Saturday, May 06, 2006

Isn't The Life of a Congressman wonderful?

Sunday, May 6, 2006.

First, it was Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, and now it is Congressman Patrick Kennedy who has made a mockery of the Capitol Police Department, and thereby, our system of government. The handling of both these cases demonstrates just how deeply Elitism has ensnared our Houses of government.

Does anyone truly believe that if one of us found ourselves in similar circumstances, that we would be treated as these two most recent examples have been? The obvious answer is an emphatic NO! Why is this we may ask ourselves? Again, the answer may be found in the separation between those we elect to represent us, and that body of people who comprise the electorate. Always it seems, the gulf between us is vast and unable to be bridged.

The last few months have been instructive in that we have witnessed cowardice and an uncompromising attention to political necessity trumping the best efforts of those elected to represent us. How can things that to the rest of us are so simple, fail to properly motivate these Congresspeople?

If a fence on our southern border is realized to be an appropriate first step toward securing us against trespassers, and illegal invaders, then why do we not hear this being fiercely debated as a worthy first step? More and more, Real Americans are seeing through the fog of obfuscation, and hearing our own strong voices over the clatter of weak knees. A congressional overhaul is desperately needed, yet the clarion call for such change is in it's infancy albeit growing stronger.

My single vote is as great as any congressman's, and I like that very much. A growing number of people understand this as well, and I hear many of them saying they too, are fed up with what they are witnessing. The one thing I find myself in disagreement with, is the suggestion that some of these disaffected people are talking about traditional Third Parties as an alternative, i.e. The Green Party et al.

To those who feel as I do, I say that deep down we are all conservative in nature, and have only to have an honest discussion with ourselves to affirn that. Whether we are Democrat or Republican, we at least have guiding principles to sustain our Political belief s. To that end, we may find common ground, and agreement.

So, let us allow the "Elitists" their moments of blissful ignorance while they may. I guarantee that such bliss is ephemeral, and their "Political End Time" is nearer than they may realize.

Conservatives Unite!

Stephen B. Atkinson
Mantua, New Jersey

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Awareness and flashbacks.

May 3, 2006

There is a simple formula for success that at times eludes even the most keenly observant among us. Today, as many of us anguish at the rather pathetic solutions being offered by our elected Congressional representatives, we may wonder, What can I do to be better heard by those same representatives?

I am intrigued by the simple notion that it is they who toil for us, and not the other way around. Perhaps it is time for those of us who hold to Conservative principles to tell Democrats and Republicans alike that not only will we not allow ourselves to be taken for granted any more. Additionally, the moment we sense the liberating power inherent in such an approach, the stronger we become. This can and should be contagious. In subsequent posts, I shall detail the grievances Conservatives share. You may remember the late eighties, and the pains of rejection President Reagan suffered at the hands of Conservative leaders who distanced themselves from the President over Iran-Contra, and other lesser matters.

Are you sensing a growing awareness yet?

Real power is in our collective hands. Whatever the final number may be,it can only solidify our resolve to make certain we are heard clearly. I personally believe that Congress has shown us who they really are, and their timidness when confronted with issues that beg for easy resolution. Unfortunately, unless we demonstrate the courage so lacking in our representatives, it is only we who will suffer. That brings me to another realization tapping me on my shoulder.

Think a third viable political party. A Conservative Party beholden only to it's ideals, and a sense of meaningful purpose. Think of the strength possessed, and while at it, think of politicians eager for the support of such a third party. I am not so much interested in a strong leadership, rather only the understanding by those who curry our favor, that such favor comes with an expensive price tag. We know who we are, we live our lives fully in accord with our guiding principles. Let us similarly look for those best suited to carry the banner of Conservatism forward.

Are there among us those who share the desire to call a halt to runaway pandering? Are there among us those who yearn for the quiet, yet efficient leadership of a Ronald Reagan? I think so, and hope to find many who are in agreement with these few tenets of our Conservative heritage.

Conservatives unite!

Stephen B. Atkinson
Mantua, NJ