Now What?

Well, the Iowa primary is now a month past. Let's take a moment to review and reflect. I had no local races in the primary so the one that had my real attention was the race for governor. That race was won by Terry Branstad over my candidate of choice, Bob Vander Plaats. I do want to state one thing, just because Branstad is the Republican candidate doesn't mean he is a or the conservative candidate. I will give him that he does do some conservative things, but I believe there is a lack of consistency in his positions and his actions. This bothers me. As a strong social conservative I wish he would take a stronger stand supporting life and supporting the sanctity of marriage and opposing things that are a detriment to our society such as gambling. Many of my friends and associates have said they will not vote for Branstad. I will not go that far - yet. However, I am looking at third party/independent options. There is still time before November for the former governor to "see the light". I am hoping for a Damacus road conversion.

I am tired of voting for the lesser of evils. I am tired of voting for moderate Republicans who campaign as conservatives. Over the years I have subscribed to the two party only school of thought, that a third party candidate cannot win and is a wasted vote. Right now I am struggling with that concept. I am struggling with how I as a Christian am responsible to God for my vote. How should that truth reflect in my vote? This is all bringing me to closer to the idea that from time to time voting for a third party may not be a wasted vote, but a vote on priniciple - God's principles. A friend of mine has offered that perhaps we should vote for the best candidate for the office based on God's principles regardless of any "chance of winning" - and leave the results up to God. I think that is wise.

Confirmation

Well, the race for governor of Iowa is shaking out - the list of candidate is narrowing. It was great to see the recent endorsements received by Bob Vander Plaats. David Barton of Wallbuilders is a man for whom I have great respect. Barton endorsed Vander Plaats earlier this month. Barton's endorsement is another confirmation that Vander Plaats is a solid conservative who is committed to protecting the unborn and the sanctity of marriage. I am no Constitutional expert but I like Vander Plaats idea - supported by the historian Barton - of an executive order to stay same-sex marriage until we have the opportunity to vote on it. If this approach worked for Abraham Lincoln (Dred Scott decision), why not try it here in Iowa? Thank goodness Bob Vander Plaats is not afraid to try something bold to save traditional marriage. Go, Bob!!

We Must Not Forget!

Now granted, our nation's healthcare situation is not perfect. There are a number of areas that could be improved - like portability and being able to buy insurance across state lines as a couple of examples. However, what is currently being railroaded through Congress right now is the wrong solution at the wrong time. What frosts me even more though, is the process of open bribery to obtain votes. The one that comes to mind first is the vote buying of Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Shame on the both of you! What has our country come to? Then to top things off Sen. Reid inserts a clause that circumvents the Constitution - that makes it harder to get rid of the death panels.

In Omaha the other day, Mike Huckabee said it well. We must not forget!! When November 2010 comes around we need to vote out those who do not listen to us - their employers - and vote for those who will follow the Constitution - as it was written - not as it is interpreted by some liberal judges. Then in November 2012, let's do it again. Vote out those who do not listen to their constituents. Vote for candidates who follow the Constitution, who support small government, who support faith, family, and freedom. We must not forget!!

Mike and Israel

If you have been following the news, you are aware that Mike Huckabee is currently in Israel. This is good! I know, I know, our country's economy is hurting and we must keep that a priority. However, a president of our country must be able to juggle more than one ball at a time. Foreign policy, especially that of the Middle East, cannot be neglected. Mike has a great understanding of the importance of Israel to the United States. We must continue to support Israel in it's efforts to remain free and to keep it's citizens safe. Mike knows that and, unlike our present administration, will stand with Israel. Not only is this important from a political standpoint, it is also important from a spiritual standpoint. Perhaps I may explore the spiritual angle at a later time. I guess what I am really trying to say in all this is that I am glad the Mike is in Israel right now, checking things out for himself. Mike's support for Israel is very wise foreign policy, not only for Israel, but also for the United States. This is the type of foreign policy that we need coming from our State Department. Way to go, Mike!

This-n-That

Yeah, it's been a while since I last posted. What can I say? Life has been very busy recently with some cool family stuff - daughter and son-in-law moving into Iowa, grandchild on the way, and more.


Let's see. Where shall I begin? An interesting comment that I read the other day started the gears in my old brain a working. Mike Huckabee - my personal favorite for '12 - made a comment that he could support Sarah Palin (or something to that effect). I agree with Mike! If for some reason, Huckabee chooses not to run in '12, my support will go to Sarah Palin. However, I firmly believe than Mike Huckabee is the man our country needs in the White House. I am hoping strongly that he does run and trusting that Mike will do what he believes God is leading him to do. In the meantime, I am involved in Huck PAC as a member of Team Huck and supporting good conservative candidates here in Iowa. I hope you are too!


Unsung Hero! You ever notice how some people get all the limelight and others who may be doing every bit as good a job are continually in the shadows. I want to acknowledge one of the unsung heroes of Iowa - Dwayne Alons. Dwayne is a state representative from northwest Iowa and one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. That is good in and of itself. However, Dwayne is also one of the most consistent, sound, strong conservative voices in the Iowa Legislature. I wish we could clone him! Three cheers for Dwayne!


Am I missing something or does Sotomayor seem to be lying through her teeth? It seems so obvious to me, but hey, maybe it's me. I am sorry, but what I have seen of her seems to indicate she is a blatantly activist judge - not the kind I want sitting on the Supreme Court.


Obama Healtcare. The more that comes out on this one, the more we see it is a danger to our healthcare and not an answer. Hello, socialism! This topic may be worthy of a little more thought later.

A Time For Action

It's very easy for us conservatives to get very depressed right now. We believe our current president is leading our country down the wrong road. Bad legislation after bad legislation after bad executive order keep coming down from on high (Washington, DC & Des Moines, too). The economy is tanked and world affairs are a mess. Politician after politician is caught in a lapse of morality. If we focus too much on all this we will get too depressed and then give up, throw in the towel. However, that is the last thing to we should do.

Let's look at the postive side of things for a moment. There are few times in history where we have had the opportunities that we now have. Those liberal policies will come home to roost and then those policies that seem so wonderful at the moment will be more like albatrosses around their necks. This is the time to stand firm on our conservative principles! Let's not go wobbly! The truth will triumph! There is great opportunity to turn this country around . . . and head it back into the direction of our Founding Fathers.

I have a couple suggestions that I believe would be wise for us all to follow:

1) Pray! Pray for our country, pray for our president, and all those in leadership. Pray that they may govern wisely and that they may listen to the leading of God in the affairs of our country. Pray that our leaders seek God's standards, seek God's ways.

2) Get out there and get active! Let your elected officials know your views on the issues. Let them know when they are wrong and when they are right. Support good candidates for office. Support candidates that will walk the talk rather than only give us the talk.

- If you live in Iowa, get behind Bob Vander Plaats for governor. Bob is a solid conservative who stands up for Christian priniciples whether they are popular or not. Bob knows what is right and will lead us in the right direction.

- While the presidential election in 2012 is still a bit off in the distance, take a good long look at Mike Huckabee. Mike is another great conservative with traditional social values. I look forward to supporting him for president and hope you will too.

- In the meantime, consider joining Team Huck. Huck PAC is supporting conservative candidates who support life, traditional marriage, conservative fiscal policies, and a strong national defense. We need candidates like this all across the country and Huck PAC is helping these people get elected.

Now is the time! Let's get out there and get to work! Our country is worth it!

The Presence of God

I think it was yesterday that I heard a quote that I have been thinking a lot about. The basic idea is as follows. Too many in the church today (particularly in the pentecostal church) are seeking the supernatural, the power. Rather we should be seeking the presence of God. Where the presence of God is, there will be His power, the supernatural power of God. If we are seeking the supernatural - the signs and wonders - the power, there may not be the presence of God. Which of course, means it would be the power of someone else. Not good. The concept the speaker was trying to communicate was to seek the presence of God first and then the other things, the supernatural works of God, will follow. I like that.