Random Thoughts

Just few random thoughts today . . .

1) The world scene is just a bit more dangerous today with the recent actions of North Korea. I hope and pray the President Obama will act wisely. This is a time to stand strong and firm in defense of our country.

2) The president's recent nominee ( Judge Sotomayor) as the next justice of the Supreme Court is troubling. She readily admits on camera to the courts making policy. Ok, Senate Republicans, time to step up to the plate. If she is confirmed, it will be a sad day.

3) Had a great day in church this past Sunday. The presence of God was strong and He touched several people during the service. Looking forward to more.

National Council for a New America

I guess maybe I am a little troubled by the direction and purpose of the National Council for a New America . . . for at least a couple reasons. First off, other than Sarah Palin (quite possibly the best vice-presidential candidate of all time), the membership of this new group seems to consist of a mixed bag of political moderates and a few conservatives. Palin is a true conservative whom I admire greatly. Sure, there are other conservatives involved, but the direction of the organization seems to be headed down a particular road. That road seems to be one of fiscal issues only, as if that is all we need to be concerned about. This is my second concern, where is the interest in social issues? The social issues like life and traditional marriage are strategically and vitally important to the Republican Party. These are issues that not only the social conservatives support, but serve as rallying points for others of like mind - particularly the ethnic communities who still have a strong conservative social fabric woven through them. We must not neglect the social issues! Finally, this new group wants to go out on listening tours. Shouldn't they already be listening to their constituents? Have they been neglecting keeping in touch with Main Street? Back in the last presidential candidate Mike Huckabee promoted himself as a candidate of Main Street and not Wall Street. I appreciated that comment and believe that approach is a better one.

Iowa Governor's Race '10

There have been a number of names thrown around as potential candidates for the Republican nomination for the 2010 Iowa governor's race. I don't think anyone knows exactly all who will throw their hat in the ring - I sure don't. However, that hasn't stopped me from thinking about some of the potential candidates. Here are some of my thoughts on some of the candidates who have been mentioned.

Bill Northey - A good guy, I like him a lot. Currently he is the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and seems to be doing a good job - I voted for him in 2008 and am glad he won. I am not sure as to his ideas on the state as a whole, but it may not matter - right now - as there have been reports that he has decided not to run for governor at this time.

Steve King - What can I say about Steve? Steve is a strong, outspoken conservative currently representing the 5th District of Iowa (western Iowa) in the US House. Steve has been quite vocal on many issues and I have to admit that I agree with him a large majority of the time. He is a true patriot. I have voted for Steve every time he has run. While I like him, I am not sure how well he would do in a statewide race. Western Iowa is the most conservative part of the state and he does well here. Eastern Iowa is more progressive, ok, it is more liberal so the sledding may be a bit rough for Steve there. Personally, I would like to see Steve run for re-election to his seat in the US House.

Chris Rants - Chris serves in the Iowa state legislature representing the Sioux City area. Chris has potential. Maybe I don't know him well enough, but I don't think his time is now. Perhaps in a few more years?

Bob Vander Plaats - Bob is my choice for governor. I will get the negative out of the way first. The knock on Bob is that he is old news. He has run twice for the nomination already and was unsuccessful both times. True, he has run for the office before. However, my response to that is - Abraham Lincoln. Look up his track record. Bob is a great communicator. He reminds me of Ronald Reagan and Mike Huckabee in his communication skills. More importantly is what Bob communicates - the truth. Bob is right on the issues. He is a true conservative with great common sense. Bob has the right blend of social and fiscal conservatism that appeals to people of all across the state. I appreciate how Bob has run to the battle to keep traditional marriage as the standard. He is not afraid to speak out on the issues. I have yet to see him dodge an issue. While Bob is a conservative, he also has a strong sense of compassion - a valuable asset. Bob truly cares about people and the good people of Iowa deserve someone who is willing to put the people above political ambition. I will be supporting Bob Vander Plaats in the Republican primary next year.

Any of the above candidates would be a tremendous improvement over our present governor - Gov. Culver. As I started to write this my intention was to simply write a review of some of the candidates - sort of thinking out loud. In the end I guess it became an endorsement statement. So be it.

Vander Plaats for Governor!!
By the way, look for a Huck PAC endorsement of Bob to come in the future.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Had a great church service yesterday. It was very cool to see and feel the Holy Spirit moving in our midst. The service centered around the testimony of a man from Ft. Dodge, Iowa who was instantly and totally healed of MS. At the end of the service we had an altar call where people could come forward to be prayed over for healing. I am looking forward to hearing the testimonies of those who were prayed for. God is still in the healing business, that is for sure.

Caught the Huckabee show on Fox last night. It was good. Mike had a couple of guests that I really enjoyed. Darryl Stawberry, former major league baseball player, was on and gave his testimony of how God saved him. Darryl was caught up in a lifestyle that included habitual drug use. It was great to hear that Darryl is now a believer with a personal relationship with God - and has kicked the drug habit. Woo! Hoo!

Bob Vander Plaats was also on Huckabee last night. Bob shared the details of what is going on in Iowa with the same-sex marriage court decision. He did a great job of giving the legal background of all this. If you live in Iowa, you should seriously consider supporting Bob Vander Plaats for governor next year. Bob is right on target on the issues - a true pro-life, pro-family advocate. He is not afraid to take a stand!

Where Will We Be Headed?

I have lived in Iowa for most of my life. For the most part it has been very good. However, recently there have been some new developments here that concern me. Recently the Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that Iowa must allow same-sex marriages. Here in the heartland of America it seems as if we are now trying to outdo California and New York as the leading edge of social liberalism. Generally I am pretty laid back, an easygoing type guy, but this is crossing the line for me. God's Word - the Bible - is very clear on what is acceptable and what is not acceptable as sexual relationships go. We here in Iowa now find ourselves on the wrong side of God's Word. I am encouraging everyone to stand up and to make your voice of opposition heard. Christians, this is not the time to continue sitting on the sidelines. We are privileged to live in a country where we can have a say in how our country - or our state - is run. Let's stand for the principles as outlined in God's Word. If we don't, it makes me wonder where we will be headed.

Here in Iowa we are blessed to have one potential candidate for governor who is willing to take a strong stand in support of traditional marriage - the way God intended it. That soon to be official candidate is Bob Vander Plaats. (You can catch Bob this weekend on the Huckabee show on Fox News Saturday at 7 pm Central and again on Sunday at 7 and 10 pm Central.) Bob would make a great governor. I encourage you to consider supporting him. Check out his website at http://www.teamvp2010.com/ .