Media Dredge Up Discredited Blood Libel Against Gov. Palin

ABC's Diane Sawyer on November 15 resurrected the blood libel leftists tried to foist on former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin after deranged gunman Jared Loughner shot Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle ("Gabby") Giffords and 19 others, killing six. Sawyers' false linkage of Gov. Palin to the shooting aired on 20/20. CNN's Piers Morgan last week jumped on the bandwagon. While Giffords' husband Mark Kelly explicitly said Gov. Palin was not responsible for the shooting, he claimed she was "irresponsible."

Here are some facts as they pertain to this shooting:

• Loughner never saw SarahPAC ad which contained 20 cross hairs representing the 20 districts in which sitting Congressmen and women were "targeted" to be voted out. The campaign known as "Take Back the 20" was highly successful: 18 out of the 20 candidates Gov. Palin endorsed were elected.
• Loughner did not like or watch the news.
• Loughner did not listen to talk radio.
• Loughner had a years-long personal obsession with Giffords.
• Loughner was known by many in his circle to be mentally unstable.
• Loughner was a leftist and probably would not have been positively predisposed to Gov. Palin.

Gov. Palin addressed the blood libel in a video and a Facebook Note:



Sarah Palin: "America's Enduring Strength" from Sarah Palin on Vimeo.

Here are some facts as pertain to the SarahPAC ad:

• Both Democrats and Republicans have used cross hairs, bulls eyes, dots, and all manner of reticles on political ads for many years.
• Liberal Democrat Bob Beckel discussed Democrat use of cross hairs on Sean Hannity's TV show
• The use of cross hairs and bulls eyes was actually pioneered by a Democratic Party consultant.

See: All Cross Hairs are Equal, But Some are More Equal than Others

Facts on "target" and "targeting":

• The word "targeting" has been used in political campaigns by both Democrats and Republicans since time immemorial.
• "Target" and "targeting" are key words used in sales. Salesmen and women target prospects. Their commissions are based on hitting certain targets.
• "Target" is often used synonymously with "goal."
• Politics and sales share much in common, hence the use of similar terms in both disciplines.

Facts about Gov. Palin and her political advocacy:

• Gov. Palin has never advocated, supported or promoted vigilante or mob justice.
• Gov. Palin has always advocated following established legal and political processes.
• Gov. Palin has on numerous occasions condemned the use of violence to achieve political objectives.
• Gov. Palin has on numerous occasions said that our arms (weapons) are our ballots.
• Gov. Palin is a responsible leader who knows and understands her words influence others to action. Gov. Palin has never and would never encourage or counsel anyone to break the law or engage in unethical acts.

Facts about Gov. Palin, Conservatives and Violence:

• Gov. Palin and members of her family have been targeted for violence numerous times in these past three years. Prior to announcing her decision to not seek the GOP nomination in 2012, threats, death wishes and hate speech against Gov. Palin were routine on Facebook and Twitter. Even post-announcement, haters still make threats.
• The Undefeated begins with a montage of some of the most hateful and violent rhetoric that has been directed at Gov. Palin and her family. This hateful imagery and rhetoric was so disturbing that the theater version of the movie would have had an NC-17 rating if ran uncut.
• Tea Party rallies and other conservative events are self-policed, sanitary and conducted in compliance with the law. I have yet to hear of an arrest made at a Tea Party rally.
• Leftists are responsible for most violence and the threats of violence. This was going on with the "Occupy" protests in cities throughout the country. Violent confrontations with police, rapes, sexual assaults, and destruction of private and public property were staples of "Occupy" protests. Occupy protesters have gone on record as wanting to firebomb businesses, burn cities down, and one has expressed a wish that 9/11 would have occurred 911 more times.

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Reconsider 'Reconsider'; Updated

By Adrienne Ross - www.motivationtruth.com

In light of recent discussions and the Reconsider movement designed to convince Governor Palin to reconsider her decision not to run for President, seen most notably in an Iowa television ad and Fox News interview, I posted the following on Conservatives4Palin:

Conservatives4Palin is a community of people with one goal. That goal is expressed quite clearly in the name of our site. We are conservatives who stand for Governor Palin. We stand for her efforts to impact America. And we stand for the principles that she personifies. We were never a Draft Palin site, and our support of her never hinged on whether or not she chose to be Commander-in-Chief. In other words, our support comes with no strings attached. This, perhaps, is what separates us from the fans of many public figures. We, to be clear, are not fans. We are supporters who choose to be here. We do what we do out of respect for what Governor Palin represents. We do it with our hearts and our talents, and it is our pleasure.

Having said that, while we have the same goal, we don't always agree on what that looks like. Nothing has made that more clear to me than this Reconsider movement that has surged. Until recently, I have kept my feelings to myself, as I really didn't want to get caught up in the daily discussions on the topic. However, I will remain silent no more. Yes, I will be respectful, but silence isn't the answer. I have strong feelings on the subject, and it's time to put them out there. The chips will fall where they may, and I'm fine with that.

Like everyone who knows who Governor Palin is, who respects her common sense, who values her wealth of experience and plentiful accomplishments, I wanted her to run for President. It took some time for me to wrap my brain around her decision not to do so. But it was necessary that I reached that point. It was the healthy, respectful thing to do.

So hear my heart in this.

At her core, the Governor is a person of deep faith. She did not make her decision lightly, which we all should know, especially since many were quite vocal about how long it took her to make that decision. Because I know her character, I know that she sought God's direction in this. Nobody wants her to fulfill her purpose more than she does, nobody has been impacted by this process more than she has, and nobody labored in prayer concerning this more than she did. Through that intense seeking, she found her answer: not now. As I see it, repeatedly asking her to reconsider not doing something she obviously believes God has directed her not to do is disrespectful--albeit well-intentioned--and shows a lack of understanding of how she operates. She is simply not going to disobey God to please people. That's not who she is. Now, I believe things could change in a heartbeat, but not because of people trying to force her hand. If she chose to get in the race, it would be because that's the direction she feels God has led her. Man's efforts in this regard are futile. She already knows what we want, and she has thanked us for believing in her, but this decision was bigger than we are.

Some have said, "If she didn't like the Reconsider movement, why hasn't she addressed it? She hasn't done anything to stop it." I beg to differ. She said she wasn't running. She said more than once she has no regrets. She said her supporters should respect her decision. What more could she possibly say? Why should she have to say she's not reconsidering? She never said she was. I believe that up until now she has said nothing about the movement specifically because she recognizes that she would spend every waking moment saying the same thing she's already said, and it wouldn't change a thing for some people. Some would still think she's flashing symbols, plotting maneuvers, and about to drop the bomb--metaphorical, of course--any moment. I'm sure she appreciates every guesture, but I also think we should truly respect her decision, not just in word but in deed.

There are some who believe that Governor Palin didn't mean a thing she said on October 5th. They believe she has intended all along to run and is just playing a game with people, making some strategic political move. That, too, isn't who she is. Yes, she's savvy, and holds her cards close to her vest, but she's not stringing us along. We, of all people, should know that. I believe it's time we take her at her word. It's time we come to understand that she really is the person we have said she is. She is not the typical politician. She is a woman of integrity. We say it, but do we believe it?

Many people got involved to make the Iowa television ad a reality. It was a well-done ad, though something I did not support. I feel it would have been perfect before she made her wishes known. Now, however, I believe it simply fuels this insistence in people to get the Governor to do something she has told us she isn't going to do. That concerns me. Disagree with me if you will, but I find that kind of insistence unhealthy. I believe that our money could better be spent supporting the Governor in other ways. I'm sure SarahPAC could use the finances. I'm sure that money could be saved to donate to the candidate Governor Palin endorses, if she chooses to endorse. Now, I don't pretend to speak for her, but I find it hard to believe that she would feel comfortable with people pouring their hard-earned money, during such difficult times, into something she has stated she is not going to do. Of course, people are free to do what they want with their own money, but I can only imagine the Governor cringing at this. We can agree to disagree, but that's my humble opinion, based on her principles. So while the ad states that it was authorized by C4P, the truth is C4P is made up of various people with various perspectives, and judging from my communications with the C4P staff, as well as reading C4P comments, we are not all on the same page with this.

Conservatives4Palin has been fortunate enough to be considered among the cream of the crop in all things Palin. With that status comes a certain responsibility to act responsibly. As far as I'm concerned, any decision to engage in never-ending Make Palin Reconsider efforts is not acting responsibly, not on the Governor's behalf and not on behalf of the people who have found us worthy of their time and attention. Therefore, I deem such efforts to be a violation of the trust placed in us. This is why I have chosen to publicly post my perspective on this highly-charged issue.

And highly-charged it is. Too often those who have voiced disagreement with the Reconsider movement, those who have decided to simply take the Governor at her word, are branded as non-supporters or deserters. Be sure to check a person's track record before those kinds of accusations. I am certain that my record speaks for itself. I am indeed for Palin. It is because I am that I feel so passionate about this issue. I feel drawn to showing her the respect that she deserves, trusting that her 2012 decision was one of the most difficult ones she's ever had to make. I am committed to standing by her side in whichever direction she takes. She is certainly not done making an impact, taking a stand against corruption in government, and fighting for the future of America. Therefore, I am certainly not done supporting her. I have said since 2008 that as long as she remains on the right side of right, wherever the road leads, I will travel it with her.

While I knew that this would be an article that would cause some people annoyance, I hope all have heard my heart in this. I have great appreciation for the many people who have invested themselves into their support of Governor Palin. I trust that as we observe the roads God takes her--or doesn't take her--down, we will honor her decisions, we will respect one another even when we passionately disagree, and we will continue to be for her. For me, part of that process is taking her at her word, focusing on what I can do to promote what she's committed to now, and watching the mighty impact we will make. Now, that is the kind of earthquake that will do her proud.

------

I added the following update as a result of the plethora of comments over at C4P. It's been a lively debate.

Update: There have been many comments made, quite passionate ones, concerning this article. Some have been most respectful, others not so much. Nonetheless, that's what sometimes happens when people begin to discuss issues that matter most to them. I love passion, though passion tempered with respect is preferable, and I thank those who demonstrated that.

As I finalize my comments on this particular thread, let me clarify something that many people obviously missed. I never said Governor Palin would never be President. What I stressed was that any change for 2012 would be the result of Governor Palin's believing she's been led in that direction, not people trying to force her hand. It would come because she felt, through prayer, that she was to take that path. I never said I didn't want her to be President, and I certainly never said I was so very excitedly throwing my support behind someone else. I, like every common sense American who knows her record and principles, want her to be President. More than that, however, I want her to obey the leading she receives. If those two things collide, great. If not, so be it. I will take her at her word, respectfully. I trust God to do whatever He chooses to do. As for me, I will do what I've been doing for three years now--supporting her and consistently praying that His will be done for her and her family, as many other supporters have been doing. As I've said more times than I can count, big things are in store for the Governor. She will fulfill her destiny, and whatever that is, I'm all for it. But an ongoing Reconsider movement, as far as I'm concerned, isn't the answer. It won't change her mind. But God...well, again, He can do anything. If you didn't get that from the article, you missed my point. If you got it but still don't like it, well, it is what it is. We will have to agree to disagree.

Onward and upward.

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The Tebow-Palin Connection

By Adrienne Ross - www.motivationtruth.com

An insightful, inspiring article about the similarities between NFL wonder, Tim Tebow, and tea party wonder woman, Governor Sarah Palin, can be found at American Thinker:

Tim Tebow is really annoying to certain people in a Sarah Palin sort of way. Whenever Tim or Sarah shows up, an uncomfortable feeling accompanies him or her, and it's called conviction. One definition for "convict" is "to impress with a sense of guilt." That is precisely what Tim Tebow and Sarah Palin are guilty of: impressing shame and remorse upon America that it would prefer to avoid.

The Palin family has been mocked and derided for many reasons, including baby boy Trig, born with Down Syndrome. This past spring, after former Gov. Palin posted a birthday tribute to her son, former Wonkette writer Jack Stuef called Trig a "magic intellectually disabled baby prop." Stuef questioned "Trig's parentage, implying he was conceived in incest, and used the R word." Stuef has since apologized and said he regretted using the word "retarded," but he stands by his criticism of Palin.

By approving of and promoting policies that destroy innocent human life, the left is hateful enough. However, when a conservative public figure "chooses" life, what emanates from hate-spewing liberals amounts to a new level of vitriol.

That rage is evidenced by liberal reactions to Sarah Palin, who celebrates the life of a child whom some liberals would deem a disposable burden on society. Palin said it so well in a 2011 Thanksgiving tribute to Trig when she shared:

Through Trig, I see firsthand that there is man's standard of perfection, and then there is God's. Man's standard is flawed, temporary, and shallow. God's standard lasts an eternity. At the end of the day, His is what matters.

And what about that pesky Tim Tebow? In 1987, Tim's mother Pam chose to grant her son the gift of life. Pregnant and suffering from a life-threatening infection, Pam Tebow, a missionary with her husband Robert to the Philippines, was told that her and Robert's child would be stillborn. Rather than take the advice of her doctor and abort, Pam Tebow chose to trust God.

Both mother and baby survived, and today, much like Sarah and Trig Palin, Pam and Tim Tebow both pose a problematic contradiction to one of the strongest arguments abortion advocates use when arguing to justify disposing of the unborn.

To this day, 24 years after proving the doctor wrong, starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos Tim Tebow remains downright annoying. Every time he makes an appearance on the football field, without opening his mouth, the abortion survivor takes all the fun out of the sport. Why? Because pro-choice America is forced to look into the face of a strapping miracle child whose mother put his life ahead of her own.

To make matters worse, not only did the Tebow family allow the child to be born, but they then did the unthinkable and raised him to be a devout Christian.

[...]

Not only does abortion survivor Tim Tebow live, but as a staunch follower of Jesus Christ, he is a source of double-conviction in a godless world where devotion to sports often supersedes commitment to God.

Based on the left's reaction, seems Trig Palin and Tim Tebow are huge thorns in the side of pro-choice America. So are their mothers, who, if they'd only exercised the right to choose, would have made life a lot more comfortable for those who would rather avoid dredging up past mistakes.

Read the full article here, which includes comments by two people voicing their utter disdain for Tim Tebow's unabashed faith. It seems they would rather he hide it in a corner. I can't help but wonder why it bothers them so much. Perhaps this article hits the nail right on the head.

(h/t Nicole Coulter)

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Summoning Palin's Endorsement

By Adrienne Ross - www.motivationtruth.com

As the GOP presidential candidates face ebbs and flows in their campaigns, there is no wonder Governor Palin's endorsement has been sought-after. Real Clear Politics has speculated where the Governor may place her support, but that remains to be seen. What is already quite clear is the candidates know the power the Governor holds. As the 2010 mid-terms elections revealed, her stamp of approval is able to positively influence a campaign, sparking both boots-on-the-ground support and finances. No doubt this is why immediately after announcing her decision not to seek the 2012 GOP nomination, a Palin endorsement was vehemently summoned.

Whomever she chooses to endorse for 2012, if anyone at all, will have a huge base of support from which to draw. While it is not likely that each of Governor Palin's supporters will back the person she backs, many of them are, in fact, waiting for her to say the word. They will then lend their support to that individual, for they believe her choice will be the most common sense choice for defeating President Obama, someone most in line with her values--values they share.

Mark Whittington writes:

The most sought-after endorsement of this political cycle will be from a woman who holds no political office and is not currently seeking one. That is why each of the Republican candidates have done the equivalent of kissing Sarah Palin's ring.

So how, according to Whittington, will the Governor reach such an important decision?

The criteria Palin will use to determine who to endorse will be who will be best for the country, in her judgment, and only secondarily who will be best for her own political fortunes. Palin has some definite ideas about how the United States should be governed, particularly in the suppression of honest graft in the congress and crony capitalism. Whomever is best suited to advance her agenda will get her endorsement.

And just what would a Governor Palin endorsement accomplish?

Palin's endorsement would take a struggling campaign and take it to the top tier. It would take a surging campaign and send it over the top. It could be the difference between getting to accept the nomination at next year's convention or just being third from the right on the stage during the unity demonstration.

Read the full article here.

(h/t Josh Painter)

cross-posted at MotivationTruth

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The Power of Sarah

Well, it has been weeks since I heard Sarah say that she would not be running for President in 2012. I must confess that I was terribly sad on that day (and for a few that followed). However, now, as time has passed and the wounds have somewhat healed, I take great joy in realizing that even if she is not a presidential candidate, Sarah Palin can still cause positive change in this negative political world.

Her choice to use the phrase “Crony Capitalism” in September was probably not mere coincidence. Peter Schweizer’s (the man who was her foreign policy advisor) book “Throw Them All Out” tells of the unfair system by which members of congress have already made tens of millions of dollars by using tactics that could put an ordinary citizen behind bars. The book details Crony Capitalism to an extreme! To believe that Sarah was not aware of the book, its topic, and the potential impact is just silly. She knew this would be the next battle on her hands. Governor Palin went into that battle prepared and has emerged successful. The STOCK Act (Stop Trading On Congressional Knowledge) had over 90 co-sponsors in the Senate as of last Friday. Hearings will be held soon. I predict that soon it will be illegal for our congressional representatives to profit from insider trading. (Too bad that common decency did not put a stop to such bad behavior much earlier.)

No other candidate can make the claim that their words and views are immediately having an effect on current policy. Instead, each is so focused on emerging from this primary as the sole victor. Even though most are trying hard not to blatantly fight each other and instead only criticize policy positions and previous decisions, the struggle is taking a toll. Had Sarah Palin jumped into the race, she would be defending attacks from her fellow GOP comrades while trying to wound them as well. It is the nature of the primary battle.

However, as Governor Palin is not participating in the primary race, she is able to place her entire focus on fixing the government NOW. Not after the primary when she would then be campaigning against Obama. Not in November 2012 after she won the election. Not in January 2013 after being sworn into office. NOW! An entire 14 months earlier! We have seen what this woman can accomplish when she makes it her mission. I am so eagerly anticipating seeing the differences she makes in this country’s government during the next year (and beyond). The future of my children may depend on it.

I would like to see Fox News give her a weekly hour to host a “Conversation with the Candidates” show. She could sit down, one-on-one and really ask the questions to which so many of us wish we had the answers. Republicans are just not happy with the field we see. Perhaps with Sarah’s help, we might see things that are not so obvious. I’m not sure if the powers-that-be at Fox have the courage for such a bold program. It sure is fun to imagine watching it each week!

I believe that Sarah will not go quietly into the night and fade from the eyes of the world. She knows that she has the power to create a better place for those who may feel powerless against the political machine. She knows that she has a moral clarity that is lacking in so many in our government. Whether the left-leaning media likes it or not, she knows that when she speaks, we listen. And from those words, we are given ideas that will help our country to return to the land of the free and the home of the brave.

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Mamie Eisenhower's Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Mamie Eisenhower's Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Ingredients:

1 env. plain gelatin

4 tbsp. cold water

1 cup brown sugar

3 eggs, separated

1/2 cup milk

1-1/2 cups canned pumpkin

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. allspice

3 tbsp. granulated sugar

1 baked 9" Pie Shell

Directions:

Soak gelatin in water for about 5 minutes. Combine brown sugar, egg yolks, milk, pumpkin, salt and spices in top of double boiler. Cook over boiling water, stirring until thickened. Remove from fire. Add gelatin, stir until thoroughly dissolved. Chill until mixture begins to set. Beat egg whites quite stiff; gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff. Fold the meringue into pumpkin mixture. Pour into baked pie shell and chill until set.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our work continues...

Follow O4P-CA on Twitter: @CA4Palin

Follow Thomas on Twitter: @ThomasSSchmitz

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Thanking God for All My Blessings

It's been  a rough year. Having suffered setbacks on the job front and the business front, it's been difficult navigating the waters of stormy life circumstances. This blogger has been very active online in supporting the conservative cause and particularly the cause of the Palin movement. During the past three years, I've been challenged by time constraints, particularly due to work and business obligations. Yet, I have always tried to do what I could to push forward for a better America. While things have not gone particularly my way, they have gone in a direction that now leads me toward a better future.

I've been challenged by jaded Palin supporters and Palin detractors who claim I wasted the last three years of my life. That can't be further from the truth. It's important to believe in success and to believe in the qualities that make for great leadership. Advocating for and speaking out for a greater, better America is not a hobby. It is a business decision. It is based on the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats and that a better America leads to having better Americans. Sarah Palin embodied this belief and I supported her whole-heartedly without regret.

During the process, the company I worked for over the last 4 1/2 years downsized in July. As such, I have been without a job since. I have a business, which is struggling due in part to market and regulatory forces, but also in part due to the fact that building a business from scratch with no money is a daunting challenge. We are in the process of seeking out investment funds for a lucrative opportunity in the debt purchasing - debt selling business. It is my firm belief, with God's help, that we will break that seal and get the financing we need to succeed.

In the meantime, I have a mortgage to pay and a child to support. Monday, I was offered a nice position with a decent base salary and an unlimited bonus and commission structure. If I perform as I have in the past, I will be financially stable by the summer and be in a position to save and invest money after that. For this, I am thankful to the Lord for all of my blessings. I look forward to celebrating a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends who all have overcome their own personal challenges and who are now set on a much more stable path ahead.

While I have obtained the type of job that will afford me the ability to rebuild my life again, millions of Americans continue to be out of work and continue to suffer as the result of an economy that has been destroyed by the policies of crony capitalism and a president who many argue is trying to collapse our system in order to reorganize America into a collectivist style big government state. It's important that we thank our Lord for our blessings at this time and turn our eyes to Him for help in these trying times.

Psalm 46 tells us:

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (Selah) 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. 6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Selah) 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth." 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Selah) 

Renewing and restoring America, as Glenn Beck has told us, begins with renewing and restoring ourselves. In spirit with this philosophy, it is only fitting to encourage people to do whatever they can do to best secure what they have, build upon their future potential and keep moving forward with a positive demeanor and a patience that tells them that no matter how bleak things may seem, with personal effort and perseverance, things can and will work.

One can't help but to wonder if the decisions made by people like Sarah Palin, Chris Christie, John Thune and Paul Ryan regarding presidential runs are not born of the theory that you can't sell the house unless it's completely built. While it clearly can be argued that Sarah Palin was ready for the presidency, three years of boning up on the issues and building wealth may not have been enough for someone who could potentially occupy an office during the most trying times our republic has seen since the Civil War and World War II.

Maybe there's more that we all have to do personally before someone like Palin could be considered a lock for the presidency. It's time to take back the culture, the Congress and the cable television box.

Keeping powder dry and fortifying the fort sometimes is a better way than shooting the works and leaving oneself vulnerable to the fickle finger of fate. I am me. We are conservatives. We know our luck. Sometimes, building it bigger than we have to is more important than blowing it all too quickly on a cause in such a way that it fails rather than succeeds. I've done that in business, and I know how unpredictable the future can be when you bet on time and future success without having a fortress already set up that can withstand that kind of a dice roll.

Consolidating and building on one's own personal wealth (with wealth being defined as strong relationships with God, family and friends, financial stability; and a strong positive mental outlook with advocacy in our hearts and words for what is right) is key. Building America back from the ground level up requires us to first become strong individually, then as a family, then as a community and then as a town and state. We must never stray from that which makes us strongest, whether it be spiritually, financially or socially.

The key line of today's interview which landed me the job was when I said "making money is not about the mansions and the yachts; it's about the ability to take care of the car, the water heater and the family when something goes wrong." After thinking about my resume, I could have added that it's about being able to thank God today for the decisions made yesterday with His guidance.

While we all make mistakes (and I have my fair share of them), one thing is certain. We can overcome our past by building on a future based on what we do today. I have always been blessed because I have a clear understanding of the fundamental spiritual and mental values that we need to move forward in such a crazy world. I may not always stick to these values 100%, but for me it's not about the kill, it's about the thrill of the chase. Success is not about the shining city on a hill, it's about busting your ass to get there.

As we move forward into 2012, this blogger's work schedule will be demanding. I will have to make some changes in how I contribute to this and other blogs which have been so gracious and offering me their forums to post my articles. My radio show may have to shut down in January since my work hours will take me past the 11:00 hour on Wednesday. My blog posts may come more on weekends than during the week. But, by being focused on the main thing to better myself, it is my most sincere hope that I will be better positioned down the road to contribute more than just my written word to the cause of bettering America.

And, I'm not going anywhere. I will still blog and tweet. I will still cheer-lead the future of America.

When you sit down at the table with your family and friends this Thursday, please make sure that you thank God for your blessings and ask Him to bestow upon you the patience, inner peace and personal power to better yourself in the future. Success is not a destination. It's a journey.
God bless you all.


-Listen to Patrick's World USA tonight on Blogtalk Radio at 11pm ET 8pm PT.

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Congressional Corruption: As Old as the Republic

Any Palinista worth his or her salt knows that one of Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's missions is rooting out crony capitalism and corporate welfare in Washington, D.C. Throw them All Out, by Peter Scheweizer - Gov. Palin's foreign policy adviser - focuses on Congressional insider trading, a practice that is illegal for the rest of us. Recall that a perjury conviction related to insider trading infamously earned home-making guru Martha Stewart time in the federal pen. Congressional insider trading is only one of numerous Congressional sins. In 1988, as the Reagan administration drew to a close, the Heritage Foundation undertook a five-year study of Congress, resulting the publication of The Ruling Class: Inside the Imperial Congress by Eric Felten in 1993. The Ruling Class is an expose on the inner workings of Congress and also suggests several ways to reform our legislative branch - all of which have been discussed, but none of which left the dream stage.


How Crony Capitalism Works

Gov. Palin has spoken numerous times about the federal debt ceiling. Ruling Class, Chapter One, which is titled "Sleight of Hand" explains precisely how the debt ceiling is raised automatically: House Rule XLIX (59). As Felten pointed out, the need to raise the debt ceiling is rather embarrassing. Not wanting to be held accountable for voting in favor of raising the debt ceiling, this piece of stealth legislation lets Congress do it without actually being voted on. Remember "deemed to have been voted on" - the trick some Democrats wanted to use to pass ObamaCare? Same principle here.

When the $787 billion stimulus was passed, Gov. Palin noted that many in both houses of Congress never read the bill. Many conservatives were likewise shocked when Nancy Pelosi declared about ObamaCare, "we're not going to know what's in it until we pass it." Actually, it's not shocking at all. This is routine practice in Congress. Our Senators and Representatives don't write legislation. Their staffs do it for them. Our legislators do not even read what was written for them either.

Ruling Class also outlined how Congressional hearings amount to little more than bullying to benefit a special interest group that successfully lobbied a Senator or Representative. Felten referred to these proceedings as a "Barnumocracy," and history is replete with them.

Another Congressional abuse is "regulation negotiation" or "reg neg," where lobbyists are directly involved with law-making. In a typical reg neg, the interested parties agree with a federal agency not to challenge a regulation in court. Felten described how Marriott Hotels strongly favored the Americans with Disabilities Act and worked to influence its passage. Marriott had already been designing its properties to be accessible for the prior 10 years. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act cost Marriott nothing, but cost its competitors many millions of dollars. Thus, passage of the ADA worked to Marriott's advantage. Reg neg is one of the underpinnings of crony capitalism.


The Commons, Spending, Debts, and Deficits

According to Felten, our current woes with national debt and deficit spending are rooted in how both parties conduct business in both houses of Congress. Federal budgeting works in a manner similar to pasturing cattle on public commons. Eventually, too many cattle over-burden and deplete the commons. Because constituents and special interest groups have grown addicted to legislative pork without paying their fair share, the demand for services only increases. The result is more federal bloat, over-spending, debt, and deficits.

Felten also revealed that spending "cuts" are little more than a Congressional shell game, in which the "current services baseline" is raised, then "cut." This practice is akin to a store normally selling an item for $100, raising the price to $150, then offering a special sale promotion of $125.

Felten also asserted that re-election has become a machine-driven process in both Houses. Felten even wrote about crony capitalism, only he referred to it as "the favor factory."


As Old as the Republic...

Congressional corruption is as old as our Republic and "...has no party, no ideology and no gender," says Constitutional Scholar Alan Baker. "It's bipartisan and soaked in history and tradition. It also often defies logic."

While it is theoretically possible to throw the entire House of Representatives out every two years, only one third of the Senate is subject to election in any given cycle. Incumbents enjoy a strong re-election advantage. "Throwing out" often becomes a case of "Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss."

"We're talking about a culture of 'I'm better than everyone else' and 'I don't have to answer to anyone,'" says Baker. "It is pervasive and it has been part of the Congressional culture for a long time. You may hear a lot of talk about accountability and reform, but it simply is not happening."
Even when a new member of Congress arrives in Washington, full of idealism about doing a good job, he or she is soon sucked into the system.

This could explain why at least two of Gov. Palin's endorsees who ran on a Reagan-Conservative platform are backing Mitt Romney. They got sucked into the GOP establishment. Why else would they back a candidate who has been running for over six years, consistently polls at around 22%, and does not appeal to the party's base?
Political Corruption in America: An Encyclopedia of Scandals, Power and Greed, by Mark Grossman covers all of it since there was a Congress, but at nearly $200, the book is not likely to land on many shelves. An abridged version is available as a free Google eBook.

The Almanac of Political Corruption, Scandals, and Dirty Politics, by Kim Long also claims to cover 300 years worth of skullduggery and at $14 is more within the average person's reach. Inside Congress: The Shocking Scandals, Corruption and Abuse of Power Behind the Scenes on Capitol Hill, by Ronald Kessler focuses heavily on sex scandals, before addressing other malfeasance. This is also an expensive read coming in at nearly $125.

Of course, crony capitalism, patronage, corruption, and scandals have infected the executive and legislative branches at federal, state and local governments since time immemorial. Tammany Hall ruled New York for over 100 years. I remember when Queens Borough President - Donald Manes - committed suicide while his huge corruption scandal involving the Parking Violations Bureau erupted. And, two generations of Daleys treated Chicago to a tour de force of graft and corruption.


Reforming Congress Requires an Act Of Congress, and More

Felten's proposed reforms for Congress included: term limits, the line item veto, session limits, spending limits, removing Congressional exceptions to laws passed, subject Congress to Freedom of Information Act, "end the Constituent Service Racket," establish fair and open procedures, and cut committees.

These are all lofty reforms. Unfortunately, reforming Congress in many cases requires - well - an act of Congress. Reforms such as term limits, the line item veto and subjecting Congress to its own laws likely require a Constitutional Amendment. President Reagan repeatedly called for a line item veto throughout his administration, but it never materialized. When Sarah Palin was Alaska's governor, she did have the line item veto and used it with telling effect. Subjecting Congress to its own laws would resolve the entire issue of Congressional insider trading which is what Schweizer delineated in Throw them All Out.


Gov. Palin's Role in Reform

Since the founding of our republic, no one from inside the political establishment of either party has been able to root out any of these abuses in the federal Congress. Will Gov. Palin be able to do it as an outsider private citizen? Only time will tell and history will be the judge over the many election cycles this could play out. Gov. Palin, of course has a proven record as a reformer throughout her entire political career. If she cannot do it, most likely nobody can.

The future, how Gov. Palin will pursue ending political abuses, and her very destiny remain uncertain. Conservatives - not just Palinistas - are yearning for today's Ronald Reagan.

Today's Reagan very much exists, but she is not pursuing a formal title.

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Going Rogue Signed: Two Years On

Signed two years ago today at the seventeenth hour and the fortieth minute Eastern Standard Time.

“Governor Palin…Sarah….it’s nice to see you again.” We locked eyes…she shook my hand, said “Hi, what’s your name.” “I’m Ron Devito, from Staten Island. You signed my heart in Pennsylvania.” She smiled…I could tell she remembered. “I like your buttons,” she said. But…I saw her looking at the Palin Power button, I had been selling. Pointing to the button, I said, “Today, I prototyped this one. And I will be giving it to you in the gift box. It is yours.” “Thank you,” Governor Palin said. It was time to leave….I turned back….”It was nice to see you again” — followed by a pregnant pause — “my President.” She ended the conversation with a final thank you and I took my signed books.

That day, I got to meet: Chuck and Sally Heath, Trig Paxson Van Palin, Jason Recher, and two of my authors: Adrienne Ross and Kristina Lazzaro, among several other friends and colleagues. Many things changed over these past two years, but my final two words to Gov. Palin this day are not among what's changed.

Enjoy the complete journey:

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part VI — Going Home

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part V — Egg Attack

Going Rogue, Rochester, NY: Part IV — Books Signed

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY, Part III — Ready

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY Part II — Camping

Going Rogue: Rochester, NY Part I — Journey

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The Undefeated to Screen in Palmer & Wasilla AK Sunday and Monday

The Valley Women's Republican Club is sponsoring a screening of The Undefeated this Sunday November 20 from 1600 / 4 PM till 1800 / 6 PM AKST at the Colony Inn in Palmer, AK. Tickets for a special VIP meet-and-greet event with Stephen K. Bannon, the movie's creator and producer sell for $50 per person or $75 per couple, and include a light dinner.

The movie will play at the Wasilla Alaska Club Theater on Monday, November 21 at 1800 / 6 PM AKST. This is a screening only with seating limited to 150 and a suggested donation of $5.

For more information, to reserve a seat or to purchase a ticket to the meet-and-greet, contact Harmony Shields at informedgirl@gmail.com or 907-315-5038.

H/T Ian Lazaran, Conservatives4Palin for story lead.

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Todd Palin to Race in 2012 Iron Dog

File Photo by Rick Small, Anchorage, Alaska. 2011 Iron Dog: "And he’s off…Todd is officially on the Iron Dog trail." As published in Sights & Sounds from Iron Dog 2011 Starting Line, by Missy Stewart.

Four-time Iron Dog Champion Todd Palin will partner with Eric Quam, forming Team 11 in the 2012 Iron Dog, according to Alaska News. Palin and Quam came in second place for this year's Iron Dog, when Palin's snow machine sustained damage during the final leg of the race. He bungee corded the damaged left ski back to the machine and came in second by only 6:51. The first five places are considered wins with first being the champion. Todd Palin has raced in 21 Iron Dogs. Racers over the 2,000-mile course reach speeds of 80 mph or more in temperatures that drop to -70 Fahrenheit, and often in whiteout blizzard conditions.

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Gov. Palin on Hannity: No Regrets, No Endorsements

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin tonight said she has "no regrets" about not seeking the 2012 GOP nomination and "can shake it up better from outside with Peter Schweizer and my PAC" in a two-segment interview on Sean Hannity's TV show from her home in Wasilla, Alaska. Gov. Palin would not endorse a particular candidate, however, she said the GOP nomination will be "Romney versus the non-Romney," with various candidates shifting front-runner position as the "non-Romney." Gov. Palin was seated by her fireplace which was operating, giving the feeling of a Fireside Chat.

Gov. Palin said it is very important that all the candidates be vetted so that the mistake that led to Obama's election would not be repeated. She also said voters should not be distracted with minor issues and gaffes that may reflect the idiosyncrasies of candidates running for office.

When asked about Newt Gingrich's rise in the polls, Gov. Palin said she was not surprised since "he's done so well in debates and balanced budgets during the Clinton Administration," but advised that Gingrich and all the other candidates should read Peter Schweizer's Throw Them All Out. About Romney, Gov. Palin said he has six years of experience as a candidate and has held steady with his numbers, which rest at 22%. She cautioned that the GOP nominee will have have a formidable foe with Obama who will have a $1 billion war chest and 90% of the lamestream media on his side.

Gov. Palin expressed her outrage at the violence being committed by Occupy protesters and the support of these protesters by Obama, Biden, and Pelosi. "These folks are ill-informed...misguided. I think it's atrocious what's going on," she said. Gov. Palin agreed with Hannity that Obama has inspired the protesters. "The Office of the Presidency has the power of word. This is getting out of control, this Occupy Wall Street, these shenanigans," Gov. Palin said. "He'll lecture us on words we should use. This is actual violence!"

Occupy "could become a campaign issue. The hypocrisy is glaring. Obama is perpetuating class warfare." Gov. Palin said the protesters should be angry about things like Solyndra, and crony capitalism. They should be directing their anger to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., she said. "For shame they are not angry at what is going on. Peter Schweizer is revealing graft, corruption. We cannot afford afford to continue this...our country is going bankrupt," she said.

"2012 is important not just for the Presidency, but the House and 33 Senate seats, and not just American Exceptionalism, but ethics," Gov. Palin said.

Video retrieved from SarahNET.

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Gov Palin in WSJ: How Congress Occupied Wall Street

by Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin
Reprinted in its entirety and retrieved from Wall Street Journal: How Congress Occupied Wall street

Mark Twain famously wrote, "There is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress." Peter Schweizer's new book, "Throw Them All Out," reveals this permanent political class in all its arrogant glory. (Full disclosure: Mr. Schweizer is employed by my political action committee as a foreign-policy adviser.)

Mr. Schweizer answers the questions so many of us have asked. I addressed this in a speech in Iowa last Labor Day weekend. How do politicians who arrive in Washington, D.C. as men and women of modest means leave as millionaires? How do they miraculously accumulate wealth at a rate faster than the rest of us? How do politicians' stock portfolios outperform even the best hedge-fund managers'? I answered the question in that speech: Politicians derive power from the authority of their office and their access to our tax dollars, and they use that power to enrich and shield themselves.

The money-making opportunities for politicians are myriad, and Mr. Schweizer details the most lucrative methods: accepting sweetheart gifts of IPO stock from companies seeking to influence legislation, practicing insider trading with nonpublic government information, earmarking projects that benefit personal real estate holdings, and even subtly extorting campaign donations through the threat of legislation unfavorable to an industry. The list goes on and on, and it's sickening.

Astonishingly, none of this is technically illegal, at least not for Congress. Members of Congress exempt themselves from the laws they apply to the rest of us. That includes laws that protect whistleblowers (nothing prevents members of Congress from retaliating against staffers who shine light on corruption) and Freedom of Information Act requests (it's easier to get classified documents from the CIA than from a congressional office).

The corruption isn't confined to one political party or just a few bad apples. It's an endemic problem encompassing leadership on both sides of the aisle. It's an entire system of public servants feathering their own nests.

None of this surprises me. I've been fighting this type of corruption and cronyism my entire political career. For years Alaskans suspected that our lawmakers and state administrators were in the pockets of the big oil companies to the detriment of ordinary Alaskans. We knew we were being taken for a ride, but it took FBI wiretaps to finally capture lawmakers in the act of selling their votes. In the wake of politicos being carted off to prison, my administration enacted reforms based on transparency and accountability to prevent this from happening again.

We were successful because we had the righteous indignation of Alaskan citizens on our side. Our good ol' boy political class in Juneau was definitely not with us. Business was good for them, so why would they want to end "business as usual"?

The moment you threaten to strip politicians of their legal graft, they'll moan that they can't govern effectively without it. Perhaps they'll gravitate toward reform, but often their idea of reform is to limit the right of "We the people" to exercise our freedom of speech in the political process.

I've learned from local, state and national political experience that the only solution to entrenched corruption is sudden and relentless reform. Sudden because our permanent political class is adept at changing the subject to divert the public's attention—and we can no longer afford to be indifferent to this system of graft when our country is going bankrupt. Reform must be relentless because fighting corruption is like a game of whack-a-mole. You knock it down in one area only to see it pop up in another.

What are the solutions? We need reform that provides real transparency. Congress should be subject to the Freedom of Information Act like everyone else. We need more detailed financial disclosure reports, and members should submit reports much more often than once a year. All stock transactions above $5,000 should be disclosed within five days.

We need equality under the law. From now on, laws that apply to the private sector must apply to Congress, including whistleblower, conflict-of-interest and insider-trading laws. Trading on nonpublic government information should be illegal both for those who pass on the information and those who trade on it. (This should close the loophole of the blind trusts that aren't really blind because they're managed by family members or friends.)

No more sweetheart land deals with campaign contributors. No gifts of IPO shares. No trading of stocks related to committee assignments. No earmarks where the congressman receives a direct benefit. No accepting campaign contributions while Congress is in session. No lobbyists as family members, and no transitioning into a lobbying career after leaving office. No more revolving door, ever.

This call for real reform must transcend political parties. The grass-roots movements of the right and the left should embrace this. The tea party's mission has always been opposition to waste and crony capitalism, and the Occupy protesters must realize that Washington politicians have been "Occupying Wall Street" long before anyone pitched a tent in Zuccotti Park.

Ms. Palin, a former governor of Alaska, was the Republican nominee for vice president in 2008.

H/T Ian Lazaran, Conservatives4Palin for story lead.

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O4P-CA: #OWS, Got It?

Dear OWS,

Please try not to hurt anyone (else) at your OWS Day of Action today.

I know you think your protest is cool and it must feel good to actually do something but you need to take a step back and re-think this whole occupy thing.

It's really stupid.

We're all for reform too but you gotta realize that there is a right way to make your point and there is a wrong way to make your point.

You probably don't believe in right and wrong. You seem eager to worship at the altar of the George Soros Open Society rather than live and let live as in Margaret Thatcher's Free Society. (choices...people...choices)

It doesn't really matter though because...well..because you are wrong.

Your dirty little protest has achieved nothing but rape, murder, suicide, robbery, tuberculosis, public masturbation, and yes...crabs.

While all of you over educated, under employed, college brats were busy whining and stinking up the streets of America someone else was hard at work.

Sarah Palin adviser Peter Schweizer of the Hoover Institute didn't just stop bathing and feign outrage over bank bail-outs and DC corruption in a misguided attempt to be fashionable.

He did something really really radical.

He worked his butt off for two years analyzing and investigating how it is that congressional leaders make millions of dollars because they have access to information that peasants like us don't have.

And now less than 72 hours after the release of Mr. Schweizer's book, Throw Them All Out, our corrupt little leaders are running around trying to save their jobs.

Both chambers of Congress are frantically producing bills that will restrict our naughty legislators from making money off the information in the law-making activities they're engaged in.

This has happened in the last three days.

Peter Schweizer's Throw Them All Out has already done more in the name of actual reform than any protesting from selfish OWS punks and cry-babies.

And just think. Mr. Schweizer achieved this without raping anyone, exposing himself, shooting anyone, or infecting them with body lice (heck...now even the parasites have parasites - maybe the illegal Obamacare law covers Valtrex and Kwell?)

Funny how diligence and hard work pay off.

This is how it's done folks. This is the American way.

Got it?

Our work continues...



Follow O4P-CA on Twitter: @CA4Palin

Follow Thomas on Twitter: @ThomasSSchmitz

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Gov. Palin Advises Candidates on Greta; No Endorsements or Picks

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin tonight offered advice for six of the declared candidates running for President in 2012 on Greta Van Susteren's On the Record from her home in Wasilla, Alaska. Gov. Palin did not endorse any candidate saying that the "the cream has not risen to the top." She did not pick a candidate most likely to defeat Obama in 2012 as Fox News had promoted on its website, and the subject of a reconsidered run never arose during the interview.

Gov. Palin said a candidate who most closely aligns with her values and articulates them best would earn her endorsement. The values she specifically mentioned include: "shifting the balance of power back to the people and adhering to the Constitution."

In what will likely be the "takeaway" from tonight's interview, Gov. Palin said she "would bring the rope" to hang former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky "from the highest tree if he were found guilty and convicted of child molestation charges." That statement was made in answer to Van Susteren's question about whether Gov. Palin agreed with former Senator Rick Santorum's position that Penn State should not be allowed to play in any bowl game. Gov. Palin said that "it was not the players' fault and they should not be made to suffer for having had a perverted coach."

About Herman Cain, Gov. Palin said "it sucks to be falsely accused," but also said Cain needs to candidly answer the questions being asked of him and acknowledged that his answers could be "a game-changer." She said Cain needs to get to the substance of the issues. Gov. Palin recounted that both she and her husband Todd have been falsely accused of having affairs.

Gov. Palin said Romney has been running for president for nearly six years now and has not seen a change in his polling numbers. She said he "needs to reach out to the Tea Party conservatives and explain his real and perceived flip-flops." She said voters seek authenticity and candidness.

Ron Paul "has very energized supporters....it's unfortunate he has been written off," Gov. Palin said adding that Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum have also been written off by the mainstream media. "He needs to keep doing what he is doing. He was only given 89 seconds to respond to questions. It's not fair, but his supporters need to be the ones to raise the issue, Gov. Palin said.

She said public disdain for Congress, especially with revelations of crony capitalism and pay-to-play are at least contributing factors in Santorum and Bachmman being written off. She added that if Congressmen and women are not fighting crony capitalism, people will perceive them as being part of it.

"[Newt Gingrich] needs to hang on to his hat. People are respecting his performance in debates and his knowledge of history," Gov. Palin said. She continued that his momentum in the polls makes him a target for media scrutiny and he needs to be prepared for it.

Gov. Palin said this election is not just about replacing Barack Obama, but who we replace him with. "Evidently, in this day and age, personal indiscretions don't matter, but jobs and economy are paramount. People need an explanation about solutions and proposals."

Video retrieved from SarahNET

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Fox News: Gov. Palin to Reveal 2012 Pick on Greta Tonight

Gov. Palin tonight will reveal on Greta Van Susteren's On the Record which declared candidate she believes has the best chance of beating Obama in 2012, according to promotional language on Fox News' home page and in a promo video.

Ed. Note:

If the foregoing is true, we can reasonably conclude that all reconsideration, "earthquake" and other such efforts should cease. Further, this pick may or may not constitute an official Palin endorsement of a declared candidate.

H/T Anne Quinn, Sarah Palin News for story lead.

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'Going Rogue' Reveals Palin Paradigm

By Adrienne Ross - www.motivationtruth.com

Like most of Governor Palin's supporters, and many of her detractors, I read Going Rogue the moment it hit the shelves in late 2009 to get a deeper sense of who she is, what she's accomplished, and where she might be headed. I have also listened to the CD several times and continue to do so, over and over.

In spite of having digested its contents a plethora of times, my favorite part remains unchanged. Every time I hear the Governor's voice reading that portion, I have to rewind it and listen again--and again. It resonates in my spirit, encouraging me greatly. I know, from my own personal experience, exactly what she means, so I grab ahold of every word and the spirit behind it. In addition, this portion, without question, is the single most powerful tool to understanding how she arrived where she is today and how she will fulfill her destiny in life--whatever that destiny is.

Pages 103-104, which ends chapter 2, reads:

There was a longing inside me that winter, a sense of purpose hovering just beyond my vision. Was it ambition? I didn't think so. Ambition drives; purpose beckons. Purpose calls.

I definitely wasn't driven toward any particular goal, like power or fame or wealth. So what was it? I wondered, as Piper's sweet breath against my neck matched the rocker's rhythmic glide. I prayed again that if I was to resign myself to what felt like a public service career cut short, that I'd embrace being home full-time. I asked that the fire in my belly, and whatever was feeding it, would simmer down.

I thought of a passage from the book of Jeremiah 29: 11-13: "'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans for peace and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. When you call upon Me I will hear you, when you search for Me you will find Me; if you seek Me with all your heart.'"

It irked me that too often women are made to feel guilty for seeking the next open door, no matter what career choices we make. That seems universal. But one doesn't just create passion, nor consciously generate the feeling that there's a door standing open somewhere, even if you can't see it yet. And it wasn't anyone who pressured me: "Sarah, you've got to get out there and fly! Go do more!" But I knew there was something more.

I thought of the graduation speeches I had been honored to give over the years as mayor and began to apply their message to myself. I often told the kids to ask themselves: "What gets you excited to wake up in the morning? Is it science? Art? Children, animals, books, sports, mechanics? What is the desire of your heart?

I'd add: "God put those in you not to tease or frustrate you--He created them in you to give you direction! To put you on the right path--He bridles your passion! So stop and think about what you love to do, then look for signposts along the way that confirm you're on the right path to doing that--doors opening, people with your best interests at heart supporting what you're doing."

I wasn't sure what I was to do next, yet. But I also knew I was blessed with a supportive family and a husband who took joy in my working hard, so I knew I had options. As I rocked my daughter all those dark nights, I knew that what still stirred passion in me was the desire to make a positive difference for others, not just in my family and community but in the wider world as well. I resolved to seek confirming signs along the way--the open doors--to show me the right road.

Nevermind what this speaks to me, to my own life. At a time when many of Governor Palin's most ardent supporters are still trying to come to grips with her October 5th announcement that she is not seeking the GOP nomination, and others, not willing to let go yet, look for ways to convince her to reconsider, I believe we can get a very good look at how she's always conducted herself and how she will continue to conduct herself. Her modus operandi--her paradigm--is summed up in my favorite passage. What I take away from it is certainly not earth-shattering, but it merits explication, particularly at this time:

1. She is well aware that she has been called to great purpose.
What distinguishes Governor Palin from many others is that she truly is a public servant. She's not driven by aspirations of grandeur. Her ascendancy is the result of pursuing her purpose, not fixating on fame and fortune.

2. The fire in her belly is nothing new.
Greta Van Susteren asked her about it, but this certainly wasn't the first time she acknowledged it. Indeed, she's possessed that fire for a long time. Nonetheless, she submitted that fire to God, to the point of even asking God to remove it, if need be, proving again that she's more interested in where she's supposed to be and what she's supposed to be doing than she is in forging her own way and doing her own thing. She doesn't deny the fire; she's just willing to lay it down. However, as she now knows, no doubt, it was God who put it in her, and He knows exactly how to use it.

3. Outside pressure is not the motivating factor in her life.
The beckoning Governor Palin felt, and ultimately acted upon, wasn't because of any pressure others put on her. No one had to push her forward or tell her there was more. She knew it already. I submit that she knew it more than those around her did, just as she knows it more today than her supporters do. After all, it's her belly; she can feel the fire! She embraced her destiny because she could sense it. She was not oblivious to it. Perhaps it took her some time that winter, sitting in her rocker, holding baby Piper and praying, to know what was next, but she knew there was a next, and she was willing to seek the way to get there. I'm convinced that she would never ignore the answers she receives as she seeks them, no matter the pressure.

4. She never conjures up passion.
Passion isn't manufactured, she realizes. How true. Countless times people try to feign excitement about some issue or movement. That might work for a while, but eventually faking gets wearisome. Many times I've heard: "Some things are taught, and some things are caught." Passion is one of those things that cannot be taught; it's caught--or it isn't. If you don't have it, you'll soon know--and so will others. Governor Palin exudes passion, which is the only way she could possibly have remained such a vital part of the political landscape after all the smears, lies, and innuendoes she's endured with such stamina and grace.

5. Family is a vital part of her decision-making process.
The Governor finds peace in knowing that she has a family who knows she's been called to make a difference--first, to her own family; then, to her community; and finally, to the world. Their support gives her the freedom to exercise options in life. Every success she's enjoyed is the result of her family cheering her on. They will always be a part of what she chooses--or doesn't choose--to pursue.

6. What draws her directs her.
Governor Palin is aware God puts things in everyone's path to lead us forward, not to drive us up a wall with frustration. In other words, we are to do something with the something that is within us. The key is to look for the open doors so we can walk through them. We are to look for things that confirm the road we are to be on. We can be assured that this message she often shared with high school graduates and eventually with Going Rogue readers is a message that she takes to heart personally. It was never lost on her, and she has not since forgotten. How could she? Everywhere she looks, the Governor must see open doors, must see people supporting her efforts, and must see signposts pointing. I have no doubt, therefore, that she must say to herself, as she so often says to others, "The world is your oyster."

There was a time I thought I knew Governor Palin's next step. I cannot say that with certainty now. Though I do not know details, I do know destiny when I see it--and I continue to see that all over her. As Going Rogue has become a constant in my life, allowing me a look into what has made Governor Palin who she is, my favorite passage continues to give me confidence that she has the right idea when it comes to knowing how to move forward even now. I am convinced that she has the right approach to meeting life's challenges and decisions. Because of this, I am also convinced she won't miss the open doors that are set before her, including ones that lead her down the path of further impacting our country. However that ends up playing out, I trust that America will be the better for it.

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Consideration of Reconsideration

Over a week ago, a rumor began that Gov. Palin was actively reconsidering her decision to not seek the GOP nomination in 2012. The whys, wherefores and "he said/she said" associated with the rumor are not important now. No one except Gov. Palin, her husband Todd, and God know for sure whether the rumor is true. But, reasonable people can agree that she could reconsider or could already have taken one or more steps in that direction.
She Could...

On November 3, Nate Silver of the New York Times outlined a scenario in which Gov. Palin could mount a late unconventional campaign if she so chose. Silver also said the probability of this scenario occurring was "low."

On November 8, Glynnis MacNicol of the Business Insider suggested that Silver's scenario could be more probable in "IT'S COME TO THIS: Could Sarah Palin Get Back in the Race?." MacNicol opened the synopsis stating that many Republicans are displeased with the possibility that Romney could be their only viable choice and this displeasure has led to the reconsideration rumors.

On November 10, Bernie Quigley, who writes for The Hill, concluded his Pundit's Blog, thus:

Possibly she created "the vacuum on the right" when she got off the bus and took it back to Alaska. As per last night it is safe to say there is still time to get in simply because nothing else is working. And the failure of the other contenders works positively in her favor.

According to Ian Lazaran, Conservatives4Palin, Gov. Palin would still have a plausible chance of winning if she enters the race by December 10. He reiterated that date in a second open thread.
The Field
A late entry into the 2012 race was advantageous for Gov. Palin, because simple passage of time permitted the remaining candidates to succeed or fail on their own merits without her having to lift a finger, spend one penny, or be the lightning rod. The foregoing three articles speak to that. Simply put, time was her best friend. At some point, the equation will reverse and time will become Gov. Palin's worst enemy in the 2012 race. Could December 11 be that date in which this reversal occurs? I honestly don't know.
Living in New York, my primary is April 24, 2012. Absent a reconsidered Palin run, I have over six months to pick a declared candidate and vote in the primary. I also have over six months to work in a New York ground game on a reconsidered run. If Gov. Palin were to enter today, my Iowan colleagues would have only six weeks to re-effectuate their ground game. If we use December 10, that time compresses to a mere three weeks. While Friday's Bret Baer show did not feature the promised interview with Gov. Palin, it did provide a solid education on the mechanics of the Iowa caucuses, their history and their importance. Iowa could likely be critical to a successful reconsidered run.
Consideration of Reconsideration
Conservatives4Palin is considering a reconsideration ad campaign. Since the original discussion on it, the idea has developed via an open thread and a dedicated article. I expressed my support of the idea in commentary on the original article. While I was never enamored with the idea of mail-bombing Gov. Palin "earthquake" postcards and letters, this project is far different. Properly worded, these ads could very publicly show that we are here for Gov. Palin and we are ready to help her get elected if she chooses to run. Furthermore, these ads are intended to be seen in mainstream media and generic conservative outlets. Their purpose is to gin up buzz around reconsideration, not be an "earthquake movement" in ad form. As Lazaran noted, it could help Gov. Palin's political viability now or if she chooses to run in 2016. I agree with this strategy.

As publisher of US for Palin, I have held that that we should respect Gov. Palin's decision, defer to her leadership and support whatever she does moving forward. I maintain this position. I also believe Conservatives4Palin's proposed ad campaign, does not conflict with this position.

No Illusions
We should not have illusions about ourselves vis-á-vis our effect on Gov. Palin's reconsideration. Her original decision was never premised on lack of popular support for her running.
Gov. Palin is the owner and final arbiter of any reconsideration process. Because her decision was driven by factors other than popular support for running, I do not think she is going to reconsider and run because she saw the umpteenth post card or read a reconsider ad. In my opinion, any project premised on changing Gov. Palin’s mind is a conscious choice to ignore reality and disregards the root cause of her decision. But, I think an ad campaign that says “we support Gov. Palin and we are prepared to do useful work if she does choose a reconsidered run” can be productive and is worthy of our financial support.

In my opinion, any reconsideration process Gov. Palin undertakes would be based at least in part on her assessment of the political landscape and how it has changed since she made her announcement on October 5. I think she would revisit the factor(s) that weighed against her running on October 5 and determine if they have mitigated sufficiently to justify a run, or have become inoperative. I think as a woman of faith, she would pray over this - perhaps even more so than the original consideration! I think she would not proceed without the approval of those in her immediate family who are old enough to have a say and who would be affected by her decision.
Be Careful What You Wish For...
You just may get it....meaning if Gov. Palin reconsiders with the outcome being her entry into the race, the stakes will be very much higher. This would not merely be an unconventional campaign, but a very risky one. By publicly supporting reconsideration, we are asking Gov. Palin to stick her neck - and her family's necks - out for us. Are we ready, willing and able to make the sacrifices and do the work required to help her win? Extraordinary though she may be, she cannot do this on her own or in a vacuum. Do we have the wherewithal to conduct a successful write-in for those states whose filing deadlines have come and gone - if those states permit it? Can we mount a truly effective ground game in a compressed time span?

Work means canvassing precincts - when it's hot, or cold; your feet are sore or even blistered; you are tired, hungry, and thirsty; and you've had doors slammed in your face. Work is doing street visibility, making phone calls, stuffing envelopes, and installing signs. Goofing off on Facebook, engaging in flame wars, and jockeying for non-existent positions does not count as work. If you are not truly ready to put your 125% effort via useful work into a Palin win; if you do not understand and accept the aggravated risk associated with a campaign that would give new meaning to "unconventional," best to vote for a declared candidate and forget reconsideration.
Her Potential


Gov. Palin has enormous potential yet to be unlocked. A reconsidered 2012 POTUS run could be the key that unlocks her highest potential. Or, some other endeavor could unlock that potential even she has yet to see. I support whatever propels Gov. Palin to summit - to self-actualize - POTUS run or not.

But some part of me still feels she has been summoned.

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Gov. Palin's Adviser Discusses Crony Capitalism on 60 Minutes

Gov. Palin's adviser, Peter Schwiezer discussed the crony capitalism that has infected the Obama administration on CBS News 60 Minutes earlier this evening. As this goes to press, Schwiezer is on the air with Victory Sessions with Stephen K. Bannon to discuss his new book Throw Them All Out which goes to market on Tuesday, November 15, 2011.

H/T Ian Lazaran, Conservatives4Palin for story lead and video.

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BREAKING: Grizzly Coalition Action Report

From time to time Grizzly Fest will be bringing you action items and updates that are separate from the quarterly Grizzly Fest Online Summit's.

This Sunday Sarah Palin adviser Peter Schweizer will be on CBS's 60 Minutes. Mr Schweizer will talk about Crony Capitalism, Insider Trading, and how Barack Obama's pay-to-play Green Jobs taxpayer grants and loans are not shovel ready, but rather another green scam:

Invest some money, secure taxpayer grants and loans, go public, and then cash out.

Listen NOW to the Grizzly Coalition Action Report: HERE

Tune in to CBS's 60 Minutes on Sunday November 13, 2011



Our work continues.

Follow O4P-CA on Twitter: @CA4Palin

Follow Thomas on Twitter: @ThomasSSchmitz

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Renew, Restore and Reconsider

When they turn the pages of history
When these days have passed long ago
Will they read of us with sadness
For the seeds that we let grow
We turned our gaze
From the castles in the distance
Eyes cast down
On the path of least resistance



Conservatives4Palin has posted a Reconsider Project Ideas Open Thread on their website. The Palin movement is bubbling right now with calls for Governor Palin to reconsider running for the presidency. There are some stinging realities to overcome if this discussion is to result in a concerted final effort to get her to reconsider, but there is a good argument for going through with this effort nonetheless.

In order to get to this good argument, this writer has to be blunt and will for the sake of this post express strong feelings and sentiments that are deeply rooted in this blogger's firm conviction that Sarah Palin is the one we've been looking for. Anything written is written with all of the love and all of the most due respect that I have for the Governor as a leader and a potentially transformational political figure.

Here are the facts. Sarah Palin has made a decision that she believes is best for her and her family. Leaders make decisions, stick to those decisions and act on those decisions no matter what. Major primary filing deadlines have passed or will be passing shortly (Florida and South Carolina or already closed). There are millions of Americans who were looking to her to run and help save the country, and these people just don't see any alternative even with Palin out of the race.

Here are the analyticals. Our country is being destroyed by Barack Obama, the Democrat Party and the progressive movement. Whether you believe it is intentional or simply because of bad policy and mistaken assumptions, the fact remains that the country's moral and economic foundations are collapsing. There is no one in the Republican field right now who offers us that much more beyond a simple defeat of Obama. While most of the candidates could potentially stop the bleeding by beating Obama, our troubles are so deep that it will take a decade or more to recover without radical relentless reform and the psychological optimism that would come from a leader who would continue to be a daily reminder of where we need to go. None of what the candidates are offering does that.

Here is what we want to say to Sarah Palin but won't because we care about her and respect her right to make decisions about her own life. For three years, we all busted our asses - including her - to fight the socialism and the president's agenda. Although Governor Palin has always said its not about her, the fact remains that she is our leader, our voice. We are doing it for her and our country, and we will continue to fight for our country even if it means having to tell Governor Palin over and over again that we need her.

She has always been the point person for everything her supporters believe. We are her supporters because her words and her political philosophy are ours. We fought the smear campaign against her, promoted her to a media-brainwashed nation and quite frankly I think we won that battle. She in return acknowledged that we had her back and she in return fought hard for the cause using her position as a public speaker, Fox News analyst and writer to push back on the liberal onslaught. She gave us the hope and motivation to carry on even when the winds were howling in our face and the snow was holding back the foot that's slow.

We kept on. We kept on because we believed that there was no one else in America who could help us save this country. We don't want to throw it all on her shoulders. We would never vote for her and say go get em while we sat back home watching sports and eating Bon Bons the way we did when George W. Bush was president. We dropped the ball. We assumed the grown ups would always win.

The days of assuming that the person we voted for was going to do it alone or that the grown ups would always be in charge are over. We let Bush get smeared alone. We didn't blog, tweet or Facebook about the impending financial crises. We were asleep at the switch. We learned our lesson with the election of Obama. We woke up because a woman from Alaska came down here and told it to us like it was and from that point forward we willing to give our all for her.

This time it was going to be different. This time, a president Palin was going to have an army on the ground throughout her administration keeping the media in line and promoting the cause friend to friend, house to house. That's what it was like when Reagan was president and that's what it was going to be like again!

Then she broke our hearts by not running. Yes, we respect her decision. I know she asked how her supporters who trusted her on everything else would question this one decision. Well, let me explain why. When you are as humble as Sarah Palin; when you are not able to see yourself the way others see you; and when you just don't know how much this really means to so many people, it doesn't make you a bad person nor should she not have the right to make a decision her future or her family. Her problem is she simply is not seeing her own greatness.

Does she really think that there's someone else out there that can give us the optimism and the hope that she can? Does she really believe that any of the other candidates can succeed in renewing and restoring America like she can? We don't need a title? She doesn't need a title? Someone needs a title. We're doing it for each other. This is our country. Governor Palin represents our country and we are its citizens.

Karen Allen at PalinTwibe sums up how she feels and although she doesn't speak for all Palinistas, many (including this writer) can relate to what she wrote.

I know where I am at the moment - nowhere. Truthfully, I feel a little like a woman without a country, destined to float the seas with no news of my homeland. This isn't a "Woe is me, Palin left us, waaaaah" kind of feeling. It's a "I don't recognize this political scene" feeling.

None of the other candidates represents our vision of our country the way Sarah Palin does. This thing is a shining city on a hill that is the beacon of freedom for the rest of this God forsaken world. We are the unique bearers of a historical calling to be an example to the rest of the world how great free people can be. Sarah, it's your country. We want you to have it. We know you can take the best care of it.

You don't trust something as huge and as in danger as America is to just anyone. This is not about someone digging up something stupid from Palin's past or smearing her in the media. This is not about stupid sound bytes in a 90 minute debate. This is not about people on the Left getting their panties in a wad. Screw them. They don't really like our country anyway. This is not about shackling yourself to a job that the media and the political class will curse you over for the next 8 years. This is about history remembering the first woman president for saving it the way Lincoln and Washington did.

So if we grab Governor Palin by the shoulders, shake her and beg her to reconsider, it's not because we're trying to be disrespectful. It's not because we're trying to invade her life. It's not about what the people in the Palin army have sacrificed to support her. This time was not wasted. It made our lives better and the movement goes on. This is about America.

Maybe having statues erected to you, airports named after you and having your name mentioned amongst the greats doesn't appeal to someone with a servant's heart. Maybe having access to all the world's secrets, having planes and staff at your beck and call or being called Madame President doesn't appeal to someone like Sarah Palin. That's fine. But ask yourself one thing: where will America end up if she doesn't lead it? There's the good argument for reconsidering.

It may be a sisyphusian effort. Some may say we're wasting our time. But, we should go forward with a reconsideration movement even if it doesn't change Governor Palin's mind. History must record that if the day comes when America as we know it no longer exists that we didn't just give up on Sarah Palin. "If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done."

Renew, Restore and Reconsider or lest we say a farewell to kings.


-from Patrick's World USA

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