Reporting from RI

Let’s face it – Rhode Island is a very small state. It ain’t Texas. In fact, the Dallas-Forth Worth area is probably bigger than all of Rhode Island. On top of that, it is a very “blue” state. Republicans are as rare as hen’s teeth up here. So why on earth would Mike & Janet Huckabee even pay attention to Rhode Island? It’s simple. As Mike points out, “Every vote counts; every vote matters.”

Just ask anyone in the overflow crowd in Warwick last night if their vote matters. Many arrived over an hour early to stake their place in line to enter the Grand Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The room was filled beyond capacity, spilling over into the outer hallways. Not only do these Rhode Island voters matter, but they matter even more when they tell their family, friends, co-workers and yes, even strangers on the phone that this country needs the leadership of Mike Huckabee.

While I didn’t major in math either, I do know that single votes do add up and we can win delegates In Rhode Island! Although there are very few Republicans in the state, most are pro-life. Delegates are apportioned; this is not a WTA state.

I should back up here and give a little “behind the scenes” view of a Meet Mike Huckabee event. I’ve been blogging about New Hampshire primary events and grassroots organizing since the earliest days of this campaign. From my ring side seat, here are some random musings about a day in a campaign.

Yesterday I arrived early in Warwick with some Huckabee signs for the rally. We keep recycling these signs from NH…to …MA…now RI. (Hopefully they will make their way to Mississippi for March 11). Now, in search of internet access to blog, I make my way with laptop to a conference room outside the ballroom. Lo and behold, inside the room it’s Janet Huckabee, Ed Rollins and some “embed” reporters. First I should say Janet is one gracious lady and secondly, Mike’s a lucky guy. Like Mike, she’s a regular down-to-earth person. I’m invited in; we ‘chat a spell’ about their New York visit and then back to work. Along comes a campaign staffer to make a Starbucks run. Now unlike the Hillary campaign, which listed $15,000 for Dunkin Donuts in Iowa alone, this is a “pass the hat” Huck Money deal. (Folks, trust me, your donations are not squandered)

Stepping out of the room, I meet a Providence TV reporter who wants to interview me and get some background on Mike Huckabee. Since she knew very little about him, she referred to him singularly as “a former Baptist preacher”. When I pointed out his long tenure as Governor, she so sweetly replied with an epiphany: “Well, that’s more executive experience than anyone running” I could only reply, “BINGO.” I introduce her to Janet and they do an interview.

Now I’m hanging out in a conference room with reporters awaiting the”media availability” with Mike prior to the event. There’s a 15 minute delay, so I’m chatting with some network reporters hearing their stories of covering Mike and other candidates

The conversation starts evolving into “Mike stories” about his amazing memory, his multi-tasking ability, his superb gift to connect with people, and of course, his sense of humor. Well, I couldn’t resist a chance to pontificate – “Guys, that’s what makes him a leader”

The Governor enters the room to start the conference, spots me across the room and gives me a “Hey Dale - good to see you” and greets others by name. One of the only unique questions, (as opposed to the “Why are you in the race still?” question), was on the press report that Mitt Romney might re-enter the race. Mike boiled it down to being the ultimate in changing your position to go from endorsing McCain to un-endorsing him.

I now go in to the Grand Ballroom, where the band is warming up the crowd, the chants begins for Mike. There was deafening roar when Mike & Janet enter. Then, Mike does a little Mustang Sally on the bass. I won’t reiterate his entire speech since readers of this blog know where he stands, But, he gives an inspiring challenge to his supporters to vote and get out the vote When talking about the Fair Tax, Mike pulled out of his pocket a 1040 tax form, ripped it to shreds, threw it in the air and the crowd went wild.

Standing next to me was National Chairman Ed Rollins, who served Ronald Regan. I jokingly whispered to him “Excuse me, I’m a little history challenged. Who again is the Great Communicator?”

He just pointed to the stage.

Folks, it ain’t over till Texas says it’s over. And Rhode Island, too.

A Vote for Change?

When you start thinking for yourself, you see things differently. I thought about President Bush's State of the Union address.

One year ago:
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;
3) the unemployment rate was 4.5%.

Since voting in a Democratic Congress in 2006 we're seen:
1) Consumer confidence plummet;
2) the cost of regular gasoline soar to over $3 a gallon;
3) Unemployment is up to 5% (a 10% increase);

4) American households have seen $2.3 trillion in equity value evaporate (stock and mutual fund losses);
5) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $1.2 trillion dollars;
6)1% of American homes are in foreclosure.

America voted for change in 2006, and we got it!

Think about who you are going to vote for in the November election and what we will really get!!

Mopping the Floors at Convention?

Another pundit suggests that this Fall we'll see a brokered convention between Huckabee and McCain....

(FORTUNE Small Business) -- Roving political-schwag seller Cameron Koepke expects a floor fight between John McCain and Mike Huckabee at the Republican convention, and he's been predicting a dead heat between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for quite some time.

Article continues...

Who Do You Want to Bomb Today?

John McCain is a war hero. He's promised to defend our nation. But is he the right answer to our national security? Personally, I believe he may be better than Obama or Clinton at defending our nation from future 9/11 style attacks (or worse), but his tendency to quickly respond with a statement like "bomb bomb bomb Iran" may not be the best answer to the security threats we face.

New York Times at it again: Questions McCain's Eligability because of birthplace

Hot off the press from the NYT is an article questioning whether were McCain is born will have any impact on his bid at the presidency. Legal issues aside, this is a perfect example of the attacks that are going to be coming at McCain fast and furiously as the election cycle unfolds. The original article can be viewed here.

Mr. McCain’s likely nomination as the Republican candidate for president and the happenstance of his birth in the Panama Canal Zone in 1936 are reviving a musty debate that has surfaced periodically since the founders first set quill to parchment and declared that only a “natural-born citizen” can hold the nation’s highest office.

Almost since those words were written in 1787 with scant explanation, their precise meaning has been the stuff of confusion, law school review articles, whisper campaigns and civics class debates over whether only those delivered on American soil can be truly natural born. To date, no American to take the presidential oath has had an official birthplace outside the 50 states.

“There are powerful arguments that Senator McCain or anyone else in this position is constitutionally qualified, but there is certainly no precedent,” said Sarah H. Duggin, an associate professor of law at Catholic University who has studied the issue extensively. “It is not a slam-dunk situation.”

Mr. McCain was born on a military installation in the Canal Zone, where his mother and father, a Navy officer, were stationed. His campaign advisers say they are comfortable that Mr. McCain meets the requirement and note that the question was researched for his first presidential bid in 1999 and reviewed again this time around.

So what do I say? Well, for one thing, I've never been a McCain supporter anyway, so this doesn't really bother me. I could say, "I told you not to support him!" I could say, ok, let's nominate a true conservative with a true vision for the country. Of course the liberal left is going to do everything in their power to take down McCain now that he is the "presumptive" nominee for the republican party. They of course want someone who is beholden to them and they will produce more and more doubts in the minds of the American public until he is completely destroyed. For us though, these stories are coming out just in time... after all, we don't really want McCain anyway do we? We know that he hasn't got a chance against Barack Obama in November and a lot of conservatives resolutely refuse to support him. So for once I commend the NYT on their work and ask them to continue to destroy John McCain for us.

Senator McCain or Sentator McChicken?

Senator McCain is quotes as saying that he doesn't think he'll debate with Gov. Huckabee. Why not Senator? Do you think that he'll run circles around you like he's run around every other single candidate? Do you not want to see the contrast of you, a life-long politician with someone who has actually had to work a few times in their lifetime? Who has bought and paid for you this time?

Will You Waste Your Vote?

Is it possible?

You can waste time, money, and food….can you waste a vote?
Can the effort to go to the polls be squandered?
John McCain hopes so.

Even more than in the general election, a vote in the primary process is powerful. It is at the primary level that the true voice of the individual is heard. For at the primary, it is not about defeating the opposing party but about supporting the candidate with whom you most identify – the candidate who will promote the issues you believe in. When the national convention takes place and majority rule chooses the party candidate, loyal voters will make the decision to back their party, vote independent, or stay home. But, when you vote in the primary, the field is open. The primary is the sounding board of America. It is your only chance to vote for the candidate most like you.

In the primary, we’re not yet running the “big” race; we are choosing the runners. We owe it to ourselves and to our country to choose the runner we believe in. A primary election where voters are apathetic will result in a weak runner and a weak race. A strong race is forged from strong blood and strong battles.

Let’s lay it on the table.

There is no such thing as a wasted primary vote……if you vote your gut. The way to waste your vote is to stay home or back a candidate you do not believe in. Fall into the easiest rut and vote for whomever popular opinion says will win, and your vote will be truly wasted.

If the predictions are correct and John McCain is the inevitable Republican nominee….why vote for him? He’s going to get it anyway. He doesn’t need your vote. It’s just extra icing on a heavily laden cake – needless excess. If you feel Mike Huckabee more closely represents you and your convictions, let your voice be heard by casting your vote for him. If the pundits are correct, you’ll have the chance to vote for McCain in the fall when it will “really count.” This way, you get the best of both worlds – you can have your own say and you are not “hurting” the general election. That’s quite a win.

When it comes down to it, you can’t really afford to give your vote to someone else, to lend it to the forecasters who predict what the outcome will be. If you do that, the power is gone. Then it isn’t a voice; it’s an echo. An echo of another person’s opinion.

Will you waste your vote? No. You’ll use your vote to make a choice, to express your convictions, and you’ll feel proud. On the other hand, wasteful voters have nothing of which to be proud.

10,000 comments? WOW!

This is some pretty incredible activity for someone who has absolutely no chance of being the nominee for the GOP!

That's right, over 10,000 comments have been left on our campaign blog since 1 AM this morning. An incredible total. The response is smashing every record we have had on our blog. Voters are clearly hungry for a healthy discussion of ideas.

- from www.mikehuckabee.com

America: A Big Country!

"America is big.

"Big ideals. Big freedoms. Big heart.

"We need big borders.

"Not because we’re an arrogant nation. But because we’re a country who wants people to cross the welcome mat before reaching out for privileges. As Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee puts it 'If you come (to America), you should come through the front door and sign the guestbook!' (Speech in Plano, Texas, Collin County Community College, February 20, 2008).

"We are a nation comprised of immigrants. Most families can find more than one relative’s name on a ship manifest or on the roll at Ellis Island. We’re proud of the fact that we are the country who welcomes the “tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” (“The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus, 1849-1887) We all recognize that were it not for the gracious hand of liberty beckoning to our own ancestors, none of us would enjoy the privileges of citizenship today.

"We believe everyone needs a hand up, but we don’t appreciate a thumb in the nose.

"And when we say border security doesn’t matter, we are ignoring the thumbed noses of those who would skulk into our country and manipulate our government services to their own advantage.


"Americans believe in equality. That means “if it’s fair for me, it’s fair for you.” Cutting in line isn’t allowed. Strengthening border security means that everyone gets a fair chance, because our resources are not being drained to solve the difficulties connected with those here illegally.

"Mike Huckabee is the only presidential candidate to sign the No Amnesty Pledge (January 16, 2008). He has promised to make strengthening our borders a top priority of his administration. He will not tolerate sanctuaries for illegal immigrants and will seek penalties for employers who hire them. His guarantee to American voters is 'I will take our country back for those who belong here. No open borders, no amnesty, no sanctuary, no false Social Security numbers, no driver's licenses for illegals.'

"Mike Huckabee will lead the way in putting out the welcome mat….behind a strong front door. And that’s a safe plan for everybody who lives in America."

Why We Can't Afford President McCain!!

McCain is a senator. Senators propose more legislation. From a legal point of view, they make and create more laws. They don't really get their hands dirty and they aren't responsible for the effects of the laws they create. There's no "the buck stops here" when it comes to shouldering the blame and taking responsibility for the initiatives they propose (on a side note, Obama and Hillary are both senators too so this entire logic applies to them too).

When/if McCain becomes president, there will be more legislation, bigger government, more laws, more regulation. When is America going to wake up and realize that we already have way too much legislation. Legislation = restriction and will result a choking of the American spirit of freedom and creativity. When creativity is stifled the American dream cannot become a reality since it is based on the principle of freedom to create. McCain's agenda is the wrong agenda for America. Any agenda that results in creating more unenforceable laws (such as more restriction on gun ownership) is a wrong direction.

This is not to say that all legislation is wrong. There are certain things that must be legislated and certain amendments that must happen in order to preserve creativity and stimulate growth. In order to stimulate creativity and freedom, human life must be protected and valued. Also, the long-standing definition of marriage must be set in order to encourage family values.

Conservatism remains the only viable option for a bright future for our nation. We must take action to stand for what we believe in. WE MUST STOP LIBERALISM!!! WE MUST stop McCain!!!

Dallas Cowboy Endorses Huckabee

Again, this race is far from over. A win in Texas and a good showing in Ohio by gov. Huckabee can definitely change things a lot in this race to the finish. This story from Mike's own blog once again chooses the quality of people that are attracted to his campaign and the people that are working behind the scenes for a win in Ohio, Texas and beyond.

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Dallas Cowboy legend Cliff Harris endorsed former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, it was announced today.

Huckabee said: "I am truly excited to have Cliff Harris on my team and appreciate his support. It means a lot to have the greatest athlete in the history of my alma mater wearing my jersey."

...
While playing for the Dallas Cowboys, Harris earned the nickname "Captain Crash" for his intensity on the field. Former Arizona Cardinals General Manager and NFL Hall of Famer Larry Wilson stated that Harris "changed the way the position is played. Other teams now model their Free Safeties after how Harris played."

Original post on Mike's blog.

Huckabee is a modern phenomenon. He proposes new ideas and shows that America is a great place with great opportunities for everyone.

John McCain: Attacked by Vets?

The GOP race for president is far from over. Perhaps McCain has won a few contests now, but there are many more contests to be won, and the possibility of a brokered convention is very real, especially as more information about McCain's background come out.

The following article is quoted from one of the NYT's blogs. It shows what many Vets think of the real McCain and why he is unfit in their eyes to be the next president of the United States of America.

February 25, 2008, 2:49 pm
Veterans Group Takes On McCain

By Leslie Wayne

VoteVets, a group of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, plans to broadcast a cable television advertisement attacking Senator John McCain, the only veteran in the presidential race.

The ad features a young mother and Iraqi vet, who challenges Mr. McCain’s statements that it would be fine with him if the United States spent the next thousand years in Iraq.

Holding up her infant son, the vet, Rose Forrest, said, “This is my little boy. He was born after I came back from Iraq. What commitment are you making to him? How about a thousand years of affordable health care? Or a thousand years of keeping America safe? Can we afford that for my child, Senator McCain?”

....

The original link to this story about John McCain is here

Debate This, Debate That

Huck calls on Senator McCain to debate. Senator McCain has responded saying that he'd be willing to face Huckabee in a debate. But will he really? Something in me tells me that if there is a debate, it won't be nationally televised. Also, if there is debate, the majority of the mainstream media will probably just ignore it. Why would they pay any attention to a "preacher turned politician" from the state of Arkansas? But hopefully, if there is a debate, voters in Ohio and Texas will tune in and not just overlook it entirely. Debates are what has brought about a lot of Huckabee's success and debates may just take this campaign all the way to a "brokered" convention before long.

Texas Changes Everything?

Adam Graham has some good words to say about the upcoming Texas primary in which Huckabee could change things with a win in TX and a solid turnout it OH.

Huckabee Plays Defense
February 25, 2008 01:00 PM EST

I read a very interesting article on February 20th that pointed out the campaign of Mike Huckabee was in trouble, as it hadn’t won a state since February 9th, a whopping 11 days prior over a span that included five primaries.

...

Huckabee has said winning Texas changes everything, and it does. A win in Texas will make McCain’s job of getting to 1191 harder for McCain to do before the convention. McCain has heretofore done very well in Blue States. After March 4th, the only Blue States remaining to vote are Pennsylvania and Oregon. On the other hand, Red States abound: Mississippi, Indiana, North Carolina, Nebraska, Kentucky, Idaho, New Mexico, and South Dakota. A Huckabee win in Texas gives rise to the hope of political junkies the nation over, a brokered convention, a real convention in Minneapolis in September, along with a real debate over the party’s future.

Original story continues here.

If Huckabee does indeed win Texas and finish strong in Ohio too, there will be no doubt that he is still in this race to the finish. He could very easily take this race to a brokered convention as he continues to get his message of change and a love for America out to the world.

Starting a New Blog

To those who have been regular readers on my blog here, I'm starting a new blog. Here it is: nononsensepolitics.blogspot.com

Raze Taxes-Clean Up Washington

The following article from Star Parker explains how the FairTax would help eliminate a lot of the pork in Washington, something that many Americans would love to see happen. This is one of the reasons I believe that we should elect governor Huckabee. He espouses the principles of smaller government and the principles that made America great without compromising his beliefs that every American should have the same opportunity to do well.

A 'yes, we can' plan with beef: Nix IRS

Posted: February 23, 2008
1:00 am Eastern

© 2008

With the wide public sympathy today for "cleaning up Washington," it's too bad more attention hasn't been given to Mike Huckabee's "Fair Tax" proposal.

There is no perfectly constructed tax, and this idea, like all, has its critics. But it also has huge benefits relevant to today's concerns and warrants much more serious attention than it's getting.

The proposal would get rid of all existing taxes – the income tax on individuals and corporations, the payroll tax, the estate (death) tax – and replace them with a single national retail sales tax. Fair Tax proponents say that it would take a sales tax of 23 percent to meet current obligations.

(article continues)

Read the original article here...

Trickle Effect: Arkansas Remains Solvent After Gov. Huckabee's term as governor

The following chart includes a list of the states and also shows which party has authority in them.


The Center on Budget and Policy Priority reports the following:

* Over half of the states are anticipating budget problems.

* The 20 states in which revenues are expected to fall short of the amount needed to support current services in fiscal year 2009 are Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The budget gaps total $35.2 to $38.0 billion, averaging 8.3 – 8.9 percent of these states’ general fund budgets. (See Table 1.)

* Another five have said that they will have deficits that will need to be closed for fiscal year 2009, but have not released information on the size of those deficits. They are Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Vermont. Analysts in three other states — Connecticut, Missouri, and Texas — are projecting budget gaps a little further down the road, in FY2010 and beyond.

What is interesting to me is the states that are not on this list as well as the states that are on this list. Arkansas is not listed on this list (though some conservative states are). This makes a statement about the fiscal policies that were set during Huckabee's governorship.

Recreating John McCain?

The mainstream media would lead us to believe that McCain is unique. He's a hero for a time when the country is war-torn and uniquely qualified to help America in its whoas as a war-torn nation. But is this what McCain really is? Does he really provide answers to unanswered problems or is he just an old suit that has been involved in politics for way to many years.

McCain has been inside the Beltway for so long that he can probably not remember what it's like to live out in the real world.

Huckabee Supporters to McCain Supporters: Don't tread on me!!

With increasing pressure on the Huckabee campaign, it's apparent the the liberal McCain camp is getting restless. They're beginning to see that Huck really is growing in support.

As the endorsements slowly start to trickle in for McCain from people who wouldn't endorse him when it mattered, the sense of inevitability from his supporters has reached an all time high. One by one, the big names in conservative politics say "yeah..I guess, me too." They have resolved that this old beat-up pickup truck is the best we got, so we might as well try to drive it in the race. What an absolute death knoll for a presidential hopeful.

So McCain-ites, here's my message to you:

Quit urging Huckabee to drop out! If he is 100% dead as you claim, then tell McCain to start his national campaign - why worry about some insignificant washed up nobody? But thats not the case is it? The fact is, Huckabee could very easily rack up another 5-7 states before this is all over. Huckabee isn't McCain's problem, THE PEOPLE THAT KEEP VOTING for Huckabee are McCain's problem! The thing is, you can't make people stop voting for the other guy, you can only ask the other guy to quit.

McCain's supporters are literally shouting from the rooftops that their candidate is incapable of winning the required amount of delegates without Huckabee dropping out.

Look - either Huckabee is irrelevant, or he's a threat. Which is it? You can't have it both ways. If he's irrelevant, then shut up and win the required amount of delegates - case closed - quit whining on my blog comments. If he's a threat, then quit asking him to drop out, thats idotic. "You may beat us, so drop out." Quit trying to intimidate and belittle the voters and supporters of the competition - it only makes us hate your candidate more.

McCain's problem is, every time a new round of states vote, he loses some more to Huckabee. Everyone wants to talk about the Potomac Primaries, but no one wants to mention the few days previous when McCain lost Kansas BIG, and Louisiana.

What no McCain supporter is answering, is WHY McCain keeps losing states. Why does Huckabee continue to win states in an election that is over? Your excuse of "evangelicals voting for Huckabee" as the only reason he keeps winning is wearing thin. Your attempt to act as if the only people who don't want McCain are those darn Christians, is proof of a weak grasp on reality. The facts are, there are huge numbers of conservatives in every state that continue to cast a vote against McCain. You want them to stop. Why do the people of Texas or Mississippi have to swallow their vote because mighty California and New York have spoken?

If McCain is going to win, then what do you care if the remaining states cast their vote and have their voices heard? You claim that McCain can't "focus on the general election" because he has to pay attention to the primaries.... Why? Why does he have to pay attention. Isn't it mathematically impossible for Huckabee to win? Then McCain should just move on. What could happen? He loses Texas and North Carolina and the rest of the Huckabee states? Then what? Are you suggesting that if McCain focuses on the Dems, that he would lose more states? Or are you worried that it would go to a brokered convention? Are you worried that he could lose at the convention?

If you're not worried about Huck catching up in delegates, and you're not worried about losing a brokered convention, then why all the fuss? Why all the "get on board" talk. Who cares about us and who we vote for? Just go win. That's how elections work. Welcome to America.

"But McCain can't 'solidify' the party with Huckabee still in it." Why? Who are all these people that need solidifying? Evangelicals? Conservatives? Why does McCain need there to be no other choice but him to get everyone behind him? So it's Huckabee's fault that all of these people don't like McCain. Here's a newsflash - that fact isn't going to change - with or without Huckabee. McCain is who he is. That won't change. We don't like him. That won't change.

We don't like McCain because of McCain. We don't like the idea that we are backed into a corner and forced to vote for him. Yes, we will cast our vote for him if he wins the nomination, but stop telling us to "get with the program" and back your guy. This is America. And in America, we have choices. Let us cast our vote for the guy we believe in. If our votes don't tally up to enough support for our candidate of choice, then so be it. But until then, we would like to exercise our freedom. We will back our candidate until someone wins. Get that through your head. Please read it and reread it.

If McCain was cut from real Presidential cloth, he would gladly acknowledge that we Americans SHOULD cast our vote till the end. Instead he constantly wants to send out memos about how everyone else should quit because he's winning. The fact is, he's just not presidential. He has no respect for us Huckabee supporters, and neither does his campaign or his backers. A real leader welcomes strong competition and considers it healthy. A weak manager wants to squash anyone who dares to compete, afraid they will expose their weaknesses.

We WILL cast our vote! We WILL be heard! We will hold out till the last vote is counted at the convention in hopes that our candidate will come out victorious! If you don't like it, then move to somewhere where Communism flourishes - I think you'd be happier there - In fact, I'll drive you to the airport.

Original post here...

Sen. McCain's Lead In Texas Small

Two new polls in Texas from ARG and POS show a 6 and 4 point lead for Senator McCain in Texas. As Gov. Huckabee said in his email yesterday, Texas is the place to fight for the nomination. These leads are small considering the attention the media has been heaping on Senator McCain as the "frontrunner."

read more | digg story

John McCain: Disqualified by the Constition?

Those who are concerned about the constitution and its continued influence on America need to learn about McCain's birthplace more and its relationship to the constitution.

McCain was born in Panama in the then American-controlled Panama Canal Zone to Admiral John S. McCain, Jr. and Roberta (Wright) McCain. Although McCain was not born within a state of the United States, his US citizenship (and future eligibility to be elected to the presidency) was assured at birth both by jus sanguinis, since both of his parents were U.S. citizens, and jus soli, as the Canal Zone was at that time a United States possession.

---

Panama was leased...not our territory. And see the State department's statements above.

Jus sanguinis which was the majority opinion of the Dredd Scott case was overturned by the 14th amendment. It is worth noting that using genealogy as the basis for citizenship was how they were denying citizenship to blacks...ie...your parents weren't citizens so you are not either.

That ruling was OVERTURNED by the 14th amendment. The minority opinion held in that case said it is not "Jus Sanguinis" but "Jus soli" (not genealogy but location) that determines it. History has held them correct and the 14th amendment was specifically written to overturn the "Jus Sanguinis" decision. From Justice Curtis' minority opinion:

Quote:
"The first section of the second article of the Constitution uses the language, 'a natural-born citizen.' It thus assumes that citizenship may be acquired by birth. Undoubtedly, this language of the Constitution was used in reference to that principle of public law, well understood in this country at the time of the adoption of the Constitution, which referred citizenship to the place of birth."

Original posts here.

Why Did Romney Endorse McCain?

The following post by a Huck's Army member is a good observation of the facts surrounding the endorsement of McCain by Romney. After all of Mitt's crazy attacks on John McCain, his endorsement seems like a last ditch effort to stop Huckabee after being stopped by Huckabee at every single turn.

You want to know why Romney endorsed McCain the time he did? I'll tell you why...

I've said that Romney's concession speech at CPAC was one of the most selfish speeches I've seen in a long time. He hid his true intentions within just about every line that came out of his mouth that day. People in the media tried to spin that speech and believed that he was really giving up for the betterment of the Republican party; that he actually cared about the war in Iraq/on terror, and that he was doing everything for "you" (the people/his supporters). All of this of course, was a lie.

Romney quit the race for HIMSELF, not for the people, nor for the Republican party. He quit because he knew none of his plans worked out due to Huckabee stopping each and every plan he had, either with help, or by himself (Huck). Romney's "plan A" was killed by Mike in Iowa, after he spent over $10 million in attack ads. His "plan D" (winning the southern states) on Super Tuesday was also killed by Mike. He just couldn't beat Mike in true conservative states. So he dropped out because he didn't want to spend another $40 million to barely beat out Mike and eventually lose anyway. However, that concession speech was all about Mitt, to set himself up to support McCain in hopes of Mac asking him to be VP.

Romney's endorsement came after he saw Mike win in Kansas and Louisiana and barely lose in Virginia, with the media pouncing on Mike yet again. Romney saw that this was his chance to finish Mike off so that Mike won't get a chance to surpass him in delegate count and was also a great opportunity to suck up to McCain again, in hopes of getting the VP spot. Mitt doesn't like losing, like he said. But what's worse than not getting the "gold?" Getting the "bronze." Mitt wanted revenge on Mike as well as the VP spot. So this was a great opportunity to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

Being the businessman he is, he does not want to see no return on his investment. If he couldn't be President now, he wants to at least try to be VP. If not VP, he wants to act like some sort of selfless savior of the Republican party and a leader of the conservative movement. Wasting roughly 20% of his net wealth, $40+ million, HAS to buy him SOMETHING. Too bad all it bought Mitt was a "bronze" medal and a bunch of pissed off supporters. Mike will still press on, not only passing Mitt in delegate count, but at the very least, gathering an army of TRUE conservatives for future endeavors. Mike will either EARN his Presidential nominee or go down fighting and become the leading voice of TRUE conservatives, as well as the Christian community. Mitt will fade away because there's no way McCain would lower himself to ask Romney to be his VP. And if Mac does, he's even more sad than Romney is.

In the end, Mitt endorsed McCain to benefit himself, as usual. Mitt only cares about Mitt. He's so transparent to non-gullible people, it's not even funny. Actually, it is pretty funny. Romney screwed up yet again. Endorsing McCain only further separated his remaining supporters away from him. He came out looking like the biggest hypocrite to those with half a brain, people that knew about his attack ads, dirty tactics, flip-flopping record, and people that knew about his animosity against McCain not even 2 weeks ago. As Mike would say, Romney's just the latest "me too" crowd, nothing more.

A Democrat Win a good thing?

Someone on Huck's Army responded to my earlier essay:

McCain and the Republican establishment are betting that when push comes to shove, conservatives will vote for McCain because "he is better than the Democrats." Well, I am not so sure that McCain is better than the Democrats. Sure, McCain isn't as liberal as Obama or Hillary, but he is still a liberal who will destroy the Republican party if elected President. I don't really care about the Republican party, but I do care about my conservative principles. If we allow the Republican party to move even further in the liberal direction, the GOP will no longer be useful for implementing conservative principles. I have lost all respect for Hannity and Limbaugh for what they have wrongfully said about Mike Huckabee, but they are entirely correct about John McCain.

I will not give up hope for Mike in 08 until McCain gets 1191 delegates, and I really don't think that will happen unless McCain wins at a brokered convention. I agree with what "nyseman" said earlier: McCain doesn't stand a chance of beating the Democrats in 08. McCain would lose just as Gerald Ford did in 76. 4 years of Jimmy Carter as President was a really bad thing, but it led to Americans getting sick of liberalism and overwhelmingly electing Ronald Reagan in 80. If John McCain gets the Republican nomination in 08, I hope Obama or Hillary wins the Presidency, and they will. After 4 years of Obama or Hillary, trust me, America will be ready to put a conservative in the White House in 2012. Not wanting to lose again, Republicans will be ready to nominate a real conservative, Mike Huckabee, in 2012.

For those who are thinking of voting for McCain if Mike doesn't win, ask yourself this question: Would Ronald Reagan have ever become President if Ford had beaten Carter in 76? Then ask yourself this question: Is it better to get a liberal Republican for 4 years to keep the Democrats out of the White House and end up with no viable party for conservatives to turn to?

I respect the decision of those who say they would vote for McCain if he is the GOP nominee in order to keep Obama or Hillary out of the White House. An Obama or Hillary presidency is indeed a scary thing. However, I am convinced that it would be better for our country to suffer through 4 years of another Democratic presidency in order to get a real conservative in the White House. You think Ronald Reagan was a good President? Just wait until Mike Huckabee wins the White House!!!

What does McCain for President mean?

McCain is a senator. Senators propose more legislation. From a legal point of view, they make and create more laws. They don't really get their hands dirty and they aren't responsible for the effects of the laws they create. There's no "the buck stops here" when it comes to shouldering the blame and taking responsibility for the initiatives they propose (on a side note, Obama and Hillary are both senators too so this entire logic applies to them too).

When/if McCain becomes president, there will be more legislation, bigger government, more laws, more regulation. When is America going to wake up and realize that we already have way too much legislation. Legislation = restriction and will result a choking of the American spirit of freedom and creativity. When creativity is stifled the American dream cannot become a reality since it is based on the principle of freedom to create. McCain's agenda is the wrong agenda for America. Any agenda that results in creating more unenforceable laws (such as more restriction on gun ownership) is a wrong direction.

This is not to say that all legislation is wrong. There are certain things that must be legislated and certain amendments that must happen in order to preserve creativity and stimulate growth. In order to stimulate creativity and freedom, human life must be protected and valued. Also, the long-standing definition of marriage must be set in order to encourage family values.

Conservatism remains the only viable option for a bright future for our nation. We must take action to stand for what we believe in. WE MUST STOP LIBERALISM!!! WE MUST stop McCain!!!

FairTax and Huckabee

A reader of my blog posted the following comment and I'm posting it to the front page for more visibility/searchability. Thanks so much for the post Ian!

Gov. Huckabee's advocacy of the FairTax is the single most important policy position in this election. Research findings explain why:

The FairTax rate of 23 percent on a total taxable consumption base of $11.244 trillion will generate $2.586 trillion dollars – $358 billion more than the taxes it replaces [BHKPT].

The FairTax has the broadest base and the lowest rate of any single-rate tax reform plan [THBP].

Real wages are 10.3 percent, 9.5 percent, and 9.2 percent higher in years 1, 10, and 25, respectively than would otherwise be the case [THBNP].

The economy as measured by GDP is 2.4 percent higher in the first year and 11.3 percent higher by the 10th year than it would otherwise be [ALM].

Consumption benefits [ALM]:

• Disposable personal income is higher than if the current tax system remains in place: 1.7 percent in year 1, 8.7 percent in year 5, and 11.8 percent in year 10.

• Consumption increases by 2.4 percent more in the first year, which grows to 11.7 percent more by the tenth year than it would be if the current system were to remain in place.

• The increase in consumption is fueled by the 1.7 percent increase in disposable (after-tax) personal income that accompanies the rise in incomes from capital and labor once the FairTax is enacted.

• By the 10th year, consumption increases by 11.7 percent over what it would be if the current tax system remained in place, and disposable income is up by 11.8 percent.

Over time, the FairTax benefits all income groups. Of 42 household types (classified by income, marital status, age), all have lower average remaining lifetime tax rates under the FairTax than they would experience under the current tax system [KR].

Implementing the FairTax at a 23 percent rate gives the poorest members of the generation born in 1990 a 13.5 percent improvement in economic well-being; their middle class and rich contemporaries experience a 5 percent and 2 percent improvement, respectively [JK].

Based on standard measures of tax burden, the FairTax is more progressive than the individual income tax, payroll tax, and the corporate income tax [THBPN].

Charitable giving increases by $2.1 billion (about 1 percent) in the first year over what it would be if the current system remained in place, by 2.4 percent in year 10, and by 5 percent in year 20 [THPDB].

On average, states could cut their sales tax rates by more than half, or 3.2 percentage points from 5.4 to 2.2 percent, if they conformed their state sales tax bases to the FairTax base [TBJ].

The FairTax provides the equivalent of a supercharged mortgage interest deduction, reducing the true cost of buying a home by 19 percent [WM].

ALERT: Kotlikoff refutes Bruce Bartlett's shabby critiques of the FairTax.

John McCain: Shoots Himself in the Foot?

John McCain's Gun Control Problem
by John Velleco
Director of Federal Affairs
Gun Owners of America

In 2000, Andrew McKelvey, the billionaire founder of monster.com, threw a sizable chunk of his fortune into the gun control debate.

It was shortly after the Columbine school shooting. Bill Clinton was in the White House and gun control was daily front-page news. McKelvey wanted in.

He started out contributing to Handgun Control Inc., which had since been renamed the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. But while he agreed with their gun banning goals, McKelvey thought the way they packaged their message was too polarizing.

"I told them that Handgun Control was the wrong name. I thought what they were doing was great but I thought it could be done differently," McKelvey said.

So McKelvey struck out on his own and formed Americans for Gun Safety. Although AGS shared almost identical public policy goals as other anti-gun groups, McKelvey portrayed the group as in the 'middle' on the issue and attempted to lure pro-gun advocates into his fold.

To pull it off, he needed a bipartisan coalition with credibility on both sides of the gun debate. On the anti-gun side, the task was easy. Most of the Democrats and a small but vocal minority of Republicans supported President Clinton's gun control agenda.

Finding someone who could stake a claim as a pro-gunner and yet be willing to join McKelvey was not so easy. Enter Senator John McCain.

McCain's star was already falling with conservatives. He had carved out a niche as a 'maverick' as the author of so-called Campaign Finance Reform (more aptly named the incumbent protection act), which was anathema to conservatives but made him a darling of the mainstream media.

Gun owners were outraged over CFR, but McCain still maintained some credibility on the gun issue.

Earlier in his career, McCain had voted against the Clinton crime bill (which contained a ban on so-called assault weapons), and he did not join the 16 Senate Republicans who voted for the Brady bill, which required a five-day waiting period for the purchase of a handgun.

But as he ramped up for his presidential run in 2000, McCain, expanding on the 'maverick' theme, staked out a position on guns far to the left of his primary opponent, George W. Bush.

McCain began speaking out against small, inexpensive handguns and he entertained the idea of supporting the 'assault weapons' ban. His flirtation with anti-Second Amendment legislation quickly led to a political marriage of convenience with McKelvey.

Within months of the formation of AGS, McCain was featured in radio and television ads in Colorado and Oregon supporting initiatives to severely regulate gun shows and register gun buyers. Anti-gunners were ecstatic to get McCain on board.

Political consultant Scott Reed, who managed Bob Dole's presidential campaign in 1996, hoped McCain would "bring a conservative perspective to the gun debate."

The ads not only pushed the anti-gun show measure in those two states, they also served to undermine the efforts of gun rights activists who were furiously lobbying against the same type of bill in Congress.

"I think that if the Congress won't act, the least I can do is support the initiative in states where it's on the ballot," McCain said in an interview.

At the time still a newcomer to the gun control debate, McCain said, "I do believe my view has evolved."

McCain continued to pursue his anti-gun agenda even after his presidential run ended, and the next year he and McKelvey made it to the big screen.

As moviegoers flocked to see Pearl Harbor, they were treated to an anti-gun trailer ad featuring McCain. This time the Senator was pushing legislation to force people to keep firearms locked up in the home.

"We owe it to our children to be responsible by keeping our guns locked up," McCain told viewers.

Economist and author John Lott, Jr., noted, "No mention was ever made by McCain about using guns for self-defense or that gunlocks might make it difficult to stop intruders who break into your home. And research indicates that McCain's push for gunlocks is far more likely to lead to more deaths than it saves."

Also in 2001, McCain went from being a supporter of anti-gun bills to being a lead sponsor.

Pro-gun allies in Congress who were holding off gun show legislation -- which would at best register gun owners and at worst close down the shows entirely -- were angered when McCain teamed up with Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) and introduced a "compromise" bill to give the issue momentum.

"There is a lot of frustration. He has got his own agenda," one Republican Senator told Roll Call.

After September 11, 2001, McKelvey and McCain, now joined by Lieberman, had a new angle to push gun control.

"Terrorists are exploiting the gun show loophole," AGS ads hyped. McCain and Lieberman hit the airwaves again in a series of radio and TV spots, thanks to McKelvey's multi-million dollar investment.

A Cox News Service article noted that, "The ads first focused on gun safety but switched to terrorism after Sept. 11. Americans for Gun Safety said the switch is legitimate."

However, Second Amendment expert Dave Kopel pointed out that, "the McCain-Lieberman bill is loaded with poison pills which would allow a single appointed official to prevent any gun show, anywhere in the United States from operating."

Ultimately, the anti-gun legislation was killed in the Congress and AGS fizzled out and disappeared altogether. The issues for which McKelvey spent over $10 million are still in play, however, and John McCain remains a supporter of those causes. In fact, as recently as 2004, McCain was able to force a vote on a gun show amendment.

In the post-Columbine and post-9/11 environments, the Second Amendment was under attack as never before. Pro-gun patriotic Americans who stood as a bulwark to keep the Congress from eviscerating the Constitution were dismayed to look across the battle lines only to see Senator McCain working with the enemy.

John McCain tried running for president in 2000 as an anti-gunner. This year it appears he is seeking to "come home" to the pro-gun community, but the wounds are deep and memories long.

Why Not McCain? Why Huckabee?

I will be doing an essay on why I cannot support McCain for President later on. But before I write that article, I'd like to tell you why I'm for Huckabee a little bit instead of why I'm against McCain.

- Pro-life: Mike values life from when it starts: conception.

- Pro-family: the best and happiest families are families that have a mom and a dad. If we redefine marriage to be something other than a woman and a man living together and loving each other, we've redefined the very basic unit of society and have taken the ultimate step towards destroying our nation.

- Pro-small-business: America runs on the small business, not just the mega-corporation. The very basis of the American dream is that I can become self-employed and make a living doing something I love. Big government and big business are two siblings who when paired together tend to restrict and stifle small business enterprise. Mike wants to get the government out of the way of everyday people.

- Pro-second amendment: Mike Huckabee supports the second amendment, but does not apply it to just hunting. He realizes that Americans need to be able to defend themselves from the government in event that it gets so large and so out of control that they need to take it out.

- Pro-FairTax: It's been long said that there are two inescapable realities in life: death and taxes. But imagine choosing what taxes you'll pay? With the FairTax (which BTW, has been thought up by some very smart folks but is also supported by every day citizens like you and me), you only pay taxes on stuff that you choose to purchase. Most people will save a ton of money with the FairTax. Check out the FairTax calculator here to see just how much you'll save!

- Pro-America: the above reasons are just a start of why you should support Huckabee. The biggest reason is that he loves America and knows that it is a great nation and "the last best hope for humanity." More than 300 million reasons why you should vote for Huckabee!

Still Believe in Ronald Reagan's Legacy

Now that Romney's out... what's next?

Or do I really need to ask? For those Romney supporters out there that absolutely hate McCain and want the best for our country, I recommend that you please take a look again at Huckabee. I think you'll find that he is a much better option than voting for no one.

Should Mitt Romney Drop out of the Race?

Last night was bad for Mitt Romney. He's spent millions upon millions of dollars only to be trumped by a liberal. If John McCain is worse than Hillary Clinton as many talk show hosts would have you believe, then why is it that some conservatives choose him over Mitt Romney? Why is it that in the most important races for the GOP last night he came in not second, but third? I don't know about you, but it looks like that when Mitt goes up against a liberal he loses. For example in MO last night, if Mitt Romney hadn't been in the race, I'm confident that Mike would have ousted McCain.

Mitt Romney is a spoiler to the true conservative who is the only candidate who has any chance against the Dems next year.

Winning where it counts...

Last night was a surprise.... a big surprise for a lot of us and a big surprise for even me.

Huckabee won in the important states. Most people agree that next year, in order for the Republican to win in the general election, we will need to win in states like Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, Tennessee. These are exactly the states that Mike win and Mitt Romney placed a distant third. Places like California and NY where McCain won are going to go for the Democrat anyways. So what should conservatives do? They should unite behind the one candidate who has good ideas for the future of America. They should get behind Mike Huckabee all the way to the White House.