July 31, 2013

Detroit

By Tammy Derouin

For those among us who believe the propaganda the media has been dispersing about the economy getting better, I have one word, Detroit.  Isn’t it great to have an example of progressive policies in our own back yard?  Not only is Detroit a fine example of what can and will happen when progressives run the show, it’s also an example of our “yes men” in the media. 

The facts speak for themselves.  Detroit is one of many cities in the U.S. that has fallen into a state of ruin due to progressive leadership.  Their policies don’t work.  Following true progressive form, if the facts don’t benefit them, change them.  The media, having lost their ability to think for themselves, is attempting to blame conservative politics for Detroit’s collapse.  Once again I’m reminded of what Michelle Obama said on the campaign trail leading up to Obama’s first dreadful term.  “…we’re going to have to change our traditions, our history; we’re going to have to move into a different place as a nation.”  So if the facts don’t fit, they beat them into something that fits their needs. Truth no longer matters.

Progressive policies don’t lead to prosperity, they lead to bankruptcy. They make people dependent on government handouts.  This is very useful when it comes to re-election, progressive job security in action.  Progressives took a once thriving city and destroyed it. 

What’s happening in Detroit will happen to other cities that are already on the verge of financial collapse.  I was astonished when I read some of the statistics.  Detroit is $20 Billion in debt and it owes over 100,000 creditors.  Forty-Seven percent of the residents are functionally illiterate and sixty percent of Detroit’s children live in poverty.  Manufacturing jobs went from about 296,000 in 1950 to less than 27,000 today. 

The progressives love to redistribute wealth.  They love to take from those who have and give to those who have not.  When the policies of the progressives begin to have an impact on those that have been prosperous, people begin to move away, taking the prosperity with them. Once they realize the treasure chest is on empty, they begin to make cuts.  In true progressive form they cut the meat and potatoes, not the dessert.  Detroit police stations are closed to the public 16 hours per day.  It takes close to an hour for police to respond to a call.  Detroit’s murder rate is now 11 times higher than NYC.  Congratulations!

The progressive answer is, “give us more.”  Yeah, and it will work this time, right?  No, it never does.  MSNBC’s Ari Melber makes it very clear that money is needed to avoid disaster.  I think we are far past “avoiding disaster.”  He states, “There are a lot of things Congress can do, but if the largest local bankruptcy in our history isn’t the right time for spending on emergency aid and jobs, when is the right time?”

The judge however stopped bankruptcy proceedings.  She stated that it was a violation of the state’s constitution.  It’s in violation because it would reduce pension payments for retired workers.  Now there’s an example of progressive and union thinking.  The city is utterly broke but the “I’m entitled” attitude continues.  Furthermore, the judge stated that filing for bankruptcy was, “also not honoring the (United States) president, who took (Detroit’s auto companies) out of bankruptcy.”  Honoring the president!  Are you out of your mind?  I’d love to go down this path but my head is already throbbing with the insane thinking of the progressive policies.  Honoring The Commander in Grief is a topic for another day.

Is it any wonder why young people feel they are entitled to well, everything?  They’ve had the best examples to follow.  Why stand on your own two feet when the government will provide a couch?  If you fail, blame someone else.  The president is The Master in Chief of the blame game.    

Sadly, smaller cities and towns throughout the country will not be immune.  You don’t have to look very far at any local government to see an outrageous debt while spending continues at mind-boggling speed.  If Detroit won’t get your attention, don’t worry, an even bigger example is sure to come.  Progressives have been destroying the most prosperous nation in the world, our United States.  History provides the facts that give us proof that progressive policies do not work, well at least not until they change our history.

When cities need help, they go to the state.  When a state needs help, it goes to the federal government.  What happens when the United States collapses?  There will be nowhere to turn. But rest assured, the wolves will be at our door.  The president will be licking his chops.  His policies, by design, have set us up for collapse.

“Facts are stubborn things.”

Ronald Reagan

 

July 24, 2013

Access To The White House

By Tammy Derouin

How fundamentally transformed do we have to be before Americans realize we are in trouble?  How about a Muslim Brotherhood flag flying above the White House?  Sounds crazy doesn’t it?  The actions of the Obama administration, over the past five years, would have been an outrageous plot for an action thriller twenty some years ago.

Here’s an idea.  A Saudi National who was a person of interest from an American tragedy, let’s say a bombing, who also happens to have a record of terrorist activities and was scheduled to be deported  on 212 (3)(B), security and related grounds, until his records were tampered with internally within the government, gains access to the White House. 

I can think of a couple Hollywood names that would do an excellent job with this type of fictional action/adventure.  Remember the ones that used to keep us on the edge of our seats while we cheered for America? The president was usually an all-American, born and raised in the U.S.A.  He probably served our country in the military but even if he didn’t, his loyalty was never in question.  Well, not unless he was the “bad guy.”

We don’t need Hollywood to tell this story.  It’s not fiction.  It’s unfolding right before our eyes, if you look past the spineless media. The Blaze has reported, and the identity has been confirmed by a law enforcement official directly involved with the Boston Marathon Bombing, that Ali Al-Salimi Al-Harbi was at the White House on the 4^th of July.  According to The Blaze, “Not only was Alharbi named a “person of interest” in the Boston bombing, he was reportedly set for deportation on 212 (3)(B) grounds – “security and related grounds” – “Terrorist activities” – after the tragedy.”

 How does someone who had the highest terror warning attached to his name get access to the White House? Access to the White House for such a questionable person is unacceptable on any given day but there's something sinister when the access was allowed on our Independence Day. Who allowed this person access? Was he invited? If so, who invited him and why? If he wasn't invited, how did he access the White House? There are too many red flags leading to too many questions. The questions aren’t being asked because we have a press that's running scared.  We can't depend on them for information. This should be headline news!  Where’s the outrage? 

In the movie version, the bad guys, meaning the president and his accomplices in treason, would have been exposed for who they are and what they were doing.  The good guys, meaning the ones who fought for truth, justice and the Constitution, would put the bad guys away for a long, long time, provided they survived at the end of the movie.  All would be well in America.  The press would have released the story, regardless of threats from government officials, and the military would have been portrayed as the mighty force we once were.  The American people would have been appalled with the behavior of our elected officials.   There would have been a lesson in there somewhere of what can happen when we neglect our responsibilities.  It would have been called an excellent thriller but it would never happen, not here, not in America.  

By giving up our right to a free press, we have made ourselves ignorant, and it will prove to be far from bliss.  We can blame the press to some extent but we the people are accountable as well.  What evil manipulation took place by those in power to turn our once tenacious press into slobbering yes men?  The information is out there but you have to be willing to see the truth.  You have to be willing to see that the America you grew up in no longer exists.  Americans took their freedoms for granted.  We became lazy in the enforcement of our Constitution.  You have to be willing to see that the colorful pallet that we once had has been turning gray.  We are slowly being molded into a one size fits all society.  Everyone will have the same boring existence.  You will be told what to do, how to do it, and in time, when you are no longer relevant.

America was founded on freedom.  Our Constitution declares freedom, equality, and justice for all.  How sad that we are willingly walking back into darkness.  We are cheerfully allowing the government to chain us down and destroy the document that states, “We the people...”  It doesn’t say the government shall provide…  It’s as if history never took place.  It’s also why it’s not being taught.  It’s so much easier to control the ignorant.

“I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience.  I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.”

Patrick Henry

 

 

 

July 17, 2013

The Destruction of America

By Tammy Derouin

There’s a bumper sticker that has grabbed my attention.  I’ve seen if from time to time but this past week I was behind it on several occasions.  It simply says COEXIST.  The symbols of the major world religions spell out the word.  This bumper sticker is usually on the same type of car, an older foreign vehicle that has several other throw back messages.  The back side of the vehicle wouldn’t be complete without the peace sign.

What’s wrong with the peace sign?  In theory, nothing’s wrong with wanting peace.  World peace would be wonderful except that it comes with a hefty utopian, progressive price tag.  The peace sign is not welcomed in my home, not on clothing, not on anything.  I have returned clothing when a covert peace sign was spotted after the purchase.  I don’t have a problem with peace; it certainly beats war and unrest.  My problem stems from the movements that have put the peace sign on the map.  The radicals of yesterday, who used “peace” as a way to promote their agenda are the progressive radicals that are in power today.  They use the word peace but their actions cause turmoil.  Progressives use this symbol so therefore I want nothing to do with it.  Their idea of peace comes at the expense of our freedoms.

It doesn’t surprise me that the peace sign goes hand in hand with the COEXIST bumper sticker way of thinking.  Once again, it would be wonderful if we could all just get along, but we can’t.  Our individualism is what makes life so interesting.  We have different beliefs and values.  Because we are different we will disagree.  In a civil society we may disagree but for the most part we are capable of accepting each other’s differences.  When our differences become more than polite disagreement or when one group of people wants to control another group, that’s when problems arise. 

The progressives have a dream.  They want everything to be perfect.  But what’s perfect?  Whose idea of perfect do they want to follow?  Why do they feel they have to push their wants and desires on the rest of us?  Humans have uniquely different individual characteristics.  We don’t fit into the same mold.  The progressives have a mold.  They want everybody to fit into their little world.  If you don’t go willingly they will regulate, mandate and intimidate to meet their objective.

A world without war, hunger, disease or disasters of any kind does not exist.   Well it did, “In the beginning God…”  Leave it to man to mess it up.  Man is far from perfect so it stands to reason that a utopia built by man, for man will be less than perfect.  Man was meant to live free.  Any attempts to control or remove freedoms are usually short lived.  The progressives refuse to learn from history.  They have mastered the whole, if at first you don’t succeed, try try again.  

It is difficult to coexist among others that don’t share your beliefs and values.  It doesn’t mean that we automatically dislike those who have different beliefs.  It just means that life can become difficult at times.  We can usually get past the small things and figure out ways to get along.  When the issues become detrimental to our way of life or to our very existence, the whole “coexist” becomes a problem.

It’s admirable to think we can coexist on a religious level.  We can’t coexist or live in peace when one religion wants another to be eradicated.  The Muslim Brotherhood has called for the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people.  This isn’t a secret.  Clerics have been filmed calling for Jihad on Israel and those who support them.  That’s us America!  Many Americans, regardless of our current political tragedies, still stand with Israel.  The Obama administration no longer supports Israel.  Oddly, that hasn’t stopped Muslim clerics for calling for the destruction of America.    

Our president, who took an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, has invited the enemy into our country, our government and our White House.  Americans voted for their own demise.  Our president doesn’t like America.  His actions and his words have proven this over and over again. 

If Islam is allowed to eradicate anyone who doesn’t share their beliefs, which by the way is their goal, only Islam will exist.  Once we have been conquered and forced into their mold, there is no need to coexist.   

America used to be the protector.  We use to defend those who were oppressed.   Now we throw them to the wolves.  We use to fight against tyranny, now we embrace it.  

“I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.”

President Barack Obama

July 10, 2013

The Flag Stands For Freedom

By Tammy Derouin

As I watched decorations for the July 4^th celebration find their place, I recalled the words of Hillary Clinton during the Benghazi hearings, “What difference, at this point, does it make?”  She was asking, but also stating that it really doesn’t matter who’s responsible for the deaths of four Americans.  Although said for a different reason, what difference does anything make?  Why do we set standards?

Those words come to mind when I see the image of the American flag printed on anything that can be thrown away such as paper cups, plates and napkins.  The flag should never be used as drapery, clothing, and covering for a stand or as table linen.  Those words hit a nerve when I see the flag improperly flown at half-staff.  Standards and etiquette exists for a reason, least we forget why we have existed for 237 years. Before you lower our flag, place it next to a podium or hang it vertically on a wall, check flag etiquette. 

So why does it matter?  The flag stands for freedom.  The American flag represents who we are as a nation, a republic.  We are one nation under God.  We are the last beacon of hope.  If America falls, there’s no place to seek refuge, no place to live free. 

If we don’t treat the very symbol of our freedom with respect, we lose our history.  If we lose our history, we will lose any hope of having freedom in our future.  We have taken our freedoms for granted.  We celebrate as if they still exist, untouched by abuse of power. 

I spent this 4^th of July dealing with much uncertainty.  A holiday that was once an event to celebrate our freedom from tyranny has become a holiday with an uncertain future.  We celebrate but we do not see we are heading back into darkness. 

As I watched the firework display, several patriotic songs played in the background.  Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.,” (I’m proud to be an American) had a surreal feeling to it.  “The flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.”  No “they” can’t take it away.  We have a document that states we the people have certain unalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Liberty is freedom.  We have been endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights.  Man cannot take away freedoms which man did not give.  We can however, give them up.  If we chose to do so, man is all too willing to take that which isn’t his.

We have a Constitution.  It’s our blueprint, our instruction manual on how to remain free.  Our government has decided it isn’t necessary; it’s an old, dusty document.  Have you ever played a game where the rules were in question?  Everybody has a different idea of how it should be played. There is confusion and hesitation.  A polite disagreement with smiles and uneasy laughter follow.  We can agree to disagree but what do we do to proceed?  The strongest arguers usually win and they are usually the ones that don’t want you to refer to the instructions.  They want you to take their word for it.  To keep the peace you smile and agree but deep inside you know something is wrong.  A board game is just a game.  We however, are in a game for our life.  Our very existence depends on knowing our instruction manual, our Constitution.  Are we going to sit back and take “their” word for it because it sounds good or are we going to call them on their misrepresentation? 

Understanding our history, knowing what is taking place today will secure our future.  Reading and understanding the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution is the first step.  Demanding that your representation follows the instruction manual is crucial. 

“The 5,000 Year Leap” is an excellent book.  It explains how the government is supposed to work.  It is a wonderful history lesson.  Too bad it isn’t used to teach our children.  If it were, we wouldn’t be in the mess we are in, depending on the bullies to guide us.  Controllers always know what’s best.  They don’t want you to be educated on the rules so they tell you it’s an old and dusty document.

The firework display was wonderful.  The uncertain feeling the day brought with it was unsettling.  There are too many unanswered questions.  What I see and what I feel doesn’t always add up.  What was once clear has become cloudy. 

I want to believe the flag still stands for freedom.  Respecting our symbol of freedom is a start.  Treat that which you love, your freedom, with the respect it deserves.

“But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.”

John Adams

 

In Congress, July 4, 1776

July 3, 2013

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776

By Tammy Derouin

“When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”   The Declaration Of Independence, paragraph 1.

As we celebrate 237 years of independence, it’s important that we know the reason why we celebrate.  It was important to the founders that the world knew why Colonial America was ending its ties with the British Empire.  “The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of absolute Tyranny over these States.  To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.”  The founders go on to list their grievances with the king.  One example, “…and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments.”  More examples of the king’s fundamental transformations are listed.  It’s well worth a couple minutes of your time to read this extraordinary document.

On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men signed a document stating why they, the Representatives of the United States of America, were declaring independence from British rule.  They listed numerous violations and abuses of power.  Signing such a document made them an immediate enemy of the state.  They would be considered traitors and hung if captured.  I imagine a room full of chatter and words of encouragement as the signatures are amassed.  I imagine a more solemn atmosphere upon the conclusion of this sacred moment.  Perhaps there was a collective moment of silence as they looked at each other knowing full well the implications of their actions.  Such life altering decisions are not made in haste.  There was no turning back.  They drew their line, enough was enough. The time had come to fight for freedom.

In this document, the founder’s state truths believed to be self-evident, including, “that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

In order to secure these rights, the founders believed that “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”  They warn that governments should not be changed for “light and transient causes.”  They also acknowledged that man is conditioned to accept rather than change the situation, “…that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”

The founders chose freedom so their posterity wouldn’t live in servitude.  What an extraordinary concept. For 237 years the citizens of the United States have been exceptional.  We, the American people, have lived free.  That’s what makes us exceptional.

The Declaration Of Independence was only the beginning.  It gave birth to a new nation.  A nation that held the belief that man should be free.  Man was not only capable of ruling himself but would thrive doing so in the process. They believed that government shouldn’t chain the people down but that the people should chain the government down.

The battle for independence would be a long and difficult struggle.  There would be much sacrifice required by the people.  Many would not see the victorious end, the proof that our flag would still be there.  Whether they died in battle or witnessed the birth of a new nation, their sacrifice provided freedom for many generations to come.

Several years later, The Constitution would become another sacred document in American History.  This document is the heart of our freedom.  Right now nine of the ten bills in the Bill of Rights are under attack.  Tyranny has taken hold of our nation.  The enemy is our government, a government put in place by the people.  Politicians conspire against the people.  Our freedoms, our liberties have become the target.  We are once again dealing with the all too common reality that governments believe they know best and therefore must chain the people into servitude.

The men who signed The Declaration Of Independence put everything on the line including their lives.  A revolution was necessary at that time.  A revolution isn’t necessary today.  The Constitution enables us to make corrections without shedding blood.  We have been an exceptional nation.  I hope I can say the same next year at this time. 

Without Life and Liberty, Happiness does not exist.

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.”

The Declaration Of Independence