Thursday, February 24, 2005

DUH

okay, so the latest Fox Opinion Poll says that seven in ten Americans think that Hollywood is out of touch with their values.
All I have to say is "BIG SURPRISE!" -Did they really need to do a poll on this one?

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Side Note #2 for Today

Let me start this post out by saying I'm not an environmentalist, at all. However, can someone explain the sheer lunacy that was going on at Wendy's today?
I went in for lunch and when I left I asked for a refill on my diet coke and they threw away my cup and gave me a new one. I guess this could be some health code violation for me to reuse my cup, but this is the only time I've ever seen this done. Can someone please explain?
I'm glad to know that members of ELF (Earth Liberation Front) would never eat there...My favorite fast food place would be burned to the ground! Now, we only have to worry if Wendy's starts serving soy patties and organic veggies with goat's milk...
Oh yeah, YES, I do order Diet Soda with my fried chicken nuggets. They cancel each other out! ;o)~

Where Do You Draw the Line, Part Two

I received a rather nasty post from an unwelcome blogger. I don't care if you read my post, but please don't call me a hypocrite. I think we should live along the lines that we must agree to disagree. Trust me, I have read MANY blogs, and well, even the NEW YORK TIMES or the ARIZONA REPUBLIC, and been quite upset at what is there in black and white.
As decent human beings and as a general rule...Don't call me a hypocrite just because you don't believe as I do. At least I can back my faith and beliefs up with fact. Can you, Ms. Universal Unitaliterian United Church? As far as I'm concerned, that church was created to serve your needs and purposes not to have to be accountable to anyone or anything. It is people like you, who judge others, and then start your own religions because people are judged. Talk about being Ass Backwards!
Please see my comments to you in Where Do You Draw the Line.
Thank you for respecting my space.

KAET Polls Show Napolitano Preferred Candidate over ALL Republicans

This wasn't the title of the story, but it might has well be.
Let's face it, ASU, KAET and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism are not known for being all too "Conservative Friendly." Sometimes I wonder where they pull these people from.
Anyhow, in a statewide telephone poll of 400 people here is what they found:
31% said they definitely WOULD support a second term.
28% probably would support a second term.
16% probably would NOT support her for a second term.
13% would definitely NOT support her for a second term.

What does this mean?
Well, I'm trying not to sound like I'm giving up, so here's what needs to happen...
We need every single vote from the WOULD NOT's, the PROBABLY WOULD NOT's, and no less than 3/4ths of the probably would supports to even hit the 50% mark. That's dead even.
According to this poll, J.D. Hayworth received only 28% to the Gov's 54% when paired up. Former Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley received 25% to Janet's 50% and, unfortunately, Former Governor Fife Symington received only 14% when matched up against Napolitano's 70%.
The fortunate thing is that we know that this poll simply cannot be true. J.D. Hayworth is one of the most beloved men in our state. I wouldn't go as far as to say that he's as loved as former Senator and Presidential candidate, Barry Goldwater, but I can see that it could reach that level. (Please see former post: Does Anyone Want to Run for Governor of AZ in '06, to read more about JD). So with keeping that hope in mind, these numbers are obviously incorrect.
Now getting back to reality. The problem with Fife Symington, and the reason that his chances are slim is not because he is a bad person, or a "crook" as I have heard recently. It's that most people that live in Arizona, did not live here during his full administration. They did not see the good that he did. Let's remind these newbies to Arizona of tax reductions, income growth and capital investments that he implemented as our 19th Governor. He was convicted on charges that had nothing to do with his policies. AND, lets not forget that he later was exonerated of all charges.
With that being said...We need to get down to business. One year is not far away. We are in trouble, and the Democrats know it.
Please sign up at www.azgop.org as a volunteer, www.gop.com as a Team Leader, or join your local Young Republicans League. To find out more visit www.arizonayr.com. AND FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE, MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE!!

Monday, February 21, 2005

LIE OF THE DAY

"If I had to do it over, I wouldn't do it at all..."I didn't do it for money, I did it for History."
-Doug Wead, author of The Raising of a President on Good Morning America

Side Note: If you didn't do it for money, why are you selling the book that was written based on those tapes? Is all of the profit going to homeless shelters, halfway houses and pregnancy centers?
...I didn't think so...
You wrote a book about our President, based on tapes from a private conversation. Now you are hawking your book on National Television, and letting all of America hear these tapes. And you say it isn't for money, and you wouldn't do it again?
Gee, why don't I believe you??

Two Halves Don't Make a Whole

Trying to sort through the madness of life and relationships is never fun. Especially when you know that you have a lot of garbage to sort through.
I have a past like no one else. Not to say that yours isn't as interesting, or wasn't as difficult. Mine was just different.
I moved to D.C. to run from my past. I wanted to prove to all of the nay-sayers that I was more than the little girl that grew up in foster homes. I was more than the girl that could barely look anyone in the eyes because of her shame. I was more than the girl that was beaten and abused daily. I wanted to prove that I was not a statistic, not in the way that you usually hear of kids like me, anyway.
I wanted to show that I had potential. That I could dream big dreams and make big things happen. So, I moved. And then I moved again. And again. Now, I am thinking of moving again.
For people like me, there is a sense of safety in moving around. No one knows you. You never have to overcome your past, because with these new people, you have no past, as far as they are concerned. I was always the new kid when I was younger, so to me, it seems right. Roots only let people see you for who you really are.
The problem with good friends are that they seem to remind you of your past. I don't mean this in a negative way. They do it to help us. They want us to better ourselves and make wiser decisions than we have in the past.
Well, I made a wise decision. I am starting to dig through my 'closet,' if you will, of past relationships. I am dissecting each one, trying to find out why I am a serial dater. What is it about me that needs to have someone so close?
I've figured out a few things. One of these things is that its all an illusion. These people are never really close to me. I let them in, but not very far. They think that they are in, but just as soon as they think that, they are gone. Out of my life. Next time you see me with friends, or even a boyfriend, look closely. Everything about me is uncomfortable. I am so insecure that for people to know who I really am is impossible, for I don't even know who I am.
The second thing I've learned is that because of my insecurities I have a habit of picking men that make me feel good about myself. It doesn't matter how old or young. How smart or unintelligent they seem to be. Good looking or old & unattractive. It doesn't matter to me. These men are here, by my side simply to serve one purpose: To Worship Me.
I am not into idol worship or anything weird like that. I mean that these guys are the ones who have to continuously tell me how wonderful, beautiful, funny and smart I am. This is because I know that I am, but at the same time, I don't fully believe it. I want to, but I still hear that voice deep down inside, the one that says, "You'll never be anything. You can't make it. You are a screw up. You are ugly. You are stupid." If I have someone around whose voice is louder and more frequent than the one in my head, sometimes I think that it will all go away.
Most of the time though, these guys have their own issues. How can I be broken and need healing, and yet expect someone else to fix me? Healing comes from down deep inside. From God, from His strength.
So, my advice to myself, and to others like me, Stop looking towards someone else who's broken to fix you. Two halves don't always make a whole. At least not with people.

To Love What You Do & Feel That it Matters...

Katharine Graham from the Washington Post once said, "To love what you do and feel that it matters, how can anything be more fun?"
I think this statement is 100% true. At least for me. I have been struggling because I have been working two very unimportant jobs lately, and I am quite bored. This makes me want to slit my wrists or jump off the side of the building, just for kicks.
Its not to say that working for a water company isn't important- I mean, If I didn't have hot water in my house, someone would die. And If I was getting married, then perhaps I would find more significance in someone that was a wedding consultant, but alas, I just don't care.
Last week at our young adults group the Pastor was talking about how we spend our time. Do we use our time wisely? How we spend our time is a reflection of our life...I soon thereafter tuned out of the discussion and started to think...
If there is someone who spends even 40 hours a week working a job that they hate, then I agree that they are not spending their time wisely. If there is someone who is working 120 hours a week (as I did) doing something that they love, and are called to do, why is that a waste? I believe wholeheartedly that when you are hard wired to do something, and you are good at it, and it is what you love to do, then why is that a crime? Working in politics, I was always happy to get up and go to work, I almost never left my office. I slept only a few short hours a night and was lucky to have a few days off in the four and half months I officially worked for the campaign. Is that a crime? Did I waste my time?
I don't think so. January 20th told me that it was well worth my time. If you are doing what God has called you to do and glorifying Him for the opportunity to be able to do it, then I think you are right on track.
I only hope that I am blessed enough to be able to do what I love again...

Changing Their Tune

Sorry I'm posting this a bit later than I had hoped to, but this will be in reference to a NY Times article published on Feb. 16, 2005. Please feel free to read the article & drop me a line with your input. "For Democrats, Rethinking Abortion Runs Risks" (The link wouldn't post here, sorry!)

Okay so it's happening. We all knew that this day would come...
The Democrats have lost control of the nation, and of their party. They are being viewed as out of sink with the country and their constituents. People no longer want to associate with their leftist thinking. So, what do they do? First of all, they elect Howard Dean as their chairman... By any normal standards, this would seem odd. This guy didn't get the nomination for President because he was so far gone, now they want him to run their party?
Richard Perle made a great point this weekend at Pacific U when stating, "How appropriate that the Democrats elect a physician as the leader of the Democratic Party. They need one."
Anyway, I digress. Back to my original point.
The NY Times wrote that several leaders at the DNC and in Congress are encouraging a more moderate view on abortion and women's health issues. NARAL is publishing an ad in the conservative "Weekly Standard" magazine asking for help in reducing abortions, by providing more birth control options.
Hillary Rodham-Clinton (who coincedentally has voted 100% of the time AGAINST anything remotely related to Right to Life) and Chairman Dean suggest that they "recalibrate the party's thinking on new restrictions on abortions." And even Minority Leader Harry Reid votes pro-life 80% of the time (for a Mormon, I would think it should be 100%). I found it to be interesting that there are several staunchly pro-death candidates, including Sen. Chuck Schumer (his voting record also states a 100% opposition to Right to Life issues), that are actually RECRUITING pro-life democrats. (Bob Casey, Jr. To oppose Rick Santorum). Coincidentally, Jr.'s father faced opposition from the Dem's in '92 when he could not speak at the convention because of his pro-life stance. (Thanks, Bill & Hill.)
The upside for the Dems is that they regain part of their base, which is the staunchly pro-life, yet very Catholic community, which tends to lean towards the Democratic Party on most other issues. For many pro-lifers, it is that one issue that sways their vote. Especially when you stand with the Pope. The Pope has condemned war. George W. Went to war and many Catholics did not want to vote for him, but the issue more near and dear to their heart: Sanctity of Human Life. It is because of the conservative vote that we as Republicans are in power in Washington, and on the home front.
Once the DNC even opens up to the idea of changing their party platform, or taking an easier view on abortion they will re-gain many of their faithful. I believe that the Catholic church will begin to support more candidates, as best they can as a 501(c)3, anyway.
This is where the downside for the Republicans comes into play. I believe that we need to continue to prove that Hillary is becoming a softy for reasons that will be layed out over the next three and a half years. How can a woman that promised us 2,000 abortion clinics by the year 2000 all of the sudden believe that abortion is not the answer? How can someone who continues to praise Planned Parenthood, claim to be moderate on the life issue?
2008 is not far off. It is time that the Republicans kick it into high gear. Conservative values are the values of the Republican ticket and we need to make sure that we keep our focus. We cannot afford to have the nation sway towards an iffy candidate, especially one who's word means nothing at best, especially when we've come this far.

Friday, February 18, 2005

Where Do You Draw the Line?

I was watching one of my favorite shows last night, Will & Grace. I know, I shouldn't love it, but I do. It's funny. Or, should I say, it used to be funny?
I've found it to be unamuzing at some points. Where do I, as a Christian and a Republican draw the line? I refuse to be one of those people who boycotts EVERYTHING under the sun. I know that some things will be offensive to me and my beliefs. I know that there are people who don't agree with me. I do agree in Freedom of Speech. Here is where my issue lies.
How is it that shows like "Will and Grace" can bash our President left and right, but we cannot stand up for ourselves in the Media without being made out to look like a bunch of crazies?
Several episodes of that show have made our President out to look like a dimwhit, and to trash Republicans. I recall once even hearing Will say something about a client being a large donor to the Republican National Committee and the grandfather of five, so how could Jack act so gay in front of him? You know what? Just because we give money to the RNC, that doesn't mean that we are HOMOPHOBIC!!!
I actually have homosexual friends. I go dancing & shopping with them. I have fun. Do I support their lifestyle? NO, absolutely not. Do they know it? YES. We just agree to disagree and move on.
Being Republican doesn't make me a freak. Being a Christian doesn't make me weird. I believe in the principles that this Nation was founded on. You don't? Okay, that's what the first amendment is about. You have the right to go on TV and say you are homosexual and you hate my President and my Lord. I have the right to tell you to stick it where the sun don't shine.
Stop telling me that FOX NEWS is biased. But then, if you line up with CNN's views why would you want anyone to hear anything else but lies?
I am tired of people making fun of good people like Dr. James Dobson for his beliefs. I am tired of people bashing God on TV and Republicans and their policy in the news.
I don't want to be one of those people that sits in my house without a TV, never going to a movie, for fear that I will be offended. I refuse to live my life in a cave. However, I refuse to sit quietly and take crap from people out of the mainstream any longer.
I AM CHRISTIAN. I BELIEVE IN GOD. I AM PRO-LIFE, PRO-TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE. AND, I AM REPUBLICAN.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Washing My Mouth Out with Soap

I am so bored at work that I am sitting here biting off my acrylic nails for something to do. Word to the wise...Make sure there isn't soap under your nails if you ever decide to do this. GROSS!

Monday, February 14, 2005

Anyone Want to Run for Governor of AZ in '06?

There was a rumor that was circulating for a while that Congressman J.D. Hayworth (Rep. AZ-5th Dist.) was going to run for Governor in 2006. I am sad to say that the rumor has come to a halt. It's not completely a bad thing. JD has been climbing the ranks in leadership in Congress, which is definitely not a lost cause. We need more congressman that have their act together. He knows the issues and he's great at what he does. JD is one of the few congressman I've met that actually makes an attempt to make you feel like you aren't just one of the thousands, but just one of his friends. He is always welcoming and friendly.
I guess where I am going with all of this is that I am worried about the state of my state.
Without a candidate with JD's caliber, do the Republican's have a chance to reclaim the Gubernatorial office? Republicans hold the majority in the state legislature and at the Federal level, but without a governor that will sign our bills into law, we are spinning our wheels on many issues.
Janet Napolitano has gained notoriety throughout the country with other Dems for her work. She has played her last three years very smartly. Sure, she has ticked off the Republican's, but that's to be expected. What she hasn't done is make the moderates or the lefties mad. Without a truly conservative candidate, as in socially conservative, we cannot expect to take back the 9th floor of the capitol. We need someone that will rally the conservative base and make them get out and vote. I fear that we do not have this.
Even with a socially conservative candidate in 2002 we lost the Gubernatorial race. Which leads me to ask this one important question:
Do the social conservatives only vote during Presidential Election years? The conservative base turned the 2004 election around completely. We are a force to be reckoned with and everyone knows it. Do we have a chance of winning without the conservative vote? I know we lost the election in '02 because so many social conservatives did not show up at the polls.
Why is this? People need to understand that politics begin at home. If we don't control our local ground, if we don't speak our minds there, why should we expect to make a difference nationally? It is time for everyone to step up to the plate. Stop thinking that your vote only matters once every four years.

Friday, February 04, 2005

Passing the Time

HELLO EVERYONE!
Okay, so I know that it has been weeks since my last post, so here I am, making a short, yet sweet appearance.
I am working as a Wedding Consultant at David's Bridal in Paradise Valley (and hating the irony that I, the single woman, am helping women get married everyday.) I am looking for something political- so hopefully soon something will come around.
I am back at church and so glad to be home.
Sorry that this is so short. I will pontificate more when I have the time, as so much is going on with the new administration. (AND HOW GREAT WAS THE STATE OF THE UNION THE OTHER NIGHT?!?!)
Love you all. Be safe and well.
I will write soon. I promise.
Val