I prefer Obama's choice on America: politics or policy

While I embrace this New York Time's writer’s position on almost every level (an incredible feat in and of itself), Bill George's story falls short of the finish line in my humble opinion because he only refers to jobs. I understand the story focus is jobs; he lays out a strong premise with excellent support. But, three years later many Americans are awakening from a state of denial about Obama’s leadership, the country has quickly come to learn he isn’t one. 

It is clear Obama has been the ultimate follower not a leader. A follower of committees, councils, focus groups, unions, community organizers, alleged religious leaders, foreign nations, international interests, U.S. Senators and Congressmen, Wall Street, you name it.

Talk is cheap. President Obama has exposed his share of political hot air with little to show for it. Golfing (over 60 rounds to date equaling two months of his time in office to date) during times of despair and tragedy (the Japanese tsunami), vacationing during domestic battles with natural disasters (Missouri tornadoes), you name it.

Two year ago, Mr. George wrote that the president was like the Roman god Janus, with two heads facing in opposite directions, as Mr. Obama the politician pulls against Mr. Obama the leader. Since 2009 George goes on to say, Mr. Obama the politician has prevailed, but time is running out for Mr. Obama the leader to implement policies that restore America’s economic competitiveness. 

I say, time has run out. It’s time for bold decisions, unwavering commitment to American ideals and policies which align with those ideals. While the GOP field still appears to be taking shape, there are a few with guts willing to tell it like it is — coincidence they’re all women? I think not.

Michelle Bachmann is a bold candidate, she’s not scared to tell it like it, defend herself or her relentlessly maligned character. Not a "yes-woman" by nature, Bachmann has demonstrated to date that she is a principled, conservative candidate that if elected I hope can stave off and even make a dent in Washington’s culture of corruption. Sarah Palin (not yet running as of today's post) is another prospect. Love her or hate her, she’s the real deal. Palin has a ton for today's growing demographic of conservative women. I am convinced that she like Michelle Bachmann must have spines of Titanium. 

Will American voters elect a woman in 2012? It’s hard to say but the future looks bright for a Bachmann or Palin or a male candidate of the same strength of character and commitment to principled leadership. As a country, we had the audacity (or ignorance) to elect someone with little to no track record on the merit of a “hope and change” campaign slogan while asking few questions of character or substance.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed reading Bill George’s NYT story. I rarely read the NYT and nod in agreement. My only regret is that the journalist didn’t extend the premise, even as a mention, to other areas of critical policy including national security, foreign relations, immigration, because it applies universally at this time. Regardless, George’s conclusion is right on. Instead of addressing these problems with policies that would solve them but might cause some political pain, President Obama continues to put politics over policy. The nation continues to suffer.

My conclusion: Obama is not a leader but continues to be POTUS by Committee. 

Misery loves company, but Über Misery?

In 2011, with Obama at the helm, it appears the more the merrier, with the exception of his family and Washington cronies of course. We have the old Marie Antoinette thing going and yet it appears no one has the guts or backbone to do anything at least for now anyway. Where’s Ronald Reagan and Paul Volcker when you need them?

Sorry to say and I agree with international equities specialist Eric Fry, this time around there is no Paul Volcker at the Federal Reserve to stare down Misery or to wage war against inflation. In his place, Fry reminds us we have Ben Bernanke, who prefers to coddle Misery, rather than confront her. Breaking news: Feds leave target interest rates a record low.

Oy! If Misery was at an all-time high during the Carter Administration, then what are we experiencing today?

In honor of Obama’s recent global tours, I’d like to introduce the Über-Misery Index! Topping out now at 12.7% (although without the Washington bean counter magic it could be upward of 30% some say), the Obama years (and yes he has been in office almost 3 long years) makes the Carter years of high inflation and gas rationing look almost rosy. Can we blame Obama for all of it? No, of course not…recessions are cyclical just look at past history.

The “Über Misery Index” (a completely farcical statistic dreamed up by yours truly) is a very different animal because it takes into consideration inflation and unemployment rates as well as loss of integrity, pride, and love of country. With values and ethics at an all-time low in the United States (sorry Weiner, Schwarzenegger…one more deserved slam), I felt these components or assets to some were important to include in my index.

So while I get that we need to create more jobs, increase manufacturing domestically, and export more globally to be more competitive all while lowering the consumer price index, the other qualitative factors like integrity count too. At least for me they do. Integrity, pride and love of country are traits which encourage the “can do” spirit during recession. They are the ingredients of productivity which allow you to break barriers even when the cards are not stacked in your favor. They are also the same traits which appear to be going extinct in America today.

I remember when Reagan took office, many didn’t like him. We were a down nation much like today, depressed and skeptical after Carter. But Reagan came into office with conviction, spirit, vigor, honesty, and kindness. He didn’t soft shoe around his positions. He had a vision for America that was infused with real and immediate hope and change based on making real economic changes that energized Americans unlike the Obama version: Hope & Change 2.0 formatted conveniently for the make-it-quick voter.

Reagan inspired confidence, sorely lacking today.

As I sit as my computer clicking out this blog post, I don’t in fact feel Über Miserable. Things aren’t so bad from where I am sitting: I have my family, health (well except for that broken arm thing back in April) and my small business, which is still by God chugging along despite the misery. Can’t ask for much more.

For those of you feeling Über Miserable of late, my advice: shake it off. In times of recession, people always become more productive (what goes up must come down or vice versa in this instance); it’s an economic fact supported by over 250 years of history. And, my dad, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics, told me so (he was grilled on during this topic during his master’s dissertation interview, pinky swear).

So as a mom, blogger, and common sense conservative on most days of the week, turn that frown upside down…it could be worse…you could be living in Greece with an off-the-charts Misery Index (worse than Über!). 

Sweet victory and integrity honored on Father’s Day

More than a year of debating, meetings, summits, news releases, and media bashing came down to yesterday. While hailed by some as symbolic only and a slim victory, I was proud to be one of many who helped move the Repeal HB116 effort along and believe this victory is an absolute step in the right direction (no pun intended).

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Today’s Deseret News reporting would have you believe HB116 has a broad band of statewide supporters. It doesn’t (just check out the comments). While the Salt Lake Chamber and alleged conservative think-tanks such as Sutherland Institute might have the war chests to pay for “leading” polls and disseminate persuasive propaganda, the truth is most Utahns don’t feel good about HB116 because of the injustices forced on those impacted by this flawed piece of legislation.

Racist, right-wingers, extreme fringe, and wing-nuts have all been part of the harsh cajoling directed at those who support the repeal of HB116. Derogatory and hard to take on most days of the week. But, how does someone who truly cares about improving the situation support legislation that ignores tens of thousands of children who have been victimized and live ruined by illegal immigrant ID theft, turns a blind eye to the fact that US residents and citizens who commit ID theft serve time in a federal penitentiary, offers a $2,500 as “get out jail” free payment, supports chain migration of illegals, and most importantly ignorantly disregards past history and the abysmal failure of amnesty which to date hasn’t resolved the problem — for U.S. / citizens and not illegal immigrants alike? They don’t.

Supporters of the HB116 amnesty law have said: you don’t care, you’re not compassionate, and more egregiously continue to extol the idea that illegal immigrants “have no choice.” They absolutely do, and this is where I believe, no matter party lines, pro-amnesty supporters have gone wrong. Everyone has a choice. We are forced to make choices every day. Not all choices are the best. But then again, we are human and not perfect. Making choices, righting wrongs and finding peace with decisions are all a part of being human.

The United States of America was founded on the U.S. Constitution, the mother of planning documents that has allowed this exceptional country to exist and thrive, as well as open its arms to millions of legal immigrants who have chosen to enter into America legally to seek a better life. While legislation and enforcement of those laws may be flawed based on administration de jour policy, they can be changed and improved by the people and have been for more than 250 years.

My grandparents made choices, survived genocide and the legal immigration process to come and assimilate in the United States and make better lives for their own children, my father and mother. They had and still embody courage, honor and integrity.

Yesterday’s victory is being slammed by opponents as insignificant only because they know it’s not. It sends a significant message both in Utah and nationwide. The Resolution to Repeal HB116 win yesterday was a victory for integrity, for honor and for those determined to make the right choice and legally immigrate to America.

While lucky enough to have been born a U.S. citizen to a wonderful dad and mom, I am proud to say this same group of legal immigrants included my great grandfathers, grandfathers and all of the incredibly strong women who have stood by them over the years.

Happy Father’s Day!

Conservative Women Will be Game Changers In 2012

I am with Dana Perino. Conservative woman are rising up in droves and making a huge statement: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! I loved reading about her recent Liberty Lunch experience. To read more, go to Conservative Women 2012.

It doesn't matter whether it's the economy, homeland security, environmental issues, education. You name it, it's falling apart. Since the inception of the Dept of Education during the Carter Administration, our education results across the board for students K-12 have plummeted. Just today we heard of another security threat, a Marine who happens to be a Muslim entering the Pentagon with alleged explosive in his backpack. And this, not long after the Fort Hood incident. But, we can't profile. Oh no, that would be blasphemy. What are we? Stupid!? This elephant is starting to think so.

Thank God for women such as those who recently attended the Liberty Lunch that Dana Perino was lucky enough to speak at. I wish I could have been there but Salt Lake City isn't exactly a stone’s throw from Lincoln, Nebraska. The Liberty Lunch women and the like-minded are the future of America. Like Perino said, their efforts have created a group of savvy, politically active citizens who aren’t afraid to throw their collective voices into the fray. Just what this country needs right now. 

I hope one day to earn the right to say I am somewhat similar to these savvy conservative women. Who knows, maybe I will attend a Liberty Lunch in the Salt Lake City area in the near future (with Dana Perino at the podium too I hope).

This group has covered cap-and-trade, Afghanistan, Homeland Security, and the economy in an environment that discourages political bickering or attacking, encouraging respectful discussion. Right on! They recently started a book club exploring both liberal and conservative perspectives, and are planning a study of the Constitution this summer.

It's time to stop the bickering, back-stabbing and back room deals locally, statewide and nationally. It's time to march forward with conviction but also with the ability to discuss respectfully with opponents to achieve resolve to the biggest problems we face today so that our children can experience an America that fosters the "American Dream" and a life time of hope and prosperity.

One last shout out to Congressman Weiner: you did the right thing! Now go get lots and lots of help! 

World War II party politically incorrect yet perfect

My summer reading tear is underway. I am immersed in Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, a nonfiction testament about the famous, 1930s Olympic track star Louis Zamperini and his resilience of human mind, body, and spirit. Only 100 pages into the book, I am hooked! I love political thrillers but this nonfiction story is so much more. It's real, part of American history and remembrance of a time past when Americans were truly proud of being American.

Fast forward. It's Sunday June 12, 2011 and school is out. Summer has started hailing lazy mornings, summer parties and just kicking back with friends and family.

Coincidentally, my nine year old daughter (a tomboy) gets invited to a summer party. The party theme: World War II complete with plastic toy guns, fun medic kits, two teams of kids costumed in American and German dress, cupcakes, drinks and grandpa, a military veteran, who was kind enough to teach the kids a bit about WWII history before running around the park and playing with them. This was a truly a Cops and Robbers, Cowboys and Indians afternoon. The kids had a ball running around the local park with school off their minds just having a good, old time.

Fun for some but not all. A few whispers surfaced. Some parents didn't quite know what to do about  this party or theme. Play war, toy guns...? Really, in this day and age?! How politically incorrect and yet somehow perfect. Some appeared indignant that anyone would even think about throwing a party with a shoot 'em up war theme. Me...not so much. Affectionately labeled a "right-winger" by one mom, I had to giggle. Was my ability to be okay with this type of party really so right-wing or just a testament to my respect for this country and its hard-fought fight for existence and freedom.


The kids listened and looked on with eyes wide open when grandpa displayed a real (unloaded) German Luger. I, on the other hand, thought long and hard about what they were hearing, doing and even learning. Kids play good guys and bad guys, it’s part of life. Grandpa was just giving them a little history lesson.

War, while ugly in many respects, is a very real and decisive part of Americana and the evolution of mankind. Courage, honor and valor are also very real aspects of war. Some may choose to put their heads in the sand when it comes to war. Torture, killing, and evil acts are products of war and not pretty ones at that. While these aspects are not ideal by any stretch of the imagination, Americans' ability to understand, reason and defend what is right, good and liberating is just about perfect in my opinion not to mention symbolic of America's "can do" way of life. 

While the idea of a summer party with a war theme might be considered taboo by some, I prefer to believe this party was a way to not only celebrate summer childhood fun but also a way of subtly honoring good triumphing over evil in the world much the way America and its Allies did during WWII. Thank you Louis Zamperini!

~EUG

Starting a blog can be scary...

It's the dawn (well actually it's after noon but whose keeping track) of a new day and I have taken the big leap into Blogdom. Yep. Decided just today that I would start my very own blog. My new blog, Elephant Under Glass, will be my personal outlet: a place where I can rant and rave about work, life, and a conservative political fascination that grows by the day.

You are welcome to comment, agree, disagree or debate but please, just keep it clean. Just remember, different strokes for different folks.

I feel like the Elephant Under Glass is my badge of courage. As a 40-something conservative yet hip (yes, conservatives can be hip!) momtrepreneur, who at just past the half-way point in life has experienced the spectrum of childhood, marriage, kids, grad school, employment (and unemployment), business start-up, business growth, business decline and now a little professional reinvention to boot, it’s refreshing to finally have a communications outlet where I can write to my heart’s content — even if no one reads it.

My fear isn't that the blog won't get read. Rather my fear stems from never taking the opportunity to share my story with family and my beliefs about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Elephant Under Glass...can't believe it's real now! I am super excited to get the blog party started. At the end of the day, EUG will be my simple and hopefully entertaining way of chronicling the things that matter most to me along with a little trivial (but humorous) pursuit, which culminate to make up the fabric of my ordinary but always authentic life.