David and Sarah Exciting Activity!!!

The Left hates lots-a-people

2006-04-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

I recently helped host the author of “Why the Left Hates America.” Now, it is widely known that radicals usually resort to name calling and shout downs, the event here at Portland State was no exception. While there are those conservatives out there who use name calling and intimidation as means of arguing (Michael Savage is an excellent example) there simply is no equality when it comes to this issue between the two parties.

Why do people shout speakers down, or yell out “get to your point, fu%#$er” as some did at the event here at PSU? Well, the answer is simple. Liberals argue with their heart and not their mind. I have had the pleasure of changing bystanders minds (those listening to the “conversations”) by simply using sound intellectual arguments, while making those of liberal, “progressive” viewpoints seem to be bigoted and close-minded. Next time that you have people telling you abhorrent, stupid things (like “any liberal thing is good” or Bush knew about 9/11 before it happened) don’t argue against them, rather argue for the people around that maybe have not had an education in the subject being argued. When having a discussion, always follow your common sense. Do not stand by and let morons spread objectionable verbal propaganda about your president or your country-for when compared to other countries, America is not doing so badly.

Campaign 2006

2006-02-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

The campaign season is upon us again, and this year looks to be particularly interesting for the Lewis County Courthouse. All county office holders, save one, are up for election this November, which makes this one of the heaviest election years in recent county history. Richard Graham, 2nd District County Commissioner, is the lone official who avoids the election this year, having campaigned during his scheduled election year in 2004.

There will be at least two offices that will see a primary contest. The 3rd Commissioner District, an open seat due to Republican Commissioner Dennis Hadaller’s retirement at the end of his term, will see a competitive two or three way primary between several qualified candidates. I will gather information on individual candidates and post it within the next month.

The primary contest will be the campaign for Lewis County Prosecutor. Two candidates have either announced, or made it very apparent that they will run. These are Michael Golden, and Don Blair. I have agreed to act as campaign manager for Mr. Golden’s campaign. Mr. Blair announced in late-December, and has attempted to organize a committee throughout the month of January.

Mike Golden is a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the Lewis County Prosecutor's office. He has assembled an impressive campaign team. He has brought together individuals who consider themselves very conservative, and those who are more centrists. This has created, in my estimation, the most complete and comprehensive team possible. If you would like to volunteer for this campaign please contact me soon!

Mr. Blair is a former employee of the Lewis County Prosecutor’s office, who works as a criminal defense attorney.

The 1st Commissioner District has a runoff election this year. Ron Averill will run on the Republican ticket against the Democrat appointee, James Lowery. Mr. Lowery was appointed to the 1st Commissioner seat upon the retirement of Eric Johnson in January. Ron and his wife Jan live in Centralia. Ron served in the United States Army and has been very active in our community. He currently works for South Puget Sound Community College as Dean of the Political Science Department. I strongly support Ron and believe he will make a good commissioner.

Steve Mansfield, Lewis County Sheriff, is running this year to get back on the regular election schedule for his office. Mansfield was appointed to his post in January 2005 when former Sheriff John McCroskey retired in the middle of his term. Steve has kept many of Sheriff McCroskey’s initiatives. He has also begun to implement his own ideas, such as the Meth Caucus, held in January, in which leaders from across the county and state were brought together to discuss how they can more aggressively combat Methamphetamine in our community. I strongly support Steve for reelection and encourage everyone to contact his campaign and volunteer.

Rose Bowman, County Treasurer, is running for reelection. I strongly support Rose and encourage your support.

Kathy Brack, County Clerk, is running for reelection. I strongly support Kathy for reelection and encourage your support.

Dianne Dorey, County Assessor, is running for reelection. I support Dianne for reelection and urge your support.

Gary Zandell, County Auditor, has not announced his intentions for this election.

Terry Wilson, County Coroner, has not announced his intentions for this election.

Both District Court judges, Michael P. Roewe, and R.W. Buzzard are up for election this year. Neither gentleman has officially announced their intentions.

I will gather further information on each candidate as they announce their intentions. Thanks for reading!

Freedom and Liberty

2005-12-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
(Inscription on the Statue of Liberty)

From the first time I listened to the last song Johnny Cash ever recorded, “Hurt,” I’ve felt as if it could speak to several things. I’m a pretty sappy guy, in case you don’t know that already. I’m also very serious when it comes to certain things. My God, my family, and my nation. I always will be. Therefore, I interpreted the song “Hurt” in three different ways: A song to God, relating to His pain for us, how I let Him down. To my family, specifically, my wife, “What have I become, my sweetest friend?”
From the Nation of America to the world, “Everyone I know goes away in the end. You can have it all my empire of dirt...If I could start again, a million miles away, I would keep myself, I would find a way.”
When we were struck on 9/11 it was shocking to us. We felt violated. We struck back, as a whole. America had to come together to defeat our enemies. For the most part, we all have a very strong attachment to the colors red, white and blue. Our national identity, meaning, our attachment to each other, our form of government, and our freedoms, threw us into action. We were victorious in Afghanistan, we were victorious in the war in Iraq. (By the way, it’s not a war anymore; it’s the establishment of a new country. The war has been over for a couple years.) We did not enter these wars to claim them as our own, but to eliminate the regimes in place at the time, with the permanent goal of returning power to the people of those countries. Not just power, but freedom. I don’t think we really get the meaning of that word. We’ve always had freedom, but many of us don’t know it.

Thoughts on our Nation

2005-12-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

"It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nation only are blessed whose God is the Lord."
Abraham Lincoln, U.S. President

"America is ready to encourage, eager to initiate, and promote that brotherhood of mankind which must be God's highest conception of human relationship."
Warren G. Harding, U.S. President

During conversations with people who are much wiser and more experienced in this world than I, a certain thought has struck me: Where will our nation and society be when my children are in high school and graduating college, trying to establish a life of their own. Perhaps this is an epiphany that every person has when they arrive at a certain point in their lives, and for me it has been very apparent recently.
I have realized something that perhaps you can relate too. There are very few people with a strong vision of what they want for the future. I don't mean on an individual level, (although that may be the root of this problem) I mean on a societal level. Words such as Democracy, Freedom, Liberty, even Justice, have become little more than buzz words, used by demagogues to perpetuate their influence over the masses.
The American people are good, in the real meaning of that word (Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor). We desire good things, and many of us have a vision for future generations.
I enjoy spending time with people who are not associated with our government. At times I get jaded. It’s like breathing fresh air to be with people who believe in the American dream, and are striving to live it.
People are, for the most part, confident in our government, business, etc. We want to make a difference in the world, however that may be. In effect, we are all world changers. It’s all a matter of scale. The politician or businessman would crash and burn if they didn’t have a wife beside them to be encouraged by and pray with. We all play a key role in this adventure.
When I first wrote this (a while ago) I wasn’t sure when to post it: now I know. I want to encourage each of you. Give thought to how you can help America become a nation who again has a value system encouraging each of us to be responsible and care for ourselves, while likewise caring for our community.

Thoughts on Patriotism

2005-09-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, as I was driving home, I noticed a bumper sticker in the window of a truck. The sticker was red, white and blue, and stated "Peace is Patriotic." This put me to thinking. What is the message the owner of this truck is attempting to reveal to the rest of the driving world? The obvious is that he/she is most likely not in favor of the Iraq War, and would like to see our troops come home immediately. Does this viewpoint make the driver unpatriotic? Does it make them feel unpatriotic? How do you define patriotism? Is patriotism a partisan word that means either in favor of, or in opposition to whichever political party is in leadership? Or is it something more?
As I drove along I thought of another saying that any bumper sticker manufacturers who may read this should consider.
"All Patriots desire this; Freedom then Peace."
Peace without Freedom isn't Peace. It's called surrender.
Likewise, Freedom without Peace isn't really Freedom. This is called anarchy.
The correct order of things is to first attain Freedom, then declare Peace.

Thoughts?

Quote of the Week

2005-08-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

To be ambitious of true honor, of the true glory and perfection of our natures, is the very principle and incentive of virtue.
Sir Walter Scott
Scottish Novelist and Poet
1771 - 1832

Quote of the Week

2005-08-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

"I ask our youngest citizens to believe the evidence of your eyes. You have seen duty and allegiance in the determined faces of our soldiers. You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs. Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself - and in your days you will add not just to the wealth of our country, but to its character.
America has need of idealism and courage, because we have essential work at home - the unfinished work of American freedom. In a world moving toward liberty, we are determined to show the meaning and promise of liberty."
George W. Bush
43rd President of the United States
Second Inaugural speach
January 20th, 2005

Quote of the Week

2005-08-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

"Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them."
Aristotle

Greek Philosopher

Quote of the Week

2005-08-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor souls who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt
26th President of the United States

New HROC Leadership!

2005-06-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am happy to confirm the elevation of my good friend and Lewis County native Kevin Carns to the post of Political Director for the House Republican Organizational Committee. Kevin has an aggressive plan to take back the Washington State House. He has an impressive resume, including credentials as an Army Ranger Paratrooper. Kevin has extensive experience with the political side of politics, with his finger prints on literally hundreds of campaigns across Washington, which include everything from City Council races to Legislative, Governor's, Attorney General, State Supreme Court, and U.S. Congressional campaigns.
On policy, Kevin has worked in the Washington Repubublican Senate Caucus, and has been
on the team at the Washington Restaurant Association as their Political Action Coordinator
for several years.

Kevin is pictured at center in this photo dated September 17, 2003

Quote of the Week

2005-06-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

I have fallen behind with these. This is a great quote having to do with initiative. Too few people have this old skill. Many people talk about doing something, or how they want to, but they never actually follow through. I don't know who said this but we should all take it to heart.

"Most people spend more time planning their grocery shopping than designing their future. The basic difference between people who live their dreams and those who only dream about how they would live, are the accuracy of their plans, their ability to generate new ideas, and their ability to take action."

U.S. Senate 2006

2005-06-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Information from inside a Pacific Northwest U.S. Senator's office reported that Safeco Insurance CEO Mike McGavick, accompanied by his wife, visited the Senator's office last week. McGavick was the "first choice" by Washington Republican leadership in 2003 to run for Washington State Governor. Perhaps with Dino's near success and Rob McKenna's unquestionable victory in the 2004 election, McGavick, an East-Side(Seattle), social moderate, fiscal conservative Republican is reevaluating his chances for electoral victory over first-term Senatorial embarrassment, Maria Cant-doanything-well. Karl Rove and the Bush team has our Junior Senator in their crosshairs for a potential pickup in next year's midterm elections.
I believe there could be three major Republican U.S. Senate pickups next year: Minnesota, Florida and Washington. With Katherine Harris jumping into the race in Florida, and with a revived and strengthening GOP in Minnesota, the focus will be directed at those two races(as well as Rick Santorum's race in Pennsylvania, where the Dems have him targeted). The base in Washington is fired up, but the State party is $2,000,000 in the hole right now, and few donors are willing to donate money to backfill debt.

Trial Outcome...

2005-06-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

If Machiavelli was alive today, he may have written these words regarding the attitude taken by Gov. Gregoire following the courts decision in the gubenatorial election challenge:

Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them they take vengeance, but if you injure them greatly they
are unable to retaliate, so that the injury done to a man ought to be such that vengeance cannot be feared. Niccolo Machiavelli

I feel the 2004 election, and the fallout thereof, has angered and offended the people of Washington. This offense should be directed towards the legislative and local races in 2006. I say local races because the Republican party has utterly failed at developing a "farm team" for the future leadership in Washington state. The Democrats are great at looking ten years into the future, as far as who they want to hold which offices.
We must improve at this. When you consider a candidate for local office, the first question should be in reference to their qualifications and platform. Your second question should be a consideration of this persons electability to higher office, ie. County Offices, State House/Senate, or any statewide office.
What we have been doing for the last 20 years has not worked. Period.
I am not content to imagine that my state is going to forever be a Democrat stronghold. I will not accept the status quo regarding education, business, government accountability, civil defense, and all values, being set by the Democrats. Let's work to find good (electable) people to represent us in our city council's, county offices and state legislature.

Governor (Election) On Trial...

2005-05-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Watch the Governor's Trial on tvw.

Quote of the week

2005-05-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

"A wise man will see to it that his acts always seem voluntary and not done by compulsion, however much he may be compelled by necessity."
Niccolo Machiavelli

Swecker not lone Republican in gas-tax debate

2005-05-19T00:06:00.000-07:00

I wrote the following letter to the editor in response to Marty Hayes' letter printed today. I really like Marty, I just disagree with him on this issue.

To the Editor:
I’m a Republican, and a pretty conservative one if you ask my friends. However, I have to point out some facts to my friend Marty Hayes. In his letter on Wednesday, he displayed the thoughts of numerous folks I have spoken with lately. Many people in Lewis County, especially after King County has displayed innumerable signs of fraud in November’s Governor election, are very upset our taxes were raised this session. They have taken a “laser beam” and pointed it at Dan Swecker.
Few citizens take the time to read legislation. Instead, we rely on those we elect to represent us in the best way they can, and then we rely on the press to report what they are doing. Senator Swecker has represented us for a decade. He has always fought for us. Dan is a leader, which has moved him into leadership positions in the Senate before. Everyone in Washington knew this Legislative session was going to be horrible. That’s what happens with 3-D government (Democrats control the House, Senate, and Governor’s Mansion). Instead of standing in the corner with his arms crossed like a spoiled child he attempted to make the best out of a terrible situation and see what he could get for us. At least five other Republican Senators, including the minority leader and eastside Republicans, took the same attitude. There were four Republican Senators, all East-sider’s who didn’t vote yes or no on the bill which normally means it will benefit their district, but it would look bad politically for them to vote for it. Dan could have taken that way out, but he didn’t.
We need freeway expansion and help to increase our infrastructure in Southwest. Some of this was achieved this year, and we need Dan to continue fighting for us. I think half of our problem as residents of Lewis County are we keep blaming our problems on King County instead of taking responsibility for what we can do.

Secretary-General Clinton?

2005-05-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

I found this article, by William Rusher, here. This is an issue I have personally pondered for about five years. The former President has done virtually everything but outright ask for the job of United Nations Secretary-General. With his desire for power and influence, as well as his high approval ratings outside the U.S., he could most likely get the job without much competition.

Bill Clinton's desire to succeed Kofi Annan as secretary-general of the United Nations when the latter steps down next year has now graduated from the rumor stage to that of a fact as well-established as such a thing can reasonably be at this point in the game.

…barred by the Constitution from running for president again, his present rather aimless life must be a continuing frustration.

What does a former president of the United States, forcibly retired at a cruelly early age, do for an encore? The job of secretary-general seems the perfect answer. Whatever its defects and limitations, it certainly qualifies as a major post - the closest approximation there is (albeit not very close) to a "presidency of the world." It involves frequent travel, lots of speeches and a modest amount of administrative drudgery, but very little really heavy lifting of the kind a president of the United States confronts every day.

What would be the consequences of a former U.S. President leading the UN? We all know Clinton is a socialist. With Slick-Willy working out of New York it would bring the UN closer to home than the U.S. has ever seen it.

Here’s a thought. If Slick-Willy is successful in gaining the UN post in 2006, and his wife is successful in 2008, what does that mean for the United States? The Clintons would be virtually running the world! Can Hillary get elected if her husband is Secretary-General, or would that frighten too many people?

Rumors for 2008...

2005-05-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

Obviously one of the most prominent questions on the minds of most politicos throughout the U.S., aside from the '06 midterm elections and who is the real Governor of Washington, is the 2008 Presidential race. I have a theory I wanted to share.
Here's an idea for everyone to ponder and discuss.

Republicans
President *Conservative*
Sen. George Allen (Virginia)
Vice President *Moderate*
Sen. Gordon Smith (Oregon)

vs.

Democrats
President *Moderate*
Gov. Bill Richardson (New Mexico)
Vice President *Liberal*
Sen. Hillary Clinton (New York)

Free speech vs. religious bigots

2005-05-17T23:05:00.000-07:00

Most of us have heard the story about a lady in Tacoma who was offended by a license plate she saw on the highway. The personalized plate reads "JOHN3:16". The Associated Press reported earlier today on the final decision reached by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Vanity may be a sin, but a Christian message on vanity license plates is OK with the state of Washington. The Department of Licensing on Tuesday dismissed a complaint against a vanity plate imprinted with "JOHN316." "The plate is not offensive under our rules and was never in danger of being canceled," said Licensing Department Director Liz Luce said.

I am so glad that my tax dollars are spent on issues that have such grave importance to the future of equality in Washington State. The same issue has been raised in Vermont. The same AP article shortly addresses this similar case.

Meanwhile in Vermont, Shawn Byrne of Rutland is suing the state after it
rejected his bid for a "JOHN316" vanity plate. State attorneys contend the
license plate would amount to a state endorsement of religion.

At least we don't live in Vermont! Remember that Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democrat National Committee, is the former Governor of Vermont and Former Attorney General Gregoire is one of his prodogies...

Chronicle ed. board's thoughts on Minority Leader Change

2005-05-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

DeBolt’s leadership abilities recognized anew, will benefit us

State Rep. Richard DeBolt, who represents the Lewis County area in the Legislature, is intelligent, articulate, well informed and effective on the issues, knowledgeable about legislative procedures and a strong leader.
Those qualities were recognized before by Republicans, a minority in the House, with his election as their leader during the 2004 session. They’ve been recognized anew, to the benefit of our area.
Republicans lost three seats in the November election to put them further in the minority, now with 43 seats compared to the Democrats’ 55 seats. Since the losses occurred on DeBolt’s watch, that apparently was a factor in his ouster as minority leader — by the barest of margins — by the caucus shortly after the November election. On a 20-19 vote he was replaced by Bruce Chandler, a Yakima Valley Republican, and was not on the leadership team in this year’s session, which concluded last month.
But apparently there was dissatisfaction within the caucus about Chandler’s effectiveness as minority leader during the session. As a result, DeBolt, of Chehalis, Saturday was resurrected as the leader. The fact that none of the remainder of the leadership team was replaced indicates the concern was at the top.
DeBolt, in reflecting on the change, said the caucus didn’t use to its full advantage some House rules available to the minority party. Had the GOP leadership done so, it might have been more effective in stopping some Democratic legislation it opposed.
That’s where effective, strong, savvy leadership comes in. Next year’s legislative session and the ensuing elections in November will provide DeBolt an opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of his leadership, both in terms of GOP agenda legislation and rebuilding GOP strength in the House. For the Republicans to regain control would require a shift to them of just seven seats.
Meantime, DeBolt’s return to the leadership position should be good news for Lewis County and all of his 20th District. DeBolt said one of his highest priorities will be to bring more jobs to the state, which can help reduce social ills.
And in the process he’ll be helping his own district, including continuing to push for a pet bill that provides a tax incentive to make possible more timber jobs in our county. That bill did not make it out of the Democratic-controlled Legislature this session.
We welcome DeBolt’s return to the influential legislative leadership post, for the good of all of his constituents.

Politics, etc...

2005-05-17T01:56:00.000-07:00

I have finally brought some thoughts together to form a weblog.

With the Governor's election going on trial next Monday, I felt it appropriate to assemble a forum for my family and friends in Lewis County, as well as those of you across the state, country and world, to discuss the current political, social, and economic landscape of our communities.

Please email me with any ideas for topics as you think of them. I will attempt to provide the latest coverage of the Governor's trial, with my "completely unbiased" analysis.

It begins

2005-05-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD
rejoices to see the work begin..." Zechariah
4:10

A thought every good thing should commence with.