This is a real commercial from a local gun store in Texas. Gotta love the South!
A recent radio ad from Keller’s Riverside Store located on the beautiful Llano River in the heart of Texas.
Posted in Southerners: Never Boring
Tagged 2nd Amendment, American Government, christians, Gun Control, Louisiana, NRA, texas, The South, U.S. Constitution
post by Madeleine Morgenstern, TheBlaze, 12 Feb 12
[I finally come across a story worth posting. I flew my Confederate Flag until the colors faded completed—currently waiting for a new one. I'm a Veteran of the U. S. Army. My father has his flying high. He's a Veteran of the U. S. Navy. I'm impressed when I see people express how they really feel about the state of our union by flying this honorable flag. Mr. Hansen is correct about what the Confederate Flag stands for "sovereignty, individual rights and individual liberty." It does. Read my homepage. The Confederate Flag is an honorable flag—the Southern War Flag. If you didn't know it, under this flag marched the first Black American Officer Regiment. They fought for the South. This, and other historical points, tell me the Civil War wasn't fought because of slavery but because the North wanted to maintain their control over us. Why? Because we have the necessities they needed and still need: food, oil, gas, seafood, just to name a few. The stigma that's been placed on our flag comes from the North. The South wanted "sovereignty, individual rights and individual liberty." They knew then that if this country continued to allow the federal government to decide what people could and couldn't do then we would end up like we are today. The South tried to prevent the state we're in. SIDE BAR: If you still think the Civil War was about slavery then ask yourself why the White House continued to own slaves as well as Gen. Grant (who refused to give his up) during the war. Also, ask yourself why Southern black Americans still today work the land their ancestors did? Ask yourself why the Oak Alley Plantation owner at the time of the Civil War took his slaves to Texas so the Northern troops wouldn't kill them? Ask yourself why today's black Americans hold in so much anger? I would be angry too if the federal government promised me something if I abandoned my Southern homes, (it turned from asking to forcing) then I was left out on the street with nothing. Ask yourself why many Southern plantation owners gave money and their names to their "slaves" because they were forced to "release" them? If I had a slave that I hated because of the color of their skin, I don't think I would have allowed them to help bring my babies into this world, let alone raise them for me! Just a last minute note: Many farming techniques still used today came directly from a "slave" to help his "owner" prosper! Mr. Hansen, you've impressed me the most. A Northern flying our flag. Thank you. Please, keep strong and maintain your Freedom of Speech because soon that Confederate War Flag may rise again, and this time around, she won't loss!]
A Minnesota city councilman has a Confederate Flag hanging outside his home and says he’s not taking it down, no matter what people say.
“It’s my house,” West St. Paul Councilman Ed Hansen told the Pioneer Press. “What’s the problem?”
Plenty, according to the city’s mayor, John Zanmiller. The flag, visible from a busy avenue and to visitors at a nearby park, also has the word redneck written across it. “I don’t like it,” Zanmiller said. “Do I wish the flag wasn’t there? Yes.”
While the mayor acknowledged he is not aware of any complaints made to the city, he reached out to Hansen on Friday about taking it down. Hansen declined, and Zanmiller acknowledged the decision is ultimately Hansen’s.
Hansen, a first-term councilman elected in 2010, told the Pioneer Press he put the flag outside his house over the summer to no complaints. He said being an elected official should not matter one way or another. “It represents sovereignty, individual rights and individual liberty,” he told the newspaper. “It’s my free speech, and that’s my choice.” He dismissed any racist connotation the flag carries. “I’m not a racist, and I don’t think it’s racist,” he said. “People like to play the race card, though, when they don’t get their way.” [I couldn't have said it better myself!]
Jay Brunn, a developer who’s building a house next to Hansen’s, claimed the flag caused one prospective buyer to shy away.
When informed of that, Hansen told the Pioneer Press—“Good. I don’t want him for a neighbor then. If people choose to be ignorant, that’s their own fault. They should study history. It represents true sovereignty.” [Well said!]
Posted in Southerners: Never Boring
Tagged America, christians, Confederacy, Louisiana, U.S. Constitution, U.S. Veterans, United States
A Southern girl looking outside the box. That’s how I see myself. Part of what I see when it comes to this “race” issue is this: Back in the ’70′s (I was in middle school) we had riots in our schools because some idiot up north decided that there would be no more white and black schools; they’d be just one school. Why did we have the riots? Because we were black and white. We were different and we were thrown into situations that we didn’t know how to respond to on the immediate level that was expected of us. I keep a set of encyclopedias in my living room from Reed High School (the black high school when there were two high schools) to remind me, as well as my children, that we are indeed different (“blacks and whites” as the north portrays us) but we share a culture like none other in the world; and here when things are in an upheaval, I have their back just as much as they have mine.
Today, I see no such tensions as I experienced in middle school. It is easy for me to stand in line, be it waiting for a fast-food order or stamps at the post office, and strike up a conversation with whoever is before or behind me. Color is no preference but I do prefer the Cajun types.
I don’t see color as the government sees color, and I believe that the majority of the South feel the same. I hate when I have to fill out a form and they ask me if I’m white, black, Hispanic, etc. I have come to check off other because I’m neither of the above. I’m Cajun! I’m NOT Caucasian for damn sure. My family originated from France, Scotland and Germany (mostly France and Scotland). But I would never dare refer to myself as French-American. I’m a lot like Cain. I’m American. I would never refer to black Cajuns as African-Americans. NEVER! To me, that’s an insult on their Southern culture. We here in Southern Louisiana, born and raised through deep rooted generations, no matter if we worked on a plantation or in a grocery store, we are ALL Cajuns. Down here, our skin color has nothing to do with who we are.
What this video below teaches is the truth and the truth hurts. “Brainwashing” (Cain’s straight-up observation) is the most accurate. All those radical liberals who constantly use color to change laws, to add laws, to suppress truth’s voice…I don’t see them coming to the South. And for damn sure I don’t see the president campaigning here in the South. Why is that? Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
Watch this video and tell me I’m wrong.
Posted in Southerners: Never Boring
Tagged America, American Government, christians, Freedom, History, Louisiana, political videos, United States
post sent by email
Ted Nugent, rock star and avid bow hunter from Michigan , was being interviewed by a liberal journalist, an animal rights activist. The discussion came around to deer hunting.
The journalist asked, “What do you think is the last thought in the head of a deer before you shoot him? Is it, Are you my friend? or is it Are you the one who killed my brother?
Ted Nugent
Nugent replied, “Deer aren’t capable of that kind of thinking. All they care about is, what am I going to eat next, who am I going to screw next, and can I run fast enough to get away. They are very much like the Democrats in Congress.”
The interview ended.
Posted in Stories and Quotes To Brighten Your Day
Tagged Humor, Hunters, Louisiana, political humor, politics
Karen, you have inspired me to write this challenge and essay on leadership this morning. Once I started I couldn’t stop. Keep those posts coming; once read they do make a difference. Thanks and keep the faith. Dan Morris
[I have inspired you? Wow! I think that may be the other way around. It's clear to see that inspiration has a domino affect. This essay is very inspiring. Thanks so much for writing it down and sending it. k]
The value of leadership—
Like a blinding flash of lightning on a dark night we sometimes experience an epiphany that compels us to sit and write about something we think is important. That’s what happened to me as I skimmed through some of Karen’s writing. There are many issues that can motivate and drive us to act and leadership is one that sometimes passes us by unnoticed. We always talk and write about leadership in terms of result instead of method.
Without strong and moral leadership our world stumbles and falters; often leading us to disappointment, failure and disaster. So, what is this force that we need so badly when times are rough? Well, the idea of positive leadership is that it brings about or affirms the capacity of people like you and me to move, inspire, and mobilize us to act cohesively in pursuit of an end. In other words, leadership is the art of getting people to do something they would not do on their own. In reality, leadership can serve good or evil purposes.
Mankind acts with a free will so ultimately, as individual human beings, we can choose to make a difference for others. Leadership, properly used, inspires teamwork and a sense of accomplishment. Under strong leadership, corporations stay solvent, governments govern wisely, and armies keep us safe. Where would Christianity be if Christ† had been unable to lead? God† chose well when He† selected Christ†.
If you don’t think that individual leaders can make a difference, then let me cite a few examples and plant some seeds of thought for your consideration. What if the following leaders had never surfaced? In December 1931, Mario Constasino was driving his car on Park Ave., New York City between 76th and 77th Streets. It was dark, around 10:30 P.M. His car struck a pedestrian who was looking in the wrong direction. By some miraculous fate the man was not killed. He was a British politician by the name of Winston Churchill. How would WWII have turned out without him? Fourteen months later, an American politician was riding in an open car in Miami, Florida. A man by the name of Giuseppe Zangara shot at the politician missing him and killing the man sitting next to him. The politician was Franklin Roosevelt. These were two strong leaders who led two great nations during WWII.
There is a flip side to the above examples that addresses the question about good and bad leaders. Would we have even needed the above great leaders if Adolf Hitler had been killed in 1923 while participating in the street fighting during the Munich Putsch? For that matter would we have needed the strength of Churchill and Roosevelt if Lenin had died of typhus during WWI? The art of leadership plays no favorites when it comes to good and evil.
When it comes to our country we need to look no closer than our beginning during our Revolutionary War. At first, George Washington only reluctantly gave up farming in Virginia to lead the Continental Army. His leadership skills were tested under the harshest conditions at Valley Forge. The question is—when does the formerly unnoticeable person make the decision to lead? It could be as simple as taking the lead to avoid an unacceptable end result. We have to care first before getting involved.
My examples have been lofty with national and international ramifications. Allow me to add some clarity here. Leadership is not a calling for only leaders of nations. Leadership is needed at all levels if it is to achieve a desired result. Generals do not lead squads up a hill to take out enemy machine guns. Team, squad, and platoon leaders get this done through exercising great leadership. I think you get it; leadership is important at all levels for all interests to be successful. Results are always a matter of risk plus effort. I learned a lot about leadership as I worked my way up to Sergeant First Class in the infantry. My leadership challenges did not end there as I then climbed the warrant officer ranks, and then the ranks of government service. The same principles always applied.
One of a leader’s jobs is to make it easy for people to do the right thing and to make it hard to do the wrong thing. So, a leader has to know what he or she is talking about. This is the area where we have to know the difference between management and leadership. Simply; we manage things and lead people. This is a lesson that our President and Commander-in-Chief has never learned. We should always lead by example with a clearly defined purpose. This isn’t rocket science, but, it is a skill. This all sounds nice, but, where do we begin? Why do we even bother to begin?
First, let’s look at stamina and ability. Next, we will need clarity of purpose. As a conservative and Constitutionalist, I know where I stand on most political issues. I’m an old, tattered, and worn leader. Sadly and unfortunately, there are days when I can see my physical stamina waning. The things that make me a valuable asset are that I have a mind and quite a bit of experience. I have been told that I can give sage-quality advice. There are people who would probably question that assessment. Notwithstanding, I will do my best to make a difference; especially when it comes to serving my country. I have served my country in some capacity since I was 17 years old.
My challenge to anyone that reads this message is simply this—get involved in the political process. There are way too many out there who are aggressively involved for, what I see, as the wrong reasons. Yes, there are people at all levels of government that are intent on altering everything our founding fathers created, fought for, and died for. If a person’s moral and political compass is off, then they will never get to the right destination. We desperately need conservative leaders that share our morals and core values at all levels of government. Check out your local political apparatus for opportunities to serve. Run for office if you can. Every time I go to vote, I see liberals running unopposed on the ballot because no one wants to get involved. Don’t be naïve and trust that things will just work out; you will ultimately pay the consequences for not acting. Compete for offices at the local city/town, parish/county, and State levels. It doesn’t matter if you win; just have your voice heard. Remember, the political process is where you transform your passion on the issues into action.
I want to end on an unusual note. When it comes to my cause, any cause, you need more than good leaders for gaining ground and resolving critical issues. You also need good followers. When you go out into your communities, you may find that there are already good leaders stepping up to the plate. Become one of their soldiers, a staunch follower and supporter. We need to take the fight to the liberal base and either alter their course or stop them in their tracks. Every campaign needs workers. All causes, liberal or conservative, use strategies to achieve goals. All strategies have strengths and weaknesses. To make a difference, all you have to do is disrupt their strengths and exploit their weaknesses.
Liberals are always targeting our youth; bombarding them with false claims of social, cultural and economic injustices. Liberals twist facts that we have a duty to expose and straighten out. This is why we have to bring our youth into the fold because they will ultimately inherit whatever we have left of our country, perhaps even our entire world. We need to capitalize on the strength and stamina of our youth. Civically, they need to learn those things that our liberal educators are omitting from our history. If all of us are not involved in some aspect of the political process then we are handing our county over to those who want to destroy it. Either become a leader or support someone that represents your values. If you have true grit and the intestinal fortitude to save America—then get involved.
Winston Churchill said—“I have never accepted what many people have kindly said, namely that I have inspired the nation. It was the nation and the race dwelling all around the globe that had the lion heart. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar.”
Posted in Southerners: Never Boring
Tagged America, American Government, Louisiana, politics, U.S. Constitution, U.S. Military, veterans
post by David Zanotti President & CEO, The American Policy Roundtable
The week we just spent in Washington was remarkable. After thirty years, those words are hard to believe. Year after year we have traveled to the nation’s Capitol only to return home mostly discouraged by the darkness. This week was very different. We were fortunate to meet with ten members of Congress, most of them brand new to office. Yes, we talked about a lot of issues, all of them important. Even more important were the questions we kept on the table in every meeting—
The members we met with are not in Congress for power or prestige. We found instead leaders on a mission to serve. Most of them sense a calling from God† to come to the aid of this nation. They are missional Christians committed to making a difference. For them, principle comes before party or power.
Here is another interesting discovery: In almost every office we found copies of books that we have been reading, teaching from and giving out to people for 30 years. Some of those bookshelves looked like the reading list from Roundtable’s American Mission course.
These members and so many more are living proof that the message of Free Agents is real and it works. These folks did not get into office by playing the party game. They didn’t wait for permission from the establishment to run for office. They all struck out on their own and reached out to their local communities. They are talking to everyone, democrats, republicans and independents. They get it and they are making a tremendous impact on the spiritual atmosphere of Congress. Many of these difference makers travel home every weekend. They are in Bible† studies and prayer meetings every week. Their staffs are normal-looking people, well dressed and polite. K-Street lobbyists look weird sitting in their waiting rooms. This is way different and incredibly encouraging. In the next few weeks you will be hearing from Congressmen Bill Johnson, Lt. Colonel Allen West, and Daniel Webster on The Public Square®. These three members represent some of the toughest races fought in the country. We can’t wait for you to hear their remarks. More will follow.
Just today we were reporting on these meetings to a group in Tennessee. One couple told us of a plan they have implemented to reach their community. Every month they each prayerfully seek out five people who seem truly interested in what is happening in America. They ask each person if they would like to read a copy of Free Agents and talk about how positive change can happen. They give them the book and then prayerfully follow up. So far they have impacted dozens of couples with this encouraging message of hope. They are developing an army of Free Agents one conversation at a time. When I asked them why they are sticking to this task so faithfully they responded—“Because every single person matters in this battle. We have to help people understand we all count.”
Remember our strategy here?
First, we are praying for all those in authority. There is no question the prayers of so many in the 40 Days of Prayer for Congress are having a serious impact. This is not magic. It is obedience to the commands of the Scriptures. So many have been praying again this year for every seat held in the Capitol and every person there. We could feel those prayers as we moved through the hallways. This is the big picture.
Next, we are not talking to elected officials as a special interest group. Roundtable and Freedom Forum are on the ground where they live. Together we are working to help networks of people unite in the common cause of recovering Liberty. Here are just a few examples of what that work on the ground looks like. Two weeks ago, the Ohio team held a blockbuster policy briefing in Columbus to talk about the national health care takeover. Six attendees were doctors, including our own Dr. Chuck McGowen who made a presentation on how we can improve health care in America without a federal takeover.
Newly elected Ohio Attorney General, Mike DeWine, sent his chief litigator on the national health care lawsuit to the briefing. He gave the crowd a full update on what we all can expect in the 27-state challenge to the nationalized take over plan. The fight over the national takeover plan is far from over. There is serious opposition in the states where legislative remedies are being attempted. Ohio, Florida, Tennessee and 24 other states are also seriously fighting this plan in federal Court. Many allies on Capitol Hill are working to claw back funding for this plan and hold it at bay through 2012 and the next election process. Stay tuned.
The collective bargaining battles that have broken out across the country are bitter, ugly and scary. The rage of mobs at the Statehouse is deeply troubling. Many organizations have hidden under the covers on this issue. Together, we have chosen to enter the debate in the hope of finding a pathway back to first principles. Instead of running from this controversy, we sent a team right into the heart of the union protests to learn more and open this story to the nation. At the same time we have a team working at the Statehouse, dissecting over 200 pages of legislative remedies.
The majority of people don’t yet have the history or the facts on this issue. When you log on to aproundtable.org you will find a whole section dedicated to collective bargaining and unions. The recent Public Square® broadcast, Was Jesus† A Union Carpenter? was the most listened to program of the year to date.
Florida, Tennessee and several other states are now wrestling with the threat of radical Islam. This was one of the questions we asked Florida Congressman Lt. Colonel Allen West. He spent 22 years in the U.S. Army leading men into battle against terrorism on the front lines. His interview will be airing this month coast to coast on The Public Square®. You’ll find times, stations, podcasts, and streaming audio downloads all at aproundtable.org. In addition, we are continuing efforts to raise funds for a series of policy briefings on this incredibly important issue.
There is a pattern here—a pattern that leads to hope.
Sure, all of this is hard work and it costs real time and money. The team that ran the Washington outreach and the Columbus briefing worked 12-16 hour days and traveled hard. They flew in from Ohio, Tennessee, and Illinois and got home exhausted. But they went to bed smiling. Regardless of the pressure, the opposition, the flight delays and broadcast deadlines there is a real sense that we are not alone. There is a history we have all inherited here—a history of hope. On March 23rd, 1775, Patrick Henry rose to speak in the assembly gathered at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia. Henry was deeply wracked with grief over the recent loss of his beloved wife. In the midst of such deep sorrow, he spoke to the crisis facing the colonies with these words—
Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace—but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God†! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Very few believed the war for Liberty could be won in March of 1775. No one could see victory without the profound attending help of Almighty God†. As the War for Independence unfolded, the Founders discovered over and again that their only hope and greatest Friend was found in Heaven†. Thus they moved forward in faith against insurmountable odds.
The challenges we face today are far too large to be won by cleverness, protests or political slogans. America cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different outcomes. Real leaders are beginning to step forward and change the atmosphere. Together we all agree—we have no hope without God’s† help. All this progress and so much more bears your fingerprints. If it wasn’t for your faithful prayers and financial support this team could not be moving forward. The books on those Congressional bookshelves came from somewhere. These new leaders on Capitol Hill and in so many statehouses are answers to your prayers. These radio broadcasts and policy briefings cost real money and are bearing fruit because of your faithful, sacrificial giving. Every dollar truly matters. Yes, real reform in America is still a way down this road but we are not alone on this journey. May we all look in the mirror and remember the same question we are asking every leader across this land—“Is anything too hard for the Lord†?” (Genesis 18:14)
Every one counts.
Posted in Living the Faith
Tagged America, christians, Louisiana, politics, U.S. Constitution
