Ringside Politics lists the 'Turkeys of the Year'

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Three of the GOP's Sorest Losers

Since my Ringside Politics radio and TV programs started in 1999, I have enjoyed an annual Thanksgiving tradition of bestowing a “Turkey of the Year” award to the most deserving celebrity or politician. Of course, these are “winners” who distinguished themselves in a particularly foolish way.

Previous winners have included filmmaker Michael Moore, former House Speakers John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi, President Barack Obama and former New Orleans Mayor, current federal inmate, Ray Nagin.

This year, the list of nominations was almost endless. It has been a political year like no other, but it has been dominated by one person, President-elect Donald Trump. He burst onto the political scene as a businessman and outsider who was tired of the insufferable weight of political correctness. He declared his goal was to “Make America Great Again,” by “draining the swamp” around Washington D.C. and putting “America First.”

It all started on June 16, 2015 before a huge crowd at the Trump Tower in New York City. In his initial speech, Trump claimed that the country needed a wall on the southern border and that Mexico would pay for it. He also lambasted Mexico for “sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”

Immediately, Trump was labeled a racist and the media started to ridicule his presidential plans. There were also efforts to financially harm Trump’s business empire. His Miss Universe show was dropped by television networks, the first indication that his presidential aspirations would be met with fierce opposition.

In the GOP race, Trump faced 16 seasoned challengers, many of them are members of the Republican Party establishment. These candidates were quick to condemn Trump whenever he made a controversial comment. Many issues arose that gave his opponents fodder. Trump’s statements about Megyn Kelly of Fox News, Senator John McCain, and an Indiana judge presiding over the Trump University legal case caused continual controversy.

After he secured the Republican presidential nomination, there were other controversies such as his statements about a Muslim father who lost a son in the Iraq War, a former Miss Universe and his infamous remarks about women captured on a 2005 tape recording which was conveniently released to deflect from the WikiLeaks disclosures about Hillary Clinton. The icing on the political cake occurred when 12 women came forward to allege Trump sexually assaulted them.

In every one of these incidents, Trump was viciously attacked by the usual collection of news reporters, Hollywood celebrities and liberal politicians. Unfortunately, they were joined by many Republican politicians who were eager to be critical of Trump and unwilling to support his candidacy, even after he secured the nomination.

Former Republican Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush refused to endorse Trump, as did 2012 Republican Party presidential nominee Mitt Romney. U.S. Senator and 2008 Republican Party presidential nominee John McCain was among several prominent Republicans who withdrew their support after the 2005 tape was released.

Joining these political leaders was a collection of conservative misfits in the media and political worlds who refused to endorse Trump. This group became known as the “Never Trumpers” and included radio talk show host Glenn Beck, commentators Erick Erickson, George Will and Bill Kristol and Senators Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Jeff Flake of Arizona. Many of these individuals bitterly opposed Trump, even though he won the nomination fairly and faced Hillary Clinton, a corrupt liberal, in the general election.

From this “Never Trump” universe, I selected my three Ringside Politics Turkeys of 2016. These were the worst of this motley crew because they were presidential candidates who betrayed their party and reneged on a promise to support the nominee. All 17 GOP presidential candidates signed a pledge to officially endorse the eventual party nominee.

Unfortunately, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and Ohio Governor John Kasich placed their own political interests in front of their party and their country.

Not only did they make a horrific mistake, but they looked quite foolish in the process. Graham said that “If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed.......and we will deserve it.” Not quite Lindsey, as Trump won 31 states and collected 306 electoral votes, the most won by a Republican presidential candidate since 1988. Jeb Bush who was embarrassed by Trump and famously labeled “low energy” acted like a petulant child and refused to endorse anyone, and indicated he would vote for a third-party candidate.

While Graham and Bush acted poorly, the most egregious political violation of the year was committed by Ohio Governor John Kasich. He not only refused to endorse Trump but later confessed to writing in the name of John McCain as his presidential choice.

Kasich declined to participate in the Republican National Convention which was held in his home state of Ohio. He did not welcome the delegates nor attend any of the events which culminated in Trump’s nomination.

He was under the delusion that he was the “most electable” Republican presidential candidate even though he only won one primary in his home state of Ohio. In contrast, Trump won 37 states and four times the number of delegates as his nearest competitor.

In a year of the Trump political revolution, where one candidate defeated the combined forces of the political, business, media and globalist establishment, these three Republican Turkeys did not join the historic party.

Sadly, Graham, Bush and Kasich put their selfish interests first and lost badly. Their only consolation is that they are the clear winners of the 2016 Ringside Politics Turkey of the Year Award.

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To order a copy of Jeff Crouere’s new book, “America’s Last Chance,” 

visit www.JeffCrouere.com

Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans, LA and he is the host of a Louisiana based program, “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 10:00 p.m. Sunday on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. 

For more information, visit Jeff's web site at www.ringsidepolitics.com or email him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com.
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What a Difference 8 Years Makes

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In November of 2008, the American conservative movement was rocked by the overwhelming victory of Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th President.

In that election, Obama was not bashful about his plans. He was the epitome of a liberal, calling for government action on healthcare, the environment, and the economy. Conservatives were reeling as the unsuccessful George W. Bush administration mercifully came to an end.

However, they were also upset that the 2008 GOP presidential nominee Senator John McCain ran such an ineffective campaign. Only the spirited efforts of the dynamic vice presidential nominee, Governor Sarah Palin, gave conservatives any hope about the future.

At that time, the Congress was controlled by Democrats and the Republican President, George W. Bush, was leaving office during an ongoing war in Iraq and Afghanistan and record deficits. In addition, there was a serious financial crisis that almost destroyed the country’s economy.

To fix the problem, the GOP administration advocated massive government bailouts to selected industries, such as automobile manufacturers, that was the antithesis of free market economics.

Not surprisingly, Obama won the election handily. Despite the doom and gloom, conservatives did not riot or destroy property and they certainly did not threaten the new President of the United States. Obama was given respect as our new President, even though conservatives totally disagreed with his very liberal agenda.

When the new President started pushing his very progressive policies such as Obamacare and the massive stimulus spending plan, conservatives decided to turn disappointment into political action.

Almost immediately after Obama’s inauguration as President, millions of conservatives around the country formed the grassroots organization known as the Tea Party. This political activity spread to groups organizing rallies across the country and an impressive political network was formed. It was the major reason that Americans gave control of Congress back to the GOP in 2010.

While the Tea Party suffered a setback in 2012 with the GOP nomination of moderate Mitt Romney, who lost the presidential race to Obama, there was enough of an organization remaining by 2014 to help the Republican Party take back control of the U.S. Senate.

After years of inaction from Congress on the common sense political agenda outlined by the Tea Party, grassroots conservatives eventually found another outlet, the presidential campaign of Donald Trump, the ultimate outsider.

In effect, the Tea Party of 2009 was the initial phase of the political movement that elected Donald Trump as President of the United States in 2016.

After Trump’s surprise victory on Tuesday, some liberals have been understandably shell shocked. Thus, there is now a vigorous debate within the Democratic Party on how to move forward. Unfortunately, other liberal activists are taking another route, engaging in riots and committing violence.

In at least a dozen cities, such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, there have been protests about the new President-elect. While most protesters have been peaceful, others have smashed store windows, lit dumpster fires and firecrackers.

Even worse, there have been numerous reports of Trump supporters being attacked on the streets and even in schools. At some of these organized protests, demonstrators have yelled obscenities at the new President, sprayed graffiti on buildings and even engaged in property destruction.

For example, in New Orleans, crazed protesters defaced monuments and buildings, destroyed windows and placed a burning tire on the front steps of the Confederate Museum.

Sadly, the police did nothing as these protesters sprayed “F*** Trump” and “Die Whites Die,” among other obscenities on the Robert E. Lee monument. The protesters even burned an effigy of Donald Trump and got into a fight with a Trump supporter.

These violent activities are an unacceptable response to the outcome of the presidential race. In 2008, when conservatives faced a similar beating at the polls, they did not resort to violence, they organized and formed a powerful political movement that eventually delivered the White House back to them.

After this election, too many liberals have acted like spoiled children, throwing a temper tantrum. For example, some misguided and brainless celebrities are vowing to leave the country, while others are claiming that Trump will not be “their President.”

To the Hollywood stars and other liberal fanatics so upset at Trump’s election victory, please leave the country. Enjoy the high taxes and socialized healthcare of Canada or the empty shelves at supermarkets in Venezuela.

However, unless you become a citizen of another country, Trump will still be your President, like it or not. He was elected by the people of this country and won an electoral vote landslide.

Liberals must come to their senses, deal with the political reality and stop this nonsense before more damage is done to our country’s political process.

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To order a copy of Jeff Crouere’s new book, “America’s Last Chance,” 

visit www.JeffCrouere.com

Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans, LA and he is the host of a Louisiana based program, “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 10:00 p.m. Sunday on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. 

For more information, visit Jeff's web site at www.ringsidepolitics.com or email him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com.
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Don't underestimate Trump on 6/18/2015

Donald Trump has announced he is running for President

Meet The Donald - Mr. Donald Trump

The billionaire real estate mogul announced his run after flirting with running for the Presidency twice before. This time he is serious.

Most pundits are dismissing Trump’s chances. Many Republican candidates are privately laughing at Trump.

They shouldn’t.

Trump brings a lot of money to the campaign but he brings something else that everyone had better pay attention to.

Trump is doing something none of the other Republican candidates are doing and they had all better pay attention. Trump is not a conservative. He agreed with Hillarycare and certainly will not make any serious effort to repeal Obamacare. He will probably raise taxes and will not be a friend to the Second Amendment.

So why do Republicans and conservatives need to worry about a Trump candidacy?

For years the GOP’s leaders and consultants have told their candidates to stay away from controversial issues. They claim to oppose Obamacare and make generic promises about being fiscally conservative, but that is it.

Trump is saying things people want to hear. Real Americans are frustrated with the Washington establishment acting to protect the interests of illegal aliens over real Americans. Trump says he will build a wall on the Mexican border and make Mexico pay for it. That is the kind of rhetoric that gets the attention of frustrated Americans.

Trump appeals to American pride. He talks about beating the Chinese, the Japanese and even the Mexicans. Trump talks about issues that Americans want to hear about.

Trump is going after the one voting demographic that could put the Republicans over the top yet the GOP mostly refuses to go after. Republicans are constantly told they have to go after minority votes. Yes the Republican Party should try to expand its support in minority communities but one group that can put the GOP back in the White House is the white vote. Richard Nixon used it to success and so did Ronald Reagan.

Donald Trump is going after that base.

And he is doing something none of the other Republicans are doing. He is taking them a message they want to hear.

And Americans want to hear that message. Americans want a President who will make America great again. Most Republicans say they will, Trump is putting some populist muscle behind it.

Trump has a message and he has money. His own money and he will get more money from his wealthy friends and there are a lot of real Americans who will be moved by his message.

Anyone who underestimates Trump in this race does so at their own peril. With both a message and money, Trump is going to have a huge impact on the 2016 race.

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Did John McCain say he was retiring?

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Since earning my degree in medicine in 1996, I’ve spent my life healing the sick in private practice and in the ER. While serving as a State Senator, I continue to practice medicine in emergency departments in Lake Havasu City and Kingman.

It has been my life’s honor to represent the people of Arizona’s Fifth Legislative District as their senator.

I understand and truly appreciate the trust and support they have given me to do what is right. But when I look at what’s happening in our federal government, I know Arizonans need new representation in the U.S. Senate and that’s why I’m running.

“Arizonans are looking for a change after thirty years, and they are looking for someone who will represent them and their interests. They are looking for someone to be their voice, and I believe I can be that person.” – Kelli

Failures of leadership have led to the problems we face in our state and our country: open borders, over 90 million Americans out of work, lost insurance and skyrocketing costs under ObamaCare, and a federal budget that only goes up.

It’s time to change that.

Click Here to find out more about Dr. Kelli Ward's Campaign

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Public Service Message 

Shelby’s Strong Opposition to Iran Nuclear Deal

Meet Alabama Senator Richard Shelby

Senator Richard Shelby, candidate for the United States Senate, released a new ad featuring attorney Annemarie Axon of Birmingham, Alabama, discussing Shelby’s strong opposition to President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran.

“The Iran nuclear deal is a bad deal for the American people,” said Senator Shelby.

“Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, and the agreement negotiated by the Obama Administration only enriches the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies.

I strongly oppose this one-sided agreement that threatens the safety, stability, and security of the United States and our allies.”

“Iran’s leaders vow to destroy Israel and Obama just made it easier for them to create a nuclear bomb,” said Annemarie Axon.

“Richard Shelby asked, ‘If Putin’s for Obama’s nuclear deal, why on earth should we be?’ That’s my kind of conservative.”

Senator Shelby always welcomes your comments. Contact him at this link.

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Alabama needs Richard Shelby for U.S. Senate

Senator Richard Shelby, candidate for the United States Senate, today released a new TV ad featuring Blair Plott, an Alabama mom whose son has Cystic Fibrosis, highlighting the Senator’s tireless support and dedication for medical research.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Senator Shelby has championed congressional efforts to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its medical research initiatives.

“NIH plays an important role in the lives of Americans all across the country, such as the approximately 30,000 who are currently living with Cystic Fibrosis,” said Senator Shelby.

“Medical research means hope for families and individuals with illnesses, and I am committed to working with NIH to ensure that they continue to spur medical innovation.”

“The National Institutes of Health do a wonderful job with CF research, but keeping them a priority with our government can be challenging,” said Blair Plott. “I asked Senator Shelby if he could help, and boy did he.

He’s become an absolutely tireless advocate for families like mine. He’s literally saved thousands of lives.”

To find out more about Richard Shelby, Click Here
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Shelby for U.S. Senate - Alabama

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, candidate for the United States Senate, released a new ad featuring Wallace Drury, a farmer from Greensboro, Alabama, highlighting the Senator’s strong opposition to the Obama Administration’s burdensome rules and regulations on farmers.

“The Obama Administration’s assault on farmers and businesses through his EPA is unprecedented and out-of-control,” said Senator Shelby:

“One example of their egregious overreach is the rule redefining ‘waters of the United States.’ The WOTUS rule is yet another land grab by this Administration, which would place control of waterways across the country in the hands of Washington bureaucrats instead of Alabama’s farmers. 

I will keep fighting to put an end to the EPA’s broad, unchecked regulatory power that stifles economic growth.”

To find out more about Richard Shelby, Click Here
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Arizona - Dump McCain and Support Kelli Ward

Republican Kelli Ward who is running for U.S. Senate held a meeting Thursday night at Community Christian Church where she took several questions from the public.

Ward believes the people in the desert southwest aren’t being heard and that this is a two way street where communication is missing within the government.

She also mentions that she wouldn’t want to be in office for more than two terms because there are newer and fresher faces that need to be in office and everyone should be able to share their thoughts and ideas.

Ward adds, “Right now we’re learning who are going to have the energy that is necessary to take the country the right way. And so if I stay forever then they don’t have the chance to serve and I think the more people who have the chance to serve the better it is for our country.”

She believes Senator John McCain needs to retire and let other people have a chance as U.S. Senate.

Ward adds, “Unfortunately 33 years in Washington, D.C. changes a person and I think it’s changed Senator McCain.”

Border security and to stop illegal immigration ward mentions is on the top of her list of priorities. She tells us why she believes she’d be a great fit for our community.

Ward said, “Whenever I’m running, I’m running to be the voice of the people. I’m running to actually be you in Washington, D.C. so I’m hoping that people will see that spark, see the energy and see that I am competent, qualified and capable and ready to take the reigns of Washington, D.C. and take this country in the right direction.”

Will you help conservative hero Kelli Ward replace John McCain?

Click here to visit Kelli Ward.com
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Dishing out a Trump thumpin'

From the art studios of A.F. (Tony) Branco at Comically Incorrect.com

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Another GOP obstacle to the Whitehouse

From the art studios of A.F. (Tony) Branco at Comically Incorrect.com

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Hillary? Ho-hum, she's so yesterday

From the art studios of A.F. (Tony) Branco at Comically Incorrect.com

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Republican candidates must be strong on energy

From the files of Marita Noon at Energy Makes America Great, Inc.

Meet Marita K. Noon - Energy Make America Great

New polling emphasizes support for traditional energy concerns has become a partisan issue. Large majorities of Republicans favor key energy issues—but voters of every ideological stripe say energy will be an important part of their voting decisions.

Hickman Analytics Inc., for the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), has done polling on energy issues in several key states: Iowa, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. While the exact questions asked are not identical in each of the six states, the responses are so similar that assumptions can be made.

For the 2016 presidential candidates, lessons should be learned—to win, Republican candidates must be strong on energy.

In all states polled, the majority of respondents indicated that energy issues will be at or near the top when asked: “Looking ahead, how important are energy issues in terms of how you will vote in the Presidential election next year?” In each state, except West Virginia, 80 percent or more answered: “very important” or “somewhat important.” In West Virginia, while still a majority, the percentage is only 54—though a smaller percentage of West Virginians, 10 percent, claim energy issues will be: “not very important” or “not important at all.”

The polling took place in Iowa and New Hampshire in April, South Carolina in May, and in Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina in June.

In Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, Hickman asked how they feel about “allowing offshore oil and natural gas drilling north of Alaska, in U.S. waters inside the Arctic Circle.” Overall, a majority of registered voters support it, but opposition is higher among Democrats.

The numbers on Arctic drilling break out this way:

Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina Republicans

• 74% support - 10% oppose - 70% support 
• 18% oppose - 76% support - 16% oppose 

Independents

• 48% support - 38% oppose - 54% support 
• 35% oppose - 60% support - 32% oppose 

Democrats

• 34% support - 49% oppose - 34% support 
• 54% oppose - 51% support - 29% oppose

In Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, Hickman asked about the Atlantic Coast pipeline project—a 550-mile pipeline that will bring natural gas from West Virginia through Virginia and North Carolina—and found that support is strong and extends across almost every group. As with Arctic drilling, Hickman found that support for this important energy infrastructure project is stronger among Republicans, but even among those who self-identify as liberal, more support than oppose it.

The numbers on the Atlantic Coast pipeline project break out this way:

Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina

Republicans

• 74% support - 12% oppose - 79% support
• 12% oppose - 76% support, - 9% oppose 

Independents

• 54% support - 24% oppose - 66% support
• 25% oppose - 56% support - 25% oppose 

Democrats

• 43% support - 38% oppose - 67% support 
• 20% oppose - 41% support - 37% oppose

When asked why they support the Atlantic Coast pipeline project, “jobs” was mentioned most frequently with “a positive impact on the economy” being next. “Contribution to energy independence” was also mentioned.

Presidential candidates can learn from the Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina numbers and a similar response could be assumed in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina—though they were not asked a parallel question on Arctic drilling.

The lesson? Republican and Independent voters understand that energy projects create jobs, help the economy and energy security.

In Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, Hickman asked about other energy issues, such as coal-fueled power plants, the Keystone pipeline, offshore drilling, and hydraulic fracturing. Again, support among Republicans and Independents—even many Democrats—is strong on a wide range of energy issues.

“As the primary season approaches, presidential candidates will need to take a strong stance on energy issues for the 2016 election,” CEA President David Holt said. “As we have seen in the past, the success of candidates in 2016 will hinge on their ability to promote issues that foster economic and job growth, while ensuring safety and the protection of our environment. This can be achieved through the promotion of energy infrastructure and production, which will contribute to U.S. self-sufficiency, stimulate the economy, and create jobs.”

Energy provides Republican candidates with an opportunity to stand with voters and offer contrast to Hillary Clinton—whose previous speeches indicate that she will continue President Obama’s energy policies. At her Roosevelt Rally, she repeated one of Obama’s reoccurring themes: “climate change, one of the defining threats of our time.”

As the Hickman/CEA polling shows, the frequently touted fixes for climate change—opposing coal-fueled power plants and blocking fossil-fuel development and infrastructure—are in direct conflict with what most Americans, especially Republicans and Independents, want.

The Hickman/CEA conclusions are supported by previous polls.

Earlier this year, Pew Research Center did its annual Public Policy Priorities Survey, “Dealing with global warming” remained a low priority—with only “Dealing with global trade issues” being lower. However, when looking at the issues to discern the partisan differences, the message is obvious. A slight majority of Democrats, 54 percent, view global warming as a top priority, compared to 15 percent of Republicans (an 8 point drop from 2007) and 39 percent of Independents (a 1 point drop from 2007).

Similarly, a March 2015 Gallup poll on “U.S. concern about environmental threats” found that “Americans worry least about global warming.” Again the partisan divide is telling: in 2000, 29 percent of Republicans/Republican leaners worried about “global warming or climate change”; in 2015, 13 percent—a 16 percent drop. For Democrats/Democrat leaners: 2000, 48 percent; in 2015, 52 percent—a 4-point increase.

“It is clear from the Hickman/CEA polling,” Holt added, “that energy policy will be top of mind when voters cast their ballots in this upcoming election. Voters clearly support the development of energy infrastructure, such as the Atlantic Coast Pipeline project. In order to win, candidates will have to make clear to voters that they understand and support the issues voters care about.”

As we head into the important 2016 election, it is imperative that whoever becomes the 45th president understands energy. Gratefully, as the Hickman/CEA polling indicates, the American public understands the importance of energy and is prepared to vote accordingly.

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The author of Energy Freedom, Marita Noon serves as the executive director for Energy Makes America Great Inc. and the companion educational organization, the Citizens’ Alliance for Responsible Energy.

Marita also hosts a weekly radio program: America’s Voice for Energy—which expands on the content of her weekly column.

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The real Rubio: Count his traffic tickets

From the art studios of A.F. (Tony) Branco at Comically Incorrect.com

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GOP presidential race - the more the merrier

From the files of Jeff Crouere at Ringside Politics on WLAE-TV 32 in New Orleans

This was a busy week in the GOP presidential sweepstakes as two candidates jumped into the race ~ U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and former Texas Governor Rick Perry. Currently, there are ten announced candidates running for the Republican presidential nomination and the number will surely grow.

In the coming days, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush will officially announce his presidential bid. Soon thereafter, a host of others including Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker will enter the fray.

In the end, there could be 16 or more Republican presidential candidates. The candidates can be grouped in many different ways. For example, some like former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will emphasize social issues. Others like Perry and Graham will emphasize national security and U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky will focus on protecting liberties guaranteed by our Bill of Rights. 

However, there is another way to group the candidates: conservative or RINO (Republican in Name Only). Clearly, Bush will be the leading RINO, but it is unclear who assume the mantle as the top conservative contender.

Due to the plethora of conservative candidates, some commentators are lamenting our embarrassment of riches. They are calling for conservatives to unite behind one candidate who can defeat Bush. However, it is far too early for any consolidation among the candidates.

Voters need to see the candidates in action, witness them in a debate setting and learn where they stand on the major issues. In essence, the Republican race is an example of a political free market as voters will be given a wide variety of choices and allowed to choose the best candidate.

The decision should rest with the voters, not a kingmaker or a news network. It is critical for all of the news networks to expand their televised debates to include all of the major candidates, not just the “top ten.” This is not college football, it is the future of the nation which is being determined and limiting the field of candidates is not only premature, but it can adversely impact the decision making ability of voters.

The networks are supposedly going to decide the “top ten” based on an average of early polls, but these flawed surveys are too influenced by name recognition. Giving voters exposure to a larger field of candidates is an essential public service, especially at this critical time when the nation is clearly in jeopardy.

This election will be the most important one in our lifetime as the next President must repair the damage done by Barack Obama to our nation’s economy, our national security and our social fabric, namely race relations.

With such important stakes, it is worth the time and effort for the networks to expand their format. If given accurate information about the candidates, Republican voters can make a positive change by nominating a true conservative in 2016.

The debates will be the best way to gauge the candidates, so the news networks should not artificially limit the debates to just ten candidates. Voters need accurate and detailed information about all the major candidates to make the best selection.

At such a critical time for our nation, Republicans are fortunate to have such a varied selection of candidates, the largest field in the party’s history. Obviously, GOP voters need to select the right candidate, so it is desirable to have many options to consider, in fact, the more the merrier.

Unfortunately, a conservative agenda will be impossible if GOP voters nominate another RINO who will lose in the General Election.

Only a conservative can defeat Hillary Clinton, spare the nation a de-facto third Obama term and begin to reverse the damage of the Obama years.

_________________________________________ 

Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans, LA and he is the host of a Louisiana based program, “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 10:00 p.m. Sunday on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore.

For more information, visit Jeff's web site at www.ringsidepolitics.com or e-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com.

Bad omen for the Iran nuke deal

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The Gospel according to Nancy Pelosi

From the shared news files at the website of Colonel Allen B. West

Pelosi is Frightened About Something

On Friday evening, Nancy Pelosi lashed out at Marco Rubio for being a “polarizing” figure and not a good “mainstream” Catholic like her.

Jesus and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) seem to have different ideas of what it means to be a good Catholic. On Friday evening, Pelosi lashed out at Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) for being a “polarizing” figure and not a good “mainstream” Catholic like her.

When Rubio expressed his (very Catholic) opposition to same-sex marriage, Pelosi responded by pulling out her purported superior Catholic credentials, crowing that she had grown up in a “mainstream” Catholic family. She expressed her belief that Rubio’s opposition to same-sex marriage is “polarizing,” which threatens “mainstream Christian thinking.”

Pelosi’s reasoning presents two enormous problems, which seem to be lost on her and other “mainstream” Catholics.

First, over the centuries, Jesus Christ has been called many things by admirers and adversaries alike, but “mainstream” is not one of them.

And no one—to my knowledge—has ever suggested that Jesus was anything other than “polarizing.”

Both those who loved him and those who hated him did so precisely because he was polarizing.

It Really Gets Better: 

Continued At Breitbart

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The man who could have saved America

From the files of Ken LaRive at the Lafayette Examiner

At about two in the morning in the year 2007 I was looking for a YouTube video to validate an essay I was writing for the Examiner. I came across an old interview with a young Dr. Ron Paul. He was warning us of a coming calamity that would become chaos unless addressed, a caution that he saw emphatically manifesting itself in America.

After a half hour, going from one speech to another, I saw his powerful address to Congress, and I knew that his words were viable and true, and could save America. I woke up my wife sleeping in the next room when I gave an involuntary shout, “Oh my God!” I said, “He is telling the truth!”

Fact is, I didn't know about 40 percent of what he was referring to... Government overreach, the escalating and unconstitutional wars, corporatism for war, the National Debt, but I wanted to know more... and over the next several months I studied and learned, listening to every recording I could find, even buying his books on Ebay.

It fundamentally changed the perspective of my world view, my country, and my place in it, and for the very first time in my life, from the streets of New Orleans, the murder capital of the Nation, from Vietnam, to the life I had chosen as an International Mud Engineer... I felt truly afraid.

He was a twelve-term Congressman, and a leading advocate for a Constitutional government, free markets, honest money, personal liberty, and international peace. He had served his country as a Flight Surgeon in the U.S. Air Force and the National Guard during Vietnam.

He was the chairman of the Monetary Policy Subcommittee, founder of the Campaign for Liberty, and had authored eight books. He was a physician who had delivered over 4,000 babies, marrying his high school sweetheart, Carol, with five children.

I saw an endorsement somewhere by Ronald Reagan: “Ron Paul is one of the outstanding fighters for a stronger national defense. As a former Air Force officer, he knows well the needs of our armed forces, and he puts them first. We need him fighting for our country.”

He talked about issues the American people were talking about, issues other candidates only glossed over, uncomfortable to bring to light. The 11 million illegal immigrants living in the U.S., and how they were costing the U.S. Taxpayer $113 billion annually, and like a good doctor, addressed the cause of all of these problems, not merely the symptoms.

He tiredly endorsed the securely of our borders, and opposed federal entitlements and amnesty, such as birthright citizenship, and vied to remove incentives to illegally immigrate in the first place, seeing it as the root of the problem.

A Congressman from a key border state, Texas, he had a plan to halt the 3 million illegal immigrants entering the U.S. each year, that have now escalated to 10, while he proposed bills for LEGAL immigration for those who work hard and obey U.S. Law.

He said: “ We need to worry about our borders right here at home instead of borders in the Middle East.”

He supported our troops, and promised as President he would bring them home. He wanted to put America's security first; not fighting wars, policing, and “nation-building” all over the world. “Our troops are too valuable to be needlessly put in harm's way to serve other nation's interests.” He said.

He addressed that the U.S. had over 900 military installations in over 150 countries, and yet our national security has been compromised because our troops were spread too thin. They belonged home defending America.

A strict Constitutionalist, he advocated that the Federal Government's primary duty was not only to insure our Civil Liberties, but to defend America, and he got more votes from troops because of those two issues, then all other candidates combined.

War costs each American taxpayer $2,626.00 per year, with 6,300 American lives lost for nothing more than international corporate and banking profit. Not one county has embraced our American Constitution, because it is not presented to them as an option.

We install dictators that these bankers and corporations can buy and control, at the same time our Constitution and Bill of Rights are destroyed here at home.

“War is never economically beneficial except for those in position to profit from war expenditures.” -Ron Paul

“If we want to go to war, the Congress should declare it. You get a declaration of war and you fight it and you win it and get it over with. We don't go to war like we did in Vietnam and Korea, because wars never end.” -Ron Paul

He had a plan called “Restore America,” to return America to a constitutional government that had made us the greatest nation in human history.

As President, he would have rescinded unconstitutional mandates that have this country by the throat, delivering major regulatory relief, spending cuts, a sound monetary policy, a balanced budget, creating jobs, and a booming economy.

On stage he stood alone in his convictions to return to our founding principles as a Republic, instead of what it had become, and still is, an oligarch. He not only predicted our crisis, but had a sound solution.

He wanted to:

• Phase out the IRS.
• Phase out Income Tax Audit and phase out the Federal Reserve
• End Foreign Wars
• Bring our troops home
• Stop all foreign aid
• Secure our borders
• Fix the waist in health care, which is 50 percent of the cost
• Abolish ObamaCare
• Repeal the Patriot Act in its entirety
• Return power to the states, as in the 9th and 10th amendments
• Balance the budget
• Abolish corporate subsidies
• Return spending to 'o6 levels

He wanted to take a yearly salary of $39,336, equal to the average US worker's salary, instead of the Presidential salary of $400,000, and his voting record showed his true nature, voting Constitution every time.

He voted to:

• Lower taxes For a balanced budget
• To lower Congressional Pay
• To allow gun ownership
• Against a National ID
• To keep internet free
• Against the Iraq war
• Against bailouts
• To limit power to the executive branch

Facts about Ron Paul:

He received the majority of his donations from individuals, where other candidates were funded mostly by special interests, banks and corporations. Ron Paul could not be bought.

Predicted the current economic collapse of 2007, in 2003. Endorses free trade, but is opposed to NAFTA. Was called the “Champion of the Constitution” by his peers.

“Believe me, the next step is a currency crisis because there will be a rejection of the dollar. The rejection of the dollar is a big, big event and then your personal liberties are going to be severely threatened.” -Ron Paul (Read his book, “END THE FED” on YouTube: “What is Constitutional money” and “Federal Reserve creates money out of thin air.”

To save us, Ron Paul wanted to re-establish Congressional authority over money. Established in 1913. the FED is an unconstitutional and secretive system, controlled by private bankers. The FED creates money out of thin air creating inflation. This leads to rising prices on everyday things like food, gas, clothing, prescription drugs, energy, and more...

Note that in the year 2000, the U.S. Debt was 5.7 trillion, in 2011 it had reached $15 trillion, around 2 trillion per year. Today we are at about 18.3 trillion, and projected to be 23.3 trillion by the end of 2015. He wanted to audit and expose the FED, who is above all law.

“Without the FED, our money could not be inflated at the behest of big government or big banks. Your income and savings would not lose their value.” -Ron Paul

“There are only two ways to conquer and enslave a nation. One is by sword, the other is by debt.” -John Adams

“I believe the banking institutions having the issuing power of money are more dangerous to liberty than a standing army.” _Thomas Jefferson

Health Care

Dr. Paul would have repealed “ObamaCare,” with reduced health care costs and restored the doctor-patient relationship. He would never have allowed the Federal Government to take over health-care, who forces all Americans to to carry only government-approved health insurance or else answer to the IRS.

He had a plan of action to balance the budget in three years, cutting 1 trillion in spending during his first year, eliminating five unnecessary and self serving government agencies, HUD, Energy, Commerce, Interior and Education. He would have ended taxes on personal savings, allowing families to save for the future, while honoring our Social Security System for our seniors and veterans, and would have given young workers the ability to opt out if they so choose, for a private fund. He would have abolished the Death Tax.

He would have lowered the corporate tax rate to 15%, making America competitive in the global market. This would have created an economic boom and a demand for made-in-America products with a large demand for jobs. Trillions would have been invested and reinvested as they would have been allowed to repatriate capital without additional taxation.

YouTube:

• Ron Paul ABC Iowa debates.
• The Only One We Can Trust
• Ron Paul Iowa Debate
• Ron Paul “Imagine” Speech Remastered AmazinglyAccurate
• Ron Paul The American Upset
• Jerry Day on Ron Paul and the Media Ron Paul in 15 Minutes?
• Ron Paul: A New Hope 2.0
• The Consistent Candidate: Ron Paul 2012
• Ron Paul on Meet The press 2011
• When in the course of human Events
• Candidates @ Google: Ron Paul
• You like Ron Paul, Except Foreign Policy

Author's notes:

The purpose of this essay, gleaned from the many pamphlets we Louisiana Libertarians distributed before the 2008 election... from the Louisiana Caucus, door to door in our neighborhoods, to the final night of the RNC betrayal of the Republican Party, America still continues to be ravaged and lied to by a one party system, a dog and pony show called Washington... We have the best government money can buy... bought and paid for by international corporations and central banks who are unaccountable to our laws, with men like George Soros creating a lucrative insider advantage in the mayhem he orchestrates... To say we are systematically being dismantled is not a stretch in a government bought and paid for by special interest lobbyists. We had a man who could have put a stop to it, but Dr. Paul was not good-looking enough for the American sensibility, with 52 percent of Christian women voting for the Progressive Socialist Marxist Obama, a good looking black man without a past. Or, to be more accurate, a past sealed from view by a court order...

Four months before the election we went from six to ten trillion in debt. And today, since Obama has been in office, we are at 18.3, with the promise of 23.3 before he gets out. And where are the voices of decent? A few thugs wanting to burn communities for a free TV and a case of beer? Face Book arm-chair patriots proposing the killing of “ rag heads?” America, what have we become? Home of the free and land of the brave? You are, we are, collectively pathetic. Yes, I remember when no one would put his sign on their lawn, closing the door on me when I asked. They knew nothing about him at all, and could not find the time to study the very profound questions that are destroying us today. Well, I guess I'm a bit bitter about it, and still afraid too, because I see the curtain falling on this nation... and I am at a loss to find a way to stop it... I could say that we will all get just what we deserve, but God, what a loss it will be to no longer have my America. We had so much, and we let it die. And the final nail will be another cold war for corporate profit, and no one cares enough to oppose it.

I remember the so called hippies at the airport, as they booed us in uniform, but it was a different time then, and I was 57 on the draft... Today, our brave service men and women volunteer, believing the lies that we are bringing Democracy to a land, as we topple duly elected Presidents for a puppet dictator, and guard poppy fields for the taste of European parties... and 95 percent of the people killed, are innocent of any crime. We call them collateral damage... But before the chant of change for the sake of change dies to a whisper, there will be no one left to write a truthful epitaph on the tombstone that was once America. And it won't matter much at all, because few would care to read it...

Slavery can come to a human being in many ways, and the most horrific is not a slavers lash, or the chains that hold you to a wall, not even debt slavery that some say is the most profound... No, the most hideous slavery of all, is subjugation of the spirit, where we voluntarily relinquish our Liberty for the crumbs off a table, or a promise to stay safe... but oh, how beautiful we are, as we pledge allegiance to America, waving the flag and bobbing our heads in unison, and never knowing why...

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