Though I have tried, Thomas Sowell hit the nail squarely on the head in the article below, far better than I have been able to.

The GOP is the only party that can lead, but the GOP cannot continue to offer alternative “solutions” that are only different versions of those presented from the other side; we must stand for something- we must stand for the Constitution, for the Individual, for Capitalism.

Anything less will ensure that the other side remains in control, and America continues a spiral into European Socialism.

Take a moment to read Sowell’s column, and let me know what you think…

Thomas Sowell in Shelby Star

Governor Mark Sanford is headline news today, and will be until the next shocking moment of American politics.

His actions are inexcusable, shameful and irresponsible. They are unbecoming of someone as brilliant as Mark Sanford; unbecoming of one who represents the people of South Carolina.

At the end of the discussion, a rational question remains- a question that will not be asked for some time, if ever: What is the difference (continue reading…)

Last weekend, at the Republican Convention in Raleigh, my wife was struck with appendicitis. I took her to the hospital at 7PM Saturday evening, before noon on Sunday, she had an appendectomy. By Wednesday, she was back at work, with only minor aggravation, so all is well.

During the day on Saturday, I had a growing suspicion of her problem, and with the input of a retired physician friend in attendance, had fairly well diagnosed the condition. I had also inquired of another friend the best hospital in which to take her.

Upon arrival at the hospital, I was shocked, and even wondered if I had (continue reading…)

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=email_en&sid=ar2de0RP4ebo

Atlas Shrugged should be required reading to vote; its common sense to live.

In a related article, see  http://www.charlotteobserver.com/408/story/770382.html.
As a follow up, take a look at http://business.clemson.edu/BBTCENTER/cci/index.htm, this from a grant from BB&T.

This makes me want to switch my meager account to BB&T.

In the coming weeks as judge Sotomayor goes through the fire of confirmation as an US Supreme Court justice we should tune our ears to the rhetoric of both the left and the right. When we hear the screams of fear and foul play or the sweet voices of empathy and compassion, we must use our capacity for reasoning and detection to understand why those voices are being raised. We will hear more on the evils of policy making from the bench and personal agendas and biases. We will hear more of life experiences and overcoming hardship. But, does any of that matter? It’s hard to tell right now, yet here is how I see it.

It is the responsibility of our Supreme Court to (continue reading…)

One of the great open secrets of our society is the simplicity of the single document from which all law must spring, the Constitution. It is an outline of government, it is the rulebook, and it is the ultimate law to which all laws must be accountable.

The US Constitution is far simpler than most appear to realize; it can be read in a matter of minutes. My copy will fit in a shirt pocket. The greatest kept secret is that (continue reading…)

I’ve recently received several copies of an email that is circulating. Most of the forwards that I receive are not worth my time to read; this one however is different- and worth consideration this weekend, though I take one exception to it.

It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the veteran, not the campus organizer who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

The exception that I will take is (continue reading…)

The far left coast has for years pandered to every special interest group, every organization, and every perceived need, except that of the smallest minority- the individual. On Tuesday, the individual fought back, and won… at least for a day.

California’s budget woes have been stated and restated, all the while ignored by the elected officials- which include “republican” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and a democrat controlled legislature. Following the tax increases by the state last February, the legislature refused (continue reading…)

I told you so… (see Open Letter to Republicans.)

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124208505896608647.html

And this is just the begining…

There may be nothing that brings a greater feeling of patriotism than the Stars and Stripes. Immortalized in song and memory; will anyone forget the emotion brought on by the display of flags everywhere on September 12, 2001; the Stars and Stripes Forever,  or our National Anthem, which is of course about the flag. Since its adoption on June 14, 1777, it has been a symbol of unity, a symbol of pride, and of freedom. Perhaps over time, we have made an idol of the flag, and in doing so, forgotten what it represents.

Some generations ago, the flag that brought about this loyalty looked much different. Although red, white and blue, there were no stars. In the years leading up to the Revolution, our Founding Fathers held to an allegiance to their king; one they believed was chosen (continue reading…)