Thanksgiving 2009

"Thankfulness is a conscious response that comes from looking beyond our blessings to their source." Experiencing God Day by Day ( (c) 1998, 2006 by Henry & Richard Blackaby, published by Nashville B&H Publishing Group, page 338). I am thankful for the following blessings and wish to recognize those who have brought or now bring those blessings into my life.
For giving birth to me, encouraging me to love reading by taking me to the Bookmobile and getting me a library card, instilling in me a desire to learn and for lovingly sacrificing for me in so many ways as I was growing up: my mother, Joyce Moore. The children's checkout hut at The Library Center is dedicated in her honor.
For taking me along to work with him as a young boy through early adulthood and teaching me the value of physical labor and work in general: my dad, Bill Moore.
For accepting me as their son-in-law, being there for me when needed and modeling for me the generosity and graciousness of followers of Jesus: Bill and Mary Little.
For feeding my desire for knowledge, loving me and treating me as a person of value with unlimited potential: all my teachers at Westport Elementary, Study Junior High, Central High School and Southwest Baptist University.
For loving me, helping me as a child and teenager to find my way and grow spiritually: all the Sunday School teachers, members and the Reverend Glen Ensor of Golden Avenue Baptist Church (many of whom are now in the presence of the Living God).
For the opportunity of serving as the chief minister of justice, the satisfaction and joy that brings in contributing to public safety and the quality of life of this area: the Honorable Tom Mountjoy for hiring me (twice) as an assistant prosecutor and the people of this county who have three times entrusted this tremendous responsibility to me.
For allowing me to work with them in efforts to improve the quality of life of this community by providing hope through prevention and intervention programs for the hungry, homeless, substance addicted, children, youth, families and individuals: the many volunteers, employees and donors of the Salvation Army and Community Partnership of the Ozarks (and its sub-organization's including Ozarks Fighting Back and the Underage Drinking Task Force).
For those who serve with me in faithfully and passionately pursuing justice each day: the men and women of the Greene County Prosecutor's Office.
For patiently praying for me, helping to spiritually nurture our two children, grieving with us and sustaining us in the loss of a child, loving my wife as she ministers to them through the use of her musical gifts, and showing and teaching me the attributes of spiritual maturity over the past twenty-seven years: the congregation and pastoral staff of First Baptist Church.
For loving me, praying for me, holding me accountable and sharing the good and bad times in our lives: my friends Scott Watson and Mark Cook.
For bringing into our lives great joy, love, and parental pride in watching them mature into beautiful (internally and externally) young women: our daughters, Brittany and Hayley.
For being my best friend, wife of twenty-nine years, great mother of our children, supporting me in my public service, forgiving me when I have needed forgiveness, and loving me in good times and bad: my wife, Blye.
For loving me so deeply, providing the means of reconciliation with Him through His Son Jesus, for correcting me then picking me up when I fall short of His will and cry out for His forgiveness and help, for His wonderful mercy and grace in providing me an abundant life: the Living God.
Please take time this Thanksgiving to remember those who have added value and meaning to your life. Write a note or call those who are still living. Finally, give thanks to the ultimate source of all blessings: Almighty God.

The Lack of Transparency in Health Care Reform

Are you aware that last Wednesday, October 21, 2009, the Democratic leadership lost an important vote on health care reform? Probably not. Not many media discussed it in any detail, if at all. The New York Times did report on it in its Thursday edition, but buried the story deep inside the paper. The Heritage Foundation summarizes the vote: "You have to read all the way to page A-25 in today's New York Times to learn about it, but the Senate took its first floor vote on Obamacare yesterday and the White House lost. Big. The NYT reports: '"Democrats lost a big test vote on health care legislation on Wednesday as the Senate blocked action on a bill to increase Medicare payments to doctors at a cost of $247 billion over 10 years. The Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, needed 60 votes to proceed. He won only 47. And he could not blame Republicans. A dozen Democrats and one independent crossed party lines and voted with Republicans on the 53 to 47 roll call."' For more on this important story, go to "Morning Bell: A Whole New Health Care Ball Game," Heritage Foundation, posted on October 22, 2009, in Health Care.

What happened to transparency in discussing and developing health care reform as we were promised by candidate Obama last year? It is non-existent. Instead, in a sleight of hand designed to disguise the true cost of the Democratic leadership's main health care reform proposal, this separate bill on Medicare payments to doctors was sent to a vote. Only the trick did not work. Even Democratic senators recognized what was going on and knew that it was not fiscally responsible. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) is quoted in the New York Times article as saying, "'On the eve of a historic debate on health care, it's essential to show a commitment to real reform,' which includes fiscal responsibility." See "Democrats Lose Big Test Vote on Health Legislation," New York Times, as posted on October 21, 2009. Our own Democratic Senator, Claire McCaskill, also voted against the bill.

When will the President and Congress recognize that it is more important to fix the federal budget before taking on other significant "reforms"? This is an opportune time for a realistic review and reform of the federal budget and to reign in federal spending. What the Congress should be doing right now is establishing a fiscally realistic, balanced and sustainable budget that keeps revenues and expenditures in line and which eventually retires federal debt. That process requires the examination of all federal programs to determine the purpose of each program, whether that purpose is proper for the federal government to pursue and if it is producing the desired result. Once a sound budget base is established, we can then undertake reasonable, effective health care reform with a better understanding of its true cost.

Bottom line: What the public wants now is fiscal sanity imposed on the federal budget, and efforts focused on creating new jobs.

Congress Needs To Be Calm and Focus On The Right Priority

[As published in the Springfield News-Leader, Sunday, September 27,2009]

A USA-Gallup Poll taken after the President's speech to Congress on September 9 found that more than seven out of ten Americans believe their costs and their care will either stay the same or get worse if the health care reform legislation pending before Congress is passed. Janene Sholes of Tampa, Florida, says "It'll definitely get worse because they are going to have to find the money to pay for all this stuff. And where are they going to get it from? Us." [USA Today, as reprinted in the Springfield News-Leader, Wednesday, September 23, 2009, p. 1A].

The American people understand that we face many challenges, but they also know we must keep our heads and use common sense to resolve those challenges. Instead, the President and Congress are running around wildly, with money gushing out everywhere as the solution to all of our problems- whether it is the economy, health care or protecting the environment. This is totally irresponsible and will ultimately lead us to financial ruin.

It is time for Congress to remain calm, focus and prioritize. We must focus on getting our financial house in order before tackling other issues. For example, health care reform is needed (not as currently proposed by the President and Democratic leadership), but that is premature until we reign in federal spending and what the Congress should be doing right now is establishing a fiscally realistic, balanced and sustainable budget that keeps revenues and expenditures in line and which eventually retires federal debt. That process requires the examination of all federal programs to determine the purpose of each program, whether that purpose is proper for the federal government to pursue and if it is producing the desired result.

Congress should be focusing primarily on proposals that would get the budget in order, as described above. The bills we should be hearing and reading about in the daily news are ones such as Congressman Paul Ryan's "The Roadmap for America's Future" as proposed in 2008. Or, the "SOS: Stop Over-Spending Act"(s) of 2006, 2007 and 2008 as proposed by Senators Judd Gregg and Mitch McConnell and up to twenty-two other Republican senators. These types of bills are more important now than health care reform, climate caps or so called stimulus plans. The American people understand the concept that we should get our finances in order before taking on new, ambitious projects.

Americans will have greater confidence in and actually experience a long term economic recovery if the budget is brought under control. Instead, Americans now feel growing anxiety over increasing joblessness, continuing economic uncertainty and a more intrusive government in spite of "stimulus" money and government takeovers of industries. It is time for the President and Congress to understand and follow this concept of getting the federal budget under control instead of running around trying to change everything in sight without having a solid financial footing in place first.

We must return to civilized discussion to solve the country's problems

Events of the past week once again demonstrate the need for all sides to return to civil conversation. As Abraham Lincoln once observed, passion has its place but ultimately reason and common sense must rule the day for effective public policy to be discussed, formulated and implemented.


"...Passion has helped us but can do so no more. It will in the future be our enemy. Reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason, must furnish all the materials for our future support and defense. Let those [materials] be molded into general intelligence, [sound] morality and, in particular, a reverence for the Constitution and laws..." Lincoln, "Lyceum Speech at Springfield, Illinois," January 27, 1838, as reprinted in The Essential Lincoln: Speeches and Correspondence[NY Hill and Wang 2009 as edited by Orville Vernon Burton, page 15].


I have spent twenty-five years of my life as a prosecutor, trying cases in front of numerous juries. Juries in Missouri criminal cases are told, in part, to reach their verdicts by determining the facts based on application of their reason and common sense to the evidence presented in the case. One instruction tells them that "[a] reasonable doubt is a doubt based upon reason and common sense after careful and impartial consideration of all the evidence in the case. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves you firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt." MAI-CR3d 302.04.


Another instruction advises them that "[i]n reaching a verdict, each of you must decide the case for yourself, but you should do so only after you have considered all the evidence, discussed it fully with the other jurors, and listened to the views of your fellow jurors." MAI-CR3d 302.05.


A key admonition in the instructions is "[y]ou should perform your duties without prejudice or fear, and solely from a fair and impartial consideration of the whole case." MAI-CR3d 302.01.


Demonizing those who oppose us, name-calling, shouting, distorting information and creating false issues/information need to be replaced with good will, listening, a good faith search for the true facts and constructive dialogue. We must return to the type of civilized discussion we require of our juries as they resolve contested criminal and civil matters if we are to constructively solve the great issues the country faces today.

The News of Conservatism's Death Has Been Greatly Exaggerated, Unless We Continue to Shoot Ourselves

I have been reading with concern articles in conservative publications which outline how we conservatives are being our own worst enemies in that a few of us allow our passions to lead to outrageous claims and conspiracy theories.
Sam Tanenhaus, editor of the New York Times Book Review, has written a book entitled "The Death of Conservatism." The Economist summarizes the theme of the book as follows: "Over the past 50 years or so American conservatives have transformed themselves into latter-day Jacobins- slogan- spouting ideologues who want to destroy government rather than reform it. They are so blinded by partisanship that they are incapable of seeing any vices in their own side or any virtues in their opponents, and so consumed by anger that they define themselves by what they want to destroy than to preserve. American conservatism is dying as a movement precisely because it has abandoned the principal insights of classical conservatism: for example, that government is a precondition for civilisation." The Economist, August 22, 2009, page 74. However, The Economist goes on to criticize the book as unfair and unbalanced in that it does not also acknowledge the shrill language of the left nor the merits of opposition to bigger government.
Another essay raises the concern that unbridled passion (primarily anger) and conspiracy theories are inhibiting rational debate on the issues of the day. "But wide-spread paranoia has drawbacks. For a start, it makes calm, rational debate rather tricky. How can you discuss the trade-offs of health care reform, for example, with someone who thinks the government is plotting to kill grandma? It does not help, either that politicians on both sides are willing to fan the flames. Sara Palin calls Mr. Obama's health-care proposals 'evil'. Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, calls the protestors who loudly oppose them 'evil-mongers'. Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House of Representatives, calls them 'un-American'." See "Still Crazy after all these years," Lexington, The Economist, August 22, 2009, page 32.
We must disavow those words, conspiracy theories and actions which are undermining our credibility as conservatives. We must correct anyone who spouts words and thoughts that are simply untrue. For example, "[m]uch foolishness has become attached to the question of President Obama's place of birth, and a few misguided souls on the right have indulged it (to the delight of the press and the White House). The president's birth certificate has been made available to reporters for inspection, and its authenticity has been repeatedly confirmed by the authorities in Hawaii, where he was born. Conservatives ought to leave conspiracy theories to the likes of Rosie O'Donnell and the one in three Democrats who believe that 9/11 was an inside job. Obama is a wrongheaded president, but not an illegitimate one." "The Week," National Review, August 24, 2009, p. 6.
We must maintain our credibility by disciplining our passion with reason and common sense. It is instructive for us that the leaders of our revolution, though passionate about the cause, disciplined that passion with reason and common sense. The Declaration of Independence still stands as a compelling document for its clear, passionate, disciplined presentation of the rights of people and the reasons for our separation from Great Britain. These same revolutionaries wrote the Articles of Confederation and then the Constitution of the United States to provide for effective, limited government. Even the vigorous debates over adoption of the Constitution (as exemplified in the essays now known as The Federalist Papers and The Anti-Federalist Papers) show the passion of each side disciplined through reason and common sense. This is in sharp contrast to the French Revolution where unbridled passion (primarily anger), without the discipline of reason and common sense, consumed itself after the wanton and needless destruction of people, property and institutions.
More on this topic next week.

The need for a humble, efficient limited government that empowers the people

"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem....Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it is not my intention to do away with government. It is, rather, to make it work- work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must work to provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it." These thoughts from Ronald Reagan's first inaugural address are often overlooked. What Reagan was emphasizing was that by 1981, government over-regulation and intrusion into the economy had caused, in large measure, the double digit inflation, unemployment and interest rates the country was experiencing. But Reagan also knew that government did have a role- to get out of the way of the people by pursuing policies that remove governmental barriers to our creativity, ingenuity, sponaneity and personal responsibility.

People are angry and upset this summer largely because they see our federal government headed in the opposite direction- more governmental intrusion into the economy and our personal lives, more federal spending and taxes, and higher deficits. People understand that this course of action threatens them and the future of their children. Just this morning in the news is alarming information that the president's own people now estimate that the cumulative federal deficit over the next decade (2010-2019) will actually be two trillion dollars higher than originally estimated. This means a cumulative $ 9 trillion deficit instead of $ 7 trillion. People know that this unacceptable level of debt will literally suck the life out of the economy and any chance for individuals and small businesses to be creative in pursing opportunities that lead to quality jobs and life.


Ironically, former Senator Bob Kerrey (D-Nebraska), predicted in the fall of 2008 that "the primary threat to the success of a President Obama will come from some Democrats who, emboldened by the size of their Congressional majority may try to kill trade agreements, raise taxes in ways that will destroy jobs, repeal the Patriot Act and spend and regulate to high heaven." [as quoted in "Nebraska Liberal, New York Reactionary," by Bari Weiss, The Wall Street Journal Weekend edition, July18-20, 2009]. This overeaching by the Democratic Congress has now come to fruition in terms of their "stimulus" package (full of wasteful earmarks), ill conceived proposed health care reforms and bloated proposed 2010 budget. This overreaching rightfully creates fear and concern in the American people. Instead of seeing a President and Congress making government actually work to improve opportunities for them by creating a leaner, more efficient limited government, people see a President and Congress out to fulfill their own partisan goals by growing the federal government regardless of the damage done to the long term well being of the country.


Sarah Palin, when she ran for governor of Alaska, stated that, "I want an efficient, accountable government to provide basic services." ["Sarah Studies," by Bradley Smith, National Review, August 24, 2009, page 32]. This is what the American people expect and deserve- an efficient, accountable limited government. Even Bill Clinton got it right in his second inaugural address when he stated "We need a new government for a new century- humble enough not to try and solve all our problems for us, but strong enough to give us the tools to solve our problems for ourselves; a government that is smaller, lives within its means and does more with less."


The keys to a healthy America are government policies and individual goals that foster the American spirit- which is the spontaneous individual pursuit and expression of liberty, freedom, equality, justice, creativity, generosity, ingenuity and personal responsibility. Only a humble, efficient limited federal government will empower the American people to provide innovative solutions to the challenging issues of our time.

The road to hell is often paved by good intentions.

President Obama and and some Democrats in Congress are trying to deflect constructive criticism of the flaws of their health care reform proposals by saying that Republicans are only obstructionist with no plan of their own. This is not true.
Representative Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin's First District), for example, proposed in May 2008 a bill to reform health care, overhaul federal spending and promote economic growth. His plan, called a "Roadmap for America's Future," contains many interesting ideas on reforming health care (including Medicare and Medicaid) , the federal budget and job creation based on conservative principles.
So, the truth of the matter is that the President and Democratic leadership have chosen to freeze out constructive Republican ideas and then have had the audacity to lie to the public by saying that Republicans have no ideas on fixing health care. What happened to the open and constructive debate on health care that candidate Obama promised the American people last year? It is nonexistent, and has been replaced by the arrogance of a President and the leadership of his party who desire to have their way or no way. While their way may be based on good intentions, good intentions based on unsound principles and poor planning lead to bad results. As old time preachers would say, the road to hell is often paved with good intentions.
That's where the current health care proposals will take us- millions losing the private insurance they have, millions thrown onto the public option of health insurance, this in turn causing an overwhelming increase in the federal budget deficit and overall federal debt. The good intention of providing health insurance coverage for those not currently covered will lead to worse coverage for all when the federal government collapses under the weight of the staggering debt increase.
Why can we not take our time, have a constructive public debate over the next two years on all possible options for better health care in the United States, and in the meantime deal aggressively with and overhaul the federal budget? This approach would result in responsible health care reform benefitting all people without further increasing the deficit and federal debt load. Plus the added benefit of a responsible, balanced federal budget and policies would lead to true long term economic recovery and job creation.

Restoring America Through Effective Advocacy of and Application of Conservative Principles

"It is especially critical at this chapter in our nation's history for conservatives to set aside the dogmas of the quiet past and instead explain their vision to a new generation....Our challenges are great, but they can be met by men and women of good faith who are guided by restraint and prudence instead of rabid, unyielding ideologies." Joe Scarborough, "The Last Best Hope: Restoring Conservatism and America's Promise" (Crown Forum, NY 2009, p. 2).
I have just finished reading Scarborough's book. His analysis of what we need to do to promote conservatism to a new generation is right on. My experiences this past week at the Ozark Empire Fair underscore this analysis.
In my last blog I spoke of how a young Nicaraguan named Christian provides hope for that country. Over the past week, I have had the pleasure of meeting and engaging in discussion young Americans, many of them seventeen or eighteen who will vote for the first time next year. I have been impressed with their enthusiasm, passion and intellect.
Alex, for example, is a seventeen year old who lives in Greene County. One evening at the fair we spent a good ten minutes or so discussing issues. He has read Senator Tom Coburn's book, "Breach of Trust: How Washington Turns Outsiders Into Insiders." Alex understands the risks of the Democratic leadership's various proposals on health care reform, and the need to preserve private insurance choices for people as part of any meaningful, responsible reform.
My discussions with young people this past week refreshes me and gives me renewed enthusiasm about the long term prospects for our country. We will pass through a season of sacrifice and pain, but emerge a better America of sound principles and a healthy economy if we pursue responsible, reasonable approaches to issues based on good stewardship. Young people understand and grasp the concepts of respect, graciousness and stewardship as being in tune with conservative principles. For example, saying one is "anti abortion" is no longer enough. We must say and live it by showing respect for the life of all persons, even those with whom we may disagree. We cannot model for young people respect for all life when we demean and condemn as unworthy certain people because of their beliefs. This leads to the conclusion that only certain "worthy" people are entitled to life. This selective reasoning is not biblical, nor conservative and has led to an increased devaluation of life, especially as reflected in the senseless murders of people living in and out of the womb. As conservatives, we must model a respect for all human life if we wish to positively affect our cultural norms so that abortion on demand of unborn babies and murders of born individuals become unacceptable because each person believes and accepts that it is wrong to do so. Their belief of wrongness being grounded in their understanding of how abortion and murder disrespect the value and right of all to life, instead of being based on the screams of hateful slogans by some saying it is wrong.
To paraphrase Lincoln, appealing to the "better angels of our nature" by revealing the soundness underlying conservative principles will draw support from people of all political beliefs and persusasions. This past week at the fair, many people, of varying political beliefs, have expressed their disgust at the partisan, personal "bickering" that is going on in Washington. A recurring question is "What are you going to do to engage in constructive discussion about realistic, meaningful change for our country?" I respond with the answer that I will discuss and pursue solutions on issues in a respectful, gracious manner based on the conservative principles of stewardship and limited but effective government as envisioned by the founding fathers and Lincoln.This approach is especially effective in appealing to the current generation of young Americans who will one day be our leaders.
The restoration of vigorous but civil dialogue on the challenging issues of the day is a focus of this campaign. I look forward to a return of civility in our public discourse as we are all reminded that "We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." [A. Lincoln, First Inaugural Address, The Essential Lincoln: Speeches and Correspondence (Hill and Wang NY ed. by Burton 2009)].

The Source of Meaningful Change

My fifth trip with Project Hope draws to a close. As usual, the physical labor and time away from the usual busyness of my life have helped me to relax and refocus on those people and principles that add value and meaning to my life. This refreshed perspective restores me in so many ways.
We face enormous challenges in the United States and around the globe. Yet I see hope for a better future through meaningful change as exemplified in the lives of Lowell and Christian.
Lowell is a young man in his late 60s. He is quiet, physically strong and has a great heart. This is the third trip I have made with Lowell. He is a key leader on our projects, for he is in charge of the framing necessary for us to roof, put up wood siding above the block walls and finish out the homes with doors. On every trip he has to train a new crew from his fellow volunteers, men from different backgrounds, ages and churches. He always manages in his quiet, patient way to forge these men into formidable framers and siders.
Lowell, as do the other volunteers, comes to Nicaragua each year due to his compassion for people and in obedience to what he believes God is directing him to do. He pays his own way (airfare, meals, lodging), brings his own tools and raises money for the homes that need to be built. He does this to help Nicaraguans help themselves in building a better, more meaningful life.
Christian is a 21 year old Nicaraguan. He is married, has a three year old son and is a Christian. Three years ago Christian was living in a small plastic covered shelter, struggling to find work, a decent home for his family and meaning in life. A Project Hope crew arrived in his village. Even though he was not scheduled to receive a new home, Christian joined the American crew and other Nicas in building the homes. He prayed nightly for a home. Miraculously, enough extra blocks, wood and zinc were found to build him a home.
Now, Christian joins our group every year to help build homes for other Nicas. His testimony to his fellow countrymen is powerful-he has a job, a good home and family because he had the desire to improve his life.
The Nicas are amazed when they learn that none of the labor, materials or other expenses are paid from any government funds. Everything is from ordinary people such as themselves.
Lowell, Christian and the other Nicas and Americans I work with remind me that the real source of meaningful change lies in the millions of other people who possess the same hopes, dreams, values and desire for full and meaningful lives for themselves and their children.
The true source of meaningful change does not arise from political leaders nor governments. Meaningful change will come from people like Lowell and Christian who exemplify the character, values and virtues of people who are willing to help others help themselves in finding value and meaning in life.

The need for real leadership on health care reform

As I taught at the Springfield Police Academy, I noticed a sign labeled "The Leadership Test." Under it was the following: "Are we doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way and for the right reason?" [by the Gallagher-Westfall Group]. The Republican Party needs to step forward and provide real leadership on health care reform, for there is none now.
Contrary to his ad campaign and his statements, the President does not have a plan for healthcare reform. Even a Democratic senator has acknowledged as much. The President has offered a broad vision desiring reform but has not submitted a specific plan. Plus, his vision changes over time. Last year as a candidate he opposed a public or government option. Now he is allowing members of Congress to write his health care reform with the result that there are many different plans, which would all further bankrupt the government and include a public government option. We are being rushed into health care reform in the wrong way, at the wrong time and for the wrong reason (i.e., just to pass some form of health care reform this year so the Democrats can pat themselves on the back).
As Republicans, we should provide leadership on this issue by saying (1) there needs to be reform in health care but (2) now is not the time. We must first deal with bringing the federal budget under control. While we do that, (3) a bipartisan commission needs to be established to develop a comprehensive plan for health care reform that actually benefits people and pays for itself without increasing taxes, with no public or government option. Such a plan should offer people choice of a private plan that meets their needs and is portable. Such a plan should include integration of health care records and service with emphasis on primary care and prevention.
We should heed the advice from a British think tank: "Government control of health care is not a panacea The U.S. health system is a bit of a mess, but based on what's happened in some countries in Europe, I'd be nervous about recommending more government involvement." [AP storyJuly 4,2009, by Marcia Cheng, "Europe's free, state-run health care has drawbacks.")

Being Calm and Focused with Priorities vs. Running Around Like Headless Chickens

I still remember the first time I helped my dad slaughter a chicken. I was six or seven years old. Dad told me to be sure and secure the chicken's feet. I apparently did not, for once the axe descended and the head came off, that chicken ran around the yard. Even after all these years, I still have a vivid memory of what a chicken looks like aimlessly running around without its head, blood spewing everywhere.

That is what the President and current leaders of Congress are doing. Yes, we have challenges, but we must keep our heads and use common sense to resolve those challenges. Instead, the President and Congress are running around wildly, with money gushing out everywhere as the solution to all of our problems- whether it be the economy, health care or protecting the environment. This is totally irresponsible and will ultimately lead us to financial ruin. As I have instructed new prosecutors through the years, it is imperative, especially in trial, to be calm, focus, prioritize and then deal with the issues starting with the most important one and working through to the least important one. That is the only way to effectively handle issues.

It is time for Congress to remain calm, focus and prioritize. We must focus on getting our financial house in order before tackling other issues. For example, health care reform is needed (not as currently proposed by the President and Democratic leadership), but that is premature until we reign in federal spending and taxation. As I said on May 7, what the Congress should be doing right now is:

" Establish a fiscally realistic, balanced and sustainable budget that keeps revenues and expenditures in line without needlessly raising taxes, and which eventually retires federal debt. A key part of that process requires the examination of all federal programs to determine the purpose of the program, whether that purpose is proper for the federal government to pursue and if it is producing the desired result. Until this process is completed: (1) All federal expenditures must be frozen; (2) No new taxes should be enacted and there must not be any increase in current federal taxes; and (3) Funding increases for an existing or new program must come from reduction of funds from or elimination of another program." On July 9, 2009, the Heritage Foundation issued a web memo including similar recommendations.

Congress should be primarily focused on and holding hearings on proposals that would get the budget in order, as described above. The bills we should be hearing and reading about in the daily news are ones such as Congressman Paul Ryan's "The Roadmap for America's Future" as proposed in 2008. Or, the "SOS: Stop Over-Spending Act"(s) of 2006, 2007 and 2008 as proposed by Senators Judd Gregg and Mitch McConnell and up to twenty-two other Republican senators. These type of bills are more important now than health care reform, climate caps or so called stimulus plans. The American people understand the concept that we should get our finances in order before taking on new, ambitious projects.

The American people will have greater confidence in and actually experience a long term economic recovery if the budget is brought under control. Instead, Americans now feel growing anxiety over increasing joblessness, continuing economic uncertainty and a more intrusive government in spite of "stimulus" money, government takeovers of industries and promises that things would be better by now.

It is time for the President and Congress to understand and follow this concept of getting the federal budget under control instead of running around trying to change everything in sight without having a solid financial footing in place first.

Refocusing the Republican Party- Part IV

Seventy-six years ago Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a nation ravaged by depression and gripped in fear. He said of the nation's troubles: "They concern, thank God, only material things." Forty years ago, Richard Nixon told a nation torn apart by the Vietnam War: "Our crisis today is in reverse- we find ourselves rich in goods, but ragged in spirit." Today, we see our material wealth dissolving and our spirits sagging. In this environment, it is insufficient to only focus on economic stimulus. The key to all is a restoration of the American spirit- the spontaneous (i.e., the personal natural self generated) pursuit and expression of liberty, freedom, equality, justice, creativity, generosity, ingenuity and responsibility. Government policies should not suppress these fruits of the American spirit. As the words in a contemporary Christian song say "While we teach prosperity the first thing to prosper should be inside of me."

Lincoln warned us against surrendering our moral liberty and freedom to an overly intrusive government. "This is the just, and generous, and prosperous system, which opens the way to all- gives hope to all, and consequent energy, and progress, and improvement of condition to all. No men living are more worthy to be trusted than those who toil up from poverty, none less inclined to take or touch aught which they have not honestly earned. Let them beware of surrendering a political power which they already possess and which, if surrendered, will surely be used to close the door of advancement against such as they and to fix new disabilities and burdens upon them, till all of liberty shall be lost." A. Lincoln, Annual Message to Congress, December 3, 1861, as reprinted in The Essential Lincoln: Speeches and Correspondence (ed. Orville Burton, Hill and Way 2009, p. 119).

It is one thing for a generous people to willingly provide for certain necessities related to forming "a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity [e.g., national defense, education, providing for the aged and those temporarily or permanently disabled] by personally giving directly to such causes or through a level of reasonable taxation. But, when more and more of the fruits of a person's labor is taken by the government in the name of an ever broadening definition of the "common good," in the form of more economic "entitlements" (a concept not found in the constitution) then tyranny has set in and leads to the collapse of a just society.

To summarize the ideas explored over the past four weeks, the Republican Party needs to refocus by accepting and advocating that:

1. The Declaration of Independence is the core of our principles and focuses our thoughts on public policy and personal goals.

2. The right of a person to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness is more important than government imposition of the false goal of equal economic and materialistic well-being.

3. The key to a healthy America are government policies and individual goals that foster and encourage the American Spirit- the spontaneous (i.e., the personal natural self generated) pursuit and expression of liberty, freedom, equality, justice, creativity, generosity, ingenuity and responsibility.

Refocusing the Republican Party- Part III

The second step in refocusing ourselves and our party is to recognize that the current policies being emphasized in the pursuit of economic well-being threaten our freedom. The Declaration of Independence, our republican form of government and our party stand for the proposition of the equal right of all people to liberty, opportunity, justice and responsibility, not equal economic and materialistic status. "The Democracy of today hold the liberty of one man to be absolutely nothing when in conflict with another man's right of property [economic well-being]. Republicans, on the contrary, are for both the man and the dollar, but in cases of conflict, the man [his right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness] before the dollar." A. Lincoln, Letter to Henry Pierce and others, April 6, 1859, as reprinted in The Essential Lincoln: Speeches and Correspondence (ed. Orville Burton, Hill and Way 2009, p. 63)[emphasis in brackets added by me]. For the principle of "you work, and I eat, you toil and I will enjoy the fruits of it," is a tyrannical, despotic principle, which threatens our country. Lincoln, Speech at Chicago, Illinois, July 10, 1858, as reprinted in The Essential Lincoln: Speeches and Correspondence (ed. Orville Burton, Hill and Way 2009, p. 47). We are surrendering our freedom to the tyranny of equal economic well-being.

As I was growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, we witnessed the folly of and liberty stifling effects of a collectivist [a central government controlled] economy. For example, the citizens of the Soviet Union [supposedly] had a minimum equal level of economic well-being, but no free choice to do or experience better [unless they were members of the ruling Communist Party]. The government controlled the materialistic [food, cars, clothes] and non-materialistic [ideas in movies, books and music] items of society, all in the name of the "common good." Thus, in 1988, I witnessed first hand the long lines as people patiently waited for their turn at the rare chance to obtain basic commodities (such as sugar or shoes) and being limited to purchasing cars made by government owned automobile manufacturers. I listened as Soviet youth expressed frustration at their limited choices in schooling, careers [the government chose your career for you based on aptitude tests and party affiliation], music, books, movies and travel, to name a few. The great irony of my lifetime is to see once collectivist societies transform to more personal freedom and free market economics while we head in the opposite direction. While it may not be the intent of the President or Congress to permanently adopt collectivism, that is the road we are headed down. Dramatically increased federal debt and intrusion into the economy will have the practical effect of limiting our choices and freedom, setting up a de facto collectivist state.

Refocusing the Republican Party- Part II

The first step in refocusing ourselves and our party is recapturing the fact that we are the party of equality. For Lincoln and our party, the Declaration of Independence stands for the principle that all people are equal in terms of the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The proper role of the government (under the Declaration and Constitution) is to protect this principle. The government is only free to pass laws consistent with this principle by the consent of the people. The government is to remove barriers to our individual creativity, ingenuity, spontaneity and responsibility, not create barriers that limit them. As Lincoln states in his Special Message to Congress on July 4,1861, this is the principle being fought for- government as intended by the Declaration and Constitution which is to "lift artificial weights from all shoulders-to clear the paths of laudable pursuit for all- to afford all an unfettered start and a fair chance at life."
Thus, our republican form of government and our party stand for the proposition of the equal right of all people to life, liberty, opportunity, justice and responsibility. From this proposition our party sponsored and saw adopted constitutional amendments abolishing slavery, ensuring equal protection under the law and the right of all to vote regardless of race [13th, 14th, 15th Amendments]. We were the first major party to champion the right of women to vote, with the first woman elected to Congress being a Republican. [See "The Republican Party-GOP History," at www.GOP.com].
Instead of allowing ourselves to be wrongfully portrayed and viewed as the party against equality, we must remind all people of our heritage and actually live that heritage ourselves today. All Americans, especially younger Americans, will understand, relate to, agree with and join us on this principle of equality. We must recapture this spirit of equality, for the alarming growth and intrusion of government in all aspects of our lives and the divisive, stifling effect of special interest groups are jeopardizing the principle of equality, gradually minimizing everyone's equal right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Refocusing the Republican Party-Part I

Much is being said and written about the need of the GOP to "find it's soul." Efforts to find the "missing" soul include proposed cross-country meetings with focus groups, various books, and speeches by aspiring GOP presidential candidates.
I humbly suggest a simpler yet more challenging path to rediscovering our political soul- a return to a genuine love of the Declaration of Independence and the restorarion of its relevance in the everyday life of all Americans. "I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence." A. Lincoln, Speech at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA, Feb. 22,1861, as reprinted in The Essential Lincoln: Speeches and Correspondence (ed. Orville Burton, Hill and Way 2009). Lincoln's political foundation was the Declaration. It was the core of his principles and focused his thoughts. It should be the core of our principles and focus our thoughts. We will discuss over the course of the next few weeks why and how this is critical not only to our party but, more importantly, to all Americans.

Middle class America

As I said on May 7, one of the reasons I am running for Congress is that people who are middle class (or aspire to be middle class) see the traditional middle class foundation of a decent job and affordable housing, healthcare and higher education ( for one's self and one's family) slowing dissolving away from under them.
We must restore that foundation. As a recent article well states the situation:
"...Republicans...need a reform agenda that helps ordinary Americans- better, helps them help themselves- and that can be seen as such...(M)iddle-class families are the country's backbone, not one of its interest groups....Without a thriving middle class, America will not be a strong country and will certainly not be a country interested in limited government." (from "Beyond 'No'," by Ponnuru and Lowry, National Review, June 8, 2009, p. 16).