First of all, I for one do not have a trust fund to fall back on. My husband and I have both experienced layoffs which drained our cash reserves and the stock market crashes have decimated our long-term investments. Sure, we are trying to rebuild. However, the anticipated end of the Bush tax cuts at the end of the year, increases in health care costs (not including anything Obamacare-related), the third year of a pay freeze from my employer (i.e. no raises, no cost-of-living increases), property tax increases, etc. and we see our income decrease while our tax burden increases. Also, my husband has been working 6 days a week and extra hours when he can get them just to keep us at the income level we were at 5 years ago.

With decreasing income and increasing tax burdens, how can Mark Dayton justify an increase in taxes on hard-working Minnesotans? Not only is it a fiscal burden, it is a burden on the family relationship. Taking more time to work to pay the bills takes away from our family. We would love to spend more time together especially as the kids are growing, but this economy is limiting that time — time we can’t get back.

That is why my vote is going to Tom Emmer for Minnesota Governor. He understands how an increase in taxes impacts taxpayers and has demonstrated while in the Legislature his desire to keep taxes low. He understands that a reduction in spending is the way to rejuvenate the economy and get money back in the pockets of Minnesotans. He understands that time with family is important not only for the family but for society. I have not seen the same priorities coming from the Dayton camp.

All I know is that I feel the liberal and Mark Dayton mantra as of late is “Kick ‘em while they’re down.”

Mark Dayton: Kick ‘em while they’re down is a post from: PoliGrrl

While I have been gearing up for the eventual onslaught of campaign signs, campaign ads and the usual election season rhetoric and machinations, I was not really prepared for MoveOn.org et al to attack Target Corporation. Has Target been selling products made by small children of Third World countries? Have they been accused of unfair labor practices? Have they been guilty of price-gouging? No, no, and no. MoveOn.org and their associates have deemed them “guilty” because the corporate office made a donation to a political fund that gives money to a conservative candidate. The conservative candidate may not believe gay marriage is correct BUT, believes the citizens of Minnesota should be allowed to VOTE on it and not have a judge make the decision for us.

What?! Target did something that is LEGAL? <sarcasm> Shame on Target! </sarcasm> Yes, I know this kind of crud happens but, I got to thinking about the situation. MoveOn.org is using Target as a political pawn plain and simple. MoveOn.org could probably care less about anything else that happens at any given Target store. Their only goal is to stick it to the politicians of their choice (read “conservative) by exploiting the reputation of a big company like Target and getting lots of publicity for their cause while doing so.

These kinds of tactics may or may not hurt a large company in the long run but, it is a diversion of time and attention away from their business. This can hurt their employees, their customers and their bottom line. During hard economic times is this really advisable? Hurting the people you supposedly are trying to help? If Target does suffer an economic impact, this also impacts the communities to which Target donates beaucoup bucks every year:

“Since 1946, Target has given 5% of our income to the communities we serve. That adds up to over $3 million each and every week.” – From Target.com

Talk about passive-aggressive behavior.

MoveOn.org needs to get some cojones and do ads against their real target: candidates and politicians. They also need to leave the businesses alone who give greatly to the community, employ people and provide lots of tax money to the government they love so much. Oh, and use attack ads to go after a candidate’s opinions, platform and beliefs – leave their families, personal issues and past personal histories alone.

As a result, my own purchasing choices will have Target as the go-to store regardless of convenience or cost – within reason of course. I believe in them and will be supporting them with my dollars, tweets, emails, word of mouth  and now my blog. Please consider helping Target as well.

Let the games begin! Er, continue!

Targeting Target is a post from: PoliGrrl

Thus, Alinsky Rule #8 has been enacted:

“Keep the pressure on. Never let up.” Keep trying new things to keep the opposition off balance. As the opposition masters one approach, hit them from the flank with something new.

The question I have is, more conspiracy theory, how did 91,000 documents make their way into the hands of Wikileaks? It’s not like they were hidden in someone’s pant leg and smuggled out. From FT.com (Financial Times) [emphasis mine]:

“But its highest-impact leak came this year, with a 2007 video – dubbed “collateral murder” by Wikileaks – which appears to show a US helicopter firing on a group in Baghdad, killing two Reuters employees. A US army intelligence analyst has been charged in connection with the video leak and Mr Assange has not visited the US since, fearing arrest.”

There is most likely an inside source, most likely someone with liberal views/connections, who had the ability and wherewithal to leak that many documents.

Next question: why now? Is the temperature rising in the Obama kitchen and it is getting just a little too hot for comfort? Is the fact that Sherrod was fired before FoxNews said anything about the video a bit too damning for the White House? Is the fact that Glenn Beck never intended to interview Sherrod or even air the video on the day she said she was going to be on Beck’s show a bit too horse before the cart? Is it the fact that Beck actually supported her against charges of racism? Is it because the White House, et al are looking like the racists in this story?

The left is caught up in lies that are quickly being exposed though will probably never make it to the mainstream media. However, take something near and dear to the hearts of the right, our military, and smear them but good. Create a crisis for the right while removing a crisis for the left. Ah, the art of deflection. It’s a good thing.

Alinsky #8: Wikileaks vs. “The Sherrod Story” is a post from: PoliGrrl

Yes, option “D” is probably the most frequently cited excuse for trying to avoid the topic entirely – at least here in the good ol’ U.S. of A. The rest of the world, however, is pretty much obsessed with soccer a.k.a. “football” a.k.a. “futbol.” Whatever. Americans seem to believe that soccer is a sissy sport and if the French play it, that is actual proof that it is a sissy sport. Granted, just because everyone else is doing something doesn’t mean that we should be doing it too. That’s just how the U.S. rolls…independence and all.

Well, for all you naysayers out there – and you tweeps know who you are *cough* @KurtSchlichter *cough* – just chill for a few please. Bash us soccer fans the rest of the year as you are want to do, but please give us the week of the World Cup to enjoy without having to justify our excitement for this short time. I don’t begrudge those “American football” fans the playoffs and the Super Bowl even though the strike in the eighties jaded my view of the topic.

Full disclosure time: both my son and my daughter play traveling soccer. My daughter has played for several years and my son is playing for the first time since second grade – he’s now going into sixth. They both enjoy it and as parents, it is a good time to get together with other parents to yell at our kids in public. Er, I mean cheer for our kids.

All I know is that it isn’t a sissy sport by any stretch of the imagination. The trick seems to be how to injure the other team without getting caught. That and scoring of course. For example, a few days ago my daughter’s team played a team which I was beginning to think were there to try-out for the Sopranos. One of our girls was punched in the nose, several were tripped even though they didn’t have the ball and there was the usual punching in the side, back and/or ribs which is par for the course in soccer. In spite of all the injuries we chalked up by the end of the game, our girls still managed a 4-1 win.

Son's actual x-ray

Another example, my son broke his collarbone the other day when he and an opponent both went for the ball. When they collided, my son did a flip and landed on his shoulder thereby breaking his collarbone. He continued playing and even did an overhead throw in from the sidelines after that. He eventually went off the field and asked to go to the hospital which we did. The x-ray of the break is awesome! As I went through my photos from that game, I discovered that my son not only collided with the opponent, he was actually tripped – the photos prove it. Whatever – it is part of the game. He anticipates that he’ll be back in the game in a couple of weeks. Soccer isn’t for wimps, ya know.

Americans always seem to believe that football is tougher than soccer. Sure, you don’t see many three hundred pound plus soccer players pounding, er, tackling opponents but, other than shin guards, you don’t see soccer players wearing helmets, shoulder pads, etc. for safety.

But, for all of the relatively minor differences, both sports have the same objective of getting the ball to the end of the field. How it gets there is just a matter of rules at that point. Ooo! A similarity!

Considering field time is at a premium in our community for soccer games and that it is supposedly one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, you’d think that the derision of the sport would have diminished over time. Nah, several of my favorite talk radio show hosts continue to harangue the sport. But there are also those of us who support it and will continue to support it far into the future. It seems to be one topic that in addition to race, religion and politics, seemingly will divide us, the U.S., for decades to come.

Maybe those who knock soccer are just trying to help keep the United States unique in the world. I’ll give y’all the benefit of the doubt for the rest of the year if you’ll give me this one week to enjoy the one sport the rest of the world seems to agree upon. After that, I’ll be right there with you bashing the U.N. and the New World Order and whatever other goofy ideas Soros and company have. Plus, should anything happen, I’ll have a handy stock of bandages, splints and ibuprofen ready to share.

soccer…what brings the world together also divides “U.S.” is a post from: PoliGrrl

You may have read his Mitch Rapp series of which the latest is Pursuit of Honor. If you haven’t and if you enjoy suspense novels that have a conservative tone, are military/political based and seem to foretell future events then you’ll love Vince’s books. They are action packed and unpredictable which is a refreshing change of pace for anyone who enjoys the suspense genre but usually winds up figuring out the plot within the first ten pages of most novels.

Author Vince Flynn

Mr. Flynn has not had the easiest of roads to success and to abuse a phrase, “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover.” He is dyslexic which has caused him issues to this day. He figured out how to just get by in school and even now doesn’t like to give speeches or readings as a result. In addition to his books, he has focused his own experiences and challenges toward a variety of groups such as the Groves Academy, Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund, Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, Tee It Up For The Troops, St. Thomas Academy and Pedaling for Patriots.

He did make it through college and found himself as an account and sales marketing specialist for Kraft General Foods. “In 1990 he left Kraft to accept an aviation candidate slot with the United States Marine Corps. One week before leaving for Officers Candidate School, he was medically disqualified from the Marine Aviation Program, due to several concussions and convulsive seizures he suffered growing up. While trying to obtain a medical waiver for his condition, he started thinking about writing a book.”¹

After his stint in the Marines, he returned to Minnesota to work for a commercial real estate company. He eventually left Minnesota for Colorado where he concentrated on writing his book during the day and bartending at night. To speak of determination is to say “Vince Flynn.” When his book was complete, he submitted it for consideration to be published but, like many authors, was rejected…over…and over…and over. It took him “Five years and more than sixty rejection letters later”² until he made the decision to self-publish his novel.

The novel, Term Limits (not a Mitch Rapp book), made it to number one in the Twin Cities which resulted in him getting an agent and a book deal. It has been a rather meteoric rise since then with ten #1 hardcover bestsellers to date. He has appeared on Glenn Beck’s show (radio and television), the Laura Ingraham Show and the Hugh Hewitt Show just to name a few.

To hear him speak does not tell of the obstacles he had to overcome. He is inspirational and an embodiment of the conservative spirit in that if you work and persevere, you can succeed. Check out YouTube for interviews with him and you’ll also catch his wry sense of humor. Vince Flynn is teh hawt from cover to cover.

¹, ² Quoted from Vince Flynn’s Official Website

hawt conservative guys – vince flynn is a post from: PoliGrrl

Greg Gutfeld

O.K., I’m already falling down on the job…a day behind on the series. I could take the approach that I was deeply traumatized by the attempted bombings in New York and Pittsburgh, or that I was busy participating in immigration marches, or, well, you get the picture. No, I was taking care of family and house stuff and work stuff – darn responsibilities. Anyway, without further ado, my pick for “Hawt Conservative Guy” of the day is Greg Gutfeld!

Greg Gutfeld may or may not be someone with whom you are familiar but, if you happen to have the Fox News Channel on at 2:00AM CST, Monday – Friday, you will experience Greg and his off-beat humor on “Red Eye.” Yes, it is late, but that is what Tivo/DVR is for isn’t it?!

The “Red Eye” cast of characters, and they *are* characters, includes Andy Levy with the ‘Half-Time Report,’ his side-kick Bill Schulz and a newspaper puppet “Pinch.” Add into the mix other guests that usually include a handful of beautiful women (usually conservatives), a comedian, a politican or other people of note. To his credit, Greg tries to have at least one liberal guest at the table. Liberal Professor Marc Lamont Hill, a former Fox News analyst, is often at the table as are conservative babes Ann Coulter and SE Cupp.

Mind you, if you are looking for high-brow discussion this show and Mr. Gutfeld are not for you. It is a slice of humor overlaying the days events with a conservative bent. Yes, some discussions have become heated but the tone is one of “let’s look at the issues and have fun while we do it.” The show is more political satire than political commentary which seems to be how Greg Gutfeld rolls overall.

Mr. Gutfeld originally started in the magazine publishing business with him rising through the ranks to eventually being the editor-in-chief of Men’s Health. He was also with Stuff and eventually Maxim UK magazines as editor-in-chief. He also contributed to the Huffington Post from its inception until 2007. His stints at these entities appear to be marked with bizarre stunts and stories such as one that ran in Maxim, “The Ikea Sex Party” for which the publication was sued. O.K., I got that last bit from Wikipedia but have heard it reported elsewhere. Let’s just say that it wouldn’t surprise me.

These days, he seems to be pretty busy and in the public eye between “Red Eye,” his own website “The Daily Gut,” and writing for “Big Hollywood.” He often bops onto Twitter and Facebook as well.

In spite of all the craziness in which he often marks himself the target, he clearly delineates his conservative/libertarian beliefs. Much like his humor, he appears to have a “take no prisoners” approach to his politics yet also appears to appreciate hearing about and discussing opposing views.

And if you don’t agree with me, you are probably a racist homophobe who makes puppy burritos with kitteh salsa.

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/author/ggutfeld/
http://thedailygut.com
@greggutfeld

hawt conservative guys – greg gutfeld is a post from: PoliGrrl

Adam Baldwin as 'Jayne Cobb' in "Serenity"

Currently appearing as ‘Colonel John Casey’ in the awesome television show “Chuck” (Mondays, 8pm CST), he is also known to his legion of fans as a teenage bodyguard for a boy being bullied in the movie “My Bodyguard,”  ‘Animal Mother’ in the military flick “Full Metal Jacket” and sci-fi roles such as ‘Jayne Cobb’ in the sadly short-lived television show “Firefly” and corresponding movie “Serenity.” But keep your eyes open regardless of what show or movie you are watching as he has a lengthy filmography.

I happened across his Twitter account (@adamsbaldwin) one day and in following him have become more educated on the issues than I could ever imagine. In fact, his Twitter following is growing each day – today is 30,531 followers –  in spite of some fans being turned off to his politics and the fact that he tweets more about issues than fluff. He not only tweets but will also debate other tweeps online making him one of the most accessible celebrities out there. And don’t think you can pull the @demonsheep wool over his eyes in a debate…the man has chops and takes no prisoners when you try to pass off weak logic or arguments off as fact. His convictions are strong.

Lest you think he is humorless, his links to hilarious videos and the occasional “Twitter War” only serve to enhance the many facets to his personality. Warning: some of the humor such as the Twitter Wars can be a bit crude at times but is usually used for effect. The man is funny.

A self-described family man, he has often stated that he is most proud of his marriage and family. As an extension of that, one of his topics of concentration is education which seems to stem from not only his own experiences, but also from those of his kids and his interactions with the schools and school boards. Additionally, his mother was a public school teacher so he has a perspective that not many who speak on education have. As an example, on the site ‘Big Hollywood‘ he has written about Howard Zinn’s influence in the classroom and why these tactics are not only wrong but probably illegal.

Do a search on YouTube and check out the videos of him interacting with the fans and you’ll see why his fans are as loyal as they are. He is also a member of the ‘Hollywood Chat Pack,’ chat room participants of the conservative internet Blog Talk Radio show “The Stage Right Show.” He has also served as host of the show on a couple of occasions which have garnered the show high ratings and high chat room turnout. It’s how he personally connects with his fans that is so endearing.

If you haven’t figured out by now just why Adam Baldwin more than qualifies as a “Hawt Conservative Guy,” follow him on Twitter and Professor Baldwin will educate you. Just remember to have a dictionary close by – you will most likely need it.

Adam Baldwin – Big Hollywood

@adamsbaldwin



hawt conservative guys – adam baldwin is a post from: PoliGrrl

The goal is to promote those conservative men who are teh sexy not only because of looks, but brains, ideas and sense of humor.

Lest the grrls in the conservative realm feel slighted, the plan is to do a series (maybe simultaneously?) of “Hawt Conservative Babes” – and you know who you are

If you have a favorite guy or babe you feel should be included, please email me or comment with their name, Twitter id and/or URL.

Let the hawtness begin!

Jason Lewis - "America's Mr. Right"

I want to start the series off with one of my personal favorites. He’s a local guy who has recently gone national: Jason Lewis aka “America’s Mr. Right.”

He was a regular fill-in for Rush Limbaugh until the powers-that-be saw the light and syndicated his show. His radio show broadcasts 6 to 9PM EST and can be found on many radio stations and can be listened to live online as well as via podcasts. He has written many articles for publications such as the Wall Street Journal, has appeared on many television shows such as “NBC’s Today Show, CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC and CNBC” in addition to his radio show.

He will tell you that he is a small ‘L’ libertarian, is a font of knowledge on economics and all things political, and can debate like there is no tomorrow. He is also a huge fan of the Beatles and Elvis. Listen in any Friday and you will catch his “Beatle Bumper Friday” – all Beatle bumper music. A dry, somewhat sarcastic wit, Jason takes no prisoners when he believes you to be wrong and will educate you to the contrary. While he has his opinions, he is open to reasonable debate and has been known to re-evaluate his positions when warranted – though not done without considerable research and thought.

I have listened to Jason since the mid-nineties when being conservative *really* wasn’t cool and the mere mention of Jason’s name drew ire here in Franken country. While the libs still have considerable um, contempt for him, his consistent message and insight have grown his fan base tremendously. Hearing his voice, even when he is irritated about the issue of the day, calms me.

He also holds an annual Tax Cut Rally (photos) on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol where thousands are drawn to hear him and many Minnesota politicians and influential individuals speak. It is a family-friendly, party atmosphere with the purpose of letting government know that increasing taxes is not the answer. My kids and I have made it an annual tradition. We even make signs and t-shirts. My kids also have been known to ask when the next Tax Cut Rally is because they enjoy being a part of something bigger and letting people know that they care about their own futures. The next rally will be held at noon, Saturday, May 8th, 2010. We hope to see you there!

By now, have you guessed that I’m a fan?! Tune in and judge for yourself.

http://www.jasonlewisshow.com

@jasonlewisshow

hawt conservative guys (the series) is a post from: PoliGrrl

s.t.f.u. is a post from: PoliGrrl

Awesome theme song for Retracto the Correction Alpaca – Big Journalism‘ contributor – by Gary Eaton. Credits: Shelli Eaton – Lead Vocals Michael Broderick – Lead Guitar, BG Vocs Gary Eaton – Guitars , Bass , Drums , BG Vocs

Retracto the Correction Alpaca Theme Song is a post from: PoliGrrl