of discipline, and, by putting their officers in a proper line of subordination to the Chief Magistrate, will, as it were, consolidate them into one corps, and thereby render them more efficient than if divided into thirteen or into three or four distinct independent companies.

What would the militia of Britain be if the English militia obeyed the government of England, if the Scotch militia obeyed the government of Scotland, and if the Welsh militia obeyed the government of Wales? Suppose an invasion; would those three governments (if they agreed at all) be able, with all their respective forces, to operate against the enemy so effectually as the single government of Great Britain would?

We have heard much of the fleets of Britain, and the time may come, if we are wise, when the fleets of America may engage attention. But if one national government, had not so regulated the navigation of Britain as to make it a nursery for seamen--if one national government had not called forth all the national means and materials for forming fleets, their prowess and their thunder would never have been celebrated. Let England have its navigation and fleet--let Scotland have its navigation and fleet--let Wales have its navigation and fleet--let Ireland have its navigation and fleet--let those four of the constituent parts of the British empire be be under four independent governments, and it is easy to perceive how soon they would each dwindle into comparative insignificance.

Apply these facts to our own case. Leave America divided into thirteen or, if you please, into three or four independent governments--what armies could they raise and pay--what fleets could they ever hope to have? If one was attacked, would the others fly to its succor, and spend their blood and money in its defense? Would there be no danger of their being flattered into neutrality by its specious promises, or seduced by a too great fondness for peace to decline hazarding their tranquillity and present safety for the sake of neighbors, of whom perhaps they have been jealous, and whose importance they are content to see diminished? Although such conduct would not be wise, it would, nevertheless, be natural. The history of the states of Greece, and of other countries, abounds with such instances, and it is not improbable that what has so often happened would, under similar circumstances, happen again.

But admit that they might be willing to help the invaded State or confederacy. How, and when, and in what proportion shall aids of men and money be afforded? Who shall command the allied armies, and from which of them shall he receive his orders? Who shall settle the terms of peace, and in case of disputes what umpire shall decide between them and compel acquiescence? Various difficulties and inconveniences would be inseparable from such a situation; whereas one government, watching over the general and common interests, and combining and directing the powers and resources of the whole, would be free from all these embarrassments, and conduce far more to the safety of the people.

But whatever may be our situation, whether firmly united under one national government, or split into a number of confederacies, certain it is, that foreign nations will know and view it exactly as it is; and they will act toward us accordingly. If they see that our national government is efficient and well administered, our trade prudently regulated, our militia properly organized and disciplined, our resources and finances discreetly managed, our credit re-established, our people free, contented, and united, they will be much more disposed to cultivate our friendship than provoke our resentment. If, on the other hand, they find us either destitute of an effectual government (each State doing right or wrong, as to its rulers may seem convenient), or split into three or four independent and probably discordant republics or confederacies, one inclining to Britain, another to France, and a third to Spain, and perhaps played off against each other by the three, what a poor, pitiful figure will America make in their eyes! How liable would she become not only to their contempt but to their outrage, and how soon would dear-bought experience proclaim that when a people or family so divide, it never fails to be against themselves.


PUBLIUS.

On Monday we will pick things back up as we continue to read the Federalist Papers. In the meantime, stop by Constituting America and read more essays on the Constitution and the Federalist Papers.

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Sarah Palin: The Straight-talking “Hockey Dad” with a Message for Reform

Via Gov. Sarah Palin's Facebook:

A patriotic fiscally conservative “hockey dad” who got his start in politics by serving on his local city councils is running for governor of the great state of Minnesota. His name is Tom Emmer, and I’m proud to support him.

Tom has based his campaign on three founding principles: “Honoring the Constitution, Expanding Liberty and Fostering Economic Freedom.”

Coming from a working class background, Tom is known as a straight-talker who is unafraid of taking on the challenge of reining in the size and scope of government. A proud father of seven, Tom is in this race for the right reasons – to provide bold, principled leadership that will leave Minnesota fiscally stronger for the next generation. He knows that government overspending is the real obstacle to reform. Tom says, “When a family experiences a change in its income, that family adjusts its budget accordingly. If they have less money, they spend less money. This simple form of money management is completely lost on state government.” It’s common sense statements like that which make Tom such an attractive candidate for Minnesotans who want real reform.

A family man who wants to leave his kids a better future, a “hockey dad” who once played for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks, a patriotic commonsense conservative who wishes to serve for the right reasons – that’s Tom Emmer, and I ask you to join me in supporting him for governor of Minnesota.

Please visit Tom’s website here, and follow him on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s shake things up with this straight-talking “hockey dad” and his message for reforming government.

- Sarah Palin

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Constituting America: The Federalist Papers: Federalist 3

Federalist 3 is a continuation of the theme John Jay started in Federalist 2. In today’s read, Jay continues to speak to a United States and their combined power, vs separate sovereign nations.

This time we are talking about national security. Jay points out that there are strength in numbers, and a strong United States would, in itself, would deter many actions and invasions. Remember, at the time America was surrounded by foreign territories.

Jay also points to the fact that a United States, with one set of treaties, would be able to conduct coherent foreign policy more effectively than an "every man for themselves" approach Strength through power was the correct recipe for success, according to Jay. This, of course, applies today as well.

Federalist No. 3

The Same Subject Continued: Concerning Dangers From Foreign Force and Influence

For the Independent Journal.

Author: John Jay

To the People of the State of New York:

IT IS not a new observation that the people of any country (if, like the Americans, intelligent and wellinformed) seldom adopt and steadily persevere for many years in an erroneous opinion respecting their interests. That consideration naturally tends to create great respect for the high opinion which the people of America have so long and uniformly entertained of the importance of their continuing firmly united under one federal government, vested with sufficient powers for all general and national purposes.

The more attentively I consider and investigate the reasons which appear to have given birth to this opinion, the more I become convinced that they are cogent and conclusive.

Among the many objects to which a wise and free people find it necessary to direct their attention, that of providing for their SAFETY seems to be the first. The SAFETY of the people doubtless has relation to a great variety of circumstances and considerations, and consequently affords great latitude to those who wish to define it precisely and comprehensively.

At present I mean only to consider it as it respects security for the preservation of peace and tranquillity, as well as against dangers from FOREIGN ARMS AND INFLUENCE, as from dangers of the LIKE KIND arising from domestic causes. As the former of these comes first in order, it is proper it should be the first discussed. Let us therefore proceed to examine whether the people are not right in their opinion that a cordial Union, under an efficient national government, affords them the best security that can be devised against HOSTILITIES from abroad.

The number of wars which have happened or will happen in the world will always be found to be in proportion to the number and weight of the causes, whether REAL or PRETENDED, which PROVOKE or INVITE them. If this remark be just, it becomes useful to inquire whether so many JUST causes of war are likely to be given by UNITED AMERICA as by DISUNITED America; for if it should turn out that United America will probably give the fewest, then it will follow that in this respect the Union tends most to preserve the people in a state of peace with other nations.

The JUST causes of war, for the most part, arise either from violation of treaties or from direct violence. America has already formed treaties with no less than six foreign nations, and all of them, except Prussia, are maritime, and therefore able to annoy and injure us. She has also extensive commerce with Portugal, Spain, and Britain, and, with respect to the two latter, has, in addition, the circumstance of neighborhood to attend to.

It is of high importance to the peace of America that she observe the laws of nations towards all these powers, and to me it appears evident that this will be more perfectly and punctually done by one national government than it could be either by thirteen separate States or by three or four distinct confederacies.

Because when once an efficient national government is established, the best men in the country will not only consent to serve, but also will generally be appointed to manage it; for, although town or country, or other contracted influence, may place men in State assemblies, or senates, or courts of justice, or executive departments, yet more general and extensive reputation for talents and other qualifications will be necessary to recommend men to offices under the national government,--especially as it will have the widest field for choice, and never experience that want of proper persons which is not uncommon in some of the States. Hence, it will result that the administration, the political counsels, and the judicial decisions of the national government will be more wise, systematical, and judicious than those of individual States, and consequently more satisfactory with respect to other nations, as well as more SAFE with respect to us.

Because, under the national government, treaties and articles of treaties, as well as the laws of nations, will always be expounded in one sense and executed in the same manner,--whereas, adjudications on the same points and questions, in thirteen States, or in three or four confederacies, will not always accord or be consistent; and that, as well from the variety of independent courts and judges appointed by different and independent governments, as from the different local laws and interests which may affect and influence them. The wisdom of the convention, in committing such questions to the jurisdiction and judgment of courts appointed by and responsible only to one national government, cannot be too much commended.

Because the prospect of present loss or advantage may often tempt the governing party in one or two States to swerve from good faith and justice; but those temptations, not reaching the other States, and consequently having little or no influence on the national government, the temptation will be fruitless, and good faith and justice be preserved. The case of the treaty of peace with Britain adds great weight to this reasoning.

Because, even if the governing party in a State should be disposed to resist such temptations, yet as such temptations may, and commonly do, result from circumstances peculiar to the State, and may affect a great number of the inhabitants, the governing party may not always be able, if willing, to prevent the injustice meditated, or to punish the aggressors. But the national government, not being affected by those local circumstances, will neither be induced to commit the wrong themselves, nor want power or inclination to prevent or punish its commission by others.

So far, therefore, as either designed or accidental violations of treaties and the laws of nations afford JUST causes of war, they are less to be apprehended under one general government than under several lesser ones, and in that respect the former most favors the SAFETY of the people.

As to those just causes of war which proceed from direct and unlawful violence, it appears equally clear to me that one good national government affords vastly more security against dangers of that sort than can be derived from any other quarter.

Because such violences are more frequently caused by the passions and interests of a part than of the whole; of one or two States than of the Union. Not a single Indian war has yet been occasioned by aggressions of the present federal government, feeble as it is; but there are several instances of Indian hostilities having been provoked by the improper conduct of individual States, who, either unable or unwilling to restrain or punish offenses, have given occasion to the slaughter of many innocent inhabitants.

The neighborhood of Spanish and British territories, bordering on some States and not on others, naturally confines the causes of quarrel more immediately to the borderers. The bordering States, if any, will be those who, under the impulse of sudden irritation, and a quick sense of apparent interest or injury, will be most likely, by direct violence, to excite war with these nations; and nothing can so effectually obviate that danger as a national government, whose wisdom and prudence will not be diminished by the passions which actuate the parties immediately interested.

But not only fewer just causes of war will be given by the national government, but it will also be more in their power to accommodate and settle them amicably. They will be more temperate and cool, and in that respect, as well as in others, will be more in capacity to act advisedly than the offending State. The pride of states, as well as of men, naturally disposes them to justify all their actions, and opposes their acknowledging, correcting, or repairing their errors and offenses. The national government, in such cases, will not be affected by this pride, but will proceed with moderation and candor to consider and decide on the means most proper to extricate them from the difficulties which threaten them.

Besides, it is well known that acknowledgments, explanations, and compensations are often accepted as satisfactory from a strong united nation, which would be rejected as unsatisfactory if offered by a State or confederacy of little consideration or power.

In the year 1685, the state of Genoa having offended Louis XIV., endeavored to appease him. He demanded that they should send their Doge, or chief magistrate, accompanied by four of their senators, to FRANCE, to ask his pardon and receive his terms. They were obliged to submit to it for the sake of peace. Would he on any occasion either have demanded or have received the like humiliation from Spain, or Britain, or any other POWERFUL nation?


PUBLIUS.

Please take time to visit Constituting America and join in on the conversation, as well as read further essays on the Constitution and The Federalist.

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Sarah Palin: The Media Lies

-cross posted at Patrick's World USA

Yesterday, I compared Time Magazine to the WWE because, as we all know, their writing is like wrastling: it's entertainment but it's not real. What a great smackdown it was last night on Hannity when Sarah Palin jumped into the ring and clobbered Joe Klein, Time Magazine and the mainstream media. Palin articulated the lack of credibility in what she calls "the lamestream media" effectively - bolstering the reasoning behind my favorite catch phrase: the media lies.

There is another post that's worth a re-read: Isn't it Great They're Smearing Palin Again? Check out the link to the Glenn Beck show and be prepared to laugh your ass off. On February 7th, I slammed Joe Klein in that blog post for calling Tea Partiers un-American and for attacking Palin. I was made happier for the writing of that post when our modern day journalistic Joe McCarthy went at it again calling Sarah Palin seditious as he continued his "conservative dissent borders on being anti-American" meme in his latest piece. Caleb writes on Western Journalism:

As Time-Warner continues to try and figure out why no one readers their fish wrapper of a magazine they may want to check up on Joe Klein. The guys pretends to be objective and a real “journalist” but in reality he’s just a hack for the left and he always has been. His latest affront? He’s now gone and accused both Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck of sedition.

Joe Klein is simply a clown. "Yes, what a piece of work that Mr. Klein is for the piece that he wrote, Palin told Hannity last night referring to this post and this appearance on Chris Matthews' Hardball. "That is something else."

Here's the money quote from Palin on Hannity last night:

You know you would hope that the powers that be at a, quote, unquote, reputable organization like TIME magazine that they would hold their employee — and I assume that Mr. Klein gets paid for the columns that he writes — that they would hold their employee accountable and they would actually ask him what is it that I or others in the conservative movement have said that would rise to the level of this inciting of violence and revolt and all these other things that evidently he claims.

For them to allow things like that to be printed just really discredits TIME magazine and other organizations that would allow that kind of rhetoric and false reporting, misreporting. They're lies.

Palin also hit the media for its hypocrisy on the Goldman Sachs debaucle when she tweeted:

Hey Media: want 2 earn some credibility?U hammered Bush 4 Enron contributions,but ignore GoldmanSachs 10-fold influence on Obama?Change that

Sarah Palin wrote about the media and the leftist smear machine in Going Rogue: An American Life. She pointed out how the left used ethics complaints to smear Newt Gingrich when he was Speaker of the House and how it is similar to the way they used ethics complaints against her to grind the government of Alaska to a halt. She pointed out how the left trumped up the ethics charges so that they would be picked up by the mainstream media. She says that the media and the Alaska bloggers did so much to try to get her out of office and then they had the audacity to come back and criticize her for resigning - for doing the one thing they wanted her to do.

Articles continue to pop up in the media this week claiming that Palin resigned so she could make money. Palin explains her position best in her book when she writes "They [the media] just couldn't believe that a politician would willingly give up power and title for good reasons."

Hannity raised the issue of the media smear machine last night: "Governor, you have been attacked for the clothes you wear. Your family has been attacked. Your intelligence has been questioned. Your governance has been questioned. Your motivations has been questioned." Palin let it rip:

It's about the message that's just this common sense conservative solutions that are needed to get this country back on the right track.

They don't like it. They can't handle it. We rattle them when we talk to these liberal elites about what it is that most Americans believe in. Those time tested truths that built America into the greatest country on earth and we want to get her back there. We want to be able to embrace that exceptionalism again.

And when we talk about things that we can do to put us back on the right track, it drives them crazy. It makes their heads spin. And I don't know, I think we should look at it kind of as a compliment that we are effective.

The media lies and Sarah Palin wears the vitriol they spew at her like a badge of honor.

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Sarah Palin 26 Obama’s Alaska Mafia © ZERO

The voluntary relinquishment of power for the greater good is normally praised as an example of true leadership—just review any biography of George Washington.

Let this latest dismissed complaint serves as a reminder for one of the real—and stated—reasons for her voluntary relinquishment of office, an office she campaigned for diligently, tirelessly and effectively. It stands as a marker that occasionally, every so often, there are public servants who can recognize the difference between self-interest and public interest. Sarah Palin is one such public servant.

~ Thomas Van Flein, personal attorney for Sarah Palin

When Sarah Palin was chosen as John McCain’s running mate the entire Marxist-democrat party went into panic mode. Granted, the general public was going "Sarah who?" but those of us who really follow this stuff knew exactly who Governor Sarah Palin was. In fact, a sizable number of people were openly lobbying for her selection before we even had a nominee for the top spot.

Sarah Palin has a long and storied career as a political powerhouse and a reformer. She was able to take down the "good old boy" network, the "Corrupt Bastards Club" as they called themselves, all Republican Establishment types. And she had a long record of taking down corruption in her other jobs.

Sarah had looked Big Oil, including the largest corporation in the world, Exxon, and told them how things were going to be. In short, Sarah is an effective leader, and an honest leader. The woman is fearless, politically.

Remember, two of Obama’s closest advisers, Pete Rouse, and the infamous Anita Dunn are both from Alaska. Both know all about Sarah. Dunn was one of the first ones sounding alarm bells.

Within days of the announcement that Sarah had joined the McCain ticket, Barack Obama personally reached out to the Alaska Troopers Union to discuss the bogus "Troopgate" nonsense that was brewing. Obama then set his Senate Chief-of-Staff, Pete Rouse, who is now a White House adviser, in motion.

Rouse contacted his former colleague Senator Kim Elton. Elton and Hollis French, along with a couple of other far left Marxist-democrats turned a small dispute over the firing of a insubordinate department head into a three ring circus, complete with a kangaroo court.

This went from a story about Walt Monegan, the head of the Dept of Public Safety, to a story about Palin’s deranged brother-in-law who was drunk on the job, got caught poaching (a serious deal in Alaska), tazered his step son, and threatened the lives of Sarah’s sister, her dad, as well as Sarah herself. Oh, and as far as I know, the trooper, Michael Wooten, is still a state trooper to this day.

The witch hunt became so absurd that sane members of the party wanted nothing to do with it, and a serious revolt was brewing in the legislature. Of course, Elton, French, Beth Kerttula, Steven Branchflower, etc., were all promising something so terrible, it would end up with Sarah’s impeachment.

Now bear in mind, Walt Monegan was an "at will" employee. An appointed position. In other words, the Governor could fire him for any reason, or no reason at all. You serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Period.

In the end, just a few days before the presidential election, the "Branchflower Report" was rushed in front of the world wide media. The promised "October surprise."

The kangaroo court, of course, claimed that Sarah had somehow overstepped her bounds by firing a guy that, by law, she could fire at any time, without cause. One should know, before Monegan was shown the door, even though he was insubordinate, continually trying to do end runs around Palin’s budget slashing measures designed to put Alaska back on solid footing, even with all of that, Sarah offered the guy the opportunity to take another position. He refused.

Within days of the bogus "Branchflower Report" an independent investigator for the Alaska State Personnel Board looked at the findings. Timothy Petamenos, the investigator, found that not only had Obama’s people wrongfully accused and "found" Sarah guilty, Branchflower actually hid evidence that proved Sarah was innocent of the alleged issue: Trying to force Monegan to fire Wooten, a guy who deserved to be in jail, not just fired.

Branchflower suppressed witness testimony, e-mails, and more. As if Branchflower and Co. weren’t big enough jokes, Petamenos also found they had cited the wrong statues to "convict" Sarah in the first place!

The so-called "reprimand" Sarah received was then overturned by the Alaska Personnel Board, clearing Sarah of any wrong doing.

Of course, the dirty deed was done. This had stirred up just enough dust, only days before the election, to hurt McCain/Palin and help Obama. By the way, for those that don’t know, this is was first election that Obama had ever won outright. He used dirty tricks to have his opponent "disqualified" when he ran for the Illinois Senate, and of course his minions caused all sort of problems for Senator Ryan, and his ex-wife, actress Jeri Ryan, forcing him to withdraw, giving Obama what amounted to a bye-run into the U.S. Senate. Typical Chicago thug politics.

As a payoff for a "job well done" just weeks after Obama was sworn in as President, he quietly appointed Kim Elton to a make work job at the U.S. Department of Interior. Chicago pay-for-play at it’s finest.

Of course, this insanity didn’t stop there. The Obama regime, and his thug supporters knew they had awakened a Mama Grizzly. They also knew that Sarah Palin was a huge hit with the American people. I mean think about it, when have you ever seen a group run a TV ad, during the Superbowl, to thank the vice presidential candidate from the losing ticket?

This scared the hell out of the Marxist-democrats. They know Sarah’s proclivity of going after corruption, and Obama is the absolute epitome of the corrupt politician. They also saw the crowds Sarah drew, and the strong favorable emotions America had toward her, despite the best lies their media partners had thrown out there..

Now one of the things Obama’s right hand man, Pete Rouse had done was help set up the "Wasilla Project" with a bunch of radical leftists in Alaska. A small but seriously vile group of losers. Several of them were hate filled bloggers Shannyn Moore and Jeanne Devon. These two were afforded access to the sewage dump known as the Huffington Post, As vile as that place is, it is mainstream for members of the Marxist-democrat party, and Obama’s media partners at ABC, CBS, NBC, and so on, link to the site all of the time.


These two bloggers, and a handful more, including the "Official DNC Blogger For Alaska" Linda Kellen Biegel, used their access to so-called "legitimate" media to spread multiple lies on almost a daily basis, including the incredibly vile and hateful lie that Sarah’s new baby, Trig, was not really hers. They continually attacked Sarah with this nonsense, and had all sorts of sick "fun" photoshopping the kid and saying the vilest of vile things. These were published in HuffPo, and widely distributed. Some of these nimrods turned "Trig Trutherism" into a cottage industry.

Well, That didn’t work either. Sarah was still standing strong. In fact, Sarah had already started going after Obama and his destructive, anti-American ways. It was quite clear Sarah didn’t like the course Obama put the country on, and wasn’t going to just sit back and watch it happen.

Early on Sarah established herself as the leading voice of reason, while the feckless men of the GOP were still admiring the crease of Obama’s pants. As we have seen over the last year or so, Sarah Palin is not someone who just sits back. She is every bit the "Sarahcuda" who helped her team win a championship, playing on a broken ankle.

So, phase two was started. The Alaska Mafia © as I have taken to calling them, started recruiting folks to help file never ending "ethics complaints" Alaska has some really quirky laws. For example, anyone can file a complaint for any reason, with no consequences if it is found to be frivolous. Even crazier, while the law protects legislators, it does not protect the executive! You don’t even have to use a real name to file these things, one of these complaints were filed under the name of a soap opera character!

These ethic complaints served all kinds of evil purposes. Obviously it tied up state employees, including Sarah and her staff, as they dealt with these. It was a distraction, at best. Of course here’s Sarah, who was not rich, only making $ 125,000 a year, having turned down a $25,000 raise thinking of the state budget, facing all kinds of personal legal bills. These ended up at over $500,000, which would have bankrupted the family.

By the way, and this played a HUGE part in Sarah’s decision to resign, these nasty little creatures cost the Alaska taxpayers around $2 million to investigate all of these bogus complaints. They should all be in jail, if you want my opinion.

The real value for Obama and his thugs though, was propaganda. You see, every time one of Obama’s little helpers filed one of these nonsense "complaints" it would be splashed all over the headlines world wide. Now under Alaska’s privacy laws, it is illegal to discuss or publicize these things until settled. However, the law has no teeth, no punishment. Often, within minutes of a complaints being filed, one of th Mafia © bloggers would have their press release already in the hands of Obama’s media partners nationwide. Knowing they faced absolutely no repercussions, it got to the point that the stories were already published, worldwide, before the complaints was filed.

These complaints, besides being pure old Alinsky/Obama harassment, also sought to paint Sarah as some sort of unethical person. To take the "reformer" tool out of her hand. Even better, it gave the hate bloggers a chance to shout, almost daily, that more was coming, "impeachment was eminent." They were even talking about "FBI indictments" which prompted the FBI to do something they just don’t do, and come out and tell the world that there was absolutely no FBI indictment, and further, the FBI had no ongoing investigations, and absolutely none planned! (More on this later)

This was somewhat effective. One still sees the poorly informed Obama koolaid drinkers promising indictments are coming.

Now in all fairness, not all of these complaints were filed by Obama’s people. A couple were filed by Andree McLeod someone who, as best as we can tell, is angry that Sarah didn’t hire her for some position. I think she still has one pending. She’s one of those "characters" that ever good story has, and well...that is that.

The Obama people though were just relentless, and the "complaints" were ludicrous. Really stupid things like, I kid you not, being photographed holding a fish! There was a complaint because she was interviewed, on TV no less. Oh the humanity! My favorite though, was the one for wearing a jacket in sub-zero weather. Again, I kid you not. Sarah was serving as the Grand Marshall at the Iron Dog race, the longest snow machine race in the world, roughly 2000 miles. She was there to wave the green flag to start, and would later be at the finish line to wave the checkered flag. It was cold but the fact that Sarah was wearing this jacket just didn’t sit well with the Mafia ©

Anyway, with all of the craziness, all of the attempts by Obama’s hand picked thugs, Sarah Palin is not only still standing, but has proven herself to be a real force of nature, and the strongest leader in the country. It’s kind of poetic justice, to me. If Obama and his crew had just left Sarah alone after the election, and let her be Governor, she would be quietly running her state. But thanks to their zeal to do evil deeds, and forcing her to step down, for the good of Alaska, Sarah finds herself with a lot of time on her hands. She’s become quite well off, thanks to a runaway best selling book, and a brand new one on the way, as well as all of the speaking engagements across the nation where she can reach millions of people and spread her message of common sense conservatism.

In fact, one can say, thanks to these loons, Sarah Palin has become a household name and a shoe in for both the 2012 GOP nomination as well as the presidency.

I’ve said all of that to say this: Yet another one of the bogus "ethics complaints" the twenty-sixth one, has been thrown out. This from Sarah’s attorney, Thomas Van Flein via her Facebook page.

Swing and a miss

Yesterday we learned that another "ethics" complaint that was filed against Governor Palin was dismissed as baseless. (If you are counting, the Governor is 26-0-1 regarding such complaints or suits, with one still pending). Only this complaint was actually filed after she left office, and alleged that the mere existence of the Alaska Fund Trust (the legal defense fund set up for her to help defray the costs incurred during the Troopergate fiasco and related machinations that followed in its wake) was violative of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act as well as its solicitation or receipt of contributions. The raison d’Ltre of the legal defense fund was inexorably linked to Governor Palin’s nomination as the Republican candidate for Vice President and the post-nomination political tactics arising therefrom; thus making the nomination sine quo non for the fund. In a detailed opinion, the complaint was dismissed as lacking a factual or legal basis. Last June, upon learning that a complaint against the Governor’s Anchorage Office Director was dismissed as baseless, Governor Palin’s then Chief of Staff Mike Nizich said, "This is not about holding the governor or state employees accountable. This is pure harassment." That still rings true today.

When I discussed this with Governor Palin, she had an interesting take: "My reaction upon reading the opinion in this matter was not what I expected. Though I’m always pleased with the results of these investigations that prove the false allegations wrong, and I appreciate the detailed reasoning set forth in this recent opinion, I was primarily disappointed that the State of Alaska, the Attorney General’s office, and others, still have to spend time and resources addressing the abusive onslaught of frivolous complaints directed against me—even after I left office."

At times (indeed, as recently as Sunday in a magazine cover story) people allege that the "real" reason Governor Palin stepped down was to "make money" (citing primarily her best selling book). As this most current complaint again emphasizes, Governor Palin stepped down for the right reasons—she did not want to see her state government continue to get bogged down with inane "ethics" complaints that were transparently political, plainly partisan, and diverting state resources.

The voluntary relinquishment of power for the greater good is normally praised as an example of true leadership—just review any biography of George Washington—and it should be in this case as well. But for those who seek power for the sake of power, a selfless act is confusing, so a new narrative is created, such as the "profit" motive now being asserted with renewed vigor. Rest assured Sarah Palin had obtained approval to write her memoir while still in office without running into any conflict with the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Her financial future from her best selling book, though unknown then, would not have altered much whether she stayed in office or resigned, except the number of "ethics" complaints did dramatically decrease, so any legal fees associated with such complaints decreased concomitantly.

Let this latest dismissed complaint serves as a reminder for one of the real—and stated—reasons for her voluntary relinquishment of office, an office she campaigned for diligently, tirelessly and effectively. It stands as a marker that occasionally, every so often, there are public servants who can recognize the difference between self-interest and public interest. Sarah Palin is one such public servant.

- Thomas Van Flein, personal attorney for Sarah Palin

That pretty much says it all. We wrote about the complaint Mr Van Flein references. It was the most egregious, in our opinion. What makes this one particularly infuriating is the fact that the state hired a so-called "independent investigator" Thomas Daniel to look into this.

Thomas Daniel has a day job, by the way. When not "special investigating" Daniel works for the law firm, Perkins Coie. Who is Perkins Coie? Perkins Coie, a large firm, just happens to be Barack Obama’s personal attorney of record. They are also one of the firms the DNC turns to when they really need to steal a contested election.

Daniel, of course, acted exactly like you would expect someone of his caliber to act, he "leaked" information to the media on this case, even though that sort of thing is illegal. Of course, he didn’t tell them how Sarah was innocent or anything. Oh no, this is the guy that let it be known the FBI were gassing up the Crown Vics and getting ready to pick Sarah up!

Again, this prompted the FBI to come out and make a strong statement that they weren’t investigating the Governor and had absolutely no plans to.

You can read more about that, as well as get an overview of Obama’s Alaska Mafia ©, and see the video Obama and the Mafia © do not want you to see, by clicking here.

In the closing, we are glad to see this nonsense come to an end. One thing it has proven though is that Sarah Palin is someone of strong character who will not back down and will not be intimidated. Since mid 2008 Obama, the media, the dirty trick squad, and all of the hangers-on, have thrown everything there is to throw at Sarah Palin, and she is not only still standing, but thriving.

This is why we started supporting Sarah Palin long before the rest of the nation knew of her. This is why we support her so passionately to this day. People like Sarah Palin, people of true character, are a real treasure. You just don’t see people like Sarah in politics. The few decent people that do get in, are usually run out by the dirty tricks squad. With Sarah Palin, you have someone who will run the bad guys out, and clean house.

The nation is better off with Sarah Palin as our true leader, our true strength.

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Constituting America: The Federalist Papers, Federalist 2

If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

~ Thomas Jefferson

In Federalist 2, John Jay discusses the fact that by forming a government, the citizens indeed cede some of their Natural Rights, rights given to them by God, in order to further the cause of the greater good. It’s quite interesting to note that even as Jay campaigns for the continuation of the union, and the institution of government rules, he regards government as little more than a necessary evil. The price one pays for a successful, peaceful Civil Society. Growing up, everyone I knew felt this way about government.

It’s quite sad to look at America nowadays and see so many people who now think Big Government, rather than being the source of most problems, is indeed the answer. That people wish to depend on Big Government to care for their every wish and desire, rather than their own ingenuity and spirit, is a sad affair indeed.

As Jay points out, in forming a government, you must give up a portion of your rights, and hand them to representatives who act in your interest. (allegedly) It only stands to reason that the more you expect Big Government to "take care of you" the more of your Natural Rights you must give over to that government and those people. People who probably don’t have your best interests at heart. At some point you have traded all of your God Given Rights for a security of sorts. You have put your trust in man.

Sadly, governments of man fail to live up to their lofty promises, as man is imperfect. Knowing this, it makes little sense to give so much power to the government over your life, rather than rely on your greatest resource: Yourself.

This is not to say that one should never depend on government, or that government isn’t of some benefit. However...one must remember, always, that any government that is big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take away everything you have. That is simply too much power to be acceptable. Big Government is, in practice, little more than sanctioned tyranny. The more we give over to those who have the inbred desire, not to govern, but to RULE over men, the larger the tyranny grows.

Federalist No. 2


Concerning Dangers from Foreign Force and Influence

For the Independent Journal.

Author: John Jay


To the People of the State of New York:

WHEN the people of America reflect that they are now called upon to decide a question, which, in its consequences, must prove one of the most important that ever engaged their attention, the propriety of their taking a very comprehensive, as well as a very serious, view of it, will be evident.

Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government, and it is equally undeniable, that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights in order to vest it with requisite powers. It is well worthy of consideration therefore, whether it would conduce more to the interest of the people of America that they should, to all general purposes, be one nation, under one federal government, or that they should divide themselves into separate confederacies, and give to the head of each the same kind of powers which they are advised to place in one national government.

It has until lately been a received and uncontradicted opinion that the prosperity of the people of America depended on their continuing firmly united, and the wishes, prayers, and efforts of our best and wisest citizens have been constantly directed to that object. But politicians now appear, who insist that this opinion is erroneous, and that instead of looking for safety and happiness in union, we ought to seek it in a division of the States into distinct confederacies or sovereignties. However extraordinary this new doctrine may appear, it nevertheless has its advocates; and certain characters who were much opposed to it formerly, are at present of the number. Whatever may be the arguments or inducements which have wrought this change in the sentiments and declarations of these gentlemen, it certainly would not be wise in the people at large to adopt these new political tenets without being fully convinced that they are founded in truth and sound policy.

It has often given me pleasure to observe that independent America was not composed of detached and distant territories, but that one connected, fertile, widespreading country was the portion of our western sons of liberty. Providence has in a particular manner blessed it with a variety of soils and productions, and watered it with innumerable streams, for the delight and accommodation of its inhabitants. A succession of navigable waters forms a kind of chain round its borders, as if to bind it together; while the most noble rivers in the world, running at convenient distances, present them with highways for the easy communication of friendly aids, and the mutual transportation and exchange of their various commodities.

With equal pleasure I have as often taken notice that Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people--a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs, and who, by their joint counsels, arms, and efforts, fighting side by side throughout a long and bloody war, have nobly established general liberty and independence.

This country and this people seem to have been made for each other, and it appears as if it was the design of Providence, that an inheritance so proper and convenient for a band of brethren, united to each other by the strongest ties, should never be split into a number of unsocial, jealous, and alien sovereignties.

Similar sentiments have hitherto prevailed among all orders and denominations of men among us. To all general purposes we have uniformly been one people each individual citizen everywhere enjoying the same national rights, privileges, and protection. As a nation we have made peace and war; as a nation we have vanquished our common enemies; as a nation we have formed alliances, and made treaties, and entered into various compacts and conventions with foreign states.

A strong sense of the value and blessings of union induced the people, at a very early period, to institute a federal government to preserve and perpetuate it. They formed it almost as soon as they had a political existence; nay, at a time when their habitations were in flames, when many of their citizens were bleeding, and when the progress of hostility and desolation left little room for those calm and mature inquiries and reflections which must ever precede the formation of a wise and wellbalanced government for a free people. It is not to be wondered at, that a government instituted in times so inauspicious, should on experiment be found greatly deficient and inadequate to the purpose it was intended to answer.

This intelligent people perceived and regretted these defects. Still continuing no less attached to union than enamored of liberty, they observed the danger which immediately threatened the former and more remotely the latter; and being pursuaded that ample security for both could only be found in a national government more wisely framed, they as with one voice, convened the late convention at Philadelphia, to take that important subject under consideration.

This convention composed of men who possessed the confidence of the people, and many of whom had become highly distinguished by their patriotism, virtue and wisdom, in times which tried the minds and hearts of men, undertook the arduous task. In the mild season of peace, with minds unoccupied by other subjects, they passed many months in cool, uninterrupted, and daily consultation; and finally, without having been awed by power, or influenced by any passions except love for their country, they presented and recommended to the people the plan produced by their joint and very unanimous councils.

Admit, for so is the fact, that this plan is only RECOMMENDED, not imposed, yet let it be remembered that it is neither recommended to BLIND approbation, nor to BLIND reprobation; but to that sedate and candid consideration which the magnitude and importance of the subject demand, and which it certainly ought to receive. But this (as was remarked in the foregoing number of this paper) is more to be wished than expected, that it may be so considered and examined. Experience on a former occasion teaches us not to be too sanguine in such hopes. It is not yet forgotten that well-grounded apprehensions of imminent danger induced the people of America to form the memorable Congress of 1774. That body recommended certain measures to their constituents, and the event proved their wisdom; yet it is fresh in our memories how soon the press began to teem with pamphlets and weekly papers against those very measures. Not only many of the officers of government, who obeyed the dictates of personal interest, but others, from a mistaken estimate of consequences, or the undue influence of former attachments, or whose ambition aimed at objects which did not correspond with the public good, were indefatigable in their efforts to pursuade the people to reject the advice of that patriotic Congress. Many, indeed, were deceived and deluded, but the great majority of the people reasoned and decided judiciously; and happy they are in reflecting that they did so.

They considered that the Congress was composed of many wise and experienced men. That, being convened from different parts of the country, they brought with them and communicated to each other a variety of useful information. That, in the course of the time they passed together in inquiring into and discussing the true interests of their country, they must have acquired very accurate knowledge on that head. That they were individually interested in the public liberty and prosperity, and therefore that it was not less their inclination than their duty to recommend only such measures as, after the most mature deliberation, they really thought prudent and advisable.

These and similar considerations then induced the people to rely greatly on the judgment and integrity of the Congress; and they took their advice, notwithstanding the various arts and endeavors used to deter them from it. But if the people at large had reason to confide in the men of that Congress, few of whom had been fully tried or generally known, still greater reason have they now to respect the judgment and advice of the convention, for it is well known that some of the most distinguished members of that Congress, who have been since tried and justly approved for patriotism and abilities, and who have grown old in acquiring political information, were also members of this convention, and carried into it their accumulated knowledge and experience.

It is worthy of remark that not only the first, but every succeeding Congress, as well as the late convention, have invariably joined with the people in thinking that the prosperity of America depended on its Union. To preserve and perpetuate it was the great object of the people in forming that convention, and it is also the great object of the plan which the convention has advised them to adopt. With what propriety, therefore, or for what good purposes, are attempts at this particular period made by some men to depreciate the importance of the Union? Or why is it suggested that three or four confederacies would be better than one? I am persuaded in my own mind that the people have always thought right on this subject, and that their universal and uniform attachment to the cause of the Union rests on great and weighty reasons, which I shall endeavor to develop and explain in some ensuing papers. They who promote the idea of substituting a number of distinct confederacies in the room of the plan of the convention, seem clearly to foresee that the rejection of it would put the continuance of the Union in the utmost jeopardy. That certainly would be the case, and I sincerely wish that it may be as clearly foreseen by every good citizen, that whenever the dissolution of the Union arrives, America will have reason to exclaim, in the words of the poet: "FAREWELL! A LONG FAREWELL TO ALL MY GREATNESS."

PUBLIUS.

A final thought: It’s interesting that after uniting for the common cause of Independence, just a few short years later many were advocating the break up of the several states into separate, un-affiliated, sovereign nations. This is what Hamilton was warning about in Federalist 1 when he spoke of self important politicians. Jay’s writing in Federalist 2 is dedicated to convincing the people to remain united.

This thinking on self important politicians applies today as well. We have devolved from a strong nation governed by our fellow citizens, to a deeply divided nation that has a very distinct ruling class that sees itself well above the rest of the population. This is the perfect example of what happens when one cedes too many of their God Given Natural Rights To Big Government, in exchange for a truly uncertain security and comfort.

Make sure you take time to visit Constituting America for further discussion of Federalist 2, as well as the Constitution. There are a number of essays by scholars that offer their viewpoints as well.

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Governor Palin on Hannity

Governor Palin was on Hannity tonight to discuss the new immigration law passed in Arizona, the most recent attacks on her, Obama's use of race card in his new political push, and the fact that Timothy Geithner has never held a "real job."

Part 1


Part 2

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Thomas Van Flein: Swing and a miss

Another ethics complaint failure

Post by Thomas Van Flein via Gov. Sarah Palin's Facebook:

Yesterday we learned that another “ethics” complaint that was filed against Governor Palin was dismissed as baseless. (If you are counting, the Governor is 26-0-1 regarding such complaints or suits, with one still pending). Only this complaint was actually filed after she left office, and alleged that the mere existence of the Alaska Fund Trust (the legal defense fund set up for her to help defray the costs incurred during the Troopergate fiasco and related machinations that followed in its wake) was violative of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act as well as its solicitation or receipt of contributions. The raison d’être of the legal defense fund was inexorably linked to Governor Palin’s nomination as the Republican candidate for Vice President and the post-nomination political tactics arising therefrom; thus making the nomination sine quo non for the fund. In a detailed opinion, the complaint was dismissed as lacking a factual or legal basis. Last June, upon learning that a complaint against the Governor’s Anchorage Office Director was dismissed as baseless, Governor Palin’s then Chief of Staff Mike Nizich said, “This is not about holding the governor or state employees accountable. This is pure harassment.” That still rings true today.

When I discussed this with Governor Palin, she had an interesting take: “My reaction upon reading the opinion in this matter was not what I expected. Though I’m always pleased with the results of these investigations that prove the false allegations wrong, and I appreciate the detailed reasoning set forth in this recent opinion, I was primarily disappointed that the State of Alaska, the Attorney General’s office, and others, still have to spend time and resources addressing the abusive onslaught of frivolous complaints directed against me—even after I left office.”

At times (indeed, as recently as Sunday in a magazine cover story) people allege that the “real” reason Governor Palin stepped down was to “make money” (citing primarily her best selling book). As this most current complaint again emphasizes, Governor Palin stepped down for the right reasons—she did not want to see her state government continue to get bogged down with inane “ethics” complaints that were transparently political, plainly partisan, and diverting state resources. The voluntary relinquishment of power for the greater good is normally praised as an example of true leadership—just review any biography of George Washington—and it should be in this case as well. But for those who seek power for the sake of power, a selfless act is confusing, so a new narrative is created, such as the “profit” motive now being asserted with renewed vigor. Rest assured Sarah Palin had obtained approval to write her memoir while still in office without running into any conflict with the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Her financial future from her best selling book, though unknown then, would not have altered much whether she stayed in office or resigned, except the number of “ethics” complaints did dramatically decrease, so any legal fees associated with such complaints decreased concomitantly.

Let this latest dismissed complaint serve as a reminder for one of the real—and stated—reasons for her voluntary relinquishment of office, an office she campaigned for diligently, tirelessly and effectively. It stands as a marker that occasionally, every so often, there are public servants who can recognize the difference between self-interest and public interest. Sarah Palin is one such public servant.

- Thomas Van Flein, personal attorney for Sarah Palin

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The POT(US) Calling the Kettle Black

By Adrienne Ross - www.motivationtruth.com

We can count on some basic things in this life: you know, rain showers in April, the New York Knicks losing basketball games, and...Liberals playing the race card. Some things never change. True to form, it's April and we've been getting quite a bit of rain. It's NBA playoff time and the Knicks are already on vacation. And it's another day--any day--and Liberals are using race to advance their agenda.

Yes, it is common for the Left to create, capitalize off of, and then feign concern over issues of race. So nothing has changed there. But I have to admit that it threw me to see our so-called post-racial president so comfortable playing that card for all the world to see. Just pulled it out and threw it on the table--no big deal, right?

Watch the video below and then keep reading.



If you're like me, when you first heard this, you stopped in your tracks, wondering if President Obama had actually said what you thought he said. I was preparing for work with "Fox and Friends" on in the background. I couldn't believe Obama so bluntly stated that in order to win in November of 2010,

"It will be up to each of you to make sure that the young people, African-Americans, Latinos, and women who powered our victory in 2008 stand together once again."

So the Democrats' November game plan is to gather certain groups and get them to the polls, for once there, you can expect them to vote your way; after all, that's what they do.

His comments, indicative of his hubris and the Left's political slave master mentality, reveal Democrats' long-standing belief that certain people will vote for certain other people no matter what--no matter the issues, no matter his record. So his rally cry is simple. In part, it is: "Calling all Blacks! Calling all Latinos! Let's unite!"

Now, lest you be tempted to think that's okay, just flip the president's script for a moment. Can you imagine the outrage if Governor Palin had penned on Facebook, "It will be up to each of you to make sure that white people stand together once again"? Can you imagine what would happen if any Conservative made such a comment? A Conservative cannot even peacefully demonstrate against President Obama's policies or target certain Democrats who need to be ousted without being accused of racism and inciting violence. Governor Palin wrote:

We’re paying particular attention to those House members who voted in favor of Obamacare and represent districts that Senator John McCain and I carried during the 2008 election.

All hell broke loose after that Facebook note as the Left went into selective outrage and stupidity mode. But the president can target certain groups that he expects to line up, be counted, and do his bidding.

How are his comments acceptable?

They're not. They're offensive. His tactics are not new for the Left, but they certainly are beneath the office of the president, who was elected to be the leader of all Americans, not just the pockets of people he feels he has in his back pockets.

Furthermore, as one of those Black Americans, I am insulted at the thought that anyone would expect me to take my place and do as I have done. The president ought to be familiar with the phrase, "You're gonna have to come correct"--and he's going to have to do just that if he wants to retain those seats come November.

Now, I'm just a teacher from the state of New York, but I have a novel idea for President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and the rest of those puppet masters in Washington. How about you offer all American people something to vote for? How about you embrace policies that will not put our children and their children in debt before they take their first breath? After all, perhaps more than all others, we "African-Americans and Latinos" are further hampered when we enter the world with that type of burden already upon our shoulders, and since you're so familiar with race, you should be well-aware of that.

I have another idea. How about you stop supporting the massacre of our children in the womb and calling it choice? Abortion is wiping out the Black and Latino populations more than any other. But of course, sir, you would know that, as you are a staunch advocate of Planned Parenthood, which purposely sets up shop in these communities. Margaret Sanger would be proud. That was her plan. How about that, Mr. President?

As an educator, Mr. Obama, I ask you to figure out a way to improve the educational success of the people you want to come out in droves for you in November. You can start in D.C. Then make your way to New York. Come to my school district, sir, where they will be cutting almost 50 jobs at the end of this school year. And we know the impact that will have on all, particularly the children of those "African-Americans and Latinos" you want to do you some favors at the poll. How about that?

One last idea. President Obama, how about you surround yourself with people who will stop telling these same groups of people that we're victims, and will start telling us the truth--that we can be victors not over-reliant on "the man"--you know, the government?

Yes, I'm outraged at the president's audacity of arrogance as he sits in front of his video camera and rallies the troops by pushing his same politics-as-usual nonsense that is detrimental to the very groups of people he's singling out and duping into submission. Give people something to work with, President, and maybe you won't have to resort to the same old, same old race games, because more and more of us are not moved by your race. We want results. So come correct or don't come at all.

Now, let's contrast President Obama's approach with that of Governor Palin. When she rallies Americans to remain encouraged and focus on November, she addresses all Americans. We all have a stake in the elections, as we all have been affected by the policies of the current administration.

For example, on Facebook she wrote:

This is just the beginning of our efforts to take back our country. Consider yesterday’s vote a clarion call and a spur to action. We will not let America sink into further debt without a fight. We will not abandon the American dream to government dependency, fewer freedoms and less opportunity. Change is made at the ballot box. If we work together, we can renew our optimistic pioneering spirit, revive our economy, and restore constitutional limits.

Stand tall, America. November is coming!

Governor Palin asks for all to take a stand by voting in November to undo some of this promised change the president is unfortunately delivering. She neither exempted nor exploited Blacks, Latinos, or even women. She spoke to people as people who care about their country.

While I'm sure that there are people who are inspired by Governor Palin because they relate to her as a woman, a wife, and mother, who find delight in perhaps casting their vote for one who may be the first female President of the United States, these same people often voice a desire to join with other Americans from all walks of life to move forward toward common sense solutions. She calls on them for that reason alone; they are Americans. And while I do find wisdom in reaching out to articulate our message to different communities, I do believe in coming correct to those people. And coming correct is not being presumptuous that you've got my vote in the bag. Coming correct is coming with a message of real hope and change, which is a message of uniting with all so that together we can move forward and better understand how each of us benefits from these solutions. Thus my support of Governor Palin; she comes correct.

In mid-March, before the vote that passed this government takeover of healthcare, Governor Palin wrote:

We know we’ll beat them at the ballot box, but we have to kill this bill before November. This is the final push. We must stand up and stand together one last time to insist on true market-oriented, patient-centered health care reform that reflects America’s values and the will of the people.

As I read these comments, I once again see a citizen leader who understands the necessity of all Americans to go to the ballot. While the president is asking certain groups to "stand together once again," to ride the wave of 2008, which is proving to be a washout to any one paying even a little attention, Governor Palin understands that we all have a stake in the direction of the country; therefore we all must "stand together."

Futhermore, the day after Scott Brown was elected in the Massachusetts' special election, Governor Palin wrote:

The special election yesterday in Massachusetts was truly amazing. It is a clear indication of things to come and a demonstration of the momentum we all share in the fight for the values and policies that will get our country back to work. The commonsense conservative principles of liberty and fiscal responsibility are on the rise, and that's why I'm going out and campaigning as hard as I can to make a difference. I can't wait to join all of you in supporting these great candidates and many more over the coming months.

Governor Palin's message in that note was clear: every one of us will benefit from the wave of common sense conservatism. Every person matters. Notice the words she consistently uses: "we all," "stand together," "all of you."

Governor Palin's focus is preserving America's values, her work ethic, and her future. She has set her gaze on 2010 and the support of candidates who will progress this nation. We're all in this. She doesn't take for granted that she owns certain groups of people, and she doesn't exclude anyone. She appeals to Americans--period--which is exactly the way conservatives and Tea Party activists always conduct themselves.

People like Governor Palin and Tea Partiers, who have never separated people into categories based on race, are accused of masking their prejudice by using coded language for "white America." Nonsense. Meanwhile, the President of the United States can come right out and say people need to basically bus Blacks and Latinos to the polls. Somehow that game plan is okay to Liberal loons because...well, that's what far Left Liberal racebaiters do. But Conservatives have a race problem?

Excuse the pun, but if that's not the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what is.

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