I’ve been told this.  As we approach the 2010 elections, I’m hearing this from some who say they’re on the side of freedom:  “If my favorite candidate doesn’t make it on the ballot in November, then I’m not voting.”  Or worse, they’ve even said they will vote for the liberal candidate. 

Their arguments seem to be either: (1) based on personal moral issue-based conviction, or (2) about allowing their party to fail, so they can send a clear message to “shape up.”  I honestly try to understand all points of view, but at this time in our history it is a stretch that I just can’t and won’t reach. 

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again:  Unless Jesus is on the ballot, we are always voting for the lesser of two evils.  Being human, there is no perfect candidate… anyone we elect will eventually fail us.  Even our favorites.  Which is why we stay actively engaged and keep them all accountable after election day.  

Freedom is hanging in the balance, and it’s tipping to the side of defeat… it won’t take much to topple it all the way over to a crushing demise.  From where it hangs now, it will take a HUGE continued effort and sacrifice to bring it back to the side of victory and keep it there. 

So I ask:  If freedom is purposely allowed to fall into defeat, how realistic is it that we will get it back?  Does history support this “strategy?”  If our founding fathers “stayed home” during the battle against tyranny… would freedom have had victory?

As for me:  I’m voting.

Wow.  Freedom has momentum here in Colorado.  90 freedom-loving American patriots packed into the Mason Jar Restaurant in Colorado Springs tonight for the Colorado caucus training and a mock caucus hosted by the Coalition for a Conservative Majority.  And this is just one of many such events going on around Colorado.

I post these photos to share firsthand the groundswell of freedom-loving, ordinary We the People here in Colorado.  The people gathered here tonight are not “establishment” types, and they certainly aren’t “astro-turf,” as the left would like all to believe.  These are people I go to church with… my neighbors… folks I’ve met at tea parties and rallies… a woman I met at the local shooting club… Bible study friends… small business owners… pastors… teachers… lawyers… painters… engineers… mothers and fathers… grandparents… high school and elementary students… and so many more.  And they weren’t just from Colorado Springs, we had several visitors from Denver and Teller County. 

It was standing-room only.  These amazing patriots spent over 2 hours packed into a room made for 50… and they learned about the ultimate Political Power Tool we call the caucus.  They sat in on a mock caucus and asked dozens of questions.  These folks have energy, commitment, and love for their country.  THESE are the ones who will take this state and nation back. 

Thank you to all who came out tonight.  These freedom-loving, ordinary We the People patriots have started something.  Never underestimate the power of these “grassroots” Americans.  

Look out… an avalanche has begun. 

Think again.  They were so close they could taste it.  We the people spoke against health care all year long, and we were  ignored.  Some Congressional leaders even stated they would vote for the bill even if it cost them their Congressional seat next election.  They could care less that it is unconstitutional.  Their Marxist health care train was rolling full steam ahead, seemingly unstoppable. 

And then, the unthinkable happened.  A gift for freedom straight from God.  In Massachusetts, of all places.  The Scott Brown Senate victory was a shocking blow to the left, to be sure.  Most definitely it has derailed the Obamacare freight train.  But if we think for one second that the left will leave that train off the track to rust, we are fooling ourselves right back onto their Marxist track. 

We’ve heard from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that she doesn’t have the votes to pass the Senate bill through the House at this time.  She also said “we will move forward.”  She’s only stopping long enough to assess the damage, make necessary repairs, and get the train going again.  As are Obama, Reid, and the rest of their cronies. 

President Obama and Congress have plenty of time and opportunity to pass legislation that will increase health care prices, damage the system, and incrementally choke our freedoms.  Democrats will try to pick off Republicans in the Senate and cut a deal.  Keep in mind that this time last year many Senate Republicans supported some form of government-run health care, and Obama could call them out on it.  There have been reports that members of Congress are considering this approach.  There are plenty of potential candidates who can be be picked off for a bi-partisan, slimmed-down, incremental compromise bill. 

For example:  Hatch believes he could get 70 votes for a bill that deals with preexisting conditions, rating reform, and purchasing pools.  

Another example:  Some Senate Republicans and their staff were working on compromise language this summer that included many of the provisions in the Democrat bill.  One of those provisions is the “guaranteed issue” mandate which prevents insurance companies from denying applicants with pre-existing conditions.  If passed, it will increase the cost of health insurance for everyone.  Guaranteed issue is a very compassionate argument and it sounds easy.  However, it allows people to wait until they are sick before buying insurance, and when only sick people buy insurance, rates increase.   New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont all have guaranteed issue, and health insurance rates in these states are about twice as expensive as in most other states.

Yet another example:  Other provisions Republicans were working to compromise on price controls and connectors (ie, managed competition in individual and small business insurance markets that limits consumer choice).  Any final Reid-Pelosi-White House bill will be amendable in the senate, and it will only get worse on the Senate floor. 

For a time, let’s bask in the train-derailing victory we’ve been given in Scott Brown.  It’s a victory on the side of freedom, to be sure.  But we must be diligent and never give up.  Hold every Republican and Blue Dog lawmaker’s feet to the Constitutional fire until this battle is over. 

For more insight into what the left is doing with their wrecked train, read Grace Marie-Turner’s Health Reform is Not Dead and  Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar’s Dem Leaders Unite on Health Care Strategy.

Okay, this has absolutely nothing to do with politics other than my desktop randomly stopped opening Outlook!  No email.  No calendar.  No contacts.  (Unless I wanted to live by iPhone alone!)  I was partially muzzled!  BIG TROUBLE. 

So… Did some research, dug through many troubleshooting sites, and found a solution! 

Problem: I couldn’t launch Outlook, it only gave me this message:  “Cannot start microsoft office outlook. cannot open the outlook window.”

Solution:  Start > Run:  Outlook.exe /resetnavpane

Found it here at Ehsanul Haque’s blog.  Thanks Ehsanul!

Neurosurgeon Dr. Sanat Dixit speaks out against Obamacare and in support of state’s rights at the Independence Institute’s January 19th Freedom of Health Care Rally.  Great job Sanat!   Wish I could have been there.  Thanks to Ari Armstrong for the video:

(2) This section shall not apply to, affect or prohibit: (a) emergency services required by law to be provided or performed by hospitals, health facilities or other health practitioners; or (b) health benefits provided in connection with worker’s compensation or other similar insurance.

(3) “Lawful health care services” means any service or treatment permitted or not prohibited by any provision of law.

(4) This section is intended to reflect and affirm the powers reserved to the state by Article X of the Constitution of the United States and to implement the powers reserved to the People by Article V of the Constitution of the State of Colorado.

(5) This section shall become effective upon proclamation by the Governor, shall be self implementing in all respects and shall supersede any provision to the contrary in the Constitution of the State of Colorado or any other provision of law.

(6) If any provision of this section or the application thereof to any person, entity or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this section are declared severable.

Over 80 Colorado patriots met last night at The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs for a funtabulous victory party celebrating Scott Brown’s Massachusetts victory for America.  Thanks to everyone who showed up to make it a great evening.  This was worth celebrating.  Looking forward to many more…

To God be the glory and thanks for this victory. 

Special thanks to 912 Pikes Peak Patriots for sponsoring last week’s 2010 Kick-Off Rally in Colorado Springs.  Don, you and your group are incredible patriots, as are Richard Randall, Jarred Rego, Kevin Tebedo, Cheri Ofner and Rich Owen.  And all the folks who attended are the best I know.

Also, thanks to Rick Green for sharing with me his “perfect candidate” illustration… powerful! 

I was a speaker at the event, and this is what I had to say.  

**************************************************

So, are you ready to take it all back?

Now is the time. 

We’re in a battle.  And it’s all about freedom.  For decades, we’ve allowed lawmakers at all levels of government to pass bills that continue to choke freedoms in almost every aspect of our lives. 

But… if we act now, we have what I consider to be an incredible opportunity to dramatically turn back to our founding principles and preserve freedom. 

***

You want to be free to speak without legal repercussions…

You want to be free to raise your kids how you deem necessary… without someone else telling you how to do it…

You want to be free to protect yourself… and buy and own guns as you see fit… without someone tracking your purchases…

You want to be free to prosper… to own and operate your business without heavy regulations that choke your revenues dry…

In every area of your lives, You want to be free to make your own choices within the Constitutional boundaries set by our founding fathers. 

You want freedom.  I want freedom.  We all want freedom and liberty.  But Freedom can ever rest if it is to be preserved.  It must always be protected… always on the defense… historically there are always forces seeking to crush it, and today is no different. 

Speaking of history, I wonder when the last time the United States has seen such high numbers of citizen involvement in the political process… Look around you… patriots abound.  Times are uncertain.  Freedom is being threatened.  But the great thing is, I believe this has created an opportunity we can and must seize to revive our founding principles and protect freedom.

***

I want to talk a little strategy now, particularly for my friends who are frustrated with the Republican party: 

I am speaking as Michelle Morin, Mom4Freedom… not representing any organization.

Some years ago, the opposition was quoted saying “we are in a battle for the soul of the Republican Party.”  And battle they did.  In 2004, starting right here in Colorado, shrewd liberal activists developed a political strategy now dubbed the “Colorado Model,” whereby some of the most conservative candidates at all levels of government, and across many states, have been politically eliminated out of what should have been strong, “easy-win” campaigns.  The result:  many conservative pillars of the Republican party were knocked out, further weakening a party that had already begun losing its legislative punch in the US Congress. 

If conservative pillars were knocked out, what was left?  Moderates that don’t necessarily reflect the Republican platform?

With that in mind, jump forward to now. 

I talk to many of you who are justifiably frustrated and upset with today’s Republican party.  Some of you have left the Republican or Democrat party and registered as Unaffiliated.  And some of you may be considering it that same decision.  I know because I talk to you. 

But think about this… wouldn’t it be extra nice for the opposition if… not only could they take out the pillars, but… if that tactic would then have the added effect of dividing the Republican party?  And wouldn’t dividing one party in a two-party system have the consequent effect of conquering that party?  We’re in a governmental system designed for 2 parties… so wouldn’t that divide and conquer strategy mathematically give victory to the intact liberal party in a two-party system? 

With that in mind, If we jump ship, is it possible that have we have become a tool in the hand of the opposition? 

Let’s make sure WE use tools to further advance the conservative cause.  NOT BECOME power tools in the hands of the opposition! 

As conservatives, we’ve been in a defensive position.  Now is our time to get out of that position… and take this opportunity to get on the offense… let’s seize the opportunity before us and take it back. 

****

Think about a piece of fabric.  Look closely and you’ll see that fabric is comprised of and interwoven with many threads.  If we pull out any single thread in a piece of fabric, we weaken the whole fabric.  Keep pulling out single threads and eventually your fabric unravels into something weak and useless.  Neither the unraveled fabric that is left has strength, nor do the individual threads that are out. 

Likewise, conservatism, like our founding principles, is a fabric made up of many threads.  Each thread represents a single issue.  When as a movement or ideology, we start picking and choosing only social issues, only fiscal issues, or only whatever-else issues, the strength of our conservative founding principles are compromised… unraveled… until we’re left with unraveled ideology… an unraveled movement… and a multitude of single issues that in and of themselves ultimately can’t stand alone to preserve freedom. 

Each thread of conservatism is, in some way, wholly dependent on all the threads.  Our founding fathers knew this.  Capitalism, national defense, morality, strength, absolutes… each is interwoven and dependent upon the others for the entire founding fabric of our nation and our freedoms to stay intact.  Every issue (social, fiscal, whatever) must be defended based on our conservative founding principles.

Likewise… as conservatives, we can’t afford to unravel if we’re going to turn this state back to a conservative red in November. 

***

With that fabric in mind, let’s think about candidates.  Right now, the caucus process is the most critical and powerful tool you can use to directly affect the outcome in November, and ultimately to affect our freedoms.  There are many candidates from which to choose.  Some may or may not embrace every thread you want them to.  And I can guarantee you with absolute certainty that not everyone in this room is going to agree on the same candidate. 

I encourage you:  Pick your pick your candidate… commit to the caucus…  and do everything you can to get him or her on the ballot in November.  When the primaries are done and the final candidate is on the ballot for your party… it’s a sure thing that for some of us, our candidate of choice won’t be that pick for the November election.   

When this happens… which it will… some of you may be tempted to throw in the towel and say “Forget it, my candidate  didn’t win, so I’m not voting.  If it means I have to now vote for the lesser of two evils, I won’t do it.” 

I challenge you ahead of time to keep the big picture in mind…. The fabric I mentioned.  This is about freedom.  And taking our nation back to its founding principles.  Our founding fathers understood the nature of man… James Madison even said, “men are no angels.”  Speaking as a Christian, I can say this:  When you vote… unless Jesus Himself is on the ballot, you are ALWAYS voting for the lesser of two evils.  Don’t play into the hands of the left.  Do not stay home in November if your candidate doesn’t make it on the ballot.  Freedom is at stake.  And once lost, it may not be recoverable. 

We must keep our eyes on the ball.  I’m not suggesting compromise… I’m talking about long term strategy. 

This election season is an opportunity for all of us, even candidates.  As far as conservative candidates go, it is very possible we’ll end up with those we perceive as “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”  If we don’t end up with the exact candidates we want… at this stage in our history, it probably can’t be avoided.  If we haven’t gotten involved until now, we have no one to blame but ourselves.  Let’s work with what we have and do our best.  Get involved.  Stay involved.  Don’t give up.  And in time, we’ll get both our candidates and our legislation back to those conservative founding principles.  And freedom will prevail. 

Now you know you have the power to effect your freedom and liberty. Against all odds, our founding fathers birthed this nation 234 years ago.  Because of their example and precedent, I am confident we can defend it and bring it back to those same principles… we can win the souls of the American people for Truth, liberty and freedom. 

“With all the creative energy at our command, let’s begin an era of national renewal.  Let us renew our determination, our courage, and our strength.  And let us renew our faith and our hope…  To believe that together, with God’s help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us.  And after all, why shouldn’t we believe that?  We are Americans!”  ~ Ronald Reagan

Ladies and gentlemen, with the caucus system, we have an incredible opportunity and tool before us that only a few states have.  Understand the power of the caucus system.  Pick up this tool and and use it to advance freedom and defeat the left.

Starting right here in Colorado, may God bless America.

“People who are very aware that they have more knowledge than the average person are often very unaware that they do not have one-tenth of the knowledge of all of the average persons put together. In this situation, for the intelligentsia to impose their notions on ordinary people is essentially to impose ignorance on knowledge.” — Dr. Thomas Sowell