No ROTC for Harvard

http://education-portal.com/articles/Coming_Out_in_ROTC.html  The President of Harvard University looks forward to the return of military ROTC now that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed.  I am a military Veteran of thirty years service.  During Vietnam Harvard was not there for me.  During the Iraq War, Harvard was not there for me.  During the Afghan War, Harvard was not there for me.  I feel that Harvard and schools such as Harvard should be denied the return of ROTC and should be refused any federal military related money for a period of not less than the time they refused to be there for ROTC.  I am not one to profane the sacred graves of our military dead.  As a US  Army Chaplain during Iraq and Afghan Wars, I was distressed that Harvard and snobby elitist institutions like Harvard refused to serve our ROTC population due to Harvard’s so-called “offense” at the US military ban on open homo and lesbian and transgender (whatever) behavior.  I often felt that the Harvard snobs should go to Afghanistan and Iraq where such behavior is not only banned but subjected to excommunication from the religion of Islam, and stoning by local Moslem congregants.  Let the tenured Professors preach their message of sexual behavior to the Imams and the “Al Sadr’s” in those Moslem countries.  But of course, they would not do that.  Academics practice tolerance and intolerance behind the ivy walls of what were once Christian colleges like Harvard.  They are tolerant of everything of which they themselves never need to experience and they are totally intolerant of anyone who suggests that intellectually and practically they are wrong. 

Now that the number of students attending such schools as Harvard is much lower and the obscene costs for such attendance are exorbitant, Harvard wants once again to feed at the military feeding bin.  For those who served and for those who returned  and for those who served and were turned away from Harvard and never returned, I say NO WAY.  Harvard should be denied any return of ROTC and Harvard should have every last penny of federal monetary assistance withdrawn.  Yes, some students will be hurt.  Let them enlist.  If they want federal assistance and refuse to defend the nation, their request for federal money should be denied.  Hey, you really should not have it both ways.  Many others were refused because they were willing to serve in the military.  Since you refuse to serve.  Pay the price.

The Results if Bush Cuts are Not Extended

The “Fiscal Cliff”

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Thursday, August 9, 2012 12:23 PM
The “Fiscal Cliff”

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Financial Consultant William  O’Doherty, FIC, CLTC RMA 221 West Grand Avenue Suite 105 Montvale, NJ 07645 800-838-1159 william.odoherty@thrivent.com

August 09, 2012
The “Fiscal Cliff”

What is the “fiscal cliff”? It’s the term being used by many to describe the unique combination of tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2013. The ominous term reflects the belief by some that, taken together, higher taxes and decreased spending at the levels prescribed have the potential to derail the economy. Whether we do indeed step off the cliff at the end of the year, and what exactly that will mean for the economy, depends on several factors.

Will expiring tax breaks be extended?With the “Bush tax cuts” (extended for an additional two years by legislation passed in 2010) set to sunset at the end of 2012, federal income tax rates will jump up in 2013. We’ll go from six federal tax brackets (10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, and 35%) to five (15%, 28%, 31%, 36%, and 39.6%). The maximum rate that applies to long-term capital gains will generally increase from 15% to 20%. And while the current lower long-term capital gain tax rates now apply to qualifying dividends, starting in 2013, dividends will once again be taxed as ordinary income.

Additionally, the temporary 2% reduction in the Social Security portion of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) payroll tax, in place for the last two years, also expires at the end of 2012. And, lower alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts (the AMT-related provisions actually expired at the end of 2011) mean that there will be a dramatic increase in the number of individuals subject to AMT when they file their 2012 federal income tax returns in 2013.

Other breaks go away in 2013 as well.

  • Estate and gift tax provisions will change significantly (reverting to 2001 rules). For example, the amount that can generally be excluded from estate and gift tax drops from $5.12 million in 2012 to $1 million in 2013, and the top tax rate increases from 35% to 55%.
  • Itemized deductions and dependency exemptions will once again be phased out for individuals with high adjusted gross incomes (AGIs).
  • The earned income tax credit, the child tax credit, and the American Opportunity (Hope) tax credit all revert to old, lower limits and less generous rules.
  • Individuals will no longer be able to deduct student loan interest after the first 60 months of repayment.

There continues to be discussion about extending expiring provisions. The impasse, however, centers on whether tax breaks get extended for all, or only for individuals earning $200,000 or less (households earning $250,000 or less). Many expect there to be little chance of resolution until after the November election.

Will new taxes take effect in 2013?Beginning in 2013, the hospital insurance (HI) portion of the payroll tax–commonly referred to as the Medicare portion–increases by 0.9% for individuals with wages exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 for married couples filing a joint federal income tax return, and $125,000 for married individuals filing separately).

Also beginning in 2013, a new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax is imposed on the unearned income of high-income individuals. This tax applies to some or all of the net investment income of individuals with modified adjusted gross income that exceeds $200,000 ($250,000 for married couples filing a joint federal income tax return, and $125,000 for married individuals filing separately).

Both of these new taxes were created by the health-care reform legislation passed in 2010–recently upheld as constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court–and it would seem unlikely that anything will prevent them from taking effect.

Will mandatory spending cuts be implemented?The failure of the deficit reduction supercommittee to reach agreement back in November 2011 automatically triggered $1.2 trillion in broad-based spending cuts over a multiyear period beginning in 2013 (the formal term for this is “automatic sequestration”). The cuts are to be split evenly between defense spending and nondefense spending. Although Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits are exempt, and cuts to Medicare provider payments cannot be more than 2%, most discretionary programs including education, transportation, and energy programs will be subject to the automatic cuts.

New legislation is required to avoid the automatic cuts. But while it’s difficult to find anyone who believes the across-the-board cuts are a good idea, there’s no consensus on how to prevent them. Like the expiring tax breaks, the direction the dialogue takes will likely depend on the results of the November election.

What’s the worst-case scenario?Many fear that the combination of tax increases and spending cuts will have severe negative economic consequences. According to a report issued by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (Economic Effects of Reducing the Fiscal Restraint That Is Scheduled to Occur in 2013, May 2012), taken as a whole, the tax increases and spending reductions will reduce the federal budget deficit by 5.1% of gross domestic product (GDP) between calendar years 2012 and 2013. The Congressional Budget Office projects that under these fiscal conditions, the economy would contract during the first half of 2013 (i.e., we would likely experience a recession).

It’s impossible to predict exactly how all of this will play out. One thing is for sure, though: the “fiscal cliff” figures to feature prominently in the national dialogue between now and November.

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The information provided in these materials, developed by an independent third party, is for informational purposes only and has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, however, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete.  The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein.  The information  does not take into consideration your personal financial or account information. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. The material is general in nature. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its respective associates and employees cannot provide legal, accounting, or tax advice or services. Thus, these educational tools are not intended to serve as the basis for any investment or tax-planning decisions. Please consult your attorney or tax professional.  Securities are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55415-1665, 1-800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836), member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and are not insured by FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the financial institution, are not guaranteed by the financial institution, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal.
Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2012.

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Obama in His Own Words

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=tCAffMSWSzY#t=28  As I view this video I am concerned at why this information has been suppressed.  Oh, Yes, I am able to get it on the Tube (at least for now) but it is not broadcast and this part of President Obama’s story has successfully be covered up.  There is so much about the President that we do not know and this very troubling video indicates that his real agenda is much more influenced by “…my Islamic faith…” than it is by his love for America.  At times, as I listened, I wondered if he had anything good to say about anybody other than Moslems and Islam.  It would seem that Mr. Obama sees it as his duty to promote, extend and defend the religion of Islam as being, “…from the beginning of our nation…”  a vital part of the development of Democracy and the Constitution.  Is this some kind of academic dribble from Harvard?  It may be it is that because the Harvard of today, founded and funded for two hundred years by Christian Congregationalists is already divided between the secular anti Christian University and the modernist revisionist liberal protestant Theological School.  I would not be surprised if a student of the secular Harvard was taught that Islam and Moslems were as important, or even more important for the founding of Western European civilization and the same for the founding of the USA than our Judaeo Christian founders.  At any rate, this is must watching for anyone who wants to know about President Obama in his own words.  Yes,  this is an edited video but the portions shown cannot be ignored or excused by a claim against the editors.  After all, the words are Obama’s words and no one else’s.  Judge for yourself, dare to watch the video.  Is Obama lying to us about everything?  For ther Bush haters, just remember how you regarded President Bush and ask if your judgements are not duplicitous?

We are Secure with Romney and Ryan

http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/Ryan-plan-save-America/2012/08/11/id/448245?s=al&promo_code=FBA2-1
Most of us exhausted from a day of opinions about the RomneyRyan ticket.  I share the cited article with you.  It’s good.  And I will only share a few thoughts.

Firstly, I believe and I have  believed for a long time, that Barrack Hussein Obama does not  love America.  I think that he does not like America and that is why he wants to fundamentally change America.  Amazing! Really, that the first black American President, who is President because this great nation is big enough to elect him,  Amazing, he arrogantly believes that he deserves to be President in order to fundamentally change the nation that gave him the chance to be a State Senator, a Federal Senator and now President.  Yes, he is President by a free and fair election, but since then Mr. Obama has ruled us rather than served us and when not campaigning, he has criticized and apologized for us on the world stage.

Secondly and finally,  Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan love America.  They will serve America as leaders and they will lead us out of malaise and into a future of security and prosperity.

Admittedly my response is emotional but as I watched the two men walk off the stage into the crowd, I felt secure and at peace that they were our elected President and VP our nation would be in experienced hands of two men who love America and who will tirelessly to promote our Constitutional Republic, defend our freedoms and put USA not back to prosperity but back into the Leadership of the world.

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17 Trillion Obamacare Costs Discovered

http://news.yahoo.com/another-17-trillion-surprise-found-obamacare-133210667.html  Put simply, this insane spending bill must be repealed by the Congress and better and smaller bills passed.  This 2700 page legislation brings disaster.  If we elect a new Senate this Fall and the new Senators are committed to repealing Obama care entirely and then starting over to sanely approach our nation’s medical care needs, we will be better off as a country.  The downfall of the USSR was because they could no longer afford the enormous expenses of the cold war, of a large standing military and the wasteful communist economic system.  Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, although much smaller countries suffered from over spending and without massive outside help would have destroyed their economies.  There is no one, not even the Chinese, who will help the USA get out of the tens of trillions of spending under Obama care.  So, add it all up and the end of USA is near, not in an apocalyptic earthquake but in an economic self-destruction. Since the gridlock in the USA is caused by a Senate leadership that refuses to allow the Republican House of Representative to pass a budget, and since the leader of the Senate has consistently declared all Republican sponsored solutions to the nation’s needs to be “dead on arrival,” we need to give the Republican party a majority in the Senate in order to get out of the do nothing state of affairs caused by a President who says that he wants to rule without the consent of Congress and a Senate that blocks all Republican attempts to solve our nation’s problems.  By the way, the House of Representative defeated the Presidents proposed budget for the fourth time.  The latest vote was 414 against.  That says a lot about the foolishness of Obama’s proposal and the sincerity of the House of Representatives.  The Senate also consistently turned down the Obama proposed Budgets.  But the Senate also has consistently turned down House budgets.  The bottleneck to progress seems to be the White House and the Senate.

Republican Anti Romneyism is Pathological not Ideological

“Yeah, I understand it. Everyone in the Republican establishment wants Romney and they’d like everyone else to go home,” Gingrich told ABC News’ Jon Karl in an interview Tuesday. “They’d like to have a coronation, but that’s not how this is done.”

There is weird thinking in the USA conservative movement that Governor Mitt Romney is not a true Conservative.  This kind of thinking betrays a pathological bias more than an ideological divide between Governor Mitt Romney and Senator Santorum and Speaker Gingrich.

The best way I can describe it is to make analogy with the Christian Church. Firstly, let me say clearly that this analogy is not anger toward  or indiscreet criticism of the Christian Church.  I love the Christian Church, warts and all.  However, the analogy of Christian and indeed, Jewish and Moslem denominationalism fits the current Republican scene.

Christians, including Mormon Christians, proclaim that Jesus is the Christ.  They adhere to the creedal formulations of the Church and they distinguish themselves from other faith religions.  However, within Christianity, there are various labels for various Christian Churches.  The two big ones are Roman Catholic and Orthodox.  Then there are the many so-called Protestant  groups, like Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Baptist.

All of these groups aka. “denominations”, profess Jesus as the Christ, that God is Trinity in character, and that a person is granted eternal life through a relationship with God through Christ in faith.  That applies to 100% of the groups mentioned as being Christian.  So what’s the difference?  Why are there denominations?  An adequate answer to both questions would require a treatise.  However, a simplification would be to say that all the denominations are a result of social/economic/political and cultural differences between various people at the time of the inception of each denominational group.   Not much help in understanding the core basis of denominationalism, is it?  That’s because there is no simple answer, denominationalism is a phenomenon.

Today, the battle within the Republican party is between the so-called Conservatives, Moderates and Liberals.  They are all part of the established Republican party which party is the only Republican party there is and the only one entitled to be listed on the ballot in fifty States as Republican!  Like all the groups within Christianity are Christians, so all the groups within the Republican party are Republican.  The names they call themselves, their denominators, are self-imposed qualifiers.  Over time, these qualifiers have become nuanced so that a Conservative in 2012 is not the same as a Conservative of 1912.

It is this writer’s opinion that in other elections the nuances between the groups and even within the groups were allowed to blend.  This blending producted hybrids known as Moderate Liberals and Moderate Conservatives.  The adjective “moderate” allowed Republicans the flexibility to pull the right and the left toward the center of the Republican spectrum.  However, the advent of Talk Show radio has introduced an element of rigidity into the party which denies that such moderation is allowed.  Rather, Talk Show hosts insist upon a definition of Conservative which precludes the hybrid, Moderate-Conservative designator.  And in the present context, Governor Mitt Romney is seen to be a hybrid and not purely Conservative.

From my seat along the sidelines of politics, it seems that Liberals and Moderates are still willing to allow flexible definitions of a person’s political philosophy.  So, they allow that a person can be strictly Conservative in economic politics while being moderately Conservative in social politics and maybe, conservatively liberal regarding international politics.  It is possible, there may be many so-called “pure” Conservatives who also will allow flexibility regarding Governor Romney because they feel that he has the best chance of winning against President Obama.  Sadly, it is becoming evident that Talk Show hosts like Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and Rush Limbaugh, (to name the best, biggest and most influential) are fundamentally opposed to any graduated designator.

In the title to this article I use the concept that this refusal to allow moderation of so-called “pure” Conservatism is pathological rather than ideological.  I believe that an ideological difference can become nuanced when influenced by reasoned conversation.  However, both Santorum and Gingrich and their promoters say that they are essentially anti Romney.  Since they denominate themselves as the true Conservative in distinction to Romney’s Moderate Conservatism, then, I believe, their opposition to him is unreasoned, ingrained, emotional and I suggest, pathological.

Governor Christie Survives Navy SEAL Attack

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/governor-chris-christie-idiot-student-damn-man-m-221915452.html

Governor Christie was attacked yesterday during a question and answer period at Rutgers University.  The attacker was a former US Navy “SEAL”.

Firstly, we note that Governor Christie is the elected Representative of the citizens of New Jersey.  Secondly, we note that he is at a public forum in order to appear in person to those citizens.  Thirdly, we note that governor Christie was ambushed by the Rutgers student.  The student did not have a gun but he did have a weapon, his mouth.  He did not have an intention to physically harm the governor, but he did have the intention to inflict harm upon the Governor.  His intention was to cause a shouting match in a public place between himself and the Governor of New Jersey.  His attempt to ambush Governor Christie was successful, although the Governor  survived.

Several items stand out.  The person shouting at the forum was a former US Navy SEAL.  Well, this writer served in the US Army for thirty years and I can state without any doubt that US Navy SEALS are trained to say yes SIR and no SIR or (Mad’m) as the case may be.  Not to amend all statements in such fashion is punishable as disrespect to an officer of the Navy.  So, we know straight away, that the student is acting intentionally and not from emotions, (he’s a SEAL!) and not from ignorance.  Sad that a former US Navy SEAL should think so little of the Navy that he would cause it to be embarrassed by his public conduct.

Next, we note that the person shouting over the Governor of NJ is a person who is probably on monetary support from the US Federal government through the Montgomery GI Bill, the Reserve Assistance Educational Program, (REAP) or the Post 9/11 education bill.  He is attending a NJ State sponsored school, so he is already getting lower tuition and fees because taxes levied on NJ property owners are used to subsidize students like him.  And if there are any other scholarship monies for the former US Navy SEAL then he is getting everything for free.  It is obvious from Governor Christie’s response that the Governor was exasperated with the student and was reminding him, politely, like a  good father to an unruly child, of the aforementioned facts.

Lastly, we note that the student is identified as a Democrat and active in Democrat political activities on campus.  This last factor plays well into my suspicion that this entire episode was a pre meditated political attack using ambush as the method.  Let me be quick to add that I realize that this analogy can be carried too far.  And this writer realizes that heckling is a recognized, although unworthy, political tool, (yes, I know that the Democrats also get this treatment.)  Governor Christie recognized the situation, addressed the immediate threat to his presentation, while expressing frustration concerning the non civil nature of the interchange.   A frustration which President Obama has repeatedly lamented from the stage, after which lamentation, he launches into withering political name calling, and accusations against the Congress blaming them for all the ills that plague the Nation.

One last point here.  It is coincidental that this student ambushes a Republican Governor.  We have witnessed similar ambushes by college student activists against both Democrats and Republicans.  So, the question begs to be asked about student political activism on USA campuses.

This writer applauds Governor Christie and for those who think that the statement, “..look I’m the Governor…” is petty or betrays hubris or its reverse, well, it doesn’t.  How can I say that? Simple, you say it does and I say it does not.

The New Republic is Disappointing

http://www.tnr.com/article/101532/home-news-letter-tnr-readers-chris-hughes  Very nice letter about high ideas, and higher ideals, and the rule of civility and the need for in-depth journalism and the like.  Sadly, I then looked at the article about “Where are the Democrat Rush Limbaughs” http://www.tnr.com/blog/timothy-noah/101434/what-about-the-democrats-rush-limbaughs and immediately the phony claims of TNR were uncovered as the author excused all the Democrat people he listed, all of them saying much more offensive things than Limbaugh. The claim the TNR uses in his article is phony because the author uses a flimsy excuse that all  his cited Democrats were essentially “good” people who said very nasty things to people but the cited Democrats were not haters.  Moreover, the author makes the patently invalid claim that Rush Limbaugh and his followers are an army of hate mongers who are so filled with vitriolic hatred that they attack poor innocent and defenseless private citizen Fluke.  Then I looked at the Democrat ads, and the overwhelmingly favorable pro Democrat content.  My conclusion, TNR is just an old paper publication proclaiming the pro Democrat, so-called Progressive and so-called Liberal agenda which is pilloried by the Conservatives.  Its scholarship is not better, its investigative reporting is not better, its in-depth pro and con analysis of issues facing the national society is not better, and its prejudices and stereotypical name calling are disappointing.  When I read the letter of the new owner and I read the letter of the founders, I had hope that finally there would actually be a publication able to have an intellectual discussion according to the rules of civil discourse.  Sadly, TNR is not this.  All the writers should read The Rev. Father (deceased) Richard John Neuhaus, The Naked Public Square.  Maybe, if TNR could be renewed in that image, then it might be worth reading.  Until then, I will continue to keep searching for the real thing.

Letter to Tea Party Establsihment about Senator Santorum

I am actually surprised. The Tea Party movement has an organization and a structure very much like a political party. And the very next day after the Michigan and Arizona Primaries endorsed Romney, I get this paid political message from Rich Santorum. I did not ask to hear from him. I did not give you permission to share my email with him. I do not intend to vote for him. As far as a true Conservative I think Governor Romney is better credentialed than Senator Santorum. Both he and this tea party advertisement are undermining the Republican primary process and disclaimers to the contrary, this letter very much shows your political endorsement of Senator Santorum. Maybe if my friends at the “establishment” level of the tea party movement would get it straight, they would be more effective. Friends, the Tea party is a movement as you claim but do not honor. It is not a political party as you say but you act differently. It is not a conservative movement against so-called “establishment Republicans” but a rally of citizens against certain key ideas of governing and for other key ideas of governing. Sadly, I am beginning to think that the “establishment” level of the tea party movement is betraying the movement in favor of its own exclusive administrative and fund rasing club. Since I have a radio show and a blog and often am called upon to speak to clubs etc. I am considering analysis of the “establishment” level of the tea party movement in order to explore and reveal the fundamental betrayal that letters like this communicate to those who have attended Washington, as I did and who are now disillusioned with the Tea Party Movement administrative “establishment”. : Wednesday, February 29, 2012 1:20 PM Subject: Rick Santorum: Fight of his life Below please find a special message from one of our sponsors, Rick Santorum. He has important information to share with you. Thank you. Please note that the following message reflects the opinions and representations of our sponsor alone, and not necessarily the opinion of TheTeaParty.net.  I have not included the actual political fund raising letter from Senator Santorum because I will not give free publicity..I do not agree.

Republicans May be Best At Snatching Defeat from Jaws of Victory

This writer has Republican roots and generally is Republican.  However, I am distressed at the persistence of the Republican electorate to seek defeat from the jaws of victory.

The continued debate within the Republican party over who should be the candidate to face President Obama may be healthy in a classroom environment but may be fatal in the election process.

This is my take:

Gingrich is a very powerful intellectual and his ideas and the uniqueness of his visions are often refreshing.  However, he also displays fatal flaws. They are the following:  that he does not have a broad-based, energetic, organized, election campaign organization.  I appreciate Speaker Gingrich, and I hope that he will continue to wholeheartedly contribute to the process of political debate in the USA.  However, the nation needs not only ideas, it needs a person who can energetically and enthusiastically makes the ideas into reality.  And although when Mr. Gingrich was Speaker of the House of Representatives, and although he was able to make remarkable progress by working closely with President Clinton, he is not displaying the same gregarious ability in reaching out to fellow Republicans.  Rather, he has conducted a partisan political rebellion within the Republican party which seeks to divide the party.  Therefore, this writer believes Speaker Gingrich should be encouraged to end his campaign and instead throw his considerable intellectual and political acumen behind the main candidate.

Mr Santorum is the spoiler.  Senator Santorum enters this race having been a Washington political insider, both as a Congressman and Senator. While I laud many of his strongly held Roman Catholic beliefs and I appreciate his working class roots, I find Senator Santorum’s claim that it is Romney who is the so-called “establishment” while Mr Santorum is the “working class alternative to ??”  Personally, I have named Senator Santorum the “spoiler” because I am distressed at what I regard as his assertion that his position representatives the true “conservative” position within the Republican party.  Frankly, I spotted Senator Santorum’s presidential aspirations several years ago when he was a frequent guest on the Greta Van Sustern, Fox News program.  Yet, Mr. Santorum has a very small political organization and his organizational skills at establishing a viable political alternative to “?” are revealed as weak.  For both Senator Santorum and Speaker Gingrich, I ask the simple question, “Why didn’t you expend the tremendous efforts, energy and enthusiasm shown By Governor Romney in building up and funding a viable political alternative?”

Why is the above question of tremendous importance?  It is because both Speaker Gingrich and Senator Santorum  both have displayed a lack of political entrepreneurship which is essential to a successful campaign and a successful Presidency.  Rather, they have depended upon spontaneity and the mercurial nature of the news media.  They are not positive candidates with viable individual political platforms.  They are the “anti Romney” candidates.  This is a weak and disingenuous position which seeks to spoil the other person’s success by playing the role of antagonist to Romneys Protagonist.  And while I know that I am torturing the words, I prefer the Pro position to the negative Anti position.

Now, to the true alternative. Congressman Ron Paul.  I believe that this Representative is truly what he intends to be , namely, a voice for the alternative position.  And what this writer especially likes about this tried and true perennial Presidential candidate is that he conducts himself as a true believer in the power of the American political process and as a true proponent of the American political philosophy.  Congressman Paul is someone who has a realistic and humble evaluation of himself and his cause. Yet, he pursues that cause with the vigor and the enthusiasm of an ardent believer in the rightness of his position.  And he does all of this with a refreshing self-deprecation and winsome sense of grace that is indeed winning.  Congressman Paul’s ideas may seem bizarre to some but he represents a core philosophy that acknowledges American exceptionalism while insisting that it be applied with great sensitivity to the rights and freedoms of other nations.  He agrees that we are a great and mighty nation while insisting that our might and greatness necessitates humility not apology.  Congressman Paul’s ideas deserve robust and vigorous discussion and sincere debate because they are well-considered and he himself deserves the respect.  Why?  Because he is a man of such obvious sincerity and integrity who has tirelessly served his nation and his ideas are viable while amendable.

Lastly, we come to my endorsement of Governor Romney.  At this point I see a candidate who worked tireless over many years to do the following:

To compete in the harsh and combative arena of national politics as a candidate for President

To accept defeat not aa a cliff from which he must turn away but as a chasm over which he must build a bridge.

To foster, develop and organize a true national political organization that is a model of entrepreneurship and organizational skill worthy of a serious political candidate for the Presidency.

To research, a viable national program to reduce our debt, increase our national wealth and return America to the economic leadership of the world by creating jobs, increasing citizen business initiatives and cutting out the fat and flab of a government bureaucracy that stifles the achievement of success for America’s working class.

Romney can do all of this because as a citizen, a Governor and a very successful business leader, he created companies, improved failing industries, inspired creative leadership in job creation and held everyone accountable for careful spending.

Is Romney successful? Yes. We want a successful President.

Is Romney wealthy? Yes, he has proven his prodigious business skills by doing what every American wants to do.  His experience with personal wealth creation means that he will not casually spend our money by higher taxes and carefree spending.

Is Romney part of the so-called “Republican Establishment.”? Yes. Let’s all be honest on this one. Not one of the candidates can place themselves outside of the respected, recognized and legal Republican party.  After all, they are working very hard to get that so-called “establishment” to allow them to be its candidate this November!  And that is what we need.  A President Romney who loves America.  Not another Barrack Hussein Obama who is a  maverick malcontent who doesn’t like America, its guns, bibles or religion.

Many of the political experts feel that this prolonged primary battle is harmful to the Republican party.  Maybe it is. However, these candidates, good people all of them, are good spirited, patriotic Americans who put themselves forward at great cost to themselves in time, talent and treasure in order to allow the American people to examine them and judge if they should be the candidate.  I call that gutsy and I admire and respect all of them for their willingness to get out there in the public arena and fight for the right to lead.

This writer wants to thank them and tell them that they didn’t hurt the Republican party and they definitely helped America.