The GrizzlyFest was a monumental undertaking involving many individuals and sites. The following videos recognize the hard work that went into this highly successful event.
GrizzlyFest Credits
Video Tribute to Palin Support Sites and Blogs
Saturday, October 29, 2011
GrizzlyFest 2011 Recognizes Sites and Participants
The GrizzlyFest was a monumental undertaking involving many individuals and sites. The following videos recognize the hard work that went into this highly successful event.
Gov. Palin Attempts to Call Grizzly Fest; Chuck Heath, Jr. Calls In
Chuck Heath, Jr., Rebecca Mansour, and Dr. Gina Loudon called into today's GrizzlyFest to discuss the future of the Palin grassroots movement or coalition. Gov. Palin made several attempts to call the show for 15 minutes but could not get through because of technical difficulties.
Mansour spoke about holding candidates accountable and Chuck Heath, Jr. said his "working on" getting Gov. Palin to reconsider running because the field of candidates is absolutely unsatisfactory.
The audio transcript below includes the three-hour broadcast and a 30-minute after-show.
Listen to internet radio with Grizzly Fest on Blog Talk Radio
US for Palin & NY4Palin Suggest Way Forward for Palinistas
Please enjoy this special presentation by US for Palin and NY4Palin as we provide a suggested way forward for Palinistas based on Gov. Palin's leadership style and power bases.
read more...
GrizzlyFest Celebration of Special Sarah Palin Moments
Please enjoy our Celebration of Special Sarah Palin Moments which airs live at approximately 1555 / 3:55 PM EDT today as part of the GrizzlyFest:
read more...
GrizzlyFest '11 Live
GrizzlyFest '11 Live...
Starting at 1400 / 2 PM EDT, you can hear the audio from the GrizzlyFest by clicking the audio stream below. Please go to http://grizzlyfest.com to join the live chat.
Listen to internet radio with Grizzly Fest on Blog Talk Radio
Friday, October 28, 2011
Take the GrizzlyFest Restoration Principles Survey Now
Thanks to those of you who added your input on The Restoration Principles that we're going to be discussing in one of the panels at Grizzly Fest, led by Steve Bannon.
We've assembled many of them into a list and put them into the Grizzly Fest Survey.
You can vote on which principles you think should make the final cut ...
Grizzly Fest Survey
My Take on Grizzly Fest '11
-from Patrick's World USA
Listen to Grizzly Fest here:
When I wrote Palin Exposes Problems in GOP by Not Running, it was originally written as a stand alone piece - my analysis of how glaringly obvious the weaknesses in the Republican Party were when they are not shrouded by the light of a potential Palin presidency. Roderic Deane graciously invited me to discuss the piece on his BlogTalk Radio show as he and others were organizing Grizzly Fest '11.
Since I am spending tomorrow with my son, it's highly unlikely I will be able to listen to Grizzly Fest live or participate in the forums. I will be certain to listen to the podcast at my first opportunity. This is an important online summit that should be viewed by not only Palin supporters, but by conservatives, Tea Partiers and Republicans across the greater coalition that will be working to unseat President Barack Obama in 2012 as well.
Which brings me to what I would like to focus on if I was able to attend the summit. I would hope that some of the people who read this post take an interest in discussing the role of the Palin movement in shaping the future of the Republican Party. As a lifelong Republican, a part of me laments how party insiders and the party establishment seem to be resisting candidates who stand for Constitutional conservatism, smaller government and who would like to see an end to cronyism and the disproportionate influence the permanent political class has in not only Washington, DC, but within the party itself.
Consider this post and my post about the problems in the Republican Party as my contribution to the summit.
Grizzly Fest '11 is an opportunity for a disheartened Palin supporter like myself to move forward enthusiastically with the next step the Palin movement will be taking. Rather than wander leaderless in the wilderness like I was before Palin hit the national scene, I can take heart that because of Governor Palin's work over the last three years, we have been motivated to form a movement that would have propelled her to the presidency had she chosen to run. Grizzly Fest represents an opportunity to unite in an effort to save our country and to continue to support Governor Palin in her efforts.
I believe our movement has grown tremendously over the last three years to the point where we could have gotten Governor Palin elected president had she ran. Although we will not get to test that theory this go around, if you believe that we are a movement strong enough to get someone elected president then you have to believe we are strong enough to effect the change necessary in both our government and the Republican Party in order to renew and restore America.
Over the course of the last three years - as a result of this blog, Blogtalk Radio and the new media interaction between Palin supporters on Twitter, Team Sarah and Conservatives4Palin, I have had the opportunity to communicate with great people like Frank Aquino, Jedediah Bila, Tammy Bruce, Roderic Deane, Ron Devito, Adrienne Ross, Thomas Schmitz, Jackie Siciliano and many others active in the Palin movement and who are actively participating in Grizzly Fest. A bi-product of being part of such a large movement like ours is that when I mention people, I miss so many others because there isn't enough bandwidth here on Blogger to list you all.
One person who has been able to capture the essence of the Palin movement in the blogosphere is Josh Painter who put together the blogroll which is featured on his site Texans For Sarah Palin and which is the source for the Sarah Palin-Friendly Blogs which are listed on the Grizzly Fest website. It's a great honor to see my site listed there.
This post is more than just a shameless reciprocation to the folks over at Grizzlyfest.com, however. It is an affirmation that we have built something that will continue to further the cause of bringing the shine back to the city on a hill. Because of Sarah Palin, we are a powerful voice instead of a bunch of broken men and women who would have been watching the end of the conservative movement three years ago had John McCain not chosen her to be his running mate.
Our futures and the future of our great nation will depend on our continuing to grow the movement and our deepening relationships among ourselves and others who will come into the fold as we and Governor Palin continue to speak out and hold Washington's feet to the fire.
As much as I've gotten to know many of you who might be reading this, what really blew my mind is that I have come to know Sarah Palin supporters that I didn't even know existed until after she decided not to run. This validates my theory that had she announced, millions of us would have poured out of the wood work much to the dismay of her detractors. The media, which has gone to contortionist lengths to mock her and downplay the level of support she has, will soon find that they will no longer be able to hide our numbers and Palin's effectiveness as a leader from the rest of America.
If they think she and we are gone just because she's not running, they have another thing coming.
As our country continues to flounder economically, the Palin army has an opportunity to continue to grow and network with each other. We can stand for free market principals. Who knows, we can even be profitable in our endeavors to get into the media, pop culture or academics because of our affiliations with each other. We don't have to grow broke crusading for what needs to be done to fix our great nation. We can't afford to wait for the government to get out of our way. We need to build our way back from the ground up.
I'm not saying this to be opportunistic. I'm saying this because it is a fundamental belief of mine that if we are going to stop the liberals, we must beat them at their own game and infiltrate the media, the culture, academia and ultimately the halls of government itself. Think about how liberal these institutions have become and then ask yourself how that happened.
Look at what the liberals did with their party after the 1968 Chicago Democratic National Convention. There's a lesson for us. If they were able to turn the Democrat Party into the liberal party, we can infiltrate the Republican Party and make it the conservative party. In all areas, we can use our ideas and their playbook to defeat them. Look at what Andrew Breitbart has been able to do both commercially and politically. There is no reason why we need to go broke and continue to be victims of a socialist agenda while pushing forth with what's truly right for America.
We need to become a free market country again. We can begin with ourselves and our party. We can build from the grass roots up. We can lay the foundations of economic prosperity by putting more boots on the ground, more boots to the butts of statists and cronies and someday by putting a pair of our boots on the floor underneath the desk in the oval office.
It's our nation. Let's work toward making it better again. Let's bring the words integrity and merit back into the lexicon of those who represent us in Washington and who decides government's role in our economy. Regulating, handing out and bailing out is not free enterprise. Statism severely hinders the mobility the society needs so that individuals are not stuck in their economic status or class.
We are a lean mean fighting machine! Let's show government that fat with taxpayer money, drunk with power and stupid with ideas is no way to go through life.
I will be talking about Grizzly Fest on my BlogTalk Radio show Wednesday Nov 2, 2011 at 11pm Et 8pm Pt. If anyone involved would like to be a guest on my show to talk about Grizzly Fest, please email me with subject line: "Want to Talk Grizzly Fest" at reagantman@gmail.com.
read more...
Listen to Grizzly Fest here:
Listen to internet radio with Grizzly Fest on Blog Talk Radio
Sudden and Relentless Reform Begins Now
When I wrote Palin Exposes Problems in GOP by Not Running, it was originally written as a stand alone piece - my analysis of how glaringly obvious the weaknesses in the Republican Party were when they are not shrouded by the light of a potential Palin presidency. Roderic Deane graciously invited me to discuss the piece on his BlogTalk Radio show as he and others were organizing Grizzly Fest '11.
Since I am spending tomorrow with my son, it's highly unlikely I will be able to listen to Grizzly Fest live or participate in the forums. I will be certain to listen to the podcast at my first opportunity. This is an important online summit that should be viewed by not only Palin supporters, but by conservatives, Tea Partiers and Republicans across the greater coalition that will be working to unseat President Barack Obama in 2012 as well.
Which brings me to what I would like to focus on if I was able to attend the summit. I would hope that some of the people who read this post take an interest in discussing the role of the Palin movement in shaping the future of the Republican Party. As a lifelong Republican, a part of me laments how party insiders and the party establishment seem to be resisting candidates who stand for Constitutional conservatism, smaller government and who would like to see an end to cronyism and the disproportionate influence the permanent political class has in not only Washington, DC, but within the party itself.
Consider this post and my post about the problems in the Republican Party as my contribution to the summit.
Grizzly Fest '11 is an opportunity for a disheartened Palin supporter like myself to move forward enthusiastically with the next step the Palin movement will be taking. Rather than wander leaderless in the wilderness like I was before Palin hit the national scene, I can take heart that because of Governor Palin's work over the last three years, we have been motivated to form a movement that would have propelled her to the presidency had she chosen to run. Grizzly Fest represents an opportunity to unite in an effort to save our country and to continue to support Governor Palin in her efforts.
I believe our movement has grown tremendously over the last three years to the point where we could have gotten Governor Palin elected president had she ran. Although we will not get to test that theory this go around, if you believe that we are a movement strong enough to get someone elected president then you have to believe we are strong enough to effect the change necessary in both our government and the Republican Party in order to renew and restore America.
Over the course of the last three years - as a result of this blog, Blogtalk Radio and the new media interaction between Palin supporters on Twitter, Team Sarah and Conservatives4Palin, I have had the opportunity to communicate with great people like Frank Aquino, Jedediah Bila, Tammy Bruce, Roderic Deane, Ron Devito, Adrienne Ross, Thomas Schmitz, Jackie Siciliano and many others active in the Palin movement and who are actively participating in Grizzly Fest. A bi-product of being part of such a large movement like ours is that when I mention people, I miss so many others because there isn't enough bandwidth here on Blogger to list you all.
One person who has been able to capture the essence of the Palin movement in the blogosphere is Josh Painter who put together the blogroll which is featured on his site Texans For Sarah Palin and which is the source for the Sarah Palin-Friendly Blogs which are listed on the Grizzly Fest website. It's a great honor to see my site listed there.
This post is more than just a shameless reciprocation to the folks over at Grizzlyfest.com, however. It is an affirmation that we have built something that will continue to further the cause of bringing the shine back to the city on a hill. Because of Sarah Palin, we are a powerful voice instead of a bunch of broken men and women who would have been watching the end of the conservative movement three years ago had John McCain not chosen her to be his running mate.
Our futures and the future of our great nation will depend on our continuing to grow the movement and our deepening relationships among ourselves and others who will come into the fold as we and Governor Palin continue to speak out and hold Washington's feet to the fire.
As much as I've gotten to know many of you who might be reading this, what really blew my mind is that I have come to know Sarah Palin supporters that I didn't even know existed until after she decided not to run. This validates my theory that had she announced, millions of us would have poured out of the wood work much to the dismay of her detractors. The media, which has gone to contortionist lengths to mock her and downplay the level of support she has, will soon find that they will no longer be able to hide our numbers and Palin's effectiveness as a leader from the rest of America.
If they think she and we are gone just because she's not running, they have another thing coming.
As our country continues to flounder economically, the Palin army has an opportunity to continue to grow and network with each other. We can stand for free market principals. Who knows, we can even be profitable in our endeavors to get into the media, pop culture or academics because of our affiliations with each other. We don't have to grow broke crusading for what needs to be done to fix our great nation. We can't afford to wait for the government to get out of our way. We need to build our way back from the ground up.
I'm not saying this to be opportunistic. I'm saying this because it is a fundamental belief of mine that if we are going to stop the liberals, we must beat them at their own game and infiltrate the media, the culture, academia and ultimately the halls of government itself. Think about how liberal these institutions have become and then ask yourself how that happened.
Look at what the liberals did with their party after the 1968 Chicago Democratic National Convention. There's a lesson for us. If they were able to turn the Democrat Party into the liberal party, we can infiltrate the Republican Party and make it the conservative party. In all areas, we can use our ideas and their playbook to defeat them. Look at what Andrew Breitbart has been able to do both commercially and politically. There is no reason why we need to go broke and continue to be victims of a socialist agenda while pushing forth with what's truly right for America.
We need to become a free market country again. We can begin with ourselves and our party. We can build from the grass roots up. We can lay the foundations of economic prosperity by putting more boots on the ground, more boots to the butts of statists and cronies and someday by putting a pair of our boots on the floor underneath the desk in the oval office.
It's our nation. Let's work toward making it better again. Let's bring the words integrity and merit back into the lexicon of those who represent us in Washington and who decides government's role in our economy. Regulating, handing out and bailing out is not free enterprise. Statism severely hinders the mobility the society needs so that individuals are not stuck in their economic status or class.
We are a lean mean fighting machine! Let's show government that fat with taxpayer money, drunk with power and stupid with ideas is no way to go through life.
I will be talking about Grizzly Fest on my BlogTalk Radio show Wednesday Nov 2, 2011 at 11pm Et 8pm Pt. If anyone involved would like to be a guest on my show to talk about Grizzly Fest, please email me with subject line: "Want to Talk Grizzly Fest" at reagantman@gmail.com.
Monday, October 24, 2011
O4P-CA: Halloween Grizzly SWAG
In case you have not heard (coming to a Laptop near you) next Saturday October 29th is GRIZZLY FEST!
For up to the minute alerts be sure to follow: @GrizzlyFest on Twitter.
And click LIKE on the Grizzly Fest Facebook Page: HERE
O4P-CA wanted to lend a hand and help out our friends at Grizzly Fest in any way we could. One of our distinguising strategies that was highly effective in the 2010 election cycle was our use of donated and/or at cost SWAG.
SWAG = Stuff We All Get
(the term started in Hollywood with Academy Award celebrity gifting suites)
There are no big marketing budgets in grass roots politics. So, in order to get around that challenge we focus on: creativity, the present, fortitude, and of course...pizzazz.
Last year O4P-CA used guerilla marketing campaigns to target specific groups of people in unexpected places. The impromptu Mama Grizzly March in Beverly Hills was a great example of unconventional interactive political marketing with the electorate.
The anti business policies of Barack Obama and the permanent political class have made it a cinch to talk to small business owners about the state of our country and our economy.
Oftentimes Mom and Pop small business's are willing to donate their products and/or services when they find out what we're doing, what we're working towards, and what we believe.
Just ask.
It's no surprise that small business owners have absolutely no desire to see America fundamentally transformed. Just like most Americans these small business owners instead seek the restoration of our magnitude, our benevolence, and our constitutional republic based on the rule of law.
Because Mom and Pop's believe in the power and the opportunity of a restored American free-market economy; many of them are eager to lend a hand to our cause and help get our message out to the body politic.
Just ask.
As we approach an unconventional election cycle we need to think outside of the box, call in a few favors, and circumvent the shackles that America's permanent political class use against us.
Our work continues. Let's restore America.
Follow O4P-CA on Twitter: @CA4Palin
Follow Thomas on Twitter: @ThomasSSchmitz
Sunday, October 23, 2011
GrizzlyFest Website Goes Live
The GrizzlyFest is an online summit of key Sarah Palin supporters to reload, revive and organize being held on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 1400 / 2 PM till 1700 / 5 PM EDT. The summit will be divided into three one-hour segments focusing on the Palin movement's prior successes, its current state, and a way forward for the future. Panelists include Tammy Bruce, Jedediah Bila, and Peter Singleton, Iowa State Coordinator, Organize4Palin.
A website dedicated to this historic event: http://grizzlyfest.com went live this evening.
Please visit the GrizzlyFest Schedule for complete details and follow ‘Grizzly Fest’ on Facebook and Twitter.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
The Bases and Contingencies of Palin Power
Three-Dimensional In-the-Box Model of Leadership courtesy of David Boje, Ph.D.
In Where Gov. Palin Leads We Shall Follow, I analyzed two paths the former Alaska Governor could take based on her Transformational and Servant Leadership characteristics. Bases of power and the contingencies that limit its extent build upon her leadership style. By understanding a specific power base Gov. Palin has been operating from since July 26, 2009, her statement that "you don't need a title to make a difference," in conjunction with her 2012 decision will immediately make perfect sense.
Five Bases of Power
Steve L. McShane and Mary Ann Von Glinow who co-authored Organizational Behavior held that for power to exist, a person or group must be dependent on another person or group for something of value. The authors went on to describe the five power bases identified by John French and Bertrand Raven in 1959: legitimate, coercive, reward, expert, and referent. The four contingencies that determine the extent to which a given power base can be leveraged are: substitutability, centrality, discretion, and visibility.
Legitimate power is the power to influence others by position of formal authority or title. Each of the offices Sarah Palin held conferred a set of behaviors she could request of others and specific actions she had the authority to execute. President of the United States is the ultimate example of legitimate power, and is something Gov. Palin chose not to pursue at this time.
Reward and Coercive powers are straight-forward and most often spawn from legitimate power. Those who hold formal positions of power use both sticks and carrots to ensure compliance with their directives.
Expert power originates from within the person and is the ability to influence others by knowledge and skill sets they value. Gov. Palin is a subject matter expert on energy exploration, generation, transmission, and distribution, thus she has considerable expert power in this area.
Her Power is Referent...
SarahPAC File Photo. Referent Power in Action: Gov. Palin is swarmed by supporters at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. It took her two hours to walk 100 yards, so everyone could have a special moment with her.
McShane and Von Glinow define Referent Power as "the capacity to influence others based on the identification and respect they have for the power holder." David A. Victor and Monica C. Turner who edited Leadership Style and Bases of Power wrote that a leader has referent power when supporters desire to identify with and emulate the leader. "In referent power, the manager leads by example. Referent power rests heavily on trust," Victor and Turner wrote. Both McShane and Von Glinow and Victor and Turner concurred that referent power is a function of inter-personal skills and develops very slowly.
"Referent power is usually associated with charismatic leadership. Charisma is often defined as a form of interpersonal attraction whereby followers develop a respect for and trust in the charismatic individual," McShane and Von Glinow wrote.
Gov. Palin's referent power is a direct result of her Transformational / Charismatic and Servant-Leadership styles. Remember Vince Lombardi? Gov. Palin's referent power is what engenders the remarkable responses to her leadership, the winning of hearts and getting those hearts to follow her anywhere.
From ChangingMinds.org: “In wanting to be like these people, we stand near them, hoping some of the charisma will rub off onto us” (emphasis mine). Gov. Palin’s referent power is at the root of why for instance it took her two hours to walk 100 yards at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. All present wanted to be with her and to touch her in some way, as is the case at all her events.
Of the five power bases, referent power is the one in which you truly "don't need a title to make a difference." Since she is an accomplished Charismatic / Transformational and Servant Leader, Gov. Palin wields considerable referent power and she has been using it since she left office in July 2009. This is evidenced in how she shaped the debate on ObamaCare, the BP gusher, Quantitative Easing, Libya, and other matters. Her 67% overall success rate in 2010 with candidate endorsements is a function of referent power, as is the 90% success rate with the "Take Back the 20" subset.
In Where Gov. Palin Leads, I wrote,
"She may not be President of the United States, and may not be running – in the conventional sense of the term – but she is our Private Citizen President. We look to her for leadership and inspiration. If we take her October 5 announcement in isolation and at face value, Gov. Palin remains our Private Citizen President. Nothing has changed."
That is what referent power is all about. Gov. Palin does not merely have the potential to make a difference sans a formal title. She has already been doing it for over two years and continues to do so.
File Photo by Ron Devito. More Referent Power in Action: Following her speech in Indianola, Iowa, Gov. Palin gives and receives a half-hug with one supporter while holding the hand of another. Referent power generates the desire to stand next to, and have some form of physical contact with the leader. Gov. Palin's supporters travel thousands of miles, spend thousands of dollars, and wait many hours to have their special moments with her. At this rally, Gov. Palin spent more time with her supporters than on her speech, walking the rope line twice - something no one in recent history has ever done.
Contingencies Limit The Extent of Power
Contingencies limit the extent to which power bases can be used. Substitutability refers to the availability of alternatives. Gov. Palin wields considerable power, because she is not substitutable. I have written innumerable times that she is a once-in-a-lifetime leader and I have expressed my utter disdain for the entire field of declared 2012 candidates.
This refers to her non-substitutability, however, Gov. Palin by once being a 2012 hopeful and choosing not to run, is not in a position to slam the entire field of candidates as being unsatisfactory. By staking that position, she would have to declare candidacy and seek the nomination. Gov. Palin said if she thought the field was unsatisfactory, she would run. Gov. Palin thus understands that slamming the entire field of candidates without running herself would be the pinnacle of absurdity. Her gracious statements toward these candidates do not alter the fact that there is only one Sarah Palin and there are no substitutes.
Centrality is the degree of inter-dependence between the power holder and others. Actions of a person with high centrality affect a great deal of people - sometimes at alarming speed. Centrality is associated with mission-critical jobs and jobs that involve significant responsibilities. Though she is a private citizen, Gov. Palin's referent power confers upon her a high degree of centrality and responsibility. Her words influence others to action. The leftists who tried to foist a blood libel ("inciting violence") upon her earlier this year knew this full well. A person wielding referent power at Gov. Palin's level could start a war. Witness William Randolph Hearst's "you provide the news and I'll provide the war." The Father of Yellow Journalism in fact used his referent power to start the Spanish-American War.
Discretion in the context of leadership theory is the freedom to make decisions and exercise judgment without permission from others and without referring to rulebooks. As a private citizen, Gov. Palin has nearly complete discretion or freedom - limited only by her own common-sense, experience, and professionalism.
When she spoke about the possibility of being shackled as a Presidential candidate with Greta Van Susteren, it was this lack of freedom to which she referred. As a candidate subject to the GOP establishment's rules, Gov. Palin's discretion would have been severely curtailed. This is true of all candidates, but Gov. Palin's track record for rooting out fraud and corruption in her own party put her in the establishment's cross hair. It was this contingency on pursuing legitimate power - POTUS - that at least in part may have driven her decision to not pursue it.
McShane and Von Glinow wrote, "Power does not flow to unknown people in the organization." Even those with legitimate power are effectively neutered by lack of visibility. It's easy to see why "unsung heroes" and "worker bees" have no power. Gov. Palin is an international household name, thus she is highly visible and this contingency is inoperative in her case.
Commanding Respect and Trust
By fully understanding Gov. Palin as a leader, her 2012 decision now makes complete and perfect sense. Being the perfect candidate for POTUS is necessary but insufficient for her leadership style. Lack of discretion/freedom is Kryptonite to any Transformational, Charismatic, and Servant Leader. Pursuing the legitimate power of POTUS most likely would have made the discretion contingency operative to the point of turning her campaign into a kamikaze mission for both herself and her supporters and ensuring an Obama victory.
Gov. Palin used her objective ego (a characteristic of Transformational and Servant Leadership). She did not lead us down a primrose path or blow smoke up our rear ends. Yes, we spent considerable time and treasure - of our own free will - over these past three years in the hopes that she would run. But, the voracious requirements of a Presidential campaign would have consumed the entire past three year's worth of time and treasure over again within a few short months. To knowingly have led us to certain failure would have been unconscionable. Yes, her decision was a heart-breaker for us, but running into certain failure would have been far worse. Broken hearts can be fixed (as long as they don't kill their owners), but broken trust cannot.
Gov. Palin most likely saw the severe contingency against pursuing the legitimate power of POTUS. She saw that she has considerable referent power - not needing a title to make a difference - with virtually no operative contingencies against it. Thus, Gov. Palin wisely chose to use and continue building her referent power instead.
Gov. Palin's decision commands even more respect, even more trust, and even more admiration among those who understand the principles of her leadership methods. The wisdom of her decision will become more apparent as both time and Gov. Palin march on.
Friday, October 21, 2011
American Crony Capitalism Brings Jobs to Finland
Governor Palin today posted on Facebook:
Retrieved from: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150340167778435.
Yesterday, another shoe dropped in the chronicles of the Obama administration’s crony capitalism. A start-up electric car company with ties to Al Gore got a $529 million loan guarantee from Obama’s Department of Energy to build luxury electric cars...in Finland! Leaving aside the fact that to date only two of these $97,000 cars have been sold (one of them to a movie star), we might at least hope that this ridiculous exercise in the government picking winners minus any competitive, transparent process (Al Gore’s venture cap firm) and losers (the taxpayers subsidizing a car no one wants) would produce manufacturing jobs in the United States. Isn’t that the alleged purpose of Obama’s stimulus giveaways?
It’s bad enough that we borrow money from foreign countries to give to foreign countries. Now we borrow from foreign countries to finance jobs in foreign countries. (This kind of reminds me of the $2 billion assistance President Obama provided Brazil for their off-shore energy developments, while shutting down or blocking much of our own off-shore domestic drilling. He’s in favor of energy jobs in Brazil. But in America? Not so much.)
Do you think, as the President tours the country campaigning on the taxpayer’s dime, he understands that voters in Finland won’t get to decide whether or not he keeps his job in 2012, but voters in Michigan and Ohio sure will? In fact, I’m sure the millions of unemployed workers in every state will want to learn why the Obama administration gave half a billion dollars to finance “green” cars built in Finland.
While they’re at it, the geniuses in the White House could also explain the $1.2 billion they gave to SunPower, a company that makes Solyndra look like a blue chip stock. SunPower’s market capitalization is $800 million, but the company is in debt $820 million. What a great investment, huh? Your tax dollars at work, America! If President Obama wants answers about this, he better act fast because his Department of Energy was already caught revising history by scrubbing SunPower’s name out of old DOE press releases. The President should start by asking Democrat Congressman George Miller about the company. Rep. Miller was the leading advocate for giving money to SunPower, which hired his son as a lobbyist.
When President Obama signed his nearly trillion dollar stimulus boondoggle into law, he mortgaged our children’s future. And for what? Financing jobs in Finland? Propping up near bankrupt companies with connections to congressmen? For this we are burying ourselves in a mountain of debt?
This crony capitalism has to end. We don’t want it. We can’t afford it. And we must not tolerate it anymore. Wake up, America, before it’s too late.
- Sarah Palin
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Gov. Palin Discusses Gaddafi, 2012 Race on Hannity
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin tonight discussed the death of Libyan dictator Gaddafi and the 2012 presidential race on Sean Hannity's TV show from her home studio in Wasilla, Alaska. Gov. Palin said she is glad Gaddafi is gone, but emphasized the importance of ensuring worse, more tyrannical, terrorist regime does not take over. She also made note of the left's hypocrisy in praising Obama's Libya war while decrying President Reagan's airstrikes of 1986.
read more...
Shifting to 2012, Gov. Palin said she believed Herman Cain can keep his poll momentum going because he is not a politician, which is something people crave. "Herman Cain recognizes that it's the permanent political class that got us into this mess, and we don't need more of the same thinking that's going to be the solution," she said. While Gov. Palin praised Cain's authenticity, candor, and "getting the ball rolling on reforming taxes," she said corporate income tax foments crony capitalism and that is one aspect of his "9-9-9 Plan" she would change.
Hannity asked Gov. Palin about Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, and Rick Perry. "Newt has been in the trenches. He has seen it all. His, calm, cool, and collected demeanor bodes well in these debates, because he's not down in that junior high level of bickering back and forth with the other candidates. But he wants to stay at the 60,000-foot level and talk about solutions and address what the problem is. And the problem is obviously, Obama's socialist policies that are bankrupting this country," she said.
"Rick Santorum resonates, and he too can build some momentum," Gov. Palin said.
She said she wanted to hear more details about Rick Perry's flat tax proposal, which is based on the one Steve Forbes drew up nearly a decade ago.
When asked about the exchange between Rick Perry and Mitt Romney over the latter allegedly hiring an illegal immigrant, Gov. Palin said candidates should avoid pettiness and focus on solutions. She added that the debates are democracy in action and reveal characters.
Hannity asked Gov. Palin if she had any regrets about not running. Gov. Palin said she is satisfied with her decision. "I appreciate the role that hopefully I will be able to play and that is spurring discussion on how to spur economic growth in this country and very thankful - it seems like these Republican candidates are getting the ball rolling on talking about the solutions that so many of us want to be able to discuss with them," she said.
Video retrieved from SarahNET
Inspired to Move Forward
By Adrienne Ross - www.motivationtruth.com
Seeing Governor Palin on Greta Tuesday night was bittersweet. It's always enlightening to hear her weigh in on what's going on. That's the sweet part. Not only does she possess a keen awareness of the world's happenings, but she's the only person I can think of who expresses her views with naked honesty and boldness. That is, without a doubt, a quality that is most refreshing these days--and very much needed.
When I consider that quality, I can understand why the Governor would choose to keep her freedom to be that honest and bold by remaining outside the established political battle. No shackles, no PC police, no anything that would get in the way of her doing what she is wont to do: calling it like she sees it. I almost feel the liberation right along with her.
Having said that, what I feel just as much--if not more--is an incredible sense of loss at this liberation. I cannot help but think about what could have been. That, of course, is the bitter aspect of this whole thing. This sense of loss intensified as I watched the Nevada GOP Debate. I've heard many people speak ill of presidential debates, some calling them a complete waste of time. I don't share that sentiment, but I'm admittedly a bit of a junkie when it comes to these things. I actually look forward to the debates. Prior to October 5th, I watched them with anticipation of the day Governor Palin would also stand behind one of those podiums or sit around a table and shine as she provided real solutions to real problems facing Americans. I longed for her unique ability to rise above the incredibly childish, shoulder-touching, eye-rolling, and neck-popping bickering we saw Tuesday night, behavior Romney and Perry displayed for all the country to see. Yep, just what we look for in potential leaders of the free world. They attempted to convince us they can preside over weighty domestic and foreign affairs, but they couldn't even manage a debate without speaking over each other, pointing fingers, and insulting one another. I would have loved to see Governor Palin put these two in Time Out with a gentle chastisement, much like she issued during her 2006 Alaska gubernatorial debate when she told the bickering boys, "We owe Alaskans a better discourse than this." Substitute "Alaskans" for "Americans" and the chastisement would have still applied Tuesday.
CNN's Ashley Killough took note of Governor Palin's comment about the debate
Yes, I had wanted to see the Governor allow her record and knowledge to win the day. In fact, less than two weeks prior to her announcement, I wrote:
Well, it doesn't appear to be as I had hoped, at least not as of today, but it's far from over. The beat goes on, as they say. I had this same sense the night of November 4, 2008, as I stood in my living room staring at the television. As tears streamed down my face at the realization that the McCain-Palin team was not going to pull it off, I opened my mouth and said, "It's not over for Sarah Palin." I had not thought about the words before I uttered them; they just came out. After hearing them, I knew deep down that what I had said was the truth, though I had not spent time considering the possibilities that existed, and I had heard no talk of a possible 2012 presidential run until the following day. Yet somewhere within, I knew the plan was larger, greater, and incomplete.
Time proved those words correct, of course. What she has accomplished since her VP run has shown that, while a title is indeed needed to usher in certain types of change, it absolutely is not needed to make a difference. We know this to be true because we know she has made a difference. 2010 remains a testimony of what a difference she has made, and that's just a portion of her impact as a private citizen. Her refusal to sit down and shut up has caused her detractors to fear her while inspiring her supporters to fight alongside her. Nonetheless, the title of President of the United States would be ideal, and many are still holding on to hope.
I know there are movements to encourage Governor Palin to reconsider, there are those who want to be the 10.3 earthquake she said it would take to get her to change her mind, and speculations exist that she might take a very unconventional path. I've theorized as much myself. Nonetheless, if we know anything about Governor Palin, we know she seeks God for direction, moves only as she feels led, and always considers the impact on her family. I have no doubt that if she felt those three things directed her to jump in, she would, and I also have no doubt that if they never do, she never will. That, of course, is not news to those who know how she's wired. Time will tell how all this unfolds.
So what now? One thing that God put on my heart in 2008 after Senator McCain tapped her to be his running mate was how her story was a simple one. By simple I mean she and her family were just regular, everyday, Walmart shopping, hardworking Americans. She was busy raising her family, serving her state, and loving her God. As she just did what she did--not beating down doors to force something to happen--the door of opportunity presented itself and stood before her. It was a classic example of what the Governor calls preparation meeting opportunity. It reminds me of the biblical account of Ruth meeting Boaz. Ruth's first encounter with him was not the result of her looking for a husband. She was there only to glean in the field. As she simply did what she had to do, as she took care of her business, her destiny presented itself before her; Boaz took note of her. She then took it from there.
Governor Palin, too, was faithful in what we call the little things, though her roles as wife, mom, and governor were anything but little, and she had accomplished great things throughout the entirety of her career in public service. As she committed herself to being faithful in what was before her, a new opportunity stood before her the summer of 2008--one that would change not only her life, but the lives of those who have been inspired by her.
This brings me to my point. What was impressed upon my heart three years ago was that what God did for her is what He wants to do for us. We all have a destiny, a place prepared for us just waiting for us to arrive--not out of a lust for power but out of a determination to make a difference and fulfill our own purpose. Governor Palin's purpose has still not been fully accomplished; it's still being lived out daily and is still unfolding. We must be sure not to stargaze, as they say, but to move forward in that same spirit. God has used her to influence and motivate a multitude. How many people would have never become engaged in what's going on in this country had she not stepped on the scene? How many would have never entered the fight for the future of America, whether through local organization involvement, writing, speaking, or advocating, if we didn't see ourselves in her and realize that we, too, have a part to play?
Like so many others, I want to hear that Governor Palin has decided to jump in this thing, seek that title she believes she doesn't need, and lead this country forward. We may feel like we don't know for sure which path she'll take, but we do know what she's said. Even after working so hard for three years in hopes of a Palin 2012 presidential run, I still take heart whether she ever gets in or stays out. The thought of her staying out is indeed most bitter--still. Even so, it's not over for her. I know that with the same certainty that I knew it in November of 2008. But this time, I know something else. It's not over for we, her supporters, either.
There's something each of us can do to carry on what she has inspired within us. Some of us, for the first time, found sound upon opening our mouths when we discovered the Governor of Alaska and recognized that there was something worth speaking up for. We were meant to be more than an echo, however. We were meant to be a voice.
Whether Governor Palin makes her headquarters in Washington, D.C. or remains in Wasilla, AK as she fights for common sense conservatism, she will continue what she has begun. We must continue what we have begun, too. Each of us can make our mark on this country. The Governor may very well don the title of President of the United States some day, and there may be a title or two some of us will don, as well. On the other hand, moving forward, she and we may never be crowned with a title at all. We'll know more soon enough, but for now let us be inspired as we continue to do what we can to advance the cause of liberty, support Governor Palin's ongoing efforts to restore America, and fulfill our own destinies.
read more...
Seeing Governor Palin on Greta Tuesday night was bittersweet. It's always enlightening to hear her weigh in on what's going on. That's the sweet part. Not only does she possess a keen awareness of the world's happenings, but she's the only person I can think of who expresses her views with naked honesty and boldness. That is, without a doubt, a quality that is most refreshing these days--and very much needed.
When I consider that quality, I can understand why the Governor would choose to keep her freedom to be that honest and bold by remaining outside the established political battle. No shackles, no PC police, no anything that would get in the way of her doing what she is wont to do: calling it like she sees it. I almost feel the liberation right along with her.
Having said that, what I feel just as much--if not more--is an incredible sense of loss at this liberation. I cannot help but think about what could have been. That, of course, is the bitter aspect of this whole thing. This sense of loss intensified as I watched the Nevada GOP Debate. I've heard many people speak ill of presidential debates, some calling them a complete waste of time. I don't share that sentiment, but I'm admittedly a bit of a junkie when it comes to these things. I actually look forward to the debates. Prior to October 5th, I watched them with anticipation of the day Governor Palin would also stand behind one of those podiums or sit around a table and shine as she provided real solutions to real problems facing Americans. I longed for her unique ability to rise above the incredibly childish, shoulder-touching, eye-rolling, and neck-popping bickering we saw Tuesday night, behavior Romney and Perry displayed for all the country to see. Yep, just what we look for in potential leaders of the free world. They attempted to convince us they can preside over weighty domestic and foreign affairs, but they couldn't even manage a debate without speaking over each other, pointing fingers, and insulting one another. I would have loved to see Governor Palin put these two in Time Out with a gentle chastisement, much like she issued during her 2006 Alaska gubernatorial debate when she told the bickering boys, "We owe Alaskans a better discourse than this." Substitute "Alaskans" for "Americans" and the chastisement would have still applied Tuesday.
CNN's Ashley Killough took note of Governor Palin's comment about the debate
"We don't want to hear the engagement of the nitpicking and the bickering because that just plays right on into the left handbook as they get ready for the general election debates," Palin said.
Yes, I had wanted to see the Governor allow her record and knowledge to win the day. In fact, less than two weeks prior to her announcement, I wrote:
I look forward to what she'll add to these debates. Not only is she solid on the issues, but she can articulate her stand on these issues based on intelligence, experience, and common sense.
[...]
I look forward to someone who will cut through the bull, call a spade a spade, challenge candidates on their records, spotlight her own, and revitalize the American people.
Well, it doesn't appear to be as I had hoped, at least not as of today, but it's far from over. The beat goes on, as they say. I had this same sense the night of November 4, 2008, as I stood in my living room staring at the television. As tears streamed down my face at the realization that the McCain-Palin team was not going to pull it off, I opened my mouth and said, "It's not over for Sarah Palin." I had not thought about the words before I uttered them; they just came out. After hearing them, I knew deep down that what I had said was the truth, though I had not spent time considering the possibilities that existed, and I had heard no talk of a possible 2012 presidential run until the following day. Yet somewhere within, I knew the plan was larger, greater, and incomplete.
Time proved those words correct, of course. What she has accomplished since her VP run has shown that, while a title is indeed needed to usher in certain types of change, it absolutely is not needed to make a difference. We know this to be true because we know she has made a difference. 2010 remains a testimony of what a difference she has made, and that's just a portion of her impact as a private citizen. Her refusal to sit down and shut up has caused her detractors to fear her while inspiring her supporters to fight alongside her. Nonetheless, the title of President of the United States would be ideal, and many are still holding on to hope.
I know there are movements to encourage Governor Palin to reconsider, there are those who want to be the 10.3 earthquake she said it would take to get her to change her mind, and speculations exist that she might take a very unconventional path. I've theorized as much myself. Nonetheless, if we know anything about Governor Palin, we know she seeks God for direction, moves only as she feels led, and always considers the impact on her family. I have no doubt that if she felt those three things directed her to jump in, she would, and I also have no doubt that if they never do, she never will. That, of course, is not news to those who know how she's wired. Time will tell how all this unfolds.
So what now? One thing that God put on my heart in 2008 after Senator McCain tapped her to be his running mate was how her story was a simple one. By simple I mean she and her family were just regular, everyday, Walmart shopping, hardworking Americans. She was busy raising her family, serving her state, and loving her God. As she just did what she did--not beating down doors to force something to happen--the door of opportunity presented itself and stood before her. It was a classic example of what the Governor calls preparation meeting opportunity. It reminds me of the biblical account of Ruth meeting Boaz. Ruth's first encounter with him was not the result of her looking for a husband. She was there only to glean in the field. As she simply did what she had to do, as she took care of her business, her destiny presented itself before her; Boaz took note of her. She then took it from there.
Governor Palin, too, was faithful in what we call the little things, though her roles as wife, mom, and governor were anything but little, and she had accomplished great things throughout the entirety of her career in public service. As she committed herself to being faithful in what was before her, a new opportunity stood before her the summer of 2008--one that would change not only her life, but the lives of those who have been inspired by her.
This brings me to my point. What was impressed upon my heart three years ago was that what God did for her is what He wants to do for us. We all have a destiny, a place prepared for us just waiting for us to arrive--not out of a lust for power but out of a determination to make a difference and fulfill our own purpose. Governor Palin's purpose has still not been fully accomplished; it's still being lived out daily and is still unfolding. We must be sure not to stargaze, as they say, but to move forward in that same spirit. God has used her to influence and motivate a multitude. How many people would have never become engaged in what's going on in this country had she not stepped on the scene? How many would have never entered the fight for the future of America, whether through local organization involvement, writing, speaking, or advocating, if we didn't see ourselves in her and realize that we, too, have a part to play?
Like so many others, I want to hear that Governor Palin has decided to jump in this thing, seek that title she believes she doesn't need, and lead this country forward. We may feel like we don't know for sure which path she'll take, but we do know what she's said. Even after working so hard for three years in hopes of a Palin 2012 presidential run, I still take heart whether she ever gets in or stays out. The thought of her staying out is indeed most bitter--still. Even so, it's not over for her. I know that with the same certainty that I knew it in November of 2008. But this time, I know something else. It's not over for we, her supporters, either.
There's something each of us can do to carry on what she has inspired within us. Some of us, for the first time, found sound upon opening our mouths when we discovered the Governor of Alaska and recognized that there was something worth speaking up for. We were meant to be more than an echo, however. We were meant to be a voice.
Whether Governor Palin makes her headquarters in Washington, D.C. or remains in Wasilla, AK as she fights for common sense conservatism, she will continue what she has begun. We must continue what we have begun, too. Each of us can make our mark on this country. The Governor may very well don the title of President of the United States some day, and there may be a title or two some of us will don, as well. On the other hand, moving forward, she and we may never be crowned with a title at all. We'll know more soon enough, but for now let us be inspired as we continue to do what we can to advance the cause of liberty, support Governor Palin's ongoing efforts to restore America, and fulfill our own destinies.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
O4P-CA: Keep Calm & Carry On
Perhaps recent events can best be described by O4P-CA's Susan and Ray of essexandorange1773.com (E & O). Last month as anxiety swelled over Sarah Palin's delayed announcement; the creative team of E & O came out with another super cool (and free download) poster titled:
Keep Calm And Carry On.
This sensible rallying cry is conceivably more befitting today than it was a few short weeks ago. (NOTE TO SELF: Could one week in politics be like dog years?) The time between the Indianola speech and today seems like an eternity...
Reloading and moving forward with constructive goals is the best way to make sure our work continues.
For the past three years, both in public and in private, we've frequently talked about how this moment in history is not about Sarah Palin, or any one candidate.
This network, this movement, this crusade really always has been about creating and maintaining an engaged citizenry.
Someone will win the
Our country needs to be fixed. OBVI!
There's really only one way to put America back on the right track. And that is through an engaged citizenry. An engaged citizenry is key to effectively govern and pass an agenda of sudden and relentless reform.
Enthusiasm for the 2012 presidential race is up for grabs. With Sarah Palin not seeking the GOP nomination at this time, the focus has (wisely) shifted toward seizing the U.S. Senate.
Through an engaged citizenry we have a unique opportunity. The Republican Party is on the brink of a historic new dawn. Through our courage, our optimism, and our hard work, we can bring a significant invigoration to the party of Lincoln.
We have an opportunity to build a better future for all by taking up the gauntlet of resurrection and giving rebirth to the GOP.
In 2012, Democrats hold 23 of the 33 Senate seats that can be seized.
The bi-partisan animosity toward incumbents has only grown since the last election cycle.
If we work hard, and play our cards right we can look forward to even bigger gains in 2012.
1) We need to retain the House.
2) Come hell or high water we absolutely must seize the Senate.
3) We cannot lose focus and let presidential politics (via the LSM) dominate and exhaust all of our existence, our punch, and our energy.
Moving forward toward 2012 one thing is certain: We will see more political corruption. Political corruption in the media and political corruption in the permanent political class.
By keeping our determination and our commitment intact. We can advance, strengthen, and carry on as organized entities who work together toward the restoration of our founders values and principles--on every level of government.
By working together as an engaged citizenry we have the power to elect concrete and solid, constitutional conservative candidates who:
- Put country first.
- Understand that energy independence is the key element of our economic security and betterment that all Americans want and deserve.
- Believe in American Exceptionalism.
- Understand that American foreign policy should, above all, be founded in our national interest, and not the interests of others.
Let's stay calm, let's stay focused, and together let's restore America.
Follow O4P-CA on Twitter: @CA4Palin
Follow Thomas on Twitter: @ThomasSSchmitz
Governor Palin on "On the Record" with Greta Van Susteren
As published at SarahPAC: Governor Palin on "On the Record" with Greta Van...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Happy 21st Birthday Bristol Palin
Bristol Sheeran Marie Palin, who was named after Bristol Bay was born October 18, 1990. The time of her birth unknown.
Bristol is a chip off the old block in terms of resilience, and accomplishments. What we have born witness to is nothing short of amazing. Bristol has in fact shared in some of her mother's accomplishments, accompanying Gov. Palin to Haiti; a key speech at the Long Island Association; Heroes Among Us and the White House Correspondents Dinner; and a major speech in Seoul, South Korea.
Bristol authored Not Afraid of Life with the help of Nancy French and conducted a small-scale book tour.
Bristol has over 55,000 Facebook friends and is closing in on 56,000.
.
She is a teen, women's issues and advocacy advocate through Single Source Speakers.
Bristol's birthday also falls out on Alaska Day.
On this day - Bristol's Birthday - in 2008, Gov. Palin performed a comedy routine with Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live.
The staff of US for Palin wish Bristol a Happy 21st Birthday, and many more years filled with health, joy, love, and prosperity.
You can see a comprehensive overview of Bristol's accomplishments on our dedicated Bristol Page.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Where Gov. Palin Leads We Shall Follow
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In the days following former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's announcement that she will not be seeking the GOP nomination, I fell back on my MBA training from University of Phoenix Online. When dealing with political leaders everyone tends to focus on party and ideology, but virtually no one applies the principles of leadership theory. A solid understanding of Gov. Palin as a leader - totally divorced from the politics of left and right - is essential to aligning with her mission and strategies moving forward.
Gov. Palin has said numerous times since resigning her governorship "you don't need a title to make a difference." She has proven the statement true over these past two years. Even so, Gov. Palin's announcement that she will not seek the 2012 GOP nomination broke many hearts and left many minds bewildered. While some dismiss this reaction as "childish," it's human nature. In an MBA paper I wrote that even new leadership methods such as self-directed teams are little more than hierarchies in disguise. In any human endeavor involving a group or organized effort, there can only be one leader. Even grassroots groups have leaders and hierarchies, sometimes morphing into machine bureaucracies.
Nearly all dedicated Palinistas agree that the current field of Republican candidates is completely unsatisfactory. Why? There is no leader among them and none are worthy of the job. None of the 2012 candidates has even one of the qualities Gov. Palin possesses, much less all of them. This knowledge drives things like the Earthquake Movement and talk about drafting and write-in.
If we are Gov. Palin's supporters, accepting that you don't need a title to make a difference is part of what we signed up for. We cannot consider ourselves her supporters and not accept this. Since we also know there can only be one leader in any human endeavor and we have been supporting Gov. Palin for over three years running, she is our leader. She may not be President of the United States, and may not be running - in the conventional sense of the term - but she is our Private Citizen President. We look to her for leadership and inspiration.
Gov. Palin also said numerous times over these past three years that any campaign she runs would be unconventional - to the point that many supporters would be uncomfortable with it. She has been consistent in saying this, and she has referenced an unconventional campaign nearly every time the subject arose.
I began my analysis in Branded with a quote from Vince Lombardi:
Gov. Palin could remain our Private Citizen President or she could have already begun an unconventional campaign to run for President. Either way, she is leading us into a brave new world.
read more...
In the days following former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's announcement that she will not be seeking the GOP nomination, I fell back on my MBA training from University of Phoenix Online. When dealing with political leaders everyone tends to focus on party and ideology, but virtually no one applies the principles of leadership theory. A solid understanding of Gov. Palin as a leader - totally divorced from the politics of left and right - is essential to aligning with her mission and strategies moving forward.
I have always written that Gov. Palin is a Transformational Leader, which includes Charismatic Leadership as a sub-component. Continued leadership contingent upon results and self-sacrifice are core behaviors of Transformational Leaders. These leaders also tend to move on once they have effected change; a Transactional Leader comes in behind them to maintain the new status quo. Kreitner and Kinicki's Organizational Behavior is a standard textbook used in MBA courses and discusses this leadership style at great length. US Air Force Colonel Mark Homrig provides a solid primer on Transformational Leadership for free and it is a must-read to understanding how Gov. Palin leads, and the brave new world she is leading us in.
Gov. Palin is also a Servant Leader to the core, for she has all 10 characteristics: listening, empathy, healing, self-awareness/objective ego, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and building community. Providentially, her first and married names define none other than Servant Leadership. Sarah means "princess" in Hebrew. Palin means "servant" in Welsh. Princess Servant. Servant Leader. You can learn more about Servant Leadership in Larry Spears' Reflections on Leadership: How Robert K. Greenleaf's Theory of Servant-Leadership Influenced Today's Top Management Thinkers.
Titles, Making Differences, and Hierarchies
Gov. Palin has said numerous times since resigning her governorship "you don't need a title to make a difference." She has proven the statement true over these past two years. Even so, Gov. Palin's announcement that she will not seek the 2012 GOP nomination broke many hearts and left many minds bewildered. While some dismiss this reaction as "childish," it's human nature. In an MBA paper I wrote that even new leadership methods such as self-directed teams are little more than hierarchies in disguise. In any human endeavor involving a group or organized effort, there can only be one leader. Even grassroots groups have leaders and hierarchies, sometimes morphing into machine bureaucracies.
We place stock in official titles, because those with legitimate power can request certain behaviors of others and are vested with the authority to undertake specific actions. The difference Gov. Palin can make as a private citizen is - well - different from the difference she can make as President of the United States. The conventional way of thinking cannot accept the difference she can make as a private citizen.
In Branded: The Underpinning of Support, I wrote:
In the hands of the wrong person, even the right message can be disastrously implemented. In these times, mediocrity does not cut it. We need a strong leader. We need a standard bearer. The person does matter.
Judgment and discernment by definition cannot be programmed. You see, some qualities are completely apolitical and cannot be mechanized. Few people possess even one of them, much less all of them. These qualities are: integrity; leadership by example; keeping promises; executive experience; command experience; life experience; judgment; the right combination of toughness and sweetness; accomplishments; fortitude; the ability to keep confidences; a proven and vetted track record of success; a proven ability to withstand media scrutiny; people person; and impeccable character that inspires confidence and commands respect. Add to that list: proving to the world that a woman can do anything a man can do – and in many cases, do it better.
These qualities are about the person and Gov. Palin possesses every last one of them. That's what makes her the kind of leader you see only once in 75 - 150 years.
Nearly all dedicated Palinistas agree that the current field of Republican candidates is completely unsatisfactory. Why? There is no leader among them and none are worthy of the job. None of the 2012 candidates has even one of the qualities Gov. Palin possesses, much less all of them. This knowledge drives things like the Earthquake Movement and talk about drafting and write-in.
You Can't Solve Current Problems with Current Thinking...
If we are Gov. Palin's supporters, accepting that you don't need a title to make a difference is part of what we signed up for. We cannot consider ourselves her supporters and not accept this. Since we also know there can only be one leader in any human endeavor and we have been supporting Gov. Palin for over three years running, she is our leader. She may not be President of the United States, and may not be running - in the conventional sense of the term - but she is our Private Citizen President. We look to her for leadership and inspiration.
If we take her October 5 announcement in isolation and at face value, Gov. Palin remains our Private Citizen President. Nothing has changed.
One of my respected colleagues, Josh Painter presented a theory about the factors that could have driven Gov. Palin to not seek the 2012 GOP nomination. More specifically, Painter delineates precisely how and why Gov. Palin "running" - in the conventional way - could have been been a kamikaze mission for her. The GOP establishment was pulling chicanery with leapfrogging primaries among other skullduggery specifically to disadvantage Gov. Palin and favor RINOs like Mitt Romney.
Gov. Palin declining to seek the 2012 GOP nomination was not for lack of support. We've been egging her on for three years. She has received a huge volume of mail each day, much of it asking her to run, starting the night Obama was elected. Nor is money the issue. Some supporters started saving money in coin jars, shoe boxes and piggy banks three years ago. Many would not even donate to SarahPAC. They wanted the money to go to her campaign. Team Sarah has a large sub-group dedicated to campaign donation savings.
Unconventional Campaign?
Gov. Palin also said numerous times over these past three years that any campaign she runs would be unconventional - to the point that many supporters would be uncomfortable with it. She has been consistent in saying this, and she has referenced an unconventional campaign nearly every time the subject arose.
Consider the following: in her announcement of October 5th, Gov. Palin never said "I am not running for President." Read the transcript and listen to the audio. Gov Palin said she is not seeking the 2012 GOP nomination. I can parse words just like the old master himself. It could all depend on what the meaning of "is" is.
In Lynchburg, VA, Gov. Palin said she could not understand supporters who trust her "to be the leader of the free world, but who do not trust in her decision at this time." In Seoul, Gov. Palin said it was time for a woman to be President of the United States. I hardly think Michele Bachmann is the woman she referred to.
Could Gov. Palin's October 5 announcement have marked the beginning of the unconventional campaign about which she has spoken so many times? Could my heart-break at her announcement have been because the announcement went right over my head - along with everyone else's? My original headline appeared to indicate such. If so, it would be my best heart-break ever. Could Gov. Palin already be doing the very thing that people are trying to Earthquake her into doing?
Guerrillas defeated the British Redcoats to found our republic. Guerrillas fight unconventional wars. They also fight clandestine wars. Could Gov. Palin be running a clandestine unconventional campaign the likes of which have never been seen in US history?
I would be highly irresponsible to suggest as fact that Gov. Palin is currently running unconventionally for President. I would be blindly foolish to dismiss the clear signs suggesting the possibility. This is why "glassing the field" - picking up the binoculars and slinging the rifle - makes most sense. Sometimes, slow and steady wins the race.
Only Gov. Palin, Todd, God, and maybe her closest staff know what she's doing. Given the mortal enemies in her own party and its inability to abide by its own rules, best it's left that way.
Where She Leads...
I began my analysis in Branded with a quote from Vince Lombardi:
“It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men. Men respond to leadership in a most remarkable way and once you have won his heart, he will follow you anywhere.”
Gov. Palin could remain our Private Citizen President or she could have already begun an unconventional campaign to run for President. Either way, she is leading us into a brave new world.
Her dedicated supporters have responded to her leadership in a most remarkable way.
Gov. Palin has won our hearts...
...Where she leads, we shall follow.
Friday, October 14, 2011
O4P NY: We're Aligned with Gov. Palin's Mission
Immediately following former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's announcement that she will not seek the 2012 GOP nomination, I temporarily suspended Organize4Palin's New York state operations. The simple reason for this is that O4P in its current form was oriented toward supporting a Palin presidential candidacy following conventional primary and caucus rules. A time-out is required to align the organization with Gov. Palin's strategies that support her mission moving forward.
Gov. Palin's Vision and Mission
We know that Gov. Palin's vision is Sudden and Relentless Reform. We know that her mission is to root out crony capitalism and corporate welfare; enforce the Constitution - specifically the Second and Tenth Amendments; make the United States energy independent with an "all-of-the-above" approach; revive, renew, restore Reagan Conservatism and American Exceptionalism; restore our economy following a five-point plan; and set forth a five-point military policy moving forward.
Strategies
Anyone who has at least some basic knowledge of Gov. Palin's career over these past 20 years knows that her vision and mission has been fundamentally the same throughout. Perhaps the size, scale, and scope of what her mission focused on at key milestones of her career differed, but her overall vision and mission have been consistent.
Since July 2009, Gov. Palin has been an author, Fox News contributor, public speaker, documentary producer and was the subject of a movie. We could broadly classify these disciplines as "Constitutional Conservative Advocacy," and she has been doing it as a private citizen now for over two years running. Seeking the 2012 GOP nomination is one strategy that Gov. Palin could have used - and could still use - in service of her mission. She has decided not to use this strategy - at this time - language that comes straight out of her speech in Lynchburg, VA.
Aligning Her Mission...
In the days that followed, I polled the volunteers and Regional Coordinators who comprise O4P NY. My questions were directed at determining their understanding of Gov. Palin's mission, the current strategy she has chosen to support it and their position on drafting and write-in campaigns.
I made it clear that O4P is not legally setup as a draft committee, thus any drafting or write-in under the O4P name will violate FEC regulations. O4P members who wish to draft may do so as private citizens, but the O4P name absolutely cannot be used in connection with drafting. Randy Highsmith, FL State Coordinator once led the 2012 Draft Sarah Committee which was registered with the FEC as a draft committee. Because the 2012 Draft went defunct many months ago, there is no FEC-registered draft committee pertinent to Gov. Palin currently in existence.
Also, O4P cannot endorse any candidate Gov. Palin has not herself endorsed for the simple reason that the word “Palin” is in our name. Any endorsement or support of a candidate must be in connection with something Gov. Palin has sanctioned, approved, or authorized by putting her name on it.
I have made the decision that O4P New York will focus on Gov. Palin, her vision, mission, and her endorsements – that is operate exclusively under the O4P brand. This is based at least in part on the 64% of responses to my volunteer polling indicating alignment with Gov. Palin’s mission – seeking the GOP nomination or not. O4P NY must always be aligned with Gov. Palin’s mission and her strategies or it will be working at crossed purposes with her.
Sometimes, Slow and Steady Wins the Race
While our game is not off, many aspects of it are on a time out. The reasons for this are:
- O4P cannot turn on a dime and significant changes in footing - reversion to the 2010 model of down-ticket endorsements as one possible example - would take time to implement. It’s just the nature of the beast when working with organizations.
- O4P NY must always remain aligned with Gov. Palin's mission and O4P National's mission.
- The language of Sarah’s announcement – not seeking the 2012 GOP nomination, her last three speeches, and the Sarah’s Earthquake movement present us with a unique situation and a whole host of things Gov. Palin could do or circumstances that could transpire in relation to her. Making radical changes based on impetuousness is not wise.
Yes, we must not retreat. Yes, we must reload. But, we don't just go off half-cocked. We do long-range recon before going into our next battle. Do the Heaths and Palins not "glass the field" on their moose and caribou hunts?
I think waiting, and observing is the most rational approach as opposed to making radical changes right now. This is a situation where slow and steady wins the race. Putting it another way, now is the time to sling the rifle and pick up the binoculars.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
O4P-CA: Game Off? Hell NO!
In the coming weeks I will help coordinate strategies to assist in replacing the President, re-taking the Senate, and maintaining the House. - Sarah Palin
Hey there O4P Gals and Guys.
The dust has (sort of) begun to clear from the big earthquake that rocked the political landscape last week. Wow! Are there anymore earthquakes coming to America? We may need to brace ourselves a little bit...but not in the frame of our doorway. For these particular types of earthquakes we need to be GOING ROGUE and acting like Marines. We run TOWARD the danger.
Sarah Palin will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for President of the United States...HUH?...I still don't get it.
To some of us, this moment in history may seem a tad undefined, a bit murky, or even risky. Be not afraid, this sudden turn of events really isn't that out of character for the Sarah Palin brand of modern, unconventional politics, and American restoration.
As our multi talented O4P-CA volunteer @TwoLegsGood pointed out the other day:
Sarah Palin's Career Was Born By Committing ‘Career Suicide’.
The writing on the wall, Lady Luck, destiny, kismet and yes providence all go hand in hand with our newly unleashed citizen leader.
There are no mistakes. There are no accidents. We have all been activated.
We are all Sarah Palin now.
That is why we are here. That is why we have united. That is why we know in order for Governor Palin to lead effectively (with or without a title, with or without an office, and quite frankly with or without the GOP) she will need an engaged citizenry.
Not just any engaged citizenry. A united and engaged citizenry of independent warriors working together as reformers to restore the founding values and principles of our Republic at every level of government.
The battle for our civilization has begun.
As a sovereign individual; your participation, and your level of engagement is your choice. What do you feel driven to do?
O4P volunteers have stepped up to answer the call in many ways.
Many have been compelled to write letters and post cards to Sarah Palin about her recent decision.
Some feel encouraged to join the O4P phone team that reaches out to the electorate.
Even as you read this blog a number of O4P volunteers are behind the scenes brainstorming; discussing and batting around ideas for future projects. One idea (that is quickly rising to the top) is to have online summits. By frugally holding an online summit O4P volunteers from coast to coast can discuss ways to further develop our capacity to influence electoral results at all levels of government.
Buckle your seatbelts. The long haul starts now.
It's time to be honest, it's time to be optimistic, and it's time to be fearless.
Our work continues. Let's restore America.
Follow O4P-CA on Twitter: @CA4Palin
Follow Thomas on Twitter: @ThomasSSchmitz
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Gov. Palin in Seoul: US Due for Woman President
Photo by AFP.
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin yesterday told attendees of the World Knowledge Forum in Seoul, South Korea that the United States was due to have a woman as its president, according to the Washington Post. "There will be a woman president of the United States and I look forward to that day," she said. Gov. Palin did not discuss her political future or why she declined to seek the 2012 GOP nomination.Gov. Palin said she hopes to see "regime change" in North Korea and the South rebuild the North.
Photo by AFP.
According to an AFP report on Yahoo News, Gov. Palin also spoke about "China using its military influence in regional disputes."She targeted political elites in the United States, Europe, and China, speaking out against crony capitalism and corporate welfare. The Chinese Communist party dictates to the Chinese what they can and cannot do and the European Union is dictating to to its member states, she said. In the United States, "political elites believe we just can't get along without them. Government officials like to push this idea because it gives them the opportunity to pick the economic winners and losers in our system... in other words, it gives them ultimate economic power," she said.
Gov. Palin hailed the role technology and social media plays in empowering individuals. "Technology has taken power away from central authorities and provided individuals with more choices. We are no longer living in a top-down world. Now we are living in a bottom-up world, from entertainment and information to education," she said.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
O4P-CA: A Volunteer's Letter to Sarah Palin
The Honorable Sarah Palin
PO Box 871235
Wasilla, AK 99687
Dear Mrs. Palin;
It has been our pleasure this past year to volunteer at TEA Party events for Organize4Palin. Thank you for consistently speaking out against the policies of the Obama administration that are taking our country into insolvency and thank you for providing leadership on every important issue facing the country.
On Wednesday, as we were opening the mail which contained two new O4P tee shirts and two Palin for President buttons, we tuned into Mark Levin’s program and learned that we would be putting those items into storage. We were saddened to hear your announcement. The last time we had shed a tear over a politician was in 1976 when Ronald Reagan lost the nomination to Gerald Ford.
We were not sad for you or for us as we are baby boomers and mostly retired. We were sad for our children and grandchildren who are headed for a future of serfdom if the current course is not reversed. We do not see anyone in the Republican field of candidates who has the combination of experience and wisdom to lead this country back to smaller government and responsible world leadership. We do not see anyone who can lead sudden relentless reform.
You have said that your idea of the ideal candidate is not someone seeking the office pandering to voters, but rather a person who is reluctant to serve and is found by the people and asked to make a personal sacrifice and serve the country.
You owe us nothing, but still we respectfully ask that you reconsider your decision and make the sacrifice. Our young men and women in the military owe us nothing yet they serve with distinction. They serve because they know that their service is benefiting their country and making it a better place to live for their families.
Only one person can be President of the United States and it does matter who holds that title, for it is more a responsibility than a title. It requires a person who is trustworthy and honest, intelligent and caring, and who has an ability to anticipate the consequences of their actions. It requires an experienced leader. You will make a great President of the United States.
With the utmost respect,
Ernest and Carole Kapphahn
read more...
PO Box 871235
Wasilla, AK 99687
Dear Mrs. Palin;
It has been our pleasure this past year to volunteer at TEA Party events for Organize4Palin. Thank you for consistently speaking out against the policies of the Obama administration that are taking our country into insolvency and thank you for providing leadership on every important issue facing the country.
On Wednesday, as we were opening the mail which contained two new O4P tee shirts and two Palin for President buttons, we tuned into Mark Levin’s program and learned that we would be putting those items into storage. We were saddened to hear your announcement. The last time we had shed a tear over a politician was in 1976 when Ronald Reagan lost the nomination to Gerald Ford.
We were not sad for you or for us as we are baby boomers and mostly retired. We were sad for our children and grandchildren who are headed for a future of serfdom if the current course is not reversed. We do not see anyone in the Republican field of candidates who has the combination of experience and wisdom to lead this country back to smaller government and responsible world leadership. We do not see anyone who can lead sudden relentless reform.
You have said that your idea of the ideal candidate is not someone seeking the office pandering to voters, but rather a person who is reluctant to serve and is found by the people and asked to make a personal sacrifice and serve the country.
You owe us nothing, but still we respectfully ask that you reconsider your decision and make the sacrifice. Our young men and women in the military owe us nothing yet they serve with distinction. They serve because they know that their service is benefiting their country and making it a better place to live for their families.
Only one person can be President of the United States and it does matter who holds that title, for it is more a responsibility than a title. It requires a person who is trustworthy and honest, intelligent and caring, and who has an ability to anticipate the consequences of their actions. It requires an experienced leader. You will make a great President of the United States.
With the utmost respect,
Ernest and Carole Kapphahn
US for Palin SarahPAC Money Bomb
The following money bomb not been reviewed or approved by SarahPAC or its staff. US for Palin is solely responsible for its colorful content.
Do you support Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin? Donate to SarahPAC.
Do you look to Sarah for your leadership and inspiration? Donate to SarahPAC.
Do you detest Obama and his abomination of an administration? Donate to SarahPAC.
Are you a Republican who is utterly disgusted at your party being overrun with inexperienced buffoons, filthy milquetoast RINOs, Obama wannabes and corrupt crony capitalists? Introduce the RNC to Mr. Click the next time they call. Donate to SarahPAC.
Are you a Republican who is seething with rage over how your own party treated Sarah? You know what to do next time they call asking for money. They get nothing. Donate to SarahPAC.
Are you a Democrat who has come to support Sarah; who is utterly disgusted at the Marxism that has infested your party and repulsed by its corrupt crony capitalists? Next time the DNC calls, introduce them to Mr. Click and...Donate to SarahPAC.
Are you ready to tell the establishment machines of both parties where they can shove their big government corporate welfare agendas? Donate to SarahPAC.
Are you ready to revive, renew, and restore Reagan Conservatism - titles or no titles? Donate to SarahPAC.
Are you ready to join Sarah and make a difference without a title? Donate to SarahPAC.
Don't blow your money on an "I ♥ Sarah" tee shirt. Show her you mean it. Donate to SarahPAC.
The time is now.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Gov. Palin Tells 10K in Lynchburg, VA Why She Put Family First
Photojournalist: Sally Delta, ABC 13, WSET, Lynchburg, VA
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today explained to over 10,000 attendees of the Extraordinary Women Conference in Lynchburg, VA why she chose to place family ahead of political ambition, Sally Delta, ABC 13 reported. Gov. Palin reinforced her commitment to stay in politics and effectuate reform without an official title.
Gov. Palin said her years under the bright lights took their toll on her family and she wanted to re-establish normalcy in their lives. Team Sarah member Carolyn Dixon reported that she received a paraphrase in which Gov. Palin allegedly said, "you put your trust in me to run for president but you don't trust me when I seek God's direction on whether to run or not," about supporters who exploded in anger at her over the decision.
Many in the sold-out audience supported Gov. Palin's decision and agreed with it and many said she was the highlight of the entire day's event.
Branded: The Underpinning of Support
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Stabler Arena, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
Long Handshake No. 1
The Thirteenth Hour and the Thirteenth Minute (1313 / 1:13 PM) EDT
Long Handshake No. 2
The Thirteenth Hour and the Fifty First Minute (1351 / 1:51 PM) EDT
The Thirteenth Hour and the Fifty Second Minute (1352 / 1:52 PM) EDT
The Thirteenth Hour and the Fifty Fourth Minute (1354 / 1:54 PM) EDT
McCain-Palin 10-08-2008 Rally Bethlehem, PA
“It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men. Men respond to leadership in a most remarkable way and once you have won his heart, he will follow you anywhere.”
While there is an inherent sexism in Vince Lombardi’s quote, it’s forgivable. It was a man’s world then. When Vince Lombardi passed to the Great Beyond, Sarah Heath was six years old, so he never would get to see what a woman can do. Perhaps his spirit watched Gov. Palin in awe throughout her life doing things that have killed men twice her size. Vince Lombardi was the quintessential macho. Yet, for all his machismo, Vince Lombardi had quite a bit to say about hearts. If you read all his quotes, the conclusion is inescapable: absent heart, any effort undertaken is doomed to abject failure.
Loyalty, commitment, and political support are considered “heart-centered.” The purpose of having my shirt signed there was to symbolically vow my loyalty to Gov. Palin and her Reagan-Conservatism; to let her know that I have her back; that I would fight her battles alongside her; celebrate her successes and milestones; and that if she were to fail, I’d fail with her. This vow extends to Gov. Palin’s family, her staff, contractors, and vendors. By asking Gov. Palin to be a signatory to and executor of that pledge, it means I am personally accountable to honor it, even in bad times and even if I disagree with her on something. This commitment could not be made while asking her to sign a sleeve.
Anyway, I had the good fortune over these three years to meet Gov. Palin and members of her family several more times since this rally, as did members of the US for Palin staff.
Notice how SarahPAC rarely asks us for money. You could count the number of fund-raiser requests this year on your hands and have fingers left over. Why? We just donate. We organize our own money-bombs. We donate to celebrate public and private “Palin-versaries,” - like this one - and to celebrate key milestones and accomplishments. We even donate for no particular reason at all! This support does not exist in a vacuum. SarahPAC's donors are fired with enthusiasm.
“If you're lucky enough to find a guy with a lot of head and a lot of heart, he's never going to come off the field second.”
Last year, I got to see this principle first hand with Palin-endorsed NY-13 Congressman Michael Grimm’s campaign. Some 100 volunteers, myself among them, with their hearts in the game easily defeated a primary opponent’s paid staff - 5:1 in some election districts. He then destroyed his Democrat opponent who was well-financed, had a paid staff, the backing of multiple unions and the Obama administration. I campaigned for Rep. Grimm just on Gov. Palin’s endorsement. I live in his district. I treated that as a direct order from her. I had to help him win and make her proud. Of course, Rep. Grimm inspired his volunteers on his own merits. Working for his campaign was joyful and uplifting. It was a win for residents of NY-13, Rep. Grimm, his staff and volunteers, and Gov. Palin.
Judgment and discernment by definition cannot be programmed. You see, some qualities are completely apolitical and cannot be mechanized. Few people possess even one of them, much less all of them. These qualities are: integrity; leadership by example; keeping promises; executive experience; command experience; life experience; judgment; the right combination of toughness and sweetness; accomplishments; fortitude; the ability to keep confidences; a proven and vetted track record of success; a proven ability to withstand media scrutiny; people person; and impeccable character that inspires confidence and commands respect. Add to that list: proving to the world that a woman can do anything a man can do – and in many cases, do it better.
These qualities are about the person and Gov. Palin possesses every last one of them. That's what makes her the kind of leader you see only once in 75 - 150 years.
Gov. Palin’s successes always were and always will be about winning hearts and getting those hearts to follow her anywhere.
read more...
Stabler Arena, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
Long Handshake No. 1
The Thirteenth Hour and the Thirteenth Minute (1313 / 1:13 PM) EDT
Long Handshake No. 2
The Thirteenth Hour and the Fifty First Minute (1351 / 1:51 PM) EDT
The Thirteenth Hour and the Fifty Second Minute (1352 / 1:52 PM) EDT
The Thirteenth Hour and the Fifty Fourth Minute (1354 / 1:54 PM) EDT
McCain-Palin 10-08-2008 Rally Bethlehem, PA
Devito Experience
“It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men. Men respond to leadership in a most remarkable way and once you have won his heart, he will follow you anywhere.”
While there is an inherent sexism in Vince Lombardi’s quote, it’s forgivable. It was a man’s world then. When Vince Lombardi passed to the Great Beyond, Sarah Heath was six years old, so he never would get to see what a woman can do. Perhaps his spirit watched Gov. Palin in awe throughout her life doing things that have killed men twice her size. Vince Lombardi was the quintessential macho. Yet, for all his machismo, Vince Lombardi had quite a bit to say about hearts. If you read all his quotes, the conclusion is inescapable: absent heart, any effort undertaken is doomed to abject failure.
Loyalty and Commitment
Leadership and winning hearts is at the root of why I asked Gov. Palin to sign my shirt over my heart this day three years ago. While loyalty and commitment really originate in the brain, as do all emotions and feelings, the heart is their symbolic storehouse. Besides, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin does not perform brain surgeries to affix her signature on deep limbic systems.Loyalty, commitment, and political support are considered “heart-centered.” The purpose of having my shirt signed there was to symbolically vow my loyalty to Gov. Palin and her Reagan-Conservatism; to let her know that I have her back; that I would fight her battles alongside her; celebrate her successes and milestones; and that if she were to fail, I’d fail with her. This vow extends to Gov. Palin’s family, her staff, contractors, and vendors. By asking Gov. Palin to be a signatory to and executor of that pledge, it means I am personally accountable to honor it, even in bad times and even if I disagree with her on something. This commitment could not be made while asking her to sign a sleeve.
Branded
Those whose opinions matter – Gov. Palin; her husband, Todd; and my wife, Elsy – understand what I did at that rally and why I did it. Well, Elsy did not at first, but she finally did get it. We’ll be celebrating 15 years of marriage two months and a week from today. Elsy won’t admit it, but I think “that woman” is growing on her. Elsy gasped in horror when she heard the news that Gov. Palin is not running. Elsy felt a sharp pain - in her heart - for the woman she once hated.Anyway, I had the good fortune over these three years to meet Gov. Palin and members of her family several more times since this rally, as did members of the US for Palin staff.
The Underpinning of Support
“Emotional charge” and “heart” drives and underpins support. You cannot support someone who you are not fired up about. Vince Lombardi summed that up in a great one-liner:“If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you’ll be fired with enthusiasm.”
We’ve all seen campaigns where “supporters” are bored, unmotivated and simply have no feeling one way or the other about the candidate they’re working for. These pathetic campaigns are constantly desperate for money and painful to work for. Their conclusions are predictable and inevitable.Notice how SarahPAC rarely asks us for money. You could count the number of fund-raiser requests this year on your hands and have fingers left over. Why? We just donate. We organize our own money-bombs. We donate to celebrate public and private “Palin-versaries,” - like this one - and to celebrate key milestones and accomplishments. We even donate for no particular reason at all! This support does not exist in a vacuum. SarahPAC's donors are fired with enthusiasm.
Head + Heart = Victory
Another of Vince Lombardi’s many heart quotes:“If you're lucky enough to find a guy with a lot of head and a lot of heart, he's never going to come off the field second.”
Last year, I got to see this principle first hand with Palin-endorsed NY-13 Congressman Michael Grimm’s campaign. Some 100 volunteers, myself among them, with their hearts in the game easily defeated a primary opponent’s paid staff - 5:1 in some election districts. He then destroyed his Democrat opponent who was well-financed, had a paid staff, the backing of multiple unions and the Obama administration. I campaigned for Rep. Grimm just on Gov. Palin’s endorsement. I live in his district. I treated that as a direct order from her. I had to help him win and make her proud. Of course, Rep. Grimm inspired his volunteers on his own merits. Working for his campaign was joyful and uplifting. It was a win for residents of NY-13, Rep. Grimm, his staff and volunteers, and Gov. Palin.
Policy Alone is Insufficient
It is not just about policy and issues as some want to focus exclusively on. You can program a robot and have it spew out policy. You can program a robot's speeches. Goodbye teleprompters. You can interface an autopen to said robot, have it sign bills into law and do away with the entire political process. A robot can even be made ploppable and plopped into a chair at the Oval Office. Why not? Well...you need a person to program the robot and who would decide how the machine is going to be programmed? We’re back to the agony of Square One. The biggest load of baloney in politics is the notion that “it’s only the message, not the person that matters.”Leadership that Inspires Confidence, Commands Respect
In the hands of the wrong person, even the right message can be disastrously implemented. In these times, mediocrity does not cut it. We need a strong leader. We need a standard bearer. The person does matter.Judgment and discernment by definition cannot be programmed. You see, some qualities are completely apolitical and cannot be mechanized. Few people possess even one of them, much less all of them. These qualities are: integrity; leadership by example; keeping promises; executive experience; command experience; life experience; judgment; the right combination of toughness and sweetness; accomplishments; fortitude; the ability to keep confidences; a proven and vetted track record of success; a proven ability to withstand media scrutiny; people person; and impeccable character that inspires confidence and commands respect. Add to that list: proving to the world that a woman can do anything a man can do – and in many cases, do it better.
These qualities are about the person and Gov. Palin possesses every last one of them. That's what makes her the kind of leader you see only once in 75 - 150 years.
Gov. Palin’s successes always were and always will be about winning hearts and getting those hearts to follow her anywhere.
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