FederalRepublic.net

I think this is something worth taking a look at. In my opinion, Ron Paul is the only presidential candidate speaking the truth about the United States’ fiscal problems, including the disadvantages of using a paper money system that is not backed up by gold or silver and the hidden costs associated with inflation:

I think his words have as much meaning today as they did when he stumped for Barry Goldwater:

This video almost forces you to ask the question, “Where are today’s patriots when we need them?”

*Hat tip to C-Rock for pointing this out to me

It’s unfortunate that I have neglected to really write about many current issues surrounding politics recently. This summer I had been busy with school, TDYs to Mississippi, other training, and drinking and partying with friends. I’ve kept up with news, but just haven’t had the time or the motivation to dedicate to blogging with everything going on.

School has started again for this term (about a week after the last one ended) and I’m actually going to class this time, versus going to class online. My schedule is packed with four political science classes, including two I’m extremely excited about - constitutional law and American political thought. I’m really hoping to add to the discussion in both those classes by contributing some constitution and history-based thinking and old school political liberalism (not to be confused with today’s democratic socialism) to the mix. Thus, I may not be writing on this blog that often. It’s ok though, I’m excited to actually start on the bulk of my degree.

Tonight I was touched by this video. Remember those who have died for our freedom and have defended our way of life around the world:

God bless those brave souls who gave their lives for something greater than themselves.

So here are a couple more pictures from Young America’s Foundation 2007 National Student Conference:

Below is the 2007 group picture taken at George Washington University:

Below is a picture of me and a man who could’ve become the next President of the United States, former Virginia Senator George Allen.

I can’t wait to go back next year! More pics to come…

So they New York Times is reporting that the federal deficit is down lower this year:

The Treasury Department reported on Friday that the government produced a deficit of $157.3 billion for the budget year that began last Oct. 1.

In the beginning of the article however, the Times reports this little fact:

The federal deficit so far this budget year is running sharply lower, driven by record revenues pouring into government coffers.

It’s no lie that many economists and political pundits credit the Bush tax cuts as the main reason why the United States is experiencing steady economic growth, especially on the heels of recent terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and political deadlock. Nobody denies (except for liberal Dems) that supply-side economic policies have helped to spur the economy, producing more incoming revenue for the federal treasury.

While record revenues are a good thing for a Congress and a president who want to throw our money away like drunken jailors, many conservatives are also hailing record revenues as an accomplishment for this president and the former GOP-controlled Congress. This I don’t understand.

The ultimate question is thus: Why are we celebrating the federal government taking more of our money than at any time in the history of our union?! This is something that doesn’t strike me as a good thing, yet many advocates of limited government and low taxes are excited by this. Since when was it a good thing that a nation’s goverment has taken more citizens’ money than any other government in the history of the world?! The founding fathers put their lives on the line against George III for many smaller outrages than this; they would be ashamed.

In my opinion, it is time for a renewed mindset about taxes, especially in conservative circles. We don’t just need to cut the spending, we need to realize that the more money government takes, the more freedom we risk giving away, including our freedom to spend, save, or otherwise invest. The free market works and government must keep its hands off the economy, including the money we give it.

Thought everyone would get a kick out of this:

This picture was taken after the Ronald Reagan Tribute Dinner at YAF’s ‘07 student conference. I even had the pleasure of him signing my book. He’s a great guy though and I was honored to meet this man. His father would be proud.

The Associated Press is reporting President Bush is having a “surge” of support in recent days:

After sliding to just 28 percent in June, within range of an all-time low, Bush’s job approval rating on handling Iraq rose slightly to 31 percent in July, according to AP-Ipsos polling. And a recent CBS/New York Times poll showed an increase in the percentage of Americans who think the U.S. did the right thing in going to war with Iraq, up to 42 percent from 35 percent in May.

While I don’t really believe polls all that much, the above example shows that the good news about Iraq is getting out there, slowly, but surely. Even something as small as this is encouraging to me, with some people finally giving the president the support he desperately needs in these trying times.

Since I went to the Young America’s Foundation conference and attended a White House briefing with Tony Snow, my respect for President Bush has dramatically changed for the better. I don’t agree with everything the president has done in his seven years as chief executive, but I respect him more because he stands on his principles, not on polls. Tonight I came across a recent interview with the president by Neil Cavuto of Fox News. I believe President Bush demonstrates his leadership and principle throughout the interview by standing up for what he believes is right in the face of massive partisan opposition:

As conservatives, we may not agree with everything the president does, but at least we know where he stands. Have you prayed for your president today?

Today I’m flying back into Colorado Springs after attending the 2007 Young America’s Foundation annual Conservative Student Conference. It was a great experience and I met many of our country’s conservative leaders including Newt Gingrich, G. Gordon Liddy, Michael Reagan, and former Senator George Allen. I will post pictures in an upcoming entry and a personal view on the Robert Spencer - CAIR controversy that I was witness to. It was simply amazing to be there in the midst of controversy, while Michelle Malkin live-blogged about Spencer’s speech to CAIR an aisle away from where I was sitting. At any rate, it was a great experience and can’t wait to return next year.

The week was filled with conservative speakers, authors, bloggers, talk-radio hosts, and topics ranging from the War on Terror, to constitutional theory, to the defense of privatized health care. I learned much from a great week and met some fantastic friends. I’ll post more about this amazing week a little later when I have access to my pictures and other resources.