Senator McCain closed the convention with his acceptance speech. He outlined the road that took him from a naval aviator to a POW then to Congress and now to our nominee for President. Without bragging or self- aggrandizement, he demonstrated his commitment to serving our nation, a commitment of love of nation burnished and strengthened through his torture and confinement in Hanoi.
As a veteran, I understand the hardships and sacrifice of military service, but it is only in my imagination that I can appreciate what John McCain endured and overcame. This man’s life has been dedicated to service from his days at the Naval Academy until this very day. That is why he can say, “I have that record, and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.”
Along with his genuine commitment to public service, he, along with his running mate Governor Palin, an agent of change. Together they will provide a powerful force for change, bringing a new view to Washington on how to meet the challenges facing us.
He also reinforced his reputation as someone who works in a bi-partisan fashion to conduct the nation’s business. I believe that parts of his agenda will find critics on both sides, but it also will foster agreements on both sides.
John McCain is a known quantity; the American people do not need to ask -- Who is this man? He has a record of service and of accomplishments, and the scars to prove it.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Mayor Giuliani & Governor Palin Raise the Roof
America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, gave an outstanding speech complete with humor and some bite. It was clear that he was enjoying himself and the task before him. Giuliani challenged the American people to imagine that they are the employer looking at two applicants for a job “that involves the safety and security of your family.”
He described each as talented and patriotic Americans, but with different experiences. “On the one hand, you’ve got a man who has dedicated his life to the service of his country. He’s been tested time and again by crisis. He’s passed every test.” As for the other candidate, “You have a resume from a gifted man with an Ivy League education. He worked as a community organizer and immersed himself in Chicago machine politics. Then he ran for the state legislature – where nearly 130 times he was unable to make a decision 'yes' or 'no.' He simply voted present.”
Giuliani went on to explain that as Mayor of New York, he could not vote 'present.' The same is true for Governor Palin, voting 'present' is not an option. Finally, the President of the United States cannot vote 'present.'
Giuliani also discussed the issue of change versus more of the same. As he noted, this is a false choice, “Because ‘change’ is not a destination, just as ‘hope’ is not a strategy.”
Governor Sarah Palin followed Mayor Giuliani. She spoke for some 40 minutes without a hitch, which I found quite noteworthy given that this was the most important speech of her life. Her poise under such conditions was extraordinary.
She introduced herself and her family to the American people – it is a genuine family that shares the everyday concerns of their fellow Americans. She also talked about her accomplishments in Alaska, a vast state that supplies almost one-fifth of the nation’s domestic oil production.
She explained to us that Alaska has even more to offer. As she noted, “Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America’s energy problems – as if we didn’t know that already. But the fact that drilling won’t solve every problem is not excuse to do nothing at all.”
Palin spoke of McCain’s experience and his commitment to service. She then offered a clear distinction. “In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.”
Sarah Palin energized the audience with her insights and enthusiasm, and I know that I look forward to hearing more from her.
He described each as talented and patriotic Americans, but with different experiences. “On the one hand, you’ve got a man who has dedicated his life to the service of his country. He’s been tested time and again by crisis. He’s passed every test.” As for the other candidate, “You have a resume from a gifted man with an Ivy League education. He worked as a community organizer and immersed himself in Chicago machine politics. Then he ran for the state legislature – where nearly 130 times he was unable to make a decision 'yes' or 'no.' He simply voted present.”
Giuliani went on to explain that as Mayor of New York, he could not vote 'present.' The same is true for Governor Palin, voting 'present' is not an option. Finally, the President of the United States cannot vote 'present.'
Giuliani also discussed the issue of change versus more of the same. As he noted, this is a false choice, “Because ‘change’ is not a destination, just as ‘hope’ is not a strategy.”
Governor Sarah Palin followed Mayor Giuliani. She spoke for some 40 minutes without a hitch, which I found quite noteworthy given that this was the most important speech of her life. Her poise under such conditions was extraordinary.
She introduced herself and her family to the American people – it is a genuine family that shares the everyday concerns of their fellow Americans. She also talked about her accomplishments in Alaska, a vast state that supplies almost one-fifth of the nation’s domestic oil production.
She explained to us that Alaska has even more to offer. As she noted, “Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America’s energy problems – as if we didn’t know that already. But the fact that drilling won’t solve every problem is not excuse to do nothing at all.”
Palin spoke of McCain’s experience and his commitment to service. She then offered a clear distinction. “In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.”
Sarah Palin energized the audience with her insights and enthusiasm, and I know that I look forward to hearing more from her.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Thompson and Lieberman Make Eloquent Cases for McCain
Last night, former Senator Fred Thompson provided a rousing character reference for Senator McCain, speaking of his commitment to duty and outlining his honorable service to our nation. Thompson also established the stark contrast in the experience and judgment of the two presidential candidates, and made the point that we can trust McCain with the Presidency.
Thompson touched upon McCain’s independence and willingness to make the tough decisions, and I thought about how Obama demurred when asked to to provide his view on when life starts. When asked at what point a baby gets “human rights,” Obama replied, “…it’s above my pay grade.” This is a man that shies away from the tough decisions, voting 'present' 129 times during his tenure in the State Senate. It makes it hard to determine where he really stands on the issues.
We also heard from Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT), who ran as the Democrat candidate for Vice President in 2000. He spoke of McCain’s success in the Senate and his ability to work across the aisle with members of the other party. Of Obama, Lieberman said, “Senator Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead. But eloquence is no substitute for a record — not in these tough times.”
Thompson touched upon McCain’s independence and willingness to make the tough decisions, and I thought about how Obama demurred when asked to to provide his view on when life starts. When asked at what point a baby gets “human rights,” Obama replied, “…it’s above my pay grade.” This is a man that shies away from the tough decisions, voting 'present' 129 times during his tenure in the State Senate. It makes it hard to determine where he really stands on the issues.
We also heard from Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT), who ran as the Democrat candidate for Vice President in 2000. He spoke of McCain’s success in the Senate and his ability to work across the aisle with members of the other party. Of Obama, Lieberman said, “Senator Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead. But eloquence is no substitute for a record — not in these tough times.”
Friday, August 29, 2008
Applauding Palin Selection
I congratulate Sen. McCain for his pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate. Gov. Palin is a strong voice for fiscal responsibility and has an unwavering commitment to conservative principles. As the chief executive of the state that contains nearly 20% of America¹s proven energy reserves, Gov. Palin will bring new ideas on how to end our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and improve our economy. Sen. McCain made a bold choice and a McCain-Palin Administration is the right choice for America. I congratulate Gov. Palin on her historic selection and thank Sen. McCain for his inspired pick.
Stearns: Obama speech eloquent but proposals will lead to higher taxes, more
By becoming the first African–American Presidential nominee of a major party, Barack Obama is indeed a historic figure. In his acceptance speech, Sen. Obama made a number of statements and policy proposals that, on their surface, seem to indicate that he is a different kind of politician with new ideas. However, a deeper examination reveals that his speech was filled with misleading claims and policies that will not make America stronger and will lead to higher taxes.
Sen. Obama deserves much praise for his eloquence on a number of issues. For example, while he spoke about the need for government leadership on some of the most pressing issues, he also talked about the importance of personal responsibility in solving many of our nation’s problems. This is an important point and one that deserves praise. Too often, politicians think and act as if the government has all the answers. In fact, it’s individuals and families that can do more than the government. As Sen. Obama said, “We must also admit that programs alone can't replace parents; that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need.” I agree with this sentiment.
However, while he talks about personal responsibility, Sen. Obama proposes numerous new – and expensive – government solutions instead of fostering greater individual responsibility. Sen. Obama blamed the nation’s problems on the failed policies of Washington and then proceeded to outline how the government needs to be more involved. In one breath he talked about the need for people to take responsibility, blamed the government for its failure to meet these challenges, and yet he then proposed more government programs. These ideas don’t square with each other. Time and again, Sen. Obama complained about Washington being the problem but he continually proposed federal solutions.
Sen. Obama’s speech was filled with a number of misleading statements. In his speech, Sen. Obama said: “As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home.” The facts prove otherwise. When presented with the chance to actually put action behind his rhetoric, Sen. Obama voted against providing $94.4 billion in funding our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14, 5/24/07, Obama Voted No). Basically, he is for the troops, but only before he has to vote to support them.
In addition, Sen. Obama said he would “eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow. I will cut taxes -- cut taxes -- for 95% of all working families.” According to the nonpartisan FactCheck.org, “certainly Obama's votes indicate a willingness to raise taxes, and Obama has not been shy about saying explicitly that he will raise some taxes.” Furthermore, Sen. Obama voted for a budget resolution that would “raise taxes on people making $41,500 a year.” (The New York Times, 7/30/08) His rhetoric on lowering taxes does not match the reality.
Certainly, Sen. Obama’s nomination is a historic event and one that all Americans can and should be proud. However, don’t let his eloquence cover up the fact that many of his policies will result in higher taxes, more regulation and a bigger government. For a man who says that the government is the source of our failures, Sen. Obama sure seems to like new government programs.
Sen. Obama deserves much praise for his eloquence on a number of issues. For example, while he spoke about the need for government leadership on some of the most pressing issues, he also talked about the importance of personal responsibility in solving many of our nation’s problems. This is an important point and one that deserves praise. Too often, politicians think and act as if the government has all the answers. In fact, it’s individuals and families that can do more than the government. As Sen. Obama said, “We must also admit that programs alone can't replace parents; that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need.” I agree with this sentiment.
However, while he talks about personal responsibility, Sen. Obama proposes numerous new – and expensive – government solutions instead of fostering greater individual responsibility. Sen. Obama blamed the nation’s problems on the failed policies of Washington and then proceeded to outline how the government needs to be more involved. In one breath he talked about the need for people to take responsibility, blamed the government for its failure to meet these challenges, and yet he then proposed more government programs. These ideas don’t square with each other. Time and again, Sen. Obama complained about Washington being the problem but he continually proposed federal solutions.
Sen. Obama’s speech was filled with a number of misleading statements. In his speech, Sen. Obama said: “As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home.” The facts prove otherwise. When presented with the chance to actually put action behind his rhetoric, Sen. Obama voted against providing $94.4 billion in funding our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14, 5/24/07, Obama Voted No). Basically, he is for the troops, but only before he has to vote to support them.
In addition, Sen. Obama said he would “eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow. I will cut taxes -- cut taxes -- for 95% of all working families.” According to the nonpartisan FactCheck.org, “certainly Obama's votes indicate a willingness to raise taxes, and Obama has not been shy about saying explicitly that he will raise some taxes.” Furthermore, Sen. Obama voted for a budget resolution that would “raise taxes on people making $41,500 a year.” (The New York Times, 7/30/08) His rhetoric on lowering taxes does not match the reality.
Certainly, Sen. Obama’s nomination is a historic event and one that all Americans can and should be proud. However, don’t let his eloquence cover up the fact that many of his policies will result in higher taxes, more regulation and a bigger government. For a man who says that the government is the source of our failures, Sen. Obama sure seems to like new government programs.
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