A Libertarian Leaning

Much is being written about the fracture we are witnessing in the Republican party, resulting in the left being stricken with glee.  In the aftermath of two losing presidential elections, both closer than publicly thought but losses none the less, the reasons for division in the GOP are seemingly appropriate.

Much more so than you may know.

Observing the fisticuffs with a box of popcorn from their box seats, left wing organizations, political players and their media arms are engaging in the fray attempting to distort facts and discredit and diminish the power positions of those who are presumed to potentially be a player on the 2016 stage.

Before admonishing the left for their usual low class misrepresentation of the truth; (remember Mitt Romney being labeled, by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D:NV) no less, as not having paid his taxes); those not entirely engaged must become informed that GOP operatives are acting in concert in this effort.

Although the anticipated rivalry is not currently fluid, the media is presenting America update after update on the battle between New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. This potential battle is illustrative of the major battle taking place behind the scenes, those old guard GOP progressives who welcome big government versus the Libertarian leaning GOP members who embrace the Constitution and seek personal freedoms and limited government.  It may be noted as another chapter in the fight Ronald Reagan had with the Gerald Ford supporters in 1976.

It was my honor and pleasure to cast my first presidential ballot for Ronald Reagan, and I thought his presidency was representative was how things were supposed to be with respect to America's position on the world stage with economic prosperity at home.  But know, I recognize Reagan was an anomaly in history applying an approximate decade long brake on the progressive movement seemingly began with the Wilson administration.

As we look around to day, we can be so proud of our crumbling economy, racial strife, poverty, sinking public school system, crony capitalism and corruption of a welfare and nanny state.  It ain't working properly; obviously.  USA; Detroit Rock City!

Superior interest in continuing their positions of power rather than working tirelessly to put America back on a prosperous track, progressive GOP members are sadly joining left wing organizations, political players and their media arms in efforts to diminish those presumed to be potential 2016 players. 

Just this week, Texas Senator Ted Cruz felt compelled to produce his birth certificate, although anyone who questioned Obama on this subject was considered extreme and not credible.  Funny how that hypocrisy works.

Speaking of that, the government has been shut down numerous times in recent history.  Instead of applauding the very few Republicans who dare to utilize every tool at their disposal to stop Obamacare, with the latest effort being to defund it, progressive GOP members are attacking these brave souls.  Nicole Wallace, who worked for McCain and leaked false and demeaning information about Sarah Palin, is not calling Ted Cruz “intellectually dishonest” in his mission to shut down the government in order to defund Obamacare. Good Grief!

The knives are still out for Sarah Palin by everyone.  This is quite amusing, given she is labeled completely incompetent by most after having been relentlessly smeared by the media and political machines.  GOP pundit Bill Kristol, of the National Review, had to be called on the carpet by Herman Cain today after a condescending slam of Palin by claiming she had a need to rehabilitate herself.

NJ Gov. Chris Christie

Chris Christie (R:NJ), and individual who exhibited such promise as a take no prisoners opponent of unions, engaged in a love fest Breaking the Boardwalk with President Obama in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, elevating the stature of our weak President from a damaged position to a perception of bipartisan strength helping him to defeat Mitt Romney.  Christie rejects that premise, but I don't.  In addition, Christie has gone after Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, although he is perceived as weak on the national stage.

These progressives, and make no mistake Christie is one, fear Governor Palin, but they do not think she will enter the race.  Given that, it is Kentucky Senator Rand Paul who they think can return the party to Reagan principles away from big, bloated government controlled by the ruling class, and the attacks on Paul have begun.

Christie has verbally hit Paul on numerous occasions, referring to Paul as dangerous.  To whom? The status quo of decline, debt and historically high unemployment? 

As reported by Mediate, speaking at a governors forum in Aspen, Colorado, Christie said “This strain of libertarianism that’s going through parties right now and making big headlines I think is a very dangerous thought,” the outspoken Garden State governor said. “You can name any number of people and [Paul is] one of them.”

Dangerous to whom?  America?  No, dangerous to Christie and the members of the ruling class.

Even Rep. Peter King (R:NY) a progressive who sits on numerous committees enabling our decline, went hard after Paul on the illegal surveillance the government is engaged in.  King told CNN chief political correspondent Candy Crowley that a recent libertarian streak in the GOP threatened to weaken what he said was the party's traditional strength.

Paul, thankfully, is not about to operate from a position of weakness, and has utilized the truth in thwarting the mounting attacks coming his way.

Many Americans are coming to the realization, despite what they are being told, the current economic doldrums are not a new normal, rather an orchestrated decline triggered by a massive transfer of wealth.  Millennials are recognizing what the rest of us know; that our privacy is being violated in stark violation of the Constitution.  In fact, all of our rights have been restricted to some degree under this oppressive government. The progressive mindset of the government compulsion to implement a nanny state due to the distrust of the citizenry to adequately lead their lives.

This thought process does not represent the founding principals and values of our nation.  The impact of the the progressive policies, already felt, are about to be fully comprehended.  When that occurs, the people will be clamoring to turn to individuals who have been steadfast in opposition to the current path, those who offer opportunities of expanding freedom through prosperity.

KY Sen. Rand Paul

With the GOP looking Democrat light, and with disgruntled young Democrats reluctant to embrace the GOP, it may be Constitutional Conservatives from the Libertarian wing Christie referred to that can become a large tent for those who embrace freedom.

The public figures who represent this platform, the ones the progressive ruling class fears, are the individuals currently being attacked with a full complement of Saul Alinsky tactics.  Sarah Palin, Ted Cruz, Sen. Mike Lee (R:UT)  have their attention, but the one most likely to return the power to the people, Rand Paul, is the most feared.

With very good reason.

The Long Knives

Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann roared out of the gate in the GOP presidential sweepstakes by winning the Iowa straw poll, which proved a knockout punch for fellow Minnesota candidate Tim Pawlenty.

Out came the long knives.

Don't blame it all on those intellectually challenged Democrats. Sharpened knives from the Progressives is what is at foot here, and regrettably this includes the Republican establishment, often referred to as RHINO's or Rockefeller Republicans. They have no interest in a Conservative woman who is a favorite of the Tea Party. After all, these folks are Progressives.

Bachmann got firebombed, complete with a hit piece cover story by Newsweek magazine. Add in a few gaffes on the campaign trail, and being labeled "crazy" by the lame stream media and down went the numbers.

Texas Governor Rick Perry jumped in the race, a Conservative with a great track record on job creation. In actual fact, Perry did not need the media to derail his campaign, thanks to some very poor debate efforts. Even so, he got hit on several fronts.

After all this carnage, former Godfathers Pizza Chairman Herman Cain got tremendous traction. Cain is very charismatic, and he unleashed a bold plan to reconstruct our inefficient tax system to rave reviews. Although Cain has been employed in several high profile capacities, his time at the National Restaurant Association supsiciously brought out of the woodwork four women accusing him of sexual harassment. Cain has suffered in the polls, as doubt has been created. Doubt can be most destructive, as brilliantly described in the 2005 award winning Broadway play by John Patrick Shanley.

Enter Newt Gingrich, the smartest man in the room. Newt readily admits he carries pounds of baggage, some deserved and some not. At any rate, with Gingrich out front, where will the knife come from?

Freddie Mac.

Gingrich consulted Freddie Mac, for a fee if you can imagine that, and this has the media in a tailspin. Given the problems to our economy caused by the back holes known as Fannie and Freddie, the media has concluded that folks who consulted these GSE's are eliminated from consideration of our highest office. Only if you are a Republican that is.

Never mind, nothing to see here, that several key figures in the Obama administration have very suspect backgrounds running, not consulting, Fannie and Freddie. See the following:

The New York Times David Brooks, who is a Republican impostor, describes James Johnson's relationship with Fannie Mae. Bloomberg Busninessweek outlines Franklin Raines story. Former Obama COS Rahm Emanuel was Director of Freddie Mac during scandal, reports ABC News. Peter Schwiezer's new book "Throw Them All Out" alleges insider trading. Jamie Gorelick, rumored to under consideration by Obama for Attorney General, is appropriately labeled the Mistress of Disaster, in part due to her role as Vice Chairman of Fannie Mae.

Michele Bachmann has said that the media is choosing the Republican candidate for 2012. Thus far, Congresswoman Bachmann is nothing short of correct.

The progressives, both Republican and Democrat, are carving up the playing field so each side fields a candidate that allows the game to continue to be played. Playing games is exactly what the electorate in this country is tired of, but it is important to note the establishment of both of these parties is not interested in what the electorate thinks, just expanding control over them.

Seeking a candidate who is an ejection from the system is the most attractive in my view, and that type of candidate is who they will stop at just about nothing to prohibit from winning. Think outside the box, and do not let the media poison your mind while these candidates, each far superior to Obama, stand in the line of fire.

Walking Down Wrong Path

As discussion of the plan to form a super committee of members of Congress to make debt recommendations, I immediately thought that if such a committee were to be formed, it should be composed of business leaders, economists and budget hawks with common sense. As I contemplated the individuals I would place on such a committee, first to my mind was former Comptroller General David Walker.

Upon leaving government in 2008, Walker has been sounding the alarm bell about the dire financial condition Uncle Sam is in, including participating in the movie IOUSA. Walker served as President of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation until late 2010, when he left to form The Comeback America Initiative. The mission of The Comeback America Initiative as stated on their website is to promote fiscal responsibility and sustainability by engaging the public and assisting key policymakers on a non-partisan basis in order to achieve solutions to America's fiscal imbalances.

I have long respected David Walker and have appreciated his efforts leading the way in attempting to wake the American people up and working to form solutions. Upon learning of Walkers Comeback America Initiative, I thought this would be a fine organization to support given Walkers history and the imminent need for financial sanity in America.

As I was investigating CAI, the list of the Board of Directors I found to be very concerning. Walker has always operated from a bipartisan platform, but two members of the CAI board I find unacceptable as they operate against the very principles of free market capitalism and sound financial efforts to, as CAI's mission statement suggests, achieve solutions to America's fiscal imbalances.

In fact, these two Gentlemen I feel actively work against such initiatives.

Andy Stern, former President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), was at one time the most frequent visitor to President Obama in the White House. Workers of the world unite Stern, at the helm of SEIU, significantly contributed to bloating of entitlements which have put this country in a stranglehold. More troubling, on numerous occasions, Stern's SEIU operated as thugs, often violating the law. A mob of 500 SEIU thugs surrounded a Bank of America executive's home. No problem for Stern, who said "We took names. We watched how they voted. We know where they live." Glenn Beck has more:



It is time to fight the thugs, not have them serve on boards on how to fix the financial woes of our nation, woes through entitlements they push are central to the problem.

Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners, is a progressive champion of social justice and a spiritual adviser to President Obama. Wallis has described himself as a fan of Marxism and has openly called for the redistribution of wealth in society, stating this is what the gospel is all about. President Obama is making every effort to redistribute our wealth, to forgo charity and just take or steal money from those who have it and transfer it those in need under the premise of social justice. Glenn Beck has more:

Perhaps by having Stern and Wallis on the CAI board, Walker can keep his friends close and his enemies closer, but somehow I doubt that is what is happening. Although I remain supportive of David Walker, I will refrain from supporting his CAI effort as long as the board of directors is occupied by opponents of free markets and proponents of social justice, Marxism and wealth transformation. These are among the folks who are actively destroying this country from within through expansive and massive entitlements, and I am vigorous in my opposition to them.

Obama Cained

Finally, a GOP 2012 contender takes a big league cut at Obama, tackling topics most shy away from. Herman Cain is not playing around:



A failure to lead. Right on Herman Cain, right on!

Most of America has no idea about the company our President keeps, and that at the end of the day, he is warm to our enemies and cold to our allies. Look no further than opening negotiations with the Muslim Brotherhood and the Taliban, and prize winning editorial cartoonist Michael Ramirez of Investors Business Daily is worried; rightfully so.:

The Road to Recovery

The GOP field of candidates has been put under green to begin the process of finding the candidate to defeat the the anti-American tyrant who is presiding under the unparalleled decline of our nation.

I have been asked for some thoughts on the field, so much like the folks over at Political Derby, I'll handicap the field in order of my preference, not who I think will be the nominee or who would be able to win.

Contrary to the mainstream media, this is a strong field and each of the candidates would be far superior to Obama. So would Foghorn Leghorn, Heath Barkley or Jim Rockford.

1. Michele Bachmann--- Unlike Obama, she would lead from the front, not the rear. Bachmann is former federal tax attorney, real estate investor and Congressional leader of the Tea Party. Bachmann is a friend to free markets and well recognizes the motives of Obama's oppression.

2. Rick Santorum---Santorum got trounced in his home state by speaking the truth nobody wanted to hear. Santorum is clear about the threat of Islamic terrorism and is sound across the board.

3. Herman Cain---A strong business background without having held public office is a major plus given the antics we commonly see in DC. The former Godfathers Pizza CEO's line of attack in solving our nations lengthy issues resonates, and his experience at the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank under Thomas Hoening cover the ever so important financial angle.

4. Mitt Romney---The establishment choice, Romney should really have won in 2008. Few can match his business experience, and the former governor knows how to govern. There is lot to like with Romney, and he can no doubt win if he gets there. He does have big issues, however, with respect to Romenycare and global warming.

5. Tim Pawlenty---Pawlenty is nothing if not solid. He well could be the last guy standing and has demonstrated his ability to govern and make measureable progress in a blue state. Pawlenty also has global warming issues, and a flirtation with some Sharia law tolerance.

6. Newt Gingrich---Newt is well described as an idea factory and knows government better than most. For all his intelligence, he departs often from the Reagan principles he claims to hold dear. Attacking the Ryan Roadmap and supporting a progressive lefty in NY 23 come to mind, not to mention a global warming commercial with Nancy Pelosi.

7. Ron Paul---While everyone was snickering at him in 2008, he turned out to be correct on a slew of items. Paul has the FED figured out, and is a leading mouthpiece on the damage monetizing the debt is doing to our country. Paul is outside the box on many other issues, relegating him to remaining a horse fly on the back of overspending progressives on both side of the isle.

Sarah Palin seems content to sit 2012 out, comfortable in hammering Obama at very turn. Rick Perry looks like he is about to jump in, and although he tends to govern left of his campaign rhetoric, he has the border issue in his back pocket to hammer Obama on. If in, both would immediately contend with Bachmann for the top spot.

Jon Huntsman jumped in Tuesday, announcing from New Jersey with the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty in similar fashion to when Reagan announced in 1980. Hunstman once called Obama a remarkable leader. Thank you for coming.

The media loves Huntsman, thus informing the GOP of who to pick to lose in 2012. Huntsman also declared he will pick up where John McCain left off in defeat in conducting a civil campaign.

In his brilliance, Rush Limbaugh spent much of the day Tuesday hammering Huntsman, and much of the other GOP candidates, for listening to consultants who think it would be damaging to attack Obama personally, only his policies. For all those who think this is Reaganesque, Limbaugh took us back to 1980 to hear Reagan blast Jimmy Carter.



America hangs in the balance. Grab the Reagan playbook and run with it and make Obama a one term President. Hit Barack Obama square in the jaw from every unguarded agnle, from his associations to his treatment of our allies to his utter failure in economic principles to his arrogance in operating outside the Congress. In fact, just quote Reagan and replace Carter with Obama and go with throttle up! The time is now. Right now!

Raising Cain

Last Thursday night, the GOP held their first 2012 presidential debate and gave America a glimpse of what cold be considered the second tier as many of the estimated front runners skipped the event.

The evening provided an opportunity for someone to emerge, as has happened in years past. Quite a bit of money was placed on Tim Pawlenty, the former Governor of Minnesota, while many others just knew former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum would stand tall. Texas Congressman Ron Paul has a strong following, as we all know.

Unless you got the fever from examining a dark horse for he weekends upcoming Kentucky Derby, you may not have considered Georgia businessman Herman Cain might steal the show.

Although the other candidates held steady, it was Herman Cain that positioned himself as a candidate that could move up to the first team. Cain, a former military man who began his business career at Coca Cola, has had quite a distinguished career as the former CEO of Godfathers Pizza, Chairman of the National Restaurant Association and a position on the board of directors of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank.

Cain spoke common sense, something America is clamoring for. I think America wants to eject from the tainted political process with an outsider who is free to run the country like an efficient business. This was evident in the overwhelming reaction by a Frank Luntz focus group, who came away in full support of Cain. The Wall Street Journal came away impressed also.

Recently, at the Tax Day TEA Party in Orlando, Cain was the headline speaker, and I quite like him. I am not sure if he can win the GOP nomination, but given the way Republicans give away the minority vote, Cain could give the GOP opportunities it could only dream of. Employing the business background Cains brings to the table, I think in this plain spoken Georgian you may have just met the GOP VP candidate for 2012.

Did you miss Cain dominate the debate? Take a listen as Cain recaps the evening in a discussion with CNBC's Larry Kudlow.



Cain is expected to formally announce his candidacy on May 21, 2011.

TEA Continues to Pour

When you think of the slime of the Senate, certainly a name that tops the list is Harry Reid (D:NV). You remember Harry, the guy who claimed the Iraq War was lost?

Reid recently declared the TEA Party over, a fad that has lost steam and is no longer relevant on the political spectrum. Shockingly, Sen. Reid is wrong yet again.

On tax day, I joined thousands of Central Floridians in downtown Orlando for a tax day Tea Party. Yes, we are taxed enough already.

Among the featured speakers were 2012 GOP hopeful Herman Cain, Joe the Plumber and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

As usual, Harry Reid and the progressive Democrats are incorrect in their political assessments. Has the TEA Party lost the enthusiasm of its members? With the vibrant crowd of thousands forgoing a Friday afternoon Happy Hour for some political discussion down at Lake Eola, I can attest that hardly not.

Perhaps the socialists should recall that in fact we continue to surround them!

Regrettable Retracement

In an eye opening editorial in The Wall Street Journal, Trend Macro's Chief Investment Officer Don Luskin writes of unfortunate similarities between The Great Depression and today. Luskin examines the current governmental policies which mirror those of Franklin Roosevelt and the technical analysis of the stock market, which if correct, signals a precipitous fall coming soon. Take a look at the chart below created by Trend Macrolytics:

The article was the central topic of discussion Monday evening on CNBC's The Kudlow Report with Larry Kudlow. Seemingly sane Democratic strategist Mark Walsh and outstanding former Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Chairman and talk show host Herman Cain joined Luskin to attempt to sound the alarm about the road our leaders have us traveling. Take a listen:

Luskin has it right in his article. The subject is one Amity Shlaes covered thoroughly in her outstanding book "The Forgotten Man", a read I highly encourage.

The recent action taken to potentially curb trading practices based upon how countries dictate currency levels, which as Luskin correctly points out is directed at China and their manipulation of the yuan, resembles the protectionary efforts made by Smoot Hawley, which were devastating.

Also, raising taxes in this environment can only be thought prudent by a Cloward-Piven follower, or a strong Progressive seeking government intervention and a retarding of the capitalist system. While many think the government is best equipped to assist the people, we are reminded of the words the great Ronald Reagan, "Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives".

As discussed on The Kudlow Report, class warfare is being used as an economic vehicle to move the country closer to socialism. Regrettably, while the Obama administration is enacting similar policies to Roosevelt, we will likely see similar results as we are retracing the DOW before a monumental drop during The Great Depression.

This is an unnecessary risk that could have catastrophic implications. With respect to the stock market, Luskin is not a technical analyst. I am, and it looks to me that history is repeating itself all over the place. Look out!